Groups renew calls for law banning trans fat

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



‘A victory for heart health’ as bill hurdles House health committee


Public interest law group ImagineLaw urged solons anew to pass the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill into law, a measure that will ban the use of industrially-produced trans fatty acids or iTFAs in processed and pre-packaged food products manufactured and sold in the country.


The Nutrition Center of the Philippines, Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Nutrition, and Philippine Society of Nutritionist-Dietitians also expressed support for the bill, regarded as a concrete move to curb cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among Filipinos, during the Committee on Health deliberations on Wednesday, February 1, at the House of Representatives. The bill was unanimously approved by the committee, pending a substitute bill to consolidate all versions.


“In 2021 alone, there were 136,575 deaths due to CVDs,” said ImagineLaw, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. “The measure will be a victory for heart health and a great gift for all Filipinos this Philippine Heart Month,” according to Atty. Sophia San Luis, the law group’s executive director.


House Bill No. 1485 or ‘An Act to Protect Filipinos from the Harmful Effects of Trans Fatty Acids’ was authored by Laguna Rep. Rene Ann. Matibag. Similar measures were also filed by Representatives Keith Micah Tan, Alfred delos Santos, and Ciriaco Gato, Jr., among others. Counterpart measures have been filed by Senators Nancy Binay, Risa Hontiveros, Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr., and Joel Villanueva in the Senate.


“The coronavirus pandemic taught us that preventive healthcare is very important,” said San Luis. “Banning iTFA in the country’s food supply will help end the epidemic of heart disease,” she added.


ImagineLaw also urged the Senate to start deliberations on the measure. “We urge our heart health champions in the Senate to set the hearing on their counterpart measures and contribute to the fulfillment of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 as envisioned by the President,” San Luis also said.

23 Hottest new hotels and resorts to explore in 2023

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Hotel and resort properties in Asia Pacific and destinations of interest to venture further out to



Where will your spirit of adventure take you in 2023? No matter where you’re headed in 2023, it matters where you stay—and Hilton has a bevy of exciting new properties to host you in the new year with innovative digital conveniences and personal touches of warm hospitality. 

Travel in Asia Pacific is soaring this year. The pace of recovery for the tourism industry has been strong, as the demand pent up during the pandemic is released. According to the annual report produced by the London-based World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Asia Pacific is expected to recover at an incredibly strong pace. The WTTC report expects Asia Pacific's travel industry to continue to gain traction with a positive growth forecast in 2023 and 2024.

Explore the list of new hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific and destinations of interest to venture further out to fuel your wanderlust.

ASIA PACIFIC NEWLY OPENED PROPERTIES

1. Conrad Shanghai - Shanghai, China

Conrad Shanghai marks the brand’s first foray into the bustling metropolis, superbly located as a key landmark in the heart of People’s Square, Shanghai’s renowned tourism and business district. With its impressive 66 floors and 728 luxurious rooms, Conrad Shanghai’s soaring tower offers unparalleled views of the East Nanjing Road commercial street, the Bund, and Pudong’s iconic skyline.

Conrad Shanghai’s selection of restaurants take guests on a culinary tour, from the Mediterranean seaside and the artisanal bistros of Paris to the banquet halls of China. Situated within walking distance to major transportation networks and metro lines, the hotel’s prime location offers excellent accessibility to premium shopping malls, traditional local neighbourhoods, and popular attractions such as the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Xintiandi, the Bund, and Yu Garden.

Opened in January 2022.

2. Hilton Singapore Orchard - Singapore

Located in the centre of Orchard Road, Hilton Singapore Orchard offers a prime spot for exploring the city’s premium shopping and entertainment district. Though opened earlier in
2022, Hilton’s flagship property in Asia Pacific has added 446 new keys this year to its Orchard Wing, spanning across four new categories and
completing its 1,080 room inventory. Guests now have closer access to key meetings and event facilities and can continue to choose from five world-class culinary establishments, from theatrical open kitchens with international flavours at Estate, to an afternoon tea experience at Ginger.Lily. The hotel is also within walking distance of subway stations with connections to popular tourist attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Universal Studios Singapore. New rooms also boast of some of the best panoramic views of the city, stretching from Singapore’s vibrant Orchard Road to the scenic
Marina Bay waterfront.

Opened in February 2022.




ASIA PACIFIC OPENINGS

3. Conrad Singapore Orchard - Singapore


Steps from Singapore’s famed Orchard Road shopping district and home to many luxury retailers, top-end restaurants and department stores, Conrad Singapore Orchard will feature
440 spacious guest rooms starting from 36 square metres. The hotel will also offer a fitness centre and over 1,600 square metres of beautiful event spaces. The hotel’s world-class, award-winning restaurants are a destination in
themselves. You can choose your favourite tipple at the Manhattan bar, enjoy classic Cantonese dishes at Michelin-starred Summer Palace, or be enticed by seasonal Italian cuisine at Basilico. Conrad Singapore Orchard is conveniently accessible to Singapore’s Changi International Airport, located 22 kilometres or a 30-minute drive away.

Restaurants and events spaces now open.
Rooms opening 2024.

4. DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama - Toyama, Japan


DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, the first Hilton hotel in the Hokuriku region, is located in the heart of Toyama, just a 3-minute walk from Toyama Station, which is about 2 hours from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. The
201- room hotel features all-day dining, a bar, Grab ’n’ Go, meeting rooms, a fitness centre and a public bath. This will be the fourth DoubleTree by Hilton property in Japan, joining DoubleTree
by Hilton properties in Naha, Naha
Shuri Castle and Okinawa Chatan
Resort.

Opening in January 2023.



5. DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo - Seongnam, Korea


DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is the premier full-service hotel in the city of Seongnam, and also the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Korea. Located within walking distance of the serene Tancheon Stream, the
property offers an inviting space of 432 guestrooms and a serviced residence of 170 rooms, including studios, and one and two bedrooms. In addition, three dining outlets are all dedicated to delivering stylish comfort
to guests with care and thought. Conferences, weddings and banquets take place in the spacious event halls, while a fully-equipped fitness club ensures the wellness of hotel guests, members and residents.

Opening in Q1 2023.



6. Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang - Da Nang, Vietnam


Set in the scenic Son Tra district, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang is a mere 50-metre stroll from the beach and within walking distance of downtown shops, bars, and restaurants. Travellers can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hotel’s infinity pool, taste an international array of cuisine at the Garden
Grille Restaurant & Bar, and access complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is also located just 10 minutes from the Son Tra Peninsula and 20 minutes from the Da Nang International Airport by car.

Opening in Q1 2023.

7. La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton - Phu Quoc, Vietnam


The 197-key La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton will represent Hilton’s first resort in the country. Located 20 kilometres from the Phu Quoc International Airport, the resort will sit within the Sun Premier Village Primavera, a local tourist attraction that reflects elements of the
iconic Amalfi coast of Italy. Facing the island’s popular Kiss Bridge and within close proximity to the Gondola Cable Car station, the resort will feature bold Mediterranean-inspired architecture and join an array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities in the vicinity. Guests at the resort will have incomparable views of the sunset and ocean while enjoying direct access to the beach.

Opening in Q2 2023.

8. Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort - Okinawa, Japan


Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort is located on the waterfront close to the picturesque Irabu Bridge that connects the islands of Miyako and Irabu. The facilities offered by the newly-built 329-room hotel include restaurants, fitness amenities, meeting and function spaces, as well as a banquet hall, indoor and outdoor swimming
pools, spa, chapel, executive lounge and ocean-view rooftop bar. The hotel is located 15 minutes from Miyako Airport and 25 minutes from Shimojishima Airport with Sunset Beach clocking in at less than one kilometre away.

Opening in Q2 2023.

9. Conrad Shenzhen - Shenzhen, China


Located in the heart of the new Qianhai central business and financial district, Conrad Shenzhen will be designed by international firm Yabu Pushelberg. The bold design will centre on the theme of 'A Story of a Dreamer', and aims to
provide a restful respite from the bustling thrum of the city. When it opens, it will feature 300 rooms and suites with garden city and bay views, restaurants offering international as well as local cuisines, and over 2,200 square metres of meeting space, including an expansive grand ballroom. Conrad Shenzhen is committed to offering purposeful service for business and leisure travellers alike.

Opening in Q2 2023.

10. The Mermoon Resort Hainan Tufu Bay, Tapestry Collection by Hilton - Hainan, China


The Mermoon Resort Hainan Tufu Bay hotel is located in Tufu Bay, next to Haitang Bay in Sanya. It is 24 kilometres away from Sanya
Yalong Bay Railway Station and 50 kilometres away from Sanya Phoenix International Airport. With design inspired by traditional fishermen culture, the hotel boasts 116 guest rooms, four stylish restaurants and bars, nearly 780
square metres of meeting and function spaces, as well as the unique bay library and outdoor swimming pool, enabling guests to completely relax.

Opening in Q2 2023.



11. Hilton Garden Inn Hohhot - Inner Mongolia, China

Hohhot is the capital city of Inner Mongolia, endowed with famous historical relics and rich in cross-border culture. Hilton Garden Inn Hohhot South Second Ring marks the brand
entrance to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Located in the southeast part of the city, the hotel has easy access to the city centre and major
transport hubs. The hotel is equipped with 273 spacious guest rooms, 398 square metres of flexible meeting space, a fitness centre and an all-day dining restaurant. A bright and airy atmosphere throughout enables guests to fully enjoy their stay.

Opening in Q2 2023.

12. LXR Hotels & Resorts in Bali, Indonesia

The 72 all-villa resort in Bali, Indonesia
will join a collection of unique, independent luxury properties around the world, including the recently opened and award-winning ROKU KYOTO in Japan.

 
Opening in Q3 2023.

13. Hilton Yokohama - Yokohama, Japan

Hilton Yokohama is approximately 20 kilometres from Haneda Airport and conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from Yokohama station, offering excellent access to popular sightseeing
spots such as Japan’s largest Chinatown, Kamakura, as well as Tokyo’s metropolitan areas. The 339-room hotel will offer facilities including a fitness centre, an executive lounge and
meeting spaces. Guests will have a selection of dining options from the hotel’s all-day dining, a speciality restaurant, and a café and bar lounge.

 
Opening in Q3 2023.

14. Conrad Chongqing - Chongqing, China

Set on the upper floors of a 260-metre skyscraper, Conrad Chongqing features the highest lobby lounge in Chongqing Nan’An district. The hotel is designed by award-winning hotel interior design consultants, Cheng 

Chung Design (CCD). 275 luxurious rooms will provide guests with breath￾taking views of the Changjiang river. The hotel has a lobby lounge, specialty restaurant and private dining rooms, and includes 1,300 square metres of meeting spaces and over 800 square metres of lush gardens, which will cater to the needs of different social events and occasions.

Opening in Q3 2023.

15. Hilton Garden Inn Busselton - Busselton, Australia

A gateway to the famous Margaret River wine region, Busselton is home to one of the state’s most visited tourist attractions, the Busselton Jetty, the longest timber pier jetty in the southern hemisphere. Hilton Garden Inn Busselton has been designed to maximise its expansive views of the ocean across Geographe Bay and 

Busselton Jetty. It will include an all￾day dining restaurant serving Hilton Garden Inn’s signature cooked-to-order breakfast, a bar serving shareable small plates and handcrafted cocktails and craft beers, a fitness centre, and 242 square metres of flexible meeting space.

Opening in Q4 2023.

VENTURE FURTHER OUT EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA NEWLY OPENED PROPERTIES

16. Conrad Rabat Arzana - Morocco

Featuring 120 spacious luxury rooms and suites, Hilton’s first luxury hotel in Morocco will offer spectacular ocean views from its elevated waterfront location in the exclusive area of 

Harhoura, overlooking tranquil lagoons and beaches. Guests will be able to experience breathtaking surroundings while enjoying locally inspired dining at four world-class restaurants and bar lounges. The hotel will also house 

Morocco’s largest Royal Suite at 623 square metres, offer a fully appointed Conrad Spa and 

beauty salon as well as 1000+ square metres of event space that includes a grand ballroom, four meeting rooms and an outer terrace, overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean. 

Opened in December 2022.

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA AND AMERICAS OPENINGS

17. Motto by Hilton Times Square – New York, United States

Anticipated to open in March 2023, Motto by Hilton Times Square will be the brand’s second hotel in the city, located in the heart of Manhattan's famous Theater District, and just steps from historic Radio City Music Hall and 

Rockefeller Center. The 400-room hotel will allow guests to create their own experiences for a truly local stay through flexible and modern design, the best of the neighbourhood food and beverage offerings, and a local vibe that reflects the Big Apple. The flexible, modern hotel with a design 

inspired by 1920s New York will offer travel-sized guest rooms with everything guests need for an enjoyable night's sleep. Motto Times Square will simplify coordinating travel for larger groups headed to the Big Apple with the ability to connect up to six rooms, using pioneering Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton technology. Travellers and locals alike can also enjoy the Motto Commons, a gathering place for the surrounding neighbourhood to grab a coffee or catch up on work before heading out to explore Midtown. Thoughtfully curated food and drink selections can also be found at the property's signature restaurant, which will offer an elegant take on the classic New York City diner and feature seasonal, sustainable foods from the surrounding region. 

Opening in Q1 2023.

18. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis - Egypt

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis will mark the luxury brand’s debut in Egypt, offering inspirational environments, unforgettable experiences, and seamless elegant service to residents and travellers alike. Ideally located less than 10 minutes away from Cairo International Airport in the vibrant neighbourhood of Heliopolis, the hotel boasts a distinctive grand lobby with traditional elements such as the iconic Waldorf Astoria Lobby Clock and the famed Peacock Alley. The hotel features 252 luxurious rooms and suites and is home to a variety of dining and entertainment outlets. Perfect for both leisure and business guests, the hotel will house the signature Waldorf Astoria Spa, a relaxing pool surrounded by a landscaped garden, a fitness centre, nine meeting rooms, and ballrooms that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. 

Opening in Q2 2023.

19. The Bo Vue Hotel Bodrum, Curio Collection by Hilton - Türkiye

Situated along the Aegean Coast, The Bo Vue Hotel Bodrum, Curio Collection by Hilton provides 1.2 kilometres of private white sandy beach and 102 stylish and modern rooms–nearly all with glittering sea views. The hotel is just a short drive away from the popular town of Yalikavak and a 40-minute drive to Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Guests can enjoy a range of world-class dining options, including the property’s main restaurant, Bo Giorno, offering delicious Mediterranean and Aegean cuisine, as well as the Turkish restaurant, Delmanzo, and the seafood restaurant, Bacalao–both offering a mouth-watering selection of à la carte options. Those looking to unwind can indulge in a relaxing treatment at the fully appointed, 1,000 square-metre Spa Soul or take a refreshing dip in the property’s indoor and outdoor pools. 

Opening in Q2 2023.

20. Hilton Heidelberg - Germany

In the heart of the historic old town, Hilton Heidelberg is located on the River Neckar in Southwest Germany. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience in the restaurant, which 

offers classic German dishes fusing the old world with the new. The 244-key property also has seven meeting rooms, a conference and events 

centre, a fitness centre, and an elegant ballroom for up to 300 people. Heidelberg is situated just one hour from Frankfurt-Am-Main airport and 

Hilton Heidelberg is within walking distance from the city's main attractions, including 

Heidelberg Castle and the country’s famed Christmas Markets. 

Opening in Q2 2023. 

21. Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton - Portugal

With idyllic scenery that captivated writers, artists, and European nobility in the 20th century, Cascais is the latest Portuguese destination in Curio Collection by Hilton’s expanding European portfolio. Opening next 

summer, Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, will feature 59 guest rooms, many with stunning sea view balconies overlooking the town’s picturesque beaches. Guests can 

enjoy the hotel’s lobby bar, restaurant, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre, before 

exploring Cascais’ many attractions, such as the imposing Conde de Castro Guimarães Museum, with its impressive collection of art and Indo-Portuguese furniture.

Opening in Q3 2023.

22. Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre - Hungary

Hungary will welcome its first Hampton 

by Hilton hotel in the heart of the capital, Budapest next summer. Boasting 219 guest rooms, Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre will be located close to the Hungarian State 

Opera and within walking distance of 

St. Stephen’s Basilica as well as the many restaurants, bars, and shopping district of the metropolitan ‘Pest’ side of the city. Designed under Hampton by Hilton’s brand-new prototype, the hotel exterior will nestle in the street’s local architecture while its interior will feature refreshed public spaces and updated guest rooms, as well as free hot breakfast and fully equipped fitness facilities available to guests 24/7.

Opening in Q3 2023.

23. Hampton by Hilton London Old Street – United Kingdom

Set in the heart of one of London’s most eclectic and vibrant commercial hubs, the new-build hotel will be just a five-minute walk away from Old Street station. Part of the fast-growing and 

popular Hampton by Hilton brand, the property will be a short walk from the vast array of restaurants and bars on Shoreditch High Street and the bustling corporate offices of Liverpool Street, meaning the 107-room hotel will be 

perfectly placed to attract a diverse range of clientele coming to the area for both work and leisure. The hotel will offer delicious Italian cuisine in the restaurant and a 24/7 snack menu in the comfortable lobby bar. Guests will be able to choose to work in any of the hotel’s flexible public areas, with free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel will have a conference meeting room, a state-of-the-art gym and free hot breakfast. It is being built with environmental sustainability as a priority, including being designed to make use of harvested rainwater.

Opening in Q3 2023.

PBBM, education stakeholders rally behind VP Sara, DepEd to achieve MATATAG agenda

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Education stakeholders, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signified their support for DepEd after Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte delivered her first Basic Education Report (BER) held at Pasay on Monday.

"All of us have roles to play. We have parts to contribute. Let me issue a challenge to you all to become active key players in these efforts. Let us join hands and act in unison as we build the best education system that the Philippines have ever seen," President Marcos Jr. stated in his keynote speech.

"We owe it to our children to prioritize their wellbeing and give them the highest possible quality of education so they may become the innovators and the learners of tomorrow, not only in the Philippines but of the world," he added.

The event served as an avenue for the education stakeholders to convene and discuss the current landscape of basic education in the country and reaffirm their commitments to support the Department and its programs.

President Marcos Jr. then joined VP Sara in signing their pledge of commitment to MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, the newly-unveiled education agenda of the Department. Senators Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Rep. Roman Romulo also joined the ceremonial signing.

The MATATAG Agenda envisions implementing resilient reforms in the curriculum, education services, and provision of facilities, learner wellbeing, and teacher support programs.

Meanwhile, education partners also provided insight into the current situations on learning poverty, curriculum, learner and teacher welfare and graduate employability at the start of the program.

"The challenges facing Philippine basic education today did not happen overnight and will not be solved overnight. Overcoming them requires sustained national political and societal commitment from the highest political levels to all members of the society," World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei Ndiamè Diop said.

World Bank, UNICEF, Assessment, Curriculum, and Technology Research Centre (ACTRC), Philippine National Research Center for Teacher Quality (RCTQ) of the Philippine Normal University (PNU), and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) were among the five partners who have promised continuous support to the Department.

"The Filipino children's journey in basic education is challenging, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized. But the fact that we are gathered here today is a testament that we are ready to face the challenges together," UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov expressed.

FEU filmmakers lead REALIFILM awardees

Wazzup Pilipinas!



Student filmmakers from Far Eastern University recently got the lion’s share of the awards in “REALIFILM 2023 | Haze of Truth: Underlying Gap of Life,” an interschool film competition organized by Silip@Lente Adamson University (SILAU), in collaboration with the AdU Cultural Affairs Office.

Josh Van Ulric Campo and his production team from Recto Pictures led the winners from FEU Department of Communication by bagging Best Director, Best Screenplay, Award of Virtue, Award of Excellence, and the Gold Award for “All the Things Left Unsaid.” In Campo’s short film, a boy narrates his life as a queer individual, speaking about his inner child in a very mundane setting.

Campo, who also designed the film’s sound, collaborated with producer, assistant director, and editor Sophia Amoyen, production manager and script supervisor Jamelah Tumanguil, cinematographer and animator Samantha Lorraine Ramirez, co-cinematographer Roen Cueto, camera operator and sound recordist Sean Ballesteros, production designer, co-animator, wardrobe, and hair and makeup artist Gener Pescadero, lighting director CJ Ablaza, set designer and talent coordinator Kyle Estrella, location manager and set designer Nell Dariane Villareal, and production coordinator and clapper Mikka Llarena.

Fellow FEU DepComm student Rianne Martinez brought home Best Production Design for “Save the Last Dance for Me” from Sine Sibol and TaraTahak Productions. The film follows the story of a young man (Aristedes Lamorena, Jr.) who meets a mysterious woman (Bjorn Pestaño) in the middle of a forest.

FEU Film Society president Patrick Pangan won Best Editing for “If You Leave Me, Please Let Me Know” from Sine Sibol, peliksmata projects, and Pelikula Persona. In the film, which Pangan also wrote and directed, a young boy (Kaloy Estrella) finds a connection with a giant tree in front of their house.

FEU also bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for Ron Gabriel Yu from Project Horsemen’s “Hilahil,” Best Musical Scoring for “Banaag” from SinagTala Films and TaraTahak Productions, and Best Poster for Mar-ian Ejandra from “Ang Babayi” of 120 Frames Production, Bluelight Production, and Talahib Films.

The other winners of REALIFILM, which had “Romanticizing Life and Social Issues” as its theme, are “Sa Mga Mata ng Bata” by Chauncy Cruz of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Silver Award, Award of Virtue, SILAU’s Choice Award, and Best Actor for Kenshin Lagutan; “Hindi Kita Malilimutan” by Vahn Pascual, DLS-CSB, Bronze Award, Award of Virtue, and Best Cinematography for Reeve Ducusin; “Malikmata” by Jean Evangelista, DLS-CSB, Best Supporting Actress for Czarina Sinio; and “Papa, Huwag Po” by Ron Ruzzel Valencia of Bulacan State University, Best Sound and Best Actress for Abygayle Magcasi. The awarding was held last January 27 at the AdU Theater.

Other FEU films which made it to the finals of the competition include “Akin ang Buhok Ko” written and directed by Luke Salazar, “Baka Búkas, Bukás Na” by Ely Baculo, and “Heels On” by Daniel John Sanchez.

FEU DepComm program chair Herwin Cabasal lauded the FEU finalists for being “proud to tell the stories of the unheard and explore the gaps in today's society.”

Switching off by switching on: Consumers in Asia are turning to their mobiles to boost leisure pursuits

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

People across Asia are increasingly switching downtime pursuits into ‘up-time’ opportunities, according to the latest installment of a study into people’s Digital Lives by Telenor Asia. 

In Asia, people are socialising more online than they do in-person. Nearly half of the respondents said they meet new people regularly online and three-quarters of them expect to spend even more time socialising via social media apps in the coming years. People are also spending a good chunk of their leisure time tapping into mobile technology for online investing, social gaming as well as on-the-go learning apps and podcasts.

This study forms the third and final part of the Telenor Asia “Digital Lives Decoded” series, launched in 2022 in conjunction with Telenor Asia’s 25th Anniversary. The series sought to understand the role of mobile connectivity in how we live, work, and play, surveying over 8,000 mobile internet users across eight countries (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the  Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) in South and Southeast Asia. This concluding report examines the changing spectrum of consumers’ leisure-time pursuits – supercharged by a more digitally-savvy, post-pandemic user base. “The standout finding from these results is how mobile technology has transformed gaming. Mobile access has turned gaming into a mass phenomenon, embedding virtual interactions and virtual worlds into daily life. We see now that gaming is bringing positive impact to real-life communities, reinforcing relationships and making other areas of daily life like work, healthcare or learning more efficient,” said Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup, Head of Telenor Asia.

“This growth comes with even higher expectations of mobile operators as people seek more dependable, faster mobile networks. The trends from this Digital Lives Decoded study highlight the opportunity for operators to expand beyond the traditional towards new capabilities and services, becoming not only an enabler of the technology but also a partner in the virtual world,” he added. 

1. Social media still second nature

Some of the habits formed during the two-plus years of the pandemic are becoming hard-wired in the way we live our lives today, with two-thirds (66%) of people saying they now socialise more online than in real life. 

Younger generations tend to spend more time socialising online, but Baby Boomers say that mobile technology is helping them feel more connected to their loved ones. More than half of our respondents (55%) say they feel better connected to people they know because of social media, with respondents in Thailand (63%) and Bangladesh (61%) responding most positively, while nearly half (47%) regularly meet new people online.

As seen in previous reports, Singaporeans are the least likely to recognise the benefits of mobile technology on their day-to-day lives. They are also the least dependent on their mobiles for downtime activities (32% versus 47% overall) and the least likely to socialise more virtually than in-person (49%).

2. The new face of gaming is mobile

Four out of five people play some mobile game, with close to a third (31%) playing every single day, led by those in Thailand (44%) and Vietnam (41%). Our research suggests that stereotypes on gamers need updating as this pastime now reaches across genders and generations. This development points to the positive role of mobile in making gaming more inclusive and accessible than ever before. 

In-game spend continues to grow in appeal with half of those surveyed spending some disposable income on gaming and in-game features while nearly a third of people spend between US$10-100 per year. Those in Singapore represent the largest spenders with one in five people spending between US$100-300 per year on in-game items. 

Growing popularity of the social side of gaming is also evident in the findings with close to two￾thirds (64%) of respondents either watching eSports or video game streams, led by those in Vietnam (76%) and Bangladesh (71%). Nearly half of the respondents expect an increase in the time they spend on social gaming going forward, led by respondents in Thailand (62% versus 45% overall). 

3. Downtime becomes uptime

Respondents across the region are increasingly looking to their mobile devices for self￾improvement, personal upskilling and development. 40% of respondents are using mobile devices to tap into learning and educational apps or websites, with women and younger generations most likely to say they feel the benefits. In particular, more than half of Gen-Zs (51%) surveyed said that learning on their mobile has significantly improved their quality of life, in contrast to only one quarter (25%) of older generations.

The growing desire for consumers in the region to learn on-the-go and enhance their personal development during downtime is reflected by 45% of respondents who spend at least an hour a day listening to podcasts, with respondents in Thailand (66%) and Pakistan (65%) most likely to do so. Singaporeans are least likely to experience benefits from using such apps, with only 20% feeling that they significantly improve quality of life, compared to a 40% average. 

4. The Metaverse is yet to truly convince

Looking to the future of play, while there is growing interest in virtual reality, our study indicates that people are currently on the fence about shifting their downtime activities to the metaverse, defined as a virtual world where people, digital platforms and businesses and co￾exist and interact. 

Just over one-third (39%) of respondents are keen to socialise and make new friends in the Metaverse. Singaporeans are the most resistant or sceptical about this, with only 26% keen to explore this possibility. In contrast, respondents in the Philippines are the most enthusiastic, with more than half (55%) keen to do so. 

5. Will on-demand content lose ground?

Streaming on-demand content is a top activity people are spending time on daily. 63% of respondents spend at least an hour a day doing so on their mobile phones, coming in second to listening to music (65%) and more than gaming (59%). Millennials and Gen X are more likely to stream on-demand content than Gen Z, who prefer to spend their downtime on social media or gaming. Across the region, Thai respondents are likely to spend the most amount of time – with 8% estimating that they spend 7-8 hours per day streaming content on-demand, compared to an average of 3% of respondents across the region.

Although video streaming has disrupted the media and entertainment industry, the study revealed that streaming on-demand content does not have the same pull or staying power as other mobile activities. As compared to socialising through social media apps (74%) or online social gaming (45%), only 37% of respondents said they expect to spend on more time on this in the next one to two years.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Provide Water for Half-a-Million People

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Balinsasayao’s Twin Lakes on a sunny day. Earth’s lakes and watersheds serve as natural reservoirs for freshwater, fueling agriculture and keeping faucets flowing in the lowlands. (DENR / DOT)

Sibulan, Negros Oriental – Lake Balinsasayao is reputedly among the most beautiful bodies of water in the Visayas, its shimmering surface reflecting the vibrant turquoise of the heavens, rung by verdant walls of green, broken only by rolling mists.

If only we could see it.

We’re perched on a view deck, drenched by sheets of near-horizontal rain. With a crew from the country’s top television network, we’re trying to catch a glimpse of the lake below, but all we can see is a solid wall of white. We couldn’t just see the mist. We were inside it.

By a freak twist of fate, our visit to the famed lake coincided with the arrival of a powerful storm. Initially hoping to photograph the lake’s colorful sunbirds and flowerpeckers, we now had no choice but to wait for the weather to clear.

“Balinsasayao’s twin lakes are known mostly by tourists escaping the seaside humidity of Dumaguete, but they also serve as a vital watershed for the province of Negros Oriental,” explained Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Viernov Grifalde a day before.

The twin lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao serve as headwaters for five major river systems including the Amlan, Ayuquitan, Hinotongan, Okoy and Cauitan Rivers. “These natural water reservoirs collect rainwater, supplying half-a-million people with potable water all year.”

Nearly 60% of the Philippines’ land area forms 142 critical watersheds. Watersheds work best when provided with healthy forests, as the trees help absorb rainwater. The country’s watersheds however, are facing numerous threats, including illegal logging, charcoal-making and destructive kaingin or slash-and-burn farming.

“We’ve fortunately managed to minimize these activities by combining effective enforcement and field patrols with a vigorous communications and public awareness campaign,” adds Viernov. “For centuries, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes have protected both upland and lowland communities from the worst effects of storms, floods and droughts by stabilizing the local climate and water distribution. We at the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have been doing our best to protect the park, so our people can continue reaping its natural services.”

Declared as a protected area in 2000, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park spans 8016.05 hectares and is among six featured areas for the Year of the Protected Areas (YoPA), a yearlong campaign to highlight the critical role played by the country’s 247 protected areas for both people and nature.

Launched in May 2022, YoPA is being spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Project (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and various local governments.

The campaign’s six featured protected areas include Masbate’s Bongsanglay Natural Park, Occidental Mindoro’s Apo Reef Natural Park, Samar Island Natural Park, Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Camiguin’s Mt. Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, plus Negros Oriental’s Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, home to endangered flora like the Almaciga tree and rarely-seen fauna like the reclusive Visayan Spotted Deer.

“Birdwatchers come from across the sea to see and photograph the colorful birds in the park. The world’s rarest deer are said to live right in those hills,” points DENR’s Sargie Dura when the mists briefly lifted to allow us a fleeting glimpse of the jade-hued peaks above.

We’ve waited all morning and with worsening weather, we settled for lunch – the highlight being various dishes made from ‘pako’ or vegetable fern.

It was either the bone-chilling 16-degree cold or the potent vinegar lacing the fern salad I was crunching on, but I seemed to have a watershed moment – that all the world’s protected areas are reservoirs or ‘reserves’ for life: from the tiny ferns grown and harvested for salad to deer that were driven up the most inaccessible areas. These reserves also produce the basic elements for life – clean water, clean air and in the case of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, clean energy through its active geothermal vents.

“Our planet’s protected areas aren’t just great places to visit. They all serve key ecological functions – from providing habitats to endangered wildlife to generating the water which keeps our faucets flowing,” concludes BIOFIN Global Manager Onno van den Heuvel. “This World Wetlands Day, let’s visit and support our local watersheds, our local reservoirs of life.” 

The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park lies in the Talinis Mountain Range, some 15 kilometers west of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. The park covers portions of the municipalities of Valencia, Sibulan and San Jose and features two high-altitude crater lakes. Balinsasayao is larger at 76 hectares, followed by Danao at 30 hectares. The area is renowned not just for its cool climate and unique biodiversity, but for providing over half-a-million people with freshwater. (DENR / DOT)

Whiteout. Our composite team from the United Nations and the DENR was met by a powerful storm. This is what most of our expedition looked like. With the wind chill, the temperature dropped to around 16 degrees. (Gregg Yan / UNDP-BIOFIN)

Exploring the lake. Less rainy days allow visitors to take twin-hulled catamarans and pencil-hulled kayaks around the lake. (Angelique Ogena / UNDP-BIOFIN)

Kabalin-an pond silently sits astride the visitor center and spans 2.4 hectares. It hosts swaying stands of Indian Willow (Salix tetrasperma), whose bark yields the salicylic acid we use to combat dandruff and oily skin. The world’s forests and watersheds help supply people with clean air, timber, water and medicine. (Gregg Yan / UNDP-BIOFIN)

Raging river. Watersheds naturally capture water from rain. Shown is a river flowing down the hills of Valencia in Negros Oriental. (Gregg Yan / UNDP-BIOFIN)

 
Keeping the tap flowing. Although water covers 71% of our planet, lakes, rivers and streams contain just 0.01% of its water. Over a billion people around the world have zero access to safe drinking water, making it one of the most important resources of all. (Gregg Yan / UNDP-BIOFIN)

 

Fantastic ferns. The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are famed for the delicious ‘pako’ or vegetable fern (Diplazium esculentum) which sprouts wild around the park. The ferns are rinsed and served as salad, used to garnish other dishes or even mixed into ricecakes to make delectable desserts. The park hosts 237 plant species and 124 of them are ferns. (Gregg Yan / UNDP-BIOFIN)

 

Here be dragons. Philippine sailfin dragons (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) can be seen basking around the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park on sunny days. As a protected area, it is also a haven for birds and mammals. (Gregg Yan)

Rarest deer on Earth. Beautifully-patterned Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) still survive in the remote forests and mountains of Negros, including the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. This captive individual was rescued in Negros Occidental. (Gregg Yan)

Tiny treasure. A harlequin tree frog (Rhacophorus pardalis) stands out among the broad leaves of the forest. More time spent in the country’s protected areas gives visitors better chances to notice tiny treasures. (Michael Hidlao / DENR PAMO-BTLNP).

MATATAG: DepEd’s new agenda to resolve basic education woes

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte on Monday launched MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, to set the new direction of the agency and stakeholders in resolving basic education challenges.

Addressing around 400 education stakeholders, led by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in attendance, VP-Secretary Duterte laid down the challenges and recent accomplishments of DepEd, before unveiling the new battle cry of the basic education sector.

“We will rally for an improved learning system in the country. Together, we will rally for every Filipino child. Para sa isang MATATAG na Bayan. Para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas," Duterte emphasized in her Basic Education Report (BER) for 2023.

According to Duterte, MATATAG will have four critical components:


•MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens;

•TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services;

•TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and

•Give support to teachers to teach better.

"We know that the road will be bumpy, but our direction is clear. We know that the challenges are vast, but we Filipinos are resilient. We will overcome,” Duterte added, noting that her interest in the future of Philippine education is very personal.

In her BER, VP-Sec. Duterte also provided the specific directions and initiatives that will comprise the four components, including improving the curriculum by focusing on foundational skills and embedding peace competencies, building more resilient schools and classrooms, strengthening inclusive education programs, advocating for teachers’ additional benefits, and providing professional development programs, among others.

In addition, Duterte reiterated her commitment to give ample support to the thousands of teachers in the country.

“We thank you for your sacrifices. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon. Hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” she said.

Duterte also urged the stakeholders to join DepEd in building a MATATAG nation.

“Improving access, equity, equality, resiliency, and well-being will not happen overnight, nor it can be done by DepEd alone. We need a national commitment and sustained effort from all sectors of the society,” she stressed.

After the launch of MATATAG, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, VP-Sec. Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Rep. Roman Romulo, and other education partners penned their commitments and support for the new basic education agenda.

Hilton Opens First Hotel in Japan’s Hokuriku Region with the Debut of DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Located in the centre of Toyama, DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama takes inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding mountains and sea

Hilton announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, the first Hilton hotel in Japan’s Hokuriku region. Located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Toyama offers convenient access to and from the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. With direct international flights from several Asian countries expected to resume in summer 2023, Hilton anticipates a growing demand for Toyama from international travellers.

"We are thrilled to mark the debut of DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, our first Hilton hotel in the Hokuriku region. This opening illustrates our strong commitment to continually expand our footprint in Japan across key secondary and tertiary cities,” said Timothy Soper, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton. “We anticipate a further recovery and strengthening of travel demand in Japan this year, and we look forward to providing our warm hospitality and thoughtful service to our guests here in Toyama.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is conveniently located within a three-minute walk of Toyama Station and a 20-minute drive of Toyama Kitokito Airport. The city of Toyama offers an ideal staging point for various popular day-trip destinations, including the Kurobe Alpine route, famous for massive snow walls; the traditional villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama; and the Noto Peninsula.

The 13-storey, 201-room hotel features contemporary guest accommodations with five room types, ranging from 26-square-metre layouts for up to three people to a 79-square-metre premium suite that can comfortably accommodate up to four people. The hotel’s interior design and artwork take inspiration from the natural beauty of Toyama, including Toyama Bay and the Tateyama Mountain Range.

The all-day restaurant, korare WINE AND DINE, takes its name from the Toyama dialect’s word for “welcome.” It features 78 seats and a private room that can accommodate 10 seats, a buffet and dining area and an open kitchen serving breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, beef and red snow crab from the Toyama Prefecture, and a wide selection of offerings from the on-property sommelier’s wine selection.

At korare Bar, guests can enjoy light meals, such as pastas and hamburgers, that feature local ingredients, while also taking advantage of a selection of more than 20 wines by the glass, original cocktails and sake. Meanwhile, the GRAB'n'GO Coffee & Deli offers takeout coffee, sandwiches, soups, cakes, muffins and other snacks for guests looking for fuel on the move.

Guests will have access to a variety of facilities and services, including inspiring banquet and meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a public bath with a sauna.

“We are delighted to open DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama and look forward to welcoming both domestic and international travellers and inspiring them with feel- good moments, whether through our comfortable accommodations, elevated amenities, or signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie welcome,” said Vincent Ong, vice president, Full Service Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing global brand, and we look forward to continuing its expansion across Asia Pacific.”

In December 2022, Hilton debuted its 50th DoubleTree by Hilton property in the Greater China and Mongolia region with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Kunming Airport, and will soon launch the brand in South Korea. In Japan, DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama will open this summer, while DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle will open in 2024.

DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 19 world-class hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama.

Read more about DoubleTree by Hilton on Stories From Hilton.

6th Indie-Siyensya Film Festival returns to the big screen, now streams on JuanFlix

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The campaign to celebrate film as a medium to communicate science and create positive change continues and remains strong as the Indie-Siyensya Film Festival returns to various Cinematheque Centres across the Philippines and streams online via JuanFlix, courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Almost three years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, the DOST-SEI, in partnership with FDCP, finally brought back Indie-Siyensya's on-site film festival with a two-day film screening of science-based creative films at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Nabunturan, Davao, and Negros from January 21 to 22, 2023. Cinematheque Centre Iloilo also joined the celebration as it followed with the screening on January 26 to 27.

The film festival kicked off at the Cinematheque Centre Manila with a brief opening ceremony conducted to formally welcome everyone to the film screening. Present during the program were officials of DOST-SEI and FDCP, namely, Engr. Albert Mariño, DOST-SEI's Deputy Director; Mr. Randolf Sasota, DOST-SEI's S&T Manpower Education Research and Promotions Division's Officer-in-Charge; Mr. Daniel David Morales, FDCP's Executive Director; and Ms. Rica Arevalo, FDCP's Education and Development Support Division Head and one of the 6th Indie-Siyensya jurors.

Directors, scriptwriters, and members of the featured films' production team also graced the event. They all showed gratitude for being a part of the Indie-Siyensya’s movement to use films to communicate science and contribute to building ripples of change for communities. They also expressed delight to learn how passionate Filipinos are in creating films that mirror the realities of society and how the Indie-Siyensya has inspired and nurtured this passion among them as filmmakers.

“Being with these people, looking at the films, nakakaiyak kasi I know na hindi lang ako, hindi lang ako yung passionate about this. Everyone is. And [I am] super grateful. This competition is just doing many things for many,” said Kyle Carlo Lasala, director of one of the featured films, when asked about his experiences in joining the 6th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition during the festival's talkback.

The filmmakers all expressed hope to tell more stories, create more documentary films, and join more science film festivals with the aim to inform, educate, and enrich the knowledge of the public about a certain issue, and eventually move them to action. Such is the issue of the climate change crisis.

Through the Indie-Siyensya Film Festival, DOST-SEI pledged to continue to harness the potential of films in communicating science, building awareness on critical issues, and driving action for the betterment of the country and the world.

DOST-SEI's Deputy Director Engr. Mariño thanked FDCP for sharing in the advocacy of bringing science closer to the Filipino people through competitions like Indie Siyensya and helping spark the interest of the youth to join the science community.

Meanwhile, FDCP Executive Director Mr. Daniel David Morales commended the DOST-SEI for successfully cultivating creativity and innovation, as well as creating a means to highlight meaningful content through the Indie-Siyensya Film Festival. He pointed out how films are not only a visual treat but also an excellent vehicle for science communication, social change, and advocacy.

Mr. Morales added that the FDCP will continue to support the DOST-SEI by making Indie-Siyensya an Inter-Agency Partnership Program under the leadership of its new chairman, Mr. Tirso Cruz III.

Just like the previous Indie-Siyensya Film Festivals, this year’s event featured the ten (10) finalists of the Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition. With the theme “Communicating Climate Change,” the festival screened short documentary films and explainers that confront environmental challenges and advocate solutions to climate change.

The film entries are also available on JuanFlix until February 5, 2023. Viewers must register first at juanflix.com.ph to watch the entries for free.

Formerly known as the FDCP Channel, JuanFlix is a streaming platform that features classic Filipino films and special selections from recently conducted local film festivals. It aims to offer educational entertainment for all learners and film enthusiasts through homegrown films that inspire, enrich, and challenge perspectives.

For this year, the 6th Indie-Siyensya's Viewers’ Choice Award will be given to the film entries with the highest number of votes per category from the combined on-site and online voting results. The winners of the Viewers’ Choice Award will take home the Php 20,000.00 cash grant. Online voters are highly encouraged to watch all the Indie-Siyensya film entries on JuanFlix.

The Awarding Ceremony will be held on February 25, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

To know more about the finalists of the 6th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition, you may read:

 https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news-archive/408-young-filipino-filmmakers-focus-lens-on-climate-change-awareness-in-6th-indie-siyensya-film-festival

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort Delivers Stronger Connections with PLDT Enterprise

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of largest fully integrated telco in the country, recently partnered with one of the most premiere resorts in Cebu, the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, to deliver robust and reliable connections for their customers and their hotel experience.

“At PLDT and Smart, we are all about providing customer-focused digital innovations. That is why we are honored to provide world-class Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort with unparalleled connectivity that is at par with their mission of giving a luxurious experience to its guests,” says PLDT Customer Relationship Management Head, Kent De La Calzada.

“One of the highlights of the partnership is that the resort is now powered by PLDT’s Dedicated Internet Access service, or iGate–a service that provides businesses with guaranteed bandwidth as well as reliable and managed connectivity to the Internet.” This will positively impact the resort’s operations in terms of easier and faster transactions and communication for staff, and better service and connectivity for guests, especially for business travelers.

Other connectivity solutions that are in place at Sheraton Cebu Mactan are the PLDT SIP Trunks, powered by fiber technology, which will provide quality and stable incoming and outgoing voice calls, and SMART Postpaid, powered by the latest Smart 5G network, for the mobile communication of the employees.

There is also Smart Broadband which will be provided for guests traveling from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. All these efforts align with Sheraton’s vision of being the best welcoming resort destination in the Philippines.

“We value the time our guests spend with us at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, and indeed, part of that guest experience is connectivity,” says Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, General Manager at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. “We want them to feel connected while staying with us–be it at the hotel and the world-class services we provide or simply to each other and their loved ones back at home.”

“With our partnership with PLDT, we are confident that we can bring that deep sense of togetherness and that unique Cebuano hospitality we are known for to all our guests,” adds Ray. G. Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Properties, Inc.

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is a 261-room premium resort property at Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, a 30-minute drive from Mactan International Airport.

For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/.

Photo caption: From left to right: Oamar B. Tabiliran, PLDT Enteprirse Business Head CRB 1 Visayas; Arnold Dosdos, PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager; Kent C. De La Calzada, PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head, Corporate Relationship Management - Visayas; Marvin Villaruz, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Sales and Marketing; Leif Bajarias, AppleOne Properties Inc. Chief Financial Officer; Danish Khan, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Operations; Dottie Wurglercronin, AppleOne Mactan Inc. General Manager