Category: Feature

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Enchanted Kingdom, Two Other Filipino Companies Win ASEAN Tourism Awards

The first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines enters 2026 as one of the three Filipino companies that were recognized by ASEAN’s most esteemed honors in tourism!

Now on its 30th year, Enchanted Kingdom (EK) was hailed as the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction for its unique flying theater, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY as awarded by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA).

The award was received by EK Chairman and President Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon together with Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon during the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards held this January 27, Tuesday at JPark Island Resorts and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu.

As part of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026 honored “creativity, innovation, and dedication that drive the tourism industry forward” in the Southeast Asia region.

“We are deeply honored and humbled to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment in this prestigious platform in the ASEAN community. This award fuels our commitment to continuously provide magical experiences like AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY that also contributes towards our shared mission of sustainable tourism,” shared Dr. Mamon.

As the first and only flying theater in the Philippines that’s also a part of EK’s Education Program, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY has been going above and beyond its core mission to drive educational tourism and national pride by showcasing the natural beauty of the country ever since it was first introduced in 2016.

EK relaunched this attraction last October as part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary celebration, now serving as a powerful call to action — reminding everyone of the urgent need to conserve and protect the environment.

With its enhanced film and overall thematic experience, the flying theater now also takes guests on a magical journey underwater as it features various local marine ecosystems along with some of its diverse yet endangered wildlife.

Aside from EK, two other Filipino companies were also awarded, namely the Muntinlupa-based destination management agency Shroff Travel as the Best Asean Travel Article, and the premier event space SMX Convention Center as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre.

Shroff Travel was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arjun Shroff, while Mr. Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President–Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), received the award for SMX Convention Center during the award ceremony.

Guests can experience EK’s award-winning attraction along with its other rides and offerings from Wednesdays to Sundays, 11AM to 8PM.*

*Park and ride schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information and updates regarding AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and EK’s other forever enchanting events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

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Addressing the Brain Drain: How the SM Group Is Bringing Higher Education Back to the Regions

For decades, many Filipinos have left their hometowns in search of quality education and better career opportunities—often concentrating talent in urban centers while leaving provincial communities underserved. Today, the SM Group, through National University (NU), is helping reverse that trend by bringing accessible, high-quality higher education closer to home.

With a growing presence outside Metro Manila, National University is not only educating students—it is creating jobs, nurturing local talent, and strengthening regional economies.

Expanding Access Beyond Metro Manila

National University now serves more than 84,000 students across its nationwide campuses, with seven campuses located outside Metro Manila. These include NU Bacolod, NU Laguna, NU Baliwag, NU Dasmariñas, NU Lipa, NU Clark, and the newest campus, NU Cebu, which opened this academic year.

What stands out is NU’s strong commitment to local employment. NU Cebu currently boasts 100% local hires, while NU Bacolod employs 96% local staff, NU Laguna 99%, NU Baliwag 98%, NU Dasmariñas 96%, NU Lipa 98%, and NU Clark 97%. These numbers highlight NU’s deliberate effort to provide professional opportunities within the regions they serve.

By offering quality education and employment in provincial areas, NU allows professors, administrators, and students to build meaningful careers without leaving their hometowns.

Standardized Compensation, Stronger Talent Retention

One of NU’s key strategies in addressing brain drain is its standardized compensation package across all campuses nationwide. This approach ensures competitive and equitable salaries regardless of location, making provincial postings more attractive to educators and professionals.

“We bring talent back to the provinces,” said NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita. “NU offers a standardized salary matrix applicable to all our employees across the country. This approach has helped make our recruitment more appealing to applicants in provincial regions.”

NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita

By aligning education, labor, and development goals, NU helps reduce inequality between urban and rural areas—strengthening local ecosystems for long-term growth.

Education as a Catalyst for Community Development

NU’s expansion also reflects the SM Group’s vision of responsible community development. Most NU campuses are situated within SM’s social ecosystem, offering students and employees accessibility, safety, and convenience.

“NU is part of SM’s corporate social responsibility,” Dr. Ermita shared. “By allowing campuses to be part of the SM community, accessibility is achieved and affordability is maintained. Transportation hubs are also located near most mall-based campuses, ensuring convenience and safety for students and employees.”

This integrated approach helps communities retain educational talent while reinforcing access to social and economic opportunities.

Coming Home: Stories from NU Cebu

At NU Cebu, the impact of this mission is deeply personal. One of the campus’ returning locals is Executive Director Johanna Minglana, who shared how the opening of NU Cebu allowed her to return home after decades in Manila.

“NU Cebu allowed me to come full circle in my birthplace while continuing my academic career,” Minglana said. She noted that many faculty and staff share similar sentiments—finding purpose in meaningful work without being separated from their families and communities.

According to Minglana, NU Cebu represents more than an academic institution. “It embodies SM’s vision of being a catalyst for community development. It creates jobs not only within the university but also for surrounding businesses—from food establishments and boarding houses to transportation and retail.”

Building the Future, Locally

As National University recently marked its 125th founding anniversary, thousands of alumni gathered to celebrate its legacy and continued commitment to providing world-class, life-ready education. Whether in urban centers or provincial communities, NU remains focused on preparing graduates to thrive wherever opportunity takes them.

By bringing higher education to the regions, NU and the SM Group are proving that talent doesn’t have to leave home to grow—and that meaningful development begins by investing in communities where people already belong.

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2GO, DTI Seal Partnership to Boost MSME Supply Chain and Logistics Support

Strengthening the backbone of Filipino entrepreneurship, 2GO Group, Inc., the country’s largest integrated transportation and logistics provider, has officially partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to enhance supply chain and logistics support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which designates 2GO as a key member of DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC). This collaboration positions 2GO as part of DTI’s trusted logistics network, expanding its role beyond transportation to include logistics consultancy and advisory services for DTI-registered enterprises.

From left to right: Francis Chua, Business Unit Head, 2GO Travel; Ethel Concepcion, Corporate Marketing and Communications Head, 2GO Group; Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque; Frederick DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer, 2GO Group, Inc.; Will Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 2GO Group, Inc.; and Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head, 2GO Forwarding.

Through the initiative, MSMEs will gain access to customized logistics solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainable business growth—critical components for enterprises looking to scale in an increasingly competitive market.

“This partnership with 2GO strengthens our ability to respond to the logistics needs of Filipino enterprises,” said DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. “With partners like 2GO, MSMEs are provided with reliable logistics support that enables cost optimization and business expansion aligned with their operational requirements.”

As part of its commitment to the SCLC, 2GO will actively participate in business matching and market linkage activities, provide logistics consultancy services, and support the establishment of Logistics Support Desks in selected Negosyo Centers across the country.

“Our team is ready to support a wide range of logistics needs—from basic shipping services to more complex supply chain solutions,” shared Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head for Forwarding of 2GO. “We are honored to work alongside the DTI and the SCLC in helping MSMEs connect to markets and grow with confidence.”

The partnership also reinforces 2GO’s broader mission of enabling commerce and mobility across the Philippines. “2GO is both a mover and an enabler,” said Will Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 2GO Group, Inc. “By improving how goods and people move nationwide, we create opportunities for Filipinos, support livelihoods, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.”

The DTI–2GO collaboration highlights a shared commitment to building a more resilient, accessible, and competitive supply chain ecosystem—empowering MSMEs to thrive and succeed nationwide.

To learn more about 2GO’s logistics solutions and initiatives, visit www.2go.com.ph

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Our Market and Barangay San Antonio Celebrate Children’s Month Through Art and Community

Art took center stage this Children’s Month as Barangay San Antonio in Pasig City, together with Our Market, brought creativity, connection, and community spirit to life through the Sining Galing program.

Launched in 2022, Sining Galing was conceived as a response to post-pandemic stress, to promote mental wellness and creative expression among residents. Since then, the program has been hosting free monthly art workshops, highlighting Filipino artistry and encouraging people to see art not just as expression, but as a source of value, healing, and community pride.

STI students visit the Our Market booth at F. Ortigas Jr. Road

The initiative is spearheaded by the Committee Co-Chair on Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Councilor Venus La Putt, with the support of Barangay Chairman Thomas Raymond Lising. Through strong collaboration with civic organizations, stakeholders, and active community members, Sining Galing has grown into a meaningful platform for cultural engagement in Barangay San Antonio.

On November 15, 2025, Sining Galing marked International Children’s Month with the support of like-minded collaborators who share the same passion for uniting communities and fostering growth. Among them was Our Market, a rising digital magazine that helped amplify the celebration’s reach and impact.

In celebration of Children’s Month, Our Market engaged participants through interactive activities and generous giveaways. Attendees were invited to join the platform, which automatically granted them shopping discount vouchers and special items from partner sponsors such as Search Commercial, Inc. (SCI) and Barilla and Tulip of Federated Distributors, Inc. (FDI).

Our Market’s booth at Sining Galing featuring Barilla and Tulip

The event also served as a timely introduction of Our Market’s digital platform to the public, following its official launch at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde on October 17, 2025. Through this partnership, families and community members were introduced to a reliable online resource hub—one that offers exposure and growth opportunities for individuals, creatives, and businesses alike.

More than just a children’s activity, the event became a shared experience for parents, guardians, and adults, allowing them to connect, learn, and engage with a platform that inspires creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

This marks Our Market’s second partnership with Sining Galing, following its participation during International Women’s Month in March 2025. That earlier celebration featured Our Market partner brand Unox Philippines, through the Healthy Baon Bites Cooking Demo for moms. With aligned missions and shared values, Our Market looks forward to more future collaborations with the program.

Our Market is a newly launched digital publishing platform that covers business, culture, food, and lifestyle. Its mission is to produce high-quality content that promotes Filipino culture and entrepreneurship through powerful storytelling—while serving as a bridge that connects businesses and communities.

Beyond publishing, Our Market also functions as an online resource hub, directly linking users to companies across various industries for special assistance, consultancy, and collaboration opportunities.

To stay updated on future partnerships, features, and community-driven stories, subscribe to Our Market and be part of the growing Filipino creative ecosystem.

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2GO Forwarding: At the Heart of Customer Trust

2GO, the country’s premier multimodal logistics solutions provider, continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable local partner of leading international brands and organizations.

2GO Forwarding, the freight forwarding arm of the 2GO Group, operates through a nationwide network that spans 33,000 barangays and delivers scalable logistics for industries such as pharmaceuticals, FMCG, automotive, and events. With access to sea, land, and air transport, the unit provides customers with end-to-end logistics tailored to their operational needs.

Seamless Logistics and Mobility
For restaurant groups with extensive operations across the Visayas and Mindanao, efficient inter-island movement is essential to maintaining stock levels, product freshness, and store stability. Bigby’s Quality Food Corp., a homegrown restaurant group with 26 branches under brands such as Bigby’s Café & Restaurant, Boy Zugba, and The Tuna Bar, has seen significant improvements in its logistics efficiency with 2GO handling its island-to-island deliveries.

Henrik Kelly Yu, CEO of Bigby’s Quality Food Corp., said, “Before, I think the challenges of our shipments were the island-to-island deliveries. But now with 2GO, it’s very convenient. Deliveries to Dumaguete, Bohol, Tacloban, and Cebu—it has been very life-changing for our business to have this kind of service.”

Delivering Healthcare with Precision
Pharmaceutical distribution requires efficiency, accuracy, and consistent reliability. For Zuellig Pharma Corporation, the Philippines’ leading distributor of medicines and healthcare products, 2GO Forwarding has become a trusted partner in ensuring life-saving medicines and medical products reach their destinations safely and on time. The partnership has proven vital during peak demand periods, where uninterrupted delivery means uninterrupted access to healthcare.

Paul Sanchez, Director of Zuellig Pharma, said, “When we experienced logistics challenges, 2GO immediately stepped in to ensure our operations remained unhampered and delivery commitments were met. Their professionalism, precision, and ability to manage critical pharmaceutical cargo with utmost care have been instrumental to our mission of safeguarding healthcare access across the country.”

Powering Philippine Sports
Beyond healthcare, 2GO Forwarding also supports the movement of people and equipment for some of the Philippines’ most anticipated international sporting events. As the official logistics partner of IRONMAN Philippines, 2GO provides transport and forwarding solutions that ensure sporting gear, race materials, and participants arrive on time and in full. This capability has made 2GO an integral part of the country’s growing sports tourism industry.

Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with 2GO, whose end-to-end logistics and travel services help bring our MICE events to life—organized, on time, and seamless. Their reliable support ensures that our equipment arrives where it’s needed and that attendees can travel conveniently across islands. With 2GO, every event delivers a smooth and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.”

Operational Excellence
2GO Forwarding’s flexible service offerings have also supported businesses in the agriculture, food manufacturing, and MSME sectors. For the Strawberry-Guyabano Farm and Delibites Concepts Corporation in South Cotabato, 2GO’s transport solutions have helped streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve delivery performance.

Hannah Mamon, the owner, shared that faster transport cut delivery time from four days to two and that direct store deliveries helped eliminate pilferage. She said, “I was able to save on warehousing, shutting down Davao and Cagayan de Oro… dahil sa streamlining na na-address ni 2GO.” She added that 2GO’s Less than Container Load (LCL) service enabled her to ship small packages with clear and predictable rates. “The efficiency and reliability, na pwede mag twice a week o kahit once a week, kaya mabilis ang turnover ng inventory sa operations.”

Commitment to Partners
2GO Forwarding’s track record across industries highlights its ability to adapt to the unique requirements of every client, from healthcare to sports. The business unit remains focused on delivering solutions that enable organizations to make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding, said, “We see our role as more than transporting goods—we help businesses expand, communities thrive, and vital services reach the people who need them most. From healthcare and food to sports and MSMEs, we move what matters, ensuring every shipment travels safely and seamlessly across cities and regions. This commitment to enabling growth and enriching lives is at the heart of what we deliver to every partner we serve.”

To know more about our forwarding services, email forwarding@2go.com.ph.

 

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2GO Levels Up as Logistics Demand in the Philippines Continues to Rise

As the Philippine economy gains momentum, one thing is becoming crystal clear: logistics is no longer just a support function—it’s a growth engine. As demand continues to surge across the country, 2GO is entering 2026 with bigger plans, smarter systems, and a renewed commitment to keeping people, goods, and businesses moving.

As the new year begins, 2GO is sharpening its focus on innovation, integration, and nationwide connectivity. From freight and express delivery to sea travel and digital fulfillment, the company is strengthening its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of a fast-expanding market.

A booming logistics landscape

The numbers tell a compelling story. The Philippine logistics market reached an estimated USD 55.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by around 6 percent annually through 2030. What’s driving this momentum? Strong domestic consumption, improved infrastructure, and the rapid rise of digital commerce.

E-commerce, in particular, is reshaping the logistics playbook. With the local e-commerce sector expected to exceed USD 28 billion in 2025, businesses now require faster, more reliable, and more transparent delivery solutions—especially in a country made up of thousands of islands.

For 2GO, this growth presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.

“Our outlook for 2026 is anchored on building smarter and more responsive logistics solutions that support economic activity where it matters most,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group Inc. “As the Philippine economy grows, logistics becomes even more essential.”

Powering e-commerce and beyond

To keep pace with online retail growth, 2GO continues to expand its express delivery and e-commerce fulfillment services. Nationwide pickup, sorting hubs, last-mile delivery, and real-time digital tracking are helping businesses—big and small—reach customers faster and more efficiently.

But 2GO’s role goes far beyond doorstep deliveries.

Its freight forwarding and specialized container services cater to industries with complex needs, including temperature-sensitive and customized cargo. These solutions are especially critical for manufacturers, agribusinesses, and exporters navigating inter-island and international trade.

Strength at sea, on land, and everywhere in between

One of 2GO’s biggest strengths lies in its multimodal logistics network. Through its sea-based logistics and ROPAX operations, the company connects major and secondary ports while transporting both passengers and essential cargo.

Recent investments in port infrastructure and expanded passenger terminals are boosting connectivity between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—supporting not just commerce but also the growing demand for inter-island mobility.

Making logistics simpler

As customer expectations continue to evolve, 2GO is doubling down on integration—bringing land, air, and sea logistics together into one connected, visible supply chain. Improving operational efficiency, maximizing asset use, and delivering customer-focused solutions remain at the core of its 2026 strategy.

“Growth today requires flexibility and integration,” DyBuncio shared. “Our priority is to make logistics simpler for our customers—whether they’re SMEs, large enterprises, or online sellers.”

Supporting national growth

Reliable logistics plays a vital role in economic resilience and inclusive development. By improving cargo flow, reducing handovers through point-to-point solutions, and strengthening inter-island connectivity, 2GO helps keep trade costs manageable while expanding market access for businesses nationwide.

As 2026 begins, 2GO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s growth story—through dependable services, continuous innovation, and investments that strengthen mobility and trade.

“With the right infrastructure, partnerships, and people, logistics becomes a catalyst for national progress,” DyBuncio said—and that’s exactly the role 2GO aims to continue playing in the years ahead.

To learn more about 2GO and its services, visit www.2go.com.ph.