by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), ONEKLIK Events, and Metrobank have formalized their strategic partnership for the upcoming 4th Travel Sale Expo, themed “Where Travel Dreams Come Alive.” Scheduled from October 2 to 4, 2026, at SM Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong, the event is held in conjunction with the prestigious 3rd Ambassador Awards, honoring exceptional diplomatic and industry contributions to Philippine tourism.
About NGS Communications x GTBA
ABOUT THE GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) is an organization dedicated to strengthening the tourism industry by supporting responsible tourism businesses, fostering industry collaboration, and creating opportunities that contribute to the growth of Philippine tourism. Through its programs, partnerships, and industry initiatives, GTBA seeks to connect tourism stakeholders and inspire more Filipinos and international visitors to discover the Philippines.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
LandValuePH combines published BIR zonal values, location information and available market listings into an initial estimate of what a property may be worth — for owners preparing to sell, buy, inherit or negotiate.
Most Filipino property owners can describe their land precisely — the size, the barangay, the road it sits on. Far fewer can say what it is worth.
The question comes up at the worst possible moments: when a buyer makes an offer, when a family divides inherited property, when a broker suggests an asking price. And the usual answers are unsatisfying. A neighbour’s sale price may not apply. A listing site shows what sellers are asking, not what buyers paid. And the government’s published figure, the BIR zonal value, is a tax reference rather than a market estimate.
LandValuePH is built for the step before a decision gets made.
The platform starts with the published BIR zonal value for a location — a figure most owners have never looked up, because finding it means identifying a revenue district and reading through government issuances. LandValuePH has consolidated 534,228 of those records covering 48 provinces, 905 cities and municipalities and 34,321 barangays into a single searchable database. Looking up that reference value is free and requires no account.
The zonal value alone, though, does not answer the question owners are actually asking.
Why one number is not enough
Published zonal values vary more than most people assume, even within a single barangay.
In Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati, published values for commercial-residential land range from ₱455,000 to ₱940,000 per square meter depending on the specific location within the barangay. In Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, in the same city, the same classification is published at ₱330,000.
In Cebu City, published values for commercial land range from ₱249,000 per square meter in the city centre down to a fraction of that in outlying barangays.
And what a buyer will actually pay depends on things no schedule records: road frontage, corner position, access, elevation, flood exposure, what is being built nearby, and whether the seller needs to move quickly.
What a LandValuePH valuation report contains
For owners who want more than the reference figure, LandValuePH produces a paid valuation report. Each report sets out:
- The published BIR zonal value for the location
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Location and property classification details
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The property characteristics supplied by the owner
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Available market and listing information for the area
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The adjustments applied and the reasoning behind them
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An estimated value or value range
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The limitations of the estimate, stated plainly
Reports start at ₱1,299. They are produced from data and stated assumptions, not from a site inspection.
This is an initial estimate, not a formal appraisal. A licensed appraiser’s report — the kind banks and courts require — involves an inspection and a professional’s signed opinion. A LandValuePH report is what an owner reads before deciding whether they need one, or before naming a price.
Where to start
Look up the published zonal value for your location first. It is free, it takes about ten seconds, and it is the number your taxes will be computed against regardless of what happens next.
If you are preparing to sell, negotiating a purchase, or settling an estate, a valuation report adds the market context the zonal value leaves out.
Coverage is not complete. Thirty-four provinces are not yet represented, and the company continues to organize additional BIR issuances as they are published.
Start at LandValuePH
About Land Value PH
LandValuePH is a Philippine property valuation and information platform operated by AHG Lab, providing access to organized published BIR zonal-value information and paid valuation reports for landowners, buyers, brokers and property professionals.
LandValuePH is not affiliated with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Its valuation reports are an initial estimate and are not a substitute for an appraisal by a licensed appraiser or professional advice.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
A growing workforce brings new opportunities, but it also creates a challenge: how can an organization ensure that employees across different roles and locations remain connected to one another and to the company? For Cebuana Lhuillier, the answer has been to make connection, participation, recognition, and well-being part of everyday work—not simply activities that happen from time to time.
As a cornerstone culture-building initiative, Amazing KaCebuana stands out by recognizing the value of inclusivity, honoring how diverse perspectives and individual differences ultimately make the company stronger.
“Our people are at the heart of Cebuana Lhuillier’s success. We believe that when employees feel valued, connected, and empowered, they are better positioned to create meaningful impact. This recognition affirms our commitment to building a culture where our people can grow, thrive, and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.
This approach earned Cebuana Lhuillier the Best Employee Engagement Program award at the 2026 People Insight Awards, organized by TalentView to recognize organizations advancing the future of work through impactful people and workplace initiatives.
The award recognizes Amazing KaCebuana, Cebuana Lhuillier’s continuous initiative designed to strengthen relationships among employees, leaders, and teams across the organization. Rather than relying on one-time activities, it integrates opportunities for employees to connect, participate, share their voices, recognize one another, and experience the company’s culture regardless of their role or location.
Making Connection Part of Everyday Work
Amazing KaCebuana brings together initiatives that strengthen recognition, communication, leadership, and employee well-being. Workvivo, the company’s digital employee community, is one of these touchpoints, giving employees across branches, field operations, and headquarters a space to share stories, celebrate milestones, recognize colleagues, and connect with leaders.
Other initiatives include the Brillo Awards, which recognize employees who exemplify loyalty and business excellence, and Cebuana News Ngayon (CNN), which keeps more than 12,000 employees informed about company developments, people stories, and milestones. Leadership programs such as Coaching and Mentoring sessions, and Leading at the Speed of Trust program foster open communication, transparency, and active listening, while REBEL, the company’s wellness app, supports employees’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“Creating a meaningful workplace experience requires more than programs. It calls for consistency in how people are heard, supported, and recognized across the organization. Amazing KaCebuana brings this commitment to life through initiatives that meet employees where they are and reflect the different ways they contribute to Cebuana Lhuillier,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services of Cebuana Lhuillier.
Building a Culture Through Everyday Experiences
The strength of Amazing KaCebuana lies in how its initiatives work together—giving employees opportunities to share experiences, recognize colleagues, connect with leaders, stay informed, and access support.
The approach has delivered measurable results, with strong employee participation, readership, retention, PR value, and social media engagement. More importantly, it has made participation a consistent part of the workplace, giving employees more avenues to contribute while encouraging leaders to foster open communication and collaboration.
For Cebuana Lhuillier, the recognition affirms that culture is built through everyday interactions. Amazing KaCebuana gives employees not only the opportunity to experience the company’s culture but also to help shape it.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (P.A. Hankyu), the joint venture between P.A. Properties and Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., celebrates a historic three-award victory at the 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, with its flagship development, Idesia, named winner in three major categories.
Under the theme “Defined by Excellence,” the 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards recognised outstanding achievements across residential, commercial, hospitality, industrial, and mixed-use property, as well as architecture, interior design, sustainability, and social impact.
The winners were announced during a black-tie gala held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, where 16 organisations were named winners across 46 categories.
Among the night’s distinguished awardees was Idesia by P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin Inc., which secured the following prestigious recognitions:
● Best Housing Development (Philippines) — WINNER
● Best Housing Development (Luzon) — WINNER
● Best Premium First Home Development — WINNER
Idesia is P.A. Hankyu’s growing residential community brand, with developments strategically located across key areas in Luzon, including Dasmariñas, Cavite; Lipa, Batangas; Cabuyao, Laguna; and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Designed to bring quality homeownership closer to Filipino families, each Idesia community reflects the partnership’s commitment to thoughtful planning, quality living, and creating spaces where families can build their future.
The triple victory marks a significant milestone for P.A. Hankyu, with Idesia emerging as one of the country’s most recognized housing developments at this year’s awards. Standing out as the highest distinction among its accolades, the Best Housing Development (Philippines) award highlights Idesia’s premier standing on a national stage. The recognition comes following a unanimous decision by the esteemed judging panel, outshining competing developments across the nation.
The awards affirm Idesia’s commitment to creating thoughtfully planned communities that combine quality, functionality, and design. Its recognition as Best Premium First Home Development further underscores its success in elevating the first-home experience and setting a new standard for accessible, premium living for Filipino families.
The achievement also reflects the strength of the partnership between P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., bringing together local expertise and Japanese development experience to create communities designed with Filipino families in mind.
“This recognition is a meaningful milestone for P.A. Hankyu and a testament to what can be achieved when strong partnerships, shared values, and a commitment to excellence come together. We are deeply grateful to PropertyGuru for recognizing Idesia, and to our homeowners, partners, and employees whose trust, dedication, and hard work made this achievement possible.”
“Winning three awards, including Best Housing Development in the Philippines, inspires us to continue raising the standard of what we can deliver. More than an award, this is a recognition of the dreams and stories behind every home we build. We remain committed to creating communities where Filipino families can thrive, grow, and build meaningful lives together.”
— Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina Cruz CEO and President, P.A. Properties and P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin
For P.A. Hankyu, Idesia’s three wins are more than industry accolades. They represent the collective efforts of its employees, partners, homeowners, and stakeholders who share the vision of creating communities that go beyond providing shelter.
The recognition is also a testament to the company’s belief that “Behind every home is a story.” Every Idesia home represents a beginning—a place where families can create memories, pursue their dreams, and build their future.
As P.A. Hankyu celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to developing communities that deliver lasting value and meaningful experiences for Filipino families.
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About P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation
Nestled in San Pedro, Laguna, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties) is a leading developer of low to medium-cost housing communities in Southern Luzon. Since its establishment in 1994, the company has crafted over 30,000 homes across key Philippine provinces, with plans to build an additional 20 communities in the next 5 years. P.A. Properties, guided by the tagline “Behind Every Home is a Story,” not only addresses the nation’s housing backlog but also actively contributes to economic growth. Through philanthropic initiatives, such as hospital donations in Cabuyao, providing right of way in Pampanga for civic centers, and establishing SanJo’s markets in provinces like Laguna and Bulacan, the company weaves a narrative of community development and nationwide impact.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 27, 2026 | Business
DAVAO CITY, Philippines, 15 AUGUST 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), turned Davao Whisky Park into one of the liveliest hubs of Kadayawan 2026 on Friday night, as social media star and digital content creator Zeinab Harake Parks brought her signature energy to an electric crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees for an evening of games, prizes, and entertainment.
Welcomed by the deafening cheers of hundreds of “Zebbies,” her devoted fanbase, Zeinab Harake Parks took the stage and greeted the crowd with an enthusiastic “Maayong gabi sa inyong tanan!” Marking her first time experiencing the Kadayawan Festival and her second visit to Davao since filming a vlog in the city in 2020. Zeinab celebrated alongside the community until midnight.
True to her word and aligned with Casino Plus’ core mission to “bring fun to people,” she delivered non-stop entertainment as fans repeatedly chanted “Arat na, Zeinab!” throughout the park.
Embracing her moniker as social media’s “Reyna ng Good Vibes,” she enthusiastically engaged the crowd posing for group selfies from the stage, on-ground, filming on-the-spot TikTok videos with five lucky meet-and-greet winners, and praising the overwhelming warmth of the Davaoeño community, noting that true beauty radiates from having a good, generous heart.
Zeinab also highlighted what she values most about partnering with Casino Plus, emphasizing how the platform has allowed her to connect with communities nationwide:
“I get to explore every city sa Philippines. Ngayon, andito ako sa Davao. Looking forward pa ako sa ibang cities and provinces para sa Casino Plus event. Excited pa ako sa maraming-marami pang provinces,” she shared.
The high-energy activation gave festivalgoers the chance to try Hantak-themed games, alongside complimentary refreshments, creator appearances, and hourly raffle draws that sent attendees home with premium tech, including AirPods 4, JBL speakers, and an iPad.
The social media star also invited audience members on stage for a viral TikTok dance-off, where winners took home ₱10,000 cash prizes courtesy of Casino Plus. Zeinab, meanwhile, personally handed out ₱5,000 in cash consolation prizes to the remaining participants. Despite the friendly competition, the contestants helped one another remember viral TikTok dances—a heartwarming display of camaraderie that she noted proves Davao City is truly one of the friendliest cities in the Philippines.
“Ang galing nila, hindi sila nate-threaten! Kahit magkalaban sila, nag-agree,” Harake-Parks quipped, after one contestant happily confirmed to the crowd that her rivals had nailed the dance routine.
For many attendees, the event served as a major highlight of their Kadayawan celebration. Anthony and Zara, a couple who traveled from Manila specifically to join the festivities and see Zeinab in person, expressed their excitement:
“Masaya! Sobrang saya. Pati ‘yung mga booths, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga games, ang ganda. Siya rin ‘yung reason bakit kami nandito,” Anthony said. “Enjoy dito kasi napakaraming prizes!” Zara added.
International residents also joined in the festivities. Yuri, a Russian expatriate living in Davao City, took part in the games and walked away with consolation prizes. “I really enjoyed it!” he said.
The Casino Plus Kadayawan activation highlights how bringing Filipino cultural gaming traditions and modern entertainment together on one stage creates meaningful, shared experiences for fans, festivalgoers, and communities across the Philippines.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY
In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:
Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.
Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.
About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.
Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 27, 2026 | Business
The press release explains how Payoneer supports Philippine businesses, freelancers, BPOs, and ecommerce companies managing international payments. It covers currency conversion, bank transfers, withdrawals, account verification, customer support, B2B payment methods, and PayPal vs. Payoneer considerations.
Payoneer in the Philippines: Cross-Border Payments Become Critical as Local Businesses Go Global
The Philippines has become an important hub for businesses serving customers around the world. From outsourcing and IT services to freelancing, ecommerce, and professional services, Philippine businesses increasingly generate revenue from international markets.
But winning a global client is only part of the equation. Businesses also need reliable ways to receive payments, manage currencies, pay international partners, and maintain control over their cash flow.
This is making cross-border payments an increasingly important part of the growth strategy for Philippine businesses.
Platforms such as Payoneer provide businesses and professionals with tools designed to help manage international payments and operate across markets.
Why Payoneer in the Philippines Matters
Philippine businesses have access to a growing global customer base. A technology company can provide services to clients in the United States. A BPO or outsourcing agency can manage operations for companies in Australia or Europe. A freelancer can work directly with clients across multiple countries.
An ecommerce seller can reach customers outside the Philippines. These opportunities create demand for reliable B2B payment methods and international payment infrastructure.
The right payment setup can help businesses manage international revenue without creating unnecessary operational complexity.
Traditional International Transfers Can Create Friction
Traditional bank transfers remain an option for many businesses receiving money from overseas.
However, international transactions can involve multiple steps and intermediaries.
Businesses may encounter:
- Additional transfer fees
- Foreign exchange costs
- Longer settlement times
- Complicated payment instructions
- Manual reconciliation
- Limited payment visibility
- These challenges may be manageable for occasional transactions.
They can become more significant when a company receives international payments regularly.
How Long Does a Payoneer to Bank Transfer Take?
One common question among Philippine users is Payoneer to bank transfer time. The actual processing time can depend on several factors, including the receiving bank, currency, transaction details, compliance checks, and other processing requirements.
Businesses should therefore consider transfer timing when planning cash flow. Checking the expected processing information available within the Payoneer account can also help users understand when funds are expected to arrive.
Managing USD to PHP With Payoneer
Currency conversion is another important consideration for Philippine businesses receiving international revenue.
A business may receive USD from a US customer but have most of its operating expenses in Philippine pesos.
This creates an important planning question around USD to PHP Payoneer conversion.
Understanding the applicable exchange rate and conversion costs can help businesses estimate how much international revenue may ultimately be available in PHP.
This can be particularly important for:
- Freelancers
- BPO companies
- Digital agencies
- IT service providers
- Ecommerce businesses
- Exporters
Currency management becomes even more important as international transaction volumes increase.
Payoneer for Philippine Freelancers and Businesses
The Philippines has a large community of professionals providing services to international customers.
Freelancers may work in:
- Software development
- Graphic design
- Digital marketing
- Virtual assistance
- Content creation
- Consulting
- Customer support
For these professionals, international payments are not an occasional requirement. They can be a fundamental part of their business model. A platform that supports international payments can therefore become an important part of running a freelance business.
B2B Payment Methods for Global Companies
Businesses working internationally have several potential B2B payment methods available to them. These can include traditional bank transfers, payment platforms, digital wallets, and other financial services.
The appropriate option depends on factors such as:
- Transaction volume
- Countries involved
- Currencies required
- Payment frequency
- Fees
- Settlement times
- Accounting requirements
For a growing Philippine company, selecting a scalable payment method can be just as important as selecting the right banking relationship.
Outsourcing Businesses Face an Even Larger Challenge
For BPOs and outsourcing companies, payment complexity can increase with scale.
An agency may receive payments from several international clients while simultaneously managing payroll, contractors, suppliers, and operating expenses.
This can create a complex financial workflow.
Some companies may also use a payroll app Philippines businesses rely on for local workforce management while using a separate platform for international client payments.
Connecting these processes efficiently can help businesses reduce manual work and improve financial visibility.
How to Withdraw Money From Payoneer in the Philippines
Another common question for local users is how to withdraw money from Payoneer in the Philippines. Available withdrawal options can depend on the user’s account, currency, eligibility, and supported banking arrangements.
Users should check the withdrawal options available directly within their Payoneer account before initiating a transaction. This is particularly important for businesses that need to plan when international revenue will become available for local operating expenses.
How to Check if a Payoneer Account Is Verified
Account verification is another important consideration for new users. People searching for how to check if Payoneer account is verified can review their account status and any outstanding verification requirements through their Payoneer account.
Additional information or documentation may sometimes be required before particular features become available. Completing verification requirements early can help reduce potential disruption when a business begins receiving international payments.
PayPal vs Payoneer Philippines: What Should Businesses Consider?
Another common search among Philippine users is PayPal vs Payoneer Philippines. Both platforms can serve international payment needs, but their features, supported use cases, fees, and withdrawal options can differ.
Businesses should compare providers based on their specific requirements rather than choosing solely on brand familiarity.
Important factors to consider include:
Receiving payments
How international customers can pay you
Currency support
Which currencies you need to receive and manage
Withdrawals
Available options for accessing local funds
Fees
Transaction, withdrawal, and currency conversion costs
Business use
Whether the platform fits your transaction volume
Support
Available customer service and assistance
Scalability
Whether the solution can support future growth
For a Philippine freelancer, the best option may differ from the needs of an outsourcing company receiving large recurring B2B payments.
What Should Philippine Businesses Look for in a Payment Platform?
There is no single payment solution that works for every business. Before choosing an international payment provider, companies should consider:
- Supported currencies
- Receiving options
- International payment capabilities
- Currency conversion
- Transfer fees
- Payment processing times
- Security and compliance
- Accounting integrations
- Scalability
The payment solution should fit the company’s current needs while leaving room for future international growth.
Cross-Border Payments Are Becoming Business Infrastructure
International payments were once primarily viewed as a banking function. Today, they are increasingly connected to the wider digital business ecosystem. Businesses want to manage customers, invoices, payments, currencies, and accounting with fewer disconnected processes.
This shift is particularly relevant to Philippine companies serving international markets. As transaction volumes grow, payment infrastructure can directly affect operational efficiency and cash-flow management.
The Future of Global Payments for Philippine Businesses
Cross-border commerce continues to evolve. Several developments are shaping international payments:
Greater digitalization
Businesses increasingly expect payments to fit naturally into their existing digital workflows.
More multi-currency activity
Companies are working with customers, suppliers, and contractors across more markets.
Greater demand for transparency
Businesses want clearer visibility into fees, exchange rates, and payment status.
More integrated financial operations
Payments are increasingly connected with accounting, invoicing, payroll, and other business systems.
These changes are encouraging businesses to think about payments as more than simply moving money from one account to another.
Supporting the Philippines’ Global Business Ambition
The next stage of growth for many Philippine businesses may come from serving more customers around the world.
As companies expand internationally, they need more than access to overseas customers. They need practical financial infrastructure to receive revenue, manage currencies, pay partners, and maintain visibility over their cash flow.
Payoneer provides a platform designed to support businesses and professionals operating across borders.
For Philippine businesses participating in the global economy, having the right payment infrastructure can help turn international opportunities into sustainable, repeatable growth.
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