Committed to revolutionizing the telecommunications landscape in the Philippines, DITO bagged the Digital Initiative of the Year-Philippines and the Mobile App of the Year-Philippines in the recently concluded Asian Telecom Awards 2024.
Positioned as DITO subscribers’ all-in-one app with innovative features, the DITO App stands out for its user-friendly interface, seamless navigation, and array of features that enhance subscribers’ convenience and satisfaction throughout their journeys. It allows customers to manage their accounts anytime, anywhere, and access exclusive offers, rewards, and online chat support.
Beyond its technological advancements, the DITO App also reflects the company’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The App has been instrumental in promoting digital inclusion, connecting communities, and empowering Filipinos to a more elevated digital lifestyle.
“We are thrilled and honored to accept the Digital Initiative of the Year and Mobile App of the Year awards. These recognitions validate our commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries and delivering an exceptional user experience to all our subscribers,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO chief revenue officer-consumer.
“Since we started, our commitment has always been to bring the Filipino forward and be a digital-first company, promoting digital inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind. Winning these awards is a testament to our relentless pursuit of digital excellence and our commitment to empowering more Filipinos by providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age,” said Jasper Evangelista, DITO brand and marketing director.
Navigating tax deadlines can often feel like a daunting task with the extensive paperwork and endless queues as the due date approaches. But thanks to Maya, the country’s #1 Digital Banking App and leading enterprise payments processor, you can skip the lines and paperwork — settling your taxes has never been more convenient and as easy as a few taps!
Here’s how:
Open your Maya app: Access your Maya account from the convenience of your smartphone.
Go to the “Pay Bills” section: Find the “Government” category and select the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Fill in your details: Enter your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), branch code, and tax payment details accurately.
Review your info and hit “Pay”: Double-check your details before confirming the payment.
Receive a confirmation message: Once the payment is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message with your reference number, serving as proof of payment.
But that’s not all — paying your taxes with Maya comes with perks! Enjoy a boost in your savings interest up to 14% p.a. and unlock even more rewards with every transaction you make.
Settle your taxes before the annual deadline of April 15 and conquer the tax season like a boss with Maya!
For more information, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @mayaofficialph on Twitter for the latest updates.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is pleased to announce the construction of two new dealerships, namely, Honda Cars Paranaque and Honda Cars Tacloban. Their groundbreaking ceremonies were held last March 6 and March 8, respectively. These new dealerships will not only expand but strengthen HCPI’s current network of 37 Honda car dealerships nationwide.
The new Honda Cars dealerships will sport a new visual identity with a refreshed look and new dealership signage design to embody Honda’s global standard in the delivery of products and services, aligned with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Ready to serve the new dealerships is a team of highly trained and dedicated personnel ready to accommodate clients’ inquiries. They will also be fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for general repairs, spare parts, Light Compact body and paint, and preventive maintenance.
Honda Cars Tacloban Groundbreaking Ceremony (from L to R) HCPI Dealer Development Manager, Mr. Victor Camitan, Jr., HCPI General Manager for Customer Service Division, Mr. Edipollo Anastacio, HCPI General Manager for Dealer Business Division, Mr. Noel Barachina, HCPI President, Ms. Rie Miyake, TopCars AutoWorld Group Chairman, Mr. Willard Chan, TopCars AutoWorld Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ryan Chan, TopCars AutoWorld Group Finance Officer, Ms. Charlene Chan, TopCars AutoWorld Group Group HR Head, Samantha Chan, Rhansted Architects Project Architect, Architect. Rhansted Ramos, and TopCars AutoWorld Group Project Manager, Dally Gompad
“HCPI is excited to work with the TopCars AutoWorld Group and 1Dynamix Group to offer Honda’s world-class vehicles and integrated service workshops with modern car service and repair facilities. All Honda Cars Dealers commit to maintaining global standards for sales & after-sales operations and safety protocols to deliver the best service all over the country, so we look forward to bringing this closer to Honda customers in Paranaque, Tacloban, and nearby areas soon,” said HCPI president Rie Miyake.
Honda fans and potential customers can look forward to the inauguration of Honda Cars Paranaque in September 2025, and Honda Cars Tacloban in July 2025.
This year, the Philippines will solely be represented in Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator (IGA) program by one-woman game developer and publisher Camilla Santiago, also known as CLOVER-FI Games.
CLOVER-FI is known for the indie mobile game Window Garden, the beta version of which was released on Google Play back in October 2021, created after Santiago learned app development during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Window Garden — an idle game that lets players plant and decorate their virtual indoor garden and relax in its chill vibes, lo-fi music, and cottagecore aesthetic — has been well-received by gamers, with a 4.7-star rating right now on the platform.
The Google Play IGA is a 10-week course designed for high-potential indie game studios to access the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to be able to build and improve a successful organization.
The last Philippine representative in the program was Ranida Games, which had created one-on-one fighting game Vita Fighters, and improved it through the benefits granted by the IGA.
In the same vein, Santiago’s goal is to create cozy games that are accessible to everyone through mobile platforms. The IGA is set to equip her with the skills and experience needed to create another hit like Window Garden and a potentially successful career in game development.
Download Window Garden, Vita Fighters, and other noteworthy indie games on Google Play now.
To mark the launch of Eco Deals 2024, Agoda’s flagship USD1 million partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the digital travel platform has compiled a list of some of Asia’s favored nature destinations across Asia, based on searches made on Agoda in January 2024.
Enric Casals, vice president of Southeast Asia, Agoda, shared, “I’m incredibly proud and excited that with this third edition of Eco Deals, Agoda pledges to donate up to one million US dollars to WWF’s diverse conservation projects across Southeast Asia. The Eco Deals program helps travelers ‘give back’ to protect for future generations some of the wonders that the world has to offer.”
To enthuse travelers about the unique and remarkable beauty to explore throughout Asia Pacific, Agoda looked at some of the top nature destinations across nine markets to come up with ideas to reconnect with nature through ancient forests, deep valleys, and serene lakes.
Gently experience these great destinations:
The Queen of Hill Stations in India
Ooty, India
Ooty, also known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations,’ is nestled within the Nilgiri Hills, which form part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is India’s largest protected forest area and boasts a picturesque town with beautiful lakes and gardens. Ooty is a serene haven for nature enthusiasts who enjoy boating, safaris, and hiking, making it a perfect getaway to experience India’s natural beauty.
Lombok, Indonesia
Mount Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia features diverse landscapes, including savannahs and tropical forests shaped by volcanic rocks. Standing at 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani offers a breathtaking view from the summit. Segara Anak Lake, within Rinjani’s caldera, provides tranquil beauty, attracting Hindu pilgrims for rituals. Explore Rinjani-Lombok for adventure, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor
Siquijor Island, Philippines
Siquijor, known as the ‘Mystical Island of Central Visayas,’ charms visitors with captivating mountain vistas and waterfalls. Mount Bandilaan, the island’s highest peak, showcases indigenous flora and over 100 butterfly species during hikes. The enchanting Cambugahay Falls, nestled in a lush rainforest, is said to have restorative powers, providing a serene escape from urban life.
Miri, Malaysia
Miri serves as the gate to the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park, home to rainforests, rich wildlife, and vast caves including the Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest cave chamber by area. Here, visitors can explore karst formations, trek Mount Api for spectacular pinnacle vistas, and marvel at bat exoduses in Deer Cave, all through adventurous trails and boat tours.
Hakone Shrine in Japan
Hakone, Japan
Hakone, a premier Japanese tourist destination, offers breathtaking scenery and a deep-rooted history. Surrounded by mountains, this place is famous for its seasonal beauty, hot springs, and cultural attractions like Lake Ashi and the Hakone Shrine. Easy accessibility to Mount Fuji, diverse dining options, and unique souvenirs further add to its charm, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province, known for its serene mountain scenery, is an escape into nature. It features seasonal outdoor activities, including winter hikes on Hambaeksan to autumn exploration of Gariwangsan. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the exhilarating Byeongbangchi Skywalk, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Discover the natural beauty of Auraji through recreational pursuits like rafting, making it a must-do during your visit.
Hualien, Taiwan
Hualien, on Taiwan’s east coast, offers stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Taroko National Park, a key landmark, is home to dramatic marble cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers, with hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain temples. Home to diverse wildlife, the park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Khao Yai National Park in Thailand
Khao Yai, Thailand
Khao Yai, which literally translates to ‘big mountain’ in Thai, is a peaceful nature retreat near Bangkok that features the nation’s first UNESCO-recognized national park. With sprawling rainforests, famous waterfalls like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat, and diverse wildlife including wild elephants and even the Asian black bear, it’s perfect for activities like hiking, safaris, and stargazing, offering visitors an intimate encounter with Asia’s wilderness.
Dalat, Vietnam
Nestled a short flight from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat offers a nature lover’s paradise with cool weather, pine forests, and waterfalls. It’s ideal for hiking, lake activities like canyoning, and enjoying local gardens. The surroundings offer enchanting scenery, making Dalat an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
Since the launch on 3 March 2024, World Wildlife Day, anyone traveling to Southeast Asia can book Eco Deals on Agoda. For every Eco Deals booking, a dollar is donated to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats in Southeast Asia. In addition, travelers can benefit from a discount of up to 15%. More information can be found at www.agoda.com/ecodeals.
Authenticity, individuality, and inspiring others to find their identity are core to some Gen Z and Millennials. These traits are especially true for their ‘fits, as they believe in making a bold statement and a positive impact. Their style deserves to be showcased on social media, and the realme 12 Pro+ 5G is the stylish new tool to bring fashion-forward ideas to life and share these with the world.
Here are some ways to stand out online and in the world:
Put together high-quality looks through minimalist pieces
Minimalism in fashion remains timeless because it opposes flashy yet temporary trends. Simple pieces in neutral colors will remain in style season after season, so it’s no surprise that this aesthetic is still current. Looking good doesn’t necessarily mean having to wear over-the-top pieces.
To make sure minimalist ‘fits are showcased properly, the quality, material, and visual impact of the entire look must be captured with precise detail. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G and its three distinct cameras provide the perfect solution to this. The high-quality photos produced by the 64MP Periscope Portrait Lens allows quiet pieces to stand out and shine. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G currently has one of the highest resolution telephoto lenses on any smartphone camera in its segment, with up to 3x Telephoto Zoom and 6x In-Sensor Zoom for up close and personal portrait shots. Additionally, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G showcases the ultimate in versatility with its other two cameras. It has a 50MP Sony IMX890 Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) lens that allows users to take photos on the move, with no blurs and other interference, while its 8MP 112° Wide Angle camera is perfect for capturing backgrounds in OOTDs.
Exude sophistication through chic and luxurious outfits
A new trend that popped up recently is the quiet luxury aesthetic. This style champions understated elegance, refined taste, and high-quality pieces made with sumptuous materials. Quiet luxury, a style favored by those who favor traditional looks, is often associated with muted colors, rich materials like cashmere, and craftsmanship.
Channel the traditional look with a smartphone that’s not just stylish but looks upscale. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G accentuates chic, classic outfits with its Luxury Watch Design. Ollivier Savéo, an international luxury watch design master who has worked with labels like Rolex, Roger Dubuis, Piaget, Breitling, and Quentin, co-designed realme’s latest smartphone. He infused elements from luxury watchmaking into the smartphone, like aclassic polished sunburst dial, a golden fluted bezel, and a 3D jubilee bracelet. The back has a silky, high-end vegan leather finish.
Stand out with an urban and sophisticated ‘fit
While understated elegance has its appeal, some choose to stand out and dazzle. Combining streetwear with luxury pieces makes a bold declaration of style with its contrast.
Highlight this eye-catching look with the realme 12 Pro+ 5G’s Master Portrait Filters. Claudio Miranda, an Oscar Award winner, took inspiration from Hollywood films to create exclusive filters that suit different ‘fits. Users can choose from any of the following available filters:
Journey: Inspired by the hit movie “Life of Pi” with yellow tones and high contrast colors to create a “dream-like” tone
Memory: Inspired by the film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with cold tones and low-saturation colors for a calm and capable vibe
Maverick: Inspired by the movie “Top Gun: Maverick” with yellow-green tones, high contrast, and high noise to create a retro film-like vibe
Gen Z and millennials’ impact on the fashion industry extends beyond mere trends; it’s a cultural movement that champions individuality and inclusivity. With their innovative style approach and widespread influence across different platforms, these groups shape the fashion landscape in many ways.
The cutting-edge technology and features of the realme 12 Pro+ 5G empower Gen Z and Millennials to express their fashion-forward ideas with confidence and share them with a global audience. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G retails for only PHP25,999 and comes in two colorways: Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige. Check out realme’s official offline stores, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
To learn more about realme’s latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.
Siemens Healthcare Inc. (Siemens Healthineers), a leading medical technology company, turned over three Letters of Intent (LOI) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual in the presence of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The ceremony took place during the German-Philippine Business Forum in Berlin, Germany attended by Philippine cabinet members, representatives, and business leaders from both countries.
Each of the three LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector. The first LOI is centered on developing a partner hospital to become a training center to support training needs and address the skills gap in the field of radiology. A comprehensive program will be developed to further improve healthcare quality such as a curriculum on the various aspects of mammography screening — including anatomy, pathology, imaging techniques and interpretation, safety, and patient care.
The second LOI is focused on the development of an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and spoke model to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines. Through collaborations, the ITT is set to gather students, researchers, and working professionals to create and identify disruptive innovation opportunities and improvement areas in healthcare.
The third LOI is intended to explore the opportunities for strategic and digital partnerships in healthcare with the Department of Health with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the country. The digital partnership aims to develop and enhance the Philippines’ healthcare infrastructure through proven digital solutions such as eHealth and digital health and AI capacity-building and training.
“At Siemens Healthineers, we aim to foster a future for the Philippines where advancements in healthcare open new possibilities. The three LOIs underscore our unwavering dedication to creating a lasting impact, transforming the healthcare landscape, and fostering a healthier future for the generations to come – for every Filipino in every part of the country, sustainably,” said Michael Schmermer, president and managing director of Siemens Healthineers in the Philippines.
Advanced Abilities, an all-Filipino technology company and independent solutions aggregator, recently introduced a line of products and services meant to enhance different local industries with the aid of technology. At the forefront is Smart Health Solutions, which consists of AI-enabled devices that aim to enhance early detection and overall patient care.
“The first step to disease prevention and proper treatment is quick, and readily-available access to proper healthcare. We have been working on this device alongside medical experts for the last couple of years, which is why today, we’re very proud to introduce our Smart Health Solutions, led by AI Smart Scan, a portable AI-driven x-ray system capable of detecting diseases at record speed, and serve more patients within a shorter turnaround time,” shared Angelo Antonio “AA” Buendia, CEO and president of Advanced Abilities.
AI Smart Scan is a portable and AI-driven x-ray system capable of detecting 32 pathologies and/or conditions, including tuberculosis. Its speedy detection system can deliver up to 200 scans in 8 hours, cutting turnaround times from days to minutes. Its software, Augmento PACS, was developed by DeepTek, a leading medical imaging AI company in India. This technology was notably developed by radiologists for radiologists, with the goal to address the daily challenges in the field.
Using AI technology, AI Smart Scan has the ability to filter between normal and abnormal cases for easy detection and create reports based on initial insights from the radiologist. Additionally, it features a user-friendly interface and responsible AI system that constantly checks its own performance to make sure that its outputs match the human findings of the radiologist.
“This solution is already being used in Chennai City, India where 500 in every 100,000 patients are getting a diagnosis, demonstrating a 25 times increased yield of detecting tuberculosis. This kind of result can now be replicated here in the Philippines with the help of AI Smart Scan.” Buendia added.
Advanced Abilities also introduced Absol, an advanced testing immunodiagnosis that serves as a portable point of care rapid test kit that executes blood tests for cardiac, thyroid, metabolic, and inflammatory diagnoses, and RevDX, a portable device for complete blood count testing that produces rapid test results with a single prick. Both devices guarantee accurate results within 5-30 minutes.
In addition to that, Advanced Abilities also shared new products and services such as Policymate, an online platform that serves as a digital insurance marketplace, and P-ACE Portal, a platform designed to track insurance and risk management cases for P&I Clubs and shipowners.
Soon to launch will be OneOFW, a mobile app and web portal that serves to streamline coordination between OFWs and government agencies, ensuring their protection and management during their stay abroad.
And finally, Advanced eSIM, a consumer product that provides seamless international connectivity in the form of a digital SIM card. This embedded chip is built directly into smartphones and allows travelers to avail a variety of cost-efficient data plans from over 150 countries without requiring a physical SIM card or additional pocket-wifi devices.
“We aim for a future where every diagnosis is quick, precise, and accessible. At Advanced Abilities, we have the capability to harness the potential of innovative technology, not just in healthcare, but in all the realms we service in and are committed to making modern solutions accessible to every Filipino,” Buendia concluded.
Globe and Converge are spearheading co-build projects in the Bicol Region and Leyte Province to extend fiber optic networks and improve delivery of reliable connectivity, marking a key industry milestone in collaborative network expansion.
Through a partnership sealed in February 2022, Globe and Converge embarked on its first joint project in 2022: a co-build spanning 137 kilometers from Pili, Camarines Sur, to Legazpi City, Albay. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, this venture includes the deployment of state-of-the-art microduct solution underground facilities. This project wrapped up in Q3 of 2022.
Following the success of the initial undertaking, a second co-build project in Leyte Province began in the third quarter of 2023. Spanning 209 kilometers to connect Tacloban and Maasin via Baybay, it is currently 80% complete and is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2024.
These co-build projects fall under Globe’s core fortification program, designed to achieve comprehensive enhancements, expand the fiber network, upgrade network capacity, and accommodate Hyperscalers’ needs. Additionally, the program focuses on improving the resilience of the company’s Fiber Optic Core Backbone Network against the impacts of typhoons and other natural disasters.
“Our collaboration with Converge demonstrates our commitment to improving telecom infrastructure across the Philippines. By pooling our resources and expertise, we’re not only expanding our network more efficiently but also significantly lowering the costs associated with such extensive infrastructure projects,” said Joel Agustin, Globe SVP and head of network planning and engineering.
He said the collaboration with Converge allows Globe to continue improving its network availability and consistency, which are critical to providing reliable service.
“We truly appreciate the collaboration with Converge as we share the same focus on delivering reliable service to our customers. We are looking forward to a sustained and fruitful partnership as we continue to strive to improve the experience of our customers,” Agustin said.
Globe and Converge are committed to continuing their cooperative efforts to improve the nation’s telecom framework, ensuring wider access to dependable, high-quality internet services.
ISO-certified UAAGI is adding a new brand, BAIC, to its growing portfolio of global auto brands. The rapidly diversifying automotive distributor will introduce BAIC’s formidable lineup of boldly styled SUVs and crossovers, which are the fastest-growing segments in the Philippines today.
Founded in 1958, BAIC, which stands for Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd., is one of the top five automobile manufacturing groups in China. BAIC vehicles are sold in over 50 countries with a cumulative 34 million units sold since it began operations.
Setting BAIC apart from the burgeoning number of new automotive brands in the Philippines is its true 4×4 SUV models with genuine off-road capabilities and strong yet fuel-efficient diesel engines. These attributes will surely appeal to executives and entrepreneurs who live active lifestyles and want and need large, spacious, high-riding diesel-powered SUVs for out-of-town trips. Millennials and Gen Zs will gravitate towards BAIC’s lineup of stylish and equally capable crossovers.
The lineup of BAIC models that will mark its introduction to the Philippine market will consist of an all-SUV and crossover range. These are the B40, B60, and B80, which are all body-on-frame true SUVs, and the X55 and X7 monocoque-bodied crossovers.
Each BAIC model comes with a comprehensive warranty lasting five years or 150,000km (whichever comes first), providing reliable coverage and support throughout the customers’ ownership experience. Additionally, BAIC is poised to bring in even more SUV models later this year.
UAAGI is the group behind the Chinese commercial vehicle brand Foton and, more recently, Chery and Lynk & Co. UAAGI steered Foton to a first-for-a-Chinese brand Top 10 position in total Philippine vehicle sales — overtaking more established brands in the process.
“The time is ripe for us to bring in what would be our fourth automotive brand and we are convinced that BAIC vehicles offer the right mix of design, features, technology, and pricing in its product line to make a strong impact on the Philippine market,” said UAAGI chairman Rommel Sytin.
“We are very excited to offer BAIC’s state-of-the-art portfolio of world-class SUVs and crossovers. We can’t wait for Filipinos to experience the traits, characteristics, and capabilities of these exceptional SUVs firsthand,” remarked Froilan Dytianquin, Group managing director.
All BAIC models are made in the company’s world-class, state-of-the-art, fully robotized plants in Shunyi, Beijing. Contemporary BAIC models have modern styling, comfort, convenience, and safety features, while the higher-end models boast upscale features like huge touchscreen displays, automatic power tailgates, automatic LED headlamps, cruise control, Smart Key Entry System, power-adjustable seats, LCD instrument panel, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, 20” alloy wheels, among many others. For safety and performance, higher BAIC models feature multiple airbags as well as a full suite of advanced electronic driver-assist systems and sophisticated four-wheel drive systems.
The grand public launch for BAIC Philippines will be at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) on April 4-7. The BAIC dealership and service network will be announced soon. For more info, visit BAIC Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages or its website,www.baic.ph.
Signify, a global leader in lighting, reaffirmed its commitment to address the challenges of climate change by launching the Green Switch initiative at the ‘Flip the Green Switch for a Sustainable Philippines’ event last Friday, March 15, 2024, in Manila.
This initiative supports national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, and the urgent implementation of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act by promoting energy efficient practices among both public and private sectors. Signify is ready to support Filipinos to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, one of which is by switching from conventional lighting to energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LED) and connected lighting.
Senator Win Gatchalian, the author of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, called for collective action at the Green Switch launch. “The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act is crucial to our country’s energy-saving goals. While we were able to pass the law in 2019, we have a long way to go in seeing full compliance. This is why all of us, from both public and private sectors, must seek solutions that are readily available and easy to achieve such as the clean lighting we are discussing in today’s forum,” he emphasized.
The Green Switch initiative is presented to encourage real action in achieving zero carbon emissions in a fast and simple way by highlighting lighting as a pivotal tool. One of the first quick steps towards compliance and reducing energy consumption is to replace conventional lighting with LED and connected technology lamps. This can be done both indoors and outdoors and is a relatively simple process that does not require a great deal of disruption to daily operations.
During the event, Vijay Venkatsubramanian, head of Specifications, ASEAN from Signify presented the latest innovations in lighting technology. He highlighted five key innovations, which included ultra-efficiency, connected lighting, Nature Connect that brings the benefits of natural light indoors by replicating the colors and intensity of natural sunlight, 3D printed light fixtures, and Solar lighting.
“At Signify, innovation and sustainability are the main pillars of our business strategy. The Green Switch initiative is our tangible effort to help cities, businesses, and individuals fulfill their climate action commitments without delay. We believe that upgrading lighting is one of the most effective ways to promote sustainability and help the Philippines achieve its climate goals.” said Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, country leader, Professional Business, Signify Philippines. “By switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, the Philippines has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to three million tons*. Green Switch offers one of the fastest and easiest paths to a greener and smarter future,” he added.
Director Patrick Aquino from the Department of Energy, Alexander Ablaza, president of the Philippines Energy Efficiency Alliance, Inc., and Dr. Neil Stephen A. Lopez from De La Salle University also shared their perspectives at the event. Over thirty representatives from major businesses and top corporations active in real estate, logistics, and office space industries attended the event.
British-born manufacturer MG is taking its groundbreaking all-electric sports car, the MG Cyberster, to the Philippines as part of the grand Cyberster World Tour.
This March, MG in the Philippines is touring the Cyberster in key destinations around Central and Southern Luzon and the bustling capital Metro Manila. British adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner, collectively known as the Turner Twins, will also join to drive the Cyberster through the country’s scenic routes and wonderful sights.
“The MG Cyberster is one of the brand’s newest crowning achievements in electric vehicle innovation, and as part of MG’s continued and ambitious mission of expanding the brand across the globe on its 100th year, we’re honored to be able to take the car through the beauty of the Philippines as a big part of its World Tour,” said Felix Jiang, president of SAIC Motors Philippines, MG’s parent company.
“Not only are we showcasing the country in this monumental global tour, but we’re also introducing Filipinos to the Cyberster and the bright future of electric vehicles that awaits them,” he added.
The MG Cyberster is the British-born car manufacturer’s first-ever all-electric two-seater sports car.
The all-electric MG Cyberster is a completely battery-powered two-door, two-seater convertible coupe, packed with a 64-kWh 400V-type lithium-ion unit that can travel 446-kilometers on a single full charge (based on WLTP Standard). It is the first sports electric vehicle from MG, embodying a major step forward in the realm of performance vehicles.
Filipino auto enthusiasts and motorists will be able to witness the MG Cyberster up close for themselves when MG formally introduces it at the SMX Convention Center wing of the 2024 Manila International Auto Show from April 4 to 7, 2024.
Stay tuned for more details on the official website of MG in the Philippines at https://mgmotor.com.ph/.
In a move to enhance convenience, the BPI app proudly introduces its latest feature — Pay via QR. While scanning QR codes to pay in stores has been mostly associated with other e-wallet apps, BPI seeks to change user habits and make cashless payment even easier for its clients by offering the feature right on the BPI app. Users can now pay thousands of stores and restaurants directly using QR Ph codes, dropping the need to cash into e-wallets first, simplifying the payment process.
“We are excited to introduce Pay via QR on the BPI app, providing our users with an easier way to pay merchants straight from their BPI accounts,” said Fitzgerald Chee, head of consumer platforms at BPI. “They can simply open their BPI app and tap the QR icon on the upper right, then scan and pay. With this feature, customers can go cashless, without the need for wallets or cashing into e-wallets, making payments for shopping and dining more seamless.”
BPI app users can Pay via QR in just one tap upon opening the app
It’s important to note that some stores may use QR Ph codes that are linked to personal accounts rather than merchant or business accounts. Upon scanning the QR Ph code with the BPI app, the top of the screen should say ‘Pay merchant.’ If it shows ‘Transfer to other banks,’ it means that the merchant is using a personal account, and the transaction may have interbank transfer fees.
“Through the Pay via QR feature, we aim to create awareness among our users about the convenience and benefits of using QR Ph codes for payments,” added Chee. “We encourage everyone to try this feature and experience the ease of cashless transactions with the BPI app.”
For more information on how to use the Pay via QR Ph feature, please visit https://www.bpi.com.ph or contact (+632) 889-10000, 1-800-188-89100 (domestic toll-free for PLDT), and 63+2+889-10000 (mobile phone and international calls).
For the 10th year in a row, Hyundai Motor Company has been awarded iF Design Award honors, this time for the brand’s IONIQ 5 N and all-new SANTA FE in the Product category, and the SANTA FE XRT Concept vehicle in the Professional Concepts class. The company also won several other iF Design Awards across a range of categories.
Winning multiple iF Design Awards further demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s design and technology excellence and raises its profile as an innovation leader. Achieving top honors across the world’s most respected design awards, as Hyundai has in recent years, proves its global design competitiveness.
“We feel a tremendous sense of honor to receive acknowledgment from the iF Design Awards for these significant vehicles and innovations,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design. “This recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication exhibited by our team of visionary designers, who poured their unwavering passion and commitment into this project, alongside our collaborative engineers at the R&D center. It highlights the remarkable competitiveness of Hyundai’s design identity within the global market.”
Among the winners, IONIQ 5 N represents a new segment of driver-focused high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) through new technologies and elevated racetrack capability, signaling the first step in Hyundai N’s electrification strategy. It combines the standard IONIQ 5’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and leverages N’s expertise from electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ to maximize the EV’s high-performance capabilities. IONIQ 5 N has been highly praised in the media as ‘groundbreaking’, a ‘game-changer’, and the ‘benchmark’ for high-performance EVs. IONIQ 5 N also won Top Gear’s 2024 Car of the Year Award.
Alongside the IONIQ 5 N, launched in 2023, the fifth-generation Hyundai SANTA FE enhances the mid-size SUV’s city-friendly, adventure-ready appeal with a class-leading, terrace-like living space made possible by its longer wheelbase and larger tailgate opening. The longer wheelbase also allows the new model to offer enhanced third-row seating.
Since its debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world. The all-new model’s bold and powerful identity – which encompasses the boundless outdoors and the urban landscape – is expected to establish an unrivaled presence in the mid-size SUV market.
The SANTA FE XRT Concept, which made its debut alongside SANTA FE in 2023, is designed to cater to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The XRT Concept can handle challenging terrain with confidence and ease, offering versatile utility for outdoor lifestyles. While the SANTA FE Calligraphy trim is tailored to premium urban lifestyles, the XRT Concept is designed to ignite the ultimate adventure spirit and focuses on unleashing the desires of those seeking the thrill of the wild.
iF Design lauded several other Hyundai Motor submissions, including N Mode: Infotainment System for High-Performance (User Interface), HMGICS Safety Management Robot (Professional Concept), HMG Driving Experience Center, Hyundai Customer Experience Center Yokohama and FIFA Museum presented by Hyundai (Interior Architecture). The company’s first heritage campaign, Hyundai Heritage: PONY Exhibition, and associated initiatives were also honored in the Communication category.
All award-winning entries are presented on www.ifdesign.com and published in the iF Design App.
The iF Design Awards were founded in 1954 by iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hanover, one of the world’s leading independent design institutions. Each year around 10,800 designs from 72 nations are considered for the awards, which honor and celebrate winners in 81 categories across nine disciplines: Product, Communication, Packaging, Service Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI) and Professional Concepts. To win an iF Design Award requires passing a rigorous two-stage selection process adjudicated by renowned design experts, signifying a design’s contemporary relevance and global impact.
HONOR’s Xa-series smartphones impressed me last year. HONOR’s entry to mid-range lineup was reasonably priced and each model had its niche special feature. Among the standouts last year was HONOR X8a, an entry mid-ranger with a massive 100-megapixel camera that shot out the competition. This year, the HONOR X8b is a worthy successor to the X8a.
Design: 4/5
In the looks department, the HONOR X8b retains the X9a’s design aesthetic. It retains its iPhone inspiration with its (albeit now more subtle) boxy design. The inspiration is a bit more apparent in the selfie camera’s notch but more of this later. The phone comes in Glamorous Green, Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black. Our review unit came in the phone’s flagship Glamorous Green color, the only color scheme with a vegan leather back.
Last year when I reviewed the HONOR X8a, I remarked that while I wasn’t a fan of the boxy design, the lightness made up for it. Well, the HONOR X8b has improved on this—it’s a bit smaller than the X8a, which now allows me to properly hold the phone with one hand. Plus, the leather back feels great when you’re just lazily scrolling through the web or social media.
HONOR improved the X8b display, which now sports a 6.7-inch Bright AMOLED screen. It has an FHD+ (2412 x 1080) resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate and 2000nits peak brightness. Even though it’s bright, the display is also safer with 3240Hz PWM dimming that minimizes flickers for less eye strain.
Found on the display is the unique camera notch. The notch doubles as the HONOR Magic Capsule that allows certain apps to display notifications. Think of it as something similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island feature.
For a general overview of what’s on the phone: on the left is the SIM card tray, and on the right is the volume and power button. The power button doubles as the side-mounted fingerprint reader. Beneath are the USB-C charging port and the single downward-firing speaker.
Hardware: 4/5
The HONOR X8b is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor. The Snapdragon 680 is a two-year-old processor, but don’t let age fool you as it can still keep up with its younger peers. Paired with the processor is 8GB of RAM and a monster 512GB of internal storage.
What made the HONOR X8a stand out was its massive 100-megapixel camera. This year, HONOR stepped up by equipping the HONOR X8b with a 108-megapixel main shooter. In addition to the main camera, there’s also a 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The massive camera update comes in the front camera: it now sports a 50-megapixel selfie camera.
Photos come out great when taken in well-lit situations. Lowlight is a bit noisy for my taste but still usable for social media posts. The selfie camera is also great, softening the image a bit without the harsh beautification found on other devices. As for video, the HONOR X8b still tops out at 1080p 30fps. There is still no stabilization option, so expect a rather bumpy video if you’re planning to vlog with the device.
Battery-wise the HONOR X8b is fitted with a 4500mAh battery. The battery can last you a whole day of medium use (data, a bit of gaming, and streaming). Charging is also a breeze with the 35W HONOR SuperCharge.
User Experience: 4/5
The HONOR X8b is a good option for those looking for an all-around smartphone on the cheap. It’s a great media device with an outstanding display, as AMOLED is still king when it comes to amazing colors. The audio is also pretty good despite the single downward-firing speaker.
In terms of gaming performance, the HONOR X8b is a decent gamer. The Snapdragon 680 shows its age when it comes to heavier titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, but lighter games like League of Legends: Wild Rift do okay.
The HONOR X8b stands out with its 512GB internal memory. The only smartphones I’ve seen with this much memory are flagship-level devices which cost hundreds of thousands of pesos. To be honest, I think the 512GB internal storage is a bit of an overkill for the average user. That said, there are certain scenarios where I can see this being a great feature to have. I, for one, appreciate this humungous storage as I download a lot of content and transfer a lot of files.
If there is one disappointment I have, it’s with the HONOR Magic Capsule feature, for which I had great expectations, particularly app support. Unfortunately, it’s currently available only when you’re recording or using the timer. Hopefully, moving forward, we will see more apps, like messages and calls utilizing this feature.
Value: 4/5
The HONOR X8b retails for PHP12,999, a slight price increase over the HONOR X8a’s launch price. It has a lot of competition in its segment, with some sporting newer processors. Even so, the HONOR X8b has a lot of going for it. Its flagship level 512GB memory, 108-megapixel camera, AMOLED display, and leather back are features that make this phone a good deal for the price.
Bottomline:
The HONOR X8b is a great value device for all-around use.
When it comes to monitors, I have always found myself at a crossroads. I want a monitor that offers a higher resolution (I always gravitate towards 2K or QHD monitors). I also want a faster refresh rate for my gaming needs. Finally, I also want a display panel that has great viewing angles so I can continue watching movies even when I need to change spots. Unfortunately, as many enthusiasts know, you’ll only get all three in the higher price range with some costing an arm and leg for a standard 24-inch monitor. Fortunately, smaller companies have started offering feature-packed monitors at a much more reasonable price, one of them is PRISM+ who let us test their F240i gaming monitor.
Design: 4/5
PRISM+ is a Singaporean startup brand that offers various monitors for different price ranges. Most of their current line-up in the Philippines is directed towards gaming with higher refresh rates monitors.
As a budget-centric monitor, you won’t get much when you open the box. Inside is a basic stand, which you assemble using the included screws. There’s also an included VESA mount which you can use in case you want to upgrade to a monitor mount instead of the included stand. You also get a DisplayPort cable and the power brick. In terms of build quality, the monitor is mostly quality plastic with the stand being the only aluminum piece in the set.
Speaking of, the Monitor has a 24-inch IPS panel with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution. It’s also one of the brand’s fastest monitors with its 180Hz refresh rates. Bezels are fairly thin thanks to the brand’s ZeroBezel design. Ports-wise, at the back you only get an HDMI 2.0 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio port. Finally, there’s also some lighting beneath the monitor.
Hardware: 4.5/5
The PRISM+ F240i may be the closest all-around monitor you can find for an entry to a mid-range price point.
This 24-inch monitor has an IPS panel. According to PRISM+ the display panel supports 120% of the sRGB color gamut. The display panel is also fairly fast for an IPS with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time. There’s also a built-in adaptive sync feature, but it’s just basic adaptive sync.
PRISM+ included several built-in profile settings within the monitor such as FPS mode, MOBA, RTS, and several customizable picture/ color profiles. There’s also an option to activate a crosshair in the middle of the screen, for FPS players who might need it.
User Experience: 4/5
I always have a small apprehension when it comes to PC peripherals. Like many gamers, I want no compromises, especially for my investment in my gears. I have my doubts about cheap monitors, especially when it comes to quality. So I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the PRISM+ F240i.
The first thing that surprised me was how it looked when I opened it for the first time. The display was pretty bright and vibrant. Since the display was also an IPS the viewing angles were great. Most monitors at this price range use either a TN or a VA panel which while faster, really loses out in color and viewing angle.
I think that this monitor would be the perfect secondary monitor because of the IPS panel. As for color accuracy, what I can say is that the monitor can get pretty vibrant in certain picture profiles. However, I feel that the colors still needed some tuning for graphic-sensitive work.
The second that amazed me was the customizability of the monitor. There were a lot of personalization options within the monitor’s menu, you can control not only the color hue, sharpness of the display, shadow balance, and gaming features such as response time and adaptive sync.
In terms of ergonomics, the F240i is pretty basic. The stand only allows tilt movement. Height adjustment will need your creativity. Fortunately, I didn’t need to adjust the height since my desk was already fitted to my usual setting. For those who want to make a more ergonomic desk setup or want a vertical monitor, you might want to consider getting a monitor mount along with the monitor.
The monitor was a great fit for me. I gravitated to the “Natural” picture profile with it being more vibrant than the rest and a bit more colorful than my daily driver. In terms of gaming, the monitor does reach 180Hz no problem with games like Valorant fully taking advantage of this. But for other games, like DOTA 2 and Persona 5 Royal, it a bit of an overkill.
180Hz is a massive shift for people coming from a 60Hz, 120Hz or even 144Hz monitor. You’ll immediately notice that the display is much smoother than the slower monitors.
I was also pleasantly surprised 180Hz was stable on the PRISM+ F240i and I did not encounter any tearing whatsoever. Just a couple of years ago, even major brands had massive tearing issues with high refresh rate monitors, for PRISM+ to achieve this is a feat in by itself.
One of the major qualms I have about the PRISM+ F240i is accessing the settings menu. The way to access the menu is through the joystick at the back. Moving the joystick opens certain quick menus. It can get confusing, especially since you can see the joystick and move it based on feel. I needed quite some time to get used to it.
Another thing I need to note here is the lack of instant access to adjust the monitor’s brightness by default. The only way to adjust this is by going through the complicated menu and manually adjusting it there. You can change the quick menu to include brightness, but it still needs to go through the confusing menu setting. Once you get used to the complicated menu, navigation does become easier though I still get confused from time to time.
Value: 4.5/5
Coming in at just PHP7,999, the PRISM+ F240i offers great value for those looking for a cheap yet performance-packed monitor. Combining basic features with necessary performance, it is perfect for gamers looking to upgrade their current setup.
Bottomline:
The PRISM+ F240i is a great monitor for gamers on a budget.
The Philippines is on track towards becoming a USD35 billion economy by 2025. But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation.
According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country’s digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.
“In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo chief executive officer.
Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:
Full-stack web development
Virtual Assistance
Virtual Bookkeeping
Basic transcription
“As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It’s crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we’re committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.
In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete.
To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom have achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights such as GCash and Accenture.
Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)
At the forefront of KodeGo’s mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.
Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.
“I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.
After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.
Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.
She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer.
“Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.
How to enroll at KodeGo
Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test.
Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.
Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) is back with its 13th iteration starting 15 March 2024. This season, all matches start at 4 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 5 May 2024, and will be held in Shooting Gallery Studios, Makati City.
Eight franchise teams will be challenged to fight for victory and vie for spots in the upcoming MSC 2024, the biggest MLBB mid-season cup yet to be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“MPL Philippines Season 13 will serve as the arena for the Philippine teams to once again prove their dominance in the world of MLBB esports. This season, we are challenged to recognize what winning is truly all about and uncover the various versions of victory for each member of the MLBB community,” says Bai Zhou Ning, MOONTON Games Philippines Esports head.
The league will implement a new point system as follows:
During the playoff season, the league will implement the Gauntlet Format to further level up the competition. The rules are as follows:
Meanwhile, the league will launch various online and on-ground activities for this season, including WINSTREAK, a thematic five-part video series that aims to share MPL-PH-approved tips and tricks for casual MLBB players to achieve their victories in-game. The league will also announce the Super Star Match for the upcoming MPL week every Wednesday.
To express gratitude to its viewers, MPL Philippines will present in-game codes on the screen multiple times during the Super Star Match for fans to redeem and get hero skins and other in-game items.
This season, Smart Communications, Inc. continues its partnership with MPL Philippines as the league’s official telco partner. On the other hand, Infinix has signed a long-term deal with MPL-PH covering four consecutive seasons starting season 13. The league will carry the Infinix GT10 Pro as the official tournament phone for Season 13.
Revamped MDL-PH arena, bigger challenges
MDL Philippines, the country’s proving ground for amateur MLBB esports athletes will begin its third season on 12 March 2024. All Regular Season matches start from 3 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Wednesday, and will run until 25 April 2024.
Ten participating teams will be dared to showcase how they level up their strength in-game and compete to take home the biggest share of the prize pool worth 20,000 USD.
This season’s participating teams are Blacklist Academy Rough Era (BLRW), ECHO Proud (ECHO), RSG El Ganador (RELG), AP.Bren Xia (APBX), ONIC Arsenals (ONIC), Smart Omega Neos (OMGN), TNC Z4 (TNZ4), Minana Archives (MNNA), GameLab x Desolators (GLAD), and RRQ Kaito (RRQ).
Among the major upgrades that fans will witness is the implementation of the Global Ban System.
The Global Ban System allows the team to use a particular hero only once during the series. This means that the hero, once used by a player in the team, cannot be used again in the same series by the same team. However, the opposing team can still choose to pick and use that hero, provided they haven’t used it.
Moreover, the league will hold its Playoffs Season offline, for the first time, to bring the tournament to the big stage.
More details to be shared soon on MPL and MDL Philippines’ official channels below:
The famous line from the 1994 hit movie Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get” has been true so far for Isagani de Ocampo, owner and chocolatier of Kakaw Galleon.
De Ocampo began his career as a seafarer in 2009 and was trained as a Pastry Chef aboard cruise ships. This was followed by a chance to train under the esteemed Jean-Philippe Maury’s chocolate shop, honing Isagani’s skills under the guidance of masters.
But fate had different plans for the chocolatier. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Isagani belonged to the first batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers. It was also this time when he started creating his own chocolate formula, dreaming of launching his own chocolate line in the Philippines.
Chocolatier Isagani de Ocampo shares how eBizNovation has helped him expand his brand online.
“It was hard at first because our taste for chocolate is quite different. Filipinos prefer the “stateside” chocolate. So, I thought of making a local version of chocolate that tastes like it’s imported,” he shared. “I wanted to bring the technology and the taste that I learned from abroad closer to chocolate lovers here,” he added.
But starting the business during a pandemic was not easy. For one, he had to rent a separate place for his chocolate factory — which was not possible during the lockdown. De Ocampo had to put his business on hold for a year before he was able to launch his first product in November 2021.
“It became a hit, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) heard about it. They approached me and offered me help. I held my first bazaar with them in January of the next year and I introduced my product as a local ‘imported’ chocolate. And the rest is history,” he recalled.
To scale his business even further, Isagani saw the value of upskilling and learning how to employ digital tools to boost micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) like Kakaw Galleon. When the invitation to attend the eBizNovation program under the livelihood advocacy of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) came, he did not hesitate to join.
“I’m a non-tech savvy person. Technology and I don’t get along. But I saw the invite to the eBizNovation workshop of DTI and PLDT and Smart, so I attended the event. Then, when I returned home, I told my wife about it, and she volunteered to implement it,” de Ocampo said.
Kakaw Galleon’s special handcrafted bonbons are on display.
The eBizNovation program is a digital upskilling-to-ecommerce program that aims to provide local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and MSMEs like Kakaw Galleon with the right digital tools to help them grow their businesses online.
Together with government partners such as the DTI, LGUs, local chambers of commerce, and ecommerce platforms like TikTok Shop, eBizNovation trains local business owners like Isagani how to maximize digital commerce to boost their livelihood.
“The skills and knowledge we gained from PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation training have helped us build our digital platforms and online payment system and ultimately helped boost our online presence and sales. We are thankful for this opportunity,” the chocolatier shared.
PLDT and Smart are committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos through livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities made possible by technology. These initiatives also support the UN SDGs #1 No Poverty and #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.
In the boundless ocean of learning, individuals inherently question and strive beyond the confines of their current perceptions. Fueled by curiosity, they embark on a transformative journey that challenges them to explore the unknown and exceed the limits of their horizons. With each step into uncharted waters, they confront the unfamiliar, allowing their wisdom to deepen as they navigate through the surging waves. Within this spirit of exploration, ABRASAHAN emerges as a metaphorical submarine, navigating a course that encourages students to delve into the vast realms of knowledge and refine their skills, propelling them toward academic excellence.
ABRASAHAN functions as a vessel of transformation, empowering students to step outside their comfort zones and showcase their capabilities. This educational vessel is embarking on a new journey, eagerly seeking new passengers who yearn for an academic adventure. The Engineering Mathematics and Science Society (EMSS) envisions ABRASAHAN as more than a mere mode of transportation; it is a comprehensive platform designed to bring together students from junior and senior high schools nationwide, exposing them to fresh challenges and providing opportunities for intellectual growth.
As ABRASAHAN 2024 unfolds in its third year, it introduces the Interscholastic Quiz where one can win as much as PHP10,000, and the Water World Webinar, both anchored on the theme “STEM Diving Depths.” The primary objective is to foster the growth of scientific knowledge among Filipino students. The event consistently attracts participants from both Junior and Senior High School levels, with the previous edition drawing the active participation of over 200 students.
Beyond serving as a conduit for academic enrichment, ABRASAHAN 2024 aligns seamlessly with the mission and objectives of the Science Education Institute, advocating for the advancement of scientific understanding. It stands as a testament to EMSS’s commitment to nurturing the intellectual curiosity of the youth and preparing them for future challenges in STEM fields.
Having been a participant in the inaugural ABRASAHAN, one can personally attest to the transformative impact of this event. It offers a unique opportunity to broaden perspectives, introduce new concepts, and equip participants for pursuits in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
ABRASAHAN 2024 is not merely a competition for prizes; it’s a competitive adventure where mastery is acquired, and intellectual prowess is put to the test. On behalf of the Engineering Mathematics and Science Society, a heartfelt invitation is extended to all to join in this incredible journey into the deep blue sea. Mark your calendars for April 12-13, 2024, and immerse yourself in an unprecedented escapade where underwater mysteries unfold, and treasures of ideas await discovery. Be prepared for the challenge, and the organizers eagerly anticipate welcoming participants aboard this academic voyage.
As ABRASAHAN 2024 sets sail, it invites you to be part of a legacy that goes beyond the competition – a legacy of knowledge, exploration, and academic excellence. The organizers, along with the Engineering Mathematics and Science Society, are excited to witness the unfolding of this intellectual adventure and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the participants and the future of STEM education in the Philippines.
