BusinessWeek National

16/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 16, 2024)

15/12/2024

Wilcon Depot Opens 100th Store Milestone in Lubao, Pampanga

Wilcon Depot Inc., the country's premier home improvement and construction supplies retailer, has reached a historic milestone with the grand opening of its 100th store in Lubao, Pampanga on December 13. Achieving this landmark a full year ahead of its 2025 target, Wilcon has proven its resolved and steady commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering high-quality solutions to Filipino households and businesses.



Its campaign enforces Wilcon's bold vision and relentless drive to bring world-class products and services to even more Filipinos.

The journey from launching its first store to now opening the 100th store has been nothing short of incredible. Wilcon’s story began in 1977 with its first modest store on Quezon Avenue, Manila. Spanning just 60 square meters, the shop was small but a brave step into the world of retail. Soon after, Wilcon’s profound evolution started leading to a 100 strong network of stores.

Over the years, Wilcon has established itself as a trusted partner for homeowners, builders, and professionals. The brand’s vast portfolio of products, ranging from top grade home improvement needs to premium quality construction materials, caters to diverse tastes and needs of its customers.

Driving Economic and Community Growth

Lubao is a 1st class municipality and is one of the 22 towns of the province of Pampanga. Brimming with history and cultural heritage, Lubao is not only the oldest of all Kapampangan towns but is aptly called the Cradle of the Kapampangan Civilization (Duyan Ning Kamalayang Kapampangan). As the portal of a great civilization during its time, Lubao is colored with rich historical landscapes and cultural vestiges.

The opening of Wilcon’s 100th store in Lubao, Pampanga, is a corporate milestone and a celebration of community impact. It continues the legacy of Wilcon in providing Filipinos with world-class offerings. Wilcon recognized the promising potential of Lubao in joining its four other big-box stores in the province from Dau; Dolores, San Fernando; San Nicolas, San Fernando; and Mexico, to meet the home and building needs of the Kapampangans. The new branch is designed to provide an expansive shopping experience featuring Wilcon’s signature range of high-quality products, expert customer service, and cutting-edge technologies that make home improvement projects more accessible and convenient.

The newly opened branch brings fresh opportunities for employment, invigorates local economies, and supports the growth of surrounding businesses. With its strategic expansion, Wilcon is not only meeting the demands of a burgeoning retail market but also enriching lives in the communities it serves.

100 and Beyond
While reaching its 100th store is a remarkable accomplishment, Wilcon is far from resting on its laurels. The company is now setting its sights on accelerating the growth of its smaller store formats, making its offerings even more accessible to underserved areas. This strategy reflects Wilcon’s agility in adapting to changing market demands while maintaining its dedication to quality and innovation.

Looking ahead, Wilcon is steadfast in its mission: to help Filipinos build better homes and live more sustainable, comfortable lives. Each store serves as a beacon of this purpose, offering not just products but also solutions that empower individuals to create their dream spaces.

Celebrating a Shared Success
Wilcon Depot’s 100th store milestone is a testament to the trust and loyalty of its customers, partners, and employees who have been integral to its success. The company celebrates this achievement with gratitude, acknowledging the collective effort that made it possible.

This historic milestone signals the start of another exciting chapter for Wilcon. With its unwavering commitment to quality, community impact, and innovation, Wilcon Depot remains a cornerstone of the Filipino home improvement industry. Continuing its goal to build big ideas.

Start building big ideas with Wilcon Depot and shop daily at its newest store from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visit Wilcon Depot Lubao located at Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Lubao, Pampanga Valued customers can also shop online at Wilcon by visiting shop.wilcon.com.ph/.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

14/12/2024

Recognition and Testimonial Celebration For Mapua MCM's 2024 Board Passers

# Mapua Celebrates 2024 Board Passers Amidst Centennial Countdown
Mapua College of Engineering & Architecture in Davao City celebrated its 2024 board passers, Norma Pacheco and Dr. Marigel Wagner, at the 9th annual Engineer's Journey Recognition on December 15, 2024. This milestone precedes Mapua Philippines' 100th anniversary in January 2025.

# Exceptional Academic Performance
Mapua's College of Engineering and Architecture boasts impressive academic achievements. With a consistent passing rate above the national average, the college solidifies its reputation for excellence. The 2024 board passers join an esteemed group of alumni who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession.

# Inspiring Journey of Engr. Anna Jedidiah Roque
Engr. Anna Jedidiah Roque, a faculty member and alumna, shared her inspiring journey during the celebration. Citing Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give the desires of your heart," Roque attributed her success to faith. Her story encourages upcoming engineers to trust in their abilities and persevere through challenges.

# Commitment to Excellence
Mapua's dedication to nurturing resilient professionals is evident in its comprehensive programs. The college offers specialized courses, research opportunities and industry partnerships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. This commitment has earned Mapua recognition as one of the top engineering schools in the Philippines.

# A Bright Future Ahead
As Mapua Philippines approaches its centennial anniversary, the college remains committed to fostering exceptional brilliance. Congratulations to Norma Pacheco, Dr. Marigel Wagner and the entire Mapua community on this outstanding achievement. Mabuhay, Malayan Colleges Mindanao!

13/12/2024

13/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 13, 2024)

13/12/2024

Cebu Pacific Celebrates 250 Millionth Passenger

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, proudly reached a new milestone as it celebrated flying its 250 millionth passenger, underscoring the airline’s continued dedication to providing affordable and memorable travel experiences for its passengers.

The special occasion was marked with a vibrant event at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on December 11, 2024.

The passenger, Singapore-based Russel Capaniarihan, is an overseas Filipino worker originally from Bacolod. Capaniarihan, who was aboard Flight 5J 814 from Singapore to Manila, returned home to the Philippines to spend the holidays with her family for the first time in 11 years.

Upon her arrival at NAIA, Capaniarihan was warmly welcomed by CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao and Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog.
As a token of appreciation for this historic milestone, Capaniarihan received PHP 250,000 in cash and 25 free round-trip tickets to any destination within Cebu Pacific’s extensive network, which spans the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

“This 250 million passenger milestone is a testament to the trust and loyalty of every Juan who has chosen to fly with us. It represents countless stories, reunions, and memorable moments made possible over the years. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to making every Juan’s journey affordable, accessible, and unforgettable—not only across the Philippines but beyond,” said Lao at the NAIA event.

The celebrations began earlier at Singapore Changi Airport, where passengers of Flight 5J 814 were greeted with a photo wall hinting at the milestone announcement. During the flight, cabin crew heightened the excitement with games and prizes, including round-trip tickets to any Cebu Pacific destination.

Upon landing in Bacolod, Capaniarihan received yet another heartwarming welcome at her final destination, with local representatives celebrating her as CEB’s 250 millionth passenger.

13/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 13, 2024)

13/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 13, 2024)

13/12/2024

BukSU Tops Mindanao, 4th Spot in Philippines in 2024 GreenMetric Rankings

For the second consecutive year, Bukidnon State University (BukSU) has maintained its position as the top educational institution in Mindanao, according to the 2024 Universitas Indonesia GreenMetric World University Rankings (UIGWUR).

BukSU achieved significant progress in its national and global rankings. Among 63 Philippine universities, BukSU rose from 9th place last year to 4th place in 2024. On the global stage, the university advanced significantly, climbing from 534th position in 2023 to 318th out of 1,147 universities assessed this year.

Instituted in 2010, UIGWUR assesses universities worldwide based on their sustainability initiatives, environmental management, and commitment to green practices.

This year, BukSU earned a total score of 7,450 points across six criteria in the UIGWUR. The university scored 1,000 points in Setting and Infrastructure, 1,400 in Energy and Climate Change, 1,500 in Waste, 750 in Water, 1,500 in Transportation, and 1,300 in Education and Research.

BukSU has implemented several "green" initiatives to promote sustainability on campus. These include installing a vertical garden along the university's perimeter fence, recognizing personnel who use bicycles as their primary means of transportation to work, and equipping the Secondary Laboratory School building with solar panels. The university also conducts regular tree-planting activities involving students and staff, has installed a rain catch basin system, practices waste segregation, and collaborates with the local government to ensure proper waste disposal.

"This remarkable achievement reflects Bukidnon State University's collective efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future," said University President, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol. "It is a testament to our community's dedication—students, faculty, staff—to implementing innovative practices and programs that prioritize environmental sustainability."

"As we continue this journey, BukSU remains steadfast in its mission to inspire others and make a positive impact on both local and global scales," added Mirasol.

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas topped this year’s UIGWUR rankings for Philippine universities, followed by Mariano Marcos State University in second place and Batangas State University in third.

Other universities in Northern Mindanao also made the list: Xavier University (11th), MSU-IIT (35th), USTP (39th), and CMU (46th).

See full ranking here: https://greenmetric.ui.ac.id/rankings/overall-rankings-2024

13/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 13, 2024)

12/12/2024

12/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 12, 2024)

12/12/2024

Seda Centrio Hotel to close in January 2025, and re-open in July 2025

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 1, 2024. Ayala Land Hospitality has announced the upcoming renovation of Seda Centrio, which will necessitate a complete closure of the hotel from January to July 2025. This extensive project will enable significant upgrades and enhancements to the property, which has proudly served guests for 12 years.

“We are excited about this modernization project, which underscores our commitment to continually enhancing the guest experience and ensuring that the hotel remains a premier choice in the city,” said President and Chief Executive Officer George Aquino. “This initiative aligns closely with Cagayan de Oro’s inspiring development plans, further solidifying its status as a key destination in the region. As the city evolves and attracts more business and leisure travelers, this project positions the hotel to meet the increasing demands of a diverse clientele.”

The hotel-wide facelift will transform guestrooms, restaurants, function rooms, and shared amenities. While maintaining its signature minimalist design, the updated aesthetic will incorporate lighter colors infused with vibrant accents to create a more uplifting atmosphere.

“Guestrooms will include the addition of spacious suites, catering to travelers who value extra room to relax and unwind. The signature restaurant, Misto, will undergo a significant expansion, doubling its capacity to accommodate more diners. Additionally, the bar area will be enhanced to create a more inviting space for guests looking to unwind after work or enjoy a leisurely evening,” Aquino added.

The pool area will be adorned with vibrant greenery, providing a serene backdrop for diners at Misto; while the gym, upgraded with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, will ensure that guests have access to top-notch facilities during their stay.

Aquino stressed the renovation marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s history. As one of the brand’s first four hotels designed to meet the essential needs of business travelers, Seda Centrio has successfully established itself in the market. The growing demand for its services has prompted us to enhance our amenities, enabling us to cater to a broader audience while still appealing to our loyal patrons.

A select team will remain on-site, including staff from Sales and Reservations, who will be available to respond to client inquiries. Additionally, members from Housekeeping, Engineering, and Security will be present to ensure the ongoing maintenance and safety of the premises. This dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and support during the renovation, ensuring that guest needs are met seamlessly.

Some employees will be assigned to other Seda hotels for training, and assist with daily operations. This presents an excellent opportunity for them to gain insights into operations in major cities, allowing for invaluable professional and personal growth, and an opportunity for everyone to share best practices across Seda locations.

The hotel will provide regular updates regarding the availability of facilities and amenities, enabling guests to make timely bookings for future stays or events in anticipation of the hotel’s reopening in July 2025.

11/12/2024

BusinessWeek National Feature (December 11, 2024)