Holiday Shopping Puts Payment Security to the Test for Philippine Merchants

Holiday Shopping Puts Payment Security to the Test for Philippine Merchants

Thursday, November 12, 2026

As Philippine retailers prepare for 11.11, 12.12 and the Christmas shopping rush, much of the focus will be on attracting customers and driving sales. But behind every major promotion lies another challenge: distinguishing legitimate spikes in payment activity from transactions that warrant closer scrutiny.

Digital payments accounted for 64.7% of retail payment transactions by volume in 2025, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In July 2026, the BSP also urged supervised financial institutions to strengthen authentication, cyber-threat monitoring and incident response amid emerging cybersecurity risks.

Promotional campaigns can bring unfamiliar purchasing patterns, from first-time customers to sudden increases in transaction frequency. For merchants, the challenge is recognising these legitimate changes while identifying activity that may require further review.

According to Eng Sheng Guan, CEO of Fiuu, the objective during major sales events is not to apply stricter controls across every transaction, but to ensure payment risks are assessed within the context of each merchant's business.

"Security should protect genuine customers, not become an obstacle for them," said Eng. "During major promotional campaigns, payment decisions should be informed by transaction context so that legitimate purchases continue to move smoothly while activity that warrants closer scrutiny can be identified."

Understanding payment risks without disrupting genuine customers

Promotional campaigns often bring legitimate changes in customer behaviour, including higher purchase volumes, new shoppers, repeat attempts and increased transaction frequency. While not every unusual or failed transaction indicates fraud, repeated failures involving different payment credentials may warrant closer review as they could signal card testing or unauthorised use of payment details.

Equally, failed payments may stem from various factors, such as issuer decisions, insufficient funds, authentication issues or temporary network interruptions. Understanding the reasons behind these failures helps merchants distinguish genuine customers from potential threats while avoiding unnecessary lost sales during peak periods.

"The first step is understanding what the payment data is telling you," Eng explained. "A transaction pattern that appears unusual on a normal day may be entirely expected during a large promotional campaign. The goal is to distinguish genuine customer behaviour from activity that requires further attention."

Preparing payment operations before the sales begin

Effective payment security begins well before customers reach the checkout page.

Ahead of major campaigns, merchants should review existing fraud controls and authentication settings with their payment providers, taking expected promotional activity into account. This can help ensure that legitimate changes in purchasing patterns are properly considered when assessing transactions.

During and after the campaign, merchants should monitor payment activity, including recurring declines, unusual transaction behaviour and customer enquiries, to identify potential issues, determine whether further investigation or support is needed, and improve payment processes moving forward.

Drawing on its experience supporting merchants during double-digit shopping campaigns and limited-edition product launches, Fiuu adapts applicable fraud-monitoring settings to better reflect expected purchasing behaviour. This helps merchants maintain appropriate security controls while minimising unnecessary interruptions for genuine customers.

Building customer confidence beyond the checkout

For merchants, successful payment security is ultimately measured not only by preventing suspicious transactions, but also by enabling genuine customers to complete their purchases with confidence.

As digital payments continue to grow across the Philippines, businesses will increasingly need payment processes that can respond to changing customer behaviour without creating unnecessary friction during periods of high demand.

"The objective is not to make payments more complicated," Eng said. "It's about applying the right controls where they matter while allowing genuine customers to complete their purchases as smoothly as possible."

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DOT and GCash Partner to Expand Cashless Payments for Tourism MSMEs

DOT and GCash Partner to Expand Cashless Payments for Tourism MSMEs

Small tourism businesses across the Philippines are being encouraged to embrace digital payments as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and GCash move to make cashless transactions more accessible to accredited micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on November 3, 2026, establishing a partnership that will provide tourism merchants with digital payment solutions, onboarding assistance, promotional support, and financial literacy training.

The initiative, implemented through GCash operator G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), is intended to help local tourism businesses accommodate both Filipino and international travelers who increasingly expect convenient electronic payment options.

For small enterprises operating in tourist destinations, the partnership addresses a practical business concern: how to accept payments from customers who may not always carry Philippine pesos or have access to convenient currency exchange services.

GCash to Equip Tourism MSMEs With Digital Payment Solutions

Under the agreement, GCash will help DOT-accredited tourism businesses register for GCash for Business and access payment acceptance tools designed for different merchant needs.

These include:

• GCash SoundPay
• GCash PocketPay
• GCash SoundPay Plus
• GCash EasyPOS

The solutions are intended to give merchants more ways to receive digital payments, including supported foreign-issued cards.

GCash says participating merchants can begin registration with a verified GCash account, providing a simplified entry point for smaller enterprises that may find traditional banking requirements difficult to navigate.

Beyond payment technology, GCash will provide customized digital payment toolkits, merchant incentives, and promotional support to encourage cashless transactions in key tourism destinations.

The company will also conduct financial literacy training to help participating MSMEs build the knowledge needed to manage their participation in the digital economy.

How the DOT-GCash Partnership Will Work

The MOU establishes responsibilities for both organizations, covering merchant recruitment, marketing, training, and tourism-related initiatives.

The DOT will help identify and endorse accredited tourism enterprises for onboarding. It will also coordinate with its regional offices, share relevant merchant information for outreach and verification subject to data privacy requirements, and invite GCash to tourism events and trade activities where businesses can learn about the available payment solutions.

The agency will also provide access to approved digital marketing assets and relevant tourist arrival data to support jointly developed campaigns.

For its part, GCash will organize co-branded initiatives aligned with the DOT's tourism advocacy campaigns, including Love the Philippines and Discover More to Love.

The two organizations will also explore tourism product development projects involving local artisans and other creative enterprises among accredited MSMEs.

GCash will share campaign performance insights and consumer trends with the DOT, potentially providing information that can help guide future promotional and merchant engagement activities.

Why Cashless Payments Matter to Philippine Tourism Businesses

Digital payment acceptance is becoming an important consideration for businesses that serve international visitors.

For travelers, the ability to pay electronically can reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash or exchange currency before reaching their destinations. This can be particularly relevant in smaller communities and remote tourist areas where access to banks and money changers may be limited.

For local merchants, accepting a broader range of payment methods can make transactions more convenient and help avoid missed sales when customers do not have enough cash on hand.

The potential benefits extend beyond hotels and established tourism operators. Homestay owners, market vendors, local artisans, food businesses, and other small enterprises also form part of the visitor experience.

DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized the importance of preparing accredited tourism enterprises for visitors who prefer digital payment options.

She said the partnership would provide local merchants with the tools and training needed to accept cashless payments, with the broader objective of helping more tourism spending reach local communities.

GCash for Business General Manager Paul Albano said the initiative supports the company's Finance for All mission by connecting micro and small merchants to digital financial services and opportunities within the tourism economy.

Tourism's Economic Contribution Highlights the Role of MSMEs

The partnership comes as tourism remains a significant contributor to the Philippine economy.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) reached ₱2.27 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Tourism industries also accounted for an estimated 7.70 million employed persons, representing 15.7% of total employment nationwide.

The figures highlight the economic reach of tourism and the number of livelihoods connected to businesses serving visitors.

However, the PSA also reported that tourism's direct contribution declined by 1.4% from ₱2.30 trillion in 2024. This makes the ability of local enterprises to participate in tourism-related spending an important consideration as the sector works to strengthen its economic contribution.

By combining merchant onboarding, digital payment infrastructure, and financial literacy initiatives, the DOT-GCash partnership seeks to help more accredited tourism MSMEs participate in an increasingly digital visitor economy.

Its longer-term value will depend on how many businesses adopt the solutions, how consistently they use them, and whether the additional payment options translate into meaningful improvements in their ability to serve customers.

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Unilever Philippines Earns Recognition for Gender-Inclusive Workplace Practices

Unilever Philippines Earns Recognition for Gender-Inclusive Workplace Practices

Gender inclusion in the workplace goes beyond representation. It also involves creating policies and support systems that recognize employees' different family responsibilities, identities, and personal circumstances.

Unilever Philippines is putting this approach into practice through an integrated workplace inclusion framework built around three pillars: Care, Identity, and Community. The initiative recently earned the company first runner-up recognition in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category at the 2026 UN Women Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards.

The recognition highlights the company's efforts to translate its diversity and inclusion commitments into workplace policies, from extended parental benefits and LGBTQ+ protections to employee-led communities.

For businesses looking to strengthen their own inclusion strategies, Unilever Philippines' approach illustrates how workplace equity can be addressed through concrete policies that respond to employees' everyday needs.

A workplace inclusion framework built on three pillars

Unilever Philippines developed its framework around the understanding that employees have different life stages, family structures, and lived experiences. Rather than relying on a single approach to inclusion, the company organized its initiatives into three interconnected areas.

These are Care, which focuses on caregiving and parenthood; Identity, which addresses gender identity and LGBTQ+ inclusion; and Community, which encourages employees to build connections through shared experiences.

According to Geeta Royyuru, Unilever Philippines HR Head and Beauty & Wellbeing Greater Asia HR Lead, the company's policies are designed to recognize that employees do not all begin from the same circumstances.

“True equity begins with recognizing that we don't all start from the same place,” Royyuru said, emphasizing the importance of providing employees with the support and space they need to succeed.

Care: Extending support for working parents and caregivers

One of the framework's key components is the expansion of parental and caregiving benefits.

Unilever Philippines said internal HR data showed that some parents relied on vacation or unpaid leave to extend recovery periods, manage caregiving responsibilities, and adjust to returning to work. In response, the company strengthened its benefits beyond the minimum requirements under Philippine law.

Early in 2026, Unilever Philippines extended fully paid maternity leave to 150 days for eligible regular and probationary employees, regardless of marital status. Employees may also take an optional additional 30 days of unpaid leave.

Other support measures include:

Return Ready Programme: Support for employees transitioning back to work after parental leave.

Primary Caregiver Leave: 20 days covering paternity, adoption, and same-sex partners.

Childcare Leave: Two days of additional leave.

Onsite daycare facility: A workplace childcare resource for employees.

The company also reported that women account for half of its workforce.

These measures reflect a broader approach to employee support, recognizing that caregiving responsibilities can affect employees' ability to participate in and progress through their careers.

Identity: Strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion and workplace protections

The framework's second pillar focuses on creating a workplace where employees can feel respected and supported regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Unilever Philippines recognizes same-sex domestic partners for medical benefit coverage and primary caregiver leave. It has also established a Gender Transition Policy for transgender and gender-diverse employees.

These policies are reinforced by a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination.

The company also conducts year-round inclusion and awareness activities, including annual Pride Month celebrations and initiatives through ProUd Network, Unilever's employee resource group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

In a country where legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples and transgender individuals remain limited, workplace policies can provide an additional layer of institutional support. However, company benefits and protections should be understood separately from formal legal recognition under Philippine law.

Community: Creating connections beyond workplace policies

Unilever Philippines' inclusion framework also recognizes that belonging is shaped by everyday interactions among colleagues.

Through employee-led groups, the company provides opportunities for people to connect with others who share similar experiences, responsibilities, and interests.

These include Parent Groups, Fitness Clubs, and ProUd Network.

According to the company, more than 300 employees participate in these communities, representing approximately half of its head office workforce.

Such groups give employees opportunities to exchange experiences, develop connections, and build relationships beyond their immediate teams.

They also complement formal HR policies by encouraging employees to take an active role in shaping workplace culture.

UN Women recognition highlights the role of practical workplace policies

Unilever Philippines received first runner-up recognition in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category at the 2026 UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards.

The Women's Empowerment Principles Awards recognize private-sector initiatives that advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

For companies, the recognition places attention on the importance of moving beyond broad diversity commitments toward policies and practices that employees can experience in their daily working lives.

Unilever Philippines' Care, Identity, and Community framework brings together several aspects of that effort, from parental support and LGBTQ+ inclusion to employee participation and belonging.

Looking ahead to 100 years in the Philippines

Unilever Philippines is preparing to mark its centennial in 2027, commemorating 100 years of operations and presence in the country.

Its local portfolio includes familiar household brands such as Dove, Knorr, Surf, and Rexona.

As the company approaches this milestone, it says it will continue pursuing initiatives focused on social and environmental impact, innovation, sustainability, and purpose-led growth.

Its latest recognition at the UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards adds another dimension to that commitment: building an organization where inclusion is reflected not only in corporate values but also in the policies and support available to its people.

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RCBC Named Among Philippines' Best Employers for 2027 for Fourth Consecutive Year

RCBC Named Among Philippines' Best Employers for 2027 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has been named one of the Philippines' Best Employers for 2027, securing a place among the country's top 100 employers and ranking among the top two private domestic banks in the recognition.

The latest distinction marks the Yuchengco-led bank's fourth consecutive year on the Best Employers list, reinforcing its continued focus on employee experience, workplace culture, and an inclusive working environment.

The recognition is based on an independent survey conducted by global research and data firm Statista. The assessment considers employee feedback and employer reputation, providing a measure of how organizations are perceived as places to work.

RCBC puts employee experience at the centre of its workplace strategy

RCBC attributes its continued recognition to its people-first approach to human capital management. The bank maintains that investing in employees and creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered are important to delivering better customer experiences.

This approach connects workplace culture with the bank's broader service philosophy. By encouraging employees to develop their capabilities, contribute ideas, and build meaningful relationships with clients, RCBC aims to create value that extends beyond everyday banking transactions.

For financial institutions, where customer relationships and service quality are central to operations, employee engagement can be an important part of organizational performance.

RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso said the recognition reflects the contribution of the bank's employees and its commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace.

“Being recognized for four consecutive years as one of the nation’s top employers reflects the strength and heart of our organization—our people,” Cariaso said.

He added that RCBC remains committed to ensuring employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to deliver their best work for customers and communities.

What the Philippines' Best Employers recognition measures

The Philippines' Best Employers ranking is an annual initiative by Statista that evaluates companies based on employee feedback and perceptions of employers.

For its 2027 edition, the ranking recognizes 300 companies across 28 industries. Statista reports that more than 10,000 employees participated in the independent online survey, while approximately 3,500 companies were evaluated.

The methodology combines two components: direct feedback from employees about their own employers and indirect assessments of other employers within their respective industries. Direct scores account for 70% of the final result, while indirect scores make up the remaining 30%.

The survey considers factors that include workplace culture, salary, opportunities for professional development, and diversity.

This approach makes the recognition relevant not only to companies seeking to strengthen their employer reputation but also to professionals evaluating potential workplaces.

Workplace culture as part of the banking industry's long-term priorities

RCBC's latest recognition places employee experience in the broader conversation about how banks attract, develop, and retain talent.

As financial services continue to evolve, banks need people who can adapt to changing customer expectations, digital banking developments, and increasingly complex financial needs. A workplace that supports professional growth and encourages collaboration can help organizations build the capabilities required to respond to these changes.

RCBC, currently described by the bank as the country's fifth-largest privately owned bank, continues to position its people-first philosophy as part of its approach to customer relationships and organizational development.

Its fourth consecutive appearance on the Philippines' Best Employers list provides another indication of how the bank's workplace reputation is being assessed through employee and employer perceptions.

For organizations across the financial sector, the recognition also serves as a reminder that business performance and customer service are closely connected to the people behind the institution.

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Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Roblox has appointed entrepreneur and investor Joel Neoh as Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, placing an experienced regional technology executive in charge of its business strategy and partnerships across two markets it considers important to its Asia-Pacific growth.

Neoh joined Roblox in October 2026 and will serve as its senior-most business lead across Southeast Asia and Oceania. His responsibilities include expanding the platform's regional presence, strengthening relationships with local partners and supporting developers and creators seeking to build businesses through Roblox.

The appointment comes as the company looks to deepen its engagement with local studios, players and parents while adapting its global product and business priorities to regional market needs.

Creator economy at the centre of regional strategy

A major focus of Neoh's role will be developing Roblox's creator ecosystem. The company intends to help local developers and studios make greater use of its tools, grow their audiences and explore commercial opportunities through the platform.

Roblox is positioning this effort within a broader shift in digital participation, where users are not only consuming online experiences but also creating games, communities and interactive content.

For developers, the platform offers an environment in which creative projects can potentially reach audiences beyond their home markets. Building a stronger regional ecosystem will require local partnerships, creator support and a better understanding of the needs of different markets.

Neoh said his experience building companies across Asia-Pacific has given him an appreciation of the region's entrepreneurial activity and creative potential.

He also pointed to the opportunity for more people to turn digital ideas into experiences, communities and businesses that can reach a global audience.

Online safety remains a regional priority

Alongside creator development and commercial growth, Roblox identified online safety as a central part of its regional strategy.

The company said it intends to work more closely with parents, regulators and local communities as it expands its presence in Southeast Asia and Oceania. This is particularly relevant given the platform's appeal to younger users and the importance of building trust among families.

Neoh said keeping young people safe would remain central to the company's approach, alongside efforts to understand local communities and support creators.

Zhen Fang, Roblox Vice President of International, said Southeast Asia and Oceania have vibrant and growing communities of players and creators. She added that the company plans to continue investing in local teams, creators and partners.

Fang cited Neoh's two decades of experience building and scaling businesses across the region, as well as his connections within the technology ecosystem, as important to Roblox's next phase of growth.

An entrepreneur with experience across technology sectors

Neoh brings experience spanning digital media, e-commerce, financial technology, consumer health and artificial intelligence.

He founded GroupsMore in Malaysia, which merged with Groupon before the latter's initial public offering. He subsequently led Groupon's Asia-Pacific business.

In 2015, he founded Fave, a Southeast Asian consumer fintech and payments platform that expanded to more than 10 million users before its acquisition by Pine Labs in 2021.

Neoh later served as Managing Director at Prenetics, where he led its consumer health businesses. His entrepreneurial and investment activities also include First Move, an early-stage venture capital platform supporting founders across Southeast Asia. He has backed more than 50 startups across Asia, particularly in consumer technology.

His background combines operating experience in technology companies with exposure to the startup investment ecosystem, giving Roblox a regional leader familiar with building consumer platforms and scaling businesses across markets.

What the appointment means for Southeast Asia

Roblox's leadership change signals an intention to strengthen its regional operations beyond brand awareness and user growth. Its stated priorities include supporting local studios, building commercial partnerships and adapting its platform strategy to the needs of individual markets.

For Southeast Asia, the opportunity extends to developers and creative businesses seeking to reach international audiences through interactive digital experiences. However, turning that potential into sustainable growth will depend on the partnerships, creator support and safety measures the company develops across the region.

With Neoh leading its Southeast Asia and Oceania business, Roblox is positioning its next phase of regional expansion around a combination of local market knowledge, creator development and long-term engagement with communities.

More information about the platform and its creator ecosystem is available through the official Roblox website.

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Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Singapore-based global mobility technology company Multipolitan has raised US$2 million in seed funding at a US$25 million pre-money valuation, with plans to establish an office and expand its technology team in Manila.

Led by global venture studio EmergentX, the funding round will support the planned December 2026 worldwide launch of the company's free consumer-facing Multipolitan App and the continued expansion of Multipolitan Private Client, its service for high-net-worth individuals and affluent families.

The planned Manila expansion places the Philippines within the company's broader Asian growth strategy, as it looks to strengthen its technology capabilities and develop a platform for people who travel, work, study, invest and live across national borders.

Private client business provides commercial foundation

Multipolitan is entering its next growth phase with an established revenue-generating operation. The company reports that its Private Client business has generated more than US$4 million in net revenue in less than two years.

The company says its experience serving affluent clients has provided commercial validation, as well as research and customer insights that are informing the development of its consumer technology platform.

Multipolitan was founded by Nirbhay Handa, formerly Group Head of Business Development at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Japanese fintech company Paidy, which was acquired by PayPal for US$2.7 billion.

Their backgrounds span global mobility, wealth migration and financial technology, areas that inform the company's approach to bringing cross-border services into a connected digital experience.

A platform for managing life across borders

International travel and relocation often involve coordinating information from different sources, including passport and visa records, immigration requirements, insurance, pre-arrival documents and flight updates.

Multipolitan is developing a platform intended to bring several of these requirements together. Its business has two main offerings: the consumer-focused Multipolitan App and Multipolitan Private Client, which provides tailored services for affluent individuals and families with more complex international mobility needs.

The app is organised around three functions: Live, Travel and Stay.

Live is designed to help users manage passports, visas, residence information and family documents in one place, with reminders for important deadlines.

Travel brings together entry requirements, pre-arrival preparation and real-time flight updates to help users prepare for journeys and monitor travel information.

Stay is intended to track time spent abroad, remaining stay allowances and approaching deadlines, including planned calculations for covered travel rules such as Schengen scenarios.

The platform is supported by three proprietary technology systems: INREX, an immigration intelligence engine; FlightIQ, a real-time travel intelligence platform; and Visa Connect, an AI-powered travel visa engine.

Lee Smith, Multipolitan co-founder, said the company aims to reduce the complexity of managing travel and residency requirements, particularly for families handling multiple passports and visas.

The app is scheduled to launch free worldwide in December 2026. Multipolitan plans to use insights from the initial rollout to inform a premium version with additional features, targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Manila forms part of the company's Asian expansion

The Philippines is among the markets Multipolitan intends to serve as it expands across Asia. The company sees potential demand from Filipinos who travel, work and study overseas, as well as digital nomads who live and work from the country.

Manila is also part of its technology expansion plans. Multipolitan intends to establish a local office and grow its technology team, drawing on the city's pool of mobile and full-stack developers to support product development.

"As more Filipinos travel, work, study, and build lives across borders, we see growing demand for clear, connected mobility support," said Handa. "We expect the country to remain a key part of our expansion in Asia."

The company currently employs more than 40 people across its Singapore headquarters and offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bengaluru. It also plans to establish additional offices in Manila and Kuala Lumpur as it builds its regional presence.

Building for a more mobile global population

Multipolitan's expansion comes as international movement creates demand for services that help individuals and families navigate different immigration and travel systems. The company cites more than 1.5 billion international trips annually, over 300 million people living outside their country of birth, and an estimated 40 million digital nomads as indicators of the market it aims to address.

For Multipolitan, the challenge is to bring fragmented information and services into a more coordinated experience, while maintaining a specialised offering for clients with more complex mobility and wealth-related requirements.

The US$2-million seed round will fund the next stage of that strategy, with the planned Manila office giving the company an additional base for technology development as it prepares to introduce its consumer app globally.

More information about the company and its upcoming app is available through Multipolitan's website.

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Coca-Cola Philippines Partners with FooDee Global Concepts Across 100+ Branches

Coca-Cola Philippines Partners with FooDee Global Concepts Across 100+ Branches

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) is expanding its presence in the Philippine foodservice industry through a partnership with FooDee Global Concepts that will bring its beverage portfolio to 14 restaurant brands across more than 100 branches nationwide.

The agreement connects Coca-Cola's beverage portfolio with a diverse restaurant network that includes international dining concepts such as Tim Ho Wan, Hawker Chan, and Mo-Mo Paradise, alongside homegrown brands POUND x Flatterie and Sunnies Cafe, as well as Foodlink outlets in food courts.

For both companies, the partnership creates another opportunity to connect their brands with consumers through restaurant dining, while extending Coca-Cola's reach across FooDee's multi-brand business.

Coca-Cola expands its restaurant partnerships

CCEAP, the local bottling partner and distributor of Coca-Cola products in the Philippines, has been building its foodservice network by working with businesses where beverages form part of the dining experience.

Its agreement with FooDee Global Concepts adds a portfolio of restaurant brands spanning different dining concepts and customer occasions. Rather than relying on a single restaurant chain, the partnership provides access to a network of more than 100 branches.

The arrangement also illustrates how food and beverage companies can work together across multiple consumer-facing brands to expand distribution and create more opportunities for product availability.

The announcement does not specify the individual Coca-Cola products to be offered at each restaurant, nor does it detail whether the beverage selection will be uniform across all participating branches.

FooDee brings a diverse restaurant portfolio to the partnership

FooDee Global Concepts operates a range of dining businesses, from internationally recognised restaurant concepts to locally developed brands.

Its portfolio includes Tim Ho Wan, Hawker Chan, and Mo-Mo Paradise, along with POUND x Flatterie, Sunnies Cafe, and Foodlink food-court outlets. The variety gives the partnership a presence across different restaurant formats rather than a single dining category.

For a multi-brand operator, partnerships with established consumer brands can complement its restaurant offerings and provide another point of consistency across participating locations. The specific commercial terms of the Coca-Cola and FooDee agreement, however, were not disclosed in the announcement.

Shared dining experiences drive the companies' approach

Chris Pesigan, president and CEO of CCEAP, said the partnership reflects the companies' shared focus on creating experiences around meals, whether for everyday dining, family gatherings, or celebrations.

Rikki Dee, president and CEO of FooDee Global Concepts, likewise highlighted the role of partnerships in enhancing restaurant experiences. He said Coca-Cola has long been associated with shared meals and celebrations and that the collaboration aims to make dining occasions across the group's restaurants more enjoyable.

The statements position the agreement around the role beverages play in restaurant dining, alongside its broader distribution reach.

What the partnership means for the foodservice sector

The agreement brings together a beverage distributor and a restaurant group with a broad portfolio of dining concepts. For CCEAP, the network offers additional points of contact with consumers across more than 100 branches. For FooDee, the partnership adds Coca-Cola beverages to the dining experience across its participating brands.

The companies have not disclosed financial terms, specific sales targets, or projected business gains from the arrangement. Its longer-term commercial impact will depend on implementation across the restaurant network and customer demand.

For now, the partnership represents a distribution and brand collaboration that links Coca-Cola's beverage portfolio with FooDee Global Concepts' expanding range of dining businesses in the Philippines.

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Manulife and iCare HMO Partner to Expand Employee Life Insurance Protection

Manulife and iCare HMO Partner to Expand Employee Life Insurance Protection

Manulife Philippines and iCare HMO have entered into a strategic partnership to help businesses combine healthcare coverage with life insurance protection, expanding the employee benefits options available to select corporate clients.

A key development in the collaboration is the planned integration of Manulife group life insurance into iCare HMO prepaid cards beginning November 2026. The companies are also exploring broader employee benefits offerings that bring together group medical coverage, life insurance, and other protection solutions.

The partnership reflects a broader approach to workplace benefits, in which employers can consider not only employees’ access to healthcare but also the financial consequences that serious illness or death may have on their families.

How the Manulife and iCare HMO partnership will work

Under the agreement, Manulife’s annually renewable group life insurance will be made available to select iCare HMO group customers, complementing their existing healthcare benefits.

For participating businesses, the arrangement offers another option for building employee benefits packages that address different aspects of protection. Healthcare benefits help employees access covered medical services, while life insurance can provide financial support to beneficiaries in the event of an insured employee’s death, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.

The companies are also developing integrated offerings designed to make their respective products available through complementary distribution channels.

Beginning November 2026, they plan to embed group life insurance into iCare HMO prepaid cards. The companies have not specified in the supplied announcement which prepaid card products will qualify or the precise coverage terms that eligible customers will receive.

A two-way distribution framework will also allow Manulife and iCare to reach customers through each other’s authorised channels and corporate relationships.

Why integrated employee benefits matter to employers

For employers, the partnership provides another potential route to broaden employee protection without treating healthcare coverage as the only component of a benefits programme.

Medical benefits and life insurance serve different purposes. HMO coverage generally helps members pay for eligible healthcare services within their plan's terms, while group life insurance provides a separate financial benefit to designated beneficiaries when a covered event occurs.

Combining the two can help companies address a wider range of employee and family needs. However, the practical value of an integrated package will depend on its coverage limits, eligibility requirements, exclusions, cost, and the needs of the workforce.

For HR teams and business owners reviewing their benefits programmes, these details will be important when comparing the proposed offerings with existing arrangements.

Manulife survey points to interest in financial independence

The partnership also draws on findings from Manulife’s Asia Care Survey, which examined attitudes towards care, well-being, and financial security.

According to the survey cited by Manulife, 88% of Filipino respondents identified independence and financial freedom as the legacy they want to leave their loved ones.

The finding provides context for the companies’ focus on combining health-related benefits with financial protection. It does not, by itself, establish how many Filipino employers are planning to adopt integrated benefits or how employees will respond to the new offering.

Rahul Hora, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Philippines, said the partnership aims to complement iCare HMO’s healthcare solutions with life insurance protection for group clients while exploring ways to make relevant solutions more accessible.

Geronimo V. Francisco, president and chief executive officer of iCare, said the collaboration would expand the protection options available to group customers and support the development of solutions that respond to the changing needs of Filipino employees and families.

What comes next for the partnership?

Beyond the planned prepaid-card integration, Manulife and iCare intend to explore coordinated group life insurance, group medical coverage, and broader employee benefits propositions for Philippine businesses.

The companies have not provided further details in the supplied announcement on pricing, specific benefit limits, eligibility criteria, or the full rollout schedule for these future offerings.

For employers, the next step will be to assess the actual terms of the available products and determine how they fit existing benefits budgets, workforce needs, and protection priorities.

The partnership establishes a framework for combining healthcare and life insurance through complementary offerings. Its impact will ultimately depend on the products launched, the coverage made available to eligible employees, and the extent to which businesses adopt them.

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LG Expands Commercial Laundry Push in Europe With New Equipment and Connected Solutions

LG Expands Commercial Laundry Push in Europe With New Equipment and Connected Solutions

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

The company showcased its professional laundry lineup and wet-cleaning technology at EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL 2026 in Milan as it pursues new European distribution partnerships.

LG Electronics is expanding its commercial laundry business in Europe, showcasing professional laundry equipment and connected management solutions at EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL 2026 in Milan, Italy, from October 23 to 26.

The exhibition brings together equipment and technology providers serving the professional textile-care industry. For LG, the event provides a platform to present its broader commercial laundry portfolio to business customers, strengthen existing distributor relationships, and pursue new dealer partnerships across Europe.

The company’s display includes semi-commercial and professional laundry equipment, a wet-cleaning solution for the European market, and digital tools designed to help business operators monitor equipment and manage laundry operations.

The expansion reflects LG’s efforts to move beyond its established semi-commercial business and build a stronger position in the professional laundry sector.

Professional laundry lineup brings AI-assisted load management

Among the products showcased at the Milan exhibition are mass-produced models from LG’s Professional Laundry lineup, which incorporates technologies intended to manage loads and improve equipment stability.

Its AI Weight Detection technology identifies the size of a laundry load and adjusts water use accordingly. The Dynamic Ball-Core System uses a built-in gyroscope sensor to detect drum imbalances in real time, while a ball balancer helps stabilize the load and reduce vibration.

These features are designed to address operating considerations for commercial laundry businesses, where equipment may handle repeated loads throughout the day.

The professional lineup forms part of LG’s wider portfolio for businesses with different laundry requirements, including operators seeking equipment for commercial premises and professional textile-care services.

Wet-cleaning solution targets delicate garments

LG is also presenting its Wet Cleaning solution to the European market, offering an alternative to conventional dry-cleaning methods.

The technology uses water and specially formulated detergents intended to clean delicate garments while helping manage risks such as shrinkage, color transfer, and changes in fabric texture.

The solution incorporates MotionCare technology, combining gentle washing with low-temperature drying. Carefully controlled drum movements are designed to reduce the risk of fabric damage during cleaning.

For professional textile-care operators, wet cleaning can provide another option for handling garments that require more careful treatment. Actual results depend on fabric type, garment-care instructions, detergent selection, and operating conditions.

Connected tools support laundry business operations

Beyond equipment, LG is promoting digital management solutions aimed at helping business customers oversee their laundry operations.

The LG LaundryCrew app allows owners and users to remotely monitor and manage connected laundry equipment. The company’s Open API, meanwhile, enables business-to-business customers to integrate supported equipment data with existing business systems through a separate system development process.

These tools can help operators incorporate equipment monitoring into their wider workflows and develop management platforms suited to their business requirements.

For commercial laundry providers, connected systems can be relevant to equipment oversight, operational planning, and performance tracking. The extent of those capabilities depends on the equipment, integrations, and systems deployed by each customer.

Distributor partnerships underpin European expansion

LG’s commercial laundry expansion builds on distributor relationships in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Hungary.

In August 2026, the company secured a business-to-business order from SCHILLING Wäschereitechnik GmbH, a Germany-based distributor specializing in professional laundry and ironing equipment. Deliveries of LG’s semi-commercial and Professional Laundry products to Schilling were already underway, according to the company.

LG plans to strengthen its existing partnerships while developing new dealer relationships across Europe. Its participation in EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL is intended to support those efforts by bringing its products and connected solutions to prospective business partners.

The company is also pursuing commercial laundry opportunities outside Europe. According to LG, it has increased supplies to North American operators CSC ServiceWorks and WASH while strengthening distribution partnerships in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Baek Seung-tae, president of LG’s Home Appliance Solution Company, said the Milan exhibition provides an opportunity to introduce the company’s commercial laundry portfolio and connected management solutions to European business partners.

He added that LG intends to build on its regional presence by strengthening partnerships and supporting customers’ operational efficiency.

What LG’s strategy means for the commercial laundry market

LG’s approach combines three elements: a wider range of commercial laundry equipment, technology designed to support garment care and machine stability, and connected tools for equipment management.

The strategy also relies on distribution. Partnerships with local dealers can help equipment manufacturers reach business customers and support market development in regions where they are expanding their professional offerings.

As LG pursues further growth in Europe and other markets, its ability to build distribution relationships and address the operational requirements of professional laundry businesses will be central to the expansion.

More information about LG’s business and products is available on the LG Electronics official website.

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Manulife UITFs Rank Among Top Performers in First Nine Months of 2026

Manulife UITFs Rank Among Top Performers in First Nine Months of 2026

The investment firm's semiconductor, technology, clean energy, Asia equity, and short-duration bond funds placed first in several Philippine peso-denominated UITF categories.

Several unit investment trust funds (UITFs) managed by Manulife Investments Philippines ranked among the country's top performers for the first nine months of 2026, with funds covering technology, clean energy, Asian equities, and fixed income securing leading positions in their respective categories.

Based on performance figures for January 1 to September 30, 2026, published through the Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Performance and Returns portal, Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation placed three funds in the top positions of the Feeder Fund - Equity category. It also secured the top spot in the separate Equity category and the Feeder Fund - Fixed Income category.

The results span investment strategies with different market exposures, from semiconductor and technology stocks to Asian bonds, illustrating the range of investment products available to Filipino investors.

Semiconductor fund posts 100.74% return

The Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund ranked first in the Feeder Fund - Equity category, posting a reported return of 100.74% for the period.

The fund provides exposure to companies in the global semiconductor industry, whose products support artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, smartphones, vehicles, and other digital technologies.

Two other Manulife funds followed in the same category. The Manulife Global Technology Equity Feeder Fund ranked second, with a 38.43% return, while the Manulife Global Clean Energy Equity Feeder Fund placed third, returning 29.57%.

The technology fund invests across technology subsectors, while the clean energy fund focuses on companies involved in renewable power, electric vehicles, and the technologies and infrastructure supporting the energy transition.

The results highlight three distinct investment themes: semiconductor manufacturing and related technologies, the broader technology sector, and the shift toward cleaner energy.

Asia-focused equity fund leads its category

In the Equity category, the Manulife Asia Best Select Equity Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A) ranked first among retail share classes, posting a reported return of 38.01%.

The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of companies listed across Asian markets, excluding Japan. Its regional focus gives investors exposure to businesses operating in different Asian economies and industries.

While the three leading feeder funds focus on specific global investment themes, the Asia Best Select Equity Fund offers a different approach through exposure to companies across multiple markets in the region.

Short-duration bond fund tops fixed-income feeder category

Manulife also secured the leading position in the Feeder Fund - Fixed Income category through the Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A), which posted a reported return of 6.36%.

The fund focuses on high-quality Asian bonds with maturities of less than three years. Its strategy differs from the equity funds, which are exposed to stock-market movements and specific sectors or regions.

Fixed-income funds and equity funds have different risk and return characteristics. Investors need to assess those differences in relation to their financial goals, investment horizon, and ability to withstand potential losses.

Digital access expands investment options

The funds form part of Manulife Investments Philippines' wider UITF offering, which provides access to local and international investment strategies.

Investors can explore the firm's available funds through Manulife Investments Philippines and open a UITF account online through Manulife iFUNDS, its digital investment platform.

Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Investments Philippines, said the company's range of UITFs is intended to serve Filipinos with different financial goals, needs, and risk appetites.

She added that the firm's investment strategies draw on global expertise to provide options for investors working toward long-term financial objectives.

What investors should consider

Strong historical returns can help investors understand how a fund performed over a specific period, but they do not guarantee similar results in the future.

A UITF is an investment product, not a bank deposit. It is not insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and its value can rise or fall with the market. Investors may receive less than the amount they initially invested.

The reported returns for the first nine months of 2026 should therefore be viewed in the context of each fund's investment strategy, risk classification, fees, and market exposure. Before investing, individuals should review the fund's disclosure documents and determine whether its objectives and risks match their financial circumstances.

More information about UITFs, their performance, and the risks involved is available through the UITF Performance and Returns portal and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' regulatory guidance.

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MediCard and The Medical City Partner on Healthcare Access

MediCard and The Medical City Partner on Healthcare Access

Sunday, October 25, 2026

The collaboration highlights the role of healthcare partnerships, digital access and preventive wellness in improving the patient experience in the Philippines.

Healthcare access involves more than finding a doctor or hospital. For patients and HMO members, the experience also depends on how easily they can navigate services, access relevant information and receive support for their health needs.

MediCard, an AIA company and health maintenance organization (HMO), has partnered with The Medical City in a collaboration aimed at making healthcare more accessible and responsive to Filipinos.

Announced in October 2026, the partnership brings together MediCard's healthcare solutions and The Medical City's network of hospitals and clinics. The companies describe the collaboration as part of their shared commitment to improving healthcare experiences for members and patients across the country.

While the announcement does not detail specific changes to coverage or service delivery, the collaboration highlights a broader priority for the healthcare sector: strengthening the connections between healthcare financing, medical providers, digital services and preventive care.

Why connected healthcare matters

For patients, healthcare can involve several separate steps, from understanding available benefits and arranging consultations to accessing diagnostic services and following medical advice.

When these steps are difficult to navigate, patients may face additional administrative burdens. Partnerships between HMOs and healthcare providers can help address coordination challenges, although the results depend on how services are integrated and implemented.

MediCard's collaboration with The Medical City brings together two parts of the healthcare system: an HMO that provides healthcare plans and related services, and a healthcare institution that delivers medical care through its facilities and professionals.

The potential value of such arrangements lies in making the patient journey easier to navigate. To assess the practical impact of this partnership, members would need clear information about participating facilities, eligibility, covered services, referral procedures and any changes to existing arrangements.

Those details will help determine how the collaboration translates into everyday access for patients and members.

Digital tools add another dimension to healthcare access

Alongside its partnerships, MediCard is developing digital and wellness initiatives intended to help members engage more actively with their health.

One is MedGo, MediCard's app for accessing healthcare services. Digital platforms can provide a convenient point of access to relevant information and services, particularly for members who want to manage healthcare-related tasks through their mobile devices.

MediCard has also integrated Mental Health Wellbeing Support into MedGo. The platform is intended to empower members to monitor and manage their health proactively, with a focus on mental health and well-being.

For healthcare organizations, digital tools can complement in-person services by making certain interactions more convenient. Their effectiveness, however, depends on usability, access to reliable information, data privacy safeguards and the availability of appropriate professional support when needed.

Digital services should therefore be viewed as one part of a broader healthcare strategy, rather than a replacement for clinical assessment or treatment.

Preventive care remains part of the equation

MediCard's Livewell program is another component of its approach to member wellness. The program promotes healthier lifestyles through health education, screening initiatives and preventive care interventions.

Preventive care is important because healthcare needs are not limited to treating illnesses after symptoms appear. Appropriate screening, health education and timely consultations can help people make informed decisions about their health and identify concerns that may require professional attention.

For employers and healthcare organizations, wellness programs can also create opportunities to encourage healthier routines and greater awareness of available healthcare resources.

The value of these programs depends on participation, appropriate clinical guidance and whether members can access follow-up care when screening or consultations identify potential health concerns.

Together, MedGo, Mental Health Wellbeing Support and Livewell reflect MediCard's stated focus on combining service access with wellness and preventive care.

What the partnership could mean for the healthcare sector

The collaboration between MediCard and The Medical City comes amid a continuing need to make healthcare services easier for Filipinos to access and navigate.

For HMOs, relationships with healthcare providers are central to delivering the services members expect from their plans. For hospitals and clinics, partnerships can connect them with members seeking care through organized healthcare arrangements.

However, the existence of a partnership does not automatically mean that all services are covered at every facility or that all members will experience the same benefits. Patients should continue to confirm their eligibility, coverage limits, participating providers and any authorization requirements directly with their HMO.

The announcement does not specify whether the collaboration introduces new benefits, changes existing coverage, adds facilities to MediCard's network or establishes new patient referral arrangements. These operational details will be important in determining the partnership's direct effect on access and continuity of care.

Building a more responsive healthcare experience

MediCard and The Medical City say their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to more accessible healthcare for Filipinos. MediCard's digital access and wellness initiatives provide additional context for how the HMO is approaching member engagement beyond traditional healthcare plan administration.

The next measure of progress will be how effectively these efforts translate into practical improvements for patients and members, including clearer access to services, a smoother care journey and stronger connections between preventive health activities and clinical care.

As healthcare needs evolve, collaboration across providers, HMOs and digital services can play a role in shaping a more connected system. Ultimately, its value will be determined not simply by the number of partnerships established, but by the quality, accessibility and usefulness of the care people can actually receive.

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Klook Partner Awards 2026 Recognizes Businesses Driving Philippine Tourism

Klook Partner Awards 2026 Recognizes Businesses Driving Philippine Tourism

From attractions and hotels to transport providers, Klook’s annual awards highlight the businesses supporting domestic travel across the Philippines.

Tourism depends on more than destinations. Behind every attraction visit, hotel booking, and trip between cities is a network of businesses that helps travelers plan and experience their journeys.

That network took center stage at the Klook Partner Awards 2026, held on October 6, where Klook Philippines recognized partners across attractions and activities, accommodations, and transportation services.

Announced on October 19, the awards recognized businesses under three categories: Play, Stay, and Move. The recognition covered partners with strong guest reviews, businesses with the highest year-on-year growth, and operators identified as top sales contributors within their respective travel categories.

For the Philippine tourism sector, the awards offer a look at the range of businesses that help deliver domestic travel experiences, from established attractions and hotel groups to tour operators and transport providers.

Three categories reflect different roles in the travel industry

Klook organized the awards around three areas of the traveler journey, each representing a different segment of its partner network.

The User’s Choice Award recognized partners with consistently high guest reviews. The Rising Star Award went to operators with the highest year-on-year growth, while the Best of the Philippines category recognized top sales contributors in each travel pillar.

These distinctions reflect different measures of business performance. Guest feedback can offer insight into customer experience, growth can indicate a change in business activity, and sales contributions show commercial performance within the platform's framework. They are not interchangeable measures, but together they illustrate the different ways travel businesses can build their presence.

Play: Attractions, tours and local experiences

The Play category covers attractions, activities, tours, and experiences that help visitors explore destinations.

Awardees included:

• User’s Choice: SM Prime Holdings
• Rising Star: Island Trek Tours; Star Parks Corporation
• Best of the Philippines: Viaje Philippines; Las Islas Travel and Tours; Manila Ocean Park; Enchanted Kingdom

For this segment, digital platforms can help travelers discover activities, compare options, and arrange bookings before reaching a destination. For operators, participation can create an additional route to reach customers who are planning trips online.

The mix of awardees also illustrates the breadth of the experiences market, which can include large attractions as well as tour providers that connect visitors with local destinations.

Stay: Accommodation providers across different markets

The Stay category recognizes hospitality businesses providing accommodation for travelers.

Its awardees were:

• User’s Choice: Mandarin Nest Boracay
• Rising Star: Bayfront Hotel Cebu; The Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila
• Best of the Philippines: Bai Hotel Cebu; Canyon Hotels and Resorts; Hotel 101 Group; Hennan Group of Resorts

Accommodation remains an important part of the domestic travel ecosystem because it connects destinations with spending on lodging and related services. Hotels and resorts also operate within a competitive market where visibility, guest experience, pricing, and location can influence booking decisions.

For participating properties, online distribution channels provide another way to present their offerings to travelers researching places to stay.

Move: Connecting travelers to destinations

The Move category covers transportation and mobility services, including airport transfers, car rentals, ferry travel, and other ground and sea transport options.

Awardees included:

• User’s Choice: ATR Travel and Rent a Car Corporation
• Rising Star: Biyaheroes; 2GO Travel
• Best of the Philippines: Hertz; Islandstar Express; Southwest Tours

Transportation is a practical part of travel planning, particularly for destinations that require connections between airports, ports, hotels, attractions, and regional communities. Reliable mobility options can make itineraries easier to organize and help travelers reach experiences beyond major urban centers.

The inclusion of mobility providers underscores that the travel experience extends beyond the destination itself. Getting there, moving around, and coordinating connections are also part of the tourism value chain.

Why partner networks matter to tourism businesses

Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho said the awards were intended to recognize partners helping deliver travel experiences across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. She also cited the platform's growth over the preceding 12 months despite industry challenges, attributing that performance in part to its partners.

The announcement did not provide figures for the platform's growth, total bookings, or the individual commercial performance of the awardees. Still, the recognition highlights the importance of relationships between travel platforms and the businesses that supply the experiences, accommodation, and transportation customers book.

For local operators, digital distribution may offer access to travelers who might otherwise be difficult to reach. For platforms, a broad selection of partners helps provide more options across destinations and stages of a trip.

The value of these arrangements depends on the details of each partnership, including commission structures, booking terms, customer service responsibilities, and the extent to which businesses can convert online visibility into sustainable revenue.

Awards based on reviews, growth, and sales can recognize different achievements, but they do not by themselves establish profitability or long-term business resilience.

What the awards mean for domestic travel

The Klook Partner Awards place attention on the businesses that help turn travel plans into actual experiences. Attractions draw visitors, accommodation providers give them places to stay, and transportation companies connect them with destinations.

For tourism businesses, the wider opportunity is to make these services easier to discover and book while delivering the quality and reliability travelers expect. For destinations, a connected network of operators can help create more complete travel experiences and support activity across different parts of the visitor economy.

Klook said it remains committed to investing in the Philippines and working with partners nationwide. Travelers can browse the awardees' available offers through the Klook app, subject to each partner's listings and booking terms.

As domestic travel continues to bring together hospitality, attractions, and mobility services, the performance of these businesses will remain an important part of how destinations serve visitors and participate in the wider tourism economy.

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