Palawan launches Travel and Trade Expo 2025 to promote domestic tourism

Palawan is set to take center stage as the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 unfolds from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center.

This event aims to inspire Filipinos to explore the wonders of Palawan, promoting domestic travel as a significant contributor to the local economy.

It also aims to position Palawan as a must-visit destination for 2025, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism. It will feature exclusive travel deals, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities.

Domestic Tourism: A Call to Action

Palawan Tourism Council President Rey Felix Rafols emphasized the importance of domestic tourism in bolstering Palawan’s economy.

“Instead of going abroad, we encourage Filipinos to discover the unparalleled beauty of Palawan. By doing so, they directly support local businesses, communities, and sustainable initiatives,” he said during a press briefing.

The call comes as Palawan continues to experience remarkable growth in tourism. According to Ms Maribel Buñi, Provincial Tourism Officer, the province saw an 87.47% increase in tourist arrivals in 2023, reaching 1,527,159 visitors compared to 814,621 in 2022. Of this number, 873,592 were domestic tourists, signaling the vital role local travelers play in the province’s success.

Revenue and Tourism Success

Palawan’s tourism revenue skyrocketed to ₱57.2 billion in 2023, a significant jump from ₱30.5 billion in 2022. Top destinations included El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, Brooke’s Point, and Linapacan, with international visitors primarily hailing from the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

Buñi, however, warned against complacency. “While 2023 was a productive year, the tourism industry must continuously innovate to meet evolving traveler demands and ensure sustainability,” she stressed.

Expo Highlights

The Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 promises an immersive experience for attendees. Key features include:

· Special Travel Deals: Exclusive discounts on flights, accommodations, tours, and adventure packages.

· Trade Show:  Showcase of locally made food products and handicrafts of Palawan.

· Cultural Showcase: Live performances featuring the diverse culture and celebrating Palawan’s rich heritage.

· Industry Networking: Opportunities for industry professionals to connect and explore partnerships.

Upcoming Events in Palawan for 2025

Palawan is gearing up for an exciting year with a lineup of high-profile events:

· IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2, 2025, attracting athletes from across the globe.

· World Dragon Boat Championships, a qualifying event for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.

· Baragatan sa Palawan Festival in June, featuring vibrant street dancing, trade fairs, and cultural presentations.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond promoting its destinations, Palawan is dedicated to sustainable tourism. Under Governor Dennis Socrates, efforts to preserve the province’s natural beauty and empower local communities remain a top priority.

“This expo is about more than just tourism. It’s about creating a sustainable future for Palawan while sharing its wonders with the world,” Rafols pointed out.

Mark Your Calendars

The Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 is an opportunity for Filipinos to rediscover the magic of Palawan and contribute to the local economy. Whether planning your first visit or returning to this island paradise, the expo promises to deliver unmatched travel inspiration and deals.

SM Prime: Engineering a sustainable future

 

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring.

SM Prime joins global conversation on building sustainable cities for the future

(L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use. 

This initiative supplements the mall's water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city's water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.      

Discover a new way to experience spice with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast

Turn up the heat with the hottest sensation to come out of Kenny Rogers Roasters: The Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast and Ribs. The new recipe goes beyond the usual thrill that you get in spice; it takes your taste buds on a flavorful journey with a combination of spicy, tangy, zesty, and savory. It’s an exciting new way to enjoy your Kenny Rogers favorites.

The new Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast and Ribs just heats different, as it can elevate your dining experience with its balanced flavor and addicting kick of spice at the end—as if you’re on an exciting trip. This product line is guaranteed to bring a unique adventure to even the most seasoned of spicy food lovers.

Discover a new way to experience spicy:

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1. Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast (PHP 770)

The signature favorite roasted chicken is now marinated in herbs and spices, basted in a fiery hot pepper sauce.

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2. Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast Solo B (PHP 310)

Quarter roast chicken marinated in herbs and spices, basted in a fiery hot pepper sauce. Served with 2 side dishes, 1 rice, and signature corn muffin.

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3. Flamin’ Hot Pepper Ribs (P835)

Kenny Rogers’ signature ribs basted in a fiery hot pepper sauce for that extra kick of flavor!

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4. Flamin’ Hot Pepper Ribs Solo B (PHP 480)

Kenny’s signature fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with a fiery blend of hot peppers and spices. Includes 1 half slab of Flamin’ Hot Pepper Ribs, rib sauce, 1 cup of rice, 1 side dish, and a corn muffin.

Enjoy layers of fiery flavors with Kenny Rogers’ new Flamin’ Hot Pepper Roast and Ribs available for dine-in or takeout. If you want to have it delivered, visit www.kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph, call the hotline: 8-555-9000, or order via Grab Food and Food Panda.

Don’t miss out on the latest videos and updates by following Kenny Rogers Roasters’ official pages: @KennyRogersPH on Facebook, @kennyrogersph on Instagram, Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/c/KennyRogersRoasters), and Tiktok @kennyrogersph.

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Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Dunlop International Philippines partners with Isla LPG Corp to reduce carbon emissions

Isla LPG Corporation, makers of Solane, a leading LPG brand in the Philippines, has joined forces with Dunlop International Philippines to explore innovative solutions that aim to reduce carbon emissions and optimize operating costs. This strategic partnership leverages the expertise of both companies to develop sustainable and efficient practices within their respective industry.

Under the partnership, Isla LPG will supply their products and services to Dunlop International Philippines’ for the next ten years, in their manufacturing plant in Mariveles, Bataan.

START OF A NEW BEGINNING. Isla LPG Corporation CEO and President Jose Antonio Gonzalez addresses the members of Dunlop International Corporation thanking them for the opportunity to be their partner in achieving their target of lessening carbon emission.

“Today is a very special day for us. Our MOA signing ceremony marks the first day of our partnership. We are truly grateful for this opportunity and we are committed to provide you with exceptional service from this point onwards” said Jose Antionio Gonzalez, CEO and President of Isla LPG Corporation.  “Our next step is to be able to provide your  facility with our quality products as we implement this in the safest manner possible” added Gonzalez.

The partnership between Isla LPG Corporation and Dunlop International Philippines, both companies partly owned by Japanese firms, marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient LPG industry in the Philippines.  With Dunlop International Philippines moving towards sustainability, the company’s affiliation with Isla LPG Corporation is a step in providing solutions to improve time and energy efficiency.

VISION OF BECOMING A TOTAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY. Tomoaki Asai, CEO of Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation, answers some of the questions during the MOA Signing Ceremony between Isla LPG and Dunlop International Philippines.

“Thank you and congratulations to the Isla LPG and Dunlop team, who worked hard to support each other for the past 15 months. I am sure that they have faced many difficulties. Still, with our collaborative effort, we have come to where we are today” said Tomoaki Asai, Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation CEO.” Currently, Isla LPG supplies LPG products, but we have a vision of becoming a total energy solutions company. We thank Dunlop International Philippines for partnering with us and for sharing that mission of achieving zero carbon emissions eventually in the future,” added Asai.

Dunlop International Philippines partnered with Isla LPG Corporation because of the LPG company’s commitment in minimizing environmental effects.

“We understand the impact of our business on the environment. From this perspective, we want to value our company's use of LPG in our operations. Partnering with Isla LPG Corporation through their products and services is essential to our operation and production processes” said Jun Yamakawa, Chairperson and CEO of Dunlop International Philippines.

Isla LPG Corporation while focusing on maintaining the highest standard of its products and service,  has also focused on business innovation and environmental sustainability.

“We chose Isla LPG because they are the most trusted LPG companies in the Philippines” said Kazuhiro Tanaka, General Manager, Dunlop International Philippines. “We believe that our partnership will be aligned with our commitment to reducing the carbon emission. We are also expecting that the use of LPG will help us with our reduction of operational cost, thereby our company achieving stability in terms of operation, while enjoying more growth in our industry” shared Tanaka.

For more details on Isla LPG Corporation, visit solane@islagrp.com or you may contact the following: Solane Hatid Bahay Hotline (Metro Manila) +63​ 2 8887​-5555; 7777​-5555 (Nationwide, SMS only) +63​ 917 897 7555 (Globe); +63 918 ​887 5555 (Smart).

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ABOUT ISLA LPG CORPORATION

Isla LPG Corporation is a leading LPG supplier in the Philippines, providing LPG for household and industrial use. The company's flagship brand, Solane, is one of the most recognizable brands in the country. Isla LPG has a nationwide network of distributors and retail stores and operates strategically located LPG refilling plants.

 

Though relatively new, the joint venture boasts of experienced and credible partners. ISLA’s primary parent company is Citadel Pacific, Ltd. (CPL), a private equity and holding company. IP&E is CPL’s international investment arm for the energy business in the Philippines, Guam, Saipan and Palau. The other shareholder is Itochu Corporation (ITOCHU), a Japan conglomerate recognized as part of the top 250 companies in terms of worldwide revenue.

For more details about Isla LPG Corporation, visit www.solane.com.ph

Embracing net zero: The Philippines' urgent call to climate action

SM Supermalls have enhanced natural lighting and improved insulation, reducing energy needs for lighting, heating, and cooling, leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly operations.

As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to such conditions.

As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions.

Collaborative partnerships for climate resilience

Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties.

The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024). 

Building sustainable communities: The future of cities

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.  

What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart. 

“At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable