SOCIAL MEDIA

Everyday Road Heroes: inDrive Celebrates Filipino Drivers This National Heroes’ Day

Monday, August 25, 2025

Not all heroes wear capes—some are behind the wheel, navigating our busy streets and making sure we get home safe. This National Heroes’ Day, ride-hailing platform inDrive honors its partner drivers whose quiet acts of service show that everyday heroism can be found in the most unexpected places.

From braving floodwaters to returning lost valuables and balancing family duties with long hours on the road, these drivers prove that courage, compassion, and commitment shine brightest when shared with others.

Jason Pamilar: Braving the Storm


When Typhoon Crising left roads submerged, inDrive partner driver Jason Pamilar spent nine grueling hours ensuring his passenger made it home safely. At one point, he even left the vehicle to wade through the flood just to buy food for them both.

“Ginawa ko yun kasi bilang isang driver, responsibilidad ko na ang passenger na nakasakay sa kotse. Basta kaya ko, ihahatid ko,” Jason shared.

His selflessness went viral, earning the admiration of thousands online. But for him, it wasn’t about recognition—it was simply about doing what’s right.

Rolando Perea: Honesty on the Road


Another driver, Rolando Perea, showed integrity when he discovered a passenger’s laptop left in his car. Without hesitation, he reached out and returned it.

“Hindi madali maging ride-hailing driver… Ang mahalaga ay may respeto tayo sa kapwa, maging matiyaga, masipag at magdasal para maging ligtas palagi ang byahe,” Rolando said.

His positive outlook keeps him grounded despite the daily challenges on the road.

Mark Allan Casulla: A Father First


For Mark Allan Casulla, heroism means showing up for his family. While providing for his children as the family’s breadwinner, he also makes time to drop them off at school and pick them up after.

“Napakagandang opportunity bilang TNVS driver na madali kong makakasama ang pamilya ko habang kumakayod,” Mark shared.

His dedication has also earned him recognition as one of inDrive’s top drivers for Q2 2025—a proud moment he celebrated with his son cheering him on at the awards ceremony.

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel

This year, inDrive introduced the People’s Driver Award in the Philippines, which was given to Jason. Rolando also received recognition as one of the top drivers, while Mark was celebrated for his stellar performance and inspiring balance of work and family life.

“Many of our partner drivers go beyond providing rides. They show up with integrity, empathy, and grit,” said Vanessa Taqueban, inDrive Philippines’ Driver Operations Lead. “On National Heroes’ Day, we honor our heroes behind the wheel and their commitment to driving all of us safely.”

Through stories like Jason’s, Rolando’s, and Mark’s, inDrive continues to highlight how ordinary drivers become extraordinary community heroes—one ride at a time.

For more inspiring stories about inDrive’s road heroes, visit www.inDrive.com.
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The Manila Hotel and TESDA Forge Partnership to Train Future Hospitality Leaders


The Philippines’ hospitality industry just gained a powerful boost. The Manila Hotel, an icon of Filipino heritage and service excellence, has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to serve as an official training ground for aspiring hoteliers.

Through this collaboration, the next generation of hospitality professionals will gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

A Landmark Agreement

The partnership was formalized on August 13, 2025, during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel event, with TESDA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez as guest of honor.

As part of the ceremony, TESDA awarded The Manila Hotel with its first-ever Certificates of TVET Program Registration under the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) scheme. This recognition officially designates the hotel as a hub for skills training in hospitality.

Training the Next Generation of Hoteliers

According to Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, “The Manila Hotel is proud to open its doors to the next generation of Filipino hoteliers. This partnership reflects our commitment to developing skilled professionals who will uphold and elevate Philippine hospitality on the global stage.”

Under the EBET program, trainees will undergo immersive, on-the-job training in various aspects of hotel operations, including:
  • Guest services and front office management
  • Food and beverage operations
  • Culinary arts and kitchen management
  • Housekeeping and hotel administration

This hands-on approach ensures graduates gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

Bridging Education and Industry

TESDA Secretary Benitez emphasized the importance of the initiative, “The EBET program aligns training with employer requirements, and The Manila Hotel, renowned for its heritage and service excellence, is the ideal setting for this partnership.”

By aligning with TESDA, The Manila Hotel strengthens its role as both a heritage landmark and a training institution, preparing graduates who are ready to meet local and international hospitality standards.

The partnership between The Manila Hotel and TESDA highlights how collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies can shape the future of Philippine tourism. With the EBET program in place, more young Filipinos will gain access to meaningful career opportunities in hospitality—bringing world-class Filipino service to the global stage.
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Hanabishi’s Kapartner sa Kabuhayan Helps Nanaypreneurs Build Stronger Livelihoods Through Project Karinderya


Running a small karinderya is more than just a business—it’s a way for many Filipino mothers to provide for their families and serve their communities. Recognizing this, Hanabishi Appliances has launched its Kapartner sa Kabuhayan program, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs, or nanaypreneurs.

In partnership with K-COOP’s Project Karinderya, Hanabishi recently turned over livelihood starter kits to support small eatery owners in Caloocan and Quezon City, helping them cook, serve, and grow their businesses with greater ease.

Hanabishi Extends Support to Nanaypreneurs

On August 4, 2025, Hanabishi officially donated 10 livelihood starter kits to nanaypreneurs and 2 health coordinators in their communities. The beneficiaries were identified through K-COOP and came from Camarin and Bagong Silang in Caloocan, as well as Lagro in Quezon City.


Each starter kit included:
  • Hanabishi electric fan
  • Gas stove or oven toaster
  • Rice cooker or pressure cooker
  • Water dispenser or hand mixer/blender
  • Coffee maker or airpot

These appliances will make it easier for women to run their eateries efficiently while also serving nutritious meals to their communities.

A Collaborative Effort with K-COOP, SEAOIL, and BiotechJP

The project was made stronger with the help of Hanabishi’s partners:

K-COOP (Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative) – spearheading Project Karinderya to support karinderya owners and low-income families.

SEAOIL – providing SEAGAS LPG tanks to the beneficiaries.

BiotechJP – donating Ready-to-Eat Rice (Rice to GO) to help karinderyas serve quick, filling meals.

According to Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi VP for Finance and Marketing, “At Hanabishi, we believe mothers are not only the light of their homes but also the backbone of their communities. Through Kapartner sa Kabuhayan, we want to help their businesses grow and thrive, ultimately supporting Filipino families in building sustainable livelihoods.”

Building Sustainable Livelihoods


Beyond this turnover, Hanabishi is looking to expand Kapartner sa Kabuhayan to benefit more micro-entrepreneurs across the Philippines. By joining forces with cooperatives and private sector partners, the company aims to create a ripple effect of empowerment—helping families achieve financial independence while fostering community resilience.

“We are exploring more collaborations with K-COOP and other organizations to further strengthen our livelihood programs,” Ong-Chua added.

Hanabishi’s Kapartner sa Kabuhayan proves that when corporations, cooperatives, and partners unite, they can create real change for Filipino families. By equipping nanaypreneurs with the right tools, Hanabishi isn’t just providing appliances—it’s helping build dreams, one karinderya at a time.



To know more about Hanabishi’s CSR programs, visit www.myhanabishi.com.
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Wise Becomes First Global Fintech to Fully Integrate with Philippine Payment Systems

Thursday, August 21, 2025


A Game-Changer for OFWs, Students, and Freelancers

Money remittances have always been a lifeline for Filipino families — from parents sending tuition fees abroad, to OFWs supporting loved ones back home, to freelancers working with international clients. But the struggle has often been the same: hidden fees, long delays, and strict transfer limits.

This is why Wise’s latest announcement matters. The global fintech giant has officially become the first international fintech to fully integrate with both InstaPay and PESONet, giving Filipinos faster, cheaper, and more reliable cross-border payments. Today, Wise already processes 12% of all inward personal remittances to the Philippines — a strong sign that many Filipinos are turning to smarter, more transparent ways to move their money.

What This Means for Filipinos

With this integration, Wise users can now:

  • Send and receive money seamlessly through InstaPay and PESONet.
  • Transfer large amounts abroad without delays or limits, perfect for tuition payments or family support.
  • Get real mid-market exchange rates (the same ones you see on Google) without hidden markups.
  • Enjoy lower fees — transfers like PHP 50,000 to USD are now over 10% cheaper.

This move makes it easier for OFWs, parents, and freelancers to handle international transactions without the frustrations of traditional banks.

Strengthening Financial Inclusion with National ID

To make these services even more accessible, Wise has partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to integrate with the National ID eVerify system.

Now, Filipinos can quickly verify their Wise accounts using their National ID — whether it’s a card, paper, or digital copy. This supports the government’s digitalization push and helps more Filipinos gain access to global financial tools.

PSA’s National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa emphasized that this collaboration empowers millions of Filipinos across all backgrounds, highlighting that over 88 million digital National IDs are already in use.

Wise’s Commitment to the Philippine Market


According to Areson Cuevas, Country Manager for Wise Philippines, the fintech’s rapid growth reflects the demand for better, more affordable financial solutions:

“By connecting directly to InstaPay and PESONet and streamlining National ID verification, Wise is removing barriers to transparent and affordable international money transfers. Our mission is to make sure every Filipino can move money with confidence and ease.”

Since launching locally in May 2024, Wise has introduced its Wise Account and Card, allowing Filipinos to manage over 40 currencies with no hidden fees.

Real Stories from Filipinos

For many, the benefits are already clear. Leslie May Daguplo, a freelancer paid by US-based clients, shared:

“Before using Wise, I’d always lose money to hidden fees and bad rates. Now, I see the fees upfront and get fair exchange rates. More of my earnings go straight into my pocket. It’s made managing my freelance work simpler and more affordable.”

Her experience echoes that of many Filipinos who are tired of losing hard-earned income to traditional banking systems.

For a country where remittances account for over 9% of GDP, innovations like this go beyond convenience — they directly impact family livelihoods, education, and even business growth. With Wise leading the way, we’re seeing a major step forward in financial inclusion and empowerment for Filipinos everywhere.

If you’re an OFW, a parent sending tuition abroad, or a freelancer juggling international payments, Wise’s integration with the Philippines’ payment systems might just be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
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Schneider Electric Champions Scalable, Energy-Efficient Data Centers as AI Fuels Rising Demand

Wednesday, August 20, 2025


The Philippines is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services, but with this transformation comes a growing challenge: the rising demand for high-density data centers and the increasing strain on the country’s power infrastructure. Recognizing this, Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital energy management and automation, is stepping up with next-generation, energy-efficient solutions designed to power the AI-driven future.

AI, Power, and the Data Center Challenge

At the Innovation Day Philippines 2025, experts from Uptime Institute highlighted how the boom in AI and digital adoption is putting enormous pressure on existing power systems. Traditional data centers are no longer enough—industries now require AI-ready infrastructure that can handle massive workloads without compromising efficiency or sustainability.

This is where Schneider Electric comes in. The company recently launched its EcoStruxure™ Data Center Solutions, a modular and scalable suite designed to support high-performance AI and cloud computing.

Next-Gen EcoStruxure™: Built for AI at Scale

Schneider Electric unveiled its EcoStruxure™ Pod and Rack Solutions—innovations built to handle the intense requirements of modern AI data centers. Key features include:

  • Support for up to 120kW per rack with advanced thermal management (liquid and air cooling systems).
  • Grid-ready power systems powered by AI-tolerant UPS (Galaxy VXL).
  • Real-time monitoring with EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure IT Expert, and AVEVA Unified Operations Center for optimized performance.

These solutions shorten deployment cycles, reduce operational risks, and ensure that operators can expand capacity seamlessly—all while keeping energy efficiency at the core.

A Global Partnership for AI Growth

Schneider Electric also announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA, combining sustainability expertise with cutting-edge accelerated computing. Together, they are co-developing power delivery systems, thermal management, and high-density racks specifically engineered for AI workloads.

This collaboration contributes to global initiatives like Europe’s €200B InvestAI program and serves as a model for Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, where AI adoption is accelerating.

“Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are not just partners—we’re co-developing the infrastructure needed to power the next wave of AI factories globally,” shared Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric.

Powering the Philippines’ Digital Future

With decades of global expertise and sustainability at its core, Schneider Electric is working with local stakeholders to ensure the Philippines can build future-ready, energy-efficient data centers. The goal is clear: create a resilient digital backbone that can sustain the demands of AI and high-performance computing while easing pressure on the country’s power grid.

As the world pushes forward into the AI era, Schneider Electric is making sure the Philippines isn’t left behind—offering solutions that are smart, scalable, and sustainable.
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DXC and Boomi Forge Strategic Partnership to Fast-Track Modernization and Adoption of Agentic AI


New Boomi Center of Excellence (COE) within DXC will act as an innovation hub for customers across industries

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a Fortune 500 global technology services provider, and Boomi™, the leader in AI-driven automation, today announced a new strategic partnership. Together, DXC and Boomi are redefining how enterprises automate and integrate operations with AI, streamlining application modernization and helping to speed adoption of agentic systems at scale.

“Many enterprises today are overwhelmed by disconnected systems and technical debt, facing immense pressure to modernize while ensuring security, continuity and compliance,” said T.R. Newcomb, Chief Revenue Officer at DXC Technology. “We’re thrilled to partner with Boomi to help our customers accelerate their transformations, delivering seamless integration and AI agent management that positions them for success with agentic AI.”

“Agentic transformation isn’t a future trend — it’s an enterprise imperative,” said Steve Lucas, Chairman and CEO at Boomi. “Together with DXC, Boomi is helping customers replace outdated architectures with intelligent, agent-driven infrastructure that’s faster to build, easier to govern, and ready for whatever’s next. This partnership gives enterprises a direct path to modernization, automation, and long-term AI readiness.”

Accelerating Enterprise Transformation with Boomi and DXC

The DXC–Boomi partnership focuses on delivering customer value across three core areas:

Application Modernization - DXC will deliver modern, cloud-native integration solutions that help enterprises replace outdated middleware and accelerate transformation. Through joint go-to-market initiatives with leading enterprise platforms, DXC and its partners will co-create solutions and reusable assets that make it easier for shared clients to modernize and achieve results faster.

AI-Driven Migration and Data Readiness - By combining Boomi’s AI-powered automation platform with DXC’s full-stack engineering capabilities, customers can seamlessly connect mission-critical systems — from order management and inventory to logistics and finance — driving operational efficiency and faster decision-making.

Agentic Transformation with Boomi Agentstudio - With deep experience managing complex IT systems, DXC ensures Boomi’s Agentstudio works securely and intelligently across critical systems to orchestrate all AI agents at scale.

Center of Excellence to Drive Scale and Delivery Excellence

To provide support and best practices, the companies will launch a dedicated Boomi Center of Excellence (COE) within DXC. The COE will act as a delivery and innovation hub, providing reusable assets, field enablement, and proven implementation patterns. It will ensure customers benefit from a consistent, high-quality modernization experience across regions and industries.

“The strategic partnership between Boomi and DXC isn’t just about connecting systems — it’s about reimagining how businesses run in an AI-first world,” said Dan McAllister, SVP of Global Alliances at Boomi. “Together, we’re collapsing complexity and accelerating transformation at the core of the enterprise.”
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LBC Express Swings Back to Profit in First Half of 2025, Marks 75 Years of Service

Tuesday, August 19, 2025


A turnaround story for the country’s logistics giant

Good news for one of the Philippines’ most trusted logistics brands—LBC Express Holdings Inc. (LBC) has bounced back to profitability in the first half of 2025. The company reported a ₱181.3 million net income, a sharp turnaround from last year’s ₱190.9 million net loss in the same period.

The milestone comes just as LBC celebrates its 75th anniversary, proving that even in a challenging economic landscape, the courier and remittance giant remains resilient and forward-looking.

Stronger operations despite revenue dip

In its disclosure to the stock exchange, LBC shared that service revenues reached ₱6.98 billion from January to June 2025, slightly lower than the ₱7.13 billion recorded in 2024.

But behind the modest decline in revenues lies a stronger bottom line:
  • Gross profit climbed 6% to ₱1.63 billion, thanks to reduced service costs.
  • Operating income improved by 19% to ₱393.8 million.
  • EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose 3% to ₱562.4 million.
  • Operating expenses only grew by 3% to ₱1.24 billion.

For Q2 alone, LBC registered a ₱132.6 million profit, overturning last year’s ₱131.4 million loss. Revenues reached ₱3.58 billion, with gross profit rising to ₱683.5 million.

Logistics remains LBC’s backbone

The bulk of LBC’s performance continues to come from its logistics business, which accounted for 97% of first-half revenues (₱6.75 billion). Breaking it down further:
  • Retail services delivered 67% of revenues
  • Corporate solutions contributed 30%
  • Money services added 3% (₱232 million)

In terms of geography:
  • Domestic operations generated 61% of revenues
  • International network provided 39%

This strong reliance on logistics reflects how Filipinos—whether sending balikbayan boxes abroad, online shopping parcels locally, or remittances to loved ones—continue to trust the “Hari ng Padala.”

Building momentum for the future

LBC’s Chief Finance Officer, Enrique V. Rey Jr., expressed confidence in the company’s direction, saying the results prove their strategy is working. He highlighted that after 75 years in the business, LBC remains steadfast in its commitment to serve communities.

“Over nearly 75 years in business, we have faced our share of challenges, but each one has made us stronger. This recovery shows that our strategy is working, and we’re ready to build on this momentum for the years ahead,” Rey said.

The company also revealed its plans to invest further in technology, service expansion, and international reach, ensuring its position as a global logistics and remittance leader.

LBC’s return to profitability is more than just a financial recovery—it’s a sign of renewed confidence in the logistics sector, which plays a vital role in supporting e-commerce, OFWs, and everyday Filipinos who rely on reliable deliveries.

If you’re looking for a logistics partner that has stood the test of time, LBC’s 75 years of service proves it’s a brand built on trust and resilience.
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