Quezon Governor Angelina Helen Tan (center) is shown formally receiving from TeaM Energy, represented by Froilan Gregory H. Romualdez III, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, vital newborn care equipment during the recent turnover ceremony at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City. The donation, facilitated by TeaM Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI), aims to support the improvement of the province’s public healthcare services—a priority of Gov. Tan. The life-saving items include two clinical incubators, four photography lights, two infant warmers and resuscitation tables, and two fetal dopplers. Also in the photo during turnover ceremonies were (L-R) Carlo Calvario, External Affairs Associate, TeaM Energy; Ethel Osio, External Affairs Manager, TeaM Energy; Dr. Reyce Cristina Laborte, Pediatric Consultant, QMC; Dr. Augustina Cabangon, Pediatric Department Head, QMC; Dr. Juan Eugenio Fidel Villanueva, Hospital Chief, QMC; Dr. Zarina Rosales, Pediatric Consultant, QMC; Salome Paycao, Chief Nurse, QMC; and Dr. Ramon Carmona, Jr., Chief of Clinics, QMC.
SM Retail, the retail arm of the SM group, won the Privacy Management Program Award during the recently concluded National Data Privacy Conference in Paranaque City. In photo are (from left to right) Atty. Reinier Jeffrey Abdon, SM Retail DPA Compliance; Atty. Rafael Kieran Monday, SM Retail DPA Compliance; Atty. Nerissa De Jesus, Deputy Privacy Commissioner, National Privacy Commission; Atty. John Henry Naga, Privacy Commissioner and Chairman, National Privacy Commission; Ms. Honeylin Castolo, Vice President, SM Retail; Mr. Leyson San Juan, Assistant Vice President and Data Protection Officer, SM Retail DPA Compliance; Atty. Jose Amelito S. Belarmino II, Deputy Privacy Commissioner, National Privacy Commission; Atty. Ivin Ronald D.M. Alzona, Executive Director, National Privacy Commission.
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) awarded SM Retail, the retail subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, with the Privacy Management Program Award during the recently concluded National Data Privacy Conference in Parañaque City, recognizing the company’s consistent and structured efforts in upholding data privacy standards across its operations.
The Privacy Management Program Award is presented to organisations that demonstrate the effective implementation of privacy policies, proactive risk management, and clear accountability structures following the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
SM Retail was cited for its internal training initiatives, integration of privacy practices into day-to-day operations, and for embedding Data Protection Officers within its business units. These measures have contributed to establishing a robust data protection culture among employees and enhancing safeguards for customer information.
“We’re grateful for this recognition from the NPC, and we share this accolade with everyone at the SM Group. An effective data privacy management program hinges on strong leadership, active stakeholder engagement, dedicated privacy champions in critical DPA areas, embedded DPOs within the business, and practical, layman-friendly training rooted in real-world scenarios,” said Honeylin Castolo, Vice President of SM Retail.
The Privacy Management Program of SM Retail conducts training on data privacy awareness in addition to ongoing cybersecurity education for its employees. As the program empowers SM employees to evaluate and assess security risks, this translates to a more secure shopping experience for SM customers.
“This was made possible by the efforts of our Data Privacy Compliance Team, led by Leyson N. San Juan, the Data Protection Officer of SM Retail, Inc., and the full support from our different business units,” Castolo shared.
The Data Privacy program of SM Retail is closely monitored by rating agencies as part of SM’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. This underscores how data privacy is not only important to our customers. It is also a strategic driver that impacts SM Retail’s long-term value and reputation.
“SM Retail effectively implements its data privacy program, reflecting not only our compliance with the Data Privacy Act (DPA) but also our proactive efforts to lead by example across the retail industry. By making data privacy a fundamental part of how we operate, we hope to reinforce our reputation as a brand that our customers can continue to trust.” Castolo said.
SM Retail not only won the Privacy Management Program Award, but also made it to the finals of the NPC Seal of Registration Award. SM Retail’s DPO, Mr Leyson N. San Juan, likewise, was recognized as a finalist for Data Protection Officer (DPO) of the Year.
The awarding ceremony in Paranaque was held during the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). Led by the National Privacy Commission, PAW is an annual celebration dedicated to strengthening data privacy awareness and promoting responsible personal data processing in the Philippines.
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.
Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, is set to bring even more enchanting experiences to all Filipinos for its 30th anniversary, as it temporarily closes two of its major rides, the Space Shuttle and AGILA The EKsperience, from July 1 to September 30, 2025.
EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario O. Mamon shared that the major enhancement and upgrade of the two attractions are at the forefront of their ongoing park revitalization and commitment to providing more magical experiences to all parkgoers.
“Beyond our steadfast pursuit of introducing new enchanting experiences, we are also dedicated to reimagining and reengineering our existing attractions, ensuring that multi-generational guests will be forever enchanted this 2025 and the years to come,” he furthered.
We expect both attractions to reopen as part of EK’s 30th anniversary celebration in October.
The iconic rollercoaster ride, Space Shuttle, is one of EK’s legacy rides, which has been bringing thrill and excitement ever since the theme park opened its gates to the public in 1995. Aside from its signature twists and turns, the upgrade will feature a new loading and unloading experience, along with more efficient operation and monitoring of the ride.
AGILA The EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines, has been the cornerstone of EK’s magical and educational entertainment, catering to over half a million students each year. Parkgoers experience a magical journey soaring on the wings of the Philippine eagle to witness the most iconic destinations in the country.
The reopening of AGILA will elevate learning and entertainment to new heights as it delves further into advancing awareness of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
In addition to these, EK is diligently restoring and improving all its other themed areas, attractions, and facilities, setting the stage for its milestone celebration on October 18 and 19.
Guests can still enjoy the theme park’s more than 30 rides and attractions, including EKlipse, its newest family thrill ride and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Various enchanting events and offerings are also in store for everyone as EK continues to be the premier theme park in the country.
For more information and updates regarding these, along with EK’s other 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.
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.
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.
