Category: Business Mirror

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country, welcomes a new variant to the renowned Click125 series with the arrival of The Click125 Street, delivering an enhanced performance and bold character for an engaging, rider-centric experience on the road.

Anchored from the concept ‘Game-Changer Upgrade’, The Click125 Street now takes on a stylish visual look complemented by an exciting set of advanced features and technology designed to support riders with greater ease and confidence on their everyday journey. The latest model launch strengthens Honda’s continued pursuit to bring convenience, mobility and comfort for riders.

Built for a more confident ride

The Honda Click125 Street arrives with a fresh sense of style and character, while keeping the signature sporty identity of this model range. Adding another layer of character, the latest model now comes with New Naked Handlebars for a dynamic look and confident steering, whether it’s for navigating city streets or traveling through open roads. It is equipped with the Full Digital Meter Panel, which presents key information at a glance. An All-LED Lighting System is also designed for brighter illumination and improved visibility while moving. These features give riders more control and wider view of their journey, making The Click125 Street a compelling choice for daily urban riding.

Move with the right balance of power and efficiency

To keep up with everyday movement, The Click125 Street is powered by 125cc Liquid-Cooled, PGM-FI, eSP Engine, made to handle journeys with ease through reliable performance and fuel efficiency. With its 50.3km/L fuel consumption rating under WMTC testing, riders can keep going further distances and enjoy longer travel with fewer refueling stops.

Keep moving with the right grip and control

This model is also equipped with Wide Tubeless Tires that provide enhanced road grip and stability, providing greater confidence while riding across various road conditions. Adding to the package is the Wavy Disc Brake, which improves overall riding control with its responsive braking performance.

More details for smart and seamless journeys

Built around practicality and convenience, The Click125 Street comes loaded with different features that suit the daily needs of every rider. Starting the motorcycle becomes effortless with the Smart Key System, while the 18L Luggage Box offers a generous space for helmets and other essentials to bring along.

When the traffic puts the scooter on stop, the Idling Stop System (ISS) helps in saving fuel by automatically turning the engine off and launching back smoothly with a simple throttle operation. The model also has a built-in USB-C Charger that keeps smartphones powered, and a Combined Braking System (CBS) for a stable braking and safe riding experience.

Stand out through signature color options

Available in Matte Cyber Grape Metallic, and Pearl Arctic White, each color reinforces the sporty character of The Click125 Street and brings a stronger visual presence wherever riders go. The new color options also extend one’s personality on the road, making the journey more personal and reflective of who they are.

‘The Click125 Street brings a fresh take to the Click125 series with its bold and sporty character combined with advanced features and reliable performance. We believe this new variant gives riders another way to enjoy their everyday journeys while staying true to the quality and performance they expect from Honda. This is what we mean by a Game Changer Upgrade-giving riders an upgraded experience that fits their style and the way they ride today,’ said Takeshi Kobayashi, President of Honda Philippines, Inc.

Capitol Medical Center (CMC) has added another milestone to its 56-year legacy of healthcare service, earning not just one but two Merit Awards at the prestigious 22nd Philippine Quill Awards held on August 27, 2026, at Solaire Resort, Parañaque City.

The recognition places CMC among organizations recognized for using communication not merely to inform, but to create measurable impact, influence behavior, strengthen engagement, and build lasting trust.

With this year’s Quill theme, ‘SOAR: Shaping Outcomes, Advancing Reputations,’ the recognition reflects CMC’s continuing transformation from a trusted healthcare institution into a modern, purpose-driven organization that communicates with impact.

For more than five decades, CMC has been known for its enduring commitment to ‘Right Care, Right Here.’ Today, that commitment extends beyond the walls of the hospital-into the way the institution connects with communities, engages its people, embraces innovation, and responds to emerging social and environmental challenges.

The Merit Awards recognize communication initiatives that demonstrate this evolution, particularly the CMC Signature Sound and Capitol C.A.R.E.S. (Commit, Act, Reduce, Educate, Sustain)-‘Basura Ko, Responsibilidad Ko.’

From creating a distinctive sonic identity that strengthened digital brand recall to transforming hospital waste management into a culture of accountability and sustainability, CMC demonstrated that communication can move people, change behavior, and deliver measurable results.

This milestone marks not simply an award for CMC, but a celebration of how purposeful communication can help a healthcare institution SOAR-while staying true to the values that have guided it for more than 56 years.

The association brings producers together to strengthen technical capacity, collaboration, and market development

The Philippine Cage-Free Association (PCFA), the country’s first dedicated industry association focused on cage-free egg production, was officially launched today at ILDEX Philippines 2026 in Manila during the session ‘Launching the Philippine Cage-Free Association: Growing Demand, Growing Opportunities.’ The Association brings together industry stakeholders around a shared goal of strengthening cage-free egg production and supply in the Philippines.

The Association was founded by Global Food Partners (GFP), Bounty Plus, Kingmerbi Corporation, Dominant Asia Livestock Genetics, Inc., and Sandalan Poultry Farm, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among producers and supporting the continued development of the Philippine cage-free egg sector. As the Association’s exclusive technical partner, GFP will provide members with practical technical guidance, training, and support, drawing on its experience supporting cage-free producers across Asia and other markets.

The launch comes as demand for cage-free eggs continues to grow among hospitality, foodservice, and other companies in the Philippines. As more businesses seek reliable sources of cage-free eggs, producers are increasingly looking for opportunities to strengthen their technical capabilities, meet recognised animal welfare standards, and connect with buyers.

‘As consumer expectations around animal welfare and food production continue to evolve in the Philippines, cage-free eggs represent an important opportunity for the local egg industry,’ said Dino Diño, Bounty Plus, Inc.’s Associate Vice President, Supply Chain and Demand Planning and founding member of the Association. ‘The Association will help create a stronger platform for producers to share experience, respond to changing market expectations, and work together to develop the sector.’

Global Food Partners has been supporting the development of cage-free production in the Philippines and across Asia through technical assistance, producer training, farm transition support, and connections between producers and corporate buyers. GFP has worked closely with Kingmerbi Corporation on its transition from conventional cages to cage-free production, including support for barn retrofitting, cage-free management, animal welfare practices, and connections with local buyers.

‘The launch of the Philippine Cage-Free Association marks an important step for producers as the country’s cage-free market develops,’ said J. Signey, GFP’s Philippine Country Lead and founding member of the Association. ‘We are proud to be a founding member and the Association’s exclusive technical partner. We look forward to bringing GFP’s experience and expertise together with the knowledge and expertise of Philippine producers to provide practical technical support and help build a strong foundation for the sector’s continued growth.’

The Association welcomes cage-free and transitioning producers interested in joining its growing network. To express your interest or learn more, please contact Secretariat@cagefree.ph

Basketball has long shaped Derrick Rose’s connection with the Philippines, but on Tuesday night in Cebu, Filipino culture took center stage.

The former NBA Most Valuable Player and ArenaPlus ambassador got a closer look at the traditions behind that connection during the Champion’s Circle Appreciation Dinner on Aug. 25 at Kasadya Buffet Buko Bar, Shangri-La Mactan here.

Rose spent the evening watching the Kasadya Cultural Show alongside ArenaPlus VIPs, content creators, and members of the media.

Kasadya, a Cebuano word that captures a sense of joy and celebration, lived up to its name as the evening showcased a vibrant mix of Filipino culture through traditional dances, colorful costumes, and fiery performances.

‘It’s been nothing but love-the traditional dances, the people,’ Rose said when host Mark Zambrano asked what had stood out about Cebu’s welcome, with the former MVP applauding throughout the performances and appearing especially impressed as one performer sent flames into the air.

But watching eventually gave way to participation as Rose was invited onstage to try Tinikling, putting the former MVP in the middle of one of the Philippines’ best-known folk dances.

‘Yeah, that’s rhythm,’ Rose said after making his way through the bamboo poles, before laughing as Zambrano jokingly suggested adding Tinikling to offseason training.

The lighthearted moment offered another kind of connection with Filipino fans for Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft who went on to become the youngest MVP in league history three years later.

‘That’s why I retired, to be able to have these types of moments, being able to see people face to face, be intimate, and to grow a connection through life,’ said Rose, now on his fifth visit to the Philippines and his third as an ArenaPlus ambassador in less than a year.

‘I feel like that’s life, the journey, being able to travel, and travel with a good experience and travel with great company,’ he added.

The Champion’s Circle Appreciation Dinner provided that kind of setting, bringing Rose within conversational distance of guests through a QandA, photo opportunities with ArenaPlus’ most loyal players from Cebu, and an evening that eventually saw him become part of the cultural celebration himself.

‘I’m gonna keep speaking on the experience. This is something that I am taking, I am cherishing,’ Rose said. ‘Energy is the only thing that we get in this life, and this memory here will last forever.’ After years of Filipino fans following Rose through the triumphs, adversity, and resilience that shaped his basketball journey, the evening allowed that exchange to go the other way.

For one night in Cebu, it was Rose’s turn to learn a little more about the people who had been waiting to welcome him.

Cafe Summit at Summit Hotel Greenhills introduces an enhanced menu consisting of a thoughtfully curated selection of favorites and newly added dishes, presented by members of the culinary team who recently earned awards at the Philippine Culinary Cup.

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Vice-President and Deputy General Manager Annalyn Yap says, ‘This launch marks an important new chapter for Café Summit Greenhills as we continue to evolve the dining experience for our guests. It reflects our commitment to keeping our offerings fresh, relevant, and aligned with the tastes of today’s diners. The occasion is made even more meaningful by the recent achievement of our culinary team at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2026, where they earned four Bronze Awards. We are proud to see our all-Filipino chefs recognized alongside some of the industry’s best, and excited to share their passion and dedication with every guest who dines with us.’

Café Summit Greenhills’ culinary team is led by Head Chef Arvin Ace Barsaga, a young, dynamic chef who also won at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025. Chef Ace began his career with international luxury hotel brands in Manila before further honing his craft in Dubai. Upon returning to the Philippines, he served as Cluster Senior Head Chef for a prominent restaurant group. Since joining Summit Hotel Greenhills in 2024, he has overseen the property’s kitchen, banquet, and catering operations.

Chef Ace says, ‘The inspiration behind the new menu was about finding the balance between familiar flavors and a more modern culinary approach. I wanted to offer dishes that our guests were familiar with, but at the same time, give them something new and exciting to discover. The dishes incorporate Filipino flavors and ingredients while taking inspiration from different cuisines around the world.’

The new menu includes their own interpretations of street food like Pares Bulalo and Baked Pancake; Pasta Negra con Gambas Al Ajillo; and S’mores Skillet, as well as guest favorites like Chili Beef Dip and Massaman Curry. It also features Café Sumit signature dishes from other Summit Hotels and Resorts around the country.

Cecilia Jao Padilla, Corporate Director of Food and Beverage, says, ‘Our signature dishes remain at the heart of every Café Summit experience, but we also encourage each property to explore new ideas that reflect evolving guest preferences. At Café Summit, consistency and innovation go hand in hand. The enhancements introduced at Café Summit Greenhills are part of that

process. They allow us to test, learn, and discover opportunities that can influence future menu developments across the brand while staying true to the flavors our guests love.’

Chef Ace also gives credit to his culinary team, each of whom brings unique skills and experiences to the table. ‘Every dish reflects the collective passion, talent, and dedication of the people behind it,’ he says. ‘It is through that collaboration that we continue to grow, challenge ourselves, and create dishes we are proud to serve.’

Together with Chef Ace, the team that participated in the 2026 Philippine Culinary Cup included Chef de Partie Wilmar Palwa, Commis Jake Anthony Parrilla, and Demi Chef Ailene Rosero, all from Summit Hotel Greenhills; and Chef Remie Malicy, Head Chef of Grand Summit General Santos.

Chef Ace concludes, ‘Our goal is for Café Summit Greenhills to be a dining destination that guests genuinely want to return to. We believe great food doesn’t have to be complicated, nor should it be a luxury. It should be approachable, enjoyable, and offer excellent value. We want Café Summit Greenhills to be a place where guests can gather with family and friends, enjoy good food, and feel right at home. Ultimately, we hope every dish leaves a lasting impression and makes our cafe a place guests return to often, crave when they’re away, and proudly recommend to family and friends.’

Café Summit offers a breakfast buffet from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and à la carte dining from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, the restaurant features a Private Room for up to 20 guests, with flexible event arrangements available for up to 100 persons in the adjoining main dining area. Outside catering is also available. For inquiries and reservations, please contact (+63) 919 078 0790.

Summit Hotel Greenhills is located at 17 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan.

After 21 days of traveling by land and sea, meeting dealers, engaging motorcycle communities, and bringing the brand closer to riders, Lakbay Gumande: The Visayas Rollout 2026 officially concludes its journey across the Visayas.

From August 8 to 27, 2026, the Gumande team traveled through Tacloban, Ormoc, Cebu, Bais, Bacolod, and Iloilo, six stops with one clear mission: to strengthen Gumande’s presence in the region and bring the promise of Kampante sa Gumande directly to Visayan riders.

More than a caravan, Lakbay Gumande became an on-ground brand-building initiative that connected product education, dealer development, and motorcycle community engagement.

At every stop, dealer and reseller product orientations strengthened understanding of the Gumande tire line, while community activities brought the brand directly to local riders. The presence of Gumande Ambassadors and the Traction Masters Stunt Team added another dimension to the rollout, allowing communities to experience the brand beyond the showroom and dealer counter.

The journey also coincided with Makina Moto Expo Cebu 2026, further expanding Gumande’s visibility and creating opportunities to connect with riders, industry partners, dealers, and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region. Strengthening Gumande’s Regional Network

At the heart of the rollout are Gumande’s Key Regional Dealers, whose presence and growing networks continue to make the brand accessible across the Visayas.

Region VI – Western Visayas

GYS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

Region VII – Central Visayas

Moto Prestige Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

RMD Ventures

ESE United Parts

Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

ESE United Parts

Negros Island Region

RMD Ventures – Negros Oriental

GearOne Motorcycle Parts and Accessories – Negros Occidental

These partnerships represent more than distribution points. They serve as Gumande’s connection to local dealers, resellers, riding communities, and ultimately, the everyday riders the brand aims to serve.

The 21-day journey also provided valuable insight into the diversity of the Visayas motorcycle market , from territories highly receptive to new brands, to value-conscious communities, to cities where Gumande is already beginning to establish recognition and a growing following.

That understanding will help shape the brand’s next steps as it continues to strengthen distribution, dealer education, community presence, and product accessibility throughout the region.

A Rollout That Goes Beyond the Road

Lakbay Gumande may have covered six cities, but its real accomplishment cannot be measured by kilometers alone.

It is measured by the dealers who now understand the products better. By regional partners with stronger opportunities to widen their networks. By riders who encountered Gumande for the first time. And by communities where the Gumande name is now becoming more familiar.

Tacloban. Ormoc. Cebu. Bais. Bacolod. Iloilo.

Six stops that became part of one bigger journey.

As the convoy heads home, the rollout ends but Gumande’s journey in the Visayas is only getting stronger.

21 days. Six cities. One Tropang Gumande.

Kampante na sa Gumande ang Visayas.

PADAYON, TROPANG GUMANDE!

Prince Retail, one of the Philippines’ leading community-focused retail chains, partners with Capillary Technologies, a global leader in AI-powered customer loyalty and engagement solutions.

Operating under the Prince Hypermart brand with 79 stores nationwide, this collaboration elevates Prince Royalty, its customer rewards program, to deliver meaningful and personalized experiences to its customers.

As Prince Retail expands to more areas in the Philippines, the collaboration with Capillary will help strengthen the retailer’s customer engagement capabilities to create a strong foundation for growth.

Jenny Lynn Teves, Associate Director – Marketing and Store Design at Prince Retail Group, shared: ‘Our mission is ‘TO SERVE THE UNDERSERVED,’ and as we continue to expand, we will need a loyalty ecosystem to drive customer engagement and deliver relevant experiences to support our long-term growth.’

The partnership activates Capillary’s full suite – Loyalty+, Engage+, CDP, Insights+, and the Promo Engine – transforming Prince Royalty into a unified platform that consolidates customer identities, enables AI-driven analytics, and powers fraud detection. Over time, this infrastructure is expected to unlock broader value across retail and financial inclusion ecosystems.

Santosh Reddy, President – APAC at Capillary Technologies, commented: ‘The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic retail markets, and Prince Retail is a brand that truly reflects the heart of Filipino commerce – resilient, people-first, and built for scale. We are proud to partner with them in building a future-ready loyalty ecosystem that delivers long-term value for millions of customers across the archipelago. With proven expertise in driving loyalty transformation for leading brands across APAC and global markets, Capillary is excited to support Prince Retail’s next phase of growth.’

This collaboration sets a new benchmark for data-driven engagement in Philippine retail, enabling Prince Retail to build smarter insights, accelerate digital adoption, and strengthen long-term customer value. With Prince Retail leading frontline transformation and Capillary powering the technology behind it, the partnership is poised to redefine loyalty for community retail across Southeast Asia.

PLAYTIME Entertainment, operator of an online casino platform in the Philippines, is expanding beyond its core gaming business into e-sports, talent management and digital media as part of a broader diversification strategy.

The company, whose licensed online gaming platform now operates as PT Gaming, said it has established new divisions-PT Sports, PT Idol and PT Cares-alongside PT Summit, a technology partnership initiative aimed at helping media companies produce digital content.

‘We have to take advantage of the digital era to get ahead of our competitors in the entertainment industry. More importantly, this is also to emphasize that we are more than just a gaming platform,’ PlayTime Entertainment President Crisanto Roy Alcid said in a statement.

Alcid said the company would continue to innovate to keep pace with digitalization and changing consumer lifestyles.

PT Sports is developing competitive e-sports teams, including a Dota 2 roster assembled earlier this year, while PT Idol serves as the company’s talent management arm for young Filipino performers, primarily through TikTok.

PT Cares handles the company’s corporate social responsibility programs and works with livelihood and non-profit groups serving underserved communities.

The company said its non-gaming ventures are also intended to develop additional revenue streams.

The diversification comes as online gambling faces increased regulatory and public scrutiny in the Philippines.

PlayTime’s gaming operations are licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which regulates the sector and limits participation to players aged 21 and above.

‘We are positive that this is just the start of something bigger for PlayTime Entertainment,’ Alcid said.

Happiest Pinoy, Cebuana Lhuillier’s flagship advocacy celebrating Filipino resilience, optimism, and joy, has been named a Bronze Stevie® Winner for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility at the 23rd Annual International Business Awards®.

Known as the ‘International Stevies,’ the awards are among the world’s major business honors, drawing more than 3,400 nominations from organizations across 82 nations and territories. More than 210 professionals evaluated winners across 11 specialized judging panels.

For Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, the recognition underscores the role of optimism in creating meaningful social impact. ‘Happiest Pinoy was built on a simple belief: that optimism is not just a mindset, but a powerful force that can shape communities and inspire action. By celebrating the everyday ways Filipinos choose hope and happiness, we hope to spark a ripple effect, one that encourages more people to lift each other up and see the possibilities ahead.’

The 2025 search drew more than 500,000 entries nationwide, expanding its categories to celebrate the many faces of Filipino joy-from upbeat Gen Zs and inspiring seniors to persons with disabilities, OFWs, entrepreneurs, artists, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and everyday Ka-Cebuanas whose stories show that happiness can be found in every generation, community, and walk of life.

Happiest Pinoy also moved beyond a traditional competition through a nationwide roadshow that brought the advocacy directly to communities. Cebuana Lhuillier engaged student leaders, school heads, local tourism champions, media partners, local government representatives, and marginalized sectors, widening participation and creating opportunities for more Filipinos to share their stories. Entries were accepted online, through video, and at Cebuana Lhuillier branches, making the search accessible to Filipinos across the country.

A distinguished panel of judges from government, business, sports, media, and social development brought together diverse experiences and perspectives on overcoming challenges and making a difference in others’ lives. Together, they assessed the finalists not only for their resilience and optimism, but also for the impact, authenticity, and purpose behind their stories.

Zacarias Mansing Jr., a literacy and disability inclusion advocate, emerged as the overall winner from among 10 national category winners, taking home the ?500,000 grand prize. After an accident left him paralyzed, Mansing transformed his experience into a mission to advance literacy and disability inclusion, reaching more than 50,000 students across 300 remote public schools in Negros Oriental through his Books for Kids Project.

The advocacy has recently expanded into the digital space through #SimpleJoysPH, turning the celebration of happiness into an ongoing movement that can be experienced and shared year-round. Across online platforms, people celebrate the moments that make life meaningful like family milestones and personal wins to simple acts of kindness. Building on the spirit of Happiest Pinoy, #SimpleJoysPH takes the celebration beyond the annual competition, creating more ways to express and inspire everyday joy through meaningful stories, a songwriting contest, and a dance challenge.

The Bronze Stevie® recognizes Happiest Pinoy’s evolution from an annual search into a broader advocacy, one that continues to reach more Filipinos, amplify stories of strength and purpose, and celebrate the everyday optimism that makes the Filipino spirit shine.

For businesses that rely on commercial vehicles, purchasing a truck is only the beginning of the ownership journey. Recognizing the importance of long-term value, Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) has introduced the Hino VALUE+ Promo, an initiative designed to help customers maximize their investment through a combination of purchase incentives and aftersales support.

Running until September 30, 2026, the campaign reflects Hino’s continuing commitment to its Total Support philosophy providing customers not only with dependable trucks, but also with the products, services, and support needed to keep their businesses moving.

‘At Hino, we understand that our customers measure value beyond the day they purchase a truck. They look at how that investment supports their business over time.’ said Maki Yamazaki, President of Hino Motors Philippines. ‘The VALUE+ Promo reflects our commitment to helping customers maximize ownership through reliable products, quality aftersales support, and practical benefits that contribute to their long-term success.’

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing the selected Hino models can enjoy a range of ownership benefits, including vehicle discounts of up to ?80,000 and ?20,000 worth of Hino Parts Discount Coupons, which can be used on Hino Genuine Parts, Hino Genuine Engine Oil, Smart Choice Parts, and participating PARTEX products which requires a minimum parts purchase amount of ?2,000 at authorized dealerships nationwide. Eligible models equipped with HMP rear bodies may also receive additional discounts on top of the outright discount amount.

Participating Hino models include:

Hino 200 Series (315, 315 NAC, and 415)

Hino 300 Series (414i, 414i Long, 814i, 514, 514 Auto, 616, 616 NAC, 716, 716 Double, 916, and 916 CBU)

Whether serving logistics providers, retailers, contractors, or entrepreneurs, Hino continues to focus on delivering solutions that help businesses operate efficiently while reducing the overall cost of ownership.

The Hino VALUE+ Promo is available at all authorized Hino dealerships nationwide until September 30, 2026, while Hino Parts Discount Coupons remain redeemable until December 31, 2027. Interested customers may visit their nearest Hino dealership or www.hino.com.ph for the complete promo mechanics terms and conditions.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-262663 Series of 2026.