Friday, January 31, 2025
SM Foundation Opens 2025 College Scholarship Application
Get Ready for the Latest VR Entertainment in the Metro – Space Arcade!
Catch Up to 62% Savings at Discovery Hotels and Resorts at the 32nd Travel Tour Expo 2025
GCash parent Mynt joins World Economic Forum Unicorn Community
The Philippines has been invited to join the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) Unicorn Community, a sub-community of the WEF’s Innovator Communities comprising the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups. Seen as a recognition of the rapid advancement of financial inclusion and fintech growth in the country, the WEF invitation was extended directly to Mynt, the parent company of GCash, the nation’s leading finance super app.
Mynt brings its vision of Finance for All to global business leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers, as the first and only Philippine member of the WEF Unicorn Community.
The World Economic Forum is a leading organization shaping global economic policies and fostering collaborative solutions through public-private cooperation – connecting communities of leaders around international issues.
Its Innovator Communities are a group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups at the forefront of technological and business model innovation.
By being part of the Unicorn Community, GCash will have the opportunity to contribute to a global agenda on how financial technology (fintech) can help advance financial inclusion in countries like the Philippines.
“We are honored to be part of the World Economic Forum Unicorns Community— representing the Philippines and its booming Fintech industry. This reflects our commitment to transforming financial services in our country and contributing to global financial inclusion and innovation conversations. We look forward to engaging with other leaders and exploring new ways to drive positive change,” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.
Established in 1971 in Geneva, Switzerland, WEF also builds communities of purpose essential to addressing large-scale global challenges, converting ambition into focused action through structured multi-year initiatives and insight generation.
This year’s annual forum will be held at the Davos-Klosters in Switzerland from January 20 to January 24, gathering thousands of key leaders from both public and private sectors. The central idea for this year’s meeting is about “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”
As it continues to champion “Finance for All”, GCash banners its game-changing innovation aimed at bridging financial gaps beyond the nation’s borders and helping improve Filipinos’ everyday lives.
Marking 70 Years of Excellence: PMA’s 43rd Agora Awards Honors Stellar Marketing Pioneers
30 January 2025, Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) rolled the carpet for the 43rd Agora Awards Gala at the Manila Ballroom, Manila Marriott Hotel, celebrating the pinnacle of marketing excellence, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly shaped the industry landscape.
Honoring this year’s celebration, the 43rd Agora Awards Gala brought a special meaning as it coincided with PMA’s 70th anniversary, encapsulated by the theme: “AGORA S.M.I.L.E. – Stellar Marketing Innovators: Legacy of Excellence.”
With the leadership of Director-in-Charge and Overall Chairperson Alpha Gracias C. Allanigui, the 43rd Agora Awards has become a landmark event over the years, and now, it has expanded its recognition to include groundbreaking new categories to celebrate innovative strategies and transformative contributions that push boundaries and set new standards of excellence.
"We are blessed to have not only notable luminaries but also outstanding enterprises in our Agora roster," said Allanigui. "These awardees are making waves and consistently raising their game through their legacy of excellence."
The 43rd Agora Awards introduced new categories to reflect the ever-changing marketing landscape, emphasizing the importance of addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities within the industry. These new categories include Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise, which recognizes marketing initiatives that empower communities and drive social change; Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Marketing, highlighting campaigns that promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices; and Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Campaign, celebrating groundbreaking strategies and innovative approaches that deliver exceptional results. These additions underscore the awards’ commitment to acknowledging marketers who not only excel in their craft but also contribute meaningfully to society and the planet.
Among the highlights was the Agora Special Trailblazer Award, which honors individuals or companies with triumphs in three distinct Agora categories, showcasing sustained innovation and excellence. This year’s recipient, Century Pacific Food, Inc., exemplified this through its unparalleled achievements, including Agora Company of the Year (2011), Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management (2014), and Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing (2018).
Another notable category, the Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building, celebrates individuals who have elevated the nation’s status through exemplary contributions in their respective fields. This honor was bestowed upon Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., under the leadership of Josiah and Chiqui Go, for their transformative impact on marketing education. Their commitment to fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and sharing best practices has cemented their role as a cornerstone of marketing innovation and nation-building.
Other winners who embody ingenuity and excellence in their fields included Global Dominion Financing, Inc., SPD Inc., and Avocadoria for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship across large, medium, and small-scale business categories, respectively. ACEN and Jos Ortega were recognized for their achievements in marketing communication, while Unmeat shone in export marketing. UST and individual educators Enrique Caeg and Dr. Antonio Etrata were celebrated for their contributions to marketing education. The evening also highlighted Rags2Riches’ excellence in social enterprise, Agridom’s sustainability marketing efforts, and Knowledge Channel’s advocacy marketing initiatives. GCash received accolades for its standout marketing campaign, while Greg Banzon and Robert Hechanova were honored for their achievements in marketing management and overseas marketing, respectively.
Significantly, Century Pacific Food’s UnMEAT brand and Greg Banzon each received their second recognition in Export Marketing and Marketing Management, respectively. These distinguished achievements place them on the path to Hall of Fame induction, contingent upon securing another win within the next five years.
COMPLETE LIST OF AWARDEES
Agora Special Trailblazer Award: Century Pacific Food, Inc.
SET 1: Marketing Education and Advocacy
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education: University of Sto. Tomas
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Collegiate: Dr. Antonio E. Etrata – UST
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Higher Education/Professional: Enrique Pablo O. Caeg, CPM Asia
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Marketing: Agridom Solutions Corporation
Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing: Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise: Rags2Riches
SET 2: MarCom & Entrepreneurship
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Individual: Joselito B. Ortega
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Company/Enterprise: ACEN RES / Tony Valdez
Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing: UnMEAT
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Small Scale: Czarina J. Sevilla, Avocadoria.ph
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale: Sarah P. Deloraya-Matero, SPD Jobs, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Large Scale: Patricia P. Palacios, Global Dominion Financing, Inc.
SET 3: Marketing Management
Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing: Roberto Hechanova
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management: Gregory Francis H. Banzon, Century Pacific Food, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Campaign: GCash
Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building Marketing Leadership: Mansmith & Fielders
PMA made the conscious decision not to award a Marketing Company of the Year this year, upholding its commitment to maintaining integrity and ensuring a rigorous, fair judging process.
JUDGING PROCESS
The Agora Awards follows a meticulous and transparent process to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are recognized. Nominations are carefully screened for eligibility, and nominees are informed of their status and submission requirements. Throughout the process, confidentiality is strictly upheld, with all committee members signing agreements to protect sensitive information.
Entries are assessed by category heads and validated via thorough verification, which includes interviews and due diligence. Judges are then selected based on their expertise, forming three panels that evaluate categories aligned with their areas of practice. To maintain objectivity, judges receive documents for review days before deliberations. During the deliberation process, only judges and the official tabulator, SGV, are present, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Winners are announced only after SGV verifies the results.
Chairperson Allanigui expressed her gratitude to the judges, category heads, committees, and supporters who worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. She also shared her personal reflection on leading the Agora Awards: “The Agora Awards is my way of giving back to the marketing and business community. It is a labor of love, a journey of learning and patience, and a constant reminder of Filipino ingenuity. The stories of our nominees and awardees are inspiring testaments to innovation and integrity. For me, the Agora is more than an event—it is a beacon of hope that highlights the brighter side of our nation’s future.”
She concluded by lauding all the awardees, adding, “Their stories remind us that the best marketing comes from the heart, driven by purpose and a desire to uplift and inspire. Congratulations to all the awardees for being true beacons of excellence. May your work continue to inspire businesses to thrive while helping build a brighter future for all.”
To learn more about the PMA’s Agora Awards and see how you can be part of their annual prestigious event, you may visit the Facebook page of the Philippine Marketing Association or https://philippinemarketing.
Sun Life Foundation Brightens Futures with School Kit Donations
MANILA, PH – January 2025 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), in coordination with AHA Behavioral Design, continued its commitment to nurturing the learning of Filipino children by donating over 1,700 school kits to six elementary schools.
School kits comprising school bags, hygiene kits, lunch boxes, and tumblers were distributed at Aguho Elementary School in Pateros, Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan City, and Col. Ramon Camus Integrated School in Malabon, giving students the perfect gift for a bright start to the school year.
Proving that distance is no obstacle, the Sun Life Foundation and AHA Behavioral Design teams also hiked through remote forested areas in Laguna to deliver kits to Gisgis Elementary School in Pangil and Parang ng Buho Elementary School in Santa Maria.
The highlight of the initiative was the distribution of over 760 kits at Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City, which was graced by executives Sun Life Philippines.
“Beyond bringing joy to school communities, our greater goal is to give students the tools they need to learn,” said Kristine Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “Children learn well when their needs are met. This donation is our way of helping build a brighter future for Filipino children, one school kit at a time.”
“AHA Behavioral Design supports Sun Life Foundation in donating school kits to not only help students but also show our teachers that they have a committed partner in making a difference in their classrooms and students’ lives,” said TJ Agulto, Chief Operating Officer of AHA Behavioral Design. “The schools chosen are part of Sun Pera-Aralan, Sun Life Foundation’s flagship financial management program for public school teachers, further underscoring their dedication to empowering educators and learners alike.”
As the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, the first and longest-standing life insurance company in the country, the Sun Life Foundation donates school kits annually in support of school communities.