From Manila to the World: Filipino Dreams Take Flight with British Council IELTS

Filipinos often embark on journeys abroad with hopes of a brighter future, filled with anticipation and excitement. These aspirations often extend beyond personal goals, influencing families and communities in significant ways. Yet, the path to realising these dreams is often tackled with challenges, requiring resilience, determination, and the right support to succeed on the global stage.

From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad.

For many, English language proficiency is key to unlocking these opportunities. Whether advancing careers, pursuing further education, or starting a new life, taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a critical step. The British Council, co-owner of the IELTS test, delivers the IELTS exam and offers support for individuals preparing for international assessments so they can adapt to a life abroad. Meet Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who successfully navigated personal and professional challenges to thrive in their new homes.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. Earns Consecutive Wins for Exemplary Workplace Culture from ACES and GPTW®

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. aims to enhance collaboration and performance by fostering a culture of trust and accountability in the workplace.

akeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Takeda) continues to create a brighter future not only with better health but with a better workplace. This commitment has recently been recognized with accolades, including the ACES 2024 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia award and a recognition on the Great Place to Work® (GPTW) 2024 Best Workplaces in Asia™ list.

The ACES Awards and Great Place to Work® are global authorities celebrating companies excelling in leadership, sustainability, and workplace culture. By recognizing those committed to corporate social responsibility, these awards help potential talents make informed choices and inspire high standards in governance and culture.

Mars Philippines launches Global Adoption Weekend in Manila to drive pet shelter adoptions with support from the insights from the recent Mars Pet Parent Study

Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, confectionery, snacking and food and the maker of some of the world’s most-loved brands, has partnered with animal welfare NGO, Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) and Shopwise for the first-ever Mars Global Adoption Weekend at the Shopwise Pet Fair in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, Manila. 

This is part of the biggest ever global initiative that spans from Mexico and US to Europe and Asia, covering a total of 12 countries around the world. It addresses the issue of pet homelessness by promoting pet adoption. In partnership with local pet shelters, Mars has digitalized adoption experience making it simple and responsible with focus on compatibility via an innovative adoption portal, WeR4HappyTails. Since its launch in the Philippines, this portal alone helped over 160 shelter pets find their forever homes and educated thousands of potential pet parents on responsible pet ownership.

Century Tuna’s “Saving Our Seas” continues to champion Plastic Circular Economy and strengthens efforts in Reef and Coastal Clean-up

After its successful run in 2023, Century Tuna, the country’s no.1 tuna brand, continues to lead the charge in marine conservation in the Philippines, further solidifying its commitment to fighting plastic pollution with the 2nd year of its “Saving Our Seas” campaign. 

Representatives and volunteers from Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI), Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists, HOPE, and the Local Government of Mabini, Batangas, gathered for the “Saving Our Seas” International Coastal Cleanup Day activity on the coast of Anilao in Batangas.

SHERA breaks new ground with IoT, AI-powered green systems, plans on reducing PH import dependency with soon-to-open plant

Shera’s plant in Mabalacat, Pampanga,  the sole provider of fiber cement materials in the Philippines, will be equipped with AI and IoT generated equipment

Thai fiber cement manufacturer SHERA has automated its sustainable manufacturing processes through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tech. Not only will SHERA guarantee the speedy and eco-friendly production of fiber cement boards, but its local soon-to-open plant will also help reduce import dependency. 

Personal Collection Recognized for Sustainability Excellence at the Globee and Asia CEO Awards

Personal Collection, a proudly Filipino-owned direct-selling company, continues to exemplify its commitment to sustainability as it bags a Gold Globee for CSR Program of the Year in Asia-Pacific at the 2024 Golden Bridge Awards and Circle of Excellence Award for Sustainability Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards 2024. 

At the forefront of this success is the company’s #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement, through which Personal Collection has made significant strides in sustainability. Its manufacturing practices and community impact aim to protect the country's natural resources to ensure a greener, better world for Filipinos today and for future generations.

Visa launches second transit project in the Philippines, continues to collaborate with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Bacolod City

Visa cards are now accepted on modern jeepneys in Bacolod City, offering a seamless transit experience and inclusive payment options for both daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer, to enable the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Bacolod City. This marks Visa's second transit project in the Philippines, following its first transit project launch in Cebu.

Today, Visa unveiled this initiative during the annual MassKara Festival, together with representatives from GTSI, GHL, and EastWest Bank, featuring 45 modern jeepneys equipped with Visa payment terminals. Passengers can now enjoy seamless, cashless transactions by tapping their Visa cards. The modern jeepneys also feature bus wraps promoting the EastWest Pay app, allowing users to link their EastWest Visa credit cards to Android smartphones for easy tap-to-pay purchases.