BY ALEX ALAGON
Cebu Pacific releases the official music video for the 30th anniversary original soundtrack (OST) ‘Where Dreams Fly’.
Celebrating the artistry and enduring love of Pinoys for Original Pilipino Music (OPM), the song is performed by Filipino pop/alternative rock band Over October and reflects the airline’s long-standing commitment to making air travel accessible to Filipinos.
“This song is our love letter to all dreamers, reassuring them that Cebu Pacific will always be here as they take a step towards their dreams,” says Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Whether you’re flying to your dream destination, dream job, or dream adventure, Cebu Pacific will take you there. As the lyrics go, ‘Liliparin natin and mundo, ikaw at ako.’”
The music video echoes CEB’s belief that travel is not just about reaching places, but about opening doors to possibilities. It encourages listeners to move forward with confidence, knowing they have a reliable partner in their journey as they create new memories, pursue opportunities, and spend time with loved ones.
Drawing from personal moments that resonate with listeners, the band brings authenticity to the OST that mirrors the airline’s long-standing connection with its customers.
‘Where Dreams Fly’ is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook.
BATANGAS continues to emerge as one of the country’s most promising growth areas for horizontal residential developments, as property developers respond to sustained end-user demand, improving infrastructure, and the growing appeal of suburban living outside Metro Manila.
Industry observations reported by BusinessWorld note that homebuyers remain drawn to horizontal housing in regional markets that offer accessibility, economic opportunities, and long-term value. Batangas consistently figures among these preferred locations in Southern Luzon.
Batangas at the center of regional growth
The province’s strategic location, strong industrial and manufacturing base, and expanding transport networks have positioned Batangas as a key driver of regional development. These factors align with priorities identified by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which has recognized Batangas as a vital growth corridor in Southern Luzon.
At the same time, stable overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances and manageable inflation levels—highlighted in data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)—continue to support housing demand in the province.
“Homebuyers today are more deliberate in their decisions—they want space, security, and communities that support long-term living,” said Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, president of P.A. Properties. “Batangas offers a compelling balance of accessibility, economic opportunity, and quality of life, making it highly suited for horizontal residential developments.”
Strengthening presence in Lipa and Tanauan
Reflecting confidence in Batangas’ growth potential, P.A. Properties continues to expand its residential footprint in the province through established and upcoming developments in Lipa and Tanauan.
The company’s Idesia project in Lipa, Batangas, developed in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. of Japan, introduces master-planned communities that emphasize efficient design, sustainability, and a strong sense of neighborhood—qualities increasingly valued by today’s homeowners.
“Our partnership with Hankyu Hanshin allows us to apply global best practices in community planning to high-growth locations like Lipa,” said Lina-Cruz. “Idesia reflects our long-term commitment to building well-designed, livable communities in Batangas.”
In addition, P.A. Properties has expanded its Nuvista developments in both Tanauan and Lipa, further strengthening its presence in key Batangas cities. These projects cater to families and first-time buyers seeking accessible, well-planned communities near employment centers and essential services.
Outlook for horizontal housing in Batangas
Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, developers remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook for horizontal residential developments in Batangas. The province continues to attract genuine end-users, supported by strong demand fundamentals and sustained regional growth.
“We remain focused on locations where real housing needs anchor demand,” the CEO added. “Batangas consistently demonstrates these fundamentals, which is why it remains a priority area for our residential developments.”
Building where growth is taking shape
With Idesia in Lipa, Batangas, Nuvista projects in Tanauan and Lipa, and an expanding portfolio across the province, P.A. Properties reinforces its role in contributing to Batangas’ emergence as a key growth area for horizontal residential developments.
As infrastructure, economic activity, and population growth continue to converge in Batangas, the province is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of suburban and community-centered living in Southern Luzon.
MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines — Kawasaki Philippines further strengthened its leadership in the Philippine tricycle segment in 2025, commanding a 61.5% market share, supported by a 14.8% year-on-year growth. The brand’s continued expansion in the segment outpaced overall tricycle market growth, reinforcing Kawasaki’s position as the preferred motorcycle brand for livelihood and utility use nationwide.
Beyond its dominance in the tricycle segment, Kawasaki Philippines also delivered a strong overall performance in 2025, recording 15.7% year-on-year growth in total motorcycle sales, exceeding the industry’s overall growth rate. This performance marked the strongest growth among major Japanese motorcycle brands in the local market, reflecting demand across both its Regular Bikes and Leisure Bikes categories.
Kawasaki’s sustained leadership in the tricycle segment continues to be anchored by the Barako 175 and CT line-up, which remain widely recognized for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and suitability for daily commercial operations. These models continue to play a vital role in supporting income-generating activities, particularly in provincial and semi-urban communities.
Complementing its strong performance in its Regular Bike segment, Kawasaki Philippines also maintained momentum in its Leisure Bike portfolio, supported by growing consumer interest in premium and higher-displacement models. The company is set to further expand its Kawasaki Leisure Bikes line-up with upcoming model introductions in February 2026, featuring highly anticipated models previously unveiled at major international motor shows such as the Japan Mobility Show and EICMA in 2025.
As Kawasaki Philippines moves into the year ahead, the company remains focused on building on its leadership in core segments while continuing to strengthen its presence across a wider range of motorcycle categories, supporting riders, operators, and dealers across the country.
BY JHUN CARLO LUCERO, JEOREYLENE ROJO & KRISTINA CRUJIDO/DNSC INTERNS
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will pilot-test the Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) in eight municipalities in Davao Region
PCRP is a program under DSWD that promotes resiliency among the poor and vulnerable communities in the face of calamities, climate change, and economic shocks, ensuring no one is left behind.
It builds on the foundation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a 23-year poverty reduction program using a community participatory approach.
Harold Balandra, DSWD community development officer, said the first batch to benefit from the program includes the municipalities of Sarangani and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Governor Generoso, Taragona, Baganga, Cateel, and Manay in Davao Oriental, and Caraga.
The PCRP is expected to benefit around 4.13 million households, including nearly 33% of the country’s Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Meanwhile, Balandra said they will train community volunteers and local government officials on hands-on capacity-building training to support local implementation.
“We hope to give capability-building training to almost 116,000 community volunteers,” he said.
The selection process for municipalities is based on four key criteria: poverty incidence, Indigenous Peoples (IP) population, stunting rate, and vulnerability of the area, and also has 18.1% and above poverty reduction.
Meanwhile, Giovani Yogu, DSWD XI deputy regional program manager, said they are currently working on creating a safety net to ensure the budget allocation will not be used as political leverage during the election season.
“Implemented from the previous experience, they (politicians) adhered to the monitoring advocacy promoting participation, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
Davao-based professional choir The Jericho Project is making waves in the global choral community, following their standout performance at the 4th Sing from Kobe 2026 international choir festival and competition. Founded by Jeremy Sarmiento and Ricardo Floirendo, the group blends world-class musical artistry with a deep commitment to social impact—harnessing local talent while sharing the Philippines’ cultural richness with audiences worldwide.
Triumph at Sing from Kobe 2026
The Sing from Kobe festival invites choirs across the globe to unite through music and sing for peace. The Jericho Project emerged as a top contender, earning three prestigious recognitions, Religious Category Winner, Golden Diploma Level 5, and 2026 Kobe Grand Prize Finalist
These accolades highlight the choir’s technical mastery, emotional depth, and ability to convey meaningful messages through song.
Mission Beyond Music
More than a performance group, The Jericho Project is rooted in community engagement. Their work aims to empower skilled local singers while using music as a tool for positive change—linking artistic excellence to social impact that resonates with both Davaoeños and international audiences.
Future Plans:
Looking ahead, the choir is set to join more international competitions and festivals. Their goal is to proudly represent the Philippines, share Filipino culture through music, and build a legacy of genuine artistry and lasting global impact.
- Chinese New Year 2026 to be celebrated in China-funded Bucana Bridge
THE CITY government will temporarily close the Bucana Bridge on Feb. 16 to mark the Chinese New Year and cement Davao-China relations.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz said the venue for the celebration reflects the enduring friendship between China and Davao City.
“Hosting the Chinese New Year celebration at this location is therefore not only strategic but also a gesture of gratitude from Davao City to China, showcasing our appreciation for this meaningful collaboration,” Ortiz said.
With this, the 21st City Council approved the road closure along Bucana Bridge from Tulip to Roxas Rotunda.
A partial road closure will be implemented from Feb. 14 to 16 at 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., with one lane passable to vehicles for the ingress and rehearsals of the performers.
Meanwhile, during the event proper on Feb. 16, a full road closure will take effect from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
On Feb. 16 to 17, a partial closure will again be observed with one lane passable to vehicles for the egress.
The committee chair on tourism and beautification said the idea of celebrating the Chinese New Year at the Bucana Bridge was both suggested and reaffirmed by the Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen in a Jan. 6, 2026, meeting.
The project, with a total contract cost of ₱3.126 billion, was fully funded through an official grant from the Chinese government. The partnership was carried out under a contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The bridge was officially opened on Dec. 19, 2025.
“Beyond its role as a key infrastructure project improving connectivity and traffic flow, the bridge stands as a symbol of the healthy partnership and enduring friendship between China and Davao City,” Ortiz said.
City Tourism Operations Office head Willenito P. Tormis said the event will showcase performances from the Davao Chinese schools and the launch of the China Town coffee table book.
“It is the first time that we will be doing it on the bridge because, for the past years, we have been doing it at Rizal Park. It’s high time also to celebrate Chinese and Davao friendship,” Tormis said.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) hosted a ceremonial turnover of proceeds on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, benefiting local media advocates and a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to protecting women and children.
PCOL Mannan C. Muarip, acting director of the DCPO, welcomed Highway Patrol Group chief, BGen. Hansel M. Marantan, who graced the ceremony.
A primary beneficiary of the proceeds is Talikala, Inc., represented by its board of trustees president, Prof. Lourdesita S. Chan. Talikala is a Davao-based NGO that works on the frontlines to combat the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls.
Strengthening media ties
The proceeds were also turned over to Roy T. Geonzon, chairman of the DCPO City Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (CAGPTD) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
Geonzon, who also serves as the vice president for news operations of UMBN, reaffirmed the media sector’s commitment to “responsible communication” and its role in bridging the gap between the police and the public.
Muarip emphasized that the event is a testament to the DAVAO Framework —Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order.
By directing proceeds toward social causes like anti-trafficking, the DCPO aims to demonstrate transparency and a commitment to public service that goes beyond traditional patrolling.
“This turnover highlights the strong partnership between the DCPO and our community stakeholders,” Muarip said. “It underscores our shared commitment to programs that directly benefit the vulnerable sectors of our society.”
THE LAND Transportation Office (LTO) announced on Monday, Feb. 2, that it will issue a show cause order to the BMW Owners’ Society of Safe Riders (BOSS), the organizer of the Boss Ironman Challenge Mindanao Cup 2026, over fatal incidents and alleged traffic violations.
The Boss Ironman Challenge Mindanao Cup 2026 was held in General Santos City from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2026.
“The action follows widespread circulation of disturbing footage and accounts of accidents on social media platforms, which caught the immediate attention of the LTO chief and enforcement teams,” LTO said.
LTO said specific traffic violations are alleged to have occurred during the event, in violation of Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), based on the reviews of viral videos and images online
The violations include overspeeding, use of unauthorized vehicle accessories and modifications, illegal blinkers, failure to stop at red lights, and disregard for road signs, including mandatory stop signs and lane markers.
LTO stressed that alleged violations contributed to serious incidents during the challenge, including multiple collisions involving both event participants and civilian vehicles.
The agency reported that one of these collisions resulted in the death of a 7-year-old child, and a separate fatal collision involving another event participant in Kibawe, Bukidnon, on Feb. 1, which is currently under investigation by local authorities.
LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) launched preliminary investigations to verify the allegations and gather additional evidence, following an initial assessment of the videos from social media.
“Once concluded, the show cause order will be formally issued to the organizers,” LTO stressed.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, emphasized that road safety is non-negotiable.
“The heartbreaking footage we saw circulating online is a stark reminder that road safety is non-negotiable – every life on our roads matters, especially the most vulnerable among us, like children. Private motor vehicle events must never come at the cost of innocent lives.
He cited that, under Republic Act No. 4136, organizers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure compliance with traffic laws and prioritize safety for all.
“We will hold accountable those responsible, and this case sends a clear message: compliance is mandatory, and safety must be at the core of all event planning and execution,” Lacanilao said.
Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, is enhancing its customer servicing as it expands its strategic partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider Wiz.AI, automating key processes within its collections operations, particularly Quality Assurance (QA) to strengthen the audit process and overall service quality.
Leveraging the expertise of Wiz.AI, voice AI will review and assess call recordings, evaluating performance based on service quality. This integration will help ensure that human agents remain respectful and uphold the company’s commitment to fair and responsible collection practices.
“Our partnership with Wiz.AI has already transformed how we manage high-volume collection calls, and with this renewed collaboration, we’re excited to explore new frontiers in automation. By integrating voice AI into our QA processes, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also ensuring a more consistent and personalized customer experience,” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.
“This innovation will also support our audit process to ensure our agents remain responsible, while helping us gain insights into how we can further enhance the way we serve our customers and continuously improve our service. We highly value our customers’ dignity and maintain zero tolerance for harassment or abusive practices,” Isidro added.
Over the past three years, the lending arm of the country’s leading finance super app, GCash, and Wiz.AI have worked together to deploy VoiceBot, an AI-powered voice automation tool that handles high-volume, routine collection calls. The solution has reduced the heavy manual workload, allowing agents to focus on more complex and high-value customer concerns that require human interaction.
This marks a major step toward solving one of the lending industry’s biggest challenges: labor-intensive processes– while enhancing scalability, reducing errors, and improving the overall customer experience.
Wiz.AI’s technology enables the lending arm to offload repetitive, lower-value tasks from human agents, such as making reminder calls or verifying information. This allows agents to focus on complex customer interactions that require empathy, negotiation, or deeper problem-solving—improving both productivity and service quality.
“Fuse’s success in leveraging voice AI is a perfect example of how the GCash ecosystem uses smart technology to solve core friction points for financial inclusion,” said Pebbles Sy, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “This partnership ensures our lending platform is scalable, trustworthy, and efficient, allowing us to safely serve millions more Filipinos.”
“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of enterprise voice AI when applied to visionary financial ecosystems like GCash. At WIZ.AI, we’ve built our reputation as the most trusted AI partner because we understand that leaders need more than technology—they need solutions that integrate seamlessly and scale reliably. By expanding into quality assurance, we are jointly setting a new benchmark for digital lending operations across the region,” said Jianfeng Lu, Wiz.AI Chief Executive Officer.
By integrating automation into both its customer service and QA functions, Fuse is directly addressing the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: limited capacity, high cost, and inconsistent quality. The result is a more scalable, accurate, and sustainable lending operation that combines digital precision with human expertise.
As Fuse Financing and Wiz.AI continue to expand their collaboration, both companies remain focused on creating a future where lending is not only faster and more efficient but also smarter, setting new standards for digital finance in the Philippines. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
