April 2, 2025

The Travel Club Turns Over Hundreds of Luggage to OWWA to Support First-Time OFW

In a poignant display of solidarity and support, The Travel Club has officially turned over its first batch of donated luggage to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), benefiting first-time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as they embark on new journeys abroad.


The Donate Your Luggage For A Cause initiative, which allowed customers to trade-in their pre-loved luggage in exchange for exclusive discounts, collected hundreds of luggage, each with its own story of past adventures. Now, these bags are being repurposed to carry the dreams and aspirations of OFWs stepping into a new chapter of their lives. Shoppers came for the discounts, but they left knowing their pre-loved luggage would help someone else start a new journey.

During the first turnover event, 100 suitcases were distributed to first-time OFWs, symbolizing a practical travel necessity and well wishes of those who once carried them.

“Ang goal po namin ay ‘yong mga matanggap ninyong maleta ay magagamit ninyo sa inyong bagong simula,” said Sheena Valencia, Brand Manager of The Travel Club. “Kasama po ng mga maletang dadalhin ninyo ay ang aming panalangin na lagi po kayong gabayan sa destinasyon na paroroonan ninyo. Mula sa Primer Group of Companies, mag-ingat po kayong lahat.”

The heartfelt turnover was also graced by OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, who underscored the importance of financial wisdom and perseverance in the face of new challenges.

“Ikaw ang mukha ng bayaning Pilipinong handang lumipad para sa pangarap,” Ignacio shared. He also encouraged the recipients to be strategic in their spending to ensure long-term stability. “Kailangan paglabas ay galingan. Mag-set ka ng goal, para kahit mahirap ang mga kakaharapin, alam mong hindi mahirap kasi may gusto kang abutin. Kaya dapat ang goal niyo malinaw. Meron tayong The Travel Club, OWWA, DFA—lahat ‘yan handang tumulong sa inyo.”

The event was a reminder of the sacrifices OFWs make and the importance of having a strong support system as they leave their families behind in search of better opportunities.

Beyond assisting travelers, The Travel Club’s Donate Your Old Case for A Cause also champions sustainability by reducing waste and promoting responsible consumerism. With more turnovers scheduled in the coming months, the initiative continues to prove that every luggage carries not just belongings, but also stories, dreams, and a community's unwavering support.

“Set a goal, do your jobs well, and come home successfully!” Ignacio urged, closing the event with words of encouragement.

For more information on The Travel Club’s initiatives, visit thetravelclub.ph

SM marks 20 years of growth and value creation


SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) marked two decades of transformative growth as a publicly-listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

SM listed on March 22, 2005 with an adjusted price of PHP 123.27 per share. Compared to the March 21, 2025 closing price of PHP800 per share, shares of SM have grown by 549% in the last two decades. Over the course of 20 years, SM’s assets grew by 900 percent, delivering a compounded annual growth of 12 percent.

In his remarks during the anniversary ceremony, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said the group’s remarkable growth is a testament to SM’s unwavering commitment to the Filipino people and the vision of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr.

“Over the past two decades, we’ve consistently created value, delivering steady returns to our investors while expanding opportunities for our people and communities. This legacy of growth and value creation continues to drive us forward,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

SM believes its growth is rooted in strong governance and responsible practices with its board composition predominantly composed of independent directors, providing strategic guidance to the direction of the company.

“We continue to invest in green infrastructure, embrace innovation, and support communities across the Philippines. At SM, we are focused on building a responsible, sustainable future for the generations to come,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

Creating Value for Philippine Investors for the Next 20 Years

Looking ahead, Mr. DyBuncio said SM is focused on creating long-term value for investors.

“The next 20 years will see SM continue to lead in retail, property, and banking, while expanding into new regions where growth is accelerating, especially in provincial areas,” he said.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is earmarking PHP100 billion this year for its malls, residences and hotels, driven by expectations of a sustained growth in consumer demand and corporate activity.

SM Investments announced a USD 1 billion buyback program, the largest and first in its corporate history.

“Our buyback program is a clear signal of our confidence in the future of both SM and the Philippine market. We believe in our country’s potential and in the enduring value SM will continue to create for its shareholders,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

Looking Ahead: SM for All

In 2024, SM expanded by an additional 619 retail stores, two malls and 73 bank branches, with over 85% of its footprint in the provinces. This brings SM’s total footprint to 87 malls, 4,470 retail stores and 2,441 bank branches by end 2024. As SM expands, it continues to broaden access to different markets and enhance synergies across its businesses.

“We will continue to expand opportunities for Filipinos, providing greater access to modern retail, banking and integrated property developments that will help foster community, innovation, and sustainability for the next generation,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

SM founder, Henry Sy believed that business growth and social progress go hand in hand. Guided by this principle, and through the SM Foundation, the group granted 6,619 college scholarships, built 110 school buildings, trained 32,359 farmers, served 1,314,118 patients through medical missions, and Improved 216 health and wellness centers to date.

“As we look to the future, we remain focused on inclusivity and empowerment. Our brand promise, “We’ve got it all for you,” has served us well for years. But as we move forward, we aim to build an SM for All, one that reaches and benefits every Filipino, ensuring that our growth is shared by all,” he said.

2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair: A Celebration of Filipino Taste and Entrepreneurship


Food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike have something exciting to look forward to—the highly anticipated 2025 National Food Fair. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP (DTI-BMDPO) in cooperation with the Regional and Provincial Offices, the event will take place from April 9 to 13 at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, showcasing over 250 exceptional food-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Philippines.

The National Food Fair goes beyond a mere marketplace; it is a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to sample traditional heritage recipes, explore innovative food products, and savor culinary delights representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) emphasized the fair’s significance, stating, “The National Food Fair serves as an essential platform for Filipino MSMEs to introduce their products and innovations to broader markets. Through this event, we aim to empower entrepreneurs by providing critical opportunities and resources necessary for them to thrive locally and internationally.”

Here's what visitors can expect at this year's fair:

Event Highlights:
  • Launch of DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace: Attendees will witness the unveiling of the largest B2B e-commerce platform tailored to support local MSMEs. This innovative digital marketplace aims to connect Filipino entrepreneurs with institutional buyers around the globe, greatly expanding their market reach and presence.
  • Diverse Food Clusters: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of products ranging from fresh and processed seafood, local produce and processed meats to regional delicacies, snacks, nuts, artisanal beverages, fruit wines, botanical drinks, and health supplements. The fair also spotlights specialty items like coconut and cacao products.
  • Immersive Culinary Settings: The fair features distinct experiential areas, including the Fresh Produce Grand Marketplace, the cozy KAPEtirya Philippine Coffee Pavilion, and the vibrant KAINAN Dining Area, each crafted to provide engaging and enjoyable experiences.
  • Sustainability and Innovation: Reflecting global trends, the fair highlights eco-friendly packaging solutions, plant-based products, functional snacks, and pioneering food processing technologies primed for commercialization.
  • Daily Interactive Activities: Attendees can actively participate in cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs, wine-mixing and food pairing sessions, insightful business dialogues, exciting product showcases, and live cultural performances and music.

Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, business buyer, or advocate for local products, the 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair offers a wealth of opportunities to discover new favorites, support Filipino innovation, and contribute to the sustainable growth of our nation’s vibrant food sector.

Join the DTI-BMDPO Events

Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP by sending an email BMDPO@dti.gov.ph. Stay updated by following them on Facebook (@BDTP), X (@DTI_BMDPO), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), YouTube (@dti_bmdpo), and TikTok (@dti.bmdpo).



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