New Honda Civic e-HEV, a statement of commitment to environmental sustainability

CEBU CITY – The new Honda Civic 2025 model is not just a vehicle but a statement of Honda Cars-ACMobility’s commitment to efficiency and environmental sustainability highlighting significant changes from the previous versions with the latest technology, including the hybrid system identified as electric-hybrid electric vehicle or E-HEV.

“The new Honda Civic marks Honda's entry into the electrification trend in the industry with the launch of the new HRV electrified mode, starting with a hybrid model.   The new Honda Civic e:HEV is presented as the fastest and strongest in terms of power, with advanced technology and a 24/7 connection subscription,” Honda Cars ACMobility Chief Operating Officer, Steve Gingco told its bank partners and media/influencers in a Thanksgiving and Launching of Civic Hybrid on December 20 at the Honda Cars Cebu showroom.

According to Gingco, the new Honda Civic 2025 model is equipped with advanced technology, including anti-mitigation collision protection and Honda's "Honda Sense" safety features that is described as being highly connected and three to five years ahead of other internal combustion engine vehicles in terms of technology.  The car's advanced features and connectivity make it a leader in the market, with a focus on customer safety and convenience.

Gingco bared that Honda's direction is towards electrification with plans to launch more than 10 models of electric vehicles in the next five years.  “By 2023, Honda will stop manufacturing pure internal combustion engines, focusing instead on hybrids and electric vehicles,” he added.

Bryan Enerio, Branch Manager, Honda Cars Cebu ACMobility VisMin on the other hand also revealed that Honda has now transitioned to becoming a hybrid with the new model that is the RS 2.0 and it comes with Honda Sensing and Honda Connect systems. 

 “Honda connect means that with a touch of your phone or your handset, you already have control on safety, security and connectivity, even control the speed,” he said.

Enerio also points up to the commitment to sustainability in hybrid AC mobility, highlighting that for every car sold, a tree is grown.  To date, around 11,491 trees have been grown demonstrating a significant environmental effort.

The company upgrades all clients' cards ensuring continuous sustainability practices and he mentions the introduction of new models to reduce combustion and carbon influence, indicating a proactive approach to sustainability, he added.

Unveiling the new Honda Civic e-HEV Variant

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. unveiled the New Honda Civic with the 1.5-liter In-line 4 Cylinder DOHC VTEC Turbo Engine mated with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT); 2.0-liter DOHC DI Atkinson Engine with E-CVT with a refreshed new sporty and elegant exterior and interior design complete with advanced technologies such as Honda CONNECT, e:HEV, Google Built-in and Honda SENSING.

Prof. Jonathan Mondejar, Sales Trainer for VisMin ACMobility Honda Cars, described the new e:HEV Variant as the most powerful Hybrid in its segment.  “It sits on new-look alloy wheels.  At the rear, there aren’t any significant changes save for the addition of the new e:HEV badge. The front and rear Honda emblems have also been highlighted with blue to indicate that the car is, in fact, electrified,” he said.

Mondejar went on that the interior remains unchanged for the most part—still get the same materials and layout inside the solidly built cabin.  What’s new here, he bared is the addition of Google Automotive Services via the latest generation of Honda Connect.

The new Civic now offers new powertrain-a hybrid powertrain which delivers improvements in lesser carbon emission, acceleration performance, quietness and superb fuel efficiency, Mondejar bared adding that the new Civic has an individual Mode that allows the driver to select a personalized combination of the normal or sport-mode settings for throttle response and steering assist.

Mondejar also mentioned the Petrol Variant of the new civic that still offers an advance VTEC Turbo Engine which delivers superior performance striking a balance between performance and practicality, making it a popular choice for those who want an engaging driving experience without compromising on fuel economy.

Benefits of Honda Connect/Sensing to Honda customers

In its promotional literature, it highlights the new Civic Honda Connect that allows Honda owners to experience security, safety and convenience at the fingertips that is free for 3-year subscription. 

Civic Honda Connect also provides Safety and Security alarm detection; Automatic Collision Detection and speed alert.  It also Finds your Car and Geo-fencing alert; Emergency call; car status, service reminder, remote vehicle control; Diagnostic support, Fuel, battery, locks, airbag and 1to1 message, the literature reads.

According to Mondejar, with the Civic’s Honda Connect, “our customers feel trust and confidence, convenience and connection of man and machine with WiFi and proud to own a Honda car, especially the Civic that is equipped with the Google built-in automotive service.

Cars with google built-in (GBI) integrate favorite Google apps and services directly into the vehicle and these features are accessible via voice control and touch screen menus.

“Honda Sensing is a driver assist system that operates by using monocular camera to accurately detect the road ahead and take action to avoid situations such as one-car accident, collisions and pedestrian injuries.  Honda sensing lets the driver and passengers enjoy a more secure and comfortable driving experience,” Mondejar said.

Enerio on the other hand said that the hybrid system is designed to offer a balance between power and efficiency, making it suitable for urban driving and its configurations aim to provide exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, contributing to environmental sustainability.

“The system's functionality is illustrated with an example of driving within the city, emphasizing its efficiency. The motor drive system is highlighted as a key component, enhancing the vehicle's performance in urban environments.  The hybrid system is designed to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience, catering to the needs of city drivers,” Enerio concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman/Honda Cars Cebu)

 

 

Grab PH app now in Bohol

BOHOL, Philippines—Grab Philippines is now in Bohol as it launched its flagship on-demand services, GrabCar and GrabFood on December 16 at the Hennan Resort in Panglao, Bohol bringing safer, more convenient, and transparent transportation and delivery options to one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.

Bohol governor Aristotle Aumentado said that after a series of meetings with Grab and his team, he saw the need for a more convenient yet cheaper mode of transport  and good online services that connect more consumers and passengers to the online marketplace.

“With Grab in Bohol, more and more locals, can earn from it, generating hundreds of sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities of drivers, riders, and merchants,” Aumentado said, in his opening message at the launching event. 

He added that this leading superapp is a boon to Bohol economy and the tourism industry enhancing the mobility and deliveries experience of local citizens and tourists especially in Tagbilaran City, as well as the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao.

With a growing demand for app-based services among local residents and tourists, Grab is set to enhance the daily experience of passengers and consumers by connecting them to a robust community of drivers, delivery riders, and restaurateurs committed to meeting their needs efficiently and reliably.

“We are excited to bring GrabCar to Bohol, where locals and tourists alike will benefit from an elevated transport experience. Our goal is to provide rides that are not just affordable and convenient, but also safe and transparent—a commitment we have consistently upheld across the country,” Grab Philippines Vice President for Cities CJ Lacsican said. 

Lacsican added that this launch is more than just bringing convenience to consumers, it’s about enabling local food entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, grow sustainably, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

According to Lacsican, GrabCar’s rollout in Bohol is bolstered by over 100 slots approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), enabling Grab to onboard and empower local drivers. For these drivers, the platform represents not only an economic opportunity but also a chance to become professional partners in the region’s growing digital economy.

Grab aims to foster seamless connectivity while also generating hundreds of sustainable livelihood opportunities for local drivers, riders, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adding that at the heart of Grab’s Bohol operations is its flagship mobility service, GrabCar – a safe, reliable, and transparent mobility solution, Lacsican said. 

Some features of the Grab in Bohol

1. Share Your Ride. This feature enables passengers to send a live tracking of their ride and location to loved ones. 
2. Trip Monitoring, a proactive feature by Grab that tracks unplanned stops or route deviations, allowing the platform to swiftly conduct welfare checks and address any unexpected incidents on the road.
3. Emergency SOS Button: This feature gives drivers and passengers easy access to law enforcement and Grab’s customer service team. 
4. In-app Calling & Chat: This feature enables users to seamlessly communicate with drivers directly within the Grab app, eliminating the need for third-party communication platforms and enhancing data privacy and security.

Enhancing Bohol’s culinary industry

The entry of GrabFood is expected to empower and enhance the Boholano restaurateurs and MSMEs being connected to a digital ecosystem that expands their reach and improves operational efficiency by tapping into Grab’s network to deliver food directly to consumers, opening up new revenue streams and bringing their offerings to a wider audience.

For consumers, GrabFood offers a gateway to explore Bohol’s culinary diversity. From iconic Boholano dishes like kinilaw and kalamay to contemporary flavors, residents and tourists can satisfy their cravings with just a few taps on the Grab superapp.

GrabExpress, the super app’s on-demand parcel delivery service, is also available in Bohol to provide locals and businesses with a fast and reliable way to send packages. The service complements the province’s growing e-commerce scene by streamlining logistics and making everyday transactions more efficient.

“Bohol is one of the crown jewels of Philippine tourism.  By integrating our services into the daily lives of locals and visitors, we aim to make this beautiful province even more accessible, enjoyable, and connected,” Lacsican concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

“Uninvited” hits theatres nationwide on Dec. 25, a gift to Filipino audiences for 50th MMFF

 CEBU CITY –Three of the best forces in Philippine Cinema -- Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre gather in “Uninvited”, a gripping thriller-drama set to electrify this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and as a gift to Filipino audiences as the movie hits the theaters nationwide on Christmas day.

"We understand the challenges Filipinos face today. Watching a movie in theaters is a luxury, so we made sure this is worth every peso. It's indeed a full cinematic experience in theaters this Christmas,” Mentorque CEO John Bryan Diamante told Cebu media in a press conference on December 8 at Citadines Hotel, Cebu City.

Diamante said that from Mentorque Productions-the makers of the most-awarded Filipino horror movie of all time, Mallari, comes a remarkable cinematic milestone Filipino audience can't afford to miss.   The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which also helped catapult last year's MMFF to success and joining the team is Project 8 Projects in its first collaboration with Mentorque Productions.

Directed by Dan Villegas in his comeback directorial film after six years, Uninvited showcases an unforgettable collaboration of some of the most celebrated actors in Philippine cinema, with a screenplay written by Dodo Dayao.

Official Synopsis

Vilma Santos as Eva Candelaria has been waiting for this day for the last ten years the birthday party of Guilly Vega played by Aga Muhlach, the billionaire who brutally murdered her only daughter a decade ago and escaped justice.

Disguised as a socialite, Eva attends the opulent event with a single goal: revenge. As the night unfolds, she carefully stalks each person involved in her daughter's murder; inching closer to her ultimate target. But who is the true villain of her story? Is it Guilly or his daughter Nicole? Unarmed and without a concrete plan, Eva must make life-or-death choices as her options dwindle. Will she fulfill her mission, or will the night claim her life instead?

Guilly Vega's ominous line in the teaser— "Hindi lang to basta party!" - emphasizes the film's deeper themes. Behind the mysterious story and lavish setting lies a gritty, thought-provoking message.

Leading the powerhouse ensemble cast are Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, and the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, supported by an impressive lineup that includes RK Bagatsing, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, Gabby Padilla, Elijah Canlas, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, Ron Angeles, and Tirso Cruz II.

Mark your calendar

Uninvited hits theaters nationwide starting December 25, as part of the highly anticipated 50th edition of MMFF. With its gripping story, stellar cast, and visuals rivaling Hollywood blockbusters, the film is a Christmas gift to Filipino moviegoers and a celebration of the resilience and artistry of Philippine cinema.

Muhlach said, this is not just an ordinary party, it's a grand cinematic experience created by Filipino artists for Filipino audiences of all walks of life. Don't miss this thrilling ride on the big screen, he added.

Mentorque's growth in the industry speaks volumes about its dedication to Filipino talent. From modest beginnings to producing festival-worthy films, the company remains steadfast in its mission to highlight local stories and bring them to the global stage. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONPC is corporate partner of Honda, FilCeb, Golden Prince Hotel

CONPC is corporate partner of Honda Cars, FilCeb, Golden Prince Hotel

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) has currently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) as corporate partner of Honda Cars Cebu ACMobility, FilCeb Club, Inc. and the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites to foster mutual benefits for all signatories.

 

Under the MOA, CONPC provides media and content support to enhance marketing visibility of their respective products and promotional materials embracing digitalization via online and social media platforms.

CONPC and Honda Cars Cebu - ACMobility launched recently the #CONPCLoungeAtHonda on November 22, at Honda Cars Cebu at A.Soriano Ave., Cebu City with Bryan Enerio, Honda Cars Cebu and VisMin branch manager and Robby Alugar, RMA News & CONPC Founder as signatories. 

The Lounge can be used by all CONPC members when creating contents and or just lounging around at the same time creating Honda Cars content as its marketing partner. #CONPCLoungeAtHond is provided with free unli coffee and WiFi.

CONPC and FilCeb, Inc. officially signed the MOA on November 30 during the MSME Entrepreneurship Summit 2.0 held at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites with FilCeb president, Rey Calooy and CONPC Founder Robby Alugar as signatories. 

This collaboration underscores FilCeb’s commitment to strengthening business and social connections in Cebu. By embracing digitalization through an online e-newspaper platform and leveraging both social and traditional media practitioners, FilCeb aims to provide an effective and efficient way of promoting its members and the Club as a whole with CONPC as its partner.

CONPC and Golden Prince Hotel and Suites signed the MOA on December 2 at the newly-renovated Q Cafe with GPHS General Manager Arthur James Fernandez and Marketing Associate Monarch Andrew Semblante representing the hotel and CONPC Founder Robby Alugar as signatories.

This partnership is part of GPHS’ Golden Connections initiative that aims to foster a mutual benefit program for both signatories. Under the MOA, CONPC will help enhance the visibility and promotional efforts of the hotel’s offerings, including its signature outlets such as Q Café, LeMon, and Kabilin.

The CONPC Qbicle and Lounge at the QCafe was also launched.  Benefits include media support coverage on a weekly basis made by members of CONPC; exclusive use and or reservations made for the QCafe Qbicle’s with a maximum usage of 2 to 3 hours; monthly recaps with all members in relation to content releases related to the GPHS existing promotions.

Meanwhile, CONPC’s partnership with Lilu Advertising with Habitat/Terwilliger Center and the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Region 7 continues to flourish as the organization engages to advocate for “Building Better Homes” and for Health and Nutrition Development in Central Visayas. (Photos: MBCNewman)