Casino Plus Becomes First-Ever Winner of IAG's Best Live Dealer Offering Award

 

MANILA, Philippines, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 – From 507 submissions across Asia-Pacific to 162 nominees, Casino Plus brought home the Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) Academy IR Award for the first-ever Best Live Dealer Offering, awarded to Casino Plus for Casino Plus Live Dealer.

Casino Plus, one of the country's leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), received the award at Marriott Manila during the first edition of the IAG Academy IR Awards to include an Online Gaming Offerings division, powered by Complete iGaming.  

The recognition comes six days after Casino Plus handed over ₱122,409,603, the biggest verified jackpot in Philippine online slot machine history, in the presence of PAGCOR.

Winners are chosen by 100 industry judges, and IAG states the awards are not influenced by sponsorship. Best Live Dealer Offering recognizes the best live dealer offering serving Asia-Pacific markets, with criteria covering game range, streaming quality, dealer professionalism, user experience, localization, reliability, innovation, and the overall ability to deliver an engaging and trusted live casino product.

“This award belongs to every Filipino player who made games like Color Game and Pula Puti part of their everyday entertainment, and to the team who believed those games deserved a world-class stage,” said Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma.

TWO MILESTONES, SIX DAYS APART

• Sept. 9, 2026: Casino Plus handed over ₱122,409,603, the biggest verified jackpot in Philippine online slot machine history, at a ceremony at LaVie Resort and Casino, Manila, in the presence of PAGCOR.

• Sept. 15, 2026: Casino Plus was named the first-ever winner of Best Live Dealer Offering at the IAG Academy IR Awards, in the first edition to include an Online Gaming Offerings division.

BUILDING ON A YEAR OF MILESTONES

• Live localized gaming: Operator of the first legal online live Color Game in the Philippines, with PAGCOR-verified payouts of ₱303.5 million in August 2024 and ₱271.4 million in April 2026.

• Content innovation: Bathala, a short drama series adapted from one of its games, launched on 9 July 2026, brings a figure from Filipino mythology to original digital storytelling and is nominated for Best iGaming Innovation.

• Community response: Project Bigkis, through the Color Your World Foundation, delivered relief across General Santos City and Sarangani Province from June 13 to 16, 2026 after the magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake.

BUILT FOR FILIPINO PLAYERS

From Baccarat and Roulette to Color Game, Pula Puti, and Drop Ball, Casino Plus rebuilds culturally familiar games into interactive live digital experiences. Localization and innovation are both named criteria of the category. The proposition behind Casino Plus Live Dealer is to bring the familiarity and energy of live gaming closer to Filipino players, with the quality, variety, and accessibility expected of a modern regulated platform.

“From day one, our vision was never to simply import a live casino experience,” added Spytma. “It was to build one that is unmistakably Filipino yet competitive anywhere in the region. This recognition from IAG tells us that vision is working, and it challenges us to keep raising the bar for what safe, entertaining, and trusted digital gaming looks like.”

Casino Plus also earned nominations in four other categories of the division:

- Best iGaming Innovation - Casino Plus for Bathala
- Best iGaming Operator
- Best Individual CSR Initiative - Casino Plus for Project Bigkis
- Best Industry Supplier

Casino Plus remains committed to responsible gaming, continuous innovation, and a live casino experience that is proudly Filipino.

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.

P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin named Best Developer – Luzon at Philippines Real Estate Awards 2026

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — September 17, 2026 — P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin has been named Best Developer – Luzon at the Philippines Real Estate Awards 2026, presented by Dot Property Group and Lamudi, during the awards ceremony held on September 17 at Okada Manila.

The recognition highlights the partnership’s contribution to the Philippine real estate industry and its continued commitment to developing quality communities and expanding homeownership opportunities for Filipino families.

Established by Dot Property Group, a member of the globally recognized Lifull Connect Group, the Philippines Real Estate Awards is a distinguished recognition program celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership among developers, projects, and companies shaping the country’s property sector.

Building on the success of previous editions, the awards recognize outstanding developments and industry leaders that contribute significantly to the dynamic Philippine property market. The program highlights achievements across various segments, including residential communities, mixed-use developments, and sustainable and lifestyle-driven projects, recognizing initiatives that contribute to progress and quality in real estate.

For P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin, the recognition comes at a meaningful milestone as the partnership approaches its 10th year in the Philippines.

“This is such an opportune time for us to be receiving this award. P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin is on its way to 10 years here in the country, and that makes this recognition very special for all of us,” said Atty. Marianne Reyna C. Lina-Cruz, President and CEO of P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin.

“To be named Best Developer for Luzon, it’s more than an award for us. It is a reflection of each home that we built, each family we have welcomed into their own homes, and each community we have had the privilege of developing and making a difference in,” Lina-Cruz said.

The recognition of P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin as Best Developer – Luzon underscores the partnership’s efforts to deliver quality residential developments while responding to the evolving needs of Filipino homebuyers.

At the center of the partnership is Idesia, the residential development of P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp with communities in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and Bulacan.  The project represents the collaboration of Japanese expertise and Filipino experience, bringing together Hankyu Hanshin Properties’ international experience and P.A. Properties’ longstanding knowledge of the Philippine housing market.

Through this collaboration, the partners aim to create thoughtfully planned communities that provide quality homes and meaningful opportunities for Filipino families. Idesia reflects the partnership’s shared commitment to bringing global perspectives and local expertise together in developing residential communities designed for the Philippine market.

More than a recognition program, the Philippines Real Estate Awards also serves as a platform for industry connection and knowledge sharing, bringing together leading professionals and experts from the local and international property sector. Through its media initiatives, industry insights, and engagement with industry leaders, the awards contribute to conversations surrounding innovation, investment, sustainability, and the continued development of Philippine real estate.

For P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin, being named Best Developer – Luzon marks another significant milestone for the partnership and reinforces its commitment to creating quality communities where Filipino families can build their homes, lives, and futures.

The award further strengthens the partnership’s shared vision of building communities that go beyond houses—creating places where families can grow, thrive, and build a better future.

This latest recognition comes on the heels of another milestone for P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin, which recently received three awards at the 2026 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards for Idesia: Best Housing Development (Philippines), Best Premium First Home Development, and Best Housing Development (Luzon). The back-to-back recognitions further highlight the partnership’s continued efforts to deliver quality residential communities and meaningful homeownership opportunities for Filipino families.

About P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation

P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (P.A. Hankyu) is the joint venture between P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation and Japan's Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation. Since 2017, P.A. Hankyu has been developing quality, affordable, and sustainable communities under the Idesia brand, combining Filipino expertise and Japanese innovation to create homes that enrich the lives of Filipino families.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier: Building Future-Ready Filipinos Through Holistic Youth Empowerment

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) scholars from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao come together at the 2026 Scholars’ Leadership Bootcamp to strengthen their skills, collaboration, and sense of purpose as part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s continuing commitment to youth empowerment.

Preparing young Filipinos for the future requires more than access to education. It also means building financial capability, developing leadership and career skills, and creating opportunities to discover and develop their potential.

For 25 years, Cebuana Lhuillier has pursued this broader approach to youth empowerment. Since launching its Nationwide Scholarship Program in 2001, the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) has partnered with 41 leading state colleges and universities nationwide, producing more than 1,000 college graduates from financially challenged backgrounds.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, believes in giving young Filipinos a strong foundation for the choices ahead.

“We want young Filipinos to have the knowledge and confidence to make choices that can shape their future. Whether it is pursuing their education, learning how to manage their finances, or finding opportunities to grow, we hope to give them a stronger foundation to build on. When young people are given the right support and opportunities, they can go further, not only for themselves, but for the people and communities around them.”

Beyond scholarships, CLFI scholars participate in leadership boot camps, training, learning sessions, and outreach activities, while its Education-to-Employment program helps prepare them for the workplace.

CLFI also supports alternative pathways to education. Through its partnership with the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), it has supported 182 community learning centers and reached more than 63,000 learners since 2014, helping out-of-school youth and adult learners complete their basic education.

Making Financial Literacy Part of Youth Development

Cebuana Lhuillier also recognizes financial literacy as an important part of preparing young Filipinos for the decisions ahead.

Through Money Guro, its financial literacy platform led by Jean Henri Lhuillier, the company makes lessons on saving, budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship, and financial protection more accessible through workshops, webinars, and digital content.

Money Guro sa Campus brings these lessons directly to students by engaging CLFI scholars as financial literacy advocates who share practical money-management lessons with their peers.

As the financial literacy initiative expanded, Cebuana Lhuillier also brought the conversation into the classroom through the #LahatKasama Financial Literacy Module, which provides practical lessons on saving, investing, and disaster preparedness.

The module was introduced during the National Financial Inclusion Summit 2025, themed “#LahatKasama: Strengthening Financial Inclusion through Education.” The summit gathered educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how education can advance financial inclusion, with Jean Henri Lhuillier delivering the keynote address.

Developing Potential Through Sports

Youth development also extends to the playing field through Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, which supports grassroots programs and Filipino athletes across different disciplines.

Through the Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) and the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), Cebuana Lhuillier supports programs that identify and develop emerging talent. UTP provides young players opportunities to compete through age-group tournaments and grassroots programs, while ASAPHIL develops softball talent through competitions and training initiatives.

The EDL Youth Tennis Program, launched in 2016, complements these efforts by scouting promising provincial players and providing training to help them compete at higher levels. Athletic scholarships also help young athletes pursue sports while continuing their education.

From scholarships and alternative education to financial literacy, career preparation, and sports, Cebuana Lhuillier’s 25-year youth advocacy has continued to evolve with the needs of young Filipinos.

For Cebuana Lhuillier, the goal is to create opportunities that help young people build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their own futures.

RYC Wellness Expands: Grab Delivery Launch Brings Healing Home with New Poke Bowl

 A new chapter is coming to RYC Wellness as we prepare to launch on Grab, bringing our signature flavors and wellness-inspired offerings directly to your doorstep. Along with this exciting milestone, customers can look forward to our fresh new Poke Bowl and the much-loved Buko Pie, making it easier than ever to enjoy a taste of healing at home.

RYC Wellness is excited to announce a major step forward in its mission to make wellness more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone. Soon, customers will be able to experience a taste of healing from the comfort of their own homes as RYC Wellness officially launches its offerings on Grab.

Known for combining wellness, community, fitness, and healthy living into one unique destination, RYC Wellness has become a place where guests can nourish not only their bodies but also their minds. Now, through Grab delivery, customers will be able to enjoy some of their favorite RYC Wellness food and beverage offerings without having to leave their homes.

This new development allows families, professionals, students, and wellness enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, wholesome meals and comforting treats wherever they are. Whether it's a busy workday, a relaxing weekend at home, or a gathering with loved ones, RYC Wellness aims to bring the same warmth, care, and quality that guests experience in person directly to their doorstep.

As part of this exciting launch, RYC Wellness is proud to introduce a brand-new menu item: the Poke Bowl. Inspired by fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, the Poke Bowl is designed to provide a delicious and satisfying dining experience. Packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing components, this new offering reflects RYC Wellness' commitment to promoting healthier food choices without sacrificing taste.

Joining the menu is another crowd favorite that has captured the hearts of many guests over the years—our signature Buko Pie. Known for its rich coconut filling, homemade goodness, and comforting flavor, the Buko Pie has become one of the most requested and celebrated products at RYC Wellness. Customers will soon be able to enjoy this beloved classic through Grab, making it easier than ever to share with family and friends or simply enjoy as a personal treat.

The launch of RYC Wellness on Grab represents more than just food delivery. It is an extension of the RYC Wellness philosophy—bringing healing, nourishment, and meaningful experiences closer to the community. By making our products available through a trusted delivery platform, we hope to reach more people and inspire healthier lifestyles through food, connection, and wellness.

As we continue to grow, RYC Wellness remains committed to creating innovative products, memorable experiences, and opportunities for people to discover wellness in their everyday lives. This Grab launch is only the beginning, with more exciting menu items, wellness initiatives, and community-focused programs on the horizon.

The wait is finally over. We are working hard behind the scenes to bring this exciting new chapter to life, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Soon, a taste of healing will be just a few taps away.

Stay tuned for the official launch date and get ready to experience RYC Wellness—now delivered straight to your home.

RYC Wellness — Where Wellness Meets Community, and Healing Begins With Every Bite.

About Ryc wellness.

RYC Wellness is a wellness-focused social club that combines healthy dining, fitness, healing, and community experiences. Through its Healing Café, wellness programs, and lifestyle activities, RYC Wellness inspires people to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.

Hemos PH Refines Editorial Focus Around Policy, Business and Institutional Change

  

 Hemos PH is sharpening its editorial direction around policy, regulation, business conditions, technology, automotive, lifestyle, and major institutional developments. The publication is placing greater emphasis on context, consequences, and the signals behind important developments in the Philippines.

Hemos PH is refining its editorial direction as an independent Philippine digital publication covering policy shifts, regulatory changes, business conditions, technology, automotive, lifestyle, and major institutional developments.

The shift reflects a clearer editorial principle: explain what is actually happening, not simply what was announced.

A Clearer Editorial Direction

View the site at http://www.hemosph.com

Hemos PH is placing greater emphasis on the context and consequences behind major developments.

Its coverage looks beyond announcements to examine what has changed, who may be affected, and what a development could signal for businesses, professionals, consumers, and decision-makers.

The publication writes primarily for economically active Filipinos, including founders, consultants, managers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and operators who closely follow developments affecting policy, business, capital, and institutions.

Context Across Business, Technology and Lifestyle

Hemos PH covers developments across business, technology, automotive, professional services, lifestyle, and consumer sectors through news features, interviews, company announcements, event coverage, and analytical stories.

Rather than treating every announcement as equally significant, the publication is placing greater weight on developments with practical consequences or broader implications.

This approach allows Hemos PH to maintain a wider range of coverage while applying a clearer standard for relevance.

Looking Beyond the Headline

The publication's current editorial line, "The Signal Ahead," reflects its focus on identifying developments that may matter beyond the immediate news cycle.

For Hemos PH, that means asking what changed, why it matters, and whether a development points to a wider shift in policy, regulation, industry, market behavior, or everyday decision-making.

Hemos PH will continue developing its coverage around this approach as it expands its reporting, industry relationships, and editorial reach.

About Hemos Philippines

Hemos PH is an independent Philippine digital publication covering policy, business, regulation, technology, automotive, lifestyle, and major institutional developments.

Its coverage focuses on providing readers with context around what is changing, why it matters, and what may come next.

TPSW 2026 Photo Contest Invites Photographers to Spotlight Volunteerism Across Asia

 

 In celebration of the UN’s International Volunteer Year 2026, ASSIST has launched Ten Photos to Shake the World (TPSW) 2026. The regional photo contest invites visual storytellers across Asia to capture how local civic action drives global impact. Entries open September 2026.

Ready to shake the world? Submit your original photos to Ten Photos to Shake the World (TPSW) 2026 to win.

In celebration of the United Nations recognizing 2026 as International Volunteer Year (IVY), Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) invites photographers and visual storytellers to join TPSW 2026.

Open to participants across the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, this regional competition leverages visual storytelling to spotlight how localized civic engagement drives global progress and resilience. Under the theme “Volunteers in Frame: Capturing the Spirit of Volunteerism and Social Impact,” the initiative seeks to award compelling photos that capture the power of everyday service, community action, and sustainable development.

The competition features separate tracks for Amateur and Professional photographers, with prizes awarded to the Top 3 entries in each category alongside four consolation prizes and special awards. Submissions open September 2026. 

Since its inception in 2011, TPSW has served as a regional platform for visual storytellers to address pressing development challenges through photography as an advocacy tool. This year's edition focuses on documenting the scenes of volunteerism driving tangible social impact across Asian communities.

For complete contest mechanics and eligibility criteria, follow ASSIST and TPSW on official social media channels.

You may also view the full details and contest mechanics here: TPSW 2026 Contest Primer

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: assistasia.org

Ginto Privilege Club Opens One-Off GPC Packs Starting at ₱49; First Draw Set for October 1

 

 MANILA, Philippines — Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) has officially opened its one-off GPC Packs, starting at ₱49, giving eligible Philippine residents aged 18 and above access to listed GPC Partner Deals and the stated GPC Draw entries included with their selected Pack.

GPC users choose a Pack only when it suits them. There is no subscription, automatic renewal, referral requirement or downline.

Three GPC Packs are now available:

Try Pack — ₱49: 1 GPC Draw entry and 7 days’ access to listed GPC Partner Deals.

Sulit Pack — ₱149: 6 GPC Draw entries, 14 days’ access to listed GPC Partner Deals and eligibility for applicable bonus rewards.

Ginto Pack — ₱349: 20 GPC Draw entries, 30 days’ access to listed GPC Partner Deals and eligibility for applicable bonus rewards.

Before choosing a Pack, users can review the price, period of Partner Deal access, stated GPC Draw entries, current Partner Deals and their terms, draw cut-off and official mechanics on the GPC website.

The first GPC Draw under the new one-off Pack format will be the ₱10,000 Ginhawa Support Draw, to be held live on October 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM Philippine time.

The draw will select one provisional main winner for ₱10,000 in Ginhawa Support and five provisional bonus winners for ₱500 GCash eGift each.

After eligibility and verification requirements are completed, the main winner may choose from practical-support options including:

• Groceries through participating grocery merchants
• Everyday essentials through participating pharmacy merchants
• ₱10,000 GCash for bills support

Prize options, participating merchants and fulfilment are subject to the official draw mechanics and applicable terms.

“Gusto naming malinaw muna bago mag-decide ang isang tao,” said Kristine Henderson, CEO and Co-Founder of Ginto Privilege Club. “Makikita nila ang presyo ng Pack, Partner Deals, draw entries, cut-off at mechanics bago sila pumili. Walang subscription at walang kailangang i-refer. They can simply choose a Pack if it works for them.”

Winners selected during the live draw remain provisional until the applicable eligibility and verification requirements have been completed. GPC publicly confirms winners only after verification and does not charge winners any fee to claim a verified prize.

The company also maintains a public Winner Proof archive containing records of confirmed prize deliveries from previous GPC promotions. Confirmed winners and available prize fulfilment records from the new GPC Draws will also be published following verification and prize delivery.

Current GPC Pack information, the Ginhawa Support Draw, cut-off and official mechanics are available at:

https://gintoprivilegeclub.com/current-draw/

Previous winner records are available at:

https://gintoprivilegeclub.com/winners-proof/

Open to eligible Philippine residents aged 18 and above. Terms and official draw mechanics apply. Selected participants are subject to eligibility and verification.

About Ginto Privilege Club
Founded in September 2025, Ginto Privilege Club (GPC) is a Philippines-based consumer platform offering one-off GPC Packs, access to listed GPC Partner Deals and scheduled GPC Draws. GPC is designed around clear Pack information, published draw mechanics, winner verification and public Winner Proof for confirmed prize deliveries. GPC is not a membership, subscription, referral program, MLM or income opportunity.

Carziqo Launches ER-BX Autonomous Ride-Hailing Operations in San Francisco

The expansion brings the company’s ER-BX series to one of the United States’ most dynamic urban mobility markets, supported by continuous operations from Monday through Sunday.

SAN FRANCISCO — Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has launched operations of its ER-BX autonomous ride-hailing series in San Francisco, expanding the company’s presence in the United States and bringing its mobility services to a city known for its complex streets, diverse neighborhoods, and rapidly evolving transportation needs.

The introduction of the ER-BX series marks another step in Carziqo’s broader effort to develop a more connected and responsive autonomous ride-hailing network across major American cities.

San Francisco presents a distinctive operating environment for autonomous mobility. Its steep hills, dense urban districts, high-volume commercial areas, residential communities, and changing traffic conditions require vehicles and mobility platforms to respond to a wide range of real-world transportation scenarios.

Carziqo said the ER-BX series will be deployed across designated service areas and routes based on local mobility demand, operational conditions, trip distance, and vehicle availability.

Rather than assigning every vehicle to the same type of route, the company’s platform is designed to coordinate vehicles across different operating zones. This allows the fleet to respond more effectively to variations in passenger demand while helping reduce unnecessary vehicle downtime and improve overall fleet utilization.

Continuous Operations Throughout the Week

A central feature of the San Francisco rollout is its continuous operating schedule.

24/7 Operations, Monday to Sunday.

Under this operating model, ER-BX vehicles may be assigned to service throughout the day and night, subject to route availability, local operating conditions, vehicle status, and platform scheduling.

The round-the-clock schedule is intended to support the varied travel patterns found across San Francisco. Transportation demand in the city does not follow a single timetable. Early-morning commuters, daytime workers, airport travelers, evening passengers, hospitality employees, and residents returning home after regular transit hours may all require mobility services at different times.

By maintaining operations throughout the week, Carziqo aims to build a service structure capable of responding to these changing patterns instead of limiting fleet activity to conventional business hours.

The company said continuous operations do not mean that every vehicle will remain on the road without interruption. Each vehicle will be assigned individual maintenance periods according to mileage, technical condition, service requirements, and operational history.

Inspections, cleaning, preventive maintenance, system diagnostics, and software checks will be coordinated on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. This approach allows vehicles requiring attention to be temporarily removed from service while other qualified vehicles continue operating within the network.

The model replaces the need for a single fleet-wide maintenance shutdown and is intended to balance service continuity with operational safety and vehicle readiness.

Responding to San Francisco’s Mobility Patterns

San Francisco’s transportation environment is shaped by a combination of local commuting, tourism, technology-sector activity, commercial movement, and connections to the wider Bay Area.

Demand can shift considerably between neighborhoods and at different hours of the day. Downtown business districts may experience heavier weekday activity, while entertainment, waterfront, residential, and visitor-oriented areas can generate demand during evenings and weekends.

Carziqo’s platform is expected to use operational data and fleet coordination tools to support vehicle allocation across these changing conditions. Vehicles may be reassigned according to factors such as service demand, route distance, traffic conditions, vehicle availability, and scheduled maintenance.

The company views this type of coordinated allocation as an important part of autonomous fleet operations. While the vehicle itself remains central to the service, the effectiveness of a ride-hailing network also depends on how efficiently vehicles are distributed, monitored, maintained, and returned to operation.

The ER-BX series has been developed for use within this broader operating system, combining vehicle deployment with digital fleet coordination and route-based service planning.

A Broader Autonomous Mobility Strategy

The San Francisco launch also reflects the growing competition among mobility companies seeking to establish autonomous transportation services in major urban markets.

Cities such as San Francisco are increasingly viewed as important testing grounds for the commercial development of autonomous ride-hailing. However, operating in these markets involves more than introducing vehicles. Companies must also manage fleet availability, technical monitoring, maintenance scheduling, local service demand, and the practical realities of operating continuously in complex city environments.

Carziqo’s strategy focuses on building an integrated operating network in which vehicles, service zones, maintenance processes, and platform systems function as connected parts of the same mobility infrastructure.

The company said its expansion is being carried out progressively, with operating arrangements adjusted according to the characteristics of each city. This city-specific approach allows fleet deployment and route planning to reflect local transportation patterns instead of applying a single model to every market.

In San Francisco, the company expects the ER-BX series to contribute to a more flexible mobility network capable of serving different routes, distances, and periods of demand.

Building for Long-Term Operations

For autonomous ride-hailing providers, the long-term challenge is not limited to placing vehicles on public roads. Sustainable operations also require reliable digital infrastructure, systematic vehicle maintenance, efficient fleet deployment, and the ability to adapt when demand changes.

Carziqo said its San Francisco operations will be monitored through its fleet management and service coordination systems. Operational information will be used to review vehicle utilization, route performance, technical status, and service requirements.

These insights may help the company refine vehicle distribution and identify areas where additional capacity or different operating arrangements are needed.

The company is also expected to continue evaluating the performance of the ER-BX series as the San Francisco service develops. Future adjustments may include changes to designated routes, operating zones, fleet allocation, and maintenance schedules based on actual service conditions.

The rollout does not signal the completion of Carziqo’s work in the city. Instead, it represents the beginning of an ongoing operational phase in which the company will assess how its vehicles and platform respond to San Francisco’s transportation environment.

As autonomous mobility moves from limited demonstrations toward longer-term commercial operations, the ability to maintain dependable service across different hours and travel conditions will become an increasingly important measure of performance.

With the launch of the ER-BX series and the adoption of continuous Monday-to-Sunday operations, Carziqo is positioning San Francisco as another important part of its expanding autonomous ride-hailing network.

For passengers and the broader mobility market, the development offers another example of how autonomous transportation companies are moving beyond vehicle technology alone and focusing more closely on the systems required to support reliable, city-scale operations.

 

Filipina Physician-Scientist Named National Finalist for 2026 ASEAN–U.S. Science Prize for Women

Dr. Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales, Founder of 101 Health Research, has been named the Philippine National Finalist in the Mid-Career category of the 2026 UL Research Institutes ASEAN–U.S. Science Prize for Women. Her work uses artificial intelligence and health data science to support inclusive, resilient healthcare and evidence-based decision-making in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

MANILA, Philippines — Dr. Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales, physician, public health scientist, and Founder and Managing Director of 101 Health Research, has been selected as the Philippine National Finalist in the Mid-Career category of the 2026 UL Research Institutes–ASEAN–U.S. Science Prize for Women.

This year’s theme, “AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN,” recognizes women scientists harnessing artificial intelligence to address healthcare challenges across Southeast Asia.

For more than a decade, Cloma-Rosales has worked across clinical research, public health, health systems, and health data science. Her work includes AI applications for HERDIN, the Philippines’ national health research database; the midterm evaluation of the Philippine National Unified Health Research Agenda; and a global study on digital disruption and climate stress in the nursing workforce, including analysis of more than 14,000 online job postings.

“Health and research data are often fragmented across institutions, databases, and systems,” Cloma-Rosales said. “AI can help us connect and learn from these sources at scale, turning fragmented data into evidence for better decisions.”

She sees this as part of a broader goal of building learning health systems that continuously use research, data, and real-world experience to improve care.

“The goal is not simply to use more AI, but to build health systems that keep learning—combining technology with scientific rigor, local knowledge, and human judgment. This is especially important at a time of major health policy changes, digital transformations, and as we aim for climate resilience.”

Cloma-Rosales is a physician and public health scientist who trained in Pediatrics and holds a Master of Public Health from the National University of Singapore and a Master in Entrepreneurship from the Asian Institute of Management. She was selected as an Eisenhower Fellow in 2025.

The Philippines is also represented in the Senior Scientist category by Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido of Aklan State University, a computer scientist whose research includes deep learning applications for skin lesion analysis and melanoma detection.

National Finalists will undergo regional judging, with two Regional Finalists from each category advancing to the final pitch competition.

Watch Dr. Cloma-Rosales’ National Finalist video pitch:

About 101 Health Research

Founded in the Philippines in 2014, 101 Health Research supports healthcare institutions, government agencies, professional societies, and other partners in generating and translating evidence. Its work spans clinical research, biostatistics, health data science and real-world evidence, evidence synthesis, scientific communication, and research capacity development.

‘Dragon King’ scores ₱122.4-M win in Casino Plus, says historic jackpot 'felt like a dream'

Casino Plus, the country’s leading PAGCOR-licensed digital entertainment platform, has formally awarded ₱122,409,603.00 to its latest grand winner, marking the turnover of the biggest jackpot in Philippine slot machine history.

Rooted in Casino Plus’ Player-First Philosophy, the platform fully honored the verified winner's explicit request for complete identity protection. The winner attended the ceremonial handover masked and strictly identity-protected. Choosing to be identified publicly as "Dragon King," the winner considered the historic milestone as "God's plan" for him.

The jackpot winner, who described the historic milestone as "God's plan" for him, revealed what he would do with some of his winnings — continue his advocacy of helping other people and his family.

"Tutulong tayo sa mga kababayan natin. [Ang] family members and friends ko, kasama sila sa lahat ng plans. It’s all God’s plan talaga. Hindi natin alam kung mananalo tayo or matatalo. Actually it is not the first time that I won in Casino Plus. The place to be is at Casino Plus," the winner said.

He also described his win as something that "felt like a dream," taking note that the gaming platform ensured him his jackpot prize would be withdrawn fast and safe under PAGCOR regulations.

"Hindi ako makapaniwala. Parang akala ko nananaginip lang, akala ko lasing lang ako. Pero noong may tumawag sa’kin, totoo nga," the winner candidly shared.

During the interview, Dragon King said he exclusively plays on Casino Plus. His gaming journey began on the platform's popular Color Game which holds the record for the biggest single digital gaming payout to date in Philippine history at ₱303.5 millionbefore he eventually shifted his preference to live slots.

With conviction he has a message to his fellow players: "Huwag maging gahaman! If nanalo ka na, know when to stop.Ang panalo naman is not all the time eh. Kailangan mo lang din ng timing," the jackpot winner said. 

"If they want to play, kailangan maging responsible lang sila. Kailangan mag-allot lang din sila ng amount para hanggang dun lang," he added.

While the ₱122.4 million hit headlines the industry, it reinforces a broader pattern: Casino Plus has established a track record as the premier platform where historic, record-breaking payouts consistently happen. This monumental slot machine turnover builds on an unprecedented series of jackpot milestones for the platform—including the historic ₱303.5 million Color Game jackpot in August 2024, a massive ₱271.4 million turnover in April, and the processing of more than ₱1 billion in validated jackpot payouts during the second quarter of 2026. Together, these historic figures set new industry benchmarks for player liquidity, operational scale, and regulatory transparency.

"Mr. Dragon's story of strength, loyalty, faith, and perseverance reflects what Casino Plus stands for," said Evan Spytma, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Plus. "The ₱122.4 million  payout is not an isolated event; it represents our commitment to providing a world-class platform where players experience legitimate, life-changing moments under full PAGCOR oversight."

Behind every record payout lies Casino Plus unwavering Player-First Philosophy. Aside from guaranteeing fast and transparent financial payouts through ironclad surety mechanisms and reserve backing, Casino Plus treats Identity Protection & Personal Safety as a core pillar of player protection. Operating under strict PAGCOR regulatory guidelines, the platform respects every winner's right to anonymity, ensuring that multi-millionaires can celebrate their life-changing moments without compromising their long-term personal and family security.

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.