MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

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Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Kat Arado

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Savannah Davison

All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations.

Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.

PLDT High Speed Hitters 2024

Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Coaching staff

PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

MVPs meet the MVP

A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.

PLDT High Speed Hitters with PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan & PLDT Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Home

“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

mWell sets new standards in digital health apps with the Philippines’ first fully integrated platform

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Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell unveiled a roster of groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app at the forefront of innovation anchored on good health and well-being.

Beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray joined MPIC leaders (L-R) Jose Ma. K. Lim - Director of MPIC, Marisa V. Conde - Vice President for Technical Finance and Data Privacy Officer, Atty Ricardo M. Pilares III - Vice President - Legal, Corporate Governance Officer, Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, MPIC, Stanley H. Yang - Executive Vice President, Group Corporate Development, First Pacific, Gary Dujali - Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, mWell PH, Augusto P. Palisoc, Jr. - Vice Chairman & President, MPHTC,Michael Muin - Chief Technical Officer, mWell PH, Ms. Chaye Cabal - MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer, MPIC and Mr. Manny V. Pangilian - MPIC President, Chairman and CEO in celebrating mWell’s groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app.

In an event dubbed as PH1 hosted by no less than beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray, mWell celebrated the many firsts in a little over a year of its pilot launch and announced other pioneering efforts that help redefine not only telemedicine but the entire healthcare landscape.

PH1 witnessed the full display of mWell app features that showcase its holistic approach to telemedicine—from doctor consultation, e-pharmacy, emergency services and home care— to fitness and nutrition programs. Beyond patient care, it has also designed a cutting edge Electronic Medical Records and clinic management system for partner-doctors.

MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Metro Pacific Group’s mWell is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app which brings together experts in technology, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living ecosystem. This high- performing platform gives access to quality healthcare and empowers our countrymen to be in control of their health as they rebuild their lives coming out of the pandemic. We shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare in the Philippines.”

mWell’s many firsts include:

• · First health app available globally to migrant workers/OFWs
• · First to offer the most affordable telemedicine with free accident insurance package via the Healthsavers Plan
• · First to launch the biggest nationwide digital medical mission with hundreds of volunteer doctors simultaneously providing free consultation all over the country through the National mWellness Day
• · First to offer a wellness score developed by data scientists--the mWellness Score which measures physical activity, steps, and sleep
• · First to provide a cutting-edge, full suite clinic management system designed by doctors for doctors—mWellMD

• · First to provide a portable mobile digital clinic to remote communities in the country—mWell OnTheGo

“We are celebrating so many firsts through sheer dedication, passion and purpose. We were able to come up with these firsts in terms of product features, innovations not only for patients but also for doctors. We believe that uplifting the lives of Filipinos is a prerequisite to national

progress. That’s why mWell helps uplift lives by providing access to better health, which after all is a basic right. It is both a digital health service and an advocacy because at the heart of mWell firsts is our mission to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos as we make health and wellness available and accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

The culture of innovation continues for mWell—not just as a super app but as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem that truly responds to the needs of Filipinos. Another first to be launched soon is the mWell Wellness Wearable. This is designed to democratize and empower more Filipinos by making wellness wearables more affordable especially in regional areas. Using the mWell Wellness Wearable, anyone can easily and more accurately track steps, physical activity, and sleep time through the mWellness Score on their watch. Soon they can even monitor temperature, oxygen level, heart rate and other vital signs that will make teleconsultation easier on the app. Another telemedicine innovation in the pipeline is the mWell kiosk to be used by local government units for their medical missions.

mWell is supported by top names in technology, wellness and healthcare including Microsoft, Highly Succeed, Telus, Maya, Bayad, Aktivo, Active8me, Smart, PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, PLDT SME, PLDT Global, PSG Global Solutions, The Solution, Department of Migrant Workers Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Metro Pacific Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Gabay Guro, Gabay Kalusugan, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, PCCSC, MedExpress, Healthlink, Lifeline 16-911, PhilCare and Generali.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.

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ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare. As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy

focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

MVP Beyond the Suit - Advocacy for Tourism

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A pause to recharge or reimagining a future that empowers Filipinos to co-build a more robust tourism industry in Batangas, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) is not your conventional business leader as he strikes a balance of both endeavors.

MVP walked around CaSoBe and inspected Cocoons, the unique capsule-like rooms designed with a mural of sea creatures.

As Chairman of the infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and other numerous companies that provide essential services, MVP stays on top of the company’s COVID-19 response in support of the government efforts. At the same time, he jumpstarts the preparedness of the Philippine economy to bounce back from the global health crisis with his vision for tourism in Batangas.

MVP leads his team to have courage in facing the future with bright prospects through the uncertainties. He does all these while he visits the pristine beauty of the Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE) – the 15-hectare Calatagan South Beach, better known as CaSoBē.

“Through Landco Pacific Corp.’s latest beachside projects: CaSoBē and Club Laiya, I take pride in promoting Batangas as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. These properties are responsibly developed to preserve the cultural and natural features of the place; provide employment for locals; and give Filipinos an opportunity to recover from these unprecedented times by not just building their dream beach homes but opting to create Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that cater to the tourism market,” MVP stated.

Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), Chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (center) together with Landco President and CEO Erickson Manzano (right) visited the pristine beach of CaSoBe.

Architect's Perspective of CaSoBe.

These master-planned estates are the newest projects of upscale real estate developer Landco, a subsidiary of MPIC. These developments under Landco BeachTowns are close to MVP’s heart as he foresees these lively leisure and tourism destinations in Batangas as the next big thing. The country’s answer to some of the world’s most vibrant beachside destinations: Ibiza, Spain; Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Capri, Italy.

For more than three decades, Landco made its mark in developing exclusive and luxurious properties around the country. One of its leading projects is Peninsula de Punta Fuego, a premiere luxury seaside residential community situated on the 88-hectare of pristine coastline in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Leveraging on tourism as one of the key drivers for the country’s growth when it emerges from these challenging times, Landco with the leadership of MVP, envisions a revolutionary and innovative new concept.

Crusoe Cabins is Millennial Resorts’ unique beachfront accommodation at CaSoBe.

Landco CEO Erickson Y. Manzano supports MVP’s vision to position the LTE as thriving and inclusive seaside communities in the travel and leisure destination of Batangas, inspiring entrepreneurship and work-life harmony.

“It’s a gamechanger approach. Instead of making it exclusive, it’s open to the tourism market but remains aspirational and premium,” said Manzano. “It presents an opportunity for budding Filipino entrepreneurs or those who would like to work closer with nature. Eventually, the place will not just be a hotspot for local tourists but for inbound travelers from abroad,” he added.

CaSoBē offers a mix of seaside residential homes, and beachside retail and commercial establishments. There’s a Retail Row, a Harbour Walk, and an Activity Block – with lot sizes ranging from 356 square meters to 890 square meters. All these lots are near the beach and paved with pedestrian streets. There’s a common area estate WIFI, 24/7 security with CCTV, a beach promenade and a hotel-inspired property management service.

It's is a haven for those who prefer more privacy and a laidback and intimate lifestyle. It is near Cape Santiago lighthouse, a golf course, Little Boracay sandbar, Starfish island and the underwater pyramid.

Located on the other side of the Batangas coastline, the 24-hectare Club Laiya features a combination of residential and commercial-ready lots in the tourist spot of San-Juan Laiya Road. It’s a choice destination for the stylish and chic leisure seekers who love to work on their tan, get into water sports and hangout in the hottest party scenes. A row of diverse resorts, restaurants and bars already dots its shores.

Two to three hours away from Metro Manila, CaSoBē and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered with Landco’s commitment for long-term environmental sustainability.

MVP attests to CaSoBē’s significance as a tourist destination and an ideal work from the beach venue in the new normal. His business calendar was filled with Zoom meetings and online conferences with a seaside view and assistance by the warm and friendly local staff.

Aquaria is Millennial Resorts’ waterpark with a three-story giant slide at CaSoBe.

Helmed by Landco’s Senior Consultant for Hospitality Patrick C. Gregorio, the Edge-registered Millennial Resorts Corporation (MRC) is the hospitality service provider within the LTE. MRC owns and operates unconventional accommodations: Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins, select leisure facilities: Laiya Beach Club at Club Laiya and Aquaria, a waterpark with a three-story giant slide at CaSoBē These are the tourism attractions for which the properties are known for.

Landco projects are in line with MPIC’s commitment to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

For MVP, coming home to a tropical paradise in these LTE is a breeze. It’s going to be the newest trend in the travel industry.

For more information about Landco and its Millennial Resorts and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.