https://www.facebook.com/474852456320953/

ChatterBox, Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City (2026)

06/09/2026

PLDT Enterprise ‘SME Day’ Equips
Iloilo businesses For Digital Future

Over a hundred delegates from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Iloilo City gathered for SME Day Iloilo, organized by PLDT’s B2B arm, PLDT Enterprise, to strengthen business resilience through knowledge-sharing and technology.

Through expert-led sessions featuring PLDT Enterprise, ePLDT, VITRO, Inc., and Cisco Meraki, delegates explored technologies shaping the future of business—from 5G and resilient connectivity to data centers and cybersecurity solutions designed to protect businesses and ensure continuity. Discussions also covered digital applications that can streamline operations and help businesses reach more customers amid a rapidly evolving business landscape.

“Our local businesses are an important part of Iloilo City’s progress,” said Atty. Fydah Marie Sabandoh Del Rosario, Head of the Data Assessment and System Management Office of the Iloilo City Government, highlighting the vital role of SMEs in creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to the local economy.

“As Iloilo continues to grow as a center for business and innovation, we want our entrepreneurs to be ready to take advantage of new opportunities, leveraging technology as an essential part of doing business,” Del Rosario added.

Recognizing the growing contribution of SMEs to the economy, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Growth Marketing, Digital, and Trade John Eric S. Alviz underscored the importance of giving businesses access to the right tools and solutions.

“At PLDT Group, our priority is to see to it that we are able to help each and every SME grow, and that we can provide for whatever they need, whether it’s connectivity, technology, platforms, or solutions,” he said.

“This aligns with our chairman MVP’s belief that there may be small businesses, but there are no small businessmen—the contribution of SMEs in helping build the nation is no small feat.”

Atty. Fritzie Gayle Diez-Treñas of JD Bakery Café also shared how digital transformation has helped streamline the company’s operations and prepare the business for the future.

“I encourage every entrepreneur to see digital transformation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity—an opportunity to become more efficient, make better decisions, and build businesses that are stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future. Because in today’s world, technology is no longer just supporting business; it is very much about helping shape the future,” said Diez-Treñas, who serves as JD Bakery Café’s Director for Finance, Administration, and Corporate Affairs.

She added that the company’s ability to adapt has been key to its growth.

“While our products have evolved and our footprint has expanded, one thing has remained constant—our willingness to adapt. That willingness has allowed us to embrace new technologies while staying true to our purpose of serving good food every day for everyday people.”

SME Day continues to connect businesses across the country with the knowledge and digital solutions they need to grow. Through the initiative, PLDT Enterprise supports SMEs as they innovate, adapt to evolving business needs, and unlock new opportunities through technology.

05/09/2026

10,000 Runners To Join MILO
National Marathon in Cebu

Around 10,000 runners are expected to hit the roads on Sunday for the National MILO Marathon 2026 Cebu leg, which will start and finish at Gatewalk in Mandaue City.

This year’s Cebu leg holds special significance as the country’s most prestigious and longest-running event celebrates its 50th year of building champions and encouraging Filipinos to embrace active and healthy lifestyles.

The milestone edition will feature four race categories, 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K, giving runners of different ages and abilities the opportunity to take part in the celebration.

The top qualifiers from the regional legs will advance to the National Finals on December 6 in Clark City, Pampanga, where the country’s best runners will battle for national honors.

According to Carlo Sampan, MILO Sports Head, the 2026 MILO Marathon King and Queen will once again receive an opportunity to compete internationally, with the champions set to be sent to Australia for the Sydney 2027 Marathon.

Beyond producing elite runners, the National MILO Marathon also continues to play a role in promoting sports tourism. The Cebu leg brings together runners, families and supporters from different parts of the country, allowing participants to experience Cebu while becoming part of a community united by running and active lifestyles.

The event also highlights Cebu’s growing reputation as one of the Philippines’ vibrant sporting destinations, with major races helping draw athletes and sports enthusiasts to the province.

The Cebu leg is one of 15 regional legs being staged across the Philippines as runners vie for spots in the National Finals.

As the MILO Marathon celebrates five decades of inspiring Filipino athletes, Sunday’s “Golden Run” is expected to be more than just a race, it will be a celebration of the enduring spirit of Filipino runners and champions.

04/09/2026

What Makes the Perfect
Journey to Ever After?

Before the “I do” comes the dreaming, planning, and little moments that make a wedding journey truly unforgettable.

A wedding may last a day, but the memories can last a lifetime. And long before the walk down the aisle, there is a journey filled with dreams, decisions, discoveries, and
countless little moments worth remembering.

There is something magical about planning a wedding. It begins with a simple question — “Will you marry me?” — and slowly unfolds into a world of venues, flowers, gowns, menus, invitations, photographs, and all the details that transform a dream into a celebration.

But with so many choices to make, what really makes the journey to ever after feel perfect?

Here are a few things that can make all the difference.

Start with a Vision
That Feels Like You
Before the mood boards, color palettes, and inspiration boards comes the most important detail: knowing what kind of celebration feels true to you as a couple.

Maybe it is a romantic garden wedding surrounded by blooms. Maybe it is an intimate beachfront ceremony with the sea as your backdrop. Or perhaps it is a grand celebration shared with family and friends.
There is no single formula for the perfect wedding. The most memorable celebrations are often those that reflect the couple — their story, personality, and the things they love.

Find the People Who Can
Bring the Vision to Life
Behind every beautiful wedding is a team working behind the scenes to make the magic happen.

Wedding planners bring the pieces together. Stylists transform spaces. Florists create the atmosphere. Photographers preserve fleeting moments. Caterers make sure everyone is well-fed and happy. Bridal designers help couples look and feel their best.

Finding the right wedding suppliers is not simply about checking items off a list. It is about finding people who understand your vision and can help turn it into something real.

Make Room for the Little Things
Sometimes, it is the smallest details that guests remember most.

A handwritten note waiting at every table. A favorite song playing during the reception. Flowers chosen because they hold a special meaning. A menu inspired by the couple’s favorite dishes.

These personal touches can turn a beautiful celebration into something unmistakably yours.

Choose Experiences
Over Perfection
Wedding planning comes with its fair share of decisions, deadlines, fittings, and unexpected changes. Yet somewhere between the final guest list and the last-minute details, it is important to remember why the journey began in the first place.

The perfect wedding is not necessarily the one where everything goes exactly according to plan. It is the one where the couple gets to celebrate their love with the people who matter most.

So take the photos. Taste the cake. Laugh during the fittings. Celebrate the little wins.
The journey itself deserves to be enjoyed.

A Place Where Inspiration Can Bloom
For couples searching for ideas, suppliers, and that little spark of inspiration, having everything in one place can make wedding planning feel less overwhelming — and a lot more exciting.

This September, that journey takes center stage at Mactan Newtown Beach, together with Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Mercure Mactan Cebu.

Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR) properties in Mactan are set to host Journey to Ever After: In Bloom, its annual bridal fair happening on September 26 to 27, 2026, at Mactan Newtown Beach, presented by Oro China and Love & Diamonds.

Now in its second year, the bridal fair brings together wedding suppliers, bridal essentials, and creative inspiration for couples who are just beginning to plan their big day or are already deep into the preparations.

Set against the picturesque seaside backdrop of Mactan Newtown Beach, In Bloom invites couples to explore possibilities, connect with trusted wedding partners, and discover ideas that can help bring their dream celebration to life.

Because before the walk down the aisle comes the planning. Before the “I do” comes the dreaming. And before the happily ever after comes a journey filled with moments worth cherishing.

Perhaps that is what makes the perfect journey to ever after: not simply arriving at the big day, but embracing every beautiful moment along the way.

03/09/2026

MCIA Transfer Facility Handles
Over 500,000 Passengers

More than 500,000 passengers have used the CEB Connects transfer facility at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), reflecting a 48-percent increase in passenger transfers since the service was launched in April 2025.

MCIA, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), said the milestone underscores the growing use of Cebu as a transit point for domestic and international travelers.

CEB Connects was introduced to make flight transfers more convenient by reducing the need for passengers to conduct self-transfers and re-check their baggage when connecting between eligible flights.

The facility has recorded an average utilization rate of 73 percent for domestic and international transfers.

MCIA has set a minimum connecting time of 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Airport officials said the utilization figures indicate that the facility can accommodate a significant volume of connecting passengers within these timeframes.

“The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub,” Ricia Montejo, MCIA general manager at ACAC, said.

Montejo said the airport has worked closely with government agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security and Bureau of Quarantine, to streamline the transfer process.

The system allows eligible passengers to avoid repeating certain transfer procedures, including baggage re-checking, helping reduce the time spent during layovers.

More airlines join program
The increase in passenger transfers has coincided with the expansion of the CEB Connects airline network.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were the first carriers to participate in the program, activating international-to-domestic transfers on April 7, 2025, and domestic-to-international transfers on June 11, 2025.

Singapore Airlines followed on Sept. 15, 2025, activating both transfer routes, while AirAsia Philippines joined the program on Nov. 15, 2025.

MCIA further expanded its participating airline roster this year with China Airlines on April 30 and Emirates on May 26. Both carriers support international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international transfers.

The airport said the expanded network enables passengers arriving from the Middle East, North Asia and other international destinations to connect more easily to domestic destinations in the Philippines.

MCIA said it will continue to improve transfer processing times and expand its airline partnerships as it seeks to strengthen Cebu’s position as a major aviation gateway and transit hub in the country.

The airport also said the program is part of its continuing efforts to provide passengers with a more efficient travel experience while promoting Cebuano hospitality to travelers entering the Philippines.

03/09/2026

Aboitiz and GCash Team Up
To Plant 1 Million Trees in Cebu

The Aboitiz Foundation and GCash are teaming up to restore 1,200 hectares of forest and coastal areas in Balamban, Cebu through a five-year environmental initiative that will plant and grow one million trees.

The CarbonPH x GForest Project aims to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience while engaging millions of Filipinos in environmental action through technology.

The partnership combines the Aboitiz Foundation’s CarbonPH nature-based climate action program with GCash’s GForest initiative.

Under the project, the partners will establish a mix of agroforestry areas, indigenous and native tree plantations, and mangrove restoration sites across identified areas in Balamban.

The initiative builds on the 4.9 million actual trees already planted through GForest and will bring GCash closer to its target of planting 10 million actual trees by 2030.

Beyond planting trees
The partners said the project will focus not only on the number of trees planted but also on restoring entire ecosystems and ensuring that these continue to benefit communities over the long term.

“CarbonPH is about looking beyond the number of trees we plant. It is about restoring entire ecosystems and making sure they continue to provide value to people and communities for generations,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation.

She said the partnership combines the strengths of the private sector, technology, and communities to advance the foundation’s broader environmental goals.
“One million trees in Balamban is an important step toward our larger ambition of restoring Cebu’s forests, watersheds, and biodiversity,” Hontiveros-Malvar added.

CarbonPH represents the Aboitiz Foundation’s 40-year commitment to restoring Cebu’s natural landscapes through reforestation, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

Its long-term ambition covers more than 40,000 to 71,000 hectares, primarily within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and surrounding areas.

Technology meets
environmental action
Through GCash GForest, users can earn green energy points from everyday digital activities and use them to support tree-planting and ecosystem restoration initiatives.

The program provides a way for users to turn digital actions into tangible environmental impact while helping create livelihood opportunities for communities involved in tree planting and maintenance.

Michelle Fernandez, Mynt head of Corporate Sustainability and Communications, said sustainability becomes more meaningful when it can be incorporated into activities people already do every day.

“GForest puts this principle into practice by transforming the green energy points earned by GCash users into tangible environmental outcomes through tree planting and ecosystem restoration with Aboitiz Foundation,” Fernandez said.

Supporting communities
and climate resilience
The CarbonPH x GForest Project will use different restoration approaches based on the needs of the landscape and communities.

Agroforestry will combine tree-growing with sustainable livelihood opportunities, while indigenous and native trees will help restore forest ecosystems and biodiversity.

Mangrove rehabilitation, meanwhile, will support healthier coastal ecosystems and provide natural protection against climate-related risks.

Local communities will be involved in planting, maintenance, and the long-term protection of restored areas, helping ensure that the environmental gains are sustained.

The project is expected to contribute to improved water security, biodiversity conservation, carbon capture, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

For Aboitiz Foundation and GCash, the initiative demonstrates how technology, businesses, communities, and nature can work together to turn long-term environmental commitments into measurable and lasting action.

The one million trees to be planted across 1,200 hectares in Balamban form part of CarbonPH’s larger 40-year journey to restore Cebu’s forests, watersheds, and coastal ecosystems and help build a more climate-resilient future.

PHOTO
Members of the Singsing Tilapia Growers and Farmers Association are preparing to help kick off CarbonPH in Balamban, Cebu, following an orientation by Baltazar Tribunalo, head of the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, on nursery establishment and project convergence—equipping local farmers to take an active role in the program’s long-term forest restoration efforts.

31/08/2026

PLDT, Smart Push Online Safety
Education for Cebu Children

With children spending more time online for school, communication and entertainment, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. are stepping up efforts to help Cebu communities protect young people from digital risks.

PLDT and Smart, in partnership with Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Bidlisiw Foundation Inc., are bringing online safety education and child protection advocacy to schools and communities through Project SCROL.

The initiative recently held the Pista sa Kaalam (Festival of Knowledge) Cyber-Caravan at the University of San Carlos Main Campus, bringing together students, teachers and parents for discussions on responsible social media use, online risks and digital safety.

Participants were taught how to recognize potential threats online and adopt safer digital habits. The sessions also emphasized that responsible internet use involves not only protecting oneself but also preventing actions that could put others at risk.

For parents and teachers, the activity provided a closer look at the digital spaces young people navigate every day. Students, meanwhile, were reminded to think carefully about their online interactions, including the content they post, the links they click and the people they engage with.

“Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and empowerment, but communities also need the knowledge to navigate the online world safely,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Stakeholder Engagement Head at PLDT and Smart.

“By working with organizations that are deeply rooted in the community, we can help equip young people, parents, and educators with practical skills that promote safer digital experiences and protect vulnerable sectors from online harms,” she added.

The partnership comes as concerns over the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) continue to drive calls for stronger protection measures for young internet users.

Under its campaign, the PLDT Group has also been supporting efforts to combat OSAEC. Its Child Protection Platform uses technology and global monitoring tools to help detect and block access to online content linked to child sexual abuse and exploitation.

PLDT and Smart also work with schools, community organizations, civil society groups and government agencies to promote child protection and safer digital spaces.

Bidlisiw Foundation Inc. Executive Director Pamela Uy said protecting children online requires cooperation among different sectors.

“Keeping children safe online requires a collective effort,” Uy said. “Through partnerships with organizations like PLDT and Smart, we can bring critical information and resources directly to communities, helping parents, educators, and young people become more aware, more prepared, and ultimately more empowered.”

PLDT Home provided connectivity during the Cyber-Caravan, allowing participants to access educational materials and take part in interactive learning activities.

The organizers said initiatives such as Project SCROL are intended to strengthen digital resilience among children, parents and educators while ensuring that greater access to technology is matched by greater awareness of its risks.

As internet use continues to become part of everyday life, the effort underscores the growing need for communities to make online safety part of protecting children.

29/08/2026

OFWs in Bahrain Enjoy Zero
Transfer Fees on Remittances

For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), sending money home helps cover everyday needs, from household expenses and education to healthcare and savings.

To make remittances more accessible to Filipinos in Bahrain, Taptap Send has expanded its international network through a partnership with GCash, the Philippines’ #1 finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem.

The partnership gives OFWs in Bahrain a seamless way to send money directly to GCash accounts. For a limited time, users can enjoy zero transfer fees, while standard foreign exchange rates still apply.

The collaboration is part of GCash’s broader efforts to work with accredited international partners to provide Filipinos abroad with safer, more convenient ways to send money home.

Beyond Bahrain, the service will expand to the United States, including Hawaii (excluding Las Vegas), Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and select European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Mayotte, the Netherlands, Portugal, Réunion, Slovakia, Spain, Romania, Denmark, Norway, Czechia, Hungary, and Sweden.

“Our partnership with GCash allows us to make it even easier for overseas Filipinos to send money home through a trusted digital platform. By offering convenient transfers, competitive exchange rates, and zero transaction fees in supported corridors, we want to help OFWs make every remittance count and stay connected to the people who matter most,” said Faye Sta. Ana-Corpuz, Taptap Send Head of the Philippines Growth and SEA Expansion.

The partnership also underscores the importance of using official and accredited remittance channels, which provide greater transaction security and traceability while helping reduce the risks associated with unaccredited or difficult-to-trace intermediaries.

“At GCash, we recognize the important role remittances play in helping Filipino families manage their everyday needs and build a more secure financial future. By working with trusted international partners like Taptap Send, we are expanding access to safe, convenient, and reliable ways for Filipinos abroad to send money home while strengthening their connection to the Philippines,” shared GCash International Vice President for International Payments, Carlos Bauza.

How OFWs in Bahrain
Can Send Money to GCash
Sending money to GCash through Taptap Send is straightforward:

* Open the Taptap Send app and select the Philippines as the destination.
* Choose GCash as the delivery method.
* Enter the recipient’s registered GCash mobile number. The number should begin with either the Philippine country code (+63) or Bahrain country code (+973).
* Verify that the number is correct and complete the transaction.

The collaboration reflects the growing role of digital financial services in helping overseas Filipinos stay connected with their families and communities in the Philippines. It also aims to make cross-border remittances more accessible, secure, and convenient for Filipinos around the world.

29/08/2026

LOVE IN EVERY SEASON
JPark Island Resort Unveils
Bigger, Grander The Brides
at Triton Wedding Expo 2027

Love takes center stage once again as Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu announces the return of The Brides at Triton Wedding Expo (TBAT) 2027, promising a bigger, grander, and more inspiring celebration for couples planning their dream wedding.

Set for March 19–21, 2027, at JPark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, the three-day wedding showcase will carry the enchanting theme “Love in Every Season.”

More than just a wedding expo, TBAT 2027 celebrates the beautiful journey of love through every chapter of life. Inspired by the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, the event will explore the different ways love grows, changes, deepens, and flourishes over time.

Spring represents new beginnings and fresh starts, while Summer captures the warmth, excitement, and joyful romance of being in love. Autumn reflects maturity, gratitude, and deep commitment, while Winter symbolizes enduring partnership and a love that stands strong through every season of life.

Bigger Expo, More
Wedding Inspiration
TBAT 2027 is also set to raise the bar with a significant expansion from previous editions.
From 90 booths in earlier editions, next year’s wedding expo will accommodate 140 booth spaces, giving couples and visitors even more opportunities to discover the latest wedding products, services, suppliers, concepts, and inspirations.

With more exhibitors comes more choices, from wedding gowns and bridal accessories to venues, styling, photography, catering, events services, and other essentials couples need to turn their wedding visions into reality.

Exhibitors Can
Reserve Their Space
Organizers have also released booth rental packages for businesses and wedding suppliers interested in joining the much-anticipated event.
Function Room Booths
* 2x2 meters — P7,000
* 2x3 meters — P10,000
Ballroom Booths
* 2x2 meters — P10,000
* 2x3 meters — P15,000
The packages include meals for two persons (lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner), as well as the booth, table, and chairs.

Adding to the excitement, exhibitors who want to secure a prime spot early can take advantage of the Early Bird Rate for Ballroom booths, available until December 31, 2026:
* 2x2 meters — P8,000
* 2x3 meters — P12,000

Where Love Meets
Every Season
With its larger footprint and “Love in Every Season” concept, TBAT 2027 is shaping up to be more than a marketplace for wedding suppliers. It is envisioned as a celebration of love, commitment, creativity, and the many beautiful seasons that lead couples to saying “I do”—and beyond.

For soon-to-wed couples, wedding professionals, and anyone looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, March 19–21, 2027 is a date worth marking on the calendar.

For exhibitor inquiries and event details, visit Jpark’s social media pages.

28/08/2026

McDonald’s Powers Up Cost-Cutting Drive,
Taps COREnergy for 23 More Stores

McDonald’s Philippines is expanding its partnership with COREnergy, the retail electricity supplier of Vivant Energy, to cover 23 more restaurants in the Visayas and Mindanao as the fast-food giant steps up efforts to control operating costs amid continued nationwide expansion.

The new agreement covers 10 restaurants in Leyte and Western Visayas and 13 more across Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region, with a combined contestable load of about 2.2 megawatts.

The expansion brings to 59 McDonald’s operating stores connected to COREnergy under the partnership announced earlier this year.

According to COREnergy Vice President and Head of Operations Marko Sarmiento, the move is expected to help McDonald’s manage one of its biggest operating expenses. Electricity accounts for about 72% of the company’s total utility costs, while initial estimates show participating restaurants could reduce electricity expenses by 10% to 14% per month.

The partnership operates under the government’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA)framework, which allows qualified electricity consumers to choose their power supplier.

Through the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), businesses with multiple electricity accounts can consolidate their power requirements and purchase electricity collectively from a licensed retail electricity supplier such as COREnergy.

“For McDonald’s, this means the ability to manage electricity costs across its restaurant network more strategically, with access to more competitive rates and greater cost predictability,” the companies said.

McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot B. Torres said the company is pursuing greater efficiency as it expands while keeping affordability at the center of its operations.

“As we continue to grow our restaurant network, we're also looking at ways to operate more efficiently and make thoughtful investments that support our business for the long term,” Torres said.

The company’s expansion remains particularly active in the Visayas. In Cebu alone, McDonald’s opened eight new restaurants this year, creating jobs and bringing its stores closer to more communities.

COREnergy President Francis S. del Val said dependable electricity remains critical to the fast-food chain’s operations.

“Behind every successful quick-service restaurant is an operation powered by reliable energy,” del Val said, describing dependable power as an essential part of customer service.”

He said COREnergy’s goal is to simplify energy management so businesses can concentrate on serving customers and expanding their operations.

“When companies have greater control and predictability over their energy costs, they can devote more attention to improving their operations and delivering the quality and service their customers expect,” he said.

The latest deal forms part of McDonald’s broader rollout of RAP across its restaurant network. By year-end, the company expects about 64% of its RAP-eligible restaurantsto be covered by the program.

For COREnergy, the expanding partnership strengthens its role in helping businesses manage energy costs as they scale, particularly in the southern Philippines.

“As McDonald’s continues to grow, we are proud to grow alongside them,” del Val said, noting the responsibility that comes with powering restaurants serving Filipino families nationwide.

PHOTO
From left: COREnergy Vice President and Head of Operations Marko Sarmiento, McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot B. Torres, and COREnergy President Francis S. del Val.

ChatterBox

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

31/08/2026

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request