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LTFRB visit highlights compliance, improvements at Batangas City Grand Terminal

Batangas City Grand Terminal has been confirmed compliant with government regulations following an inspection conducted today by Board Member Isagani M. Victorio of the Central Office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), together with Regional Director Rudolph B. Dimas of Region IV-A.

The inspection highlighted the terminal’s overall compliance and its continuous improvements in line with regulatory directives aimed at enhancing passenger safety, comfort, and accessibility.

Officials noted that during a previous visit by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), several recommendations were given, including the addition of more chairs in the passenger waiting area, the provision of restrooms for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the installation of additional electric fans. These recommendations were promptly implemented by the terminal management.

Further upgrades were also undertaken, such as the installation of additional bollards in the Bus Bay and in the Arrival and Departure areas to improve safety and traffic flow. Among the terminal’s recent initiatives are the construction of common gender comfort rooms, newly built railings, and PWD ramps, all aimed at enhancing convenience and ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

During the inspection, BM Victorio also suggested setting a maximum passenger waiting time before bus and jeepney departures, regardless of passenger load, to further enhance commuter convenience.

Terminal management expressed gratitude to the LTFRB for its continued guidance in improving operations and passenger services.

February 5, 2026 0 comment

Jollibee wins Company of the Year at 61st Anvil Awards

written by DWIZ 882

Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fast food chain, was named Company of the Year at the 61^st Anvil Awards after winning 1 Grand Anvil, 8 Golds, and 6 Silvers, the highest-valued awards given to a single organization this year.

Leading Jollibee’s wins was a Grand Anvil for “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy,” a multi-platform campaign that honored everyday Filipino wins, excellence, and values. The campaign also received three Golds and a Silver across marketing and brand communication, social media, influencer marketing, and experiential categories, showing its wide reach and strong connection with audiences.

“Receiving 16 Anvil Awards, including Company of the Year and the Grand Anvil Award, is a great honor for Jollibee,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “More than the awards, this recognition shows our commitment to creating work that truly matters. Work that brings joy, makes a positive difference in our customers’ lives, and helps the communities we serve. We share this achievement with our dedicated Jollibee team and our agency partners, whose hard work and teamwork made this possible.”

The brand also earned two Golds and one Silver for Kids Values Meal, highlighting Jollibee’s commitment to teaching positive values to children through advocacy, partnerships, and experiential marketing.

Additional Gold Anvil Awards were given to Project Abulug for corporate social responsibility, Project 1000: 1,000 Kilometers of Joy for partnerships, and Deliver Joy: The All-New Jollibee App for innovation in customer experience and digital engagement.

Several Silver Anvil Awards reflected Jollibee’s creativity and range. These included Bee Earth’s Best Friend, an environment-focused campaign promoting sustainability; The Dessert Museum x Peach Mango Pie collaboration, which won two Silver Anvils; and Serving Joy and Music, an in-store experience that brought together food, music, and community.

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Widely regarded as the Oscars of Public Relations in the Philippines, the Anvil Awards are organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and recognize excellence in strategic public relations and communications.

Jollibee’s performance at this year’s Anvil Awards reflects a steady, purpose-driven approach to brand building. As the company continues to grow in the Philippines and beyond, the Company of the Year recognition demonstrates how a Filipino brand, guided by authenticity and purpose, can set high standards in communication and create meaningful impact.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

February 2, 2026 0 comment

Makati Medical Center, pinarangalan ng 3 Silver Anvil Awards

written by DWIZ 882

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Tatlong Silver Anvil Awards ang natanggap ng Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) sa ginanap na 61st Anvil Awards ng Public Relations Society of the Philippines noong Enero 28.

Pinarangalan ang MakatiMed sa programang Gabay 2.0, na nagbibigay ng tuloy-tuloy na mental health support para sa mga empleyado ng ospital.

Nanalo rin ang ospital para sa QR Code Scheduling Program, isang digital system na nagpapadali sa pag-iskedyul ng mga pasyente para sa outpatient procedures.

Ikatlong parangal ang nakuha ng Red Light Project, isang adbokasiya na gumagamit ng pulang ilaw sa gusali ng ospital upang ipaalam sa publiko kung mababa ang suplay ng dugo at hikayatin ang blood donation.

Ayon sa MakatiMed, patunay ang mga parangal sa kanilang patuloy na pagsisikap na paunlarin ang kalusugan ng mga empleyado, pagandahin ang serbisyo sa pasyente, at palakasin ang mga adbokasyang may pakinabang sa komunidad.

February 1, 2026 0 comment

Google launches new AI frontier with Personal Intelligence in Gemini

written by DWIZ 882

For years, digital planning has felt like a chore. Whether it’s organizing a family vacation or finding a specific memory, people have had to act as a “human router”—constantly switching between email tabs, photo galleries, and maps to get things done.

Google is now making that easier as it recently announced a major update to Gemini with the launch of Personal Intelligence, a new way for AI to help you manage your daily life by organizing and processing the various information across your favorite Google apps.

Unlike traditional AI that only knows what it finds on the internet, Personal Intelligence understands people’s own personal worlds by analyzing the apps they rely on most. By securely linking with apps like Gmail, Google Photos, and YouTube, Gemini becomes a specialized assistant tailored to your specific needs.

Many things are made easier with Personal Intelligence—take the stress of travel planning as an example. Instead of searching through dozens of emails for flight confirmations and scrolling through years of photos to remember a favorite restaurant, you can simply ask Gemini for help. It can see your travel dates in Gmail, learn your “vibe” by looking at your favorite nature photography or food snaps in Google Photos, and even creates a cohesive, one-of-a-kind itinerary that matches your specific style and schedule.

In addition to the ultimate AI convenience, Google has built Personal Intelligence with a privacy-first mindset. The feature is entirely optional and off by default. People have total control over which apps they choose to link and they can delete chat history anytime! Whether you want to connect just your Gmail or include your YouTube interests to find better workout videos, the choice remains in the user’s hands at all times.

This feature is still in beta and has started rolling out to eligible Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. Google plans to expand to more countries, languages and the free tier soon!

February 1, 2026 0 comment

Creator investment, better protection for children, stronger AI guides: Here’s what’s coming to YouTube in 2026

written by DWIZ 882

YouTube isn’t the “Filipinos’ new TV” for nothing—for many, it’s already a big part of everyday life. From entertainment to education, Filipinos all across the country turn to YouTube for video content that enriches their lives.

In a recent message outlining YouTube’s priorities for 2026, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan shared how the platform is doubling down on creators, strengthening experiences for families, and using new technology responsibly to support creativity and trust.

Against this backdrop, YouTube is focusing on how it can better support the people who make and enjoy content, while keeping safety, quality, and creativity at the center of the experience.

Creators are redefining entertainment: In 2026, YouTube will continue to invest in helping creators grow sustainably. This means giving them more options to reach audiences, try different formats, and earn from their work. When creators have more control over how their content is made and shared, viewers benefit from more original and meaningful content.
A better place for kids and teens, with parents in control: YouTube is making it easier for families to set up the right accounts and switch between profiles. Parents will also have better tools to manage screen time and help guide how kids and teens interact with content. These updates aim to give families more confidence as children explore the digital world.
AI as a creative tool, with guardrails: In 2026, YouTube plans to use AI more visibly to support creativity and understanding. For creators, this includes tools that can help with ideas, editing, and experimentation. For viewers, it means features that make videos easier to understand, discover, and watch across languages. Throughout this evolution, YouTube emphasizes that AI is meant to augment human creativity, not replace it.

Alongside these changes, the platform is strengthening protections even more to maintain trust. Clear labels, stronger guidelines, and ongoing efforts to reduce low-quality or misleading content are part of making sure YouTube remains a place where people feel comfortable spending their time.

As YouTube looks to 2026, its focus remains on the people who bring the platform to life every day — creators, families, and viewers. After all, the next big voice or breakthrough idea may come from someone just starting their channel today.

By supporting creativity, prioritizing safety, and using technology responsibly, YouTube aims to keep building a space where people can learn, connect, and be inspired in the years to come.

February 1, 2026 0 comment

Our Market celebrates with PUP on its Year-End Convocation & Fellowship with games and prizes

written by DWIZ 882

Following Our Market’s visit to Chiang Kai Shek College last November 21, 2025, to create student engagement through a chocolate-making demo and school fair, the rising digital magazine then headed to Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila to join its year-end Convocation & Fellowship, held last December 18, 2025, at the PUP Gymnasium. The event gathered over a thousand staff, alumni, and key persons from all of its branches nationwide to celebrate the institution’s achievements as a little get-together for the holiday season.

Commencement of PUP Convocation & Fellowship

Our Market ignited excitement among the audience as it appeared with an interactive set of booths that welcomed joiners who signed up for free. Upon registration, the participant is given a voucher from Search Commercial, Inc. (SCI), which they can use to purchase tech and gadget items online at discounted prices.

Joiners queue up at Our Market’s booth to participate in the game and take home prizes

The voucher served as a stub for participants to join a game of roulette where they can choose a free item from the prize pool consisting of Barilla Napoletana Sauce, Tulip Vienna Sausage, Tulip Jamonilla, SCI tech items such as Philips Bluetooth Speakers, Philips Laser Pointer, Philips Flashdrive, Philips Microphone, Hyundai Stereo Headphone, and Magnavox USB Webcam, Orion Choco Pie, Culture Blends Instant Coffee, and kitchen items such as apron, gel pen, sticky notepad, travel-sized tissue, silicone mat, bowls, cutlery, and more.

Our Market’s exclusive table of prizes for booth game participants

Other than free items, Tulip offered free samples of their famous Jamonilla, which attracted a large number of visitors and made the product a popular choice among the booth participants who had a chance to win a free item.

PUP Convocation & Fellowship attendees pose for a photo after trying samples of Tulip Jamonilla

Launched October 17, 2025, Our Market is a new publishing platform for topics on business, culture, food, and lifestyle, focusing on creating reliable content that promotes Filipino culture and entrepreneurship through powerful storytelling, and serves as a bridge between businesses to nurture growth.

Aside from this, another of Our Market’s services, the resource hub, directly connects users to companies across different industries, which can be reached for special assistance, consultancy, and collaboration needs.

Subscribe to Our Market to receive updates on new stories and events.

January 28, 2026 0 comment

Maynilad employees join “Walk the Line” to boost water recovery

written by DWIZ 882

More than 90% of employees of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) joined “Walk the Line” field activities in 2025, demonstrating the company’s commitment to inclusive, on-the-ground action in the fight against water loss.

With support from local government units and barangay officials, these employee deployments spanned 199 locations across 12 cities, covering over 1,070 kilometers of pipelines and resulting in more than 1,700 actual leak repairs. These outputs significantly bolstered ongoing water loss management activities, helping to expedite leak detection and response on the ground.

The initiative forms part of Maynilad’s broader campaign to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and improve service reliability for its customers across the West Zone.

“Walk the Line encourages employees from all levels to see, firsthand, the challenges our technical teams face on the ground. It’s a chance to help detect leaks, inspect pipelines, and identify signs of water loss,” said Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora. “Their observations and reports helped surface issues faster and contributed meaningfully to our field operations.”

The monthly field activities not only deepen internal appreciation for Maynilad’s water loss management efforts, they also reinforce a culture of sustainability and accountability within the organization.

“The ‘Walk the Line’ initiative reflects Maynilad’s commitment to responsible water stewardship. It shows how every individual—regardless of role—can make a real contribution toward sustainable resource management,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu.

The program complements the company’s comprehensive NRW reduction strategy, which includes active leak detection, pressure management, pipe rehabilitation, and community engagement. Employee involvement is key to strengthening these efforts and ensuring long-term water security.

January 21, 2026 0 comment

More sports, OPM concerts takeover SM MOA Arena in Q1

written by DWIZ 882

Conquering the entertainment scene and upholding the country’s vibrant artistry, local (yet dearly awaited) events are about to rock the world-class SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. These diverse acts are here to bring a display of talent, passion, determination, and warmth in the first quarter of the year with exciting sports and concerts.

Exciting sports and music festivals are here to take over this year’s first quarter.

Miss World Philippines Coronation Night

February 2, 2026

Buy your tickets

A crown is up for grabs as several candidates from the thousands of islands of the Philippines compete for a spot in the global international competition of Miss World Philippines 2025. With Filipino pride on the line, who will represent the country in this year’s global competition of Miss World 2025? The grand conclusion to the local pageant contest ends this February.

Miss World Philippines 2025 is set to crown a new winner in the upcoming competition on February 2, 2026.

Sexbomb Girls Get, Get Aw! rAWnd 3 to 5

February 6-8, 2026

Buy your tickets

The newly reunited SexBomb Girls who rose to fame in the early 2000s are back for more and are ready for a 3-day concert with more explosive surprises! Bringing a cup of nostalgia to every heart, the sold-out concert is set to take place on a 360 degree stage bringing immersion to the next level.

Newly reunited SexBomb Girls are up for three more days of celebration this February 6 to 8.

PBA Season 50 Finals

TICKETS SELLING SOON

The playing field is set with the finale of the 50th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup to take place. Featuring the lightning bolt plays of the greatest basketball teams, the finals is set to bring a jaw-clenching end with the finest strategies, wits, and strength showcased in every game.

Watch the competition unfold with the finale of the PBA’s 50th season with the Philippine Cup.

Stages of Love

February 13, 2026

Buy your tickets

Looking for a valentines date or just a getaway with the best artists? The Stages of Love Concert is bound to give you a memorable experience with a line up of the best OPM artists to bring every heart into a blaze. Artists such as Freestyle, NeoColours, and Gigi De Lana are here to accompany you on hearts day.

Go through every stage of love with the best of OPM artists on February 13.

Wonderful Moments Music Festival at SMDC Festival Grounds

February 7-8, 2026

Buy your tickets

The perfect way to let out your inhibitions this 2026! This two-day outdoor music festival brings a rollercoaster of emotions and a ton of activities to every attendee. From interactive booths to the greatest line up of artists, this event at the SMDC Festival Grounds is about to make headlines in its first rendition of the event.

Mark your next gala with the ‘kada at the Wonderful Moments this February 7-8 at the SMDC Festival Grounds.

Presented by iME Philippines in partnership with SMDC Festival Grounds, this event showcases top Filipino talent on a world-class outdoor stage.

About SM Mall of Asia Arena

SM Mall of Asia Arena is the preferred venue, offering world-class services and facilities, to provide the best in international and local live entertainment and thrilling sports event experiences. For more information, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow @moaarena on social media. Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased online at www.smtickets.com or at any authorized SM Tickets outlet nationwide.

January 21, 2026 0 comment

Building health with purpose at San Vicente Health Center

written by DWIZ 882

With support from SM Foundation, San Vicente Health Center has been transformed to better serve nearly 15,000 residents, addressing space and infrastructure challenges and bringing Dr. Dane Calica and Dr. Marizel Wong’s patient-centered vision to life.

For nearly 15,000 residents across four barangays served by the San Vicente Health Center in Quezon City, the path to quality healthcare has just become clearer. A strong primary health care system begins with a shared vision that puts people first, brings services closer to communities, and treats health care as both a right and a responsibility.

This vision is reflected in the words of San Vicente Health Center medical officer Dr. Dane Calica and District 4 Health Officer Dr. Marizel Wong, whose dedication to public service found a meaningful partner in SM Foundation.

“My vision for a health center is one that is aligned with universal health care, strong, inclusive, modern, and patient-centered, where we promote wellness, prevent disease, treat illness, and deliver quality care across all stages of life,” Dr. Calica said.

The San Vicente Health Center has long served as a primary care provider, but demand has outpaced capacity. The facility faced space limitations, aging infrastructure, and challenges brought about by its location in a flood-prone area. Maternal and child health services, in particular, remained among the most in-demand, often filling the center early in the week.

Through SM Foundation’s health and medical programs, San Vicente Health Center is now equipped with DigiKonsulta, expanding access to consultations and strengthening primary care services for the community. IN PHOTO: Dr. Dane Calica

Recognizing these gaps, SM Foundation collaborated with the Quezon City local government unit to transform the health center not only structurally, but functionally. Among the most significant additions are a dedicated adolescent room, a breastfeeding room, and a minor surgical room.

The upgrades also include improved consultation rooms, expanded waiting areas, a pharmacy and dental clinic, and dedicated spaces for elderly patients, pregnant women, and children.

Through SM Foundation’s health and medical programs, the facility is now equipped with DigiKonsulta, enhancing access to consultations and health services. These upgrades now allow the San Vicente Health Center to meet the requirements for Department of Health accreditation as a Primary Care Facility,

“Malaking bagay ito because the public and private sectors really have to go hand in hand,” Dr. Wong said. “If the private sector gives efficiency, the government gives equity,” she said.

She added that the renovated facility now feels “more homelike,” creating a welcoming environment that encourages patients, especially those who were previously hesitant to seek care earlier.

The upgraded San Vicente Health Center now features a youth-friendly room aimed at closing gaps in adolescent healthcare.

A key feature of the renovation is the adolescent room, designed to address gaps in youth-friendly health services. Dr. Calica emphasized the importance of creating a safe and confidential space for young people, noting that “adolescents often hesitate to consult for mental health or reproductive concerns in shared clinical areas, which is why having a dedicated, youth-friendly room is crucial.”

San Vicente Health Center now offers a more welcoming, patient-centered environment where doctors deliver high-quality maternal and child health care, encouraging families to seek early consultations and preventive services.

Dr. Wong highlighted how the improvements enabled by SM Foundation encourage timely care-seeking. “Because of the renovation, more patients are now willing to come to the health center early,” she said. “This allows us to promote prevention and conduct early diagnosis, which helps reduce morbidity and mortality.”

“The upgrades by SM Foundation have strengthened not only our primary health care services but also supported our health care workers,” Dr. Calica shared. “This allows us to deliver better health outcomes for the community.”

The transformation of San Vicente Health Center is anchored in the commitment of its healthcare workers. Dr. Wong describes public health as a calling, one that brings fulfillment despite its challenges. For Dr. Calica, it is an “investment in the future,” grounded in the belief that “when we protect the current generation, we protect the generations to come.”

Through a collaboration between the Quezon City local government and SM Foundation, the facility has been transformed with expanded waiting areas, a dedicated medicine dispensing room, and inclusive spaces that encourage residents to seek early and preventive care.

District 4 Health Officer Dr. Marizel Wong attends to a senior patient at the San Vicente Health Center. Dr. Wong emphasizes that the “homelike” environment created by the renovation encourages residents to seek early consultations and preventive care.

January 18, 2026 0 comment

DVOREF Law ni Rep. Romualdez, Pumasok sa Top 4 Nationwide; Elite Circle sa 2025 Bar Exams naabot na!

written by DWIZ 882

TACLOBAN CITY — Patuloy ang “good vibes” para sa Leyte matapos ang Bar Examinations dahil opisyal nang kabilang ang Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation (DVOREF) College of Law sa hanay ng mga pinakamahuhusay na law schools sa buong Pilipinas.

Base sa datos na inilabas ng Supreme Court nitong January 7, 2026, ang DVOREF ang itinanghal na 4th top-performing law school nationwide (para sa mga paaralang may higit sa 100 candidates). Nakakuha ang eskwelahan ng kahanga-hangang 80.19% passing rate para sa mga first-time examinees.

Tagumpay ng Probinsya sa Larangan ng Abogasya

Isang malaking “breakthrough” ito para sa bansa dahil ang DVOREF ang tanging law school mula sa probinsya na nakapasok sa Top 5 ng kanilang kategorya. Sa kabuuang 106 na kumuha ng exam, 85 ang pumasa, dahilan para makatabi ng DVOREF ang mga dambuhalang unibersidad sa Manila.

Top Law Schools (More than 100 First-Time Candidates):

Ateneo de Manila University
University of the Philippines
University of Santo Tomas
DVOREF College of Law
San Beda College of Law – Alabang

Vision at Dedikasyon ni Dean Martin Romualdez

Ang DVOREF College of Law ay pinamumunuan ni Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. Bilang isang abogado na nagtapos sa UP College of Law, layunin ni Romualdez na itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa labas ng Metro Manila.

“Ang tagumpay na ito ay patunay na ang excellence sa legal education ay hindi lang para sa Metro Manila,” ani Romualdez. “Ipinakita nito ang galing at sipag ng mga estudyante natin sa Leyte at Visayas. Patunay ito na basta’t tama ang mentorship at disiplina, kayang makipagsabayan ng ating mga regional graduates sa pinakamahuhusay sa bansa.”

Pinasalamatan din ni Dean Romualdez ang buong komunidad ng DVOREF. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating administrative staff, faculty members, mga magulang, at lalo na sa ating mga estudyante. Shared victory natin ito.”

World-Class Standards

Ang “Performance of Law Schools” report ng Supreme Court ang nagsisilbing official benchmark para sa kalidad ng mga law schools sa bansa. Sa paglampas ng DVOREF sa maraming sikat na paaralan sa Maynila, napatunayan nito na ang Leyte ay isa nang sentro ng karunungan sa batas.

Dalawang araw matapos ang 2025 Bar cycle, ang balitang ito ay nagdala ng ‘good vibes’ at inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga taga-Leyte at sa mga katuwang sa larangan ng batas.

January 13, 2026 0 comment

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