by Ferry Bayu | Sep 28, 2026 | Business
Multi-awarded Filipino actor Alden Richards expands his partnership with Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), building on a relationship that began in 2024 and has grown through shared values, responsible entertainment, and positive social community impact initiatives.
First introduced as the platform’s inaugural male brand ambassador in 2024, Richards has since become one of the faces of the brand’s responsible entertainment and community engagement initiatives. The partnership continues to build on the strong relationship between Richards and Casino Plus over the years.
Reflecting on the partnership, the A-list Filipino actor said he is particularly excited about the company’s growing focus on creating meaningful social impact through its corporate social responsibility efforts.
“We were able to create something beautiful out of more than highlighting the brand,” Richards shared. “Right now, we are working on CSR campaigns, and I strongly believe that deepening this aspect of our relationship is where real impact happens.”
One of these initiatives is Hero For All, a nationwide search that recognizes ordinary Filipinos whose selfless acts of kindness have made a meaningful difference in their communities. The program is spearheaded by Casino Plus in partnership with the AR Foundation.
“We are very excited to make the people see the candidates na na-finalize namin because they all have compelling stories. They all have a certain inspiration to share. We are very much surprised that there are individuals like them who have not been highlighted enough in our society. We tend to forget the goodness in people so Hero For All is a reminder for that,” he said in an interview with Casino Plus.
When discussing the criteria for the candidates shortlisted for the campaign, Alden stressed that heart and purpose come first: “What we really look for is intention more than the impact. We want to give people inspiration. Kindness and goodness, may it be big or small, can go a long way.”
Beyond championing inspiring stories, Richards also underscored the importance of making responsible choices. “We are in charge of our choices. Since we are here as a brand that reminds people to be responsible in their choices and to avoid abuse of any opportunities or practices, we will keep on pushing for that. Anything that is enjoyed in excess is bad,” he added.
“When you look at a partnership that spans years, the results speak for themselves, but the foundation is built on character,” stated Casino Plus Head of Branding Roj Tirona. “His warmth, his authenticity, and the way people light up around him represent fun in its most genuine form—and that is exactly why he is the right face for Casino Plus.”
Tirona also expressed his gratitude to Richards for his continued trust and partnership, saying the company looks forward to launching more meaningful campaigns together in the future.
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 trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. 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 | Sep 28, 2026 | Business
iQor Qares, the nonprofit arm of iQor, raised more than ₱5.8 million (about $92,700) at a charity gala held Sept. 16 at Shangri-La Makati in Manila. More than 320 guests, including over 120 sponsors and partners, attended the event, the most ever raised at a single iQor Qares gala, which will help extend support to more than 250 iQorians and their families facing financial hardship in the Philippines.
iQor, a global leader in customer experience business process outsourcing, today announced that iQor Qares, its registered nonprofit charitable organization, raised more than ₱5.8 million (approximately $92,700 USD) at a charity gala held Sept. 16 at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. The funds will assist iQor employees in the Philippines, their families, and their local communities facing financial hardship due to life-altering events such as medical emergencies and natural disasters.
More than 320 guests, including over 120 sponsors and partners, joined the gala alongside members of the iQor community in the Philippines, home to more than 35,000 iQor employees.
“We are extremely fortunate to welcome back so many sponsors who have supported iQor Qares Philippines since our first gala three years ago, while also welcoming new Diamond Elite sponsors to our highest level of support this year,” said Fleurette Navarro, Executive Vice President and Philippines Regional President at iQor and Chair of iQor Qares Philippines. “Together, their generosity and continued commitment allow us to assist even more iQorians and their families during their times of greatest need.”
The gala also drew an extraordinary number of volunteers. Every entertainer who performed was an employee from one of iQor’s 22 sites across the Philippines, volunteering their time, talent and energy to support iQor Qares.
With more than ₱5.8 million raised, the most ever raised at a single iQor Qares gala, the evening’s donations are expected to extend support to over 250 more iQorians and their families in need. That support builds on a growing mission: in 2025 alone, iQor Qares granted more than 1,400 assistance grants to employees in the Philippines, including 741 medical grants, 117 natural disaster grants and 578 grants supporting children, elders and other dependents.
“This fundraiser is an extension of the same spirit that drives everything we do at iQor Qares, showing up for our people during some of the most difficult experiences in their lives,” said Richard Eychner, Chief Culture Officer at iQor and Chair of iQor Qares. “Every dollar raised at this event goes directly toward continuing that support.”
All net proceeds from the gala will fund iQor Qares grants for Philippines’ employees in need. For more information or to donate, visit iQorQares.com.
About iQor
iQor is a trusted partner in customer experience solutions for global brands and a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital. With 45,000 employees across 10 countries, iQor combines three decades of expertise with AI-driven innovation to optimize performance across the entire customer lifecycle. Through its three delivery pillars — Grow, CXBPO, and infinityAiQ — iQor delivers scalable solutions that drive acquisition, engagement, and retention. Powered by advanced analytics and a people-first culture, iQor transforms customer interactions into measurable growth. Recognized as a Great Place to Work® and a leader in CX excellence, iQor empowers brands to grow smarter. Learn more at iQor.com.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 25, 2026 | Business
The company says the new vehicle series will form part of a Dallas service network operating around the clock, seven days a week
DALLAS, Texas — Carziqo is adding its UR-NX autonomous ride-hailing series to its Dallas operations, as the mobility technology company develops a service network designed to operate 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday, within designated areas.
The announcement marks another step in Carziqo’s effort to build a ride-hailing service around the varied rhythms of city travel. A trip to work before sunrise, an appointment in the middle of the day and a journey home late at night create different demands on a fleet. Carziqo says its Dallas operations are structured to coordinate vehicle availability across those hours, rather than concentrate service around a conventional daily schedule.
The addition of UR-NX does not mean that every vehicle will run continuously. According to the company, individual vehicles will be taken out of service when needed for inspections, cleaning, preventive maintenance and software diagnostics. Those intervals will be determined by factors including mileage, technical condition and service requirements.
That distinction is central to Carziqo’s 24/7 operating model. The company aims to keep the service network active throughout the week while managing maintenance separately for each vehicle. It says this approach removes the need for a fixed weekly shutdown of the entire fleet, although the number of vehicles available at any given time may vary.
Carziqo’s fleet management platform will coordinate UR-NX deployment and dispatch within its designated Dallas operating areas. The company says decisions about where and when to deploy vehicles will take account of demand, operating conditions and vehicle readiness. Service coverage will therefore depend on the areas currently supported by the platform, rather than extend to every road in Dallas.
The Dallas introduction also illustrates a broader challenge for autonomous mobility providers: placing vehicles into service is only one part of building a usable network. Fleet coordination, maintenance scheduling and accurate information about availability all shape whether a ride-hailing service can meet day-to-day travel needs.
For Carziqo, UR-NX is an additional vehicle series within its Dallas operations and part of its wider work in autonomous ride-hailing and intelligent fleet management. The company says it will continue to assess deployment and maintenance needs as the series enters service.
Users seeking a ride should check Carziqo’s official platform for current coverage and vehicle availability. The company notes that service can vary by location, time and operating conditions.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 25, 2026 | Business
The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), through the Agency for Home Affairs Policy Strategy (BSKDN), organized an Actual Discussion Forum (FDA) titled “Strategy for Accelerating the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped (3T) Regions” at the Horison Ultima Menteng Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/9/2026).
The Head of the Center for Regional, Population, and Public Service Policy Strategy at BSKDN Kemendagri, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah, S.Sos., M.Si., serving as the Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the urgency of this forum in formulating concrete, evidence-based policy recommendations (policy brief) to be submitted directly to the Minister of Home Affairs.
In his report and remarks, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah highlighted that implementing the MBG Program in 3T regions requires special treatment and tailored strategies that cannot be equated with non-3T areas nor generalized across different 3T regions.
“The 3T regions face complex geographical and structural challenges, ranging from high stunting rates, limited transportation infrastructure, electricity, and clean water, to weak logistics supply chains that drive up staple food prices. Therefore, BSKDN is pushing for the adoption of adaptive principles—responsive to local geographical and social conditions—and inclusive principles, ensuring that all stakeholders and local communities are actively involved from planning to implementation,” stated Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah.
Furthermore, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah revealed that based on preliminary data, the availability of Nutrition Fulfilling Service Units (SPPG) in underdeveloped regions currently reaches only 10.78% of the ideal target. This gap must be addressed immediately through cross-sectoral collaboration and the mapping of adaptive service models, such as utilizing semi-permanent SPPGs in mountainous areas, specialized sea fleets for island regions, and indigenous community-based approaches in hinterland areas.
The event, which opened with remarks from the Head of BSKDN Kemendagri, Dr. Yusharto Huntoyungo, M.Pd, featured a lineup of speakers and experts from various ministries, agencies, and institutions, including:
– Irhamna – Associate Expert at Deputy III for Economic Affairs, Executive Office of the President (KSP);
– Drs. Samsul Widodo, M.A. – Director General for the Acceleration of Underdeveloped Regions Development, Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions;
– Ranto, S.P., M.AP. – Director of Provision and Distribution Region III, National Nutrition Agency (BGN);
– Dr. Bakri Siddiq, S.E., M.Si. – Assistant Deputy for Government Infrastructure, National Border Management Authority (BNPP);
– Sastrodirjo – Central and Regional Financial Analyst, Directorate General of Fiscal Balance, Ministry of Finance;
– Gatot Tri Laksono, S.Pd., M.Si. – Governance Expert from the Rumah Kreasi Indonesia Hebat (RKIH) Study Institute;
– Ferry Bayu Nirwono – CEO of VRITIMES;
– Tias Ade Putra – Chief Executive Officer of PT Agriva Teknologi Nusantara (DESAPEDIA);
– Rifqi Maulana, S.H. – Head of Digital Communication, National Board of the Indonesian Law Students Association (PERMAHI).
This discussion explored key issues, including strengthening the formation of regional MBG Task Forces in 3T areas, financial support schemes and regional fiscal capacity, optimizing Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and local food commodities within the supply chain, as well as public communication strategies and community participatory oversight.
All strategic inputs and insights from the speakers are being formulated by the BSKDN Kemendagri team as the primary material for drafting the Policy Brief on “Strategy for Accelerating the Implementation of the MBG Program in 3T Regions,” which will be presented to the Minister of Home Affairs to strengthen synergy between the central and regional governments.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 23, 2026 | Business
A new chapter is coming to RYC Wellness as we prepare to launch on Grab, bringing our signature flavors and wellness-inspired offerings directly to your doorstep. Along with this exciting milestone, customers can look forward to our fresh new Poke Bowl and the much-loved Buko Pie, making it easier than ever to enjoy a taste of healing at home.
RYC Wellness is excited to announce a major step forward in its mission to make wellness more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone. Soon, customers will be able to experience a taste of healing from the comfort of their own homes as RYC Wellness officially launches its offerings on Grab.
Known for combining wellness, community, fitness, and healthy living into one unique destination, RYC Wellness has become a place where guests can nourish not only their bodies but also their minds. Now, through Grab delivery, customers will be able to enjoy some of their favorite RYC Wellness food and beverage offerings without having to leave their homes.
This new development allows families, professionals, students, and wellness enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, wholesome meals and comforting treats wherever they are. Whether it’s a busy workday, a relaxing weekend at home, or a gathering with loved ones, RYC Wellness aims to bring the same warmth, care, and quality that guests experience in person directly to their doorstep.
As part of this exciting launch, RYC Wellness is proud to introduce a brand-new menu item: the Poke Bowl. Inspired by fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, the Poke Bowl is designed to provide a delicious and satisfying dining experience. Packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing components, this new offering reflects RYC Wellness’ commitment to promoting healthier food choices without sacrificing taste.
Joining the menu is another crowd favorite that has captured the hearts of many guests over the years—our signature Buko Pie. Known for its rich coconut filling, homemade goodness, and comforting flavor, the Buko Pie has become one of the most requested and celebrated products at RYC Wellness. Customers will soon be able to enjoy this beloved classic through Grab, making it easier than ever to share with family and friends or simply enjoy as a personal treat.
The launch of RYC Wellness on Grab represents more than just food delivery. It is an extension of the RYC Wellness philosophy—bringing healing, nourishment, and meaningful experiences closer to the community. By making our products available through a trusted delivery platform, we hope to reach more people and inspire healthier lifestyles through food, connection, and wellness.
As we continue to grow, RYC Wellness remains committed to creating innovative products, memorable experiences, and opportunities for people to discover wellness in their everyday lives. This Grab launch is only the beginning, with more exciting menu items, wellness initiatives, and community-focused programs on the horizon.
The wait is finally over. We are working hard behind the scenes to bring this exciting new chapter to life, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Soon, a taste of healing will be just a few taps away.
Stay tuned for the official launch date and get ready to experience RYC Wellness—now delivered straight to your home.
RYC Wellness — Where Wellness Meets Community, and Healing Begins With Every Bite.
About Ryc wellness.
RYC Wellness is a wellness-focused social club that combines healthy dining, fitness, healing, and community experiences. Through its Healing Café, wellness programs, and lifestyle activities, RYC Wellness inspires people to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 23, 2026 | Business
In celebration of the UN’s International Volunteer Year 2026, ASSIST has launched Ten Photos to Shake the World (TPSW) 2026. The regional photo contest invites visual storytellers across Asia to capture how local civic action drives global impact. Entries open September 2026.
Ready to shake the world? Submit your original photos to Ten Photos to Shake the World (TPSW) 2026 to win.
In celebration of the United Nations recognizing 2026 as International Volunteer Year (IVY), Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) invites photographers and visual storytellers to join TPSW 2026.
Open to participants across the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, this regional competition leverages visual storytelling to spotlight how localized civic engagement drives global progress and resilience. Under the theme “Volunteers in Frame: Capturing the Spirit of Volunteerism and Social Impact,” the initiative seeks to award compelling photos that capture the power of everyday service, community action, and sustainable development.
The competition features separate tracks for Amateur and Professional photographers, with prizes awarded to the Top 3 entries in each category alongside four consolation prizes and special awards. Submissions open September 2026.
Since its inception in 2011, TPSW has served as a regional platform for visual storytellers to address pressing development challenges through photography as an advocacy tool. This year’s edition focuses on documenting the scenes of volunteerism driving tangible social impact across Asian communities.
For complete contest mechanics and eligibility criteria, follow ASSIST and TPSW on official social media channels.
You may also view the full details and contest mechanics here: TPSW 2026 Contest Primer
About Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: assistasia.org
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