Category: Feature

Posted on

2GO Receives Mega Gold Legacy Award During Mega Prime Foods’ 50th Anniversary

2GO, the country’s leading provider of shipping and freight logistics, was honored with the Mega Gold Legacy Award by Mega Prime Foods Inc. during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. The recognition highlights 2GO’s long-standing partnership and vital role in supporting Mega Prime Foods’ nationwide operations and continued growth.

For years, 2GO has enabled the efficient and reliable movement of Mega Prime Foods’ products and supplies through its comprehensive sea freight and logistics network. With operations anchored in major ports across the country, 2GO ensures dependable connectivity that supports Mega Prime Foods’ distribution channels and supply chain continuity.

“Being recognized by Mega Prime Foods Inc. as one of their most supportive logistics partners is an incredible honor,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “This award affirms our shared commitment to delivering quality and consistency, and it inspires us to continue providing reliable shipping and logistics solutions that help fuel the success of our partners.”

Currently, 2GO facilitates the movement of goods to and from Zamboanga, a key logistics point for Mega Prime Foods, through weekly, day-definite sailings via its RORO vessels. With a 32-hour transit time—considered the shortest and most competitive in the Philippine maritime shipping industry—2GO ensures timely and efficient transport of goods, supporting Mega Prime Foods’ distribution in the region and reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality food products across the country.

2GO operates regular freight voyages connecting Manila to Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos, among other strategic locations, with multiple sailings each week to ensure consistent supply chain performance. Specifically, 2GO sails between Manila and Cebu four times weekly, Manila and Cagayan de Oro five times weekly, and twice weekly for both the Manila–Davao and Manila–General Santos routes, enabling steady cargo movement along the country’s key logistics corridors.

Beyond sea transport, 2GO delivers scalable logistics solutions that support the full supply chain. These include cold chain logistics, cross-docking, and nationwide warehousing—critical services that ensure business continuity, especially during infrastructure-related disruptions.

This recognition reflects 2GO’s alignment with Mega Prime Foods’ mission of delivering high-quality, affordable food products to Filipino families. By ensuring reliable transportation, resilient supply chains, and consistent nationwide distribution, 2GO empowers businesses to thrive and communities to be better served.

To learn more about 2GO’s sea freight forwarding services, email 2go_freight@2go.com.ph.

Posted on

SM Harnesses Business Ecosystem To Support an Evolving Job Market

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, is harnessing the strength of its diverse business ecosystem to help bridge the country’s skills gap and prepare the workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving, tech-driven economy.

With interests across retail, property, banking, and investments, SM is aligned with the implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework—a newly enacted law aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration, especially in the industry and education sectors. The EBET Framework promotes industry-driven apprenticeships and training programs that equip Filipino workers with job-ready skills aligned with actual market needs.

“SM can function at its optimum because of the skills of our people. As our businesses continue to grow, so too does our need for more skilled and resilient professionals to join our workforce. We shall continue to do our share to upskill and professionalize the Filipino workforce to make them competitive in the ever-evolving job market,” said Mr Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

He added that SM’s responsibility to contribute to a skilled, resilient workforce goes beyond employing them within the SM ecosystem.

“Whether they work for us or even in other companies, we are committed to equipping them with the right tools, as we have been doing so with our investments in education through institutions like the National University and Asia-Pacific College, both non-profits, and of course the SM Foundation, which has been graduating scholars for more than 40 years,” Mr DyBuncio said.

Right people, right jobs

As of 2024, SM has over 142,000 employees across its ecosystem of businesses operating in key areas nationwide, making it one of the country’s top job creators. A majority of job functions in SM are sales, engineering, IT, and other STEM-related positions.

SM Investments’ vice chairperson, Teresita Sy-Coson, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs group, a public-private partnership established in 2022 to address employment gaps.

A key initiative resulting from this partnership is job fairs mounted in SM malls across the country as part of the group’s J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) programme.

From 2024 to May 2025, SM held 244 job fairs in its malls, during which 8,095 employers, 149,626 job seekers, and 20,616 were immediately hired.

Recently, BDO Unibank launched an accelerated hiring process for IT and cybersecurity professionals. The positions offered included project management, cloud technologies and operations, security analyst, security engineer, customer relationship management delivery, and other IT-related jobs.

Better education, better opportunities

In 2024, the SM Foundation welcomed more than 1,100 new college scholars, its largest batch to date. The program has nurtured over 4,600 graduates since its founding. In a recent alumni homecoming, 925 graduates across 27 batches shared their career journeys, with a majority now gainfully employed across various fields.

Additionally, 71% of the alumni have pursued further studies, including master’s degrees, PhDs, secondary degrees, and other professional programs.

The SM Foundation Scholarship Programme provides full tuition coverage, comprehensive enrichment activities, part-time jobs, internship placements and potential career opportunities within the SM Group.

National University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, founded in 1900, was acquired by SM in 2008 and has since embarked on a long-term campus expansion strategy to make education within reach. With the expansion, NU is aiming to reach 100,000 students in 2027.

While some programs in NU, particularly in Allied Health and Engineering, are long-established, of note are the courses offered in their College of Computing and Information Technologies that lean towards the future of digitalization, among them: BS Computer Science with specialization in Digital Forensics and Machine Learning; BS Information Technology with specialization in Mobile and Web Applications and Multimedia Arts and Animation.

Asia Pacific College, founded in 1991 as a partnership between SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, has been championing an industry-based curriculum that combines traditional classroom learning and hands-on experience calibrated to produce competitive IT professionals.

APC’s Multimedia Arts program is notable for combining technology and creativity, merging current disciplines in the creative field and the relevant knowledge of the digital creative tools currently used in the industry.

APC recently announced that 97.28% of its graduates as of 2024 have successfully secured employment after graduation.

Posted on

2GO Forges Partnership with Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP)

 

L-R: Ethel Concepcion, 2GO Group Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications; Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head; Edmund Araga, EVAP President; Jeun Barlis, Research Consultant – EVAP.

2GO, the country’s largest end-to-end multimodal transportation and logistics solutions provider, has signed a partnership with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), reinforcing its commitment to advancing electric mobility and sustainable transport across the country.

As a sea freight provider, 2GO already offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for long-haul logistics, helping reduce carbon emissions while transporting goods. Building on this advantage, 2GO has begun equipping its vessels with electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities to further support the movement of EVs nationwide. Notably, MV 2GO Masikap and MV 2GO Masinag have been retrofitted to support EV transport, with plans to extend this capability to more ships in the fleet.

2GO is among the few transportation and logistics companies in the Philippines to integrate EV charging infrastructure into its sea freight services. These vessels currently operate on key routes, including Manila–Davao–General Santos–Iloilo and Manila–Cebu–Manila, providing vital logistical support for EV distribution across strategic regions.

“We are excited to be EVAP’s official logistics partner in pushing for greener roads,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head. “With our reliable capabilities, we ensure the safe and efficient delivery of electric vehicles across the Philippines. The growing demand for EVs in key cities where we operate—particularly Cebu and Davao—highlights our strategic role in supporting this transition.”

EVAP, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the adoption of battery electric vehicles in the Philippines, views the partnership as a key step toward making EVs more accessible across the archipelago.

“It is crucial for us to embrace electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao,” said Edmund Araga, EVAP President. “Having a reliable logistics partner like 2GO is essential to ensuring the nationwide availability and support of EVs.”

As of April 2025, Metro Manila hosts more than 74 EV charging points across 18 key areas, with plans to expand to nearly 100 by year-end.

2GO maintains regular sailings from Manila to Cebu four times weekly, and to Davao and General Santos twice weekly, ensuring dependable schedules and consistent service for the transportation and distribution of goods nationwide.

For more information on 2GO’s forwarding services, email forwarding@2go.com.ph.

 

Posted on

BLACKOUT: The Community is the New Frontier

This coming BLACKOUT in June, the community takes center stage. Forged by community leaders, organizations, fans, hobbyists, and more, BLACKOUT cements its stand as an event that’s not just a festival.

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

In one corner, a tattoo artist is at work. In another, a group of fans waits for their favorite performer to walk on stage. Backstage, our PPOP idols are getting ready to make their mark. Meanwhile, various parts of the venue host gaming tournaments.

 Music, arts, or gaming, BLACKOUT seeks to create a space where anyone and everyone can find their people. Whether you’re a concert-goer, gamer, artist, or a TTRPG enthusiast, there is a place where one can feel belongingness.

Tier One Entertainment created BLACKOUT to bring the community together into a night where anyone can make it whatever they want it to be. The community builds and anchors the concept of BLACKOUT, whether it’s a gathering of friends, a moment for music, or a day to create experiences.

“Tier One has constantly evolved through the years.” Tryke Gutierrez, the CEO and Co-founder of Tier One, began his journey as a talent management specialist, built his esports teams, and later launched his first reality show, The Gaming House. “We take pride in bringing new and unique products to the market. For Blackout, our vision is to create a community-driven platform where individuals passionate about music, gaming, and the arts can celebrate their interests.”

He added, “Blackout marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Tier One Entertainment expands beyond gaming—and deeper into the heart of culture itself. At Tier One, we are committed to continuous improvement and never settle for less.”

THE COMEBACK THAT CONNECTS GENERATIONS

BLACKOUT will host the comeback of pop icon Iyaz, to connect generations together in a night they can remember. Iyaz’s return to the Philippines is a move to bring together a community from all generations, from the Gen Zs, Millennials, to the Gen X crowd.

2000s souls will sing out loud to the music they grew up with while connecting with the young crowd who resonate with Iyaz’s music and tone.

PARTNER AND COLLABORATE

Be part of the experience on June 14, 2025. Email blackout.inquiries@tier.one for inquiries.

Follow our official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated with the latest and be among the first to secure limited tickets

Posted on

Workspace, Redefined: COLAB Café Opens in Kapitolyo

 

COLAB Café officially opened its doors to the public and offered a redefined workspace that breaks the co-working space norms while adapting café culture. Every detail in the COLAB space answers the needs of a modern-day professional, from their Quiet Booths for independent tasks to the Interactive Material Library that sparks ideas and inspiration.

“When we conceptualized COLAB, we thought of all the struggles and pains of working beyond the office and home. We knew we needed to capture an environment that boosts productivity without limiting creativity,” said Karen Tui, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of COLAB. As a modern professional, home and office are no longer the only options when it comes to work. And as more people aspire to have a work-life balance, it just makes sense to create a space that enables that, Tui explained.

The thoughtfully curated space takes pride in its centerpiece, the Material Library, which showcases a wide collection of material samples, swatches, and even books and magazines about design and architecture. It also features a working pod called Quiet Booth where guests can focus on independent tasks or take online calls with minimal distractions. Round tables for both big and small groups are also available for team huddles and brainstorming. A collapsible meeting room is also available for more confidential discussions, which is available for rent.

 

But what makes COLAB different from a typical co-working space is its actual business model. It does not charge by the seat; it provides a free-seating environment for its guests. “We wanted a space built by the community. If we charge by the seat, it gives a restrictive environment, and guests will just be limited to the seat they paid for,” argued Koko Tamura, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer. “What we wanted to create is a community, and we believe a sound community is built by shared resources, collaboration and an open mindset. Most of our tables are for sharing; the community who enjoys the space will make the space sustainable by patronizing food and drinks offered at the bar, and occasionally, they would also use and rent the space to conduct talks, workshops and seminars that aim to share their knowledge. We designed the space and business to build the COLAB community.

COLAB Café is located at 2/F, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, 50 West Capitol Drive corner United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more information about COLAB, visit their website at www.colabph.com and follow @colabcafeph on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Posted on

TEAM ENERGY PARTNERS WITH QUEZON VICE GOVERNOR

TEAM ENERGY PARTNERS WITH QUEZON VICE GOVERNOR – TeaM Energy recently turned over to the Office of Quezon Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III (2nd from right) various office equipment consisting of desktop computers, printers, and copying machines that will be distributed to various local government units and schools in the province. Formally turning over the items to Vice Governor Alcala is Froilan Gregory Romualdez III, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, TeaM Energy. Also in the photo are Carlo Calvario, External Affairs Coordinator, TeaM Energy, and Katherine Ursolino, Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice Governor.