Tagbilaran City Introduces a State-of-the-Art Emergency Response System, Leading Bohol's Safety and Tourism Development

“We are expecting foreign tourist arrival to swell for our upcoming and famous celebration, the Saulog Festival on April 27 that will be highlighted by colorful street dancing and a ritual showdown competition. It is only fitting for Tagbilaran to welcome all its visitors and its residents into a city that can give them peace of mind because it can assure an efficient emergency response when needed, ensuring their safety is a priority for me. A well-coordinated and effective emergency response builds public confidence in what local authorities can do in the face of emergencies and calls for help. It is our duty to protect our constituents and all who visit our City. Peace and order and protection, these are the cornerstones of public service.” ~Mayor Jane Yap, Tagbilaran City Mayor 

Bohol Island's capital, Tagbilaran City, also known as Friendship City and a popular tourist destination in the south, is now proud to be the "First City" in the province to use cutting-edge technology to transform its emergency response capabilities.

Using a contemporary emergency communication system modeled after and based in the United States, Tagbilaran community Mayor Jane Yap broke the good news of the 911 Emergency Hotline's activation for her community on April 25.

According to Mayor Yap, the port city, which is a major entry point for both passengers and freight, receives a significant number of visitors from Manila and other southern locations.  According to recent statistics, under her direction, Tagbilaran City has experienced steady annual tourism growth of about 30% for the last three years, and its historical monuments, beaches, and natural features have made it a popular travel destination.

The Mayor and the City Council decided to upgrade Tagbilaran's emergency response system because they wanted to offer top-notch public safety to both residents and visitors.  Additionally, it was a direct answer to the request made by Juanito Victor Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, that all local government entities strive toward a single emergency response system.

Mayor Yap commended the current administration and the DILG for their vision and sincere efforts to enhance public safety around the country.  According to her, a single emergency response system will enhance coordination and communication, expedite decision-making, facilitate resource allocation, avoid effort duplication, lessen confusion, and provide emergency callers the quick response and easy access they need.

Now, Tagbilaran's emergency response command center can locate callers quickly and accurately, record all calls, interact with other systems and communication devices flawlessly, and guarantee nearly simultaneous, prompt arrival at the disaster scene.  With its ability to interact with CCTV systems, employ data-driven analytics, detect and minimize spoof calls, and now be available through popular social media apps like Facebook and Messenger, "911" in Tagbilaran will be readily available, dependable, and simple for everyone to use.

This is a game changer for our City, studies show the safety of cities directly affects GDP. Safe cities attract more tourists and business investments. Our administration will continue to attack and reduce the crime rate in Tagbilaran. We will not stop until Tagbilaran becomes one of the safest cities in the Philippines.

Jigoro is Manila’s Red Bull Dance Your Style Regional Qualifier

“I’m so happy and it’s all worth it. Being a full-time dancer, (this is) a big feat for me. Despite the fierce competition on the battle stage, all the love from my fellow competitors is really one of the most memorable things to me about the competition.” ~Jigoro

During the Manila Qualifier held at XYLO at The Palace on April 25, Red Bull Dance Your Style energized the streets of Manila with yet another round of intense dance competitions.  For a highly sought-after position at the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final in Cebu, the best freestyle dancers from Manila and the surrounding areas engaged in intense one-on-one competitions.

The event was made even more enjoyable and exciting by the fact that the regional qualification fell with the Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour's visit in the Philippines.

The City’s Finest Shine at the Red Bull Dance Your Style Manila Qualifier

Another thrilling competition took place in Manila, where the best dancers in the area competed in a regional qualifier, showcasing their inventiveness, improvisation, and freestyling skills to a variety of randomly chosen songs.  In typical Red Bull Dance Your Style flair, Jigoro was declared the winner after the audience had the last say in who advanced to the next round.

Jigoro also cites the support from his friends and the support from his community for his drive during the competition. For Jigoro, the highlight of his Red Bull Dance Your Style experience is the local dance community’s support for each other.  

In addition, Jigoro receives a ticket to the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final, which gives them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the Philippines in the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Los Angeles, USA.  The finalists for the National Final will be Jigoro and EBOY, the runners-up from the Manila Qualifier, as well as SUJI and SPADECKX from the Davao Qualifier.

Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour Lights Up Manila’s Dance Scene

Manila became a dance hub as Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour landed in the Philippines. Vietnamese Popping sensation and 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion MT Pop came to Manila to immerse in the local dance scene and connect with the emerging talent in the Philippines. This gave the global and local street dancers a rare opportunity to come together and help elevate street dance in Asia. Japanese Hip-Hop dancer and 2022 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion THE D Soraki, as well as Korean Waacking queen and 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style Korea National Finalist Yoon Ji joined MT Pop for the Manila stop of the tour.

“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve really been wanting to come to the Philippines, and a lot of dancers from here have been messaging me to ask when I will come here. Finally, I’m in the Philippines and I’m really happy to be here. Immediately, everybody has given us such a warm welcome and shown us a lot of love. I’m from Vietnam, and I’m happy to get a chance to spotlight great dancers from Southeast Asia and share the stage with them. Just keep going. Keep learning. Everybody has had (their share of) difficulties, but for me what’s important is that when we love it, we do it. Dream it. Wish it. And, do it. The final battle was really fire. And with everybody vibing here, with good music, it really was the perfect night.” ~MT Pop

For MT Pop, the chance to encounter dancers in Southeast Asia is the most important thing about the Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour. 

The global dancers were also in attendance during the Red Bull Dance Your Style Manila Qualifier. MT Pop’s rise from a local street dancer in Vietnam to a global champion underscores how Red Bull Dance Your Style opens doors for dancers. Red Bull Dance Your Style highlights freestyle dance as a universal art expression that can connect communities from all over the world.

All Eyes on Cebu for the Next Battle Wave

The Red Bull Dance Your Style journey does not stop in Manila as the competition gears up for its qualifier round in Cebu. Another set of elite dancers are challenged to bring their best moves to secure their spot in the National Finals and stand a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly out to Los Angeles, USA to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final this October 11.

 

To join the Cebu Qualifiers, register through THIS link. Catch the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals in Cebu on May 24. Visit Red Bull’s website to register and get your tickets.

 

Follow MT Pop and the rest of the global dancers’ journey across Asia with the Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour. Support the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finalists as they prepare to go head-to-head in Cebu this May.

 

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok)

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for dancing.

Top Honors at the 2025 Toyota Supplier Conference Go to 2GO

“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards, especially the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award. This recognition is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team, who continuously strive to exceed expectations in integrity, reliability, efficiency, and service excellence. Our partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence, and we look forward to continuing this successful collaboration.” ~Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Vice President/Business Unit Head, 2GO Sea Solutions

2GO received five major recognitions from automotive giant Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, including the 2024 Most Outstanding Performer – Shipping Line (Large Category), the Capacity and Service Enhancement Award, the 2024 Shipment Compliance Key Performance Indicator, the 2024 Safety Key Performance Indicator, and, most recently, the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award.

During the 2025 Toyota Supplier Conference and 25th Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly, which took place at the Grand Hyatt Manila, 2GO, the top shipping and logistics solutions provider in the Philippines, proudly accepted the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award.  In support of the massive automobile company Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, in particular, this honor highlights 2GO's ongoing dedication to dependability, operational excellence, efficiency, and exceptional customer service in the logistics sector.

The team is a notable partner in Toyota Motor Philippines' vast supply chain network due to its reliable performance and compliance with Toyota's service requirements.

From left to right: Joseph Pescador, Sales Manager, 2GO Sea Solutions; Sherwin Chua-Lim, Senior Vice President, Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation; Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Vice President/Business Unit Head, 2GO Sea Solutions; Cecil Perez-Valle, AVP, Head of Commercial Sales, 2GO Sea Solutions; Cherry Lyn Bolanos, Vice President, Vehicle Logistics Department, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation; and Mark Diomampo, Sales Manager, 2GO Sea Solutions.

The 2024 Most Outstanding Performer – Shipping Line (Large Category), the Capacity & Service Enhancement Award, the 2024 Shipment Compliance Key Performance Indicator, and the 2024 Safety Key Performance Indicator Award were among the four awards that 2GO received at the 2025 Annual Vehicle Logistics Conference in addition to this significant honor.  The 2GO Sea Solutions team's strategic initiatives to maximize capacity, meet KPIs, and prioritize efficiency and safety in all facets of shipping operations are reflected in these honors.

Two important occasions in the calendar of the automotive industry are the annual Toyota Supplier Conference and the Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly.  These events, which are hosted by Toyota Motor Philippines, commemorate and celebrate the accomplishments of important logistical partners and suppliers.  The event was even more notable in 2025 because it coincided with the Toyota Supplier Club's 25th anniversary.  It follows Toyota's historic 2024 performance, in which the company sold 218,019 cars and gained a dominant 47% market share, securing its 23rd straight Triple Crown as the top brand in the Philippine auto sector in terms of sales, manufacturing, and exports.

The company's strategy focus on service excellence, efficiency, and innovation is demonstrated by 2GO's 2024 performance and 2025 recognition.  As a reliable logistics partner of Toyota and other top companies, 2GO keeps pushing the boundaries of maritime transportation and logistics services in the nation.

For more information, please visit 2go.com.ph.

Wear an Apron and get a FREE Chicken McDo on April 28!

In honor of the launch of their Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo, McDonald's Philippines is giving away a complimentary chicken McDo to all of its patrons nationwide!  

The offer, which will take place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on April 28, 2025, is McDonald's attempt to give more people a chance to try the tastier, juicier Chicken McDo for themselves.  The complimentary chicken McDo is only available to customers wearing aprons once; subsequent purchases are not permitted.

How to get your FREE Chicken McDo?

1. Just wear ANY apron—printed or plain!
2. Go to any McDonald’s store nationwide from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
3. Claim your free Chicken McDo and enjoy the much pinasarap experience!

McDonald's is using this one-day promotion to let everyone experience the difference and discover why the upgraded Chicken McDo is capturing people's hearts (and palates) across the nation.

To know more, visit: https://tinyurl.com/FREEChickenMcDoPromo

Don’t miss out—get your apron ready and taste the Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo for FREE!

Promo runs on April 28, 2025 from 2:00–4:00 PM only.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-222320, Series of 2025

For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow @McDo.ph on Facebook, and @McDo_ph on Instagram.

Bounty Fresh's "Baon Food" campaign aims to make preparing wholesome meals easier and effectively communicate the Pinoy love language

Food is the love language of Filipinos, who are loving and kind people.  Kumain ka na ba?  is the most common query posed to relatives and visitors. They typically have a pabaon when they leave home.  One aspect of the culture of nurture is the practice of packing a lunch to take to work, school, or leisure activities. 

Bounty Fresh developed "Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh," a collection of various product lines intended to make prepared meals simpler and more convenient, in recognition of this charming Pinoy characteristic and the fast-paced nature of modern life.  Easy baon can now be prepared as tasty, portable "ulam" to be consumed out of the house or as hunger-soothing snacks.

The initiative directly addresses the need of parents, partners, students and professionals to prepare convenient, flavorful, and fresh packed meals to take to school, work or on long or short trips. It underscores the company’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality food solutions that fit the busy lifestyles of modern Filipinos.

Preparing fresh, tasty, and quick packed meals to take to work, school, or on short or long journeys is a need that the program directly addresses for parents, partners, students, and professionals.  It emphasizes the business's dedication to offering affordable, superior culinary options that accommodate contemporary Filipinos' hectic schedules.

A variety of breaded chicken items manufactured from 100% chicken meat are available as "Crispy and Crunchy Options." These include Nuggets, Sticks, Chicken Popcorn, Mixed Shape Nuggets, and Chomps. They are tasty and convenient options for a quick snack or as part of a bigger meal.

For those who prefer to cook from scratch, there are also "Baon Essentials"—premium, golden yolk Premium Eggs that can start the day with a protein-rich meal in and of themselves—as well as a variety of fresh chicken cuts that are raised with No Antibiotics Ever, including whole and marinated options.

"We understand the daily juggling act our consumers face. Preparing baon should not be a source of stress. Through 'Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh,' we are providing practical solutions that allow individuals and families to enjoy fresh, delicious meals, no matter how packed or busy their schedule is. Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh” initiative aligns with Bounty Fresh's broader "The One You Deserve" thrust that emphasizes the company's dedication to supporting consumers in making healthy and convenient food choices. The launch comes at a time when, according to a recent study by Food Industry Asia (FIA), 81% of Filipinos recognize their personal responsibility in maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Bounty Fresh aims to bridge the gap between this desire and the realities of time-constrained meal preparation.” ~Stephanie Guerrero, Vice President for Marketing of Bounty Plus Inc.

Bounty Fresh additionally highlights its position as a reliable supplier of freshness and quality in the market for chicken products.  This dedication is furthered by the "Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh" campaign, which provides easily accessible and practical solutions for daily meal preparation.

Customers are urged to look into the variety of Bounty Fresh products to see how they may enjoy delectable, worry-free baon every day and streamline their meal preparation processes.

The "Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh" items are currently offered at bountyfreshmarket.ph as well as at all of the country's top supermarkets and online grocery stores.

About Bounty Fresh:

Bounty Fresh is one of the leading providers of fresh and processed poultry and meat products in the Philippines. Committed to quality, freshness, and innovation, Bounty Fresh offers a wide range of products to meet the diverse needs of Filipino consumers. With a focus on making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable, Bounty Fresh continues to be a trusted name in Filipino households.

"Taralets para sa Tubig!" Nature Walk and Fun Run at La Mesa Ecopark

“This Earth Day, let's create ripples of action that flow forward for a water-secure nation.” ~Salvador M. Royeca, PAWD President  emphasizing the importance of united efforts in protecting the country’s water sources

The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD), under the direction of PAWD President Salvador M. Royeca, are collaborating with LWUA Chairman Ronnie L. Ong to celebrate World Earth Day 2025 by inviting everyone to participate in the “Taralets para sa Tubig!” On April 27, 2025, there will be a nature walk and fun run at Quezon City's La Mesa Ecopark.

In addition to government organizations and non-governmental organizations, the event also engages the private sector and the general public in a community activity aimed at increasing awareness of water security and conservation.  All ages and fitness levels are welcome to participate in the three categories: 1.5K nature walk, 3K run, and 5K trail run.

WeKenRun will be in charge of race organization and logistics to guarantee an enjoyable and secure community walk and run.  WeKenRun, a reputable brand in the running community, was founded by Coach Ken Mendola, a USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach, and serves runners of all skill levels by providing specialized coaching programs, training schedules, and community runs.  Their participation ensures "Taralets para sa Tubig! will be more than just a race; for all participants, it will be a memorable, safe, and significant event.

The initiative affirms the shared mission of PAWD and LWUA to promote environmental sustainability and achieve water security for generations to come. Held at La Mesa Ecopark—Metro Manila’s primary watershed and a symbol of ecological protection—the event underlines the vital role that natural ecosystems play in securing the nation’s water future. 

“This event reflects our collective commitment to sustainability and to building a future where every Filipino has access to safe, clean, and reliable water. We invite everyone to walk, run, and act with purpose.” ~Ronnie L. Ong, LWUA Chairman 

More than just a nature walk or a fun run, “Taralets para sa Tubig!” is a symbol of solidarity and action, reminding us that every step we take today can lead to a more sustainable tomorrow.

Be part of this meaningful Earth Day celebration that unites communities, advocates, and changemakers in the mission to protect our most precious resource—water.

For more information and registration details, visit  https://myruntime.com/register/taralets-para-sa-tubig

Finding the best water closet for varying bathroom needs

Although water closets may have a uniform appearance, the "one size fits all" theory may not always hold true, particularly when taking into account the many individual needs of clients. For example, houses with children may need toilets that are compact in size and ideal for their stature. Likewise, houses with elderly might demand smart toilets with automatic lid opening and closing, automatic flushing, and even night light to assure their safety and convenience in the bathroom.

With the different needs of customers in mind, INAX, the leading sanitary brand in Japan, suggests water closets that might be ideal for your own homes:

Smart toilet for the modern bathroom

The solution to your contemporary bathroom's appeal is an INAX smart toilet.  Among their many exceptional features are automatic cleaning, deodorizing, and flushing, which are perfect for both kids and the elderly.  These smart toilets are also equipped with effective anti-fouling Aqua Ceramic technology with anti-splash foam, cushion, Plasmacluster technology to kill bacteria in the bowl, deodorizing air shield, and an integrated electric pump for a forceful flush that sweeps away all filth.  These water closets have automatic lid opening and shutting, nightlights, and heated chairs for added convenience and security.  If smart toilets are what you’re looking for, check out the INAX SARAS, Satis G and Satis S.

Safety first for children’s toilet

A water closet that is both safe and comfortable for children may be necessary for households with children.  Therefore, take into consideration toilets that are 150–250 mm high from floor to seat, 200–350 mm wide, and 450–600 mm deep.  The toilet is appropriate for your child's size because it falls within this optimal size range.

Maximize space with one-piece toilet

One-piece INAX toilets may be a perfect fit for anyone with a large bathroom.  They are usually sized 720-780mm in length, 370-480mm in width, and 630-700mm in height with a 180-300mm discharge center, making them larger than two-piece toilets.  Typically, their water tanks and seats are joined to create a single block.  Plaque buildup in the gaps is reduced by this kind of construction, which facilitates quicker and easier toilet cleaning.

In addition to these characteristics, INAX one-piece toilets come with innovations like Aqua Ceramic enamel, which keeps a long-lasting, glossy surface free of filth and residue after usage.  forceful vortex or forceful siphon flushing with two degrees of large or little flushing to save water are among its flushing technologies.  The S100, S200, S400, and S600 one-piece toilets all feature these improvements.

Convenience in two-piece toilets

INAX two-piece toilets are the solution for people who want ease of installation.  Normally sized 720 to 780mm in length, 360 to 440mm in width, and 720 to 800mm in height, and featuring a 300mm escape distance, each section of the two-piece toilet may easily be replaced when damaged without the need to replace the entire toilet.

The INAX two-piece toilets, including the AC-602VN, AC-514VAN, and AC-832VN, employ a bright, dirt-resistant surface made of Aqua Ceramic enamel technology.  In order to prevent noisy opening and shutting, it also features a soft-closing lid.  Furthermore, these INAX two-piece toilets include a powerful siphon flushing mechanism that uses powerful vortex flushing technology to swiftly remove any stains.

The practicality of wall-hung toilets

Wall-hung closets from INAX are ideal for customers who want a simple or uncomplicated bathroom design.  Their wall-mounted design maximizes floor space for a larger bathroom, and their no-base feature makes cleaning easier and more convenient.

Modern wall-mounted tanks with powerful vortex flushing technology and two incredibly affordable large or small flush levels that remove all stains are the hallmark of the INAX wall-hung toilets.  These wall-mounted toilets have smooth, easily cleaned rims and soft-closing lids.

From safety, hygiene and convenience to versatile modern designs, there’s a wide variety of water closets from INAX that answer the unique needs of its customers.

For more updates on INAX, visit www.inax.com.ph and follow on Facebook and on Instagram.

About INAX

INAX is a Japanese brand that manufactures innovative sanitary ware and artistic ceramic tiles. The history of INAX can be traced back over 100 years when our forefathers worked on producing the tiles for the second main building of the Imperial Hotel designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. By determining the properties of clay and the impact of fire, through numerous trials, we succeeded in the large-scale production of decorative tiles, which became the foundation of INAX. Since then, we have continuously pursued to deliver products for new and better living, engaging in challenging innovations including the first made-in-Japan shower toilet, self-powered hands-free faucet, and interior tiles that freshen the air in the room. Meanwhile, we cultivated our skills to produce tiles that offer sophisticated expressions through delicate coloring and texture, gaining inspiration from Japanese tradition, culture, and the seasonal changes of nature. Our expressive and technical ability became visible through the tiles of the restored exterior tiles of St. Francesco’s church (built in 1963), designed by Italian architect, Gio Ponti. The installation was completed in 2008.

INAX creates beautiful, innovative bathrooms from Japan that make everyday life easier, healthier, and more enjoyable, enabling everyone to live well. www.inax.com

About LIXIL

LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry-leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. With approximately 75,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries, we are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

LIXIL Group Corporation (TSE Code: 5938) is the listed holding company for LIXIL’s portfolio of businesses.