Grab's #IbaAngSummer: Discover Hidden Gems & 5-Star Eats

Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda and Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Sherlene Batin lead the launch of the #GrabIbaAngSummer Campaign, spotlighting under-the-radar adventure and culinary spots across the Philippines

Yesterday, April 2nd, I had the privilege of attending the launch of Grab Philippines' exciting new campaign, #GrabIbaAngSummer.  The event, held at BGC Arts Center,  was buzzing with energy, showcasing Grab's commitment to enriching the Filipino summer experience beyond the typical beach trips and mall visits.

The campaign centers around two innovative features designed to unlock hidden travel and culinary gems across the Philippines:  GrabCar Travel Guide and GrabFood 5-Star Eats.

Unveiling Hidden Destinations with GrabCar Travel Guide: 

The GrabCar Travel Guide is a game-changer for spontaneous travelers.  Instead of endless scrolling through generic travel sites, this in-app feature curates emerging destinations based on real-time data – social media trends, search volume, and actual Grab ride activity. This means you're discovering places that are genuinely popular and trending, not just suggestions from an algorithm.

The categories are incredibly helpful: "Thrill Trips," "Staycation Hotspots," "Chow Zones," and "Caffeine Corners" make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, whether it's an adrenaline rush, a relaxing getaway, a culinary adventure, or simply a great cup of coffee.  The best part? Selecting a destination automatically sets it as your drop-off point – no more tedious address copying! 

“We wanted to simplify the way people discover and access these hyperlocal gems,” shares Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines Country Head.  “Filipinos are naturally curious and adventurous–this tool is designed to reflect that energy and reduce the friction between interest and action. Now, anyone can go from ‘I want to try this’ to ‘I’m already on my way’ in seconds.”

How It Works:

1. Open the Grab app and tap on the GrabCar icon.
2. Scroll down to find the GrabCar Travel Guide section.
3. Swipe through curated lists of must-visit spots such as Thrill Trips, Staycation Hotspots, Chow Zones, and Caffeine Corners
4. Choose an experience and it automatically becomes your drop-off point — no extra planning needed!

Savor the Unexpected with GrabFood 5-Star Eats:

GrabFood 5-Star Eats merchant-partners The Kind Cookie, Sugarbee, and Ceci Korean offer guests of the #GrabIbaAngSummer launch a taste of their most popular dishes.

Tired of the same old food delivery options? GrabFood 5-Star Eats elevates the food delivery experience by highlighting community-loved restaurants known for their quality, creativity, and service.  These aren't just algorithm-picked places; they've earned their spot through consistent high ratings and excellent delivery performance.  This focus on community favorites ensures a truly authentic and delicious experience.  At the launch, I had the chance to sample dishes from several 5-Star Eats partners, and the quality was truly impressive. 

To earn a spot in this coveted list, merchants must:

• Maintain a 4.5+ average customer rating; 
• Excel in delivery reliability and fulfillment
• Consistently receive stellar reviews from GrabFood users

These are the community MVPs of the local food scene—community culinary gems that deliver standout flavors, innovation, and an experience worth savoring.

How to Discover 5-Star Eats:

1. Open Grab and tap on the GrabFood tile.
2. Scroll and tap  “GrabFood 5-Star Eats” on the GrabFood homepage.
3. Browse top-rated recommendations and order with confidence.

More Than Just Rides and Food: The Grab Travel Pack:

Adding to the excitement, Grab also launched the Grab Travel Pack, a limited-time offer providing significant discounts on airport rides, GrabCar rides, GrabFood orders, and exclusive deals from partner brands like Agoda and Klook. For just P99, users get access to a bundle of discounts valid for 15 days:

• P200 off on Advance Booking for airport rides
• 10% off on GrabCar ride (capped at P50)
• P50 off on GrabFood with a P400 minimum spend
• Exclusive deals from Agoda, Klook, Smart, 2Go, and Havaianas

A Partnership for Philippine Tourism:

The event also highlighted the collaboration between Grab and the Department of Tourism.  Assistant Secretary Sherlene Batin emphasized the vital role Grab plays in making Philippine travel more accessible and enjoyable for both locals and tourists.  This partnership underscores the potential of technology in promoting local businesses and boosting tourism. 

The #GrabIbaAngSummer campaign is more than just a marketing initiative; it's a genuine effort to connect Filipinos with unique experiences and support local businesses.  The innovative features, combined with the attractive travel pack, make it an incredibly compelling offering.  I highly recommend downloading the Grab app and exploring the new features – you might just discover your next favorite hidden gem!

From Struggle to Success: Pampanguena rises above poverty, builds biz

Maryjoy Delara in front of her sari-sari store in San Fernando, Pampanga, which she has built up from a starting capital of P 5,000.

The saying goes that for every ‘hat’ a man wears, a woman wears two. The concept of a “work-life” balance appears to weigh more heavily on a woman as she’s expected to juggle domestic duties with a career. This rings true for Maryjoy Delara, an entrepreneur and a mother, who has been supporting her family since adolescence while still keeping her dreams alive. 

As she tells it, Maryjoy has been in the service of her family her whole life. Starting in the summer of her third year in high school, she has been selling dried fish to support her family in rural Bicol. With school out for two months, she had the idea to do a side hustle; while her mother discouraged her, she was determined to save up for school supplies for her siblings and herself. 

“Nag-isip pa rin ako ng paraan na magka-pera. Naisip ko may P 500 ako, bibili ako ng dilis, ipapatuyo ko tapos ibebenta ko. Nag-click naman yon. Yun yung tuloy tuloy na pinagmulan halagang P 500 hanggang magpasukan na, may pera ako pambili ng gamit. Sabi ko sa mama ko, ito na gamitin mo na pera naipon ko para sa gamit ko and sa mga kapatid ko,” she said. 

This inherent determination and can-do attitude carried Maryjoy through numerous obstacles, including the death of her mother, and compelled her to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur.  Maryjoy opened a sari-sari store in 2018 in San Fernando, Pampanga with her partner and built up enough business know-how to keep it going – even through the pandemic. 

“Naabutan kami ng pandemic – medyo natigil kami nung 2019 pero di kami sumuko. Patuloy pa rin po, hanggang nakabili kami una ng motor ng 2021 dahil sa sari-sari store na ito.  - buy and sell ng partner ko. Nagsimula ako ng puhunan ng P 5,000. Ngayon napalaki namin to more than P 50,000 may savings pa kami at insurance. Nabibili ko pa gusto ng mga anak ko,” Maryjoy proudly said. 

 

Maryjoy uses her S2S fiber prepaid connection to push sales, not just for her tawilis and tuyo business but also in her partner’s buy-and-sell business

Supporting her small business through the ups and downs is the Converge Surf2Sawa prepaid fiber, the most affordable product of Converge. Surf2Sawa, or S2S, offers quality connectivity for as low as P 50 for one day, up to P 700 for one month usable for 6 gadgets. The prepaid product offers unlimited (no data cap) connectivity, has no contract attached, and is priced at a level within reach of low-income Filipinos. 

S2S has not only helped Maryjoy secure more orders, but helps her manage the connectivity needs of her households, including the e-learning of her two kids.

“Malaki din po ang natipid namin sa S2S. Dati sa data, nakaka-P 2000 kada buwan kasi iilan ang cellphone namin dito. Mas okay nung nagpakabit kami ng S2S, tuloy tuloy na ang online class ng mga bata. Hindi na rin nagloloading, at unlimited pa. Pwedeng pwede na talaga ang P 700,” noted the 32-year old. 

Reflecting on her journey so far as an independent self-sufficient woman who has successfully built a small business, Maryjoy gleaned one pearl of wisdom: your circumstances shouldn’t define you.  

“Hindi ko akalain na maabot ko ang ganito, na dating walang wala din ako. Masaya pakiramdam ko na sa edad kong ito, may naipundar na ako. Hindi talaga hadlang ang kahirapan kung may pangarap ka,” she said.

Bebang Halo-Halo & Stuff'd: Two New Must-Try Restaurants at SM City Grand Central

SM City Grand Central just got exciting with two must-visit new spots at the mall. Whether you are craving an ice-cold, nostalgia-filled Filipino dessert or a globally inspired, flavor-packed meal, Bebang Halo-Halo and Stuff’d have got you covered. Located on the upper ground level, the newest dining gems offer something for every foodie—whether you are a dessert aficionado, a savory snack lover, or just looking for your next Instagram-worthy bite. 

Bebang Halo-Halo is not just about mixing ingredients in a bowl; it is about storytelling through flavors. Unlike your usual halo-halo, where the prized leche flan sits on top. Bebang Halo-Halo flips the script—literally—by tucking it at the bottom for a sweet, creamy finish. Each serving is a delightful layering of textures and flavors, all topped off with shaved frozen full cream milk that is so smooth, TikTokers liken it to Korean bingsu. Their best-selling Presidential Halo-Halo (P168) is an absolute feast, packed with macapuno, nata, langka, and other premium ingredients, while flavors like melon, mango, and buko pandan offer a refreshing alternative to the classic.  

Meanwhile, just a few steps away, Stuff’d is shaking up Caloocan’s food scene with its fusion of Mexican and Turkish flavors. The star of the menu? Their signature kebabs and burritos are generously packed with grilled chicken or beef chili con carne, fresh vegetables, and bold sauces like smoky BBQ or spicy habanero. If you are more of a light-but-filling eater, the pan-roasted quesadillas, layered with salsa and sour cream, are the perfect go-to. And for those who love building their own meals, the Daily Bowl lets you customize your plate with five toppings of your choice, ensuring every bite is uniquely yours. 

With Bebang Halo-halo’s inventive take on a Filipino favorite and Stuff’d’s fresh, flavor-packed wraps and bowls, SM City Grand Central is shaping up to be a go-to spot for foodies looking for exciting new eats. Whether you are cooling down with halo-halo or powering up with a burrito, one thing’s for sure—your next food trip just got a whole lot more delicious and exciting!

The Travel Club Sends OFWs Off with a Bang! Hundreds of Bags Donated!

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

Healthy Options' 35th Store: A Fresh Market Experience Awaits!

Healthy Options opens its 35th store at Greenhills Mall, introducing a fresh market concept designed by the renowned French agency, Stories.

Healthy living just got a little more exciting! Healthy Options, the country’s all-natural and organic retailer has opened its 35th store at Greenhills Mall, unveiling a fresh market concept that’s set to redefine your shopping experience. Designed by the internationally acclaimed French design agency Stories, this innovative space combines elegance and functionality, making your path to health and wellness enjoyable.

Adding to the store's modern vibe are Healthy Options’ first-ever self-checkout counters, offering a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience. Say goodbye to long lines and hello to convenience as you browse through shelves stocked with clean, natural, and nutritious products.

A Celebration of Health, Wellness and Community

The grand opening of its 35th store was a celebration of health, wellness, and community. Mayor Francis Zamora led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by founder and CEO Romy Sia and COO Belle Sison. The event was made even more special with the presence of wellness advocates, including Bubbles Paraiso, Troy Montero, and Sandy Riccio, who came together to support this exciting milestone.

The day was filled with excitement as guests were treated to an exclusive preview of the store's sustainable lifestyle offerings and inspiration for healthier living. 

“Healthy Options is more than just a store—it’s a community that empowers people to make better choices for their well-being. By offering high-quality wellness products, the new store furthers its mission to promote clean living and a culture of health and sustainability,” said Romy Sia, Founder and CEO of Healthy Options.

Celebrating health, wellness, and community at the grand opening of Healthy Options' 35th store! Mayor Francis Zamora led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by  founder and CEO Romy Sia, COO Belle Sison, and wellness advocates Bubbles Paraiso, Troy Montero, and Sandy Riccio.

Indulge Without the Guilt

What’s a celebration without delicious treats? Baking Therapy, the all-natural bakery by Healthy Options, unveiled its largest café inside the new Greenhills store. This cozy space offers a wide variety of indulgent yet guilt-free options, including artisanal gluten-free bread, no-sugar-added pastries, and other wholesome delights. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a healthy snack, there’s something here to satisfy every taste while staying true to your wellness goals.

A Mission That Matters

Healthy Options is more than just a store—it’s a commitment to inspiring healthier living and a better world. As the country’s leading all-natural retailer, it continues to promote clean, sustainable lifestyles through its carefully curated products and innovative store concepts.

“At Healthy Options, our mission is to educate, enlighten, and empower individuals to take control of their health and make the world a healthier and better place,” Sia added.

With this new store, Healthy Options encourages everyone to make small, everyday changes—like choosing clean ingredients and building better habits—that improve personal well-being while supporting a sustainable future.

As the country’s leading all-natural retailer, Healthy Options continues to promote sustainable lifestyles with carefully curated products and innovative store concepts

Located on the ground floor of Greenhills Mall, across from Hoshino Coffee, the new Healthy Options store invites you to explore a world of health and wellness.

Stay updated by visiting www.healthyoptions.com.ph or following Healthy Options on social media.

Power Mac Center’s Basecamp Kicks Off Summer Tech Workshops

Creativity Camp is back with hands-on sessions in AI, podcasting & more for kids, teens

As technology becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, digitally savvy kids can enhance their tech skills to further enrich their knowledge and creativity. This summer, Power Mac Center (PMC), through its official training arm Basecamp, is offering young learners the chance to take their digital expertise to the next level.

Basecamp’s Creativity Camp is now open for registration, welcoming children aged 7 to 15 to its highly anticipated annual summer workshops on iPad and Mac. Running from May to June, these hands-on sessions will equip kids with valuable skills in 2D and 3D design, Augmented Reality (AR), animation, podcasting, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“We offer kids and teens an exclusive opportunity to explore next-generation technologies through engaging, hands-on experiences. With guidance from expert instructors, they’ll unleash their creativity while gaining essential digital skills that will benefit them in the future. Our goal is to equip young learners with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving digital landscape,” said Maleng Raysag, Basecamp’s head. 

Basecamp is an Apple Professional Learning Provider, only the second in Asia to have that title. By enrolling in its courses, parents are assured that kids get high-quality, impactful education that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy using Apple technologies.

iPad Fun: Design & Tell Stories

Young minds will love exploring the endless creative possibilities of the iPad! The “3D and AR Creators: Build and Bring Stories to Life” course invites young learners to dive into the exciting worlds of 3D design and AR. With fun, easy-to-use apps, they’ll craft interactive digital models and bring their imaginative ideas to life.

Meanwhile, let your child's creativity shine through storytelling, podcasting, and animation. In the “Creative Storytelling: Podcast and Animation Fun” course, they’ll learn to write, record, and animate their own stories using the iPad.

These engaging workshops will run on select dates, with “3D & AR Creators: Build and Bring Stories to Life” scheduled on May 6 & 8, May 13 & 15, May 20 & 22, and May 27 & 29, while “Creative Storytelling: Podcast and Animation Fun” takes place on June 3 & 5, June 10 & 12, June 17 & 19, and June 24 & 26. Participants can choose between morning sessions from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM or afternoon sessions from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Mac Makers: Art & AI Adventures

Ignite your child’s creativity with “Digital Designers: Create in 2D & 3D,” an interactive workshop where young artists and aspiring designers, animators, and architects explore 2D and 3D design using Mac apps. Through hands-on learning, they will design stunning digital models and build a strong foundation in digital art and design.

Meanwhile, as AI transforms the digital world, give your child a headstart with “Make Your Own AI: Fun with Smart Technology.” This exciting course sparks curiosity about AI, allowing kids to discover how AI works and even build their own smart models—no coding required!

“Digital Designers: Create in 2D & 3D” will be conducted on May 7 & 9, May 14 & 16, May 21 & 23, and May 28 & 30, while “Make Your Own AI: Fun with Smart Technology” runs on June 4 & 6, June 11 & 13, June 18 & 20, and June 25 & 27. Both courses offer morning sessions from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and afternoon sessions from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Creativity Camp offers courses at P6,000 per student per course, inclusive of Apple device use. Each course runs twice a week, with two-hour sessions per day, and participants will be grouped by age for an optimal learning experience. 

Reservations are limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a slot, parents must complete the required payment, which is non-refundable but transferable. Payments can be conveniently made via bank deposit. The workshop will take place at the Basecamp Training Center, 3rd Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. 

Spots are limited! Secure your child’s place today for a summer of innovation and discovery. Contact +639088856277 or email <basecamp@powermaccenter.com> for inquiries and reservations. Assistance is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube to be updated on promotions and special deals on Basecamp training fees.

Converge's Nationwide Network Ready for Future with Ribbon's AI Technology

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) is enhancing its nationwide fiber network with an advanced data transmission technology from NASDAQ-listed Ribbon Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: RBBN) to strengthen its network in response to the growing need for high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connectivity.

Converge will leverage Ribbon's advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP) designed to maximize the value of IP Optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis, design, and planning applications. Its powerful low-code automation and customization engines allow Converge to optimize its resources and maintain peak network performance. Converge is accelerating its network automation journey by leveraging Ribbon's Muse platform and Al capabilities.

"We are planning important developments in the products and services we offer to our customers, and it's vital that our infrastructure can support these. Adopting this new technology is essential for effectively managing large amounts of data from loT applications, cloud services, and future innovations," said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

"We are delighted to support Converge in enhancing their network, which has been acknowledged as one of the most advanced in the Philippines. Our cutting-edge technology delivers exceptional performance, enabling companies like Converge to even strengthen their competitive advantage," said Ribbon Communications CEO and President Bruce McClelland. This collaboration expands nationwide the initial tie up between Converge and Ribbon to integrate the US firm's cutting-edge 5 nanometer (nm) - 140Gbaud transmission chipset, which boosts the firm's network capacity to 1.2 Terabits per second (Tbps). This technology was first rolled out in the metro and regional sites of Converge across North and Central Luzon.

Now, the said optical transmission solution will be implemented throughout the rest of the network infra sites of Converge across the country, bringing about substantial improvements in the company's overall data transmission capacity and operational efficiency nationwide.

Uy highlighted that deploying this technology will ensure that their fiber network is equipped to support next-generation services such as high-speed broadband, cloud applications, and enterprise solutions.

Ribbon Communications Inc., based in Texas, is a global leader in real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, helping many large service providers and enterprises modernize and secure their networks.