Latest news with #Cebu
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
BlackRock To Buy 40% Stake In Aboitiz Equity's Infrastructure Arm
Aboitiz InfraCapital owns and operates the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. BlackRock will buy 40% of Aboitiz Equity Ventures' privately held infrastructure unit, bolstering the Philippine company's financial muscle as it steps up spending to modernize the country's infrastructure. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), BlackRock's wholly owned unit, and Aboitiz Equity are in 'the process of finalizing a strategic partnership,' the Philippine conglomerate said in a statement, without disclosing the amount of the potential sale. GIP, which was acquired by BlackRock in October, has over $183 billion in assets under management. It has interests in energy, transport, digital infrastructure, water utility and waste management sectors. 'The Philippines has compelling growth prospects, which can be further enhanced by developing world-class infrastructure,' Bayo Ogunlesi, chairman and CEO of GIP, said. 'We are pleased to have the opportunity to become a strategic partner of the Aboitiz Group.' The Philippine government aims to double infrastructure spending to at least 2 trillion pesos ($35 billion) this year as it accelerates projects such as the 33-kilometer Metro Manila subway that's estimated to cost 489 billion pesos to build. Aboitiz Equity—the publicly traded holding company of tycoon Sabin Aboitiz and his family—has been scaling up its infrastructure investments in recent years. It has interests in airports, power plants, industrial estates, telecommunications towers and water utilities. 'We are honored to explore this opportunity with Global Infrastructure Partners,' Sabin Aboitiz, CEO and president of the conglomerate said. 'Together, we aim to deliver projects that improve lives and empower communities.' Aboitiz InfraCapital swung to a 207 million loss in the first quarter even as sales jumped 53% to 2.4 billion pesos amid soaring finance charges on the company's mounting debt levels. Aside from infrastructure, Aboitiz Equity has interests in banking, financial services, food manufacturing, and real estate. With an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion, the Aboitiz family is among the wealthiest in the Philippines.
SBS Australia
22-07-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
New Australian flights to the Philippines raise hopes of easier travel, stronger tourism
For many Filipino-Australians like Jen Bracamonte, who travels regularly to her hometown in Camiguin, the direct Brisbane–Cebu flight means shorter travel time and lower costs. Director Pura Molintas, Philippine Tourism Attaché to Australia and New Zealand, has welcomed the announcement of new direct flights between Australia and the Philippines. She described the routes as the result of long-term collaboration and careful planning. Molintas also highlighted ongoing tourism initiatives, including significant developments at Clark Airport in Pampanga. Clark is quickly becoming a key gateway, offering modern facilities and better access to destinations in Northern Luzon. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST SBS Filipino 22/07/2025 12:28 Filipino Jen Bracamonte, who frequently travels from Queensland to her hometown in Camiguin, often endures a long journey involving six flights. The one-way trip alone takes two full days, so when she takes a holiday, four of those days are spent just traveling. She describes it as "a significant waste of time". Because of this, Jen was among the first to book a seat on Jetstar's newly announced direct flight from Brisbane to Cebu, a route that will greatly reduce travel time for many. Starting November 27, 2025, Jetstar, Australia's low-cost airline, is set to launch direct services from Perth to Manila, offering three flights per week year-round. This will be followed by a Brisbane to Cebu route beginning December 3, also operating three times weekly on a seasonal basis until mid-May 2026. At present, Philippine Airlines is the only carrier offering direct flights from Perth to Manila. Jetstar's new services, launching just in time for the Christmas season, are expected to help meet the rising demand for travel. Jetstar will also be the first airline to offer direct flights from Brisbane to Cebu. Director Pura Molintas, Philippine Tourism Attaché to Australia and New Zealand, said that while establishing these routes required considerable effort, the planning process went smoothly. Philippine tourism authorities are pleased with the airline's successful expansion into the market. Singapore, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong remain among the top 10 destinations for Australian business travelers in 2024. Director Molintas also highlighted that a large portion of travelers to the Philippines are tourists. 'It's a misconception that only balikbayans are flying to the Philippines. In fact, only 8% of returning travelers are Filipinos, while 92% are Australians. This is encouraging as it shows growing awareness among Australians, though there is still much work to be done. We can continue to grow and attract even more Australians to visit the Philippines,' said Director Molintas. Tune in to our podcast to learn more. 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
SBS Australia
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Inspired by two cultures: How a Filipino-Kiwi artist weaves his roots into Melbourne's hip-hop scene
From a young age, his dad introduced him to classic Filipino ballad songs, teaching him how to sing and play guitar. That early exposure to the warmth and melody of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) planted the seeds of his soulful style. Trix was born in Cebu, Philippines, raised in South Auckland, New Zealand, and is now based in Melbourne, where he lives with his wife and newborn daughter. After relocating to Melbourne in 2018, Trix reconnected with his heritage and co-founded Hiraya Music, a Filipino-Australian collective dedicated to exploring identity, culture, and creativity through hip-hop. In 2025, he also became a co-founder of CODA, a collaborative music group known for pushing the boundaries of the local music scene. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST SBS Filipino 19/07/2025 35:33 Filipino 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
The National
18-07-2025
- Business
- The National
After 20 years as an Overseas Filipino Worker in the UAE, here are six life lessons I've learnt
Time flies so fast. In a few months, I will have been in the UAE as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for two decades. Like life itself, there have been ups and downs, but they haven't stopped me from growing and continuing to learn every single day, despite being far away from home. Being an OFW is both difficult and fulfilling. Here are six life lessons I've learnt over the years that have helped me stay strong and positive. 1. Protect your mental health Yes, loneliness, homesickness and burnout are real and common. Even after all these years in Dubai, I still experience homesickness. I try to overcome it by making sure I go home every year to my beloved hometown Cebu, and spend time with my family, relatives and friends – even just for a short while. If not, I take short holidays elsewhere or enjoy local staycations here in the UAE to pause and recharge. For me, life isn't all about work – you must find balance or you'll eventually reach burnout. Build a support system, whether it's with your partner or friends. If you're social, join community groups. To sum it up: Take breaks, talk to someone and never ignore your emotional needs. Always protect your mental health at all costs. Learn to take care of yourself first. 2. Save and invest early Earning in a foreign currency is a blessing, but it won't last forever. In Dubai, temptation is everywhere. Many fall into the trap of overspending or constantly sending money home without saving. Live within your means. Don't spend what you don't have. Budget smartly, save and invest – whether in property, mutual funds, bonds or business ventures. These are essential for long-term security. I even have the old-school habit of saving in a piggy bank in addition to my actual bank accounts. I now have my own house in the Philippines and every time I visit, I pat myself on the back and say: 'Well done.' It may sound like a cliche, but always save for the rainy days. Our time as expatriates is temporary, so we must spend our hard-earned money wisely. 3. Set boundaries and learn to say 'no' Never feel guilty about saying 'no' nor afraid to set financial boundaries. Saying yes to every request can leave you with nothing. There's nothing wrong with helping families back home, but do so within your means. Don't send everything you earn and end up with nothing for yourself. I always advocate helping wisely – give a fishing rod, not fish every day. I believe constantly giving money can create overdependence, or worse, encourage laziness. 4. Never stop learning To keep growing, and earning, you must never stop learning. Skills open doors, but continuous learning keeps you relevant. Consider learning a new language, earning certifications, or upskilling in your field to get better jobs or promotions. Also, learn about financial literacy – it's just as important as your paycheck. 5. Don't forget your roots I sometimes hear fellow Filipinos say they don't want to return home and would rather stay abroad, and I respect that. But never badmouth or look down on your own country. Success abroad becomes even more meaningful when you stay grounded. Stay connected with your culture and values. Don't let pride, comparison or materialism define your identity. The Philippines isn't perfect, and neither is any other country. But love it anyway, because that's where you came from. As for me, I will always be proud to be a Filipino – and I wouldn't trade that for any other citizenship. 6. Plan for retirement and reintegration I've been an OFW for two decades now, and I'm also not getting any younger. I'm at a point where I'm seriously thinking about retirement. My goal is to retire early, to enjoy life while I still can. As early as now, I'm already planning my exit strategy. Think about what you want to do once you're back home – whether it's starting a business, working part-time online or just simply retiring. Prepare for that chapter of your life now. And part of that preparation is reintegrating slowly. I admit, after so many years abroad, I'm no longer familiar with many things in Cebu – from people I used to know, relatives, friends, even the environment. So, whenever I go home for vacation, I make an effort to reconnect and reacquaint myself with the place I will always call home.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Shelter Dog Spends Last Day Before Euthanasia Crying, Then His Luck Changes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After seeing a video of a shelter dog who was due to be euthanized, a heartbroken woman didn't hesitate before driving 10 hours to spare his life. Sadly, TikTok is full of videos about shelter dogs in need of a home. While most people might react and then keep scrolling, Brielle Glumac, 29, went even further. She came across a TikTok video posted by @rescueme_atl showing Cebu, an American pit bull terrier who was crying in his kennel on his "last day on Earth." Glumac, of Wilmington, North Carolina, felt utterly heartbroken for Cebu, telling Newsweek that she would do "whatever it took to get him out." Glumac's sister runs a rescue organization called Nirvana Animal Rescue, which takes dogs out of overcrowded shelters and places them in foster homes until they find an adopter. She called her sister to see if they could save Cebu's life, and the shelter agreed to transfer him to the rescue if someone could pick him up that same day. From left: Cebu is petted in the shelter kennel; and sits with Brielle Glumac after being saved. From left: Cebu is petted in the shelter kennel; and sits with Brielle Glumac after being saved. @brielleglumac / TikTok If not, Cebu was going to be euthanized. "My sister contacted the shelter, and they said he had to be out of the building by 7 p.m., but they would turn him over to her rescue if someone could pick him up by 7," Glumac said. "I immediately got in my car and started driving from North Carolina. "I wasn't going to make it in time, so I called a friend who lives in Savannah, Georgia, and she started driving too. She got him from Atlanta and met me in Savannah with him; we both drove over 10 hours that day." Cebu is believed to be around 18 months old, and he was found wandering around an apartment complex. Nobody in the vicinity recognized him or knew anything about his past, so it is thought that he was either dumped there, or his owners moved and left him behind. Cebu had been waiting in the shelter since April and was placed on the euthanasia list due to overcrowding. During that time, he was adopted but then returned two days later, only to return to the euthanasia list. Then, Glumac stepped in and spared his life. "He was supersweet and the happiest boy as soon as I picked him up. I was only ever planning to be a temporary foster for him so we could get him out of the shelter immediately," Glumac continued. "I love him, and he is the cutest boy, but I can find him the best home and then continue to save more dogs. He has a long-term foster lined up in Pennsylvania, and they have a big fenced yard. He will absolutely thrive there," Glumac said. After saving Cebu from the kill list, Glumac shared a video on TikTok (@brielleglumac) showing how quickly she leaped into action. The clip also shows how grateful and loving Cebu was as soon as he got into her car. In the days since sharing Cebu's rescue story online, it has gone viral with over 6.9 million views and more than 1.2 million likes on TikTok at the time of writing. Fostering certainly isn't easy, but Glumac is being patient with Cebu and allowing him plenty of time to adjust. She doesn't think he has ever actually lived inside a home, so he still has a lot to learn about being a pet. Cebu's story has certainly touched hearts across the world, and Glumac has been amazed by the overwhelmingly positive responses she has received. "I could not believe my eyes when I woke up with millions of views," she said. "I'm so happy I can spotlight a sweet shelter dog, and I hope it inspires people to go to their local shelter and find their own version of Cebu. "My sister's rescue made this happen, and she saves dogs all day, every day. He also wouldn't have gotten out if it wasn't for the girl who posted the original video of Cebu crying in his kennel. She runs a nonprofit that's saved over 500 dogs by using social media to connect at risk dogs to potential rescuers and adopters," Glumac continued. With over 15,000 comments on the viral TikTok post, many internet users thanked Glumac for saving Cebu and for seeing potential in him. One comment reads: "If you do nothing else in your life, you did enough." Another TikTok user wrote: "You're what's RIGHT with this world." A third commenter added: "That is one of the cutest dogs I've ever seen." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
