Grab PH reaffirms commitment to partner welfare and empowerment
With this year’s celebration of Grab Philippines’ Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, the Philippines’ leading superapp — and key driving force in the economy, acknowledges and strongly reinforces its dedication to the welfare of its valued driver- and delivery-partners.
During this Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, Grab invites its superapp users to make a difference with just a few taps like Tipping. All tips given by consumers and passengers go 100% directly to the partners. This Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, Grab matches every tip given by consumers and passengers – doubling the tips received by its partners.
The ‘Food For Your Driver’ option on GrabFood enables consumers not only to order meals for themselves but also to treat their drivers to food from the same restaurant from food chains such as Jollibee, Chowing, Mang Inasal, Baliwag Lechon Manok.
Seattle’s Best is providing Grab delivery-partners with a complimentary large Iced White Chocolate Mocha for every order exceeding the minimum value of Php 750 from November 13 to 20. Kenny Rogers on the other hand is offering a free Coke in can for delivery-partners following a specific minimum order value on GrabFood.
Grab’s GrabAsenso is collaborating with social protection agencies like SSS and Pag-IBIG, Grab ensures that crucial social welfare and protection programs are easily accessible to its partners. Grab also offers micro-financing products that can be easily availed and accessed by partners.
‘Incredible India’ pavilion at International Bazaar
The Embassy of India in Manila in collaboration with Bharati Indian Expat Women’s Association will be organizing an ‘Incredible India’ pavilion at the International Bazaar 2023 on November 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The Bazaar is being organized by the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM).
This year’s ‘Incredible India’ pavilion comprises six merchandise booths with Indian products and three food booths where visitors of the event can experience delectable flavors of Indian cuisine. Each merchandise booth will unveil a unique facet of India’s diverse culture and exquisite craftsmanship such as intricate realm of mehendi art, exquisite Indian mirror work, and a collection of Indian handloom textiles and clothing that blend traditional and contemporary styles to suit all age groups. Fine jewelry, accessories, and captivating folk art will also be on display.
Visitors can also purchase Indian spices and millets in celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, along with a selection of Ayurvedic products.
The ‘Incredible India’ food booth will offer guests an opportunity to indulge in a tempting culinary journey with items that encompass a wide spectrum of Indian cuisine, including popular dishes, desserts, and beverages that capture the essence of India. For enthusiasts of street food, there’s a range of delectable ‘chaat’ items and the popular ‘pani puri’.
The setting-up of the India pavilion at this year’s Bazaar is in line with the Indian Embassy’s commitment to promote India-Philippines cultural exchanges and showcase the vibrant heritage of India in the Philippines.
Japan—Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On November 15, commencing at 2:00 p.m. local time (on 16 November, 7：00 a.m. Japan time), Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting San Francisco, the United States to attend APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting, met with Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.
The two Ministers concurred to steadily promote the bilateral cooperation in areas such as security including Official Security Assistance (OSA), transfer of defense equipment and technology, maritime security capacity building including the provision of patrol vessels, and the commencement of negotiation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) as well as the materialization of Japan-U.S.-Philippine cooperation.
They exchanged views on regional and global issues of common concern for the two countries and confirmed that they would work closely on issues such as the situation in the East and South China Seas, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and Women Peace Security (WPS). In addition, Minister Kamikawa reiterated Japan’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian situation, referring to the united message delivered by the G7 Foreign Ministers at the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the two ministers concurred to continue to maintain close communication.
The two Ministers concurred to continue to work closely toward the success of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship in December.
100 MPL Flex borrowers win P5k each from GSIS raffle
100 government workers from various agencies nationwide have won P5,000.00 each in the “Pa-Raffle ng MPL Flex” electronic raffle of the Government Service Insurance System.
The GSIS has scheduled another raffle draw for December 12, during which the GSIS will select an additional 100 winners who will also receive P5,000 each.
GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso called on GSIS members to apply for the MPL Flex loan through either the GSIS Touch mobile app or GWAPS kiosks, which would make them eligible for the December raffle draw.
The MPL Flex loan program allows GSIS members to borrow up to 14 times their basic monthly salary, with a maximum loan limit of P5 million.
“Even members who have contributed only one month’s premium can apply for this loan,” Veloso said.
All MPL Flex borrowers obtaining loans using the GSIS Touch mobile app and GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosks automatically receive a raffle entry.
The lucky borrowers will receive their money directly through their GSIS eCard accounts.
More than half or 56 of the 100 winners in the November raffle are from the Department of Education (DepEd); 20 from local government units; 18 from national government agencies (NGAs); three from government controlled and owned corporations (GOCCs); two from the judiciary; and one from a government financial institution (GFI).
Fusion 11.11 Hits the High Note of Success
On November 11, the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay City was alive with the music of Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival. The stage lit up with fantastic performances from the most talented OPM artists. Bamboo, KZ, Mahalima, Ben&Ben, Arthur Nery, Gloc-9, Morissette, Adie, 6Cyclemind, Gracenote, Shanti Dope, Al James, Hey June, and Denise Julia, all set the stage on fire and created an incredible experience for everyone.
The music was a mix of everything — slow songs, heart-pounding beats — a blend of different styles that resonated with the thousands in attendance. Notable performances included special dance showcases by the NU Dance Company and the electrifying moves of D’Grind, adding a dynamic layer to the celebration.
Fusion wasn’t just about music; it was a whole experience. Attendees found themselves immersed in engaging activities, courtesy of sponsors such as Watsons Philippines, Jack Daniel’s and Coca Cola, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Fudgee Barr, Hapee Toothpaste, Dazz Dishwashing, Embassy Whisky, Chill Spiked Spirit, and Max’s Restaurant. From vibrant displays to interactive installations, these booths contributed to the overall festival ambiance.
But what made Fusion really special was the energy from the crowd. Everyone wasn’t just watching; they were part of the fun. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about coming together, celebrating freedom, and playing as one.
As the music faded away, everyone agreed — Fusion was even better than expected.
The success of Fusion sets the stage for future events, promising even more exciting experiences. For those who found themselves craving more after this night, the journey continues with upcoming events like Road to Fusion: La Union and Fusion 2024.
Breaking down barriers to hiring PWDs
Unilab Foundation’s Project Inclusion program has now grown into a powerful force for change and inclusivity in the corporate arena.
PIN’s initiatives focus on building strong business cases for hiring people with disabilities, intending to destigmatize the narrative of companies hiring PWDs as an act of charity.
Since its inception in 2012, PIN has successfully advocated for the employment of over 100 PWDs across various companies, with Unilab as one of the first organizations to employ PWDs through the program. A notable achievement for PIN was the partnership with a major chain of drugstores in the country, which hired over 24 PWD employees.
PIN’s commitment to diversity extends beyond neurodevelopmental disabilities. In 2017, they opened doors to hiring PWDs with physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and orthopedic disabilities. In 2018, PIN launched the “May 1 Percent Ka Ba?” campaign in partnership with the government in alignment with RA 10524, an act that stipulates that 1% should be reserved for employment of PWDs in government agencies.
Converge wins at International Business Magazine Awards 2023
Philippines’ premier fiber company, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., has been honored with the prestigious Broadband Telecom Company of the Year (Philippines) 2023 award at the International Business Magazine (IBM) Awards held on November 4, at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
The UAE-based business recognized the ICT company’s efforts at expanding and improving its digital infrastructure and operations to better serve both its residential and business clientele. IBM also deemed Converge as the best internet service provider in the Philippines that has continuously shown excellence and has been the top performer in the country’s telecom sector.
Converge has been on a winning streak as of late. Recently awarded the Technology Excellence Award for AI — Broadband Telecommunication at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023, the company has been hailed as an industry pioneer with its groundbreaking Network Intelligence and Automation Platform (NIAP), propelling Converge to the forefront of network management evolution in the Philippines.
Converge was also recently included in the Circle of Excellence, which recognizes the most innovative companies in the Philippines by the Asia CEO Awards 2023, the largest business awards event in the Philippines, and is considered the most significant event of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Qatar Airways Group announces appointment of new Group chief executive
Qatar Airways Group confirms after 27 years of remarkable service, the Group chief executive – His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, has stepped down on November 5, and suceeded by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Under H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognizable and trusted brands globally, synonymous with customer service quality and the highest of standards. The national carrier of the State of Qatar has achieved an unprecedented seven-times win of the “World’s Best Airline” award, and its state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, which is under its management and operation, has also been recognized as the “World’s Best Airport”.
