Following President Bongbong Marcos, Jr.’s directive to provide accessible lifelines, PLDT Group has expanded free call services and established additional stations at select PLDT and Smart stores in major malls nationwide. This builds on an earlier instruction from PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan to activate emergency communication support for Filipinos in affected regions.

Through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, OFWs in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can make free calls to the Philippines until March 15. TinBo is accessible via Google Play, the Apple App Store, and at www.tinbo.ph.

PLDT Home and Enterprise subscribers in the Philippines may also continue making free IDD calls to Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15, while Smart and TNT subscribers can avail the service until March 14. Smart subscribers in affected countries can contact the Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 for urgent coordination with family members back home.

By providing these lifelines, PLDT Group reinforces its mission to empower every Filipino, turning digital innovation into real-world support, and amplifying the impact of the government’s advocacy for the welfare of Filipinos

The telco announced a Middle East relief initiative that includes complimentary roaming packages in select countries, as well as load and billing support where needed.

Eligible Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid subscribers located in the following markets will automatically receive a free roaming package:

• Saudi Arabia – via STC and Zain
• United Arab Emirates – via Du and e& (Etisalat)
• Bahrain – via Batelco and Zain Bahrain
• Qatar – via Ooredoo and Vodafone
• Kuwait – via Ooredoo Kuwait and stc Kuwait

The package includes 1GB of all-access data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits valid for seven days to support critical communication needs. No registration is required, and eligible customers will receive confirmation once the benefit has been activated.

Subscribers must be connected to Globe’s preferred roaming partners in each country to access the complimentary service.

For customers in Iran, Globe is extending load assistance or bill adjustments to help offset roaming expenses during this period. Support will be provided through account credit adjustments based on usage while connected to roaming partners such as MTN Irancell.

“We recognize the importance of connection especially when circumstances are unpredictable. These measures represent Globe’s commitment to supporting our customers abroad, keeping them reliably linked to family and critical communication even in challenging contexts,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.

Globe said it continues to monitor developments in the region and coordinate with international partners to ensure reliable connectivity and timely assistance for affected subscribers.

For more details on Globe’s roaming services and partner networks, customers may visit Globe’s official website.

While there is a sense of relief that the people of Iran may be driving toward freedom and change from the rigid Islamic regime, more so with the US-Israeli strikes that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, peace in the Middle East is far from at hand.

First, there is no clear path for a stable succession of leadership – one that, at the very least, turns its back on theocratic ideology, which has dictated the nation’s leadership since 1979.

Second, its internal struggle is not without a firestorm of conflicts still raging with its Arab neighbors — the very ones it bombed in retaliation, apart from civilian targets in Tel Aviv. And it’s not like the attack drones only targeted US military facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Iran bombed the heart of the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As of this writing, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have not allowed any ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most vital energy chokepoint connecting Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

A shutdown here is not abstract geopolitics, but a move whose ripple effect would be a global supply shock. Roughly 20% of the world’s crude flows through that narrow corridor, and 80% of that heads for Asia – a third, to China.

If one can recall, just at the start of the year — if it’s any precursor to the developments of today — President Donald Trump had the temerity to invite China and Russia to purchase oil from the U.S. after US forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

That was a move to assert control over Venezuelan crude exports, effectively offering access to Asia, Russia, and China to buy oil now under Trump management. This strategic pivot reinforces Washington’s leverage in global energy markets even as supply lines tighten under Middle East instability.

For the Philippines, these may all read like distant foreign policy on the surface, especially if you listen solely to statements of President Marcos and his Department of National Defense (DND), which took to the news on Sunday the assurance that the Middle East conflict has “no direct threat” to the country.

Well, for one, the death of Filipina caregiver, Mary Anne Velazquez Rivera, who was hit by shrapnel as she raced to help her ward get into a bomb shelter in Israel, shows “no direct threat” is only a comforting phrase if our OFWs are out of the equation. We have hundreds of thousands of OFWs scattered across the Gulf.

Truth is, geography may protect our territory — 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers away from the bombs falling — but it does not shield our people from the consequences. Even without a single missile landing on Philippine soil, insurance premiums rise, freight rates spike, and markets respond in real time. The distance between Manila and the Gulf is long, but the distance between a blocked oil route and a Filipino commuter’s wallet is much shorter.

So, my read into this war saga is that militarily, our government may tell us there is no direct threat. But strategically, economically, and painfully — we are already in it.

*         *         *

SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

This was the key takeaway from the Market Briefing on Opportunities and Trends in the Philippine Construction, Architecture, and Engineering (CAE) sectors, with a strategic focus on Saudi Arabia, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) on July 1, 2025.

Held ahead of the Second Philippine Construction Business Mission to the Middle East this November, the virtual session aimed to prepare Filipino firms for the massive demand being generated by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformation program projected to channel between $1.3 trillion and $3 trillion into infrastructure and urban development.

POCB Chairman and DMCI Holdings President Engr. Isidro A. Consunji encouraged Filipino CAE players to seize the moment, saying Saudi Arabia’s large-scale developments offer an unprecedented chance to “raise the flag of Filipino CAE excellence” and contribute to one of the most ambitious transformation agendas in the world.

“Filipino contractors have what it takes,” Consunji said, citing the country’s proven track record in world-class finishing, sustainable engineering, and innovative design.

Commercial Attaché Vince Liwanag of the DTI-Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Riyadh confirmed that “major Saudi construction players have expressed strong interest in partnering with Filipino firms.” He advised companies to consider strategic entry modes that can help them comply with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization policies and adapt to regulatory changes.

These strategic entry modes, such as forming joint ventures, consortia, or technical collaborations, are seen as critical in securing time-sensitive opportunities across mega and giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, Qidiya, and Diriyah Gate, which together account for hundreds of billions of dollars in planned investments.

POCB Executive Director Doris Gacho added that the briefing is part of a broader three-year campaign to strengthen the Philippine CAE sector’s footprint in high-growth markets. “We started in 2024 with the successful First Philippine Construction Business Mission to the UAE and Qatar. This year, we’re building on that momentum with a mission to Saudi Arabia, timed with Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh,” Gacho said.

Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate and urban development expo, is expected to offer extensive networking and project-sourcing opportunities for participating Filipino firms.

In his closing remarks, POCB Board Member and First Balfour CEO Anthony Paul Fernandez urged the sector to view the mission not just as a business opportunity but as a chance to elevate the Philippine CAE brand on the global stage.

With more than $1.3 trillion in construction and infrastructure projects already launched and billions more planned under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Filipino firms are well-positioned to contribute to the Kingdom’s historic transformation while expanding their own global reach.

POCB invites stakeholders to join the November mission and become key players in this Middle East boom. Interested parties may visit https://bit.ly/POCBMEMission2025 or contact POCB via POCB@construction.gov.ph.

Hotel101’s global “one room” hotel chain is poised to disrupt the tourism industry by offering identical, standardized hotel rooms globally. In standardization, Hotel101 sees a global opportunity in the hospitality space that brings unbeatable efficiency, especially for the value segment so customers know exactly what to expect wherever they may be in the world. Hotel101’s asset-light ‘condotel’ business model is designed to scale efficiently while maximizing value for both unit owners and guests.

The partnership unites Hotel 101’s high-efficiency HappyRoom concept and condo-hotel funding model with Horizon’s deeply rooted market expertise and expert connections in the region.

“We are inspired by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and their sheer determination and will power to make things happen, as such, we are confident in the plans they have laid out for the region and we believe the Hotel101 concept will be able to make a significant contribution in terms of room keys to complement the 2030 Vision for the Kingdom, and to form part of our global vision of 1 million Hotel101 rooms worldwide,” said Hotel101 Global Founder Edgar “Injap” Sia II.

“We feel very fortunate to have found the right local partners to rapidly expand the Hotel101 brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the 25 countries we have identified for the initial expansion of Hotel101. We see tremendous opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia given the high growth in tourism both domestic and international. We believe Saudi Arabia will be one of the most exciting markets for Hotel101 globally,” said Hotel101 CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini.

“With Hotel 101’s rapid-build model and Horizon’s local know-how, we will add 10,000 quality, affordable rooms across the Kingdom—supporting Vision 2030, creating Saudi jobs, and expanding options for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers alike.” said Horizon Group CEO Abdulrahman Sharbatly.

Hotel101 recognizes the strategic opportunities presented by the Saudi market and its Vision 2030 plan. Hotel101 is committed to rolling out a standardized and predictable Hotel offering on average 500 rooms per site which can cater to the evolving and growing demands of the Saudi market.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed 27 million international tourists and 79 million domestic tourists breaching the 100 million visitor mark. A total spend of USD 67 billion showcased the robust tourism sector of Saudi Arabia. This is in line with the target of reaching over 150m tourists by 2030. This provides substantial opportunities in support services and infrastructure in areas such as Hotels, Shopping, F&B and transportation.

Read related story:

The partnership will see STC Bank becoming a payment option in one-stop marketplace Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo), PLDT Global’s digital platform and app. STC Bank will also carry Vortex products on their platform. These initiatives are designed to streamline financial transactions and provide clients with more flexible and secure payment solutions. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on enhancing cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and integrity of digital transactions.

“We are thrilled to join forces with STC Bank. This partnership will enable us to provide every Filipino and all customers in Saudi with the cutting-edge digital solutions that meet their evolving needs. Together, we are committed to empowering businesses and communities through reliable and innovative services,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global

“At STC Bank, we are driving financial inclusion through innovation that empowers individuals and businesses alike. Our collaboration with PLDT Global aligns with our mission to enhance digital banking accessibility, ensuring seamless and efficient transactions for our customers, no matter how far they are from their home countries,” said Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank.

This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone for both companies as they work together to address the challenges of digital transformation. 

When you think of Saudi Arabia, images of vast deserts and sun-soaked dunes likely come to mind. But did you know that the Kingdom boasts landscapes so diverse that some areas even experience snow in winter?

“Saudi Arabia is not a small country; it’s a large country in the heart of the world. We have very diverse offerings,” said Majid Alharbi, Head of Commercial Development for the Air Connectivity Program, during an interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS at the Super Terminal Expo earlier this November.

From cool mountainous escapes to pristine beaches along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s unique topography challenges common perceptions. “Today we have mountains offering cool escapes during summer, which is unique for the region known for its hot climate,” Alharbi said.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kingdom’s mountain ranges provide an excellent retreat.

Meanwhile, those seeking a more laid-back experience can head to the Red Sea, where luxurious resorts and vibrant marine ecosystems await.

One standout initiative is the Red Sea Project, a flagship endeavor in Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. This world-class luxury destination features a collection of islands offering idyllic beaches, high-end accommodations, and unspoiled marine biodiversity.

“The Red Sea Project is one of the key drivers for our region and a mega project that represents our vision of world-class tourism,” Alharbi said.

But the surprises don’t end there. Further north, Saudi Arabia’s landscapes embrace winter chill, making it an unlikely destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The Kingdom will even host the Asia Winter Olympics in 2028, set in Neom—a futuristic city designed with sustainability at its core.

“You will be surprised; we even get snow in some parts. And the Asia Winter Olympics will be held here,” Alharbi shared, highlighting the nation’s versatility.

Saudi Arabia is clearly committed to reinventing itself as a global tourism hub. Alharbi said this transformation isn’t just about attracting visitors; it’s about creating sustainable, high-quality destinations that will endure.

With significant investments in infrastructure, including state-of-the-art hotels, resorts, and entertainment facilities, the Kingdom is setting the stage for long-term success in the tourism sector.

“The journey is just beginning,” Alharbi concluded. “The program’s early successes signal that Saudi Arabia is prepared to become a major player in global tourism.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prioritizing new routes to key Asian markets, including China and the Philippines, as its Air Connectivity Program works toward welcoming over 330 million passengers on 250 international routes by 2030.

“China is a key source market where we needed to add more capacity,” said Majid Alharbi, Head of Commercial Development for the Air Connectivity Program, in an interview at the Super Terminal Expo early November.

He said increased flights and seat availability are planned for high-demand markets like China.

But already, Alharbi added, four Chinese carriers joined Saudi routes this year alone, highlighting the program’s focus on increasing accessibility for Asian tourists.

The Philippines, a long-established partner in labor exchanges with Saudi Arabia, is also benefiting from enhanced air connectivity.

Alharbi said that for Filipinos who have traditionally associated the kingdom with work opportunities, the initiative provides a fresh chance to rediscover Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination with unique natural and cultural attractions.

Under its Vision 2030 agenda, Saudi Arabia seeks to transform itself into a global tourism hub. Launched in 2021, its Air Connectivity Program has already attracted 12 new airlines and over 22 new routes this year, adding 1.5 million seats to Saudi airports.

“In three years, we’ve managed to attract more than 70 new routes and significantly increase international connectivity through our national and foreign carriers alike,” Alharbi said.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The kingdom aims to increase tourism’s GDP contribution from the current 3% to 10% by 2030.

“We need to diversify our economy,” Alharbi told THEPHILBIZNEWS. “Being rich today, as a country, is good, but our resources must be sustained into different sectors, like tourism, that will support future generations.”

He said this shift underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its geographical and cultural wealth to attract international tourists, particularly from Asia, while paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

“Everyone is welcome to visit, and we want to welcome the entire globe,” Alharbi said.

The twins’ surgery, conducted in Riyadh on June 6, 2024, was made possible through a royal decree from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Speaking during a celebration marking Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, Ambassador Al-Qahtani expressed his nation’s pride in the achievement.

“Our partnership has been enriched by shared interests across various fields, particularly in the humanitarian domain,” he said, noting that the surgery exemplifies the Kingdom’s humanitarian commitment as well as the strengthening of its longstanding ties with the Philippines.

Ten years ago in 2004, the Kingdom also successfully separated twins Anne and May.

Beyond humanitarian achievements, Ambassador Al-Qahtani touched on Saudi Arabia’s increasing prominence on the global stage. He announced that the Kingdom is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, a historic milestone for the nation.

“The World Cup will be the largest edition ever held in a single country, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s exceptional capabilities in hosting international events,” he said.

This follows Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the World Expo 2030, underscoring its ambitions to become a global hub for tourism and culture.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Eduardo “Ed” De Vega, who attended the event, lauded Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian contributions and expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral ties.

“The Kingdom is the land of innovation. Our countries have enjoyed more than five decades of warm and vibrant times, marked by mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship. In the years to come, we look forward to strengthening our partnership, and we look forward to the continuation of mutual interests,” De Vega said.

On a lighter note, De Vega also shared his excitement for the World Cup, humorously stating that the Philippines could easily support Saudi Arabia in their bid for victory, given their triumph over Argentina in the 2022 tournament.

“If Saudi can beat the World Cup champions, they can certainly win,” he said.

De Vega also highlighted the contributions of over a million Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia, praising their role in strengthening the economic and cultural connections between the two nations.

“Our partnership has stood the test of time, and we look forward to further collaboration and shared success,” he said.

As Saudi Arabia continues to make strides on the global stage, the partnership between the two nations is expected to flourish in the years to come, particularly in the areas of healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchange.

As travel boom continues, Filipinos’ ardent desire to travel abroad remains strong and VFS Global believes the need for them to respond to this unprecedented demand through innovative and personalized services and ensure that visa applicants from the Philippines will be able to experience hassle-free visa application that suits their needs.

According to VFS Global, the visa application volume across all visa categories from the Philippines in 2023 surpassed the pre-pandemic levels by 35% (2019). Kaushik Ghosh, Head of VFS Global Australasia expressed his optimism on the continuous travel momentum in 2024.

“This healthy rise in visa applications from the Philippines last year indicates that travelers’ confidence has been restored, and people are ready to explore their favorite global destinations again,” said Ghosh.

As international travel and visa applications have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, one of the trends includes the uptick of Premium services like Premium Lounge and Prime Time, providing personalized assistance and flexible application times, which have seen increased adoption, catering to evolving traveler preferences. 

Expansion of personal services for more convenience

Compared with 2022, visa application volume from the Philippines grew by 48% in 2023, marking a robust recovery in the travel industry. Some popular international destinations last year include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland.

• Visa At Your Doorstep
• Premium Lounge
• Form-filling Assistance 
• Prime Time Service 

The Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) has more than doubled since 2019 which proves a strong trend towards a more convenient and efficient application process for travelers. 

Mobile Visa Application Centre, on the other hand, offers enhanced customer convenience, security features, and network reach. This includes service available for 11 client government ins in Manila — Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK. 

Customized services serve as a strong demand factor in 2023 that lead to increasing visa applications. One of these is VFS Global’s personalized service – Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) which empowers applicants to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their homes or any other location of their choice. Through this premium service, customers can submit applications, enroll for biometrics, and also get their passports couriered back to their own choice of location. 

Currently, VFS Global offers VAYD services for 11 countries in the Philippines — Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK. 

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Ghosh mentioned that there will be more countries to expect in VAYD services with countries like Australia and Saudi Arabia very soon. He also gave a sneak peek of VFS Global’s offers moving forward. “We will have a premium visa center soon… in a five-star hotel,” Ghosh said.

Furthermore, Ghosh highlighted the healthy adoption of contactless and personalized services due to post-pandemic travelers and health considerations.  “These services enhance the overall visa application experience for applicants by avoiding the need for them to stand in a queue,” Ghosh added. 

Indeed, these personal services will continue to provide enhanced customer convenience, and security features, and expand network reach.

VFS Global eyes more partner countries for visa application processing

With its current partner countries, VFS Global sees more countries will avail of their visa processing service given their track record and growing clients.

The country’s top and reliable visa processing service center caters to 29 sovereign governments in the Philippines namely Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, UAE (Dubai), Finland, Italy, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, and USA.

The VFS Global official also said that with the upward trajectory of visa applications in the Philippines which are currently being processed in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, the service company provider is already looking into expanding to other key provincial cities in the Philippines that will be able to process the visa applications.

When asked about how VFS Global ensures that the data of visa applicants are protected given the number of visa applicants, Ghosh said, “We have our technology in place that assures all the data of the visa applicants are protected. VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrolling biometrics, if applicable.” 

“The VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa,” he clarified.