Grab Asenso Learning Caravan brings digital upskilling to Puerto Princesa MSMEs

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Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron joins GrabFood merchant-partners in the first Grab Asenso Learning Caravan in the city

Grab Philippines brings its Grab Asenso Learning Caravan to Puerto Princesa, holding a full-day masterclass that equipped GrabFood merchant-partners with practical digital skills and tools to grow their businesses.

The caravan is part of Grab Asenso Digital Diskarte, the company's flagship tech and AI enablement program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It was held with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations dedicated to helping small businesses compete.

Sessions covered growth and payment tools on the GrabMerchant app, including GrabAds Spotlight Campaigns; Tap & Scan to Pay, which lets merchants accept QR and card payments; and GrabMerchant AI Assistant, an AI co-pilot for daily operations. ITC experts led modules on digital content mastery and content strategy.

Welcoming Grab's efforts to help local MSMEs grow through digitalization, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said Grab's presence in the city reflects confidence in the local economy and its readiness for new opportunities.

"For us, Grab's arrival in Puerto Princesa is an indication of their trust in the economy of Puerto Princesa, and of Puerto Princesa's readiness to receive new investments and to accept new opportunities," he said.

The mayor also underscored the role of food delivery in helping local businesses grow. "Food delivery will help restaurant owners increase their sales. There are several people who don't have the time to go to restaurants, but they can take advantage of Grab delivery to order the food they want from our participating restaurants."

The Grab Asenso: Digital Diskarte Program supports Puerto Princesa's push to digitalize local MSMEs and expand their opportunities in the digital economy. [L-R] Grab Philippines Merchant Programs and Engagement Manager Bea Torricer, Public Affairs Manager James Roman, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron, Grab Philippines Vice President for Cities RJ Cabaluna, Regional Manager for South Luzon Danver Mallari, and Merchant Operations Lead Donna Elagio

Helping local businesses thrive

GrabFood launched in Puerto Princesa in October 2025, and has since onboarded homegrown favorites such as Haim Chicken, Puerto’s Pancit Malabon, 100% Cafe Moto, and Del Cusina.

100% Cafe Moto began as A+ Moto Cafe in Bancao-Bancao during the COVID-19 pandemic, a gathering place for motorcycle enthusiasts and locals. Before joining GrabFood, customers ordered by phone and staff had to find a rider, which often delayed deliveries. GrabFood now brings delivery fees, estimated delivery times, and online payments onto a single platform.

"As a business grows, it is important to factor in technology. As a restaurant, we need to find ways to serve customers better through technology. More and more people are also now finding ordering more convenient than visiting a physical store, so we need to be able to bridge that gap," said Gladys Abad, 100% Cafe Moto's operations manager.

Del Cusina, a family-owned buffet restaurant that started in Sabang, was severely damaged by Typhoon Odette in late 2021. The business was rebuilt and relocated to the South National Highway in Tiniguiban.

"Our journey has taught us that running a small business means being ready to adapt. After Typhoon Odette, rebuilding and relocating was a major challenge. As we rebuilt and reintroduced our food, we realized we could also give customers the gift of convenience by partnering with GrabFood," said Dayan Jardin, Del Cusina’s Dining Supervisor. The partnership immediately lifted the restaurant's sales by up to 30 percent, with GrabFood delivery orders continuing to grow relative to walk-in orders.

Building an ecosystem for MSME growth

Grab Asenso's partnership with ITC runs through the agency's Digital PINAS program, which builds MSMEs' technology and AI capabilities and tracks how digital adoption translates into business growth.

GrabFood merchant-partners and fellow community business owners work through hands-on exercises during ITC-led modules on digital content strategy and branding.

Through the end of 2026, ITC will bring expert-led masterclasses to Learning Caravans in regional cities nationwide, along with a merchant monitoring framework that measures business results. Sessions follow Digital PINAS' hands-on format, covering digital business profiles, online presence, brand and marketing content, creative platforms, and AI for streamlining operations.

"MSMEs are the backbone of our local economies. They create jobs, sustain families, and drive the growth of cities like Puerto Princesa," said RJ Cabaluna, vice president for Cities at Grab Philippines. "Empowering them is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient Philippine economy. Our partnership does not end when a store goes live on GrabFood. We are committed to growing alongside our merchants and the communities they serve, widening their access to technology, know-how, and opportunity so they can compete and thrive in the digital economy."

Long Desk Days Made More Comfortable: Logitech Introduces Signature Comfort Plus Lineup

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Logitech today announced the launch of Signature Comfort Plus, the newest addition to Logitech’s Signature Series of everyday tools designed for modern work and life. Signature Comfort Plus is designed for long days at the desk where work and personal tasks overlap. It reduces the small, repeated friction of constant switching between your tasks and devices, and makes work-life smoother across the day through enhanced comfort, quieter mouse clicks, and simple controls. The new comfort-focused lineup includes the Signature Comfort Plus M850 L mouse with palm cushion support and the MK880 keyboard and mouse combo. The lineup also includes the M840 L mouse without a palm cushion.

“Filipino professionals are balancing more throughout the day, often shifting between work, personal tasks, and everything in between,” said Sally Yu, Head of Distribution and Retail at Logitech Philippines. “When you spend that much time at your desk, even the smallest interruptions can add up. Signature Comfort Plus is designed to take some of that friction away, with thoughtful touches that help make the workday feel quieter, more comfortable, and easier to navigate.”

Built for long, full desk days

Signature Comfort Plus is designed to enhance comfort and everyday ease. The M850 L mouse debuts Logitech’s palm cushion design, paired with a sculpted right-hand shape and rubber side grips for a more relaxed feel over long hours. Real-world tested by professionals, the palm cushion is tuned for the kind of long desk days people actually have. The MK880 keyboard features deep cushioned keys, a dual-foam palm rest, and curved typing angles designed for extended desk sessions.

Together, they support more comfortable hand positioning and quieter mouse clicks, with Easy-Switch across up to three devices plus customizable shortcuts, meeting controls, and AI launch access.

Ready for Business

Signature Comfort Plus lineup is also adapted for enterprise deployment at scale. Signature Comfort Plus for Business combines employee comfort with secure connectivity and simplified fleet management. The Logi Bolt USB-C receiver is included for secure, reliable connectivity in high-density environments. Devices can be monitored through Logitech Sync*, giving IT teams centralized visibility into device and firmware status. Multi-OS compatibility, quiet operation, and customizable controls support employee productivity without adding IT complexity. With global availability and customer support, it’s built to scale seamlessly across your workforce.

*Logitech’s device management platform that provides a secure and scalable approach to remotely manage Logitech devices. Requires Logi Tune downloaded on individual devices.

Designed for Sustainability

Signature Comfort Plus is developed in line with Design for Sustainability principles. Plastic parts in the Comfort Plus lineup contain between 49% and 77% certified post-consumer recycled plastic, depending on the color, helping enhance circularity and lower the products’ carbon footprint. Products ship in FSC™-certified paper packaging and are designed for long battery life, reducing the frequency of battery changes.

Key features

• Cushion-first comfort design: Logitech’s first palm cushion mouse paired with a keyboard featuring a soft, dual-layer foam palm rest and naturally curved typing angles.

• Quiet productivity experience: Silent mouse clicks and lower noise typing help reduce distraction in shared and hybrid workspaces.

• Multi-device, multi-OS compatibility: It works seamlessly across operating systems with a multi-OS layout, and allows users to switch typing between up to three devices; your work computer, home laptop, tablet, or phone, using Easy-Switch keys.

• Customizable controls with Logi Options+ and Logi Tune: With the Logi Options+ App, users can personalize their keyboard experience, assigning Smart Actions to automate common tasks, or using the AI Launch Key to instantly access preferred tools like Copilot, Gemini, or ChatGPT. With Logi Tune, users can assign functions for Zoom Workplace and Microsoft Teams applications.

• Long-lasting, multi-year battery life: Up to three-year keyboard battery life and up to two-year mouse battery life.

Core technical highlights

Mouse*

• Palm cushion support design
• Right-hand sculpted shape with rubber side grips
• Silent clicking and scrolling
• SmartWheel precision and fast scrolling
• Customizable buttons via Logi Options+
• Actions ring direct access via Logi options+
• Easy-Switch multi-device connectivity (up to 3 devices)
• Multi-OS compatibility
• Up to two-year battery life

Keyboard

• Dual-foam palm rest and curved typing angles
• Adjustable typing angles (0°, 4°, 8°)
• Deep cushioned keys
• Easy-Switch keys (connect and type on up to 3 devices)
• Multi-OS layout (Windows/macOS/ChromeOS)
• Customizable AI Launch Key
• Supported by Logi Options+
• Spill-resistant design
• Up to three-year battery life

*Signature comfort plus M840 L variant will have all the same features as above without the palm cushion

Business version

• Logi Bolt USB-C secure wireless receiver
• Compatible with Logitech Sync device management
• Enterprise deployment support

Pricing and availability

The Signature Comfort Plus M850 L palm cushion mouse and MK880 combo will be available starting August 2026 through Logitech’s authorized retail partners and on logitech.com for PHP 2,995 and PHP 6,295 respectively. Meanwhile, the M840 L non-cushion mouse is an online exclusive for Lazada and Shopee priced at PHP 2,595. All products will be offered in Graphite, Off-White, and Black colorways, with more color variants available by region and channel. Availability and configurations may vary. For more information, please visit Logitech’s official website or follow Logitech on Facebook.

The End of Season Sale is here! Get ready to score UP TO 85% OFF on selected CHERRY favorites!

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CHERRY Philippines is rolling out great discounts with its CHERRY End of Season Sale. Up to 85% off on Smartphones, Kitchen & Home appliances, Lifestyle, and Personal essentials from October 1-18, 2026.

For Gen Z, Moms, Gadget lovers, Students, Condo Dwellers, Start-up Families, Smart Home Enthusiasts, start visit the stores today to grab your preferred gadgets and lifestyle appliances before stocks run out.

The CHERRY sale will be available in-store at selected CHERRY Concept Stores: SM MOA, Megamall, and Robinsons Manila, from October 1-18.

Don’t miss out these top deals to watch out for:

PARTICIPATING ITEM                                              SRP      SALE PRICE    %DISCOUNT

Participating Items	SRP	Sale Price	% Discount
Flare Y7 Pro	₱2,999	₱1,200	60%
Flare S8 Deluxe	₱3,599	₱1,450	60%
Flare S8 Pro	₱3,999	₱1,999	50%
Flare S8 Max	₱4,999	₱1,999	60%
Aqua Infinity	₱5,999	₱2,999	50%
Aqua S11 Pro	₱7,999	₱3,999	50%
Cherry Ashtray Air Purifier	₱3,000	₱1,000	67%
Cherry Ion	₱999	₱   350	65%
Cherry Wall Fan	₱1,990	₱1,200	40%
Cherry G-Spectra Mini Multi-speaker	₱1,100	₱500	55%
Cherry Levitating Speaker	₱4,990	₱1,500	70%
Cherry Portable Shoe Dryer	₱1,990	₱1,200	40%
Cherry Lint Remover	₱1,090	₱300	72%
CherryHome Smart Knee Wrap	₱3,499	₱700	80%
CherryHome Smart Neck Wrap	₱2,499	₱700	72%
CherryHome Smart Bullet Camera S3	₱2,250	₱999	56%
CherryHome R2 Wi-Fi Extender	₱599	₱200	67%
CherryHome R1 Wi-fi Stick	₱399	₱100	75%
Cherry Floss and Go	₱1,990	₱1,200	40%
CORE Flask 22oz	₱790	₱350	56%
CORE Flask 30oz	₱1,299	₱500	62%
CherryHome Smokeless Easy BBQ Grill	₱4,990	₱2,500	50%

PARTICIPATING ITEM                                                                  SRP     SALE PRICE    %DISCOUNT

CherryHome Smokeless Easy BBQ Grill Deluxe	₱6,990	₱3,000	57%
Cherry Food Cleaner	₱3,390	₱500	85%
Cherry Home Food Warmer	₱4,990	₱2,500	50%
Cherry GR100 Easy Smokeless BBQ Grill Silver	₱2,990	₱2,700	10%
Cherry Instant Hot Water Dispenser	₱3,890	₱1,500	61%
Cherry Vertical Rotating Rotisserie Black	₱6,990	₱3,500	50%
Cherry 6L Instant Pot	₱5,990	₱3,600	40%
C Play Wired Stereo Dynamic Headphones		₱100
Cherry SWAF01 Smartwatch Active Fit	₱1,650	₱699	58%
Micro SD Memory Card D Power 8GB Blister Class 10		₱100
Nitro Gan Pro 67W Charger	₱1,200	₱560	53%
Nitro Port Car Charger NPC20	₱149	₱80	46%
Cherry Soundlens	₱1,490	₱899	40%
Cherry High Speed Ice Cooling Fan (BUY 1, TAKE 1)	₱3,000	₱1,500	50%
PC-100 Pyxis USB Cable 2 and 1		₱20
Cherry SBT01 Sanrio Portable Bluetooth Speaker	₱750	₱450	40%
Cherry Home Air Purifier AP-01	₱3,500	₱1,500	57%
Cherry Home Air Purifier AP-02	₱5,700	₱2,500	56%
SMART BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR - SBP01	₱3,659	₱1,800	51%
CherryHome Smart Battery Cam	₱4,449	₱2,200	51%
CherryHome_Vid Doorbell	₱3,650	₱1,800	51%
CherryPet_UV Fountain	₱4,890	₱2,400	51%
CherryPet_UV Wand	₱1,990	₱500	75%

Cherry Philippines always bring the convenience of IoT, smart devices, from switches and sockets to cameras and locks and even home appliances, to every home at an affordable and discounted prices.

#CHERRYEndOfSeasonSale

GCash wins Philippine Quill Awards for sustainability and digital safety campaigns

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Driven by its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and social impact, GCash took home two Merit awards and one Excellence distinction at the prestigious 2026 Philippine Quill Awards.

The recognitions highlight the company’s tangible impact on Filipinos: from mobilizing 12,000 runners for climate action to reaching over 1.5 million people with engaging scam awareness campaigns on social media.

From left: GCash public affairs and CSR manager Mabel Niala, VP for corporate communications & public affairs Gilda Maquilan and external affairs manager Jerome Lantin

Turning everyday transactions into real trees

Transforming Everyday Digital Behaviors into Environmental Impact: Through GForest, routine actions like sending money, paying bills, and making transactions allow users to collect energy points to plant virtual trees. In turn, GCash, its partners and local communities plant real trees on the ground, helping restore critical ecosystems while supporting sustainable local livelihoods.

Cutting through scam tactics before they cause harm

GCash was also honored with a Merit Award in the Communication Skills Division (Audio/Visual) for its campaign against SMS spoofing scams. Faced with rising threats from International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher technology, the company turned a complex fraud tactic into a simple, memorable rule: “Basta may link, ‘wag mong i‑click! "Animated, bite‑sized videos made scam awareness instinctive, reaching more than 1.5 million users organically and driving a 22.6% engagement rate—over four times the industry benchmark.

A digital ecomovement brought to life by 12,000 runners and 128,000 trees

“Driving Collective Climate Action Through GForest and EcoRun.” was awarded the Excellence in Communication Management (CSR). This initiative bridged digital engagement with real-world impact. The initiative mobilized 12,000 race participants to fund mangrove restoration and plant 76,000 trees and mangroves nationwide. Supported by corporate sponsorships that contributed an additional 52,000 trees, the project reached a total of 128,000 trees, demonstrating how digital mobilization can scale into tangible environmental outcomes alongside NGOs, universities, and merchant partners.

The real measure of impact

Taken together, these campaigns show how communication can move beyond awareness to inspire measurable change.

“For us, these recognitions are not just about winning awards—they are about proving that communication can drive real, positive change in people’s lives,” said GCash vice president for corporate sustainability and communication Michelle Fernandez. “Whether it’s protecting families from scams or mobilizing communities for climate action, we see every campaign as part of a larger responsibility to make digital innovation meaningful for Filipinos.”

These recognitions reflect the role of communications in shaping everyday behavior, from encouraging safer choices and greater awareness of risks to promoting more responsible practices that benefit both people and the environment.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Rediscover the Joy of Sleep at Solaire Resort Quezon City

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More rest equals more fun in Quezon City's first and only luxury integrated resort.

One of the most anticipated moments of every hotel stay happens when guests finally slip beneath the sheets. At Solaire Resort Quezon City, sleep is more than part of a nightly routine; it is key to a luxurious experience, a well-deserved reward, and one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a staycation.

The interiors of Solaire Resort Quezon City's accommodations set the perfect environment for a good night's rest

Across 526 luxurious accommodations, the five-star luxury integrated resort transforms bedtime into something worth looking forward to. From the moment guests enter their room, the pace slows with a view of the city's skyline framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The sophisticated interiors designed by internationally acclaimed hospitality design firm Habitus Group create a calming sanctuary above the urban bustle.

The experience continues with carefully selected sleep amenities designed to maximize comfort. Guests can sink into premium 38-centimeter-thick mattresses crafted specifically for Solaire Resort, with innovative pocketed coil technology and luxurious fabrics that provide exceptional support and minimizing disturbances throughout the night. Plush hypoallergenic pillows, sourced from a luxury bedding specialist known for premium white goose down and fine fabrics, cradle guests in cloud-like comfort, creating the perfect setting for uninterrupted rest.

A soothing bath, a refreshing shower, the ideal room temperature, and the inviting embrace of crisp linens all work together to create the ultimate sleep environment. Before long, guests find themselves drifting into deep, restorative slumber.

Sink into the plush mattresses of Solaire Resort Quezon City, with specially crafted beds that provide exceptional support and minimize disturbances throughout the night

After a night of exceptional rest, guests awaken feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to dive into the adventures Solaire Resort Quezon City has to offer. A leisurely breakfast, an afternoon of wellness and relaxation, indulgent dining experiences, vibrant entertainment, or a lively evening with friends all become even more enjoyable when fueled by a great night's sleep.

At Solaire Resort Quezon City, every memorable experience begins with feeling your best. Whether you're planning a wellness escape or a weekend of dining and entertainment, the resort invites guests to discover the simple joy of sleeping well and waking up ready for fun.

Come for the luxury, stay for the sleep, and wake up ready to experience the very best of Solaire Resort Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, visit https://sn.solaireresort.com/rooms-suites, email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com, or call +63 2 8888 8888. Solaire Rewards members enjoy discounts on hotel stays, dining, and experience offers.

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About Solaire Resort Quezon City

Solaire Resort Quezon City is Solaire’s second integrated luxury resort in the Philippines and the first five-star integrated resort in Quezon City. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s largest city, it brings together luxury hospitality, world-class gaming, exceptional dining, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, and stands among Quezon City’s premier lifestyle destinations.

The resort features 526 elegantly designed rooms and suites, four gaming levels catering to both mass and VIP guests, 14 restaurants and bars, and versatile meeting and event spaces spanning 1,700 square meters. Guests can unwind at the expansive wellness center, 50-meter L-shaped swimming pool and water park, enjoy pickleball and basketball at the Outdoor Fitness Deck, or spend quality family time at the multi-level Kids Club. As day turns to night, the resort comes alive with dynamic entertainment experiences, from live performances at Quezon Club to panoramic evenings at Skybar.

Renowned for its warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences, Solaire Resort Quezon City continues to redefine luxury, entertainment, and leisure in the heart of Quezon City.

For more information, visit sn.solaireresort.com.