Efren 'Bata' Reyes signs partnership deal with Mansion Sports

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Mansion Sports, a leading private equity firm based in the UK, specializing in investments across sports facilities, sports news portals, and sports entertainment, has announced its partnership with billiards icon Efren 'Bata' Reyes, coinciding with the launch of Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce platform catering to global billiards enthusiasts. This strategic move underscores Mansion Sports' commitment to elevating the billiards experience worldwide.

The partnership encompasses a series of events and tournaments showcasing high-level billiards play, as well as projects aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the sport's enthusiasts. With Reyes's involvement, these initiatives are poised to deliver thrilling matches and dynamic gameplay, leaving a lasting impact on the billiards community.

To kickoff the partnership, Mansion Sports unveiled Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce site offering premium billiard products globally. Featuring high-quality cues, stylish tables, and top-notch accessories, the platform aims to enhance enthusiasts' playing experience. Initially rolling out in Vietnam, Mansion Sports Billiards plans for global expansion.

Reyes, renowned for his exceptional skill and long-standing dominance in billiards, joins Mansion Sports as Brand Ambassador. This partnership will leverage Reyes's stature in the billiards community to bolster Mansion Sports' presence through various events and initiatives.

"We are honored to have Efren 'Bata' Reyes as a Mansion Sports Brand Ambassador and are excited to work together to bring the sport of billiards to new heights." said Denis Keet, Managing Director of Mansion Sports.

“We believe that Reyes brings decades of experience and a storied career to the partnership. His achievements have not only earned him numerous titles and awards but also a substantial fan base and respect within the sports community,” Keet added.

For more information, please visit mansionsports.com or follow Mansion Sports on social media for the latest updates.

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About Mansion Sports & Entertainment Group (MSEG International Limited):

MSEG International Limited is a leading private equity firm based in the UK, specializing in investments across sports facilities, sports news portals, and sports entertainment. With our team of experts in their field, our mission is to drive innovation and growth in the sports industry; though Integrity, Collaboration, and Sustainability. We are shaping the future of sports in different markets around the world. Join us in driving positive change in the sports industry.

MSEG Website: mansionsports.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mansion-sports-entertainment-group/

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About Mansion Sports Billiards:

Welcome to MansionBilliards.com – your premier online destination for everything billiards! Explore a curated selection of high-quality cues, stylish tables, and top-notch accessories. From beginner to pro, find the perfect gear for an exceptional playing experience. Trust MansionBilliards.com for secure transactions, prompt delivery, and a seamless shopping journey. Elevate your game, shop with confidence – where precision meets passion.

Mansion Sports Billiards Website: www.mansionbilliards.com

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About Efren Reyes:

A Legend in the World of Billiards: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efren_Reyes

Facebook: Efren Reyes x Mansion Sports | Instagram: officialefrenreyes | X: Efren Reyes Official | Youtube: Efren Reyes Official | TikTok: efrenreyesmansionsports

Philippine Marketing Association Strengthens Its Thrust on Sustainability Marketing with PMA RAMP Fashion Show and Charity Auction Ball

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The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable marketing by hosting the PMA RAMP Fashion Show and Charity Auction Ball at Sheraton Collab, Newport World Resorts Manila, marking its 70th anniversary milestone fundraiser event.

The event spotlighted eco-friendly fashion, echoing PMA's year-long focus on "SustAInability Marketing." This theme advocates for green marketing campaigns rooted in circular economy principles and integrated with artificial intelligence.

In collaboration with sustainability advocate Ms. Tati Fortuna, President of Ucycle, the fashion show showcased designs by esteemed PMA members, including past presidents and community leaders. These designs emphasized the organization’s focus on maximizing resource utilization, reducing waste, and prolonging product lifespans.

The evening also featured a Charity Auction Ball, presenting donated luxury items, artworks, and collectibles. Notable highlights included exquisite gowns by renowned fashion designers such as Michael Cinco, featuring Pia Wurtzbach's iconic dress, among others from Hollywood celebrities. Artworks by BenCab were also up for auction, all in support of the association’s initiatives aimed at bolstering PMA's community outreach, educational programs, and industry events.

Percentage of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Upskills+ Foundation, Inc., aiding communities in severe poverty through employment and income generation via community-managed microenterprises that promote circular and sustainability practices, as well as the Betis Symphonic Band 46, offering musical training and international competition opportunities to youth.

“As we celebrate 70 years of advancing marketing excellence, the PMA is proud to spearhead a move towards a more sustainable future," stated PMA President Kathy Mercado. "This year’s PMA RAMP Fashion Show and Charity Auction Ball not only exemplify our commitment to responsible marketing but also strengthen our efforts to support the community and foster meaningful causes. With a focus on educating and inspiring our members and stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices, this event also serves as a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and camaraderie as we look forward to another decade of making a difference.”

The PMA RAMP Fashion Show and Charity Auction Ball was supported by Aseana Holdings, Newport World Resorts, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Grandhope Travel, with event partners, Tati Fortuna of Ucycle, Emperador Distillers as bar host,Forex Cargo Guam for Sitti Navarro's Performance, Betis Symphonic Band 46, Reyes Haircutters, hosted by RJ Ledesma. Creative and agency partners include, AQAdvertising, Shoppertainment Live, Globaltronics LEDs, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, Pool Party Creatives, United Neon, along with Uniquecorn Strategies as its official PR partner. This collaboration highlighted their commitment to sustainability and community support.

Take the first step to a healthier future at Araneta City

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Easily find the medical services you need at this health and wellness hub

There is a growing trend of people being more conscious about their health. According to the GWI Consumer Trends Report 2022, 98% of Filipino consumers are more conscious about their health and have made the switch to a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, 68% said that they have found ways to be more physically healthy – an encouraging sign pointing towards more Filipinos being proactive about their health.

But there is still much to be done when it comes to our attitude about going to the doctor and ensuring that every part of our body is functioning well. According to a study by Capstone-Intel Corp., only 40% of Filipinos go for annual checkups, and even when they are feeling sick, only 33% consult a physician.

This is a concern that is being addressed at Araneta City. As a rising health and wellness hub, the City of Firsts hosts a wide array of medical clinics and laboratories where people can readily avail themselves of a variety of medical procedures and services with ease. All these are conveniently located in residential towers, office buildings, and malls to help promote a health-seeking attitude among Araneta City-zens.

Here are some of the healthcare facilities you can find at the City of Firsts:

• MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City

Located at the Ground Floor of Manhattan Plaza, the MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City is the first health facility of the renowned Makati Medical Center outside Makati City. It offers the best healthcare services to those living and working in and around Araneta City. Some of the services that can be availed at the MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City are health screening services, diagnostic imaging, and hemodialysis treatment.

• The Medical City Clinics

The brand of excellence that Medical City is known for can also be found at the Level 3 of Gateway Mall, Lower Ground Floor of Ali Mall, and Upper Ground Floor of Cyberpark Tower 1. Patients can consult doctors from different fields of expertise or undergo a variety of services such as laboratory and imaging, tests for the cardiovascular system such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), 2D Echocardiogram and 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring, can also be availed at these branches.

• Keralty Gateway Clinic

If it’s one-stop healthcare you’re after, then look no further than Keralty Gateway Clinic at Level 2 of Gateway Mall. This clinic offers a wider range of medical services such as consultations with specialists, dental services, dermatological clinical services, imaging and even surgical services, among many others.

• Aventus Medical Clinic

From check-ups to vaccine administration to even audiometry and minor surgeries, you can find it all at Aventus Medical Clinic located in Manhattan Parkview. Aside from the aforementioned services, you can also avail yourself of a wide variety of imaging and diagnostic services and even consult with medical professionals from different areas of expertise.

As part of Araneta City's mixed-use development, all these medical facilities are strategically situated in the heart of Metro Manila, and can be reached via a wide selection of land transportation modes -- PUVs, buses, and trains -- making any laboratory or medical appointment more convenient.

“We know that accessibility, ease, and convenience are foremost in the minds of people today, so we made sure that our Araneta City-zens have all they need and more right here in the City of Firsts–and that includes healthcare,” Marjorie Go, Araneta City’s AVP for Marketing said. “With a wide array of healthcare institutions all found here in Araneta City, our denizens can be assured that they can fully take care of their health and well-being without the need to travel far.”

As Labor Day approaches, Pluxee — a leading global employee recognition solutions provider — urges employers to honor their workforce through personalized digital solutions

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Labor Day is a time to commemorate the contributions of the workforce across all industries. It’s also timely for employers to reflect on the commitment of their employees who fuel their organization’s success everyday.

The World Bank reported that the estimated unemployment rate in the Philippines is at its lowest level since 1999, indicating signs of recovery in the labor market. This means that over 90% of people in the working age group were employed, with the majority falling into the pay and salary category. 

However, employee retention remains a major problem for most employers. The country is still experiencing the effects of “The Great Resignation” brought by the pandemic, with 29% of employees looking for greener pastures.

Studies show that employee appreciation is crucial for retention. This goes beyond verbal recognition and transcends into rewards and incentives for their meaningful efforts. 

Previously Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, Pluxee has strengthened its identity with a renewed commitment to advancing worker recognition that aligns with Labor Day celebrations. It now highlights customized digital solutions, with its flagship offering — Pluxee Gift — at the forefront of creating joyful and sustainable employee appreciation experiences.

Elevating employee appreciation with Pluxee Gift  

Pluxee Gift makes employee milestones and rewards more meaningful. It features a wide variety of redemption options for different services and special treats such as meals, spa days, shopping sprees, and many more. This diverse range caters to a broad spectrum of preferences, creating joyful experiences for every employee.

Pluxee Gifts come in different forms that can cater to any employee experience journey:

Pluxee Gift credits: Pluxee Gift credits are sent to the Pluxee Philippines app of recipients via web portal. These credits are partially redeemable, meaning recipients don't have to use the credits all at once in a single transaction. Credits may be used at over 10,000 partner merchants and online stores such as Grab, Lazada, Shopee, Angkas, and Klook. Pluxee Gift credits are best for recurring benefits such as allowances, performance-based incentives, and more.

Pluxee Gift codes: Employers can simplify the gifting experience with texts and emails, eliminating storage requirements and manual tracking of rewards. Pluxee Gift codes are also convertible to Pluxee Gift credits to allow partial redemption. Furthermore, Pluxee Gift codes can be customized with the company’s logo and message, and can be made valid for specific merchants and products only.

Pluxee Gift card:  A hybrid reward, the Pluxee Gift card is a physical card that carries digital Pluxee Gift codes. Recipients can use them instantly, with no activation needed. Pluxee Gift cards are convertible to Pluxee Gift credits for recipients who prefer to store their rewards in an app and enjoy features such as partial redemption and online shopping. Customization is also possible with the company’s logo or for specific products.

This Labor Day, Pluxee encourages organizations to celebrate and reward their employees' achievements through innovative recognition solutions. With its Live Joyful campaign, Pluxee enables memorable experiences, amplifying the celebration of employees' contributions and emphasizing the joy found in meaningful recognition.

Want to know more about how Pluxee can elevate your employee experience in a manner unique to your organization? Sign up at bit.ly/PluxeePartnerClient or call our Pluxee Customer Care hotline at (02) 8689-4700. If your organization is an SME that prefers to shop digital gift certificates online, visit shop.pluxee.ph - registration is easy and preferential rates for business accounts are available.

Win a shopping spree worth up to P100,000 from PLDT Home

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Summer is the perfect time to upgrade your home, shop for school or work essentials, or simply stock up your pantry. This summer, PLDT Home gives you more reasons to make the most out of your upgrade or purchase with a chance to win a P100,000 shopping spree.

PLDT Home’s Shopping Spree Upgrade promo gives you a chance to win a shopping spree experience at SM Store Megamall, with SM gift passes worth up to P100,000 to one lucky winner; P50,000 SM Gift Passes to two winners; and P25,000 SM Gift Passes to four winners.

Reward yourself with an upgrade and shopping spree

There are many ways PLDT Home subscribers can earn raffle entries for the chance to win this experience of a lifetime. First, you can upgrade your current PLDT Home Fiber plan to enjoy a leveled-up digital experience at home—from streaming their favorite movies and series, playing games with friends, to getting office and schoolwork done in a jiffy and more.

Enjoying your fiber fast speeds? You can still earn an entry when you get at least two (2) units of a WiFi Mesh System. You can choose between the latest TP-Link X55 WiFi6 mesh if you and your family are into heavy bandwidth activities like simultaneous streaming and gaming, or TP-Link Deco M4 WiFi5 Mesh if you have simpler WiFi needs like boosting WiFi in all corners of yourhome.

Finally, if you’relooking for ways to enjoy unli-entertainment, you can also earn raffle entries by subscribing to a CignalTV Postpaid Plan, upgrading an existing CignalTV Plan, or availing of the newly launched PLDT Home StreamTV Android TV Box– a smart speaker that can also turn a regular TV into a smart TV.

Seven (7) winners will be selected by an electronic raffle draw on May 6 and will have the shopping spree experience in SM Store Megamall on June 4, 2024. The SM Gift Passes can be used in all SM Store affiliates like theSM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Uniqlo, Bata, Savemore Market, Under Armour, Forever21, Waltermart, Levi’s Surplus, Brownies, Watsons, Our Home, Ace Hardware, Crate & Barrel, The Body Shop, Innisfree, Miniso, Pet Express, Kultura, Sports Central, Baby Company, Crocs, and Toy Kingdom. Winners may also opt to use the SM Gift pass winnings to book stays at Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Taal Vista, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, and Radisson Blue Hotel.

Be one of the lucky seven winners and shop for everything you want and need this summer, all courtesy of PLDT Home! PLDT Home’s Shopping Spree Upgrade promo runs until April 30, 2024. To learn more, visit https://pldthome.com/shopping-spree-promo.

The Journey of Diskarte Pinoy TV with LBC at the Helm

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When Ellen and Arnel Sagle started their entrepreneurial journey, they were armed with nothing but a vision and P14,000. At the time, they had no idea that their venture, Diskarte Pinoy TV, would become a go-to online resource for power and garden tools.

She recalls that the major turning point for them was when a childhood friend and fellow entrepreneur, Karen Diaz, encouraged Arnel Sagle to take the plunge and start a business. They pooled their resources and that became the groundwork for Diskarte Pinoy’s future success.

"We began with modest means, but our dreams were anything but small. We were driven by the belief that hard work and dedication could turn our vision into reality," shares Ellen Sagle, Co-Founder of Diskarte Pinoy. “Karen’s encouragement and partnership talaga yung malaking bagay.”

Her early belief in the Sagles’ vision and her financial contribution laid the groundwork for eventual growth of their business. They dipped their toe in the world of online selling, starting with an ukay-ukay shop before transitioning into surplus power tools.

Growth and Reliability

It wasn’t long before they saw their product range expand from auctioned surplus goods to brand new power tools. And as their wares began to include big ticket items, they started to recognize the need for more reliable partners who could help them ship their goods.

“It was a customer, actually, who first raised the idea of shipping with LBC. And if we could find him and thank him now, we would,” Arnel reminisced.

With that single shipment, Diskarte Pinoy realized what a huge difference a reliable and trusted logistics partner could offer their business. At that point, they knew, if they wanted to grow their business and expand their reach, they needed LBC on their side.

The Perfect Ally

LBC emerged as the perfect ally, offering not just courier services but a partnership that understood and catered to the unique needs of an online business.

LBC’s tailored solutions, including the Asenso Hub platform, provided Diskarte Pinoy TV with discounts and logistical advantages that significantly impacted their bottom line and customer satisfaction.

The Asenso Hub service, in particular, was a game-changer for the Sagles. With it, they received up to 50% discounts on shipping rates, which not only boosted their profit margins but also allowed them to offer more competitive pricing to their customers.

“LBC transformed the way we did business. Their reliability, nationwide network, and services like Asenso Hub, which gave us significant advantages against our competition helped bring us to where we are now," Ellen explained. “This partnership allowed Diskarte Pinoy TV to streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and expand our market reach.”

This level of support from a courier company is almost unheard of in e-commerce, but LBC continues to demonstrate how instrumental they can be for local businesses who want to understand the complexities of online retailing.

The Angel Behind It All

Among all their serendipitous partnerships and alliances, there’s one that the Sagle’s credit for starting it all; the one that they consider their true angel.

“Without Karen, we never would have had the courage to start the ukay-ukay or surplus business, which means we wouldn’t have had a chance to start Diskarte Pinoy; we wouldn’t have met the first customer who wanted us to ship through LBC; and we wouldn’t have had a chance to expand our reach by working with them,” Arnel said.

As Diskarte Pinoy TV looks to the future, the foundation laid by their early supporters and the ongoing partnership with LBC continue to be central to their growth strategy. The journey of Ellen and Arnel Sagle from a small startup to a successful online shows how strategic partnerships and support networks can make a huge difference, no matter how modest your start is.

Let LBC Propel Your Business Further. Find out how your business can achieve success with the help of LBC. Sign up now!

For more information, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/article/the-journey-of-diskarte-pinoy-tv

Angel Investors Network Pushes for Advocacy and Intentionality in Empowering Filipina Entrepreneurs

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Navigating the capital-raising environment is especially challenging for women. But the investing community and the startup ecosystem can benefit from a two-pronged approach: advocacy and intentionality.

Tina Di Cicco, Chairperson of MAIN’s Gender Lens Investing Committee, discussing MAIN's Gender Lens Investing strategy.

This was the statement of Tina Nepomuceno-Di Cicco, the Gender Lens Investing Committee Chairperson of Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN), the Philippine’s largest network of angel investors, in the recently concluded FoundHer Forum, organized by a Filipino-based women-led inclusion studio, Imaginable Impact at KMC One Ayala in line with Women’s Month.

 

In her keynote speech, Di Cicco highlighted that advocating for and intentionally supporting women-led businesses will encourage more women to succeed and attract and grow investments.

 

“Through advocacy, we communicate our vision and goals, as well as promote and support each other’s businesses. Intentionality, on the other hand, is when we turn our advocacy into action–it's when we put our resources into investing in women and helping make women-led businesses succeed,” Di Cicco said, sharing tips on how women can appear more investible. 

 

In addition, she noted that while the gender gap remains a pressing issue with only 2% of global venture capital funds going to women-led businesses, investments on women entrepreneurs are in fact growing in Southeast Asia with data indicating that female-led startups raised $1.41 billion in equity funding in 2023, which accounts for 18 percent of capital raised in the region. This is a 12.6 percent increase from the previous year.

 

Di Cicco also pointed out that the current trend indicates that more investors and networks are using Gender Lens Investing when considering startups to invest in and support. Gender Lens Investing (GLI) is a strategy that MAIN employs, through the support of the Australian Aid’s Investing in Women program, to maximize investment potential in women-led businesses. Through the GLI, MAIN provides extensive support to women-led startups, especially those at the early stage, in terms of capital allocation, training, and mentorship. To date, more than 40% of the startups that MAIN members have invested in are female-led.

 

“We are hearing investors prioritizing portfolio diversity, with many incorporating gender lens investing strategies. What we see across the board is a slow but steady increase in gender lens investing,” Di Cicco said, underscoring investors’ intent to address gender disparity through their investment choices.

 

“This is the time for women founders. We are being sought. We are more visible. There is no better time to be a woman than now,” Di Cicco added.

 

The FoundHer Forum is a signature event series elevating the conversation on investing in female founders, to bridge the capital gap for women in the startup ecosystem. Aside from MAIN, FoundHer Forum was made possible in partnership with KMC Solutions, a leading provider of flexible office space requirements and co-working space for emerging businesses in the Philippines.

 

Aside from supporting women-led businesses, MAIN, composed of more than 120 angel investors, aims to increase the number of female investors in the Philippines by diversifying their own membership. MAIN is also a member of the Gender Lens & Impact Investment Council (GIIC), a member-based industry body that seeks to build the gender lens and impact investment ecosystem in the Philippines.

 

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About Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN)

MAIN is the largest committed private investors network in the Philippines that was formed to support the country’s startup ecosystem by connecting investors with promising early-stage companies. Apart from providing capital funding, it also mentors entrepreneurs, provides expertise support, and opens networking opportunities. This innovative startup ecosystem will benefit both MAIN members’ portfolio and overall growth of Filipino startups.

 

MAIN’s upcoming pitch nights are slated on April 30 (Q2), July 23 (Q3), and October 22 (Q4). The network also conducts seminars and training sessions semi-annually. This includes a StartupAcademy and MAINAcademy sessions this coming May, and a HardTalk session in June.

 

To learn more about these upcoming events, stay tuned to MAIN’s social media platforms (linkedin.com/company/manila-angel-investors-network/) for more details. For investors interested in joining MAIN, please contact invest@main.ph.

Digido wins 11 awards, including two ‘Best’ accolades from Global Banking & Finance Review

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Digido, multi-awarded consumer finance company has ended the first three months of the year with 11 award recognitions from four esteemed global finance and business publications.

The digital lending service was named by the Global Banking & Finance Awards® as the Philippines’ “Best New Online Lending Services” for the second year in a row, as well as the country’s “Best New Fintech Company”.

Digido bagged a trio of wins from the World Economic Magazine Awards, winning in the “Best Customer Service Company For Finance Philippines 2024”, “Best Personal Loans Provider Philippines 2024” and “Best New Online Lending Services Philippines 2024” categories.

The Global Financial Market Review named the platform the “Best Digital Lending App in the Philippines” while the Gazet International Awards recognized Digido in five categories: “Best Digital Lending Firm Philippines 2024”, “Most Customer-Friendly Financial Solutions Philippines 2024”, “Most Innovative Digital Lending App Philippines 2024”, “Best Digital Loan App Philippines 2024”, and “Best Digital Lending Platform Philippines 2024”.

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.

Commenting on the 11 awards, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “We recognize the unprecedented nature of this series of recognitions from these prestigious finance and business publications and feel incredibly humbled. We at Digido have been striving to ensure we remain a trusted financial partner for the Philippines’ underserved, and these awards are stark reminders to do so with the consumer at the forefront.”

An earlier commissioned survey by Digido revealed that personal loans were the most popular formal credit option, with 54% of respondents having one in 2023 due to its flexibility and variety of use.

Digido offers a First Loan For Free service, where first-time borrowers can avail up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest and a standard Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000 for repeat clients. It can be accessed through its official site digido.ph, its apps in Google Play and the iOS App Store, and Lazada Loans.

Pru Life UK solidifies its leadership position as 2023’s top life insurer in the Philippines

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Pru Life UK ranks number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reflected in the recently released Insurance Commission (IC) report as of 31 December 2023.

The life insurance company's NBAPE amounted to a total of Php 10.54 billion for 2023

The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

Owing to the company's innovative offerings, Pru Life UK also leads in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 45.7 billion as of 31 December 2023.

With over 42,000 digitally empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, Pru Life UK strengthens its market leadership reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of many Filipino families.

More than numbers, Pru Life UK also attributes its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity. A Golden Arrows awardee for five (5) consecutive years since 2018, Pru Life UK has cemented itself as a beacon of responsible business practices in the Philippines.

"It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023, " said Francis Ortega, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pru Life UK. "We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, employees, and agency force for their collective efforts that have driven us to achieve this significant milestone. Our purpose, "For Every Life, For Every Future," guides us in providing innovative and accessible solutions to every Filipino. We aim to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.”

The consistent growth of Pru Life UK is aligned with that of its parent company, Prudential plc, which recorded a 45% increase in new business profit to USD 3.1 billion as of 31 December 2023.

As it further strengthens its commitment to providing financial solutions addressing the evolving needs of Filipinos, the company recently launched PRULove Wealth, a single premium product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from high-yielding time deposits. The plan uniquely offers 4% guaranteed annual cash payout, 100% cashback, and up to 125% insurance coverage.*

*Product terms & conditions including on cash back apply.​ Limited time offer and subject to availability.​

Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines gets GPTW certified for the 4th time in a row

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Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, a microcosm of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, is once again certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) organization. This is the fourth consecutive year that the organization has received the certification and its first GPTW certification since it repositioned itself as Sun Life Global Solutions. The Survey results draw on the employees’ responses to an independently conducted survey by the Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.

The outcome of the survey shows that 93% people feel that they are fairly treated regardless of their sexual orientation, 92% experienced fair treatment regardless of race or gender, 91% affirm that the workplace is physically safe, and 90% shared a sense of pride on being a Sun Lifer and would like to tell others about the same.

The GPTW award reflects the strong foundation we have built together as a team. A foundation that is powered by our Purpose and a culture of deep care. We care for the well-being of our clients, for their healthier lives and financial security. We care for each other; we are emotionally vested in each other’s success. What inspires me is the fact that our teams are the driving force behind constantly building a purpose and values driven, deeply caring and empowered workplace. Together we advance our Purpose to inspire brighter future for all those who count upon us, clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Tarun Sareen, Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions.

Adding to the thoughts shared by Tarun, Vice President and Site Head of SLGS Philippines Nathalie Bernardo also talked about how this certification is an inspiration for her to continue furthering the organization’s programs in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, employee recognition and advocacy work.

 

“We are truly grateful for this honorific by Great Place to Work as we continue to foster a culture that embraces diversity; champions work-life harmony; aims to unleash everyone’s full potential; is about purpose and teamwork at its core; and fulfills its social responsibility.  Our goal is for every employee to feel heard and empowered to make a positive impact both with the organization and in our community," Bernardo shared. The organization celebrated this feat during the recently culminated SLGS’ Moments of Togetherness and Celebration event.

What further makes it an employer of choice are the inclusive and equitable opportunities where each employee is encouraged to push their boundaries of imagination to solve for the business and the world. This culture of innovation is fueled by the collaborative and inclusive culture at SLGS where employees can grow and thrive, with a drive towards innovation, a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) and embedding a culture of sustainability.

Over the years, SLGS has emerged as a talent and innovation hub, driving seamless digital transformation and providing technology, knowledge services and business services to Sun Life businesses globally, helping its clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives – its core purpose and mission. SLGS works with Sun Life teams across the group to support clients in areas such as operations, technology, actuarial, legal, and more.

To learn more about Sun Life Global Solutions, visit https://www.sunlife.com/slgs/en/

Globe Business and Ugbo 24/7: Cooking up success with advanced ICT solutions

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Globe Business leverages the power of robust connectivity and innovative technology to power Ugbo 24/7, a new culinary venture of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

Ugbo 24/7 pays homage to the popular street food culture of Ugbo Street, Tondo, one of Moreno’s favorite food digs in his home city. His restaurant offers a concise menu featuring affordable signature dishes such as Tumbong, Camto, Dila, and Lechon Kawali.

Globe Business signs deal with former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for his latest venture, Ugbo 24/7, to deliver a better connectivity experience for customers. In this photo are (L-R) Jef Cruz, Chief Commercial Officer, RUSH; Cocoy Claravall, Vice President for Sales, Globe Business; Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, owner of Ugbo 24/7; and Nikko Acosta, Chief Strategy Officer, Globe and CEO of Brave Connective Holdings, Inc

This new dining hotspot endeavors to bring the beloved gastronomic delights of Tondo closer to a wider audience. Located at One World Square, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Ugbo 24/7 particularly aims to bridge Tondo delicacies to the dynamic workforce of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector and its nearby residents.

Globe Business steps in as a crucial enabler for Ugbo 24/7’s digitalization journey. By providing a comprehensive suite of connectivity and business applications, Globe Telecom’s B2B arm supports the restaurant's operational needs and growth ambitions.

The partnership encompasses a phased service implementation, starting with existing Fixed Broadband and Mobile solutions made to power the food hub’s connectivity. This is followed by the deployment of advanced tools such as Inquiro for data analytics, Rush eStore for end-to-end online selling platform, and m360 for multi-channel communication services.

"We are excited to support Ugbo 24/7 as they unlock their full business potential. We do this by providing them the essential technological backbone that enhances productivity and overall business performance, powered by Globe’s reliable connectivity. Our role is to ensure that Ugbo 24/7 can operate seamlessly and efficiently, enabling them to focus on delivering quality dining experiences to their customers,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business.

"Drawing from my personal experience – after a long day at work, I always look for “feel good food” that is affordable, delicious and satisfying. In launching Ugbo 24/7, my goal was not only to offer a taste of Tondo's best but also to ensure that our food remains flavorful and enjoyable without breaking the bank.” Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno mentions as he invites everyone to visit his new venture.

Emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing his business operations, Moreno also shared, “Partnering with Globe Business equips us with the tools we need to understand our market better, streamline our operations, and expand our reach. Their support is invaluable in helping us achieve our vision for Ugbo 24/7."

This collaboration reflects the commitment of Globe Business to empower MSMEs to thrive in today’s digital era. By leveraging the strengths of Globe Business's connectivity and ICT capabilities, Ugbo 24/7 is well-positioned to achieve operational success and deliver exceptional service to its customers.

For more information on how Globe Business can empower enterprises, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/business.

 

Enstack Launches "HERstory": A Celebration of Women in Leadership

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Series aims to inspire professional ambition and personal growth by spotlighting trailblazing women in business and industry

Enstack, the AI-powered mobile app that enables everyone to be entrepreneurs, announced today the launch of EmpowHER HERstory, a year-long video series designed to spotlight the journeys, challenges, and achievements of female leaders across various industries.

EmpowHER HERstory, a new initiative from Enstack’s EmpowHER campaign, gives a closer look at the lives of influential women who balance professional success with personal roles such as that of mothers and primary caregivers.

As a female-led company, Enstack consistently highlights female entrepreneurs, emphasizing role models just ahead in their journeys for relatable inspiration. With EmpowHER HERstory, Enstack also wants to celebrate women who have reached the C-suite, built billion-peso businesses, or created an impact on millions of Filipino lives while juggling different personal roles, with an aim to motivate audiences toward even bigger dreams and substantial ambitions.

This series brings to the fore influential women including:

●       Yangyang Zhang, Xendit's Chief Innovation Officer, known for her pivotal role in financial innovation across Southeast Asia;

●       Ruoshan Tao, Canva's Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia and Latin America, who is transforming digital design accessibility worldwide;

●       Ambe Tierro, Country Managing Director at Accenture Philippines, who is setting the standard for excellence in the IT and consulting industry;

●       Berna Romulo-Puyat, Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, instrumental in shaping national financial and economic policy; and

●       Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, renowned for her dedication to community development and governance.

In the Philippines, women hold 39% of senior management^[1] and have surpassed men in tertiary education enrollment, with a ratio of over 2.57 million women to 1.87 million men in AY 2021-2022^[2]. However, the labor force participation rate for women is at 34.5%^[3], highlighting a discrepancy that underscores the critical importance of visible, diverse female leaders to inspire the next generation.

"Within Enstack's ecosystem, where nearly 70% of merchants are women, we are deeply committed to amplifying female entrepreneurship and underscoring the significant impact women have on the economy. EmpowHER HERstory is about the power of visibility and representation. It's about revealing not only the achievements of women but also the paths they've taken, the obstacles they've overcome, and the significant impacts of their journeys,” shares Enstack's CEO, Macy Castillo. “This initiative is our way of inspiring viewers to dream bigger, encouraging not just young women but people from all walks of life to challenge norms, break barriers, and pursue their dreams with relentless passion."

 

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About Enstack

Enstack is changing the way businesses are built by empowering everyone to become entrepreneurs. Enstack is more than just a  mobile app that removes barriers in starting a business. By integrating Artificial Intelligence into the core of business building, it is a transformative force in entrepreneurship, providing tools and a supportive ecosystem to help its users dream bigger, build smarter businesses, and live richer lives. For more information on the Enstack Magic update and to join a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visit www.enstack.com.

 

 

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^[1] 2022 Women in Business Report, Grant Thorton

^[2] Commission on Higher Education

^[3] Philippine Statistics Authority

J&T Express Philippines reaches new horizons, plans wider expansion on its 5th anniversary

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J&T Express, the Philippines’ leading logistics and delivery service provider, proudly commemorates its fifth anniversary, reflecting on an extraordinary journey marked by exponential growth, unwavering commitment to service excellence, and significant contributions to the community.

Since its inception in 2019, J&T Express Philippines has experienced phenomenal expansion, currently operating an extensive network of over 2,200 branches and warehouses nationwide. The company takes pride in its dedicated workforce of 60,000 service personnel to back up its operations and a fleet of 3,000 owned trucks and vehicles, solidifying its position as a key player in the logistics industry.

“As we rely on our advanced logistics facilities while continuing to accelerate the company’s digital transformation, this will enable us to create a reliable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly supply chain service system to meet e-commerce demands. Through this, J&T Express can continue delivering smiles and trust to our Filipino customers nationwide,” said Dean Ding, CEO of J&T Express Philippines.

With sharing and responsibility as part of its core values, J&T Express Philippines keeps the Bayanihan spirit alive in the previous year through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) ‘J&T Cares,’ extending support to communities affected by natural disasters such as Typhoon Egay, the Mayon Volcano eruption, and the jolting earthquakes in Surigao del Sur. Through these initiatives, J&T Express has provided critical assistance to thousands of families, emphasizing its commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Recognizing that dedicated employees are the backbone of its success, J&T Express Philippines launched the "1 Family, Juan J&T" campaign in 2023. This nationwide initiative connects the company with its employees across all regions in the country, reinforcing the message that each employee is valued and integral to J&T Express' achievements.

“Now that we are already in our fifth year, J&T Express aspires to continue to work with employees and our business partners, further elevating our business to new heights and enhancing how we can keep up with the growing demands of our consumers,” Mr. Ding concludes.

J&T Express is known for its corporate excellence such as its mobile application, a VIP platform, free door-to-door pickup, cash-on-delivery payment option, 24/7 customer service, and 365-day operations, all complemented by its nationwide coverage that continues to expand as it celebrates its fifth anniversary in the Philippines.

 

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About J&T Express

J&T Express is a global logistics provider founded in 2015, currently operating in 13 countries worldwide: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt.

Adhering to its “customer-oriented and efficiency-based” mission, J&T Express is committed to providing customers with integrated logistics solutions through intelligent infrastructure and digital logistics network as part of its global strategy to connect the world with greater efficiency and bring logistical benefits to all.

Road trip this long weekend? Here are some tips to keep it hassle-free

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With the long weekend coming up, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break. Road trips are a popular choice during this time, especially to beach destinations as summer approaches.

Here are some tips to ensure your road trip is smooth sailing:

1. Plan your route.

Long weekends may involve road closures, maintenance, or construction, so it’s best to check the news for updates. Navigation apps will prove helpful during this time. The holiday rush may also affect traffic, so beat other travelers by leaving earlier, if possible.

 

2. Check your car.

A vehicle in top condition will be your best friend during a long journey. Ensure your tires are aligned and balanced, car fluids and battery are secure, and lights and turn signals work. Inspect your car before the trip to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

3. Pack essentials.

Long drives call for ample snacks to keep hunger at bay and a steady water supply to prevent dehydration. Bring essential medications and a first aid kit for any untoward incidents.

 

4. Go cashless.

Long lines at ATMs during holidays are inevitable. Embrace hassle-free travel by going cashless. Opt to pay through bank transfers, QR codes and the like.

5. Use Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs.

Streamline your tollway transactions with RFID payments. By eliminating the need for cash transactions, drivers can breeze through tollways, avoiding long lines and unnecessary delays.

For a stress-free road trip this long weekend, effortlessly set up a PSBank account by simply downloading their mobile app. Enjoy cashless transactions through QR codes, and instantly reload your Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs with PSBank.

For more information on PSBank’s products and services, visit psbank.com.ph or facebook.com/psbankofficial.