BY ALEX ALAGON
Go Hotels Bacolod has officially unveiled its fresh new identity as Go Hotels Plus Bacolod, ushering in a new era of travel comfort in the heart of the City of Smiles. The transformation introduces modern amenities, refreshed interiors, and enhanced guest experiences—all while staying true to the brand’s promise of budget-friendly stays.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Go Hotels Bacolod as we evolve into Go Hotels Plus,” said Joy De Mesa, Group Director of Sales and Marketing. “Our guests deserve comfort, style, and convenience, and this rebranding reflects our unwavering commitment to meeting those expectations.”
During the launch event, guests and media were treated to a firsthand look at the newly upgraded rooms, sampled signature local delicacies, and explored the hotel’s versatile function room—an ideal venue for Bacolod’s dynamic meetings sector. Designed to accommodate up to 50 guests, the facility offers a modern and flexible space perfect for business gatherings, corporate functions, and special celebrations.
Travelers can expect premium comfort with plush 100% cotton linens, chiropractic and hypoallergenic pillows, complimentary Wi-Fi across all 105 rooms, and in-room safety deposit boxes. The property’s strategic location offers easy access to Robinsons Place Bacolod, major transport hubs, and iconic city landmarks such as The Ruins, The Negros Museum and Lakawon Island
Guests eager to experience the upgrade can take advantage of introductory rates starting at ₱1,500 (Room Only) for Superior Rooms from July 11 to September 30—a generous markdown from the published rate of ₱3,019. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Go Hotels Plus Bacolod delivers unbeatable value in the heart of the city.
Go Hotels Plus Bacolod joins other Plus locations in Naga, Mandaluyong, and Tuguegarao, further strengthening the brand’s footprint as a smart travel choice across the Philippines.
THE EastWest Dream Run 2025 brought people together around a shared purpose. It showed that when we support one another, even a short race can leave a long-lasting impact.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the Bank hosted this year’s Dream Run across three key cities: Davao, Cebu, and Manila, drawing over 13,000 runners from different walks of life in a collective push for positive impact.
Each run had its own rhythm. Each city brought its own energy. But the heart behind them was the same: to move not just for health, but for hope.
Portions of the proceeds were donated to local organizations that continue to serve and uplift Filipino youth: Young Focus Philippines in Manila, Asian Hospital Charities, SOS Children’s Village in Cebu, and Padre Pio’s Home for Children in Davao.
In Davao: Showing up for Padre Pio’s Home for Children
The series kicked off on April 6, where nearly 4,000 runners joined the first leg of the EastWest Dream Run. But behind the scenes, it was the children of Padre Pio’s Home for Children who stood to benefit most.
After the series, members of the EastWest Manila and Davao teams visited the home, bringing with them not just the donation proceeds, but time, encouragement, and listening ears. The visit became a quiet but powerful moment of connection.
“It was a reminder that showing up matters. That sometimes, all it takes to change a life is to be there, to listen, to share, to care,” said Sr. Floravy E. Raya RSW, executive director, Padre Pio Home for Children.
Kids of Padre Pio’s Home for Children were visited by Mike Nacional, head of Mindanao Region, Rosie Acuña, Division 25 head, Rayne Loreto, senior manager for brand activations, and the rest of the team members from Manila and Davao who organized the EastWest Dream Run.
In Cebu: Connecting With the Children of SOS Village
The next leg of the EastWest Dream Run was held on May 4 at City di Mare by Filinvest in Cebu, drawing over 3,000 runners from across the Visayas. For many participants, it was EastWest’s first large-scale wellness run in the region, and one that carried a significance linking the Bank to its Cebuano roots.
After the 3-leg series, the EastWest team visited the SOS Children’s Village Cebu. It’s an organization that gives long-term family-based care to children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. The donation will go toward the Village’s daily operations, including food, schooling, health support, and maintaining nurturing homes for the children.
Mario Victor Baang, village director of SOS Children’s Village-Cebu, commented, “The visit meant a lot to the children. It was the time, the conversations, and the genuine care they felt. For many of them, that kind of attention stays with you.”
The day was made even more special thanks to the invaluable support of Jovi Abad, VisMin consumer loans head, Debbie Realiza-Dy, priority center head, and the rest of the EastWest Manila and Cebu teams.
In Manila: First-Time Runners with Big Dreams
The biggest and final leg of the Dream Run took place on June 15 at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, where over 6,000 runners turned up. After the race, a short program was held where EastWest turned over donations to two partner organizations: Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities. The funds will support ongoing efforts in education, youth development, values formation, and access to medical care.
“Watching our students run with such heart reminded us what Young Focus is all about. They were showing the world what’s possible when kids are given a real chance,” shared Grace Palanca, representative from Young Focus Philippines.
The EastWest Dream Run marked a meaningful step in reaching more individuals in need of healing. Asian Hospital Charities expressed appreciation for being part of the event and noted that the proceeds will help sustain its efforts to provide essential medical support to patients who may not otherwise have access to care.
Young, rising runners from Young Focus Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila. Following the run, a special program was held where EastWest top executives presented a donation to Young Focus: Jerry Ngo, EastWest CEO, Mary Anne Bundalian, Brand Activations and Corporate Communications head, Jonathan Gotianun, EastWest chairman, and Martin Reyes, head of marketing and cash management.
Asian Hospital Charities was also among the beneficiaries of the EastWest Dream Run Manila leg, receiving a portion of the event’s proceeds.
Moving forward, together
The finish line may have come and gone, but the journey continues for every child, every student, and every community still reaching for what’s ahead.
Martin Reyes, EastWest head of marketing and cash management said, “We believe that these young dreamers need something more than encouragement. Access, support, and the right opportunities are what truly matters. That’s what the EastWest Dream Run hopes to create, one step at a time, and in the years to come.”
With thousands of finishers and countless stories of hope, the EastWest Dream Run 2025 closed its last leg not with an ending, but with momentum, for more cities, more children, and more lives made brighter through a shared purpose.
MANG INASAL, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, dominated the 2025 Marketing Excellence Awards held last Aug. 8 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig, winning nine trophies across different categories.
The brand’s broad success demonstrates its strong command of diverse marketing strategies, successfully engaging consumers through digital platforms, advertising, insightful research, immersive experiences, and impactful partnerships.
Among the awards was the coveted Gold for Excellence in Marketing to a Specific Audience for Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines, a landmark collaboration with the Department of Tourism that championed Filipino food as a vital part of the country’s culture and heritage, attracting locals, tourists, and festival-goers alike.
The brand also received four Silver Awards for Digital Marketing (#MangInasalCreamyYESSummer), Consumer Insights/Market Research (‘Yan ang Kaing Mang Inasal), Experiential Marketing (Pork BBQ Caravan), and Sponsorship Activation (Mang Inasal Celebrates Festivals); and four Bronze Awards for Advertising (‘Yan ang Kaing Mang Inasal), Out-of-Home Advertising (It’s A Sign), Viral Marketing (4-Cheese Halo-Halo), and Marketing Leader of the Year (awarded to Mang Inasal marketing head Allan Tan).
“All these wins come from the passion and dedication of our diverse teams working together to delight our growing community of consumers nationwide,” said Tan. “We believe Mang Inasal is more than just food. It’s about the special experiences our customers share with us. And these recognitions remind us how important that connection is, and they inspire us to keep creating campaigns that genuinely touch hearts and bring people closer.”
These wins at the Marketing Excellence Awards raise Mang Inasal’s total recognitions for 2025 to 19 local and international honors. This count includes its first Asia-Pacific Tambuli Award for Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines, and two Silver Awards at the 5th ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, one for the Mang Inasal Nation Facebook Group and another for the 2024 Pork BBQ Launch. Together, these achievements solidify Mang Inasal’s standing as a powerhouse in creating campaigns that not only capture attention but also build lasting connections with its customers.
MANILA – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, today announced the appointment of Adnelle Valeza as new Chief of Staff, Strategy, and Transformation, joining the company’s executive leadership team.
Valeza joins Manulife Philippines with nearly three decades of international leadership experience across transformation, technology, and distribution. Her career spans both established corporations and start-up environments, where she has consistently delivered double-digit growth, led large-scale digital transformations, and built scalable sales and operational strategies.
Most recently, Valeza led business strategy and transformation at a Philippine-based life insurer, developing strategic roadmaps for non-Bancassurance channel expansion and led the company’s digital transformation initiatives. Prior to that, she held several senior executive roles at a multinational insurer, where she led regional M&A projects and digital strategy programs across Southeast Asia.
“Adnelle’s appointment is a pivotal step in strengthening our leadership team” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Her extensive expertise in project management, technology strategy, and business transformation will be invaluable as we execute our strategic priorities and accelerate our efforts to become the number 1 choice of our customers in the Philippines.”
In her new post, Valeza will be driving alignment across key business initiatives to enhance operational efficiency—underscoring Manulife Philippines’ drive toward high-quality, sustainable growth and digital customer leadership.
MANILA, 12 August 2025 – AirAsia rewards, the loyalty and rewards program of AirAsia’s parent company Capital A, in partnership with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), introduced the AirAsia Platinum Credit Card, a game-changing credit card that empowers Filipinos to transform everyday spending into rewarding travel experiences.
Tapping into the growing synergy between travel and financial empowerment, the AirAsia Platinum Credit Card goes beyond traditional rewards. Cardholders can earn AirAsia points faster at just P22 per point earned, making travel dreams even more accessible with every peso spent.
The perks don’t stop there as the AirAsia Platinum Credit Card comes with exclusive premium travel benefits, including:
- Welcome bonus of 15,000 AirAsia points;
- Unlimited access to the PAGSS International Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1);
- Low foreign exchange fee of just 1.85% on international purchases, both in-store and online; and
- Automatic AirAsia Platinum membership status that lets guests enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and xpress baggage on AirAsia flights.
Additionally, as AirAsia rewards is the loyalty program integrated with MOVE, Capital A’s online travel agency, cardholders can redeem their points not just on AirAsia flights, but also across a global network of 700 airlines and more than 1 million hotels, giving travelers the ultimate freedom to personalize their journeys.
“This partnership not just gives our customers a credit card, we’re opening the runway to a lifestyle that’s rewarding, accessible, and globally connected,” said Diyao Leong, Head of Rewards Regional Partnerships at AirAsia rewards.
RCBC also emphasized the value of the partnership in enhancing customer experience across the industries. Its Credit Cards president and CEO Arniel Vincent Ong shared, “The new AirAsia Platinum Credit Card is designed to integrate travel and lifestyle benefits seamlessly. Everyday purchases made with the card earn generous AirAsia points, which are automatically credited to the cardholder’s AirAsia member account. This makes earning and redeeming points easy for flights, hotel stays, and various lifestyle rewards.”
The AirAsia Platinum Credit Card empowers Filipinos to unlock travel rewards from everyday spending, making trips more accessible. For avid travelers, it elevates every trip with seamless convenience and exclusive premium benefits.
- Baste says label misused to discredit father
A RECENT National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raid on an illegal offshore gambling operation in Buhangin has created discord between Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and law enforcers over the use of the term “POGO.”
While the NBI seized computers and arrested eight Chinese nationals for what it called an “illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator,” Duterte insisted that the term is being misused, declaring, “POGO is not here anymore.”
The acting mayor, in a recent “Basta Dabawenyo” episode, criticized the continued use of “POGO,” labeling it a “politically abused” term used to discredit former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“They keep bringing back the POGO label because that’s their attack on the previous administration,” Duterte said.
He clarified that any existing gambling operations are illegal offshore platforms, not licensed POGOs, and urged the public to “use the proper term.”
He added, “Bahala Kayo…mag aksaya Kayo ng panahon kung gusto nyo.“
However, the NBI stands by its use of the term.
Last week, the NBI Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) filed a case against the eight Chinese nationals arrested during the Aug. 12 raid of a house in Montclair Highlands.
According to NBI XI director Atty. Arcelito Albao, the operation was prompted by a homeowner’s complaint.
“I received information that there were a lot of Chinese nationals in the wee hours of the evening,” Albao told reporters, adding that surveillance confirmed they were conducting “illegal online operations or POGO.”
With the homeowners association’s cooperation, agents accessed the house and seized 10 computers and several mobile phones.
Albao stated the arrested individuals admitted to their involvement in a POGO operation and confirmed that the NBI will subpoena others involved, including the homeowner.
Albao noted that this is the second illegal gambling operation caught in Davao since December, but the NBI is actively monitoring others. “Here in Davao, there aren’t that many. Since December [Panabo operation], this is the second, but we are monitoring another new one,” Albao said.
He also explained the challenge of processing evidence, as the confiscated computers and phones use Chinese characters, requiring interpretation.
QUEZON CITY — In a bid to uphold the law and protect public health, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition appealed to socially responsible retail establishments to cease and desist from selling imported paints laden with lead, a potent neurotoxin and endocrine-disrupting chemical banned in paint manufacturing.
The group, a strong advocate for a society free of harm from chemicals and waste, issued the clarion call after monitoring the local sale of leaded spray paints from China and Thailand in at least 47 general merchandise, hardware and home improvement stores in Region III (Bulacan, Pampanga), Region IV-A (Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal) and the National Capital Region (12 cities).
According to the investigation conducted by the group from June 10 to Aug. 12, 47 of the 70 stores visited were found selling one or more spray paint brands that have been analyzed to contain lead in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm), the maximum limit set by the Chemical Control Order (CCO) on lead and its compounds.
The CCO promulgated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 2013 banned lead-based raw materials in the production of paints and similar surface coatings, and phased out lead-containing decorative paints on Dec. 31, 2016, and lead-containing industrial paints on Dec. 31, 2019.
Among the lead-containing paints found on store shelves were products already flagged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to their lead content such as the medium yellow JM Spray Paint, canary yellow Koby Spray Paint, grass green and light yellow Nikko Spray All Purpose Quick Drying High Gloss Acrylic, and Jialing red and orange yellow Standard Aerosol Paint.
The group further found leaded YiAD Paint, an aerosol paint made in China, on sale in some chain stores. Manufactured in May 2025, this paint prominently features the image and signature of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on the front label. The former senator has yet to issue a statement disassociating himself from lead-containing YiAD Paint.
“We are appalled by the proliferation of imported lead-containing paints in the domestic market as if the lead paint ban is not in effect,” said Manny Calonzo, campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. “The unlawful importation has not eased, as evidenced by our discovery of highly leaded paints with 2024 and 2025 as manufacturing dates, which are being offered for sale to consumers who are not informed of the risks. Government regulators need to flex their muscles and enforce the ban.”
“As for store owners, we appeal to them to shun imported paints unless independently verified as compliant with product safety standards such as the 90 ppm lead content limit. In keeping with their corporate social responsibility, we advise them to ask for third-party certificates of analysis and conformity from their suppliers before making such paints available to their valued customers,” he added.
“To help the Philippines in enforcing the lead paint ban, we request the DENR to nominate lead chromates, the most common lead-based pigments used in paint manufacturing, for listing under the Rotterdam Convention,” suggested Jeiel Guarino, Global Lead Paint Elimination Campaigner, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). “An affirmative decision by the Conference of the Parties will list lead chromates and lead paints as hazardous chemicals subject to the treaty’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure. If listed, companies that export lead chromates or paints containing them will no longer be permitted to export these commodities to a country that has not consented to import them.”
During its market investigation, the EcoWaste Coalition found on the shelves leaded spray paints bearing the names Aeropak, Anton, JM, JMJAFA, King Sfon, Koby, Korona, Nikko, Silvestre, Sinag, Standard, Standard JR, Top Standard, Top Tibay, Yatibay, and YiAD.
Based on the studies conducted by the group, the said paint brands have one or more colors containing lead above the 90 ppm limit as per X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and laboratory analyses.
Some of the above named paints can be found in the “Public Notice on Lead-Containing Paints” co-published by the EcoWaste Coalition, Philippine Paint & Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) and IPEN to guide consumers and retailers on paint products with lead content.
MANILA, Philippines — HUAWEI maintains its position at the top of the global imaging podium as the newly launched HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra earns DXOMARK’s highest-ever overall score of 175, a commanding 6 points ahead of the second-ranked device. This triumph is anchored by three historic achievements: a highest-record 180 Photo Score, a record-tying 166 Video Score, and the best-rated telephoto capabilities in DXOMARK’s testing.
This milestone affirms HUAWEI’s pursuit of photographic excellence, transforming “exceptional” into “unmatched”. Since its global release last July, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra has resonated with professional photographers and photography enthusiasts worldwide thanks to its pioneering technologies that bridge laboratory innovation and real-world artistry. As the flagship of HUAWEI’s imaging legacy, HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra redefines the possibilities of smartphone photography.
Redefining photography with top-scoring excellence
DXOMARK is an established image authority that scores and ranks cameras and camera equipment. Widely trusted by experts, its tests are backed by millions of scientific measurements and perceptual analyses. Earning the highest Photo Score of 180 from DXOMARK reflects HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra’s mastery of light and detail. The 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera achieves an industry-leading 16EV dynamic range, transforming challenging lighting into captivating narratives. This lets you capture bonfire dancers framed by translucent flames glowing with golden warmth; their shadowed faces retaining intricate, eyelash-sharp detail in a single exposure. Shooting dusk portraits is made effortless, as subjects shine with natural clarity against skies blending into watercolour gradients enabled by intelligent multi-zone exposure mapping.
This 180-score brilliance also excels in portrait photography. Advanced AI segmentation ensures pinpoint precision, rendering stray hair strands, delicate earrings, and intricate accessories with flawless clarity against creamy bokeh backgrounds. Even in candlelit settings, facial textures maintain lifelike dimensionality, and skin tones glow with natural warmth. The variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) offers creative flexibility: for group shots, it intelligently narrows to keep everyone in sharp focus from foreground to background, delivering professional-grade results.
HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra redefines long-range photography with the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which earned DXOMARK’s highest telephoto score. By merging 3.7x medium and 9.4x super-telephoto lenses into a single optical unit, it delivers unmatched versatility. Architectural carvings half a kilometre away emerge with DSLR-grade crispness; performers’ sweat-beaded intensity crystallizes from stadium back rows. At 10x+ magnification, where competitors often falter, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra captures the Himalayan snowcaps with wind-carved ridges or leopard eyeshine through twilight gloom, still maintaining exceptional color and exposure consistency through advanced optical design and algorithms.
Setting new benchmarks for video mastery
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra conquers dynamic extremes with masterful video capabilities that earned a 166 Video Score, a 10-point improvement over its predecessor, and ties with the industry’s top score. Its 16EV Ultra Lighting HDR Camera delivers “layered imaging with accurate light and shadow restoration,” transforming backlit portraits into balanced compositions where subjects glow against perfectly graded skies. Bonfire scenes render transparent flame layers alongside detailed shadows, creating immersive visuals. With advanced stabilization that anticipates motion like a cinematic guide, creators can capture everything from stage performances to urban storytelling and produce lifelike visuals while shooting entirely handheld.
The dual-telephoto system extends its excellence to video. An impressive 9.4 magnification and advanced stabilization allow wildlife documentarians to track eagles in flight, capturing every feather’s tremor without handheld shake. Concert videographers isolate drummers’ stick-work from arena back rows, with AI motion tracking maintaining focus through spotlights and pyrotechnic effects. This cinematic versatility ensures vibrant, professional-grade footage across scenarios.
The exceptional photo and video performance owes much to the Ultra Chroma XMAGE camera, which leverages 1.5 million multi-spectral channels for near-perfect color accuracy. Skin tones radiate natural warmth against neon-lit streets or golden-hour horizons, while environmental hues retain atmospheric richness. This unparalleled color science underpins the historic Photography and Video Scores, rendering emerald forests, crimson silks, and azure skies exactly as the human eye perceives them. Complex lighting scenarios yield to its intelligence, ensuring authentic reproduction in every frame.
Redefining possibilities with fashion-next, durable design
Beyond imaging supremacy, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra honors HUAWEI’s tradition of daring aesthetics. The evolved Forward Symbol Design, now adorned with sunburst motifs and golden accents, radiates horological luxury in two striking finishes: Prestige Gold and Prestige Black. Practical elegance shines through with the Second-Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, offering 25x greater drop resistance than conventional glass. The AI Smart Controls Button transforms the device into an extension of the creator’s intuition, while EMUI 15’s interactive themes add delightful touches, like lockscreen emojis tumbling playfully under fingertips.
Since its debut, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra has seen much enthusiasm across global markets. Both professional photographers and photography hobbyists, who demand uncompromised imaging excellence, have swiftly adopted the device as part of their photography device lineup. Gizmochina Picks from Gizmochina even hailed the device as a “Camera Master.” More than a tool, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra has become the ultimate creative companion. This global resonance amplifies HUAWEI’s core philosophy that technology should liberate creativity, never constrain it.
Through deep hardware-software integration and comprehensive imaging evolution, HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra demonstrates HUAWEI’s profound technical heritage while delivering unprecedented all-scenario imaging experiences. By elevating every strength, from telephoto versatility and color science, to light mastery, it has expanded photography’s frontier for everyone who dreams in frames.
AUTHORITIES arrested 112 individuals for various offenses conducted by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) from Aug. 10 to Aug. 16, 2025.
Acting city director Col Mannan Muarip credited the active support of the community and local barangay officials in the law enforcement accomplishments. He said the most substantial gains were reported in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The DCPO conducted 48 operations, leading to the arrest of 52 suspects and the seizure of illegal substances with an estimated street value of over P2.5 million. This included 348.947 grams of shabu and 1,582.625 grams of marijuana.
In its intensified crackdown on illegal gambling, the police carried out 16 operations, which resulted in the apprehension of 18 individuals. Authorities confiscated P5,460 in bet money and filed 16 cases against the violators.
The DCPO also focused on bringing fugitives to justice by catching 41 individuals, with 22 on the most wanted list.
To curb the proliferation of illegal weapons, the DCPO conducted three operations targeting loose firearms, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of one gun, in addition to one firearm being surrendered and another turned in for safekeeping.
One case has been filed in connection with these operations. According to a DCPO statement, these accomplishments reflect not only the dedication of the men and women of the police force but also their strong partnership with the community, barangay officials, and the Local Government Unit.
The DCPO emphasized its commitment to upholding human rights and strict adherence to Police Operational Procedures throughout all its law enforcement activities, stating that together, they continue to build a safer and more peaceful Davao City.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
