U.S. trade mission highlights innovative technologies for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development in PH

NGA 911 LLC, the mother company of NGA 911 Philippines/NGCS – the provider of next generation advanced emergency response in the country -- is in town for a trade mission tasked to introduce innovative products, services and solutions that will contribute to economic growth and sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, the Mission aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between mission delegates and local stakeholders.

Twelve companies offering advanced cutting-edge U.S. solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development met with government representatives to present and discuss innovative infrastructure technologies for local industrial, business and lifestyle applications.

The businesses include graph-based AI technologies, progressive and comprehensive rail industry solutions, cyber security services, energy services, automotive and manufacturing industries with advanced AI solutions, privacy preserving data-sharing, advanced engineering, construction and project management solutions, mobile app data management and privacy behaviors, and next generation, advanced emergency response.

The trade mission is a follow-up to the highly successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on behalf of President Joe Biden last March and will explore local governance practices and urban development strategies in the two countries. It made two stops in the Philippines, one in Manila and the other in Clark City.

NGA 911 LLC, which came into the country in 2018 to explore the introduction of cutting edge public safety solutions that is the standard in the US and Europe, already has its NGA 911 technology in place in next-generation advanced command centers put up in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan and Cagayan de Oro City.

Other LGUs like Cebu City and others in key cities are following soon, as more LGUs heed the mandate of the Executive Order 56 to institutionalize 911 as the nationwide emergency hotline and create a unified national emergency system using next generation, advanced technology.

Ant International Unveils its Global Sustainability Initiative ‘AquaViva’, Leveraging Digital Innovations and Ecosystem Partnerships for Marine Conservation

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), Ant International, a digital payment and financial technology leader, announced the launch of AquaViva, its new global programme for marine conservation, which aims to support healthy marine ecosystems through the company’s digital innovations and open collaborative partnerships. Ant International will focus on marine conservation as a key aspect of its environmental sustainability efforts.

The ocean represents our greatest ally against the impacts of climate change. It generates 50% of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions. Although over 190 countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – an international commitment to better protect the planet, only 8% of the ocean is protected so far, short of the 30% target necessary to sustain the ocean’s benefits for our people and environment.

Ant International leverages innovation and partnerships to drive positive change

Ant International aims to leverage its expertise in tech innovation and reach via digital platforms to mobilise the global community that its businesses serve or intersect with, towards adopting a sustainability mindset and supporting eco-friendly initiatives that benefit marine ecosystems. Taking an open collaborative approach, Ant International will work with partners across public and private sectors to drive collective impact and aims to make more progress towards climate sustainability, MSME inclusion and digital enablement ahead of COP30. 

With an ecosystem comprising over 90 million merchants, of which many are MSMEs, and 1.6 billion digital users, Ant International will leverage these extensive digital channels to reach global users to motivate them to take sustainable and meaningful actions towards marine conservation.

 

For example, Ant International has supported its ecosystem partner, GCash in the Philippines, with its GForest initiative, to encourage its users with eco-friendly activities and support tree planting.

“Digital innovation can play such a substantive role in sustainability awareness and action, as we have seen from the very successful forest initiative by our partner GCash. Ant International decided to focus on marine conservation and biodiversity due to the huge impact that the ocean has, not just to the climate but to so many local communities and livelihoods, particularly here in Asia Pacific, where many communities are impacted by coastal changes. By leveraging our digital ecosystem and partners, we can effectively reach millions of users, and together with our knowledge partners, drive large-scale information sharing and incentivise users to take action and track their progress.” ~Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ant International

AquaViva partners with Conservation International for whale shark conservation

Conservation International, a global organisation with over 25 years of experience in Asia Pacific (APAC) conservation, joins as AquaViva’s first key partner, contributing their deep expertise to protect oceans and enhance ecosystem health. Ant International and Conservation International will join hands to drive marine conservation efforts from Singapore, where both organisations have established presence, to the APAC region.

The inaugural joint project will focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia. Led by  Conservation International's main implementing partner Konservasi Indonesia, the project will  engage with Indonesian authorities and communities to develop and implement ecotourism policies and practices that support whale shark-friendly, sustainable tourism around key habitats in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa; Gorontalo, Sulawesi; and Kaimana, West Papua.

"Oceans are the lifeline of our planet's survival, yet their immense importance is often overlooked. Over 600 million people rely on the ocean for food and livelihoods, and it plays a critical role in regulating and stabilizing Earth’s climate. Protecting our oceans is essential for human survival. Initiatives like AquaViva are crucial in raising awareness about the ocean’s often-overlooked role in climate regulation, food security, and the emerging blue economy.” ~Dr Richard Jeo, Senior Vice-President, Asia-Pacific Field Division, Conservation International

The two parties will also further explore partnerships where Conservation International can enhance its research capacity on furthering their marine conservation work, leveraging Ant International’s digital solutions to draw more insights from the research data they collect. 

 

AquaViva will leverage Ant International’s digital capabilities to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster a global mindset toward marine sustainability. This includes leveraging data analytics and outreach platforms to support Conservation International’s research and deepen insights into conservation efforts. Through these advanced digital tools, the partnership aims to inspire a broad audience, bringing together governments, corporations, and individuals to drive eco-friendly practices that benefit marine life.

Indulge with McDonald’s NEW Holiday Treats, Here for a Limited Time Only

McDonald’s Philippines is adding a touch of holiday magic to its menu this season with special limited-time offerings starting November 15. The quick-service restaurant giant has given a festive upgrade to its bigger and better Chicken McDo and iconic McFlurry, to bring out the kid in you this Christmas season. 

McDonald’s introduces the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo – a new and festive twist on its classic Chicken McDo, lightly glazed with a sweet barbeque sauce, offering the perfect blend of smoky and savory. For dessert lovers, two new McFlurry flavors will be available to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth: indulge in the Tiramisu McFlurry, a balanced mix of sweet coffee and cocoa flavors with bits of Malt Crunch, and the Hazelnut McFlurry, a rich, crunchy chocolaty treat that brings hazelnut indulgence to McDonald’s beloved Vanilla Soft Serve. 

At the company’s launch of their holiday campaign, "Love Ko ang Pasko! Love Ko ang McDo!”

“These are the moments and little things that make the holiday season feel familiar yet special in every McDonald's store. First on the list is sharing feel-good moments over food at McDonald’s. This holiday season, our customers can look forward to bonding with friends and family over our special holiday offers.” ~Ashley Santillan-Delgado, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director

Time to go big and indulge as customers can look forward to more festive promos on the McDonald's App starting November 16. Customers can look forward to festive promos you won't be able to say no to!  

• Php109 Holiday Deals running from November 16 –30 

o Double Holiday McFlurry LTO (Hazelnut and Tiramisu) where you can choose two of the same flavors or one of each! 

o Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with Mango Passion  

 

• Holiday Mega Deal from December 1–15 

o Enjoy the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with any Holiday McFlurry for only Php159 

Throughout the holiday season, McDonald's remains dedicated to delivering a truly feel-good experience to everyone who walks through its doors or drives through its Ride-Thru lanes. With these holiday treats and offers, every McDonald’s meal can become a reason to celebrate. Enjoy the Love Ko ang Pasko spirit at McDonald's – bringing together family, friends, and festive flavors, this Christmas season and beyond. 

For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph on Facebook, and https://www.instagram.com/mcdo_ph/ on Instagram. 

About McDonald’s Philippines 

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for over 40 years -- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 750 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines. 

Cebu Pacific Offers Exclusive Seat Sale for Sapporo Flights

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, keeps the holiday spirit alive as it offers another seat sale this November – this time for the newly opened direct route to Sapporo, Japan (New Chitose).

Sale Period: November 13 – 19, 2024

Price: PHP 1,488.00 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges

Travel Period: January 16 – March 29, 2025

As the promo covers the best time to visit Sapporo, travelers can look forward to participating in all sorts of winter activities. From skiing and snowboarding at the Teine Ski Resort to sledding and building snowmen at the Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

CEB travelers are also invited to experience the charm of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where the city comes alive with snow and ice sculptures illuminated at night.

Beginning January 16, 2025, CEB will operate flights between Manila and Sapporo three times weekly – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. CEB will be the only airline to offer direct flights between these two cities.

Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air

X: @CebuPacificAir

Instagram: cebupacificair

Capture with the Infinix ZERO Flip: The first flip phone with dual 4K ProStable vlogging cameras under 30K pesos

Glow-ups are a sign of growth and empowerment. It’s about knowing what’s best for you, like having the freedom to express yourself during these “Blossom” moments. This is what the new Infinix ZERO Flip, which launches this November 19, 2024, wants to evoke with impressive features that women can use to embrace their potential and take charge of their journey.

The Infinix ZERO Flip is a vlogging phone that combines style with its Blossom Glow (Pink) colorway, WGSN’s Smartphone Color of the Year for 2025, and innovation through its GoPro collaboration. It’s the world’s first flip phone to support both front and rear 4K ProStable video recording, empowering women to “GET IN NOW” and capture life from every angle.

The future of style

Inspired by WSGN’s 2025 trend report, the Infinix ZERO Flip’s Blossom Glow variant is a vibrant yet sophisticated hue that represents style and timelessness. The color choice turns the flip phone into a fashion statement that resonates with empowered users. Likewise, the Rock Black variant caters to users with more classic tastes with its simple yet elegant black colorway.

A reliable vlogging buddy

Equipped with dual 4K ProStable Vlog Cameras in collaboration with GoPro, users are able to capture high-quality content from every angle with the Infinix ZERO Flip. It produces professional-grade videos, backed by ProStable Technology to ensure that they are clear and shake-free no matter where it’s shot.

The ZERO Flip is definitely a great vlogging companion for every type of creator, letting them document moments in high quality and precision. The 3.64” Cover Screen with 120Hz refresh rate and Minimal Screen Crease ensures that users can see every detail without disruptions. Plus, the phone’s Zero Gap Hinge seamlessly transforms the ZERO Flip into a full-screen device for all kinds of viewing.

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish smartphone that supports your vision and self-expression, glow up with the Infinix ZERO Flip. The brand’s groundbreaking collaboration with GoPro opens up the possibilities for creative storytelling, further helping users to find themselves through the ZERO Flip’s lens. The choice of using Blossom Glow for its design not only reflects the flip phone’s trendiness, but also the vibrancy that inspires the colorful lives of its users.

GET IN NOW and capture your Blossom moments from every angle with the Infinix ZERO Flip. Be sure to like and follow Infinix’s official Facebook page and visit the website for more updates and information about this trendy flip phone.

URC brands are still top picks among Filipino homes

Six brands made by food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) are still among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report

Three of these brands – C2, Nissin and Cream All – rose in rankings in the yearly study.

Great Taste is among the top 10 most chosen brands in Total FMCG and Beverages sector while Piattos remains among the most chosen food brands.

Payless, meanwhile, landed in the list of 20 most chosen food brands for the first time.

“We are happy to see that our well-loved brands are reaching even more Filipinos, delighting them with good food choices everyday. This report also inspires us to continue giving Pinoys products of superior quality and value. Indeed, Great Taste, C2,Piattos, Payless, Nissin and Cream All are just some of our brands loved by Filipinos across generations.” ~Mian David, URC’s chief marketing officer and managing director of URC International

Kantar’s Brand Footprint study uses a metric called “consumer reach points” (CRP), which measures a brand’s strength based on how many shoppers are buying the brand and how often.

It essentially shows which brands are winning at the point of purchase.

“Filipinos are now spending more on FMCG, presenting a bigger opportunity for more brands to win. Among these brands, many of them are able to do so with improved penetration.” ~Mieke Bartholomeus, Strategic Insights Director at Kantar’s Worldpanel Division

URC’s Great Taste coffee – with 440m CRP – ranked 8th among fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and fourth in the beverages sector.

Ready-to-drink tea C2’s CRP rose 25 per cent to 32m, making it the 14th most chosen brand in the beverages sector.

The number of households that bought C2 rose by some 281,000 in 2023, with better presence in groceries, sari-sari stores and market stalls.

In the food sector, snack brand Piattos held on to the 7th spot, while Nissin instant noodles climbed to No. 16.

Another instant noodles brand, Payless, broke into the list of Top 20 brands in the segment  with a CRP of 74m, landing in 19th place in the food sector and 50th among FMCG brands.

Core variant Payless Xtra Big is still a big draw, while the still small, newly-launched Payless Sakto is already driving traction for the brand.

Cream All went up to No. 19 in the dairy sector.

As part of Kantar, Worldpanel provides brands and retailers with a unique, 360-degree understanding of consumer behavior across the globe. Worldpanel continuously monitors shopping behavior to shape the brands of tomorrow by better understanding people everywhere. 

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O.

Brands from food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) continue to be among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report.

HUAWEI Philippines Joins Forces with Slimmers World for Dance Fitness Class Showcasing the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

HUAWEI Philippines continues to drive health forward as it hosted a dance fitness class in partnership with slimming, health, fitness, and beauty giant, Slimmers World. The dance class, which took place last October 31 at HUAWEI Experience Store, SM North EDSA, also featured newly-launched HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series: The Perfect Fitness Companion

The event started off with guests hearing from a HUAWEI Product Expert on the features of the new HUAWEI smartwatch and why it would make the perfect fitness buddy, no matter the workout. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is an elegantly designed smartwatch that delivers advanced fitness tracking capabilities. The series includes four models: the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm and 41mm, and the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm and 42mm. The HUAWEI GT 5 Pro models are crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy and nanocrystal ceramic for a luxurious and durable finish. 

The latest edition of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series is powered by the HUAWEI TruSense System and comes with tailored fitness features including the AI-powered Running Coach, enhanced trail running navigation, free diving support with water resistance of up to 40 meters, and an upgraded Golf Mode (Pro Version) feature with over 15,000 global course maps including over 100 course maps in the Philippines. The watch also tracks users’ daily movements with the Activity Rings feature and supports over 100 workout modes including “dance” along with other sports modes under the “custom” function. This feature tracks basic dance data including timing, heart rate, calories, and training stress. Various dances can be recorded in this feature, including Belly dance, Latin dance, Jazz, Ballet, Plaza dance, and more.

Aside from fitness features, watch wearers can monitor their heart health with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis capabilities as well as SpO2 and ECG monitoring. The advanced Sleep Breathing Awareness feature monitors users’ sleep quality and helps address issues such as Sleep Apnea. The watch now also comes with an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, which tracks users’ emotional states and is complemented by the Pet Panda watch face that displays an animated panda reflecting users’ mood, offering a more holistic approach to personal wellness and management.

Slimmers World’s Dance Class with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Guests were then invited to participate in a high-energy dance class led by Slimmers World instructors, Coach Karen Mallari and Coach Rochelle Eugenio. As a special perk, the first few participants to join the event were each loaned a smartwatch, allowing them a firsthand experience with the watch. The session had participants moving to the beat while keeping track of their performance and health metrics using the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series. 

The dance class with Slimmers World is the first of several masterclasses and workshops offered by HUAWEI. In November, HUAWEI will offer a GoPaint Masterclass for participants who are interested to learn more about the painting app available exclusively on HUAWEI tablets.

Upgrade Your Fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Take your fitness journey to the next level with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 12,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap and HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 41mm with blue fluoroelastomer strap. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with blue woven strap along with the HUAWEI WATCH 41mm in brown woven and white leather straps, are valued at PHP 13,999. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap is valued at PHP 17,999 while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with titanium strap is valued at PHP 24,999. The price for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white fluoroelastomer strap is set at PHP 22,999 and at PHP 31,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white ceramic strap.

To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and to stay updated on the upcoming masterclasses and workshops from HUAWEI, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

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