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
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
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 29, 2026 | Business
Education is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. While financial planning helps protect a child’s future, quality education empowers them to shape it. Together, they create a stronger foundation for lifelong success.
Recognizing this shared commitment to helping families prepare for the future, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center is proud to announce its partnership with Pru Life UK, one of the Philippines’ leading life insurers.
Through this partnership, eligible Pru Life UK customers, agents, employees and their select family members can enjoy exclusive discounts on AHEAD’s college entrance test review programs, tutorial services, and supplementary classes, making quality educational support more accessible to Filipino families.
For more than 30 years, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has helped over 250,000 students prepare for college entrance examinations and achieve academic success through its comprehensive review and tutorial programs. Recognized as one of the leading review centers in the Philippines, AHEAD offers specialized UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) review, Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) review, De La Salle College Admission Test (DCAT) review, and UST Entrance Test (USTET) review programs, alongside personalized tutorials for students from kindergarten to college.
“This partnership reflects our belief that investing in education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children,” said Rossana Llenado, Founder and President of AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center.
“By working with Pru Life UK, we hope to make our programs more accessible to families who are actively planning for their children’s future. Together, we are supporting not just academic success, but lifelong opportunities.”
“Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.”
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents. Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.
“At Pru Life UK, we believe protection is about helping families prepare for life’s important milestones. This partnership with AHEAD allows us to extend meaningful value to our customers, agents, employees and their families by giving them access to educational support as they plan for the future,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications.
How to avail of the exclusive offer?
Pru Life UK active customers (both policyowners and life insured), agents, customers, and their select family members (i.e., spouse, children and siblings) can enjoy the exclusive offer. To avail of the benefit, complete the online enrolment form in the AHEAD benefit section of the Pru Life UK Rewards & Promo webpage. Additional information on eligibility requirements, FAQs and terms and conditions can also be found on the webpage.
As students prepare for increasingly competitive entrance examinations, access to quality academic support has become more important than ever. Through this partnership, AHEAD and Pru Life UK reaffirm their shared commitment to helping families prepare for every stage of their children’s future, from financial security to educational achievement.
As AHEAD and Pru Life UK forge this strategic partnership, both organizations remain committed to supporting Filipino families in preparing for the future, whether through financial security, educational excellence, or the opportunities that come from both.
Because every great future begins with thoughtful preparation.
Think AHEAD.
About Pru Life UK
Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents.
Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.
Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 850,000 individual policyholders and more than 50,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.
Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.
Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer centre is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer centre contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: co********@***********om.ph.
The PRU customer centre processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information.
Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission.
The Insurance Commission’s head office is located at 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information.
Notes:*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year
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.
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