by Ferry Bayu | Jul 29, 2026 | Business
MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippine industrial ecosystem undergoes a rapid technological transformation, two of the nation’s premier industrial trade exhibitions are joining forces to accelerate the region’s manufacturing capabilities. The 2nd Edition of the Philippines Manufacturing Automation Expo (PMAX) 2026 and the Philippines Electronics Manufacturing Expo (EMAX) 2026 will co-locate from September 23 to 25, 2026, at Function Room 5 of the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.
With global supply chains demanding greater agility, higher precision, and sustainable production models, Philippines PMAX and EMAX 2026 arrive at a crucial juncture for the Philippines. Together, the event will bridge the gap between global technology providers and domestic plant managers, system integrators, design engineers, and industrial decision-makers.
Unified Support from Government Agencies and Industry Leaders
Reflecting the national significance of industrial modernization, Philippines PMAX and EMAX 2026 are backed by an extensive coalition of key Philippine government bodies, foreign trade offices, and technical professional associations.
Registration and Visitor Entry Information
Admission to the exhibition floor, technical pavilions, and open seminar zones is complimentary for qualified trade professionals, industry executives, factory engineers, and academic delegates.
· Pre-Registration: Attendees are strongly encouraged to register in advance online at www.emax-ph.com or www.pmax-ph.com to receive fast-track digital badges and bypass on-site registration lines.
· On-Site Entry Requirements: Visitors must present a valid business card at the registration counters upon arrival.
· Dress Code Entry Policy: The event is strictly open to business and trade visitors. Attendees must adhere to a business or smart casual dress code (shorts, sleeveless shirts, and slippers are strictly prohibited). For safety reasons on the operational exhibition floor, minors aged 17 and below will not be permitted entry into the exhibition halls.
About Fireworks Trade Exhibitions & Conferences Philippines, Inc.
Fireworks Trade Exhibitions C Conferences Philippines, Inc. is a member of the Fireworks Trade Media Group, one of Asia’s largest independently owned trade media and exhibition organizers. With decades of international experience, Fireworks specializes in organizing high-impact B2B industrial, electronics, and technology trade shows across Southeast Asia, connecting global technology innovators with dynamic emerging markets.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 29, 2026 | Business
Before becoming a restaurateur, Kevin Tan built his career sourcing premium beef for the Philippine market. That expertise became the foundation of Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay, the Japanese restaurant now expanding to Bonifacio Global City with the opening of Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC.
Long before he opened a restaurant, Kevin Tan spent years understanding the one ingredient that would eventually define it. While many restaurateurs begin with a menu and source ingredients afterward, Tan developed his expertise in premium beef first—an approach that would later shape Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay.
Representing the second generation of a family involved in the Philippine meat import industry, Tan spent years behind the scenes learning the craftsmanship required to produce exceptional beef. His experience with marbling, breed characteristics, aging techniques, provenance, and the logistics required to preserve quality gave him a perspective more commonly associated with importers and butchers than restaurant operators.
That background continues to shape the philosophy behind Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay and now its Metro Manila expansion, Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC.
“I believe gyukatsu can become the next major food movement in the Philippines—the way pickleball rapidly emerged as a new lifestyle trend. As the samgyupsal wave begins to mature, Filipino diners are ready for a fresh, interactive Japanese dining experience, and gyukatsu is well positioned to meet that demand. We are not simply in the business of selling dishes. In many ways, we operate like a technology company in the food industry: constantly studying consumer behavior, identifying emerging trends, testing new ideas, improving our systems, and innovating before the market becomes saturated. When a restaurant or food concept in Japan consistently draws one- to two-hour lines, it tells us that demand is greater than supply. We see that as a problem worth solving. Our role is to bring these sought-after Japanese food experiences closer to Filipinos—preserving their authentic foundation while thoughtfully refining them for the Filipino palate. Our vision is to make premium Japanese food more accessible through exceptional products, excellent service, continuous innovation, and fair pricing. We are not merely following trends; we aim to identify, localize, and help shape the next generation of dining experiences in the Philippines.”
Founded under Ikigai International Restaurant OPC, named after the Japanese philosophy of purposeful living, Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay specializes in gyukatsu, a lightly breaded, deep-fried beef cutlet served rare to medium rare and finished by diners on a hot stone at the table. For Tan, the dish is only as good as the beef beneath its crisp coating. Its simplicity leaves little room to hide imperfections, making sourcing one of the most important elements of the experience.
“Most restaurants buy from a distributor and trust what they receive,” Tan said. “We start with the beef we know is right and build the dish around it.”
Since opening in Boracay, Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay has become a destination for travelers seeking a Japanese beef dining experience rarely found elsewhere in the Philippines. Visitors who first discovered the restaurant while vacationing on the island have continued to follow the brand long after returning home, with many returning on subsequent trips and introducing friends and family to the restaurant.
Its signature set meals, which pair gyukatsu with carefully selected Japanese accompaniments, have attracted tourists, local residents, and food enthusiasts who appreciate the consistency and quality of the dining experience.
This September, Tan brings that same philosophy to Metro Manila with Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC at Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City—a dining district known for discerning diners and a constantly evolving culinary landscape.
The new restaurant will operate with the same sourcing network, quality standards, and operational discipline that have defined Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay since its opening, allowing the team to maintain consistency from ingredient selection through final preparation.
“Growth”, Tan says, “has always been intentional”. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Ikigai International Restaurant OPC opens new restaurants only when it can replicate the same sourcing standards, operational discipline, and guest experience that established the Boracay restaurant. In the case of Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC, years of requests from Metro Manila diners made the decision a natural next step.
For Tan, the expansion is not simply about opening another restaurant.
It is about bringing the same commitment to craftsmanship, sourcing, and Japanese hospitality that defined Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay to a new audience in the country’s capital.
Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC is scheduled to open at Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in early September 2026.
About Gyukatsu BGC
Ikigai International Restaurant OPC is a Philippine-based restaurant company founded by entrepreneur Kevin Tan. The company operates Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay and will open Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC in Bonifacio Global City in September 2026. Its name is inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, which refers to living with purpose.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 29, 2026 | Business
John Kelly & Company has launched its Asset, Property and Project Advisory Services in Cebu, combining the firm’s corporate, financial, regulatory and project advisory capabilities with the professional property appraisal, valuation, due diligence and feasibility expertise of Consulting Partner Oscar Teodoro S. Labrador.
John Kelly & Company (JK&C), a Cebu-based management consulting and corporate advisory firm, has launched its Asset, Property and Project Advisory Services to support property owners, investors, corporations, developers, financial institutions, families, government bodies and other organizations making significant property and investment decisions.
The launch follows the accreditation of Oscar Teodoro S. Labrador as Consulting Partner – Asset, Property and Project Advisory Services under the JK&C Consulting Partners Program.
Through this practice, JK&C combines its corporate, financial, regulatory, documentation and project advisory capabilities with Labrador’s professional expertise in property appraisal, real estate valuation, highest and best use analysis, and project feasibility.
The practice initially offers four core advisory services:
• Real Property Appraisal
• Titling and Land Registration Assistance
• Property Due Diligence and Verification
• Project Feasibility and Viability Studies
These services are intended to help clients understand a property’s supportable value, documentary condition, potential risks, development opportunities and financial viability before committing substantial resources.
Engagements may involve residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, institutional, hospitality, public-sector and undeveloped properties, depending on the client’s objectives and the professional requirements of the assignment.
JK&C may also coordinate requirements involving property titles, tax declarations, annotations, ownership records, corporate approvals, land registration, property transfers and relevant government processes. Work requiring lawyers, geodetic engineers or other regulated professionals will be performed or handled under the responsibility of appropriately qualified practitioners.
Labrador is a PRC-licensed real estate broker, real estate appraiser and real estate consultant who has appraised more than 4,500 real properties across the Philippines involving private, corporate, institutional and public-sector assets.
He brings more than 26 years of experience in real estate brokerage, more than 23 years in property appraisal and more than eight years in real estate consultancy practice. His experience includes property valuation, acquisition and disposition, mortgage-related valuation, corporate and public-property valuation, agricultural and rural-property valuation, highest and best use analysis and project feasibility studies.
“Property transactions and development projects often involve substantial financial commitments. Clients should understand the value, documentary condition, risks and potential of a property before committing their resources,” said John Kelly Abalde, Consulting Managing Partner of John Kelly & Company.
“Through this service and our collaboration with Oscar Teodoro S. Labrador, JK&C can provide more coordinated professional support for appraisal, property verification, documentation, feasibility assessment and project decision-making.”
Property owners, investors and organizations may request an initial confidential assessment for properties and projects in Cebu and other parts of the Philippines, subject to scope, location, document availability, site access, conflict checking and professional availability.
To learn more about JK&C’s Asset, Property and Project Advisory Services or request a confidential consultation, visit:
https://jknc.io/property-appraisal-and-advisory
About JK&C INC.
John Kelly & Company (JK&C) is a Cebu-based management consulting and corporate advisory firm providing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, financial advisory, operational consulting, property advisory and project advisory services to entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, property owners and organizations throughout the Philippines.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 28, 2026 | Business
Yogi Kirtti Anand, an internationally trained teacher from Rishikesh, India, joins Indian Yoga School PH in Taytay as Lead Yogi. Bringing over 7 years of deep wellness and therapy experience, Anand introduces true, lineage-backed Hatha yoga to Filipino practitioners.
True transformation has arrived in Rizal. Indian Yoga School PH in Taytay proudly introduces its lead instructor, Yogi Kirtti Anand, a native of Rishikesh, India—globally revered as the birthplace of yoga.
Kirtti is an internationally trained Yoga Teacher and Therapist with over 7 years of deep, hands-on experience teaching in Yoga Alliance-registered Teacher Training Course (TTC) schools, intensive retreats, and premier wellness sanctuaries across India. His deep pedagogical background makes the school a highly unique addition to the local wellness landscape.
Kirtti’s extensive credentials include a masterful expertise in traditional Hatha Yoga, Pranayama (breathwork), Meditation, profound Yoga Philosophy, and precise Yogic Anatomy. Beyond standard instruction, he has served as a Lead Yoga Therapist, merging traditional physical practices with therapeutic yogic healing to help students manage stress, correct alignment, and heal ailments. As a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Specialist, he also brings the rigorous standards of global certifications directly to the studio’s curriculum design.
“Yoga is more than physical posture; it is a science of living,” says Kirtti Anand. “I am committed to delivering a transformative, authentic experience to our students in the Philippines, rooted in wisdom and guided by true experience.”
Brought in by Filipina entrepreneur and founder Anj Volante to spearhead the school’s practices, Kirtti is dedicated to fostering a structured, alignment-based, and student-focused teaching style that accommodates diverse learners. Through his guidance, Indian Yoga School PH aims to elevate the standard of wellness education in the country.
About Indian Yoga School PH
Indian Yoga School PH is a yoga education and wellness institution based in Taytay, Rizal, dedicated to making authentic Indian yoga accessible in the Philippines. Founded through the partnership of Filipina entrepreneur Anj Volante and Indian yoga teacher and therapist Yogi Kirtti Anand, the school offers traditional Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy, meditation, pranayama, and internationally inspired teacher training programs. Its mission is to provide a welcoming space where students of all experience levels can learn yoga through authentic lineage, proper alignment, and holistic well-being.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 28, 2026 | Business
AI Visibility Expert Cyrus Santiago Urges Evidence-Based Discussion on Proposed Pax Silica AI and Semiconductor Hub
PHILIPPINES – July 24, 2026 : AI Visibility and Implementation Expert Cyrus Santiago is encouraging Filipinos to evaluate the proposed Pax Silica AI and Semiconductor Hub using verified information and credible sources rather than unverified online narratives.
As public discussion continues to grow around the proposed 1,600-hectare development in New Clark City, Santiago has released an infographic titled “Pax Silica: Facts Over Fiction,” summarizing information presented during a recent briefing by BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua Bingcang. The infographic addresses several of the most common claims circulating on social media regarding the project’s water supply, energy requirements, land use, environmental impact, and intended purpose.
“Projects of this scale naturally attract public attention and debate,” Santiago said. “That is both expected and necessary. However, informed discussion should be grounded in evidence, transparency, and publicly available information.”
According to information presented by BCDA, the proposed development plans to source its water from surface water systems, reservoirs, recycled water, and a dedicated treatment facility rather than groundwater extraction. The agency has also stated that the project will be supported by dedicated captive power generation, beginning with 500 megawatts of solar energy and expanding to include wind and geothermal power.
BCDA has further stated that the proposed site is located on BCDA-managed land under Republic Act 7227 and outside recognized Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) boundaries. The project has been described as a civilian technology and industrial hub focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and logistics, with connectivity to Clark International Airport and the Port of Subic.
Santiago noted that the public conversation surrounding Pax Silica has been shaped by a broad range of voices, including advocacy organizations, political groups, geopolitical narratives, and social media communities.
“Not every concern raised about the project is misinformation, and legitimate questions deserve clear answers,” Santiago said. “At the same time, we have a responsibility to separate verified facts from speculation. Healthy public discourse depends on both transparency and accuracy.”
Santiago said the proposed development represents more than the construction of another industrial estate. If implemented as currently planned, it could help the Philippines move further up the global value chain by transforming locally sourced minerals into higher-value semiconductor and technology products, attracting strategic investments, creating more than 130,000 skilled jobs, and strengthening the country’s role in the global AI and semiconductor ecosystem.
“The Philippines has long exported raw materials while importing higher-value technologies,” Santiago said. “Projects like Pax Silica present an opportunity to expand our advanced manufacturing capabilities and strengthen our economic resilience. Whether that opportunity is realized will ultimately depend on responsible implementation, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and continued public accountability.”
Santiago emphasized that the purpose of the infographic is not to advocate for or oppose the project, but to encourage evidence-based discussion and help readers distinguish between verified information and unverified claims.
“I encourage everyone to examine the available evidence, ask informed questions, and engage in respectful dialogue,” he said. “The quality of our national conversation improves when facts remain at the center.”
Media Resources
The infographic, “Pax Silica: Facts Over Fiction,” and Santiago’s accompanying analysis are available on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Post: Pax Silica: Facts Over Fiction
High-resolution copies of the infographic and supporting media materials are available upon request.
About Cyrus Santiago
About Cyrus Santiago
Cyrus Santiago is an AI Implementation and Visibility Expert, researcher, author, software developer, and digital strategist. His work focuses on enterprise AI implementation, AI visibility, digital transformation, automation, search optimization for AI-powered search, and emerging technology strategy. He helps organizations leverage artificial intelligence to improve operational performance, strengthen digital competitiveness, and prepare for the future of AI-driven business.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 28, 2026 | Business
KasKasan Buddies (KKB), the Philippines’ #1 personal finance community with over 2 million members across platforms, officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) — the lead government agency for cybercrime policy coordination under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The ceremonial signing took place on July 21, 2026, at the CICC OED Board Room, Studio 7 Building, Quezon City — a milestone that transforms KKB from a community known for credit card tips and financial literacy into a formal partner in the country’s fight against digital financial crime.
Why This Partnership Matters
Consider the story shared at the signing USEC Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, an overseas Filipino worker in her 40s who stumbled upon what appeared to be a legitimate lending offer online. The scheme was sophisticated — operators communicated through messaging apps, walked her through every step of a fabricated application process, and systematically collected fees ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱300,000 under the guise of membership fees, insurance, verification charges, and processing costs. Fifteen days later, she had parted with over ₱2.74 million in savings. The loan never came.
“Her story has stayed with me because it reminds us that cybercrime is not just about stolen money. It is about broken trust and opportunities lost. It is about the hardworking Filipino whose sacrifices are exploited, whose life savings are wiped out by unscrupulous people hiding behind screens,” said USEC “Aboy” at the signing ceremony.
For KasKasan Buddies — a community that was built specifically to be a “No Budol,” stigma-free space for Filipinos — that story is not a news headline. It is something KKBuddies report in the community every single week.
KasKasan Buddies CEO Joel Cabugos: “Financial Literacy is Only Half the Mission”
KasKasan Buddies Co-Founder and CEO Joel Cabugos was direct about what drove the partnership.
“Four years ago, we started KasKasan Buddies with one simple goal: to build a community where people could openly share experiences, learn from one another, and use their credit cards wisely and responsibly,” Mr. Cabugos said.
“But as our community grew, we realized something important. Financial literacy doesn’t stop with credit cards. It extends to saving, investing, budgeting, managing debt, and making informed financial decisions.”
He acknowledged the harder truth that the community’s growth brought into focus.
“Teaching people how to grow and manage their money is only half of the mission. The other half is helping them protect it. Because what good is financial literacy if people still lose their hard-earned money to scams, fraud, and financial crimes?”
Mr. Cabugos was clear that this could not be solved by any single organization alone.
“It requires collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, communities, and advocates who all share one mission: to protect every Filipino.”
He closed with what has now become the expanded KasKasan Buddies call to action — three words that signal a new chapter for the community.
“Just as we have been teaching millions of Filipinos to use their credit cards wisely and responsibly, we will now strengthen that advocacy by helping them protect their money safely and confidently. KasKas Wisely. KasKas Responsibly. And above all, KasKas Safely.”
What the Partnership Means for KKBuddies
Strengthening community awareness of evolving scam tactics — from investment fraud and fake lending schemes to SIM swap attacks, phishing links, and social engineering scripts that are becoming harder to distinguish from legitimate communications.Giving KKBuddies clear, accessible guidance on how and where to report cybercrime — including CICC’s official reporting channels and what information to collect before filing a complaint.Reinforcing safe practices for online banking, credit card use, and digital transactions — in the plain-language, sixth-grade reading level format that KKB’s community has come to trust.Supporting CICC’s broader public awareness mandate by deploying KKB’s community reach — over 2 million members across platforms, including 1.3 million in the KKB Facebook Group alone — as a real-time channel for consumer protection alerts.
A Community That Grew Into Something Bigger
What started four years ago as a group of Filipinos sharing credit card tips, travel savings hacks, and fintech guides has become something the national government now formally recognizes as a force for public protection.
For the CICC, the value of a community partner is straightforward: enforcement alone is never enough. Prevention requires education, and education requires trusted messengers who Filipinos already listen to.
As one official put it during the ceremony: “By producing educational content, promoting cyber awareness, and sharing advice — KasKasan Buddies will help bring us great success. Their insights on emerging trends and the real experiences of their members will help us build a better understanding of evolving threats and strengthen public awareness.”
For KKB, the MOA signing is the fulfillment of something that was always implicit in the community’s “Community-First” value: that the KKBuddies who built this platform deserve not only to learn about money, but to be protected from those who would take it from them.
“This partnership is more than just signing a document today,” Cabugos said. “It is a shared commitment that financial literacy must always go hand in hand with consumer protection.”
Together, Safer
The CICC and KKB have committed to joint public education initiatives in the months ahead. For every KKBuddy reading this — the partnership means the community just got an official government ally in the fight against the scams, fraud schemes, and financial crimes that target Filipinos every day.
If you encounter a suspected scam — in your e-wallet, your banking app, your email, or your social media feed — report it.
CICC Hotline: 1326 CICC Report Portal: cicc.gov.ph
And as always, verify before you click. Think before you share. Report immediately.
KasKas Wisely. KasKas Responsibly. KasKas Safely.
Download the KasKasan Buddies App to stay updated on the latest financial safety alerts, verified financial products, and consumer protection advisories: https://www.kaskasanbuddies.com.ph/download?source=article
About KasKasan Buddies Ventures Corporation
KasKasan Buddies (KKB) is the Philippines’ #1 finance community and app, empowering Filipinos to “KasKas Wisely” through accessible financial literacy, budgeting tools, and exclusive credit card deals. With over 2 million community members and 520,000+ app users, KKB partners with major banks and government agencies to make personal finance a healthy, open conversation for every Filipino. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is an attached agency of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), mandated to coordinate the country’s response to cybercrime, including policy formulation, investigation support, and public awareness.
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