Award-Winning Link VIP Club Program Exceeds Customer Expectations in 2025

At a time when automation and price wars dominate the telecom landscape, Eastern Communications sets itself apart with a powerful differentiator: personalized service with a human touch. Eastern’s unique approach was recently recognized at the Asian Experience Awards 2025 in Singapore, where its 2024 “Partners in Progress” brand campaign and Link VIP Club customer loyalty program, earned honors for Brand Experience of the Year and Customer Experience of the Year, respectively.

Launched in 2018 to nurture Eastern’s relationships with its most valued B2B partners, the Link VIP Club has since evolved into a full-fledged experience offering exclusive perks, elevated service touchpoints, and access to premium lifestyle events tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.

This year, the program saw a notable rise in both participation and satisfaction ratings, reflecting Eastern Communications’ deeper engagement with its clients. Among the key highlights was the launch of the Titanium Tier, the newest and most exclusive membership level of the Link VIP Club.

Elevated experiences through the Titanium Tier

Unveiled in April at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Titanium Tier launch was a celebration of partnership and progress. This newest Link VIP Club level offers premium benefits such as 24/7 priority care, managed connectivity solutions, exclusive event access, and curated learning sessions. Designed to deepen client relationships and elevate the customer experience, these perks align with Eastern Communications’ “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy.

“Customer-centric innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications. “Through the expanded Link VIP Club perks, we’re elevating the way we serve with smarter solutions, faster resolution time, and exclusive access to experiences to empower our clients for the future. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to stay ahead of them and anticipate challenges before they’re even felt. Because at Eastern, every client journey deserves excellence.”

Furthering its client-first approach, the telco provider hosted its first-ever golf tournament exclusively for Titanium members on July 17, 2025, in Laguna. This inaugural event brought together some of Eastern Communications’ most loyal clients for a day of friendly competition, networking, and shared celebration. 

“Our company has been with Eastern Communications since 2015, and we really feel special. This event is more on engagement and relationship building, which I think is the key to being long-time partners,” said Yeng Molero, owner of APN Philippines Inc.

Recognized commitment to client engagement

Aside from the 2025 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern’s “high touch” service has garnered significant acknowledgment across various regional marketing platforms.

Eastern Communications earned recognition at the 2025 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, winning the Best Sales and Marketing Team of the Year award, highlighting the strength and impact of its customer engagement initiatives. The telco also took home a bronze award for Excellence in B2B Marketing at the Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines.

Most importantly, Eastern Communications’ dedication to exceptional service is reflected in the feedback of its clients.

“As an Eastern client, I really enjoyed the after-sales and pre-sales services. Most businesses really need reliability and fast connection, and in case there are downtimes, the team has to be very approachable. It’s truly great that we are partnered with Eastern. I would really recommend Eastern based on our company’s overall experience, knowing that we can confidently stand by our recommendation," said Shin Enriquez, Network Operation Section Head at Bank of Commerce.

Ross Garcia, Head of Public Relations at San Miguel Holdings, shared, "Eastern Communications is very proud of their service, [and] as they say, it is very personalized and exceeds every client's expectations. They go the extra mile and they provide services that really can't be matched by other competitors."

This reflects the company’s branding message to be its clients' Partners in Progress and embodies how Eastern views its clients as long-term collaborators in success. The telco continues to highlight this value through bespoke events, priority support, shared milestones, and building connections that go beyond business.

To learn more about the Link VIP Club Program and Eastern Communications’ commitment to High Tech, High Touch service, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Eastern Communications and Nexusguard Forge Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Cybersecurity in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines – 25 September 2025 – Nexusguard, a global leader in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation and cybersecurity solutions, today announced a strategic collaboration with Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ premier telecommunications provider. The partnership was officially launched at an exclusive event held at Manila House, bringing together industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders to mark a new era in cybersecurity resilience across the country.

This collaboration leverages Nexusguard’s cutting-edge expertise in cloud-based DDoS protection and managed security services with Eastern Communications’ robust infrastructure and local market reach. Together, the two companies will deliver comprehensive, scalable, and highly reliable cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of Philippine enterprises, government agencies, and service providers.

“We are proud to partner with Eastern Communications to extend our mission of safeguarding businesses from evolving cyber threats,” said Andy Ng, CEO of Nexusguard. “With Nexusguard Bastions Technology, organizations in the Philippines can now access world-class protection against sophisticated attacks, ensuring business continuity and peace of mind.”

In a joint statement, Eastern Communications Co-Coordinators Atty. Aileen Regio and Jaeson Evangelista emphasized, “By joining forces with Nexusguard, we are reinforcing our commitment to provide our clients not only with reliable connectivity, but also with the world-class security solutions designed to help them thrive in today’s digital-first world.” 

The product launch complements Eastern’s connectivity solution, DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), which delivers a premium, dedicated, high-speed internet built for today’s business demands. Powered by fiber-leased line technology and fortified with advanced DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection, Eastern IDS ensures 24/7 reliable connectivity with symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Backed by resilient global internet backbone access, this solution not only drives workforce productivity but also shields businesses from costly cyber disruptions.

The launch event at Manila House celebrated the partnership with a symbolic awards presentation, industry networking, and the unveiling of the joint service portfolio. Guests included key leaders from the tech, telecom, and enterprise sectors, underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity in the Philippines’ digital transformation journey. This collaboration comes just in time to fortify businesses as the local Cybersecurity Month celebration is observed throughout October.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS and other cybersecurity solutions, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Sun Life Philippines honored with Best Employee Engagement Program Award at the 2025 People Insight Awards

MANILA, PH – September 2025 – Sun Life Philippines was recently recognized with the Best Employee Engagement Program Award at the 2025 People Insight Awards.

 

Organized by TalentView, a leading employer branding firm, the People Insight Awards celebrates organizations that have successfully transformed their employer brand and strengthened employee engagement programs through purpose-driven leadership and cultural transformation.

 

Sun Life was honored for its commitment to building a workplace culture anchored in trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Through initiatives like The Kaleidescope Hub, an employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) network, and the House Cup, a gamified approach to promoting overall well-being, Sun Life has empowered employees to share authentic stories of growth, inclusion, and personal fulfillment. It has showcased how the organization continues to nurture brilliance in every individual.

 

“Our people are the heart of Sun Life,” said Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “This recognition affirms the collective effort to create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and inspired to thrive.”

 

This achievement comes on the heels of three other recognitions, including the 2025 HR Excellence Awards, where Sun Life received the Excellence in HR Innovation Award; the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, where it earned a Silver Stevie Award for its approach to HR management; and the 21^st Philippine Quill Awards, where it garnered a Merit Award for its employer branding campaign entitled Unleash Your Brilliance.

 

As Sun Life celebrates its 130^th anniversary, this award also reflects the company's strategic focus on fostering total wellness, promoting authenticity, and cultivating a culture of belonging. These efforts have led to tangible outcomes in employee retention, collaboration, and engagement, making Sun Life a community where people shine brighter together.

 

To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

 

Security Bank Wins Three Human Capital Awards for HR Innovation and Work-Life Harmony

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank has been recognized for its customer-centric strategy, receiving top honors by three prestigious award bodies. At the Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA), the Bank was lauded for Excellence in HR Transformation, while at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, it was named among the Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines and for its commitment to work-life harmony. Moreover, the Bank was listed as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines.

Security Bank received the bronze award for Excellence in HR Digital Transformation at ETHCA for its HCM System Transformation Project. Introduced in 2023, this initiative reshaped how the Bank manages and supports employees through HeRO (HCM Employee Resources Online)—a centralized platform that streamlines HR processes, improves productivity, and delivers a seamless employee experience.

Bank’s Employee Value Proposition, “You matter,” reflects its belief that taking care of employees enables them to take even better care of customers. This alignment of people and purpose reinforces Security Bank’s vision of becoming the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines.

The impact of the transformation has been significant: 99% satisfaction among new hires, 25% time savings for managers through HR automation, and a 67% boost in operational efficiency with cost savings from retiring legacy systems. Digital adoption has also surged, with 99% on web and 80% on mobile—clear proof of strong employee engagement.

Building on these successes, Security Bank was also recognized at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, earning the bronze award for Excellence in Work-Life Harmony. The recognition highlights the Bank’s programs that address employees’ diverse needs, including hybrid work, flexible benefits, enhanced leave options, day-one health coverage, and comprehensive wellness initiatives. Together, these efforts have strengthened inclusion and belonging—reflected in an employee engagement score of 78, well above the market average of 72.

Security Bank was also named among HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines, an award that recognizes organizations with strong employee engagement, inclusivity, and long-term development. Selected through surveys of 2.5 million employees and culture audits, the recognition affirms the Bank’s commitment to elevating the employee experience.

“Our promise of ‘You matter’ is not just to employees, but ultimately to our customers. When our people feel valued, supported, and empowered, they’re able to bring their best selves to work and serve our customers with greater care and empathy. These recognitions affirm that by investing in our employees’ growth and well-being, we’re also strengthening our ability to be the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines,” said Nerissa Berba, EVP and Chief People Officer of Security Bank.

These awards validate the Bank’s broader employer branding efforts, including its ongoing #YouMatter storytelling campaign, which showcases authentic employee experiences and strengthens the Bank’s position as a trusted workplace for growth and belonging.

By continuing to invest in its people, Security Bank is setting new benchmarks in the Philippines for HR transformation, workplace well-being, and people-first innovation.

SM Supermalls Wins Big at HR Asia Awards 2025, Marking 40 Years of Transformative Leadership

Pasay City, Philippines – August 29, 2025 — As SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, it clinches four major honors at the prestigious HR Asia Awards 2025, reaffirming its legacy of people-first leadership and transformative workplace culture.

For the third consecutive year, SM Supermalls was named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For, alongside three standout category wins: the Sustainable Workplace Award, the Most Caring Company Award, and the Tech Empowerment Award.

“These awards are more than milestones—they reflect our enduring culture at SM, where people are at the heart of everything we do,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. “We are proud of our teams whose passion and dedication make SM not only one of the best companies to work for, but a place where we create meaningful impact for our employees, communities, and the country.”

Award Highlights

Best Companies to Work For in Asia (3rd consecutive year)

SM’s workplace culture is anchored on the key messaging pillars of the SM LIFE framework—Purpose, Passion, and Performance. Initiatives such as Leadership Town Halls, Candid Coffee with Leaders, Feedback Fridays, and the Culture Caravan foster authenticity, inclusion, and growth across all levels.

Most Caring Company Award (2nd consecutive year)

SM’s 360 Wellness Programs include unlimited online mental health counseling, wellness learning series, and Celebrate YOU events such as PRIDE Month and Women Empowerment. Championing safe and brave spaces for all, programs such as Ethics Beat and Safe Spaces promote transparency, accountability, and DEIB across the organization. Employee engagement programs have a 100% employee reach. 

Sustainable Workplace Award

Sustainability is embedded in SM’s DNA. From the Trash to Cash recycling program and Coastal Clean-Up drives to its bold commitment to Net Zero by 2040, SM empowers employees to lead environmental and community efforts through its partnership with SM Cares. Employee volunteerism rises strongly with a 100% increase compared to the previous year.

Tech Empowerment Award

Innovation drives SM’s HR transformation. Tools like the SMILE HCM platform, SAM AI chatbot, DigiU eLearning, and the SM Life app deliver seamless employee experiences. With 90% utilization for the SM Life app and 80% for DigiU learning, digital adoption is high and impactful.

A Legacy of Leadership

Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Senior Vice President for Human Resources, shared:

“These recognitions affirm our belief that when we design positive employee experiences—caring for people’s wellbeing, embracing innovation, and championing sustainability—we create a workplace that inspires purpose and growth. We see our culture efforts as continuous work-in-progress because at SM, we never stop learning and aiming to be better every day.”

As SM Supermalls enters a new era beyond its 40th year, these accolades underscore a powerful truth: its greatest asset has always been its people—and its future will be shaped by the culture it continuously nurtures

Sun Life Bags Two Excellence, One Merit Award at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards

MANILA, PH – September 2025 – Sun Life, a leading financial services organization, has been honored with multiple awards at the prestigious 21st Philippine Quill Awards, celebrating excellence in business communication. The recognition comes as Sun Life commemorates its 130th anniversary, underscoring the company's commitment to impactful communication and financial literacy.

 

Sun Life received the coveted Excellence Award for two groundbreaking projects: Play for Life, a gamified financial literacy campaign that successfully engaged audiences nationwide, and Sun Talks: Digital Media Edition, a dynamic workshop empowering digital media professionals to champion financial literacy. These initiatives not only fostered greater awareness but also inspired participants to actively support the advocacy of financial wellness.

 

Additionally, the company earned the Merit Award for Unleash Your Brilliance, an employee branding campaign that showcased Sun Life’s vibrant culture while contributing directly to recruitment success. The campaign highlighted the importance of empowering employees and celebrated their individual contributions to the company’s growth.

 

“These awards are a testament to Sun Life's dedication to creating meaningful impact through effective communication," said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Philippines. "As we celebrate our 130th anniversary, we're eager to create more programs that will ultimately help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.”

 

The Philippine Quill Awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, is one of the country's most prestigious award-giving bodies in the field of business communication.

Sun Life Foundation Bags Two Wins at 2025 CSR Guild Awards

MANILA, PH – July 2025 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) was recently recognized for its social development programs, winning two awards at the 2025 CSR Guild Awards held in Makati City. 

 

Presented by the League of Corporate Foundations, the CSR Guild Awards honors organizations for exemplary corporate citizenship initiatives.

 

Sun Life Foundation received the Outstanding CSR Project in Financial Inclusion award for its “Building Household Resilience Among Near-Shore Fishers” initiative. A partnership with international nonprofit group Rare, the program promoted financial literacy and resilience among fisherfolk in six communities in Negros Oriental and the Camotes Islands in Cebu.

 

The team also won the Outstanding CSR Project in Health award for the “Sun Life Barangay Health Stations” program, a partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. that builds fully equipped health stations in remote rural areas. With 13 health stations completed as of 2025, and three more underway for a total of 16 stations, the program has to date brought basic health care closer to over 40,000 residents.

 

“At Sun Life Foundation, our goal is to deliver sustainable support to communities, benefiting both current and future generations. These awards from LCF affirm our vision and motivate us to continue doing our share to uplift lives,” said Executive Director Kristine Millete. “We share this recognition with our partners, volunteers, and everyone involved in our programs’ success.”

 

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is a network of corporate foundations and corporations in the Philippines dedicated to advancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.

 

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation supports various programs that promote education, financial well-being, health, and environmental sustainability across the country.

Carousell Property Awards 2023 Honors Trailblazers in Real Estate

Carousell Property Awards is back once again to recognize the innovators and trailblazers in real estate who have shaped cities and communities for the better. Now on its third year, the annual recognition awards celebrates the extraordinary feats in the world of Philippine real estate.

“The Carousell Property Awards is a monument to the hard work, imagination, and unshakable devotion of people who pursue perfection in each and every brick laid and every space crafted. As we make our way through the tales of tenacity and innovation, let us celebrate you for your achievements that have not only redefined skylines but have also contributed to the nation's progress and broadened horizons,” shared Shine Resurreccion, Carousell Philippines’ market representative.

This year, some of the biggest names in the real estate industry  bagged multiple awards, starting with SM Development Corporation (SMDC) whose condominium properties were given special recognition under the “Development Awards” category: Bloom Residences for Best Wellness Residential, Gem Residences for Best Integrated Work from Home Development, Vail Residences which won Best Affordable Condominium, Twin Residences with Best Mid-Range Condominium, and Gold Residential – Offices won Best Highend Condominium.

In the same category, Dolmar Land was recognized as Best Affordable Housing for its project Northgrove Hills, and Best Mid-Range Housing for Bella Vista. PH1 World Developers was also a big winner as it was awarded Best Green Development and Best Housing Development for its project, North Scapes San Jose Del Monte. Isoc Land Inc. went home with two awards, namely, Best Design Condominium and Value for Investment Metro Manila for its project I-Land Residences Sucat. In Davao, Aeon Luxe Properties won Value for Investment and Best Luxury Condominium. 

Also recognized under the Development Awards category was Cityland Development Corporation which was named Best Lifestyle Development for Pioneer Heights 1; Shang Properties was named Best Luxury Development in Metro Manila for Shang Residences at Wack Wack. Completing the winners in the category is Regus PH which won Best Services Offices. 

Various developers were also recognized for their unwavering efforts and contribution to the Philippine real estate landscape. Under the “Developer Awards” category, SMDC was named the Best Developer Philippines, Empire East Land Holdings won Best Developer Metro Manila, Aboitiz Land Inc. was recognized as Best Developer Visayas, Aeon Luxe Properties won Best Developer Mindanao, Eton Properties won Best Mixed Used Developer, while RLC Residences was named Best Sustainable Developer

Under the “Brokerage Awards” category SN Homefinders won Highly Recommended Real Estate Agency while Nel Realty won Most Trustworthy Real Estate Agency. Lastly, BPI was also given a special award as the Highly Recommended Bank for Home Loans.

The awards ceremony concluded with heartfelt messages from Carousell property category team leader Melizza Hernandez and Bernadette Pambuan: “For many years, Carousell has been the preferred online platform of real estate developers, agents and customers searching for property listings. It is because of their unwavering trust in us that we continue to be the leading buying and selling platform in the country.”

Carousell Property offers over 120,000 sale and rental listings from both developers and direct home owners across almost 500 cities and suburbs across the country that you can search for in the comfort of your home. The platform also curates complementary categories such as furniture and moving services, so you can find all that you need in one app.

To know more about Carousell, visit https://www.carousell.ph/

Sterling Bank of Asia Receives BNY Mellon Straight-through Processing Award 2022

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has once again received the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Award from The Bank of New York Mellon for its exceptional payment formatting performance in 2022. The award has been consistently granted to the bank for five consecutive years. It is a recognition of SBA's commitment to excellence, and its ability to execute payment formatting performance for MT103/MT202 payments with accuracy and speed in financial operations.

STP is a vital performance indicator in the financial industry, measuring payment processing efficiency. The STP Award is a testament to SBA's fulfillment of BNY Mellon's strict requirements for processing speed, procedural compliance, and secure transactions for offshore transactions.

This accolade reflects the bank's unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to providing seamless and efficient financial services to its customers. "In the banking industry's dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, recognition of excellence becomes a crucial benchmark for financial institutions," said SBA President and CEO Cecilio San Pedro.

Honoring Digital Champions on the 2nd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

The 2nd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) will again recognize the country’s outstanding microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microentrepreneurs for their achievements in digitalization. The DFIA is a financial inclusion program funded by Citi Foundation, in partnership with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and supported by the Bangko ng Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The virtual launch of the program was led by BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla, Citi Philippines Chief Executive Officer Paul A. Favila, and MCPI Chairperson Gilbert S. Maramba.

“This awards program gives us the venue to highlight our inclusive digital finance agenda and microfinance advocacy. Not to mention, all the inspiring stories that we saw and heard when the awards were given,” said BSP Governor Felipe Medalla.

MFI winners will be chosen based on the types of digital solutions they have adopted, measurable results on the use of digital solutions, and institutional/client benefits of digitalization. Meanwhile, microentrepreneurs will be nominated by the MFIs based on their success stories as microentrepreneurs, the types of digital solutions used, and measurable results on the use of digital solutions. The National Selection Committee is composed of representatives from the government, business sector, media, and academia, and is co-chaired by heads of the BSP and Citi Philippines. They will select four MFIs and twenty microentrepreneurs as Digital Champions for the 2nd DFIA. The program includes learning exchanges and technical assistance for MFIs as part of MCPI’s awareness and readiness campaign.

“Citi and Citi Foundation are committed to investing in financial inclusion initiatives that help create economically vibrant and resilient communities,” said Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila. “The DFIA supports the financial inclusion objectives of the government and empowers low-income individuals to become financially independent. The program is focused on strengthening financial inclusion through digitalization in Philippine microfinance.”

The program aims to inspire other microentrepreneurs and MFIs to embark on their own digitalization journey that will ultimately lead to business growth and livelihood opportunities for many Filipinos.

“Digitalization played a big role in the survival of MFI clients and the microfinance sector during the early months of the pandemic. Aside from using digital platforms for loan disbursements and collection, we were able to provide non-financial services to clients such as training and telemedicine through digital technologies,” said MCPI Chairperson Gilbert Maramba.

The DFIA program is an evolution of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards that enables Citi Foundation and MCPI to continue raising awareness about the importance of microentrepreneurship and microfinance in supporting the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of low-income individuals.


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About Citi Foundation:
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.

About the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI)
The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) evolved out of a USAID-funded project entitled “Developing Standards for Microfinance Project” (DSMP) that started in mid-1996 and continued until the end of 1999. MFIs that were part of the DSMP decided to form an association or network and the resulting organization, MCPI, was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock corporation in June 1999.

As of December 2022, MCPI is comprised of 64 members (52 MFIs, 2 regional networks, and 10 support organizations) which account for 90 percent of the microfinance sector in the Philippines. Its key programs include advocacy, capacity building for MFIs, social performance management and client protection in microfinance, knowledge management, and network development. Additional information may be found at https://microfinancecouncil.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/MicrofinanceCouncil

A “Dentistry of Excellence” is Taiwan’s Promise to the World

Five Taiwan Excellence Award winners demonstrated their groundbreaking and state-of-the-art products for the dental materials and products industry during a virtual product launch called “Dentistry of Excellence” that took place recently.

The five Taiwan Excellence Award winners were EPED’s real-time imaging system, Saturn Imaging’s all-in-one digital solution for implantation, Dentmate’s innovative LED light solution for dentistry, Young Optics’ 3D printer with outstanding optical technology, and DHEF’s Endodontic Handpiece and dental imaging scanner. The event was jointly organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Taiwan’s foremost trade promotion body, and the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs.

According to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 30 percent of elderly people at age 65 and up in the world are toothless; thus, the demand for oral care products will continue to increase.

It is estimated that the global dental implant market demand will reach its peak in 2026, where business opportunities are expected to reach about US$570 billion. Dental materials made in Taiwan cover 94 percent of the entire global dentistry product line, and the output value is expected to reach US$10 billion by 2025. These figures clearly show the vaunted manufacturing power and might of Taiwan in this growing industry. 

“The existing medical environment, advanced health insurance data system and electronic and automated mechanical integration technology are the great assets in this field. Over the past decade, products from Taiwan have shown the world its innovative and pioneering power and technological advancements in the dental industry.” said Leonor Lin, President and CEO of TAITRA, at this online product launch campaign.

As a trusted world partner, Taiwan Excellence selected products that best represent the image of Taiwan’s dental material and product industry.

During the product launch, the award-winning and leading company in the field of minimally invasive surgery EPED presented IRIS and SimEx, which provides super flexible and exceptionally customized solutions in dental training as well as dental impressions and dental curriculum. Saturn Imaging, which specializes in 3D diagnosis and implant planning software, on the other hand, showcased its ImplantMax that provides an all-in-one solution for guided implantology, ranging from digital treatment planning, surgical guide fabrication, to surgical guide verification. The all-in-one approach streamlines guided implantology and greatly increases the throughput of digital technology in implantation practice.

Dentmate, a top dental equipment provider, for its part, offered its Dental Curing Light and Headlight that is not only lightweight but also easy to operate. Meanwhile, Young Optics, which is engaged in research, design, manufacture and sales of optical components, presented its Digital Light Processing 3D Printer that offers stable printing materials with constant parameters where 12 models can be printed within 3 hours to meet dentists’ needs more efficiently. Finally, DHEF, one of Taiwan’s leading digital dental equipment makers, presented the Digirex PSP Scanner that packs a powerful image processing system into a small machine, and its Endomax Brite that helps improve visibility and safety for root canal treatments.

All of these innovative and reliable products provide better care for users and enable long-term care facilities in order to save time, costs and improve services. Taiwanese companies are also confident in providing the best products for global users to fulfill their unique and discriminating demand.

The last activity of Taiwan Excellence Healthcare Train series, the “Taiwan - ASEAN Medical Device and Innovation Forum,” will be held on October 16, 2020 where participating companies will share Taiwan’s latest medical technologies. 

To join, please go to this link:

https://sites.google.com/taitra.org.tw/taiwanexcellencemedicalexpress.

PCPPI wins Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2020

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages and snacks in the Philippines—was hailed as the Sustainability Rising Star during the recently concluded Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2020 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The Sustainability Rising Star Award is presented to organizations that create new pathways and pilot a change of course through grassroot sustainable initiatives. The winner demonstrates commitment to sustainable development by implementing diverse solutions to sustainability challenges faced in their settings.

PCPPI is among the highly qualified and deserving participants selected as winners by the jury members of ACES, headed by ACES’ Chairman of Panel of Jury, Hemant K. Batra. Batra is the founder and chairman of Kaden Borris, a global alliance of full-service law firms and legal enterprises; and the vice president of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in Law (SAARCLAW).

“We are honored to have been recognized as a sustainable company, a good news amid the pandemic. Over the years, PCPPI has always been relentless and committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nation-building, and inclusive development,” said PCPPI president and CEO Frederick D. Ong.

PCPPI’s sustainability agenda is driven by the “Sustainability Play” framework, which was created in 2018 in response to the global effort towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The Framework consists of three key sustainability pillars which are Water Stewardship, Circular Economy, and Inclusive Business, and are led by a three-pronged “Engage, Transform, and Lead” strategy.

PCPPI’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are in line with the company’s sustainability framework. One fine example is the Water for Peace in Marawi, whereby PCPPI teamed up with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to provide clean water to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Marawi.

This helps PCPPI in creating a healthy and sustainable ecosystem that nurtures the business and its employees, as well as the communities upon which the company built its success, and the environment that provides resources needed for businesses to thrive.

One of the flagship programs of PCPPI's sustainability efforts is Luntiang Yaman, which is an initiative to reduce water use, optimize electricity use, optimization of fuel yield, solid waste management, and community-building participation.

Through years of developing Returnable Glass Bottles, PCPPI has optimized packaging by reducing the materials in other containers apart from glass bottles by making them lighter, successfully diverting tons of solid waste from landfills. Since the implementation of the program, PCPPI has successfully recycled 81% of in-plant solid waste, putting them right on track to reach their 85% goal by 2020.

Since its inauguration in 2014, the ACES Awards has grown to become one of the most sought-after accolades in Asia. The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards recognizes Asia’s most renowned business leaders, corporations, and brands across two main domains; leadership and corporate social responsibility.

Sheila Lobien Honored as Super Achiever at the 7th World Women Leadership Congress

Sheila Lobien, founder and CEO of Lobien Realty Group (LRG), was presented with the Woman Super Achiever award by the World Women Leadership Congress (WWLC) during the 7th WWLC awards held at Taj Lands End Band Stand, Bandra (West), Mumbai, India last February 17, 2020.

The WWLC is a worldwide organization that seeks to promote and encourage the empowerment of women. The WWLC honors the strategic and influential role of various women leaders in the development of the modern economy, technology, and administrative methodologies that promotes the advancement of government and business organizations to global competitiveness standards. The WWLC hosts its annual Women Leadership Awards to identify and celebrate the outstanding body of work and achievements of women leaders that are reflected by the distinct innovations and initiatives they bring to the public and private sectors. By highlighting the triumphs and successes of these women, the WWLC hopes to inspire, encourage, and urge young women to aspire for and, eventually, assume leadership positions in society.

The Women Leadership Award recognizes and appreciates the profound role played by women as leaders, executioners, and decision makers, in shaping the future of regions and nations, and who embody the qualities of leadership in displaying active, creative, and integrative efforts in getting the best possible results towards achieving national and regional development.

Sheila Lobien is tremendously honored to have won The WWLC Woman Super Achiever Award and is extremely proud to receive an award that has been won by great Filipina women business leaders including Florencia Tarriela, Chairperson, PNB, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, PLDT SVP & Group Controller, Smart Chief Financial Officer, Rayla Melchor Santos, CEO, Pro-active Resources Inc., Co-Founder, I AM S.A.M. Foundation, and Educator Environmentalist, Bing Sibal-Limjoco, President, PCCI, and Sherill Quintana, President Director, Philippine Franchise Association, President, Oryspa.

Women’s empowerment in the Philippines has long been an advocacy of Sheila Lobien. She is currently the chairperson of the Women in Business Committee of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP). Having received a prestigious WWLC Woman Super Achiever Award in recognition of her accomplishments has definitely encouraged Lobien to work harder in advancing the status of women and developing them to become remarkable leaders.

Full List Of Winners of the RAWR Awards 2019

QUEZON CITY — The fifth edition of RAWR Awards honored a total of 36 winners or awardees with ABS-CBN winning the TV Station of the Year, Sarah Geronimo as Favorite Performer of the Year, Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye) and Angel Locsin (The General’s Daughter) as Actor and Actress of the Year, respectively, MayWard as Love Team of the Year, and the PBB Otso tandem of LouDre earned the Newbie of the Year award.

See the remaining list of winners and awardees for the three main clusters or set of awardees:

CUB AWARDS

Elia Ilano of ‘Ulan’ as Bibo Awardee
Maymay Entrata, Lovely Abella, Cacai Bautista (Hello, Love, Goodbye) as Beshie ng Taon
Angel Locsin of The General’s Daughter as the Favorite Bida
Dimples Romana of Kadenang Ginto as Favorite Kontrabida
Ion ‘Kuya Escort’ Perez of It’s Showtime as Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Isa Pang Araw by Sarah Geronimo as Song of the Year
Kapamilya’s The General’s Daughter as Bet na bet na Teleserye

LION AWARDS

Maine Mendoza of Daddy’s Gurl as Pak Na Pak Na Comedian
Mimiyuuuh as Influencer of the Year
Jessica Soho as Female News Personality
Raffy Tulfo as Male News Personality
DJ Kara of Energy FM as Radio DJ
Vice Ganda of GGV as the TV Host of the Year

PRIDE AWARDS

KiaNo as Fan Club of the Year
SB19 as Favorite Group of the Year
DZMM as AM Radio Station of the Year
Energy FM as FM Radio Station of the Year
For this year, RAWR Awards created Special Awards based on the Five Elements.:

Fiery and Feisty (FIRE Award) was given to Dimples Romana of Kadenang Ginto
Willfully Wavy (WATER Award) went to Maymay Entrata
Earthy Energy (EARTH Award) was earned by Alden Richards
Awesome and Ambient (AIR Award) was given to Kapuso stars Rita Daniela and Ken Chan of My Special Tatay
Magnum Man (METAL Award) went to Dingdong Dantes

ROYAL AWARDS went to Charo Santos-Concio (The Icon), KathNiel (The Phenomenal Loveteam of Today’s Generation), Angel Locsin (The Advocate), the late Regina Paz ‘Gina’ La’O López (The Steward of Change Award).
Xia Vigor as Royal Cub Awardee, Kathryn Bernardo as Royal Lion Awardee, and It’s Showtime as Royal Pride Awardee.

Bloggers Choice for Best PR Agencies – Ripple 8, Spark It, Browne Communications
Bloggers Choice for Best PR Persons – John Paulo Caparros, Aaron Domingo

33% of votes came from user engagements on three social media platforms–Likes on Instagram, Hearts on Facebook, and Retweets on Twitter. The other 33% of votes came from the blogosphere (the blogging community composed of 200 blogger-owners and from representatives from the selected 30 PRs). And lastly, the 33% of votes came from third party analytics.

The event trended on twitter as number three. Chikkalicious and Jeremiah Torayno, a former transgender woman finalist of Idol Philippines were the hosts of the said momentous occasion.

SEA Games 2019 Recognized as Best Ever, Receives SPIA Asia 2019 Excellence Award

MANILA – No amount of rain was going to stop these honors from being handed out. With Typhoon Tisoy raging outside, SPIA Asia – Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference, held its fifth edition at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City Philippines on December 2 and 3, 2019. After two days of panels, case studies, and interviews on the business of sports, the business of football in Asia, sports and new technology, sports and tourism, and integrity and inclusion, the SPIA Asia Awards were also handed out, recognizing and celebrating sporting excellence of the industry,

For hosting the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) was awarded a special Excellence Award by SPIA. PHISGOC Chairman and Philippine House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano received the honor from SPIA Chief Executive Officer Eric Gottschalk.

Football legend Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, more popularly known simply as Ronaldo, was awarded the Sport and Beyond Award, an honor celebrating both his career as a legendary footballer as well as his accomplishments beyond the football pitch. The three-time FIFA Footballer of the Year, two-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, and three-time winner of the FIFA World Cup was a goal-scoring machine for Brazil on the international stage and for club teams like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid CF, A.C. Milan, and Corinthians. Following his retirement from competition, “El Fenomeno” became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in 2018 and hopes to bring the club to new heights.

The Best Asian Sports Team honor was handed to the Japanese Rugby Team who shocked the world at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where they served as hosts. After winning the Pacific Nations Cup earlier in the year, Japan was grouped with Russia, Ireland, Samoa, and Scotland. The Brave Blossoms’ 28-21 win over Scotland made them the first Asian team to top their group at the Rugby World Cup and the first Asian team to make it to the knockout stage.

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka was named Best Asian Sportswoman of the Year. After being named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2016, Osaka famously defeated Serena Williams in the final of the 2018 US Open to become the first Japanese Grand Slam singles champion. She followed that up by defeating Petra Kvitova to win the 2019 Australian Open and became the first Asian player to be ranked first in the world in singles. Only 22-years-old, many believe that the best is yet to come for Osaka.

As if he doesn’t have enough accolades already, the only eight-division boxing champion in history, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, was awarded the Best Asian Sportsman of the Year. Pacquiao started the year by retaining the WBA (Regular) welterweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision over Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seven months later at the same venue, “the Pac-Man” won the WBA (Super) welterweight championship via a 12-round split decision over Keith Thurman.

Other notable winners at the SPIA Awards included The Chongqing Major as Best eSports Event of the Year in Asia, Shopee and Cristiano Ronaldo from SportQuake as Best Brand Activation of the Year, Atrium Sports – Kilsyth Basketball Connected Stadium from Atrium Sports with the Best Use of Technology in Sports, the Rugby World Cup in Japan from World Rugby/Rugby World Cup Limited won both Best International Sporting Event of the Year and Best Sports Digital Platform of the Year, while the WTA Finals 2018 from Lagardere Sports of Singapore was named Best Integrated Marketing Campaign of the Year.

The Best Mass Participation Event in the Philippines was given to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for the National Milo Marathon while Honda Philippines won Best Sponsorship of Sport, Team, Individual, Venue, or Event in the Philippines for the Honda Philippines Nationwide Tour. Meanwhile, the Football 7s Youth Program was awarded Best Youth Sports Development Program in the Philippines.

Football playing brothers Phil and James Younghusband were also recognized during the awards gala as Phil, who recently retired from his international football career, had a statue of himself auctioned off for charity. Another Philippine sports personality that was recognized was gymnast Carlos Yulo who won gold at the SEA Games for the All-Around and Floor Exercise as well as silvers in the Pommel Horse and Still Rings.

Aside from Ronaldo, also present at the two-day conference and awards night was track and field icon Dr. Edwin Moses, chairman of the education committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The American is a sporting legend in the 400m hurdles, having won gold medals at both the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Yet on top of his many accolades, Moses has arguably accomplished even more after his track and field career as he has served as chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy in 2000 which seeks to promote and increase participation in sport at every level, and also to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change around the world. Moses joined Ronaldo onstage for the “Icon 2 Icon” talk as they discussed their lives both during and after their athletic careers ended.

The SPIA Asia conference saw over 600 delegates and over 60 speakers, with over 450 submissions in 25 categories nominated for awards.

For more information about the conference program, visit www.spiaasia.com.