BY ALEX ALAGON
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Home Credit, a leading consumer finance provider in the country. This collaboration marks the beginning of their shared commitment to making Canon’s inkjet printers more accessible to consumers through flexible and affordable financing options.
With this partnership, customers purchasing Canon PIXMA printers through Home Credit will enjoy easy-to-manage installment plans, making high page yield printers more attainable to households and small businesses alike. Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., shares, “We’re excited to partner with Home Credit to provide Filipinos more access to our inkjet printers. More people can now experience a wide range of printing capabilities of our G series. I am sure people using it for home, small business, small office, or professional work will appreciate what our products have to offer.”
Jian Liu, Director of Customer Information and Imaging at Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., added, “This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to bring Canon’s high-quality printing solutions to more Filipino households and businesses. With Home Credit’s easy payment plans, we’re ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of our products without breaking the bank.”
“At Home Credit, we firmly believe that every Filipino deserves access to the latest and most reliable technology without the burden of financial stress. Our partnership with Canon Marketing Philippines marks a significant step toward this goal—making high-performance printers more accessible through flexible and affordable payment options. Whether for school, business, or personal use, this collaboration is all about empowering Filipinos to get the tools they need, when they need them,” says Puneet Suneja, Chief Sales Officer of Home Credit Philippines.
Canon’s PIXMA MegaTank series is known for its high-volume, cost-efficient printing. It is durable to meet all printing needs from reports, photos, certificates, stickers, calling cards, and more. Canon PIXMA G series printers offer 2 years warranty without print page count. Owners can enjoy 2 years of unlimited printing without any worries.
As part of this partnership, Home Credit is offering flexible installment plans for select Canon printers. Starting July 17, 2025, all purchases of Canon PIXMA G1010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G2010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G3010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G4770 MegaTank, and Canon PIXMA E470 will have 0% interest up to 12 months.
These offers make it easier for customers to invest in reliable Canon printers while managing their budget effectively.
The promos will be available nationwide for Canon authorized dealers that offer Home Credit and via the Home Credit app. For more details on this partnership and promos with Home Credit, you can visit https://www.homecredit.ph. For more promos and exciting Canon rewards points, please download the Canon Delightful app.
MANILA — Discovery Primea hotel and residences, one of Metro Manila’s most iconic luxury developments, has signed a strategic partnership with Adventenergy, Inc. (AdventEnergy), one of AboitizPower’s retail electricity supply (RES) arms, to enhance its energy reliability and sustainability initiatives.
Developed by JTKC Land and managed by Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), Discovery Primea is recognized for its high standards in both residential and hospitality experiences. This new partnership with AdventEnergy marks Discovery Primea’s transition from the captive power market to the competitive retail electricity space—an important step toward long-term cost efficiency and energy resilience. Under the agreement, AdventEnergy will deliver customized energy solutions tailored to the property’s needs, including reliable power supply and value-added services.
“This partnership is a reflection of our responsibility not only to our guests but to our residents and stakeholders as well,” said Christopher John Tiu, president and chairman of Discovery Primea Condominium Corporation and director of Discovery World Corporation (DWC). “As we continue to provide exceptional service and high standards of living, it is equally important that we evolve in the way we manage our resources—starting with smarter, more sustainable energy choices.”
“This partnership empowers us to future-proof our operations while staying true to our brand of heartfelt, world-class hospitality,” added David Pardo de Ayala, general manager of Discovery Primea. “Reliable energy is essential to delivering the seamless and meaningful experiences our guests deserve. We’re proud to take this step forward with a trusted partner like AdventEnergy.”
“Energy is intangible, but its impact is felt in every part of the guest experience,” said AdventEnergy president James Yu “We’re honored to be powering one of the country’s most respected residential and hospitality landmarks with consistent, innovative, and efficient supply solutions.”
Discovery Primea hotel and residences join a growing roster of premium commercial establishments that are leveraging the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Customer Choice Programs for improved service and operational advantage. The collaboration also includes an Electrical Thermography Service—a non-invasive diagnostic tool that detects potential electrical faults using thermal imaging, helping the property prevent issues before they occur.
The signing ceremony was held at Flame Restaurant, located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea, and brought together key executives from all involved parties. Representing Aboitiz Power Corporation and AdventEnergy were Danel Aboitiz, president and CEO; James Yu, president; Gina Camacho-David, vice president and head of retail energy sales, solutions, and services; and Jonathan Cruz, assistant vice president for business development and strategy. From Discovery Primea, attendees included Christopher John Tiu, president and chairman of Discovery Primea Condominium Corporation and director of DWC; Jose “Jun” Parreño Jr., president of DWC and chief operating officer of DHC; and David Pardo de Ayala, general manager of Discovery Primea.
The agreement reflects both companies’ broader vision of collaborative innovation. For Discovery Primea, the partnership unlocks more than just energy savings—it positions the property to pursue future upgrades such as energy audits and smarter power management systems.
“Our goal is to evolve this from a supply arrangement into a deeper collaboration,” Yu added. “We see opportunities to bring even greater efficiencies and innovations to the hospitality space—and we’re excited to build that future with Discovery.”
The announcement comes at a time when energy flexibility is becoming increasingly critical for high-performance buildings and businesses. It also reinforces the alignment between premium real estate and the country’s growing RES sector—a dynamic that could shape industry adoption in the years ahead.To learn more about Discovery Primea hotel and residences and its commitment to exceptional living experiences in the heart of Makati, visit www.discoveryprimea.com.
UNIONBANK recently inaugurated a new branch at the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Cebu City, enhancing access to financial services in one of the city’s key business districts.
The recently opened branch continues to showcase modern, customer-centric banking that promotes paperless transactions, intuitive self-service tablets, and 24/7 ATM machines —delivering a seamless experience for individuals and businesses alike.
“This new branch is more than just a physical space. It is a reflection of our belief in Cebu’s continued growth and our dedication to being part of that journey. Whether you’re a long-time client or someone who is just beginning your financial relationship with us, we are here to serve you with excellence, innovation, and care,” said UnionBank president and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado during the branch’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
“Cebu has always been a city full of promise—rich in culture, commerce, and strong community spirit. It’s where my family put down roots more than a century ago, and where our businesses first began to grow,” Delgado shared.
She compared UnionBank’s partnership with Cebu to an acacia tree the Aboitiz family once planted—one that grew steadily, weathered storms, and remained strong over time. “As we grow our presence here, we’re not just opening a new branch—we’re strengthening our bond with the people and businesses that keep Cebu thriving.”
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, who attended the blessing of UnionBank’s 20th branch in the region, commended the Bank’s commitment to service and innovation. He noted the professionalism and personalized approach of its team, reflecting the kind of customer experience that supports growth and trust in the community.
Also present at the inauguration were Cebu City Second District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama Jr.; UnionBank relationship banking head Conception Pearlie Lontoc; UnionBank chief cross-sell and chief external relations officer Anton Corro; and UnionBank chief marketing and experience officer Albert Cuadrante.
“This recent branch opening is a clear sign of confidence in Cebu as one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we are committed to being part of what supports and enables its exponential momentum,” said UnionBank Cebu sales director for relationship banking center Pico Sarmiento.
UnionBank’s latest branch opening underscores its drive to empower Filipinos through innovative banking even in its physical spaces and its ongoing support for thriving communities.
KENNY Rogers Roasters is renowned for serving “deliciously healthy” meals and is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary—a remarkable feat in a fast-paced, trend-driven industry where longevity is a true badge of success. Since 1995, the brand has grown into the country’s leading fast-casual restaurant, with over 150 stores nationwide. Known for its signature roasted chicken, hearty sides, and exciting food innovations, Kenny Rogers Roasters has redefined how Filipinos enjoy wholesome meals—proving that true greatness only gets better with time.
Redefined what healthy tastes like
For the past 30 years, Kenny Rogers Roasters has redefined what healthy tastes like by offering wholesome, flavorful meals in a fast-casual setting. Known for its Classic Roasted Chicken—tender, juicy chicken slow-roasted to perfection—the brand has become a staple in Filipino households.
Kenny Rogers Roasters also offers a well-rounded menu that balances indulgence and nutrition, featuring staples like the fall of the bone ribs, Healthy Plates and Salad—complete with calorie counts to give customers greater transparency and control over their meals. Complementing its main dishes are a variety of comforting side options that have become fan favorites over the years, including the iconic corn muffin, mac and cheese, and steamed vegetables.
These thoughtfully crafted combinations reflect the brand’s enduring commitment to making deliciously healthy food both satisfying and accessible to all.
Kenny Rogers Roasters continues to innovate with bold, globally inspired flavors that excite the palate while staying true to its healthy roots. Limited-time offerings such as the Four Cheese Roast, Great Garlic Roast, Truffle Roast, and Chimichurri Roast have added variety and excitement to the menu, proving that nutritious food can also be indulgent and crave-worthy. By staying ahead of trends and listening to what customers want, Kenny Rogers Roasters has solidified its reputation as a trailblazer in the industry—one that leads with purpose and flavor.
“I love me better:” The campaign that marks legacy
To celebrate its 30th year, Kenny Rogers Roasters is launching its most personal and empowering campaign yet: “I Love Me Better.” The brand recognizes that choosing better for yourself—especially when it comes to food—takes intention and courage. This campaign champions self-love through mindful eating, reminding everyone that even small decisions, like opting for healthier meals, can be powerful acts of self-care.
Marketing Director Lorent Martin Adrias explains that Kenny Rogers Roasters is for those who believe every better choice matters. “Sometimes, better choices start with something as simple as choosing better meals for yourself. When we choose healthier, better meals, we’re not just fueling our bodies but embracing self-love,” he says. “Choosing Kenny Rogers Roasters is more than a meal decision—it’s a commitment to loving yourself better.”
Reflecting this bold message, the “I Love Me Better” campaign took over high-traffic, unexpected spaces—from a full train wrap on LRT-1 and bus wraps in BGC to bike boards and inspiring billboards along EDSA. Each placement carried messages of self-love and empowerment, turning everyday commutes into bold reminders to choose better. The campaign also introduced a new, feel-good jingle now streaming on Spotify, extending the message through music.
For three decades, Kenny Rogers Roasters has led with purpose—redefining what deliciously healthy means while influencing communities through innovation and impact. “The legacy of Kenny Rogers Roasters is unmatched,” Adrias concludes. “And the future is set to raise the bar even higher.”
Frederick Siy, president and CEO of Kenny Rogers Roasters, concluded, “We’re not just looking back at 30 years of success—we’re showing what enduring excellence truly means. Kenny Rogers Roasters has stood the test of time by continuously evolving to cater to our consumers’ needs. As we move ahead, we remain committed to serving food that’s both delicious and healthy.”
Sta. Rosa City, Laguna – Monde Nissin Corporation partnered with the Department of Education and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to support Brigada Eskwela 2025, the national back-to-school campaign that rallies stakeholders to prepare public schools for the coming academic year.
Monde Nissin’s mission to support education and uplift communities is part of its commitment to #MakeBetterPossible. The company contributed to help enhance learning environments and empower students, parents, and educators through targeted interventions and volunteer engagement.
“Monde Nissin believes in the power of collaboration and community. Through this partnership, we’re proud to help create an educational foundation that will empower Filipino students to reach their full potential,” shared Atty. Olive Misa, Corporate and Government Affairs Head at Monde Nissin. “Our efforts for Brigada Eskwela 2025 reflect our core purpose—to help #MakeBetterPossible, especially for the next generation of Filipinos.”
Monde Nissin’s comprehensive support included the following:
- Donation of Tuklas Basa Kits to support NextGen LETRA (Literacy Enrichment Training and Reading Assistance) at LETRA-adopted schools. These kits helped strengthen students’ literacy skills and provided teachers with essential tools to enhance reading instruction.
- Spark Sessions for 120 parents and guardians, covering literacy and nutrition at home, cybersafety, and financial literacy, while their children received school supplies. This created a comprehensive support system that helped empower entire families.
- Brigada Pagbasa Literacy Activities with volunteer-facilitated reading sessions and storytelling time for 120 students, along with snacks and storybooks. This fostered a love for reading and created positive associations between learning and fun.
- School clean-up and beautification, Monde Nissin Employee volunteers helped in the school clean-up, painting of chairs, tables, and classrooms – this resulted in a more conducive learning environments that helped motivate students to learn.
- Volunteer appreciation packs, featuring popular Monde Nissin snacks such as SkyFlakes, Fita, Bingo, Nissin Wafer, Bread Stix, EggNog, Monde Mamon, Dutch Mill, and Monde Nuvi Chocolate Drink.
This year’s program reached these public schools:
- Leon Arcillas National High School – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Balibago National High School – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Santa Rosa Elementary School Central II – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Sinalhan Integrated High School – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Pulong Sta. Cruz National High School – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Pasay City National Science High School – Pasay City
- Balara High School – Balara, Quezon City
Through this initiative, Monde Nissin demonstrates its belief that every child deserves a safe, engaging, and well-equipped space to learn and grow. This commitment to #MakeBetterPossible helps cultivate a better generation of leaders and changemakers for the Philippines.
Fly to AU for as low as PHP 7,999 one-way all-in
Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, brings the warmth and richness of Filipino culture to Australia with the launch of the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar at Bondi Beach, a first-of-its-kind heated beach bar offering visitors of the annual Bondi Festival a unique way to experience the Philippines.
The travel beach bar is surrounded by standing heaters that create a warm ambiance reminiscent of the Philippine climate, offering a perfect escape from Australia’s winter season. It also features Filipino delicacies, music, and a design inspired by the bahay kubo, bringing a slice of the Philippines to Bondi Beach—one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Until July 31, 2025, CEB passengers may book flights to Australia for as low as PHP 7,999 for a one-way all-in fare. The travel period is from August 1 to December 31, 2025, perfect for holiday getaways.
CEB’s travel beach bar marks the first time an airline becomes an official airline partner of the Bondi Festival—a pioneering collaboration that underscores CEB’s commitment to bringing Filipino fun to the world stage. Festivalgoers can drop by the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar until July 20.
The travel beach bar builds on CEB’s Fly to Your Happy Philippines campaign, as the airline continues its global efforts to invite travelers to explore the country’s diverse islands in their own unique way.
Located just outside central Sydney, Bondi Beach is known for its wide stretch of sand, surf culture, and laid-back atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Each winter, it holds the Bondi Festival, a celebration of arts, live performances, and food experiences now made even more exciting with CEB’s tropical-themed travel beach bar.
With daily flights between Manila and Sydney, and four weekly flights to Melbourne, Filipinos can also visit Bondi Beach and other iconic destinations in Australia. From Syndey’s Bondi Beach and Opera House to Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, there’s plenty to explore year-round.
CEB launched its Manila-Sydney route in 2014, followed by Manila-Melbourne in 2018. The airline has flown over 250 million passengers as it continues to offer affordable and accessible flights.
CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) formalized P8 million for disaster preparedness and education programs in Davao City and Davao del Sur.
In Inawayan, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, a portion of the amount will fund disaster risk reduction management tools and equipment, as well as training for disaster-related rescue operations. It also covers solar electrification projects for barangay offices in Inawayan and Binugao, Davao City.
Under an agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), 20 high school students from Inawayan and Binugao will receive financial aid worth P7,300 each per year. Another 19 residents will get full college scholarships, inclusive of a P25,000 allowance per semester.
“The impact of this project will be built for years to come, not only for this year but for the next generation. We are proud that our learners from Davao del Sur are part of it,” said DepEd District Supervisor of the South of Davao del Sur, Hazel Luna.
Meanwhile, Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) earmarked a total of P4 million to healthcare and outreach projects in its host communities in Maco, Davao de Oro and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
In Maco, TMI Mobile 1 allocated P1.8 million to bolster the Municipal Health Office’s physical therapy program. This includes the procurement of exercise equipment, as well as advanced electronic devices like rehabilitation robot gloves, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) units, and a physiotherapy therapeutic ultrasound device.
“Some of these equipment target specific aspects of physical therapy that are not usually met with the current facilities available at our regional health unit,” explained Maco Municipal Health Office OIC Liezl Andoy. “With AboitizPower’s donation, our massage therapists may be able to cater to more patients since the treatment of each may be potentially shortened.”
In Nasipit, TMI Mobile 2 allotted P2.2 million in projects for healthcare, livelihood, and disaster resilience, which includes the acquisition of a thermocoagulator for Nasipit’s Regional Health Unit. A thermocoagulator is a medical device used to treat human tissue lesions, particularly in cases of cervical cancer.
In her speech, Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante commended the positive presence of AboitizPower in the area, citing revitalization of interest from other businesses and industries.
TSI owns and operates the 300-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant located in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, TMI owns and operates power barges in Maco, Davao de Oro, and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, with a total installed capacity of 200 megawatts.
Cebu Pacific (CEB) carried 2.2 million passengers in June 2025, a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Seat load factor (SLF) decreased to 87.5% from 88.3% last year while seat capacity grew by 8.8%.
Domestic passengers grew 7.3% versus June 2024 on 6.8% higher seats, with a SLF of 92.1%. International passenger traffic, meanwhile, grew 9.7% year over year on 14.2% higher seats, which resulted in a 3.1 percentage point decrease in SLF to 76.1%.
For year-to-date 2025, CEB passengers grew to 13.9 million, marking a 20.8% increase from 11.5 million in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 20.4% to 10.4 million, while international passengers grew 22.3% to 3.5 million. SLF averaged 85.4%, while overall capacity in seats grew 20.6% to 16.3 million.
“Despite the earlier onset of the academic calendar – moving the start of classes from late July last year to mid-June this year – passenger traffic and seat load factors remained resilient. Domestic demand remained strong shown by its 92% load factor while international traffic grew by over 9% as we invested in connecting cities outside Manila to more international ports,” said Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific. “For the first half of 2025, our load factors have increased despite seat growth of more than 20%. This reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within our network. Capacity for the second half of June was reduced due to the commencement of the leaner season. This also aligns with ongoing proactive management of engine and supply chain issues and as such we would expect capacity growth levels to stay at similar levels through the third quarter before rising again in the fourth quarter.”
THE PHILIPPINES has emerged as the most active job market among Southeast Asian countries, having the highest number of employers hiring jobseekers and reducing employees in the past year, according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest survey, Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report 2025.
The Philippines recorded an 83% activity level, followed by Indonesia at 75%, Malaysia at 74%, Singapore at 58%, and Thailand at 51%. Despite economic challenges and uncertainties, the leading online job portal reported that Southeast Asia has demonstrated a resilient job market with consistent employment growth.
Hiring activity
Jobstreet by SEEK shared that 93% of companies in the region were able to successfully recruit at least one employee in 2024.
In the Philippines, the report showed that 94% of employers had hired candidates, with 87% employing permanent full-time employees, 49% bringing in permanent part-time candidates, 44% hiring contractual/temporary full-time employees, and 26% onboarding contractual/temporary part-time employees.
Notably, the Philippines and Indonesia saw significant growth when it comes to the hiring of contractual/temporary full-time employees. This trend, according to Jobstreet by SEEK, can be attributed to business expansion, increasing preference for a temporary workforce and workforce flexibility, and demand for new skill sets.
Currently, a few of the top companies that are actively hiring on the Jobstreet by SEEK platform are Procter & Gamble, Meralco, McDonald’s, Ayala Corporation, and SM.
On the other hand, workforce reduction across the region had also increased in 2024, with 34% of the companies doing layoffs, retrenchments, or not replacing employees who resigned.
Among the countries, the Philippines and Indonesia experienced the highest workforce reductions last year, likely due to their greater preference for flexible workforces. Meanwhile, Singapore and Thailand had the lowest workforce reduction rates.
However, Jobstreet by SEEK noted that several factors may have contributed to this trend. For instance, affected candidates may have transitioned to new roles, as national statistics agencies across these countries indicate continued employment growth and declining unemployment rates.
The hiring landscape in 2025 is expected to evolve, with 37% of companies in Southeast Asia planning to hire more contract or temporary employees. Moreover, the Philippines’ heavy reliance on contract and temporary candidates is set to continue, with 46% of companies leading this trend in hiring for the first half of 2025.
“As the job market continues to evolve while remaining resilient, Jobstreet by SEEK stays committed to connecting candidates with hirers and delivering valuable insights like this report that empower hiring managers and assist jobseekers in preparing for better, meaningful opportunities,” said Dannah Majarocon, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in the Philippines.
The report was conducted among over 7,000 hirers and HR professionals across different industries in the region, between September to October 2024.
