Casino Plus Energizes Bacolod During ‘Hataw MassKara!’ Opening; Crowns First-Ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, 13 OCTOBER 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the Philippines’ leading PAGCOR-licensed digital entertainment platforms, joined the City of Smiles in opening MassKara Festival 2026 as the festival’s official presenter and major sponsor, kicking off the celebrations with the Hataw MassKara! opening concert on October 9 at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).

The digital entertainment platform also introduced a new title to this year’s festival, crowning the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod during the Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant.

The Cultural Soul of MassKara

Unlike many Philippine festivals rooted in religious tradition, MassKara was born out of hardship. In 1980, Negros Occidental, the country’s sugar capital, was reeling from a collapse in global sugar prices. That same year, the sinking of the inter-island ferry MV Don Juan took hundreds of lives, many of them from Bacolod.

In response, local leaders, civic groups, and artists brought the community together for a street celebration built around smiling masks, a deliberate statement that the city’s spirit would endure. The festival’s name joins “mass,” for a multitude of people, and “kara,” from the Spanish cara, meaning face.

More than four decades later, MassKara’s smiling masks remain a symbol of hope and the source of Bacolod’s identity as the City of Smiles. For Bacolodnons, the festival is an annual reaffirmation of heritage, community, and optimism.

Setting the tone with Hataw MassKara!

On October 9, thousands of festivalgoers, residents, and visitors filled the BCGC grounds for an evening of retro-inspired dance performances, cultural showcases, and live entertainment, setting the tone for the city’s annual celebration.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya led the official launch of the city’s “10-Day MassKara High,” featuring around 50 major activities that celebrate Bacolod’s cultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit.

“As we kick off MassKara 2026, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s festival a vibrant and joyful celebration,” Gasataya said during his opening address.

For Casino Plus, its participation in MassKara reflects its commitment to supporting local celebrations that bring communities together and showcase Filipino talent and culture.

“MassKara captures the energy, creativity, and resilience of the Filipino spirit. We are proud to be part of a celebration that brings people together through culture, entertainment, and shared experiences,” said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. “Our partnership with Bacolod goes beyond supporting a festival. It is about helping create memorable experiences for the community, celebrating local talent, and contributing to an event that brings so much pride and joy to the City of Smiles.”

Crowning the first Miss Casino Plus Bacolod

The festivities continued on October 11 at the Miss Bacolod MassKara Coronation Night. From a field of 15 candidates, 25-year-old Daniella Louisse Merelos was named the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod. She received a Casino Plus crown, a sash, and a ₱50,000 cash prize, presented by Casino Plus Head of Branding Roj Tirona.

As Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, Merelos will join social media personality and Casino Plus brand advocate Zeinab Harake Parks at the Electric MassKara float parade on October 16, one of the festival’s most anticipated events. She will also be invited to take part in official Casino Plus activities.

A shared commitment to culture, talent, and ‘gugma’

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation, organizer of this year’s festival activities, described its partnership with Casino Plus as a meaningful contribution to MassKara 2026, one that extends the festival’s support to local performers and communities.

“MassKara 2026 is really about making the festival matter beyond the celebration itself,” the Foundation said. “Our theme this year is ‘Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma.’ Gugma means love, and for us, that love is expressed through our people, our culture, our communities, and the many individuals who work together to make MassKara happen.”

“When a partner like Casino Plus comes in, we see it as more than a commercial partnership. It becomes an opportunity to create more experiences, provide additional support to our communities and performers, and help us make MassKara more meaningful,” the Foundation added.

Casino Plus will continue to support MassKara Festival 2026 through its remaining events, joining Bacolod in celebrating its cultural heritage, homegrown talent, and enduring spirit of togetherness.

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.

BRAND CON 2026 Names BNI Taguig Region Co-Presenter, Expands Brand-Building Advocacy to Over 600 Businesses

 

 BRAND CON 2026 has named BNI Taguig Region as its Co-Presenter, bringing together a network of more than 600 member companies across 10 chapters and a shared mission to help Filipino businesses grow through stronger brands. The partnership connects BNI’s strength in business relationships and referrals with BRAND CON’s advocacy for strategic brand building, helping entrepreneurs and SMEs move beyond referrals to become recognizable, trusted, and preferred by customers. Beyond the five-day congress, the collaboration envisions year-round learning, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that make brand-building expertise more accessible to business owners. Carrying the theme “Empowering Brand Builders,” BRAND CON 2026 runs November 24–28 at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, featuring internationally recognized branding strategist Laura Ries, the RIES Positioning Masterclass, and the Brand Festival. Learn more at www.brand-con.com.

Strategic partnership combines BNI's business referral network with BRAND CON's mission to empower Filipino SMEs through stronger brand-building capabilities.

MANILA, Philippines — BRAND CON 2026 has officially welcomed BNI Taguig Region as a Co-Presenter of this year's five-day brand-building congress, strengthening its mission to empower Filipino entrepreneurs and SMEs through greater access to brand-building education, mentorship, and professional networks.

The partnership was formalized during BNI Taguig Region's Monthly Leadership Team Round Table Meeting, attended by the presidents and leadership teams of all 10 chapters in the region.

With more than 600 member companies, BNI Taguig Region brings an established community of entrepreneurs and business leaders to BRAND CON's growing advocacy of advancing brand-building excellence in the Philippines.

Helping Businesses Grow Beyond Referrals

At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief that sustainable business growth requires both strong professional relationships and strong brands.

While BNI helps businesses expand through trusted relationships and referrals, BRAND CON advocates for the strategic discipline of building brands that customers recognize, trust, prefer, and ultimately choose.

"BNI has built an extraordinary community that helps businesses grow through relationships and referrals. At BRAND CON, we believe that strong brands enable businesses to grow beyond referrals by becoming the preferred choice of customers," said Bingo Soriano, Founder of BRAND CON.

"This partnership brings these two powerful drivers of business growth together. Our shared goal is to help Filipino entrepreneurs build not just bigger businesses, but stronger and more sustainable brands," Soriano added.

The collaboration recognizes that even businesses with excellent products, services, and referral networks face an increasingly competitive marketplace. Building a strong brand requires clarity of positioning, meaningful differentiation, and consistent delivery of a compelling value proposition.

These are among the critical capabilities that BRAND CON seeks to develop among Filipino entrepreneurs, business owners, marketing professionals, and future brand leaders.

A Partnership That Goes Beyond the Congress

The partnership was made possible through the leadership of BNI Taguig Region Executive Director Judee Quiazon, together with Cris Mananquil, Chief Executive Producer of Backstage Manila, BRAND CON's official event partner and also a proud member of BNI Taguig Region.

Under Quiazon's leadership, the region's 10 chapters provide a strong platform for extending BRAND CON's advocacy to an active community of entrepreneurs and SMEs.

"Our mission at BNI is to help our members build successful businesses through meaningful       relationships. This partnership with BRAND CON gives our members another valuable opportunity to strengthen their businesses by learning how to build brands that are more differentiated, relevant, and competitive," said Quiazon. More importantly, both organizations envision a collaboration that extends beyond participation in the annual BRAND CON congress.

The partnership opens opportunities for year-round brand-building education, practical learning sessions, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that could help BNI Taguig members develop stronger brands and more competitive businesses.

The long-term vision is to make brand-building knowledge and strategic frameworks more accessible to entrepreneurs who may not otherwise have the resources to engage professional brand consultants.

Empowering Brand Builders at BRAND CON 2026

Carrying the theme "Empowering Brand Builders," BRAND CON 2026 will take place on November 24–28, 2026, at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

The five-day event will bring together entrepreneurs, SME owners, corporate marketing professionals, business leaders, students, and the next generation of brand builders.

Among its major highlights is the RIES Positioning Masterclass led by internationally recognized branding strategist Laura Ries, alongside sessions featuring Filipino entrepreneurs, business leaders, and marketing practitioners sharing real-world brand-building experiences.

The event will also feature the Brand Festival, providing additional opportunities for learning, networking, and engagement among the country's brand-building community.

For BRAND CON, the partnership with BNI Taguig Region represents another step toward its broader ambition of making brand-building excellence more accessible to Filipino businesses.

As Soriano emphasized, "Our mission is not simply to organize an annual conference. It is to help build a community of Filipino brand builders who understand that a strong brand is one of the most valuable long-term assets any business can create."

For event details, program updates, and registration, visit www.brand-con.com.

Sealing the Co-Presenter partnership between BRAND CON 2026 and BNI Taguig Region are seated (from left) Bingo Soriano, BRAND CON Founder; Judee Quiazon, Executive Director of BNI Taguig Region; and Cris Mananquil, Chief Executive Producer of Backstage Manila, together with the presidents and leadership teams of the BNI Taguig region.

Join Enjoy Korea Introduces Two Korea eSIM Plans, Premium and Value, for Filipino Travelers

Less hassle, more Korea. Join Enjoy Korea's new Korea data eSIM means no physical SIM to swap and no pocket WiFi to pick up or return. Filipino travelers just scan a QR code sent by email or Messenger and connect on arrival. Choose Premium (10GB) or Value (300MB), and both keep going at [5 Mbps / 3 Mbps] after the high-speed allowance runs out.

Join Enjoy Korea Launches Unlimited Data eSIM for Trips to South Korea

Join Enjoy Korea, the Korea travel arm of Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC), is rolling out a Korea data eSIM lineup for Filipino travelers, developed in partnership with FreeT, a Korean telecommunications provider. Both plans maintain a guaranteed minimum speed even after the daily high-speed allowance runs out, on premium Korean networks (SKT, KT, and LGU+).

What Makes the “No Speed-Trap Throttle” Guarantee Different?

While many standard eSIMs found on online marketplaces promise unlimited data, they severely drop speeds to a crawl (128–384 kbps) once a daily limit is hit rendering essential apps like Google Maps, Grab, and Instagram unusable. Enjoy Koreadoes things differently. Our plans guarantee minimum baseline speeds of 3 Mbps (Value) or 5 Mbps (Premium) for the remainder of the day, ensuring you always have enough bandwidth for seamless navigation, messaging, and standard video streaming.

What Are the Plan Options? Two lines are available for Filipino travelers:

Premium: 10GB total data for 5 days, then unlimited data at up to 5 Mbps after the 10GB high-speed allowance. Starting at PHP 1,250 for 5 days.Value: 300MB total data for 5 days, then unlimited data at up to 3 Mbps after the 300MB high-speed allowance. Starting at PHP 890 for 5 days.

How Does Delivery Work? Travelers receive their eSIM digitally via email or Messenger before departure, activate it through a QR code, and connect the moment they land in Korea, skipping the long pickup lines at Incheon Airport.

One of the most common complaints we hear from first-time travelers is slow or unreliable internet once they land in Korea,-Hyok Choi, CEO of Island Resort Club. “We wanted our travelers to stay connected for maps, translation apps, and sharing their trip in real time, without worrying about hitting a data wall.”

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 https://joinenjoy.com.ph/ or call +02-7000-4497.

Building Resilience at Home: How ASSIST’s Master of Disaster Game Solves the Household Preparedness Gap for IDDRR 2026

 

To mark IDDRR 2026, ASSIST is bringing the UN theme, "Resilience Starts at Home," straight to communities. By gamifying disaster prep with its Master of Disaster board game, ASSIST helps parents and kids build actionable safety routines together.

To mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) is bringing the United Nations’ theme, "Resilience Starts at Home" straight to local communities. Moving beyond top-down emergency response, ASSIST brings parents and children together to build practical home safety plans.

While the Philippines ranks #1 on the WorldRiskIndex 2025, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative studies show that while 58% of households discuss emergency planning, only 20% maintain an actionable disaster plan. Without a practiced routine, families are prone to act out of panic and make poor decisions in times of emergencies.

To help build those critical routines, ASSIST created Master of Disaster (MOD). Replacing dense safety manuals with an engaging and innovative board game for all ages, MOD strips away jargon to translate knowledge into engaging and hands-on decision-making tools that even young kids understand. 

MOD gamifies learning about various types of disasters and how to prepare for times of emergencies.Through interactive challenges like "Act It Out," MOD gamifies learning on emergency prep, packing Go Bags, hazard response, and offline meetup spots. Community sessions even bring parents together to play alongside their peers and children, fostering collaborative learning and turning preparedness into a shared household habit. 

“It’s about building a readiness mindset,” says Francis Macatulad, Director for Business Development at ASSIST. “More than emergency equipment, evacuation centers and response plans, disaster resiliency requires a mindset shift for the whole community. This is what ASSIST Asia's Master of Disaster brings: practical, localized knowledge that unites families and schools to protect their communities and build a lasting mindset of preparedness.”

ASSIST partners with schools, local officials, and CSR sponsors to run MOD play sessions, train student and parent volunteers to lead local playgroups, and distribute readiness kits.

For teachers, the hands-on approach makes a critical difference. Teacher Cherry Talirongan of Fr. William F. Masterson Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro shares how gamified learning resonates with young minds: “Malaki ang maitutulong nito, lalo na sa mga batang hindi pa alam ang gagawin sa isang disaster. Sa paglalaro ng Master of Disaster board game, mai-aapply nila ang natutunan at magkakaroon ng ideya sa tamang gawin sa ganitong sitwasyon.” (“This will be a huge help, especially for young children who don't know what to do during a disaster yet. By playing the Master of Disaster board game, they can apply what they’ve learned and gain a clear idea of the right actions to take in emergencies.”)

To date, the MOD initiative has achieved major milestones:

471 MOD Rollouts deployed across schools, barangays, and youth councils (Sangguniang Kabataan).

703 Local Champions Trained, equipping teachers, students, parents, employees, and community leaders with practical disaster kits.

To leave no community behind, ASSIST is translating MOD into Taglish, Vietnamese, and Tamil, while the physical board game ensures offline learning reaches every home. 

As IDDRR 2026 calls for disaster preparedness to begin at home, ASSIST invites LGUs, corporate partners, and CSOs to adopt family-centered DRR tools that transform disaster anxiety into active self-reliance.

To learn more about bringing Master of Disaster to your school, barangay, or organization, or to explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit assistasia.org or fill out the Partnerships Form.

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

Cebuana Lhuillier’s People-First Culture Takes Center Stage in Global D&I Finalist Recognition

 Cebuana Lhuillier, through its parent company PJ Lhuillier, Inc., has been named one of only 10 global finalists for the Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the Investors in People Awards 2026, making it the only Philippine organization recognized in the category. The Investors in People Awards recognize achievements in people practices, making the distinction a significant international recognition of Cebuana Lhuillier’s four-year journey toward building a more inclusive workplace.

“An organization can only truly serve a community with different backgrounds when it first understands and values the individuality within its own people. Our journey toward greater inclusion is about creating an environment where every Ka-Cebuana can bring their experiences, talents, and perspectives to the table and know that they have a meaningful role to play,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

At the heart of that achievement is Cebuana Lhuillier’s belief that inclusion must begin from within. With more than 12,700 Ka-Cebuanas serving approximately 30 million customers nationwide, the company has made creating a workplace where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute an integral part of its culture and employee experience.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s inclusion journey has evolved through initiatives that progressively created more opportunities for its people to listen, understand one another, share their experiences, and see the value of their individual contributions. Intertwined opened conversations around diversity and mutual respect, while iBelong gave employees a platform to share their stories and perspectives. Last year, Amazing Cebuana brought those conversations closer to the people by celebrating the different experiences and contributions of Ka-Cebuanas, while this year, Tatak Cebuana, Proud Ka-Cebuana: Work That Impacts Lives builds on that foundation by connecting employees’ individual contributions to the work they do and the lives they impact. Together, these milestones have helped move inclusion from a conversation into an increasingly embedded part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s culture.

Employee participation has helped strengthen this culture, with more than 250 Tatak Cebuana influencers championing inclusion and bringing these conversations into everyday experiences across the company.

“Over the years, we have seen how these efforts can bring our people closer together and create a workplace where everyone feels they have a place. What makes this journey meaningful is that inclusion is no longer just something we talk about. It is something our people are helping shape and live out every day. This recognition is a reflection of that collective effort,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Cebuana Lhuillier.

This growing culture of inclusion also supports a more engaged employee experience, strengthening how Ka-Cebuanas connect with one another and, ultimately, with the customers and communities they serve.

For Cebuana Lhuillier, an inclusive workplace is integral to its purpose of serving Filipinos from all walks of life. Being named a global finalist recognizes the progress made so far and marks another milestone in building a culture where every Ka-Cebuana can belong, contribute, and make an impact.

Ginto Privilege Club Celebrates Six Winners in Its First ₱10,000 Ginhawa Support Draw

A teacher from Surigao City receives ₱10,000 to help pay household bills, while five others receive ₱500 GCash rewards.

MANILA, Philippines — October 12, 2026 — Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) has confirmed six winners from its first Ginhawa Support Draw, held live on October 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM Philippine time.

The draw awarded a total of ₱12,500 in prizes, including a ₱10,000 main reward and five ₱500 GCash bonus rewards, marking an important milestone for GPC's new one-off Pack model.

₱10,000 Ginhawa Support Helps Winner Cover Household Bills

Teacher Wyzyn Patosa from Surigao City was named the main winner of GPC's first Ginhawa Support Draw.

After completing the required eligibility and identity verification, Wyzyn received the ₱10,000 prize through GCash on October 5, 2026.

Wyzyn shared that the reward would help pay the family's electricity and water bills, providing welcome financial relief for everyday household expenses.

“Malaking tulong po ang ₱10,000 Ginhawa Support prize sa amin, lalo na sa pagbabayad ng aming kuryente at tubig. Maraming salamat po sa Ginto Privilege Club!” Wyzyn said.

Alongside the main winner, five other participants each received a ₱500 GCash bonus reward:

Maria Ira P. – Surigao del Norte/Caraga

Rosalie P. – Sta. Ana/Pampanga

Josefa P. – Tuguegarao City/ Cagayan

Ferdinand R. – Surigao del Norte/Caraga

Jennifer L. – Catanauan/Quezon

GPC Highlights Transparency and Prize Delivery

“Our first draw is an important milestone for GPC, but what matters most is seeing our winners receive their prizes,” said Kristine Henderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Ginto Privilege Club.

“We want every participant to feel confident that our draws are transparent, our winners are properly verified and our prizes are delivered as promised.”

All six winners completed GPC's verification requirements before their prizes were confirmed.

Winners were not required to pay any fees to claim their rewards.

To support transparency and public confidence, GPC maintains a dedicated Winner Proof page featuring confirmed winners, available prize delivery records and updates on reward fulfilment.

GPC also conducts its winner announcements through Facebook Live, allowing viewers to watch the computerized winner selection process.

GPC Continues Weekly Draws with ₱30,000 Smartphone Upgrade and Upcoming ₱10,000 Prize

On October 8, 2026, GPC held its second promotional draw, naming Ferdinand Rodriguez of Surigao City as the verified winner of the ₱30,000 Smartphone Upgrade Reward.

The prize provides store credit towards an eligible smartphone purchase. Ferdinand is currently completing the merchant selection and redemption process.

The next GPC draw, ₱10,000 You Win–You Pick, is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 12:30 PM Philippine time, offering six prizes: one ₱10,000 main reward and five ₱500 GCash Bonus Rewards.

The main winner can choose from eligible prize options including groceries, food, beauty, or everyday essentials, depending on what matters most to them.

Entries close at 11:30 AM Philippine time on October 15.

The five ₱500 Bonus Rewards are available to eligible Sulit and Ginto Pack participants, subject to the official draw mechanics.

GPC offers three one-off Packs:

Try Pack – ₱49: 7 days of Partner Deals access and 1 free draw entry.

Sulit Pack – ₱149: 14 days of Partner Deals access, 6 free draw entries and eligibility for the ₱500 Bonus Reward.

Ginto Pack – ₱349: 30 days of Partner Deals access, 20 free draw entries and eligibility for the ₱500 Bonus Reward.

Participants may purchase multiple GPC Packs, with no limit on the number of Packs purchased, subject to the official draw mechanics.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can also purchase GPC Packs for their loved ones in the Philippines, allowing eligible family members to participate in upcoming draws. Purchases must be registered using the Philippine recipient's name and contact details.

Each Pack is a one-time purchase with no membership, subscription, automatic renewal or referral requirement.

For more information:

Buy a GPC Pack

View Current Draw and Official Mechanics

View Confirmed Winners and Prize Records

GPC Draws are open to eligible Philippine residents aged 18 and above. Official mechanics, eligibility requirements, entry cut-offs and winner verification conditions apply.   

About Ginto Privilege Club

Founded in September 2025, Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) is a consumer platform serving the Philippine market through one-off GPC Packs, access to Partner Deals and scheduled promotional draws.

GPC aims to provide accessible rewards and practical lifestyle benefits through clearly published Pack inclusions, transparent draw mechanics and verified prize fulfilment.

GPC operates without memberships, subscriptions, referral commissions or multi-level marketing structures.

Gyukatsu BGC Brings Its Signature Japanese Beef Cutlet Experience to Park Triangle Mall

  

Opening on the 3rd floor of Park Triangle Mall, Gyukatsu BGC will center its menu on its Signature Gyukatsu Set while bringing the Japanese beef cutlet dining experience to Bonifacio Global City.

A Japanese beef cutlet dining experience is coming to Bonifacio Global City as Gyukatsu BGC prepares to open on the 3rd Floor of Park Triangle Mall in November 2026.

At the center of the new restaurant is gyukatsu, a Japanese dish built around breaded beef cutlet. While tonkatsu has long made breaded pork cutlets familiar to Filipino diners, gyukatsu puts beef at the center of the experience.

For Gyukatsu BGC, that distinction is more than a menu item. It defines the restaurant.

A Restaurant Built Around Gyukatsu

The Signature Gyukatsu Set will serve as the centerpiece of the menu when the Park Triangle Mall restaurant opens.

Rather than positioning gyukatsu as one option among a broad selection of Japanese dishes, Gyukatsu BGC is building its dining identity around the beef cutlet itself.

The concept gives diners in BGC another way to experience Japanese cuisine, particularly those searching for beef-focused alternatives to the Japanese dishes already familiar across Metro Manila.

Alongside its signature offering, the menu will include dishes such as the Wagyu Hamburg Omurice Set, Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Chuck Set, Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Set, as well as additional beef selections including Chuck Yakiniku Slices and Wagyu Cubes.

Together, the menu establishes beef as a central part of the Gyukatsu BGC dining experience while keeping its signature gyukatsu at the heart of the restaurant.

Gyukatsu Finds a Home in BGC

The upcoming restaurant will be located at Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, placing Gyukatsu BGC within one of Metro Manila’s major business, residential, and dining districts.

Its location is intended to make the Japanese beef cutlet experience accessible to BGC residents, employees, visitors, and diners specifically looking for gyukatsu and Japanese restaurants within the area.

Gyukatsu BGC is currently completing preparations for its November 2026 opening.

Ahead of opening day, the restaurant has also begun accepting advance seat reservations. The first 100 guests to successfully pre-book will be eligible to receive a complimentary three-piece Wagyu Cubes set with a minimum order of one Signature Gyukatsu Set during their reserved visit. Reserve you slot here.

Gyukatsu BGC will open on the 3rd Floor of Park Triangle Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in November 2026.

Additional opening details will be announced through Gyukatsu BGC’s official channels.

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 November 2026. Its name is inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, which refers to living with purpose.

Casino Plus, official presenter ng MassKara Festival 2026; Zeinab, Moonstar88, Baby Dolls, magpapasiklab sa 3-day concert

 

Ihahatid ng Casino Plus, isa sa mga nangungunang responsible digital entertainment and gaming platforms sa bansa na lisensyado ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), ang exciting games, prizes, at entertainment sa MassKara Festival 2026 bilang official presenter nito.

Itatampok ng “Hataw MassKara” ng Casino Plus ang iba't ibang local talents at activities sa Bacolod City mula October 1 hanggang 18, kung saan magpe-perform sa weekend concerts sina Zeinab Harake Parks, Moonstar88, at “Showtime Baby Dolls.” Katuwang din ng gaming platform ang Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., ang official organizer ng MassKara Festival ngayong taon.

Sa 18-day activation ng Casino Plus, tampok ang branded booths and installations sa Bacolod City Government Complex (BCGC) at Bacolod Public Plaza, kung saan puwedeng pumunta ang festival goers at makakuha ng exciting giveaways.

Gaganapin sa October 9 ang MassKara Festival Grand Opening sa BCGC, kung saan magtatanghal ang Casino Plus ng isang branded na segment sa MasskaRAP Battle.

“MassKara is more than a festival—it is a celebration of Bacolod’s identity, creativity, and community spirit. We are proud to be part of that celebration and to bring the Casino Plus experience closer to Bacolodnons and visitors through entertainment, music, and activities that bring people together,” ani Evan Spytma, CEO ng Casino Plus.

“We want people to remember MassKara not only for the performances and festivities, but also for the moments they shared with family, friends, and the community. For us, that is what Hataw MassKara is about: creating memorable experiences while celebrating the people and culture that make Bacolod special,” dagdag ni Spytma.

Sa October 11, makikibahagi ang Casino Plus sa Miss Bacolod MassKara Coronation Night sa STI College Gymnasium. Tampok sa pageant ang special award na Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, kung saan matatanggap ng mananalo ang ₱50,000 cash prize at ang special title. Bukod diyan, makakasama rin ang Miss Casino Plus Bacolod sa Electric Float Parade at iimbitahan sa mga official activities ng gaming platform.

Sa Oktubre 16, lalo pang iinit ang selebrasyon dahil sa Casino Plus Electric Float Parade, isa sa mga pinakaaabangang tampok ng festival. Sakay sa float ang brand ambassador at social media star na si Zeinab Harake Parks, ang mananalong Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, at mga MassKara dancer.

Sentro din sa activation ang tatlong-araw na concert sa kahabaan ng Lacson Street mula October 16 hanggang 18. Magsisimula ang nakakaaliw na performances ng alas-6 ng gabi hanggang alas-12 ng madaling araw, na pangungunahan ni Zeinab, kasama ang lokal na banda na Kill the Boredom, mga DJ na sina Don Hinolan at John Ledesma, at mga drag performer na sina Seraphine at Moi Taura.

Sa October 17, magpe-perform ang Moonstar88, kasama ang local band na Dough Baby, mga DJ na sina Anthony at Tianchoo, at mga pasabog na drag performances.

Magtatapos naman ang 3-day concert sa October 18 sa nakakapanabik na performance ng Pinoy girl group na Baby Dolls, kasama ang local band na Project Orange, si DJ Drayrix Dincong, at iba pang drag performance.

Susuportahan din ng Casino Plus ang MassKara Street Dance Competition sa October 18, ang isa sa mga pinakaaabangang pagdiriwang sa naturang festival.

Sinasalamin ng Hataw MassKara ang hangarin ng Casino Plus na ilapit sa mga Pilipino ang saya at aliw sa pamamagitan ng mga makabuluhang on-ground at online activities sa festival, na patuloy na nagbubuklod sa mga Pilipino at iba’t ibang komunidad.

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.

44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and AEBF-26 Open in Manila, Marking New Milestones in ASEAN Energy Cooperation

 

Manila, 7 October 2026 – The 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its Associated Meetings and the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-26) officially commenced today in Manila, Philippines, bringing together ASEAN energy ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advance regional energy cooperation.

The Joint Opening Ceremony was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and officially opened by H.E. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy of the Philippines and Chair of the 44th AMEM, after a special remarks by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has set out the Priority Economic Deliverable (PED) and Annual Priorities (APs) for the energy sector.  The PED for 2026 focuses on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), with efforts centred on the operationalisation of the Enhanced APG MOU and the development of legal and regulatory guidelines for a regional submarine power cable framework.

Alongside the PED, ASEAN is advancing seven Annual Priorities (APs) under the Philippines’ Chairship:

1. 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO9)

2. ASEAN Nuclear Power Plant Financing and Human Resources Development Study

3. ASEAN CCUS Assessment and Business Model Study

4. Upstream Oil and Gas Fiscal Benchmarking Study.

5. Sustainable ASEAN Energy Management Certification Scheme (SAEMAS).

6. Study on Accelerating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Technologies for Variable Renewable Energy Integration.

7. Study on Cross-Border Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Market and Financial Assessment.

Held in conjunction with 44th AMEM is the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum, which provides a platform connecting government, industry, financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives and explore opportunities supporting ASEAN's energy priorities.

About the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is an intergovernmental organisation driving multilateral energy cooperation and policy coordination among ASEAN Member States. Formally established on 1 January 1999 in Jakarta, Indonesia, ACE serves as the regional energy think tank, catalyst, and knowledge hub for ASEAN. Hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, ACE’s office is located in Jakarta, Indonesia. For more information: aseanenergy.org.

For further inquiries: communication@aseanenergy.org.

SUPPLYCON 2026: The B2B Platform for the Supply Chain Industry

  

SUPPLYCON 2026, the Official Exhibition of PASIA World 2026, is a dedicated B2B platform for the supply chain ecosystem, operated by Global-Link. It brings together providers and professionals across procurement, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, packaging, material handling, automation, and supply chain technology.

The exhibition gives industry professionals access to technologies, services, and potential suppliers in one venue, while providing exhibitors with opportunities to showcase their capabilities, generate business leads, build partnerships, and reach supply chain decision-makers. Held alongside PASIA World 2026, SUPPLYCON complements the conference’s industry knowledge and professional learning by connecting those insights with actual products, technologies, and services available in the market. Event: October 8–9, 2026 Venue: SMX Convention Center Manila Show Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM Registration: https://live.vx-events.com/events/SUPPLYCON Exhibitor Inquiries: rose.fernandez@globallinkmp.com

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As procurement, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and technology become increasingly interconnected, businesses need greater access to the products, services, and capabilities shaping modern supply chain operations.

This is where SUPPLYCON 2026, the Official Exhibition of PASIA World 2026, comes in. Operated by Global-Link, SUPPLYCON is a dedicated B2B platform bringing together companies and professionals across the supply chain ecosystem.

The exhibition covers key areas including procurement, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, packaging, material handling, automation, and supply chain technology. It provides providers with a focused marketplace to present their capabilities and industry professionals with access to a broad range of offerings in one setting.

For attendees, SUPPLYCON offers an opportunity to explore technologies and services, assess potential suppliers, and identify capabilities relevant to their operational needs. For exhibitors, it creates a direct channel to engage professionals involved in procurement, operations, logistics, and supply chain decision-making.

Its role alongside PASIA World 2026 adds another dimension to the event. While the conference brings together industry knowledge, insights, and professional learning, SUPPLYCON connects those conversations with the companies and capabilities available in the market.

Together, the conference and exhibition create a more connected experience for the supply chain community linking industry knowledge, market opportunities, and the solutions supporting modern operations.

SUPPLYCON 2026, the Official Exhibition of PASIA World 2026, will be held October 8–9, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the 2nd floor of SMX Convention Center Manila.

Registration: https://live.vx-events.com/events/SUPPLYCON

Exhibitor inquiries: rose.fernandez@globallinkmp.com

About Global-Link MP Events International, Inc.

Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. is a premier events and marketing agency based in the Philippines, proudly upholding a legacy of excellence since 1993. We specialize in organizing industry exhibitions, conferences, and innovative projects, delivering impactful experiences that leave a lasting impression. Together with our special booth design and branding agency, TBA Philippines, we craft events that resonate deeply with attendees and key stakeholders alike. As a subsidiary of MP International Pte. Ltd., a renowned event organizer headquartered in Singapore, we proudly represent the PICO Group in the Philippines. The PICO Group, an award-winning brand activation agency with a presence in 41 cities worldwide, strengthens our commitment to delivering world-class event solutions