Color Your World Foundation Brings Light of Hope to Quake-Struck Communities in GenSan, Sarangani

 

Moving beyond immediate shelter and relief support, Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus, has deployed hundreds of solar-powered utility lamps and fans across General Santos City and Sarangani Province to provide a source of light and temporary power source to displaced families affected by the magnitude-7.8 Mindanao quake. 

Casino Plus’ “Color Champions” delivered these solar-powered units across Purok 20 in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, and the hardest-hit barangays in Sarangani province – New Aklan in the municipality of Glan and Sapu Masla in the municipality of Malapatan. 

This is on top of the temporary shelter support through the provision of livable tents, around 2,000 gallons of water, hygiene and medical supplies, and clothing to the affected communities as part of “Project Bigkis,” the foundation’s disaster response pillar. 

With local power supply disrupted in some areas and many residents still staying in open spaces due to continuing aftershocks, the portable solar lights provide practical support for families and community leaders managing evacuation sites at night.

“Importante sa amin ang solar lamp lalo na sa akin may dalawa akong babies. Nagagamit ko talaga kasi mainit, tapos ‘yung ilaw, kapag gabi, nagagamit din nila. Casino Plus ang unang nagbigay ng ganitong lamp,” said Princess Albotra, who is also staying in the foundation’s tent village in Purok 20. “Ako mismo nagagamit ko rin ‘yung mga [health] kits para sa hygiene ko bilang babae. Mahirap [bumili], wala kaming pera, income.” 

Jovita, a 53-year-old evacuee in Barangay New Aklan in Glan, Sarangani province, expressed her gratitude to Color Your World Foundation for the solar lamps as power restoration in their village is still underway.

“May ilaw na kami. May mga apo ako na [maliliwanagan] sa gabi. Malaking tulong sa amin itong solar at fan. Mainit din kasi,” she said.

The multi-functional solar lamps are intended to help families move safely around evacuation areas, manage basic household tasks, support personal hygiene routines, and care for children, elderly residents, and other vulnerable members of the community during evening hours.

“Light restores more than visibility — it restores hope. In communities where power infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, solar-powered lamps provide a safe, sustainable source of light that keeps families secure through the night,” said Michael Angelo Horfilla, Casino Plus Director for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Continued coordination between public and private sector partners is essential to ensure that critical relief items are delivered safely and systematically to families most affected by the disaster.

Through Color Your World’s Project Bigkis, the company would continue to provide practical support to displaced communities as relief needs shift from immediate survival to sanitation, safety, mobility, and basic household stability.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives. 

About Color Your World Foundation Inc.

Color Your World Foundation, Inc. is the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus and Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation. Through programs anchored on its four core pillars—Disaster Preparedness and Resilience; Education & Livelihood Access; Community Support for Health, Culture and Environment; and Responsible Gaming Research & Education—the Foundation is committed to creating more ‘makulay’ (colorful) lives, reflecting its philosophy: where play creates color and color creates good.

Color Your World Foundation partners with public and private sector stakeholders to deliver sustainable initiatives that uplift lives, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building.

Beyond Beijing and Shanghai: Why Chongqing Is Becoming China's Most Surprising Travel Destination

  

As international tourism to China rebounds, a growing number of travelers are looking beyond traditional destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai in search of more authentic and immersive experiences. One city increasingly capturing their attention is Chongqing, a megacity in western China known for its dramatic mountain landscape, vibrant food culture, ancient towns, and unique blend of modernity and tradition.

This story explores why Chongqing is emerging as one of China's most compelling destinations, the travel trends driving interest in lesser-known cities, and how visitors are discovering a more authentic side of China through local culture, community experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

As international tourism to China continues to rebound, a growing number of travelers are bypassing the country's traditional gateways in favor of a destination many are calling China's most fascinating hidden gem: Chongqing.

For decades, cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an have dominated travel itineraries. But today's travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, local culture, and destinations that feel undiscovered. In western China, Chongqing is quietly emerging as one of the country's most compelling places to visit.

Known as the "Mountain City," Chongqing offers a striking contrast to China's better-known tourist hubs. Built among steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the city is famous for its layered skyline, elevated roads, riverside neighborhoods, and a metro line that famously passes through a residential building.

Yet visitors say it is not the city's dramatic landscape alone that leaves a lasting impression.

"Many travelers arrive expecting a modern megacity and leave talking about the people they met, the food they tasted, and the feeling of discovering a side of China they never knew existed," says Jay, founder and local guide of Jaychongqingtour.

Unlike destinations where tourism is concentrated around a handful of landmarks, Chongqing offers a blend of urban energy, ancient heritage, and cultural immersion. Visitors can spend the morning exploring bustling city districts or wandering centuries-old towns such as Gongtan Ancient Town, or on the next day, standing beneath the towering natural stone bridges of the Wulong Karst National Geology Park.

The city's culinary reputation is also attracting international attention. Home to the famous Chongqing hotpot and a thriving street food culture, the city has become a destination in its own right for food enthusiasts seeking regional Chinese cuisine beyond the familiar dishes found abroad.

Travelers are also increasingly drawn to Chongqing's authenticity. While tourism infrastructure is modern and convenient, much of the city remains focused on local life rather than mass tourism. Morning markets, neighborhood tea houses, riverside parks, and traditional communities provide visitors with a glimpse into everyday China that many feel is difficult to find in more heavily visited destinations.

Industry observers note that this shift reflects a broader trend in global travel. Today's travelers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences over checklist tourism, seeking destinations that offer a stronger connection to local culture and community.

As China welcomes more international visitors, Chongqing appears well-positioned to benefit from this changing mindset.

"People often tell us that Chongqing was the highlight of their China trip," says Jay. "Not because it was the most famous city they visited, but because it felt the most real."

For travelers looking beyond China's traditional tourist trail, Chongqing may no longer be the country's best-kept secret—but it remains one of its most rewarding discoveries.

About Jay Chongqing Tour

Jaychongqingtour specializes in private and customized travel experiences in Chongqing and surrounding destinations in western China. Led by local guides with deep knowledge of the region's culture, history, and hidden gems, the company helps international visitors experience a more authentic side of China through personalized itineraries and meaningful local connections.

Recognizing the Top 50 Employers in the Philippines for 2026

 

 On June 17, 2026, Kalibrr unveiled the Top 50 Employers in the Philippines for 2026, recognizing organizations that have earned the trust and advocacy of Filipino professionals. The annual initiative aims to help jobseekers discover leading employers while encouraging organizations to raise the bar for workplace excellence.

Now in its second year, the annual recognition highlights the organizations earning the trust, respect, and advocacy of Filipino professionals.

As Filipino professionals become more intentional about where they work, one question stands out: Which employers are truly investing in their people?

On June 17, 2026, Kalibrr unveiled the Top 50 Employers in the Philippines for 2026, recognizing organizations that are setting the benchmark for workplace excellence through strong cultures, meaningful career opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth.

The 2026 list was informed by insights from members of Kalibrr's community of more than 8 million Filipino professionals and recruiters, alongside HR leaders and independent third-party data sources. Participating organizations were evaluated across key indicators, including employee satisfaction, opportunities for growth, organizational pride, and likelihood to recommend their employer to others.

The findings reveal a clear shift in what professionals value. While compensation remains important, career growth, leadership, workplace culture, and long-term development are increasingly shaping where people choose to work.

"Great employers create opportunities that change lives," said Paul Rivera, Co-Founder and CEO of Kalibrr. "The organizations recognized in this year's Top 50 understand that success is not measured solely by revenue or growth. It is measured by the impact they have on people. These companies are helping define what workplace excellence looks like in the Philippines today."

Across industries, the highest-performing organizations shared several common characteristics. They invest in employee development, foster cultures built on trust and collaboration, and create environments where people feel empowered to contribute and grow.

Introducing The Top 50 Employers in the Philippines for 2026

As the nature of work continues to evolve, the organizations recognized this year demonstrate that great workplaces are built through sustained investment in people, not just policies.

At Kalibrr, we believe that meaningful opportunities have the power to transform careers and improve lives. Through the Top 50 Employers initiative, we aim to help Filipino professionals discover organizations where they can grow, thrive, and build rewarding careers, while encouraging employers to continue raising the standard for workplace excellence.

Explore the complete list of the Top 50 Employers in the Philippines for 2026, learn more about each organization, and discover open career opportunities at top50.kalibrr.com.

About Kalibrr Technology Ventures, Inc.
Kalibrr is one of Southeast Asia’s leading recruitment technology companies, helping connect millions of professionals with thousands of employers across the region. Founded in 2012, Kalibrr became the first startup from the Philippines accepted into Y Combinator, marking a milestone for the country’s startup ecosystem. Since then, the company has grown into a trusted talent platform used by companies to attract, engage, and hire the right talent at scale.

Kalibrr combines technology, data, and deep market understanding to help employers build stronger teams while empowering professionals to discover meaningful career opportunities. Its platform supports companies across multiple industries, from fast-growing startups to established enterprises, in navigating an increasingly competitive hiring landscape making hiring more efficient, accessible, and impactful for both employers and jobseekers.

Mold Manila Marks 6th Anniversary with Unveiling of Premium Surgical Wing and Exclusive Birthday Milestone Sale

 

Mold Manila celebrates its sixth anniversary by launching a brand-new surgical wing in Quezon City. Alongside this expansion, founder Adrielle Costales kicks off a joint anniversary and birthday celebration featuring exclusive treatment discounts and interactive rewards via a dedicated digital hub.

Quezon City, Philippines — Since its founding, Mold Manila has redefined the local beauty landscape by introducing clinical precision tailored for the modern, fast-paced individual. The clinic has consistently empowered clients to achieve exceptional, long-lasting aesthetic results with premium care. This milestone anniversary represents not just institutional longevity, but a profound evolution in medical aesthetics and client care standards.

The crown jewel of this sixth-year milestone is the official unveiling of Mold Manila’s brand-new medical surgical wing. This strategic expansion broadens the brand's footprint beyond its highly regarded non-invasive procedures, introducing an elite suite of specialized, high-fidelity surgical options designed to provide permanent, natural-looking refinements. Driven by client demand and technical innovation, the new surgical division aligns with the clinic's core philosophy of clean, structural beauty.

Adding to the significance of the month, June also marks the birth month of Mold Manila's visionary founder and clinical director, Adrielle Costales. To honor this dual celebration, Costales is inviting the clinic's loyal community to participate in a month-long interactive birthday event. Clients can access an exclusive web portal to unlock substantial birthday rewards, premium treatment discounts, and bespoke consultation opportunities.

"Six years of Mold Manila means six years of trusting the process, embracing raw elegance, and breaking structural boundaries in aesthetics," says Adrielle Costales, Founder of Mold Manila. "Unveiling our surgical wing during my birth month is the ultimate alignment. We are elevating our capabilities to give our community even more precise, life-changing transformations while celebrating with major rewards."

While an exclusive, formal anniversary event is currently in development with dates to be announced soon, the digital and in-clinic celebrations commence immediately. Clients, long-term patrons, and beauty enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their bookings and experience the next chapter of clinical design.

Mold Manila is also hosting an anniversary giveaway. Clients can win discounts of up to 20% off and other treatments. Visit: https://moldmanila.com/elle-birthday-sale

About MOLD Manila

MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in Quezon City, Philippines. Known for its technology-driven, non-surgical treatments and personalized care, the clinic specializes in skin rejuvenation, non-invasive contouring, laser treatments, and IV wellness therapies. MOLD Manila is committed to education-first, results-driven aesthetics designed for real Filipino skin.