The Medical City Iloilo opens new International Cath Lab, expanding specialized care

The new facility adds capacity for image-guided cardiac and neurosurgical interventions in Western Visayas.

(From left to right) Dr. Debbie Noblezada-Uy, TMC Iloilo Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Cornelio Borreros II, Head of TMC Iloilo Cardiovascular Program; Dr. Felix Ray Villa, TMC Iloilo President and CEO; Dr. Kristy Garganera-Tugbang, Head of TMC Iloilo AMI Program; and Dr. Ma. Sylvia Theresa De Pili, President of the Philippine Heart Association Western Visayas–Panay Chapter, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Interventional Catheterization Laboratory. ILOILO CITY — The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo has opened a second Interventional Catheterization Laboratory, expanding its capacity to provide specialized, image-guided procedures and address complex patient needs closer to home. The new facility combines advanced imaging technology with the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. With two operating Cath Labs, the hospital is strengthening its capabilities in cardiovascular care while supporting a broader range of interventions, including selected neurosurgical procedures.

The laboratory features GE HealthCare’s Allia™ IGS 5 with AutoRight™, an imaging system that uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust imaging settings in real time, helping balance image quality and radiation dose. Its personalized controls and integration with other imaging sources give clinicians access to tools and information that support procedural planning and treatment. Cardiovascular procedures remain a primary focus of the facility. The additional Cath Lab builds on TMC Iloilo’s existing services, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which provides images from inside blood vessels, and rotational atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), which help treat severely calcified artery blockages.

These capabilities form part of the hospital’s broader heart care services, which include cardiac MRI, cardiac surgery, and an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) pathway for patients experiencing a heart attack. Together with intensive care, diagnostics, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation, they support coordinated treatment from assessment and intervention through recovery. For patients and their families, the expansion strengthens access to specialized care within Western Visayas and may reduce the need to travel outside the region for selected procedures.

Primelectric CEO Roel Castro Shares Strategies for Building Resilient Power Systems at National Summit

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — Primelectric Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Roel Castro delivered the opening keynote address at i4C.PH 2026: Resilience Reimagined, held at SMX Convention Center Clark on November 3, emphasizing the importance of power system reliability, infrastructure security, and operational resilience. The three-day national summit brought together leaders from government, defense, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure to address emerging risks and strengthen the country's resilience. Castro, who leads Primelectric, the parent company of MORE Power, Negros Power, and Bohol Light, shared how the company integrates resilience into its operations to ensure reliable electricity service, particularly during emergencies and disruptions. He emphasized Primelectric’s proactive efforts to strengthen power system reliability and resilience through improvements in power supply management, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced distribution networks. The company is also investing in flexible grid systems, operational safeguards, and technology improvements to ensure a more stable and dependable electricity supply, particularly during disruptions and extreme weather conditions. Castro also underscored the importance of personnel preparedness, highlighting regular training, refresher programs, and emergency simulations to equip employees with the skills needed to respond effectively to crises. For Primelectric, resilience goes beyond restoring power after disasters. It requires continuous planning, infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and workforce readiness to minimize disruptions and sustain essential services. Organized by risk management expert Augustus Caesar "Ace" Esmeralda, together with Ace and Associates Risk Management, Inc. and Resilient.PH, the summit promotes an integrated approach to physical security, disaster preparedness, business continuity, and cybersecurity. Castro's keynote reinforced the summit's central message: building resilience means anticipating risks, strengthening critical systems, and ensuring communities can continue functioning even in times of crisis.

Coca-Cola Joins Bacolodnons in Celebrating MassKara Festival

Coca-Cola continues its longstanding connection with Bacolod as it returns to this year's MassKara Festival with refreshing beverages, live music performances, and initiatives that promote sustainable festivities. November 9, 2026 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Coca-Cola has grown alongside Bacolod City for nearly 80 years, becoming part of its celebrations while supporting the people, livelihoods, and community efforts that keep the City of Smiles thriving. From its first plant along Lacson Street to its current mega plant in Barangay Mansilingan, Coca-Cola has maintained a strong presence in the city, supporting local employment and the sugar industry while fostering partnerships that advance sustainability initiatives. At this year's MassKara Festival, Coca-Cola joined Bacolodnons in celebrating the city's rich culture, cherished traditions, and vibrant community spirit. Celebrating MassKara with refreshing moments

Serving as Coca-Cola's central festival hub, the Coca-Cola Refresh Zone along Lacson Street brought together activations from the company's portfolio of brands, including Coca-Cola, Royal, Sprite, and Lift, in one destination. Complementing the Refresh Zone was the Coca-Cola Food Strip at Merkado Lacson, alongside a sampling activation for Coca-Cola's alcohol portfolio, where festivalgoers enjoyed Bacolod's signature street food paired with Jack & Coke, Lemon-Dou, and Absolut Sprite. An annual fixture of the MassKara Festival, the Tapon to Ipon bottle collection initiative marked its third year of encouraging PET collection among festivalgoers through a drop-off booth where they can exchange used clear PET plastic bottles of any brand for Coca-Cola products or merchandise. The initiative forms part of Coca-Cola's efforts to promote collection and recycling at major festivals across the country, helping make responsible waste management a visible and accessible part of community gatherings. Since 2022, Bacolod City has been an important partner in expanding Tapon to Ipon across the Visayas. The Coca-Cola system has worked closely with the city government and community partners to strengthen PET bottle collection efforts, including broadening access to recycling through a network of 500 participating sari-sari stores and carinderias that support PET bottle recovery across communities.

Coinciding with the celebration of 10 seasons of Coke Studio Philippines, Coca-Cola once again brought live music to the heart of the festivities, featuring performances by Ben&Ben, Arthur Miguel, Infinite Ridge, and homegrown Bacolodnon artist Doughbaby. For a decade now, Coke Studio has brought both mainstream and emerging musical talents to festival stages nationwide. Previous performers on the MassKara stage include The Juans, Zack Tabudlo, and Janine Berdin. “MassKara embodies the warmth and festive spirit of Bacolod. We are proud to be a part of this tradition each year, sharing our iconic beverages in joyful moments that bring families, friends, and communities together,” said Banu Karakullukcu Cetin, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President and General Manager. Among those who joined this year's MassKara celebrations were content creators Axcel, Adi Molina, Pareena Jee, and Tico, who immersed themselves in the festivities and experienced firsthand the moments that make the festival a cherished tradition for many Bacolodnons. Reflecting how Coca-Cola continues to be part of the shared moments that bring Filipino communities together, the creators explored festival activations and gathered for a salu-salo hosted by Tico, where they shared local favorites and conversations over food. Building on decades of shared growth with communities in Negros Coca-Cola's presence along Lacson Street during MassKara has served as a reminder of the company's roots in the city, with the street having been the site of its first plant in 1948. Fifty years later, Coca-Cola transferred operations to its current ten-hectare plant in Barangay Mansilingan, expanding its capacity to serve more communities across the region.

“Bacolod City has been part of Coca-Cola’s story in the Philippines for nearly eight decades, and our connection with the city continues through the people, communities, and shared experiences that have shaped that relationship over the years. We are proud to call Bacolod home and remain committed to supporting its growth and creating opportunities that contribute to the city’s continued progress,” said CCEAP President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Pesigan. Throughout the years, CCEAP's Bacolod plant has become an integral part of the local community across the Negros region by helping sustain livelihoods and contributing to economic growth. CCEAP continues to provide employment opportunities through its operations and initiatives, such as the recently concluded fifth MassKara Job Fair. The Bacolod plant continues to use locally sourced sugar in the beverages it produces, reflecting Coca-Cola's longstanding support for the local sugar industry and the communities and livelihoods in its value chain. As Coca-Cola’s story in Bacolod continues, it remains committed to celebrating local traditions and growing alongside the city and the wider Negros community for years to come.

PAVIA MUNICIPAL HALL SUCCESSFULLY MIGRATES TO MORE POWER

PAVIA, ILOILO—MORE Electric and Power Corporation has successfully energized the Pavia Municipal Hall. This historic transition marks Pavia as the first local government unit to switch its power distribution line to MORE Power. Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta envisions the Pavia LGU becoming more efficient in delivering basic services. The ceremony was held on October 26, 2026, and was attended by Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi and SB Members Kevin Zaldarriaga and Gerard Zaldarriaga of Pavia, Iloilo. Also present were MORE Power Vice President for Marketing, Corporate Affairs, and Customer Care Ms. Maricris Cabalhin; Quality Assurance Manager Engineer Fil Sonza; and Customer Care Manager Ms. Maricon Garido, signaling the company's full support for the local government unit of Pavia. "Very thankful gid sa MORE Power nga ginhatag sa aton nga oportunidad nga makaserbisyo sa banwa sang Pavia kay amon gid ginapangayo ang manubo nga rate," said Pavia Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi. Gerochi further explained that this decision is for the benefit of all Pavia residents, who will enjoy better service. "Nakita namon sa Iloilo City first. Nakita namon ang difference sa iban nga electric distribution kag Nakita namon daku ang deperensya amo na nagsaylo kami. Actually, ang gakadto gid sa amon ang mga barangay nga nagareklamo sang mga poste nga tiko kag ila pagserbisyo madugay. Amo na ang barangay nagahatag sang resolusyon sa amon tapos nagahatag man kami resolusyon sa isa ka utility pero ga-follow up kami pila na ka bulan wala gid development pati ila maintenance madugay man. Rason man sa pag-transpire ang desisyon sang banwa sang Pavia sa pagsaylo sa MORE Power," Vice Mayor Gerochi added. The bill proposed by then 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta and 4th District Representative Braeden John Biron on September 20, 2021, aims to provide a modern and reliable power distribution utility to its constituents. Businesses and offices continue to transfer their electricity service to MORE Power. This includes the first government office outside of Iloilo City, the Commission on Population and Development, which is also located in Pavia.

New Panay Agri-Ventures Development Inc., also known as Lovefeeds, a feed manufacturer based in Pavia, has also made the switch. Meanwhile, in the town of San Miguel, Iloilo, the first commercial establishment to transfer to MORE Power was Egger Poultry Farm Incorporated.

"MORE Power is truly grateful for the trust given to us by our partners who chose us to be their trusted electric distributor. As we continue to invest in expansion to other municipalities, we also elevate the level of customer service that our partners will experience. We are glad to be part of the solution for our partners," said Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power. To date, 21 accounts of various establishments in the province of Iloilo have already switched to MORE Power, a swift and seamless movement that reflects the strong trust and confidence of Iloilo consumers in the distribution utility. For Pavia, this transition goes beyond a change of electricity provider, it is a step toward better public service and lasting progress for its people.

NO LONG WEEKEND FOR MORE POWER TEAM AS UTILITY GEARS UP FOR UNDAS

ILOILO CITY — MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has assured consumers that its teams are ready to help ensure reliable electricity service during the observance of Undas 2026. Round-the-clock monitoring and response Preparations included checking transformers serving cemeteries to prevent overloading, conducting thermal scanning, inspecting power lines, and carrying out other maintenance work. The deployment plan for November 1–2, 2026, is also in place, with 10 Line Teams, 18 Response Teams, and 10 Quick Response Teams set to work in shifts to provide round-the-clock monitoring and response across the city. Engineer Roy Majarucon, Manager for Line Construction, Maintenance & Metering Operation, said inspecting MORE Power’s facilities near or within cemeteries is part of the company’s annual preparations. “MORE Power is proactive in ensuring that those visiting the cemeteries will be safe this Undas. This has been our routine every year. We check the transformers, conduct load testing, and perform thermal scanning to prevent unscheduled interruptions. This is in addition to deploying our personnel in the field,” Majarucon explained. He added that linemen will be stationed just outside cemeteries to respond quickly when needed. MORE Power also continues to coordinate with the Iloilo City Government, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and volunteer groups on situations requiring assistance. No scheduled power interruptions will be carried out during Undas. Office schedule and customer assistance MORE Power’s offices will be closed on Monday, November 2, but online transactions will remain available. The company’s control center and Customer Helpline will continue operating 24 hours a day to address consumer concerns and coordinate immediate response. Consumers may send a message through MORE Power’s official Facebook page, use the MORE Power mobile application, or call (033) 526-MORE (6673) and 0917-557-6130. Safety reminders for the public MORE Power’s Safety Officers reminded residents leaving their homes to unplug appliances and turn off circuit breakers. Those lighting candles in remembrance of departed loved ones are also urged to keep a close watch on them and never leave them unattended.

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS GAIN MOMENTUM FOR UNDAS 2026 - AIRASIA MOVE

International hotel booking share more than doubles year-on-year, while domestic destinations remain popular among Filipino travelers

While Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) is traditionally a time for Filipinos to return home, reunite with loved ones, and remember departed family members, others are using the long holiday break as an opportunity to travel. According to the booking data of AirAsia MOVE, Asia’s Best Travel Booking App, international destinations are gaining momentum for Undas 2026, with international flight bookings rising from 14% in 2025 to 17% in 2026, while the share of international hotel bookings more than doubled from 18% to 38%. Domestic destinations, however, continue to account for the majority of flight and hotel bookings, reflecting the continued appeal of travel within the Philippines during this holiday period. Boracay remains a domestic favorite Domestic travel continued to lead flight bookings at 83%, declined slightly from 86% in 2025. The shift was more significant in hotel bookings, with domestic stays decreasing 20% (from 82% to 62%), reflecting a growing share of international stays. Boracay remained a standout domestic destination, appearing among the top choices across flights, hotels, and SNAP! (flight and hotel). Cebu and Manila also maintained strong positions across booking categories, while Iloilo and Tacloban featured among the leading destinations for both flights and hotels. Domestic destinations also strengthened their share of SNAP! bookings, rising from 66% in 2025 to 76% in 2026. Boracay, Cebu, and Manila ranked among the top domestic destinations for these packages.

Taipei leads international destinations Taipei topped the destination rankings across flights, hotels, and SNAP! in 2026, highlighting its continued appeal among Filipino travelers during the Undas period. Other popular destinations included Da Nang, which ranked among the top choices for international flights and hotels, and Kuala Lumpur which featured prominently in flight, hotel, and SNAP!. Bangkok remained a popular destination for hotel bookings and SNAP!. The rankings highlight Filipino travelers’ continued interest in Taiwan and visa-free options for Philippine passport holders. Duo and groups account for a larger share of flight bookings The booking data also showed a shift in travel-party composition. Solo travelers remained the largest category for flights in 2026, accounting for 55% of bookings, compared with 66% in 2025. Meanwhile, the share of duo bookings increased from 18% to 22%, while small-group bookings rose from 6% to 10%. Family flight bookings also edged up from 8% to 10%. Hotel bookings showed a similar shift in composition, with family bookings increasing from 6.5% in 2025 to 17% in 2026. Duo continued to account for the largest share of hotel bookings at 58%, although this was lower than the 72% recorded in 2025. Undas 2026 flight bookings show a shift in timing Filipino travelers appear to be booking their Undas getaways earlier in 2026. While 51% of flight bookings in 2025 were made within two weeks of departure, 72% of bookings in 2026 were made at least 15 days ahead, suggesting a shift toward earlier travel planning. The average trip duration remained unchanged at six days across both years, suggesting that the length of Undas trips stayed consistent despite the shift in booking lead times. “What stands out is that familiar travel traditions and the desire to explore new places can coexist. Undas remains an important time for Filipinos to reconnect with family, but the holiday also gives some travelers an opportunity to discover destinations beyond their usual routines. Our role is to help them find travel options that fit the kind of break they want to have,” said Malou Japson, Country Representative of AirAsia MOVE in the Philippines. Having been named as Asia’s Best Travel Booking App at the World Travel Tech Awards for four consecutive years, AirAsia MOVE offers access to flights across more than 700 airlines and stays at over one million hotels, SNAP! flight and hotel packages, live experiences, attraction, and more. With these options, AirAsia MOVE helps travelers discover and book trips across the Philippines and beyond, whether planning a domestic getaway or an international adventure

MORE POWER EMPLOYEES PLANT 500 NARRA TREE SAPLINGS IN AGONY HILL, ALIMODIAN

Alimodian, Iloilo – MORE Electric and Power Corporation employees braved the heat and hiked the steep slopes of Agony Hill in Alimodian, Iloilo, carrying 500 narra tree saplings for a tree-planting activity. More than 50 employees joined the initiative in coordination with the Alimodian Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Alimodian Local Government Unit. “This activity reflects MORE Power’s core commitment to environmental responsibility. Every year, we conduct similar initiatives to engage with our consumers and demonstrate that MORE Power goes beyond delivering quality service as a distribution utility but also extending its efforts for the community. We would like to extend our gratitude to the cooperation of the Alimodian Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by, Engineer Reno Alquisada and most especially to Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche for allowing us to execute this activity,” said Engineer Ronald Torres, Chief Operating Officer of MORE Power.

MORE Power has been active in programs that aim to help communities, including tree-planting initiatives not only in Iloilo City but also in Iloilo Province, where it now serves towns such as Alimodian. “It is very important to have this kind of activity. Since MORE Power started here in Iloilo City, various activities and partnerships with LGU and other stakeholders have been conducted. We will continue to support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and strengthen community partnerships”, said Engineer Torres. Since taking over power distribution in Iloilo City, MORE Power has exceeded its commitment to plant 10,000 trees in the city, planting 14,000 tree saplings through various community initiatives. By continuing these efforts in both the city and the province, the company aims to contribute to their shared sustainability aspirations by supporting greener communities, biodiversity conservation, and long-term environmental resilience for the benefit of Ilonggos.