Sunday, June 30, 2024
Sterling Bank signs agreement with Unla La Corp.
Friday, June 28, 2024
MWC Shanghai 2024: HONOR Unveils Industry's First AI Defocus Eye Protection and AI Deepfake Detection
AXE releases 3 new Fragrances Proven to be Finer Than Perfumes
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Get Photographed by the Studio Harcourt Paris through HONOR 200, coming soon in PH!
Manila, Philippines, June 27, 2024 – Leading smart devices provider, HONOR, has unveiled its partnership with Studio Harcourt Paris credited to the contribution of AI Portrait Engine to the HONOR 200 Series. The prestigious Studio Harcourt is known for its Black and White Portraits, seen on actors such as Karl Lagerfeld and Cate Blanchett.
“We’re taking portraits to a new level with the HONOR 200 Series! We’re confident that the upcoming AI Portrait Master will wow fans, and we’re even surprised to have successfully sealed the partnership with the reputable Harcourt Studio Paris. Now we’re bringing it to the Philippines! We can’t wait to offer another premium mid-range smartphone in the market,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.
As seen in this video, the Studio Harcourt Paris is renowned for its black and white signature portrait.
The Studio Harcourt in Paris is conceived by Cosette Harcourt, an exceptional and modern woman who boldly lent her name to the studio, and the Lacroix brothers in 1934.
The aesthetic of the Harcourt photographic portrait draws its heritage from the glamour of the golden age of black-and-white French cinema, a style of which the HONOR 200 drew inspiration from for its classic and timeless appeal that redefines phone portraiture.
Stay tuned for HONOR’s big announcements soon. Head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/
Ant International and Partners Support Almost 100 Million MSMEs, Launches Global “Embrace the Power of Small” Campaign
In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion is an open learning platform to help future digital leaders develop more skills to drive greater impact within their communities. As of 2023, with the support of 40+ global strategic partners, more than 6,000 individual talents from 100+ countries and regions completed the 10x1000 learning programs, of which 90% are from developing markets and 60% work in MSMEs.
Cholthicha Joyyangsuk (Numwan), Thailand – a micro entrepreneur in Bangkok selling Thai desserts on her tuktuk. With Alipay+, she can now easily accept mobile payments from tourists, sharing a slice of culture, while giving her access to a wider pool of customers. | |
Lem Cheong, The Hainan Story, Singapore – inspired by his grandma’s rich heritage and flavourful recipes, Mr Cheong aims to evolves traditional dishes, just as he evolves his business with digital tools like Antom’s D-store solution to simplify his store operations. | |
Lewis Ames, Wrimes Cosmetics, UK – starting with neon face paint and pivoting to pet care during the pandemic, Mr Ames uses WorldFirst to pay his suppliers and collect payments from marketplaces easily, so he can grow his business from Stevenage to the world. |
2024 CSR Conference and Expo in July spotlights innovation and technology in a New and Inclusive Future
A New Era for Alsons Dev: Miguel Dominguez Steps Up as President and CEO
In a move that signals a new era of leadership, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) proudly announces the appointment of Miguel Rene A. Dominguez as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This marks a pivotal moment for the company as it continues to expand its footprint in the real estate development sector.
Dominguez will be succeeding Rosie A. Dominguez, who will be retiring from her position as Executive Vice President. His ascension ensures continuity by taking on Rosie Dominguez’s comprehensive scope of responsibilities, promising to uphold and build upon the legacy of excellence that has defined the company under her stewardship.
Prior to this new designation, Dominguez served as Alsons Dev’s Director. Simultaneously, he was the Vice President for Operations at the Alcantara Group’s Agribusiness Unit, running the Philippines’ largest fully integrated aquaculture farm, value-added processing, and exports of fresh bananas and pineapples.
Shaping a visionary leader
Dominguez had a distinguished career in the government and business sectors that shaped his leadership philosophy. His professional journey began in agriculture, where he learned the value of empathy and communication. By working with people from different walks of life, he discovered the critical importance of motivating others and effectively conveying the company's vision. This enabled him to rally everyone to work together towards a common cause.
Following his stint in agriculture, Dominguez transitioned to a role in government when he became the Governor of Sarangani. His tenure was marked by significant achievements under the mentorship of prominent leaders such as the late Jesse Robredo. His innovative programs and initiatives during his governance were recognized nationally, earning him three presidential awards and the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) Award for Governance and Public Service.
Continuing Alsons Dev’s legacy
Dominguez’s extensive experience in agriculture, government, and management positions him to lead Alsons Dev into a future of continued success and innovation. His rich background provides him with a robust foundation in leadership and imbues him with the empathy and strategic foresight necessary to drive the company forward.
"We must always give credit to those whose shoulders we stand on, not just professionally but also for the experiences that shaped us as individuals," he said. “My mom Rosie’s legacy is one of utmost commitment to quality and fostering developments that emphasize family values. These guiding principles will continue to shape our future endeavors.”
Dominguez’s vision for Alsons Dev is forward-looking and ambitious, recognizing the need to differentiate the company in a competitive market. In recent years, Alsons Dev has expanded its focus beyond high-end developments to serve a broader market, including underserved segments seeking value-driven housing solutions. Dominguez is excited about this expansion and the opportunity to provide family-centric developments where families can live safely and thrive.
In addition to being the new President and CEO of Alsons Dev, Dominguez will concurrently serve as the Director for Corporate Strategy for the Alcantara Group’s Agribusiness Unit (ABU), underscoring his versatility and the trust the organization places in his leadership capabilities.
As Dominguez steps into his new roles, his wealth of experience and visionary approach herald a new chapter for Alsons Dev and the bigger Alcantara Group, which is celebrating its 70th founding anniversary this year.
IT’S RAINING SAVINGS WITH SM’S END OF SEASON SALE
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Igloo strengthens MSME support with Growsari partnership, providing insurance to sari-sari stores in the Philippines
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 26 June 2024– From small mom-and-pop shops around the corner, sari-sari stores, and small businesses started by young entrepreneurs, the importance and impact of these micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) cannot be overstated. These businesses account for 99.5% of the total number of companies in the country and employ 62.8% of the workforce.
However, the same segment is often exposed to a wide range of risks, from theft, illnesses, or natural disasters. Compared to larger businesses, they struggle to manage these risks more due to limited resources.
Understanding how these businesses are major drivers for economic growth, regional insurtech Igloo together with Growsari, a leading B2B MSME enabler that powers Philippines sari-sari stores, introduced the Personal + Business Protection Plan that provides financial assistance to these neighborhood convenience stores in case of unwanted incidents arising from natural calamities such as floods due to heavy rain.
“Igloo and Growsari share the same goal of protecting MSMEs like sari-sari stores by offering innovative insurance solutions that will help them mitigate risks while ensuring they can continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of their communities,” said Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines. “As we celebrate International MSME Day on June 27, we not only reaffirm our commitment to continue providing them with the tools and protection they need but champion how these businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community resilience.”
The Personal + Business Protection Plan provides up to P150,000 in financial coverage for accidents and up to P35,000 of cash assistance to help them protect their property or inventory in cases of flood and fire in more than 200,000 sari-sari stores in the country.
Beyond this, Igloo and Growsari are empowering these sari-sari stores to eventually extend the same protection plan to their customers and community–giving them ease of access to insurance products that can protect them and their loved ones. This is part of Igloo’s mission to provide affordable and accessible insurance for all.
“We’re not stopping there as we plan to expand the partnership to help cover their customers or sukis against unforeseen events. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive protection product for these businesses, covering not just their assets but also their human capital,” Vea added.
The Personal + Business Protection Plan is one of the latest MSME products Igloo has created with its partners. Last year it introduced NegosyoCare with GCash and Malayan–an insurance product specifically designed to protect MSMEs that provides coverage for accidents and other unwanted situations through the GInsure Marketplace.
These products further Igloo’s mission to provide underserved segments with comprehensive and affordable protection products across the region.
Learn more about Igloo’s products and services by visiting iglooinsure.com
Zed Secures BSP License, Begins Rolling Out Invitations to 40k Waitlist
Manila, Philippines, June 25, 2024 - Zed, a credit-led neobank, announced today it has received its Certificate of Authority to Operate as a standalone credit card issuer from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
"Our BSP license makes us the first Philippine neobank to offer credit cards as a standalone issuer," said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, "This independence and our foundation as a technology company means we can rapidly and continuously improve our product, unconstrained by legacy systems.”
After operating in a BSP-sanctioned pilot for the last 6 months, the Zed Card is officially rolling out to the public on an invite-only basis, starting with its waitlist. Zed has seen overwhelming demand for its no interest, no fees Mastercard Titanium Credit Card, garnering close to 40,000 sign ups since launching its waitlist in March this year.
Those who have signed up for the waitlist will receive invitations to apply for a Zed card over the coming months. “We’re overwhelmed by the excitement for Zed and the number of signups we’ve received. Given the significant demand, it will take some time for us to open up spots for all 40,000 individuals on the waitlist. Rest assured, we’re already sending out invitations and will get to everyone that’s signed up. Our priority is onboarding new users at a pace where we can ensure a stellar experience for every Zed customer, so hang tight!” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder and CEO