by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2026 | Business
MANILA, Philippines, 24 AUGUST 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has gotten five nominations from the prestigious 2026 Inside Asian Gaming IR Awards, which includes the coveted Best iGaming Operator.
IAG announced 162 nominees on August 17, 2026, drawn from a pool of 507 submissions across the Asia-Pacific region. Casino Plus earned nods in the following categories:
• Best Live Dealer Offering – Casino Plus Live Dealer
• Best iGaming Innovation – Casino Plus for Bathala
• Best iGaming Operator – Casino Plus
• Best Individual CSR Initiative – Casino Plus for Project Bigkis
• Best Industry Supplier ⁃ Casino Plus
The innovation nod recognizes Bathala, a short drama series launched in July and named after the supreme deity of Filipino mythology featured in one of the platform’s most popular games. Riding the surge of trending digital short films, Casino Plus put a fresh spin on the format by bringing beloved characters from its game roster to life on screen — considered a first for the local iGaming industry.
The CSR nomination also honors Project Bigkis, the flagship disaster resilience pillar of Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus. Following the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in June, the foundation mounted a large-scale relief operation across General Santos City and Sarangani Province from June 13 to 16.
Rolled out in three waves as community needs shifted from immediate survival to health, safety, and household stability, the operation delivered temporary shelter, safe drinking water, hygiene and medical kits, and solar-powered lamps to thousands of displaced residents.
“These five nominations belong to every member of the Casino Plus family and to the players who trust us every day,” said Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma.
“Whether we’re pushing creative boundaries with Bathala, raising the bar for live dealer entertainment, or standing shoulder to shoulder with earthquake survivors in Mindanao through Project Bigkis, our mission is the same: to prove that world-class gaming and genuine care for the Filipino community go hand in hand. To be recognized alongside the region’s best — in the very first year IAG opened an online gaming division — tells us we’re on the right path,” Spytma added.
Beyond the category awards, IAG will also name three Rising Stars, honoring individuals whose talent, leadership, and achievements drive the gaming industry forward; three Industry Icons, recognizing senior executives whose consistent contributions have produced lasting results for the industry; and one Industry Legend, celebrating a senior executive whose exceptional leadership, vision, and impact have left an indelible mark over the decades.
Nominees have until September 1 to submit supporting documentation for their campaigns, with judging to take place from September 4 to 11. Winners will be announced on September 15, 2026, at a gala dinner at Newport World Resorts.
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 30, 2026 | Business
As artificial intelligence, connected vehicles, and cloud-based fleet management reshape transportation, emerging mobility platforms are exploring how shared access can move beyond traditional ride-hailing.
MANILA — The shared economy is entering a new phase—one increasingly defined not only by people sharing homes, vehicles, and services, but also by intelligent systems coordinating physical assets in real time.
Artificial intelligence, automated dispatch, connected vehicles, digital payments, and cloud-based fleet management are beginning to change how transportation resources are deployed and accessed. Carziqo, an autonomous mobility technology company, is positioning itself within this shift by developing a platform focused on intelligent driving systems, smart fleet operations, driverless ride-hailing, and connected mobility services.
The development comes as the Philippines’ digital economy continues to expand. Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the sector reached ₱2.25 trillion in 2024, equivalent to 8.5% of the country’s gross domestic product, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in economic activity. (GMA News Online)
From digital marketplaces to intelligent infrastructure
The first generation of shared-economy companies largely functioned as digital marketplaces, connecting consumers with privately owned assets or independently provided services.
Technology-driven platforms are now moving toward a more operational role. Instead of merely matching supply with demand, they can also monitor asset availability, allocate orders, optimize routes, schedule maintenance, process operating data, and support users through a unified digital system.
In mobility, this means vehicles may increasingly be managed as part of coordinated networks rather than as isolated units.
Carziqo says its platform is being designed around this concept, combining mobility services with intelligent fleet-management tools. Its official website describes an architecture intended to support the development of driving technology—from advanced assistance systems to autonomous operation—alongside dispatch, monitoring, maintenance coordination, and connected user services. (Carziqo official website)
The company’s approach reflects a wider industry direction: the value of a mobility platform may depend not only on the vehicle itself, but also on the software, data infrastructure, operational discipline, and service network surrounding it.
AI becomes the operating layer
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role in the next generation of shared mobility.
An AI-supported fleet-management system can examine factors such as passenger demand, vehicle location, battery level, traffic conditions, service-zone restrictions, and maintenance status before assigning a vehicle to a trip. Over time, operating data may help the system anticipate periods of higher demand and position available vehicles more efficiently.
Real-time monitoring could also help operators identify unusual vehicle behavior, delayed trips, maintenance requirements, or changes in operating conditions. Human oversight, remote support, and clearly defined intervention procedures, however, remain important—particularly as autonomous systems move from controlled trials toward broader public-road use.
For Carziqo, the objective is to connect these functions within a unified mobility platform capable of supporting vehicle operations, user access, and data-driven decision-making.
This model represents a significant departure from the traditional car-rental business. Instead of handing over a vehicle for a fixed period, an intelligent mobility platform can coordinate a network of vehicles according to passenger demand and operating conditions.
Broadening access to mobility assets
Technology-driven shared-economy platforms are also exploring new relationships between vehicle operators, commercial partners, and platform users.
Autonomous and electric vehicles can require substantial capital, technical maintenance, insurance, charging infrastructure, and operational support. Platform-based models may help distribute some of these functions across specialized participants while placing fleet coordination under a common technology and governance framework.
Carziqo presents its model as a combination of autonomous mobility technology, smart vehicle operations, and platform-based participation. According to the company, the availability and terms of individual services may differ by market, product, operational conditions, and applicable regulations.
This distinction is important. Participation connected to a physical vehicle or fleet operation should not automatically be treated as a guaranteed financial return. Actual performance may be affected by passenger demand, vehicle utilization, maintenance costs, energy prices, insurance, downtime, local regulations, and other operating risks.
Clear contracts, transparent fee structures, verifiable operating records, appropriate risk disclosures, and accessible customer support will therefore be essential if such models are to establish long-term public confidence.
Regulation will shape the pace of adoption
Autonomous mobility sits at the intersection of transportation law, road safety, data protection, insurance, consumer protection, cybersecurity, and—in some platform structures—financial regulation.
Requirements can vary significantly between jurisdictions. A service permitted within a defined testing zone in one city may face different restrictions elsewhere. Companies seeking to expand must therefore work with local authorities, transportation agencies, insurers, infrastructure providers, and technology partners.
Industry growth will depend not only on whether autonomous vehicles can navigate roads, but also on whether platforms can demonstrate accountable governance.
This includes explaining who owns and operates the vehicles, how users’ money is handled, what insurance protection applies, how incidents are investigated, how personal data is protected, and what happens when a vehicle or service becomes unavailable.
Responsible expansion is likely to be gradual, with deployment proceeding market by market and service zone by service zone.
Trust as a competitive advantage
As digital platforms take a larger role in managing real-world assets, trust may become as important as technological capability.
Users will expect accurate information about service availability and platform rules. Commercial partners will require measurable operating data. Regulators will look for compliance, documentation, and effective risk controls. Communities will want evidence that new mobility systems can improve access without compromising safety or accountability.
Carziqo’s long-term challenge will be to translate its autonomous mobility vision into independently verifiable, consistently managed operations. Its ability to communicate clearly with users and regulators will be critical as it develops its platform.
The rise of technology-driven shared-economy platforms is ultimately about more than automation. It represents a transition from simple digital matchmaking toward systems that coordinate vehicles, infrastructure, operational data, and human oversight.
If implemented responsibly, these platforms could improve the utilization of transportation assets, broaden access to mobility services, and help cities respond more efficiently to changing passenger demand.
But technology alone will not determine their success. The companies that endure will likely be those that combine innovation with transparency, safety, regulatory cooperation, and measurable real-world performance.
For Carziqo and other emerging mobility platforms, that is where the next stage of the shared economy will be tested.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2026 | Business
SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur — The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) held the second leg of the ANNAKKO Talent Show 2026 in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, part of a year-long program working to prevent child labor in farming communities. The event brought together 20 young performers from public elementary and high schools across the area.
ANNAKKO is ASSIST’s flagship program that directly addresses the persistent issue of child labor in small-scale farming communities, where families often rely on unpaid labor from household members, including children, to keep farms running. The program distinguishes this from child work—light, age-appropriate tasks that support a child’s development without compromising their health, safety, or education.
In contrast, child labor deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful- risks that are particularly prevalent in agricultural and informal settings.
Guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which upholds every child’s right to education, rest, play, and protection from exploitative labor, ANNAKKO works directly with farming communities to counter these vulnerabilities and safeguard children’s fundamental rights. This core mission drives the program’s community-centered approach.
“Our children are our future,” said Francis Macatulad, ASSIST’s Director for Business Development. “As the leaders of tomorrow, children deserve the opportunities to learn, play and experience childhood away from the demands and hazards of child labor. ANNAKKO (‘My children’ in Ilocano) was designed to raise awareness among the youth on children’s rights and the importance of education.”
To translate these principles into action, the Talent Show was launched as one of several activities under ANNAKKO Year 3: Our Children, Our Future, launched in November 2025. Anchored in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the program aims to reach 1,500 children, 500 parents, and 100 educators by strengthening the support systems around children — family, school, and community — through activities that include a Children’s Rights Parade, digital literacy sessions, poster-making contests, summer leadership camps, and the Talent Show series.
The event, supported by Rotaract Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur, Trans-Manila, Inc., and Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc., opened with an orientation on child labor, grounding the day in ANNAKKO’s core message: every child has the right to learn, grow, and pursue their ambitions in an environment that protects rather than exploits them.
Talent show winners across the Elementary and High School divisions were awarded plaques and cash prizes. Families, teachers, classmates, and school communities filled the venue in support of the performers throughout the event.
While events like the talent show foster immediate community engagement, they form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at long-term empowerment and regional growth.
“The program also organizes various enjoyable but empowering activities that build their knowledge and skills, such as leadership training, advocacy campaign building, disaster resiliency games, summer camps, self-defense classes, talent shows, and art competitions,” Macatulad added. “ASSIST is proud to uphold children’s rights and contribute to child labor protection among small-holder farming communities in Region 1, and we hope to expand our impact to other parts of the Philippines.”
Programs like ANNAKKO run on partners willing to invest in children’s futures. Organizations interested in partnering with ASSIST can learn more about partnership opportunities https://bit.ly/PartnerForProgress
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: www.assistasia.org
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2026 | Business
The new Cebu clinic combines Dr. Borres-Eramis’ experience in Manila with personalized treatment planning, physician-led care, and surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures under one practice.
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center, a new clinic specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery, has officially opened in Cebu City under the leadership of Dr. Donna Borres Eramis, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has spent years honing her craft in Manila’s leading aesthetic practices.
Dr. Donna completed her training and graduated from the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS) and passed the board exam given by the Philippine Federation of Cosmetic Surgeons (PFCS). She is one of very few board-certified female cosmetic surgeons practicing in Cebu City, a distinction earned through years of rigorous surgical training, peer-reviewed assessment, and adherence to the highest ethical standards in the field.
A Cebuana Surgeon Comes Home
A Cebu native, Dr. Donna built D’Sculpt from the ground up after recognizing a gap in her hometown: Cebuanos seeking credentialed cosmetic surgery often had no choice but to fly to Metro Manila. With D’Sculpt, she brings the same caliber of care, structured treatment planning, and safety protocols she developed throughout her Manila career directly to the Visayan market.
“I took everything I learned from the best clinics in Manila and built something specifically for my community,” says Dr. Donna. “Cebuanos deserve access to safe, board-certified cosmetic surgery without having to leave the city.”
A Rare Credential in a Male-Dominated field
Cosmetic surgery in the Philippines remains overwhelmingly male-led. Dr. Donna is among the very few women in Cebu City who hold board certification in cosmetic surgery, making D’Sculpt a first-of-its-kind practice in the region. For the growing number of patients who seek the trust, comfort, and shared understanding that comes with a female surgeon, this represents a meaningful new option.
A Different Approach to Aesthetic Care
D’Sculpt operates on a program-based model rather than a menu of isolated treatments. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation where their skin, facial structure, body, and wellness goals are assessed together. From there, Dr. Donna and her team design structured care plans that sequence treatments for optimal, natural-looking results.
The clinic offers both non-surgical aesthetic treatments (skin rejuvenation, injectables, laser, body contouring) and cosmetic surgical procedures, all under one roof with consistent medical oversight.
Rooted in Cebu, refined in Manila
While Dr. Donna continues to practice in Manila, D’Sculpt represents her personal investment in elevating the standard of cosmetic care in her home region. The clinic incorporates best practices from years of experience across multiple high-volume aesthetic settings, adapted for the needs of the Cebuano market.
“This isn’t a satellite office or a franchise. D’Sculpt is mine. It’s everything I’ve learned, built specifically for the community I come from,” she adds.
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center is now accepting consultations at its Cebu City location.
About D’Sculpt Face & Body Center
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center is an aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery clinic in Cebu City founded by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Donna Borres-Eramis. The clinic offers surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments through personalized, medically guided treatment programs with an emphasis on patient safety, appropriate treatment planning, and natural-looking results.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2026 | Business
HREX 2026, the Philippines’ first dedicated expo for human resources solutions, will launch on September 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center. Anchored on the theme ‘AI, Workforce Solutions & Beyond,’ the event brings together leading local and international vendors, cutting-edge technology, and top thought leaders to reshape the country’s workplace management. The premier expo is supported by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
MANILA, Philippines, August 27, 2026 – The Philippines is set to mark a significant milestone in its corporate history with the launch of HREX 2026, the nation’s first-ever dedicated expo for human resources solutions. Taking place on September 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the landmark event will convene top local and international AI and workforce solution providers under one roof to showcase the next generation of talent management technology.
Meeting the Demands of a Rapidly Transforming Workforce
The debut of HREX comes at a critical juncture for the Philippine workforce, which currently comprises over 47 million employed individuals navigating rapid digital transformation. As AI shifts from a future trend to an everyday operational reality, local organizations are actively seeking solutions that optimize recruitment, payroll, employee engagement, and overall compliance. HREX aims to serve as the definitive, single-destination marketplace for HR leaders to explore these advanced technologies.
Organized through a collaboration between Future First Talents and AFT Corp., the inaugural expo is anchored on the theme “AI, Workforce Solutions & Beyond.” It will highlight both state-of-the-art automation tools and foundational human-centric services—ranging from health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and mental health programs to office design and banking partners.
Industry Leadership and Collaborative Spaces
To drive meaningful industry progress, HREX 2026 is supported by the country’s preeminent human resources network, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). This institutional partnership brings credibility and deep community outreach to the inaugural event.
“We built HREX because the Filipino HR community deserves a space that is entirely theirs—not a side stage at a general business conference, but a dedicated home for the conversations, solutions, and connections that move the profession forward,” said Patt Soyao, President of Future First Talents Inc. and Business Partner of HREX 2026.
Bryan Co, President of AFT Corp. and Business Partner of HREX 2026, emphasized the impact of physical networking: “In a physical event like HREX, decisions happen faster. What usually takes months can happen in a day. HR is still all about people; you can’t replace real conversations, trust, and chemistry.”
World-Class Insight Stage Sessions
Alongside the expansive exhibition floor, HREX 2026 will host the Insight Stage, featuring 10 keynote and panel sessions across the two-day event. Prominent leaders from some of the region’s top brands—such as Jobstreet by SEEK, Canva, Sprout Solutions, UnionBank, TESDA, and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)—will share actionable insights on AI-driven talent acquisition, burnout prevention, digital HR operations, and total rewards strategy.
Registration is now open for HR professionals, procurement specialists, and business leaders. For tickets, schedule details, and further updates, please visit the official event website at www.hrex.ph or contact the team via email at ma*******@**ex.ph.
About HREX
HREX (Human Resources Expo Philippines) is the Philippines’ first dedicated expo for HR solutions, convening the country’s leading local and international brands across talent, technology, health, benefits, learning, and workplace operations. Held annually, HREX provides a curated marketplace and thought leadership platform for the nation’s HR community. Visit www.hrex.ph.
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.
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