by Ferry Bayu | Oct 2, 2026 | Business
BIÑAN, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES (September 28, 2026) — Fifty years ago, the University of Perpetual Help System JONELTA Laguna (UPHS Laguna) first opened its doors to Filipino families seeking a brighter future for their children. On Friday, as around 2,000 students, faculty, staff and university leaders gathered to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the institution turned its focus to a crucial question: Who has yet to walk through those doors?
That question shaped UPHS Laguna’s 50th anniversary celebration at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, where the University looked back on five decades of education, healthcare and service while laying out its vision for the generation ahead.
At the heart of the celebration was a ribbon-cutting for a 50th Anniversary installation built in the form of a doorway. The tunnel-like structure traces the growth of the University through its Biñan and Pangasinan campuses, combining historical displays with video interviews and interactive activities on LED screens. More than a record of where UPHS Laguna has been, the installation was designed as a passage between the University’s past and its next chapter.
That next chapter was the focus of the anniversary address by Senior Executive Vice President Mark Tamayo.
“Fifty years ago, our founders decided that the best thing they could do with their lives was to be of service to the country,” Tamayo said. “Our responsibility now is to carry that same purpose into a country that looks very different from the one they knew and to reach the families who are still waiting for an opportunity.”
For UPHS Laguna, that means expanding its reach in the years ahead. The institution intends to enter markets where Perpetual Help does not currently have a presence and double the number of students it serves within the next five years.
But Tamayo framed that ambition not as growth for its own sake, but as an extension of the University’s original purpose.
“We are not chasing growth for its own sake. We are chasing families we have not reached yet.”
That ambition builds on an institution whose graduates have already carried their education and professional skills beyond the Philippines. More than 3,374 licensed UPHS graduates have been deployed globally since 2006 through Perpetual Help Placement Services International, while the institution maintains 51 international linkages across Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The anniversary also placed today’s students at the center of the celebration. Four UPHS student bands performed during the pre-program, while the formal celebration brought together students, faculty, staff and university leadership before concluding with a performance by Filipino alternative pop band Over October.
The presence of students was fitting for an anniversary that was ultimately about the future. As UPHS Laguna looks toward its next 50 years, its ambition is not only to reach more students, but to continue raising what a Perpetual Help education makes possible — what students can do, where they can go and who they become.
For students in the Philippines and beyond, that increasingly includes opportunities to pursue careers and professional pathways across borders. UPHS Laguna’s international graduate deployment and partnerships reflect the broader role of education in connecting students with opportunities in an increasingly mobile region and global workforce.
That vision remains grounded in the University’s enduring principle: “Character Building is Nation Building.”
For UPHS Laguna, the next 50 years will not simply be about building more campuses or serving more students. It will be about opening more doors — and making sure more Filipino families have access to greater opportunities, wherever those opportunities may lead.
About University of Perpetual Help System
Founded in 1976 in the Philippines, the University of Perpetual Help System (UPHS) JONELTA is a multi-campus higher education institution serving students and communities across the country. With its flagship campus in Biñan, Laguna, UPHS JONELTA offers programs across health sciences, medicine, business, engineering, humanities and other fields, with a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, character formation, healthcare education and service to Filipino communities. Its graduates and international partnerships extend its reach beyond the Philippines, including through professional opportunities and linkages in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 2, 2026 | Business
MANILA, September 28, 2026 – The Mills Global Customs Brokerage Inc. is expanding its international network while putting compliance at the beginning of the shipment process. The Philippine company now works with 31 partners across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to support businesses trading across borders.
For The Mills Global, customs work starts before cargo moves. Its team reviews import requirements, permits, tariff classification, and shipping documents early, giving clients time to address questions that might otherwise surface when a shipment reaches the port.
“By the time cargo arrives, many of the decisions that affect its clearance have already been made,” said Atty. Jeanne Hazel Maulit, founder of The Mills Global. “We want to be part of those decisions earlier, so clients know what is required before they commit to a shipment.”
The international network gives Philippine exporters access to partners in their destination markets. It also supports foreign businesses entering the Philippines, where The Mills Global handles local customs and regulatory requirements.
The Mills Global’s customs work is backed by strong legal support from Maulit Law on market entry, banking arrangements, and securing import permits, alongside freight forwarding through First Harbor Global Logistics in Singapore. Together, they offer an unmatched breadth of support to businesses expanding into new markets.
The Mills Global specializes in project cargo, breakbulk shipments, oversized equipment, and dangerous goods. It also handles regulated and technical imports, including pharmaceuticals, data center equipment, and renewable energy components. Its services cover import readiness, permits, PEZA clearance, and tariff advisory.
The company also assists businesses with Board of Investments (BOI) applications and applications for available tax exemptions, including the documentation and agency coordination required for each.
“Trade becomes easier to manage when businesses understand the requirements before the cargo is on its way,” Maulit said. “That is the thinking behind our compliance-first approach.”
About The Mills Global Customs Brokerage Inc.
The Mills Global Customs Brokerage Inc. is a Philippine customs brokerage and trade support company. It began as a trucking business in 2014 and now serves importers and exporters through customs clearance, regulatory support, and the handling of complex cargo. The company works with international partners and coordinates with freight and legal teams on cross-border transactions.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 1, 2026 | Business
Every first Saturday of the month, RYC Wellness hosts a unique community event featuring a variety of educational and experiential activities. From Escape & Evasion Training and Carjacking Prevention Workshops to Herb Tastings and Craft Beer Tastings, each session is designed to promote personal growth, practical skills, wellness, and meaningful connections. The First Saturday Discovery Series offers members and guests an opportunity to learn, explore, and experience something new in a fun and engaging environment.
Every first Saturday of the month, RYC Wellness brings together adventure, education, wellness, and community through its signature Discovery Series. Designed to introduce participants to practical life skills and unique wellness experiences, each event features a rotating lineup of engaging activities led by experienced instructors and wellness advocates.
Past sessions have included Escape and Evasion Training, Carjacking Prevention Workshops, Herbal Tasting Experiences, Craft Beer Tastings, and other hands-on learning opportunities that promote personal growth, preparedness, and healthy living.
The First Saturday Discovery Series reflects RYC Wellness’ commitment to helping individuals build confidence, expand their knowledge, and connect with like-minded people in a fun and supportive environment. Whether learning valuable self-protection techniques, exploring the benefits of medicinal herbs, or discovering new flavors and experiences, participants can expect something different and exciting every month.
Join us on the first Saturday of each month and experience wellness beyond the gym through learning, exploration, and community.
“Don’t miss the next First Saturday Discovery Series. Reach out to RYC Wellness for details on this month’s featured activities and how to join.”
“Every first Saturday is a chance to learn something new, gain a valuable skill, and leave better than you arrived.”
About Ryc wellness.
The RYC experience combines a Healing Café, Social Gym, Wellness Studio, Med Spa, and a variety of educational and social events, creating a holistic environment for growth and transformation. Through its signature BYOB (Build Your Own Body) philosophy, RYC Wellness encourages members to take an active role in shaping their health, lifestyle, and overall quality of life.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 30, 2026 | Business
Island Resort Club (IRC) has launched its “Best of Seoul” tour package series with Korean Air, timed with the airline’s new Starlink Wi-Fi rollout and Seoul’s Jongno district being named the world’s coolest neighborhood for 2026.
Island Resort Club Launches ‘Best of Seoul’ Tour Series via Korean Air
Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC), a licensed Philippine travel agency established in 2002 and an officially designated partner of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, has opened bookings for its ‘Best of Seoul’ tour package series on its digital platform, Join Enjoy (joinenjoy.com.ph).
Operated in partnership with Korean Air, the 4-day, 3-night packages run across Spring, Autumn, and Winter editions, in two tiers: Plus (from USD 599) and Premium (from USD 688). Each includes round-trip airfare, 4-star hotel accommodations, daily meals, admission fees, travel insurance, and an English-speaking guide. The Plus tier offers a free Day 3 for independent exploration, while Premium adds a guided excursion to Everland theme park.
What’s Special About Korean Air’s New Starlink Wi-Fi?
Korean Air has begun rolling out free, high-speed Starlink satellite Wi-Fi on newly retrofitted aircraft, with fleetwide coverage targeted by the end of 2027. What makes this special: it’s a gate-to-gate broadband, free for every passenger in every cabin, a rare in-flight upgrade among carriers serving the Philippines, and one guests can look forward to as the rollout expands. On flights where it’s available, broadband connectivity is right at your fingertips—perfect for uploading departure selfies, streaming your favorite K-drama, or messaging loved ones from 35,000 feet.
Why Is Seoul’s Jongno District Trending in 2026?
The itinerary brings guests into Seoul’s Jongno district, home to Jongno 3-ga, recently named the world’s coolest neighborhood for 2026 by Time Out for its food scene, indie boutiques, and nightlife. What makes this special: travelers also visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea’s largest royal palace, complete with a Hanbok photo session — giving guests both the trending, buzzy side of Jongno and its centuries-old royal heritage in one stop.
How Does IRC Handle Korea Visa Processing?
As an authorized visa processing agency designated by the Korean Embassy, IRC handles both individual and E-Group visa applications directly for guests. What makes this special: travelers don’t need to go through a third party or navigate the embassy process alone — IRC’s designation means visa concerns are handled in-house, removing a common pain point for first-time travelers to Korea.
“Seoul continues to be a top dream destination for Filipinos, and our goal is to deliver an exceptional, hassle-free journey,” said Hyok Choi, CEO of Island Resort Club. “From embassy-backed visa processing to in-flight connectivity and access to Seoul’s most talked-about neighborhoods, we’re giving Filipino travelers real value at every step of the trip.
About Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.
Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. is a fully licensed Philippine travel agency and designated partner of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines. Established in 2002, IRC continues to set the standard for Korean tour excellence, connecting Filipino travelers to Seoul and beyond through its Join Enjoy platform. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact IRC at jo*******@************om.ph or call +02-7000-4497.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 30, 2026 | Business
Trans-Asiatic Trading is putting a spotlight on its Gerflor marine flooring portfolio, reinforcing the case for safety-first interior systems as the baseline expectation for fleet operators, not an optional upgrade. The showcase brings together the full range of IMO-compliant and Wheelmark-approved Streamo products, Karavel, Mariner, and Steamer, alongside Gerflor’s studded rubber tiles and skirting accessories, giving operators a complete look at what a fully compliant vessel interior can look like from deck to wall.
The timing reflects where the industry is heading. Regulators and surveyors are placing increasing scrutiny on interior materials, not just structural and mechanical systems, and fleet operators are under growing pressure to demonstrate that every deck, corridor, and passenger area meets fire safety and slip resistance standards. Gerflor’s Streamo range was built for exactly this scrutiny, engineered to IMO fire test protocols with slip resistance suited to high-traffic passenger and crew areas, and it carries the Wheelmark certification that surveyors recognise on sight.
What the showcase makes clear is that safety and performance don’t have to come at the expense of a well-finished interior. Homogeneous Streamo products hold up to constant traffic in corridors and galleys, while the luxury vinyl plank options bring natural stone and wood-inspired finishes to cabins and passenger lounges, all backed by the same certification. For fleet operators weighing where to invest limited refit budgets, that combination makes Gerflor flooring a difficult product line to overlook: it’s simultaneously the safer choice and the better-looking one.
Trans-Asiatic Trading continues to position itself as the region’s go-to source for this calibre of marine interior material, drawing on decades of experience supplying shipowners, shipbuilders, and shipyards. Fleet operators looking to bring their vessels up to a safety-first standard are encouraged to reach out to Trans-Asiatic to explore which Gerflor products fit their fleet’s needs.
Reach out now!
Call: +65 62825376 | +65 62802679
Email: tr****@*********om.sg
Find them on Keepital at Trans-Asiatic Trading Pte Ltd
About Trans-Asiatic Trading Pte Ltd
Trans-Asiatic is an importer and exporter of Industrial and Marine Equipment, we also act as Commission Agents for many overseas companies. We represent and distribute several renowned brands in these industries and offer professional users a wide range of equipment/services within the accommodation, mechanical and electrical segments. Our list of clients includes major ship-owners, shipbuilders, oil rig builders, shipyard and industrial companies.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 30, 2026 | Business
Responding to local neighbors in need, the San Marino Consulate General stepped up to provide essential food relief to ten 10 families navigating severe hardship. The beneficiaries from Barangay 191 – Zone 20, Barangay Electrical, Pasay City have been hit particularly hard, caught between heavy urban flooding and ongoing local construction disruptions.
The Republic of San Marino, known as the world’s oldest constitutional republic, has long grounded its global diplomatic presence in values of peace, solidarity, and civic duty. Putting these principles into practice locally, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of San Marino to the Philippines and President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, personally led the distribution drive at the Consulate in Makati.
“During challenging times, it is important to be present and extend support where it can make a difference,” Lhuillier shared. “Through this initiative, we hope to provide these families with some much-needed assistance as they navigate the difficulties brought by the situation in their community.”
For the receiving families, the relief was both practical and deeply comforting. “Malaking tulong po ito sa amin,” said one grandmother of three as she received her family’s food pack. A single mother from the neighborhood agreed, sharing how much emotional weight the gesture lifted off her shoulders: “Nakakagaan po ng loob na may mga taong handang tumulong sa amin.”
The consulate selected the recipient families based on immediate need and location, aiming for a neighborly effort that prioritized real human connection alongside essential aid. For the San Marino team, the initiative served as a practical demonstration of solidarity, translating values of generosity into meaningful action for their Philippine host community
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