FEATURES

Gogoro Philippines, the innovative leader in electric mobility and battery-swapping technology, is set to expand operations across the country following its successful launch in December 2023.

“We are very bullish about the potential of our scooters in this market such that we’re looking at expanding geographically in the different parts of the country, and looking forward to a Visayas and Mindanao expansion for the balance of the year,” said Bernie Llamzon, President and CEO of Gogoro Philippines.

Gogoro Philippines has introduced two postpaid energy plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Plan 799 offers a 300 ampere-hour allocation, translating to a range of up to 420 kilometers on a single charge. Meanwhile, Plan 999 provides an even larger 500 ampere-hour allocation, extending the range to 700 kilometers.

With a strong focus on technological advancement and customer satisfaction, Gogoro Philippines has received positive reviews since its introduction locally.

“So far, we’ve received very good acceptance and feedback from the customers that have initially availed of these high-end scooters,” shared Llamzon.

Customers have lauded the intelligent and high-tech features present in Gogoro Smartscooters, which set them apart from traditional two-wheelers. The riding comfort and ease of charging have also been highlighted as key selling points, contributing to the brand’s rapid growth in the market.

To support the increasing number of scooters on the road, Gogoro has installed Gogoro GoStations across key locations in Metro Manila These battery-swapping stations provide convenient and accessible charging solutions for Gogoro scooter users, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient commuting experiences.

It currently has six stations, including two in UP Town Center and White Plains Quezon City that recently went online. Others will be ready for service soon, including GoStations at Ayala Malls Feliz in Marikina, Paseo de Magallanes in Makati, and in multiple Sea Oil petrol stations along major routes.

Gogoro’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and cutting-edge technology positions it as a frontrunner in the electric scooter market, offering consumers an eco-friendly and innovative alternative for their commuting needs.

Gogoro Philippines represents a synergistic partnership between Globe’s 917Ventures Inc., Ayala Corporation, and Taiwan’s Gogoro. As the company’s expansion initiatives gain momentum, Gogoro is poised to strengthen its foothold and influence within the country.

To learn more about Gogoro Philippines, please visit its official website or the Gogoro Experience Center on the second floor of Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati. You may also follow the official Gogoro Philippines accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on its latest innovations and brand stories.

PhilEnergy emerges as a stand-alone event from March 20 to 22. Pasay City, Philippines.

One of the most anticipated and well-attended B2B trade events is set to mount its fourth edition in March.

PhilEnergy is set to gather local and international energy leaders, brands, organizations, and businesses in a three-day trade show that will further promote the revitalized energy sector in the country. PhilEnergy was then before a co-located event of informa Markets’ WATER PHILIPPINES.

It was then announced that the energy trade show will be a stand-alone event this year because of the potential of the industry.

Thus, PhilEnergy 2024 will also serve as its launch event and will be an “ultimate platform for industry players to explore cutting-edge energy technologies and products.”

This event is expected to welcome more than 4,000 trade visitors from the energy field and industry on top of over a hundred of participating energy and related companies not just from the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region but also from across the globe. “PhilEnergy is the country’s most comprehensive energy trade event,” said Rungphech ‘Rose’ Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets in the Philippines, the organizer of the PhilEnergy.

“It is a significant trade show as it is a collaborative effort aimed at further propelling the clean energy revolution towards a sustainable and net-zero future. PhilEnergy promotes the development of innovative renewable solutions that are shaping the crucial energy industry.” she added. Ultimate renewable energy platform.

Aside from the exhibition, which will showcase the latest products and innovations in the industry. PhilEnergy 2024 will also mount a series of seminars, workshops, and conferences to be facilitated by partner organizations. These include Smart Grid Technologies by MERALCO, Developing Future Energy Systems in PH by the Asia-Pacific Urban Energy Association, Power System Stability and Control by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and Power System Panig Optimization by the National Transmission Corporation “PhilEnergy indicates a transformative moment in the Philippines’ energy landscape catalyst to support the energy transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. to participate in and contribute to this year’s edition of PhilEnergy.

Which will neip of energy in the Philippines and ASEAN. said Peter Lundbera, Executive Director of the Asia PacTIC Urban Energy Association. ted Philtnergy is also the venue for the Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructose S industry forum ‘Accelerating Renewable Energy Transition and the PCAB Licensing Workshop In Delmina). Full on-site conference by the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance Inc.

“ArsSt ruer Energy Efficiency Day 2024 set of Day 1 will have invited honorable ambassadors (he and Denmark) and major PH business leaders (including Ayala Corporation’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, JG Summit Holdings’ Lance Gokongwei, and SM Prime Holdings’ Henry Sy) as spt speakers. Lead Some of the participating companies for PhilEnergy Expo are AsiaPhil Inc., Daikin Philippines, G TeCnnology System Incorporation, Prisma Electrical Controls Corporation, Schneider Electric Philippines, Yokogawa Philippines, and to name a few PH efforts to boost industry PhilEnergy 2024 is expanding the focus of its main energy profiles to five (from just two when it was still RE EE Philippines). Those are Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency (EE), Electric and Power (E&P), Electric Vehicle (EV), and Energy Storage (ES).

This move aligns with the current expansion of the renewable energy sector and with the Philippine government’s push to establish secure, Sustainable, and resilient energy strategies.

During the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) leaders’ meeting held in Japan in December 2023, President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos Jr revealed the national government’s goal to increase the renewable energy share in the country’s power generation mix to 35 percent by the year 2030 and to 50% by 2040. He also cited the ongoing policies aimed at promoting renewable energy, including tax incentives and the lifting of foreign ownership limits for renewable energy facilities and businesses.

The Philippines has also just recently granted ‘green lane processing’ for up to P244 billion worth of renewable energy investments. The Board of Investments has approved the seven projects that will be fast-tracked to speed up the roll out and implementation of the initiatives.

PhilEnergy 2024 will be held from March 20 to 22, 2024 at the 2nd floor of SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Gates will open from 9:30 a.m. For visitor inquiries, contact Informa Markets representative: Danah F. Castillo through danah.francisco@informa.com or +63 2 8581 1921.

Muling binuksan ng SM Foundation Incorporated ang SM Scholarship Program nito kung saan maaaring mag-apply ang mga magkokolehiyo hanggang March 31.

Kasabay nito ang pagtukoy sa DWIZ ni  Maria Eleanor “Lingling” Lansang, Senior Vice President for Education ng SM Foundation Incorporated sa mga benepisyo ng pagiging SM scholar.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Engineer Ganie de Luna, isa sa mga SM scholar graduates ng SM Foundation na huwag na huwag isusuko ang mga pangarap dahil kaagapay mo ang SM Foundation para makamit ito.

Hinimok naman ni Dayanara Sy, isa pang SM Scholar graduate ang mga estudyante na maging scholar kung saan mararanasan nilang maging bahagi ng pamilya ng SM Group.

In a major milestone in its network expansion, Globe has activated a segment of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) from Luzon to Mindanao, signaling the start of on-ground connections to serve more customers.

Globe’s segment in the PDSCN Express Route was lit up on February 5, covering the following points:

• Lucena City, Quezon
• Boac, Marinduque
• Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Placer, Masbate
• Palompon, Leyte
• Mactan, Cebu
• Talisay City, Cebu
• Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

“The activation of the PDSCN Express Route marks another milestone in our journey towards providing inclusive connectivity across the archipelago, especially in underserved and unserved areas. It will also enhance the reliability and resilience of our network given the country’s vulnerability to disasters and calamities,” said Joel Agustin, Globe SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering.

Agustin said Globe has also completed 90% of cable landing stations across the archipelago under the $150-million subsea cable project. Cable landing stations are crucial landing points for undersea fiber-optic cables, which transmit vast amounts of internet data across oceans.

“The wet segment was finished as scheduled last year. Our focus now is connecting our inland facilities. So far we have completed 90 percent, and we are completing the rest by this year,” he said.

PDSCN, Globe’s fourth domestic submarine backbone, will help boost connectivity to improve customer experience for both household and business clients. It comes as a crucial addition to Globe’s network infrastructure amid increasing connectivity needs, and will serve to minimize service downtime, help ensure business continuity, and improve network security and overall efficiency.

A joint project of Globe, Eastern Communications, and InfiniVAN Inc., PDSCN covers a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, the longest of its kind in the country.  It kicked off in Subic Bay, Zambales, in July 2022 and laid cables in 24 segments with a total 33 landing sites connecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“PDSCN is a vital component of our network expansion program and proof of our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide in the Philippines. We firmly believe in improving the country’s digital infrastructure to achieve a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all Filipinos,” said Agustin.

The company’s push for a #1stWorldNetwork is in support of the government’s digital transformation goals to improve connectivity across the country.

PDSCN is a critical pillar of the Digital Infrastructure sector under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), an organization formed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to enhance public-private collaboration toward inclusive national development. As a member of PSAC, Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu helps ensure that the benefits of the country’s digital transformation are accessible to all Filipinos.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

The Figaro Coffee Group, a stalwart in the Philippine food and beverage industry, proudly presented its quarterly financial report for the period spanning October 1 to December 31, 2023, demonstrating robust growth and a solid financial standing.

The company saw improvements in top-line sales, bottom-line margins, enhanced store operations, strengthened commissary capacities, and laid the groundwork for further growth in the future. Amidst the challenges of an inflation-laden year, 2023 emerged as a banner year for the company.

For the quarterly period ended Dec 31, 2023, the company achieved revenues of P1.45 billion, a 42% increase versus same period last year.

Net income for the quarter also registered at P195 million, a 7.2% increase from same period of last year. For the full year 2023 from January to December, the company achieved total revenues of P5 billion, marking a significant increase of P1.8 billion, from P3.2 billion in the same period of 2022, achieving an impressive 55% growth in revenues and remarkable net profit margin of 10% or P480.4 million, 84% higher compared to the same period in 2022.

The Group achieved an all-time high total store count, ending 2023 with 203 total stores which were composed of 64 Figaro Coffee stores, 124 Angel’s Pizza stores, 10 Tien Ma’s Taiwanese cuisine stores, 1 Koobideh Kebabs store and 4 Cafe Portofino stores. In 2023, the company opened a total of 68 new stores.

Mr. Pet Español III, FCG’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized, “Despite global inflation challenges, FCG navigated 2023 successfully. The company optimized key expenses, reducing cost of goods sold (COGS) to 32% from the previous year’s 38%.

The strategic management of financing costs, improving efficiencies and utilizing economies of scale was instrumental in softening negative effects posed by inflationary pressures. The company is positioned to continue growth of its stores and brands nationwide to further expand its presence in the Philippines

Sa ikalawang sunod na taon, nasungkit ng ISUZU Gencars Makati ang prestihiyosong 2023 Dealer of the Year Award sa 2nd year in a row.

Iginawad sa Gencars Makati ang parangal ng ISUZU Philippines Corporation sa grand ballroom sa Solaire Hotel sa Parañaque City, noong biyernes.

Pinarangalan din ang ISUZU Gencars Sta. Rosa makaraang makuha ang 1st place sa excellence in service operations category.

Nagpasalamat naman si D. Edgard A. Cabangon, Chairman ng ISUZU Gencars, sa ISUZU Philippines Corporation sa suporta at tiwala nito sa Gencars sa nakalipas na 45 taon.

Buwan na naman ng mga puso. Hindi magpapahuli sa selebrasyong ito ang First Couple na sina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Sa kaniyang vlog, naging panauhin ni Pangulong Marcos ang kanyang ‘valentine’ na si First Lady Liza kung saan sila nagbigay ng tips and tricks kung paano tumibay ang isang relasyon.

Isang netizen ang humingi ng payo kay Pangulong Marcos kung paano magiging matibay at matatag ang relasyon, kagaya ng sa kanila ng First Lady.

Ang sagot ni Pangulong Marcos, “I suppose it’s just direct communication. Don’t communicate with your phone. Talk to each other face to face, don’t bother with social media when it comes to relationship. Talk to each other face to face, hold hands, walk down the beach, do something but don’t do it digitally.”

Payo naman ng First Lady, huwag magpadala sa stress.

 “Don’t let stress get into you, laugh whenever you can, be grateful for what you have and we are all blessed one way or another. Just be grateful, we’ll never be perfect but just be grateful.”

Bukod sa mga ito, ibinahagi rin ni Pangulong Marcos na isa sa mga nagpapatibay ng kanilang pagsasama ni First Lady Liza ay ang pagkakaroon ng sense of humor. Aniya, kahit abala sa trabaho, dapat may panahon pa ring tumawa sa kabila ng kanilang mabigat na responsibilidad.

Sabi ni Pangulong Marcos, “One of the things really that keeps us going is the sense of humor. Dahil napakaseryoso ng trabaho namin, I was about to say we don’t bring work home but we do, because we have to. In the end we always find time to laugh about everything and to see the lighter side of things, otherwise we will go a little crazy, but I can make jokes with Liza.”

May tip din naman si Pangulong Marcos para sa mga kababayan nating ipagdiriwang ang Heart Month nang single. Ayon sa Pangulo, gawing prayoridad ang ‘self-love’ sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalaga sa kalusugan, lalo na sa puso.

Napa-#KiligMuch ang netizens sa valentine vlog na inilabas ng First Couple na sina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos at First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos nitong February 11.

Sa nasabing vlog, ibinahagi nina Pangulong Marcos at First Lady Liza ang mga detalye tungkol sa kanilang relasyon, pati na rin ang mga sikreto kung paano ito nananatiling matatag sa kabila ng iba’t ibang hamon.

Isa sa mga tanong ng netizens ay kung paano nababalanse ni Pangulong Marcos ang oras bilang pinuno ng bansa at pagiging asawa. Ang sagot ng Pangulo:

“Mahirap talaga ‘yong balanse dahil work takes up so much of our time. ‘Di lang naman ako pati si Liza ay marami talagang ginagawa. So we try to find… Five minutes here, twenty minutes there… Whatever the schedule allows, we take full advantage of it.”

Nagde-date pa rin ba ang First Couple kahit busy sa kanilang schedule?

“Yeah, we have date night every Wednesday. We choose restaurant to eat in. If he’s busy then he cooks, right? At home, but mostly we eat out and we try to talk about funny things to lessen the stress,” ayon sa First Lady.

Ano nga ba ang love language ng first couple? Sagot ng Pangulo:

“It’s not what little time there is in our both busy schedules to spend time with one another. It’s really time because that’s, of course, the most valuable thing in the world.”

Ano ang best qualities na nagustuhan nina Pangulong Marcos at First Lady Liza sa isa’t isa?

Para kay Pangulong Marcos, “She really takes care of us, the family: ako, at ‘yung tatlo naming anak. Hindi papayag si Liza na may problema; aayusin niya kaagad. You always know that she has your back.”

Sabi naman ng First Lady sa Pangulo, “I always tell people for someone so intelligent, you’re so kind, Bong. So patient, so mabait, always sees the good qualities in people, not a mean soul in your body. I know you love the country… I’m so proud of you.”

Ngayong Buwan ng mga Puso, nagbigay ng paalala si Pangulong Marcos sa publiko na maging puno ng pag-ibig at magkaroon malalim na pagmamahal sa pamilya at sariling bayan.

Ipinagdiwang na ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center ang Chinese New Year.

Ang pag-welcome ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center sa Year of the Wooden Dragon ay pinangunahan nina CSMC President at CEO Raul Pagdanganan at CSMC Chief Operating Officer Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy kasama sina CSMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Antonio Say at CSMC Assistant Chief Medical Officers Dr. Bernardita Navarro at Dr. Frederick Hope Tan.

Nagtipun-tipon ang mga pasyente, doctors, staff at mga panauhin mula sa Chinese community tulad ni Anti-Crime Advocate Teresita Ang-See sa mismong main lobby ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center para salubungin ang Chinese New Year.

Sa pamamagitan ito ng mga aktibidad tulad ng lion at dragon dance performance na sumisimbolo sa good luck at pagtaboy ng masamang espiritu at naglibot din ang lion at dragon kasama ang god of fortune sa hospital halls at medical arts building ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center para ipakalat suwerte para sa buong taon ng 2024.

Naging exciting part din ng programa ang eye dotting ceremony na mahalaga bilang huling proseso para buhayin ang lion at gawin ang tungkulin nitong magbigay ng good fortune, well being, wealth at safeguarding gayundin ang pagiging simbolo nito para sa patuloy na pagpapalakas ng operasyon ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center para sa susunod na limampung taon.

Ayon kay Dr. Antonio Say, Chief Medical Officer ng CSMC, magandang kalusugan at blessings ng bawat isa ang hangad ng csmc sa pagdiriwang ng Chinese New Year o kilala rin bilang spring festival sa gitna na rin nang pagtupad nila sa commitment nilang pagalingin ang kanilang mga pasyente.

Para ibahagi ang ika nga’y spirit of prosperity at good fortune namahagi ang hospital executives ng hopia sa mga duktor, staff, patients at mga bisita.

Ang nasabing programa para sa Chinese New Year ay patunay ng commitment ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center sa pagsusulong ng inclusive at welcoming environment para sa lahat.

At sa pamamagitan nang pagyakap sa mga cultural traditions at pagbabahagi ng meaningful experiences mahigpit na pinanghahawakan ng Cardinal Santos Medical Center ang sense of community at well being ng bawat isa.

Kaya nga, ang sigaw, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, You Are Family, Happy Chinese New Year!