June 28, 2023
Petron introduces Fiesta Gas refillable LPG cylinder in Luzon
June 16, 2023
TV5 Livens Up Morning Viewing with "Gud Morning Kapatid” and Strengthens Primetime News with New Anchors on "Frontline Pilipinas"
June 13, 2023
LGEPH and Pasig City Government Collaborate for a Greener Future on World Environment Day
June 9, 2023
PSA: PhilSys, a Pivotal Step Towards Inclusion Through Identity
May 28, 2023
Igloo protects Southeast Asia's multi-billion dollar coffee industry with innovative weather insurance for farmers
Southeast Asia - a part of what is called the coffee belt - is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. While Vietnam and Indonesia are responsible for the majority of global coffee output, the Philippines is also an important global producer with industry revenue expected to reach US$6.7 billion in 2023, according to statistics portal Statista. The local market is also expected to grow annually by 5.69% until 2025.
Coffee production is not only a long-term and labor-intensive investment, but it is also one that is constantly under threat of climate hazards which provide difficult growing conditions due to extreme climate–affecting farmers and disrupting supply chains.
“Weather Index Insurance is a product that we introduced in order to protect farmers and communities across Southeast Asia from unforeseen climate hazards. While initially introduced for rice farmers, we’ve seen from its success the product’s scalability to cover other sectors like coffee farms, which is one of the robustly growing segments in the region,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.
Protecting the coffee industry and its farmers
There are currently several insurance products on the market for coffee farmers. However, they share a common problem of incompatibility with the real, frequent risks faced by coffee farming families. The damage assessment process is also complex and time-consuming, which creates the risk of additional financial hardship for farmers.
The Weather Index
Insurance eliminates the need to individually verify claims thereby reducing
transaction costs and enabling faster payouts to farmers. This is done by
collecting and monitoring rainfall data to calculate claims using pre-assigned
values for losses due to natural causes. The business rules governing claims
payout being hosted on a public blockchain help leverage the attributes of
transparency, consistency, and unbiasedness, thereby making the setup credible.
While Weather Index Insurance is currently available in Vietnam for rice and coffee farmers, Igloo expects to roll out Weather Index Insurance to more countries in Southeast Asia including the Philippines soon.
“The Philippines being an agricultural powerhouse and one that is at a higher risk of suffering from the impacts of climate change, is a country we believe will benefit from having Weather Index Insurance. We are currently working with our partners to make this product available in the country and other markets in the near future. In addition, we are also exploring expanding the product’s coverage to include other indices such as earthquakes,” Mario added.
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About Igloo:
Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia and tech centers in China and India. With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies to eliminate their exposure to operational risk, create new revenue streams, and optimize and enhance existing products and services. Igloo has partnered with over 55 well-known brand names across the markets in various verticals, including insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.
For more information, please visit
https://www.iglooinsure.com/.
May 12, 2023
‘The Final Pitch’ invites entrepreneurs across all industries with the launch of its 9th edition
The ‘Open Edition’ aims to promote inclusivity and democratize access to opportunities for entrepreneurs beyond tech startups
The Final Pitch, the Philippines' premier business reality TV show, is back for its ninth season on CNN Philippines, with the theme "Open Edition." The new season provides opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups from all industries to present their innovative business solutions catering to a diverse panel of investor-judges looking to fund and back their initiatives.
The show's creator and host, John Aguilar, stated that the Open Edition is poised to be a breakout season for the series as it emphasizes the significance of inclusivity and diversity in the business world, particularly for non-technology startups seeking investment and partnership opportunities and aiming to take their businesses to the next level.
"We have decided to make this an 'Open Edition' to be able to give a chance to entrepreneurs of different sizes, industries, and verticals to be able to participate in both the fundraising, mentoring and market reach that The Final Pitch has been able to give the entrepreneurs who have pitched their enterprises on the show. This is also a way for us to democratize access to everything that show stands for, to go beyond tech startups, which have traditionally been the majority," said Aguilar.
This season's roster of judges also hail from different industries, bringing diverse perspectives and valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. The panel of investor-judges includes Rico Bautista, President and CEO of Etiqa Life & General Assurance Philippines; Brian Poe-Llamanzares, President of Pantheon Holdings; Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank and Member-convenor of GoDigital Pilipinas; and Robert Scott, Vice President-Hotel Operations of Okada Manila. For the first time, the show will involve judges from the diplomatic corps with the participation of the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss, and the British Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Laure Beaufils. According to Aguilar, the judges will serve as not just potential investors, but as strategic partners to the future contestants.
In a virtual press launch on May 9th, Rico Bautista expressed his desire to collaborate with entrepreneurs who have strategic, feasible, and technological ideas with clear business opportunities.
Bautista stated, "I am personally looking for startups who can help expand our business in Etiqa, especially when it relates to insurance, customer service, and distribution. I am also looking for an entrepreneurial and passionate leader and a strong business team with the ability to combine art with technology. Their passion in starting up and innovating, to come up with something so simple and yet very relevant, both to the market they're playing in and to the company that they will be helping. Lastly, future potential and clear commercial teams resulting in early Return of Investment (ROI).”
According to Brian Poe-Llamanzares, he is seeking business solutions that directly address significant problems in the country and are both usable and accessible to the public.
"As an investor and entrepreneur, I am always on the lookout for innovative solutions that address real problems and benefit the general public. Simultaneously, I am also keen on identifying opportunities that align with our family business at Pantheon Holdings. However, my ultimate belief is investing in the entrepreneurs themselves. In the Philippines, entrepreneurship is the driving force behind many successful companies, particularly at the startup level, and the person behind the venture is what ultimately makes it successful. I am thrilled to engage with entrepreneurs who possess a clear vision of what their company requires to grow and thrive, whether it be a technological solution, marketing assistance, or networking opportunities," expressed Llamanzares.
Expressing his enthusiasm for finding the next big thing in the Philippine startup scene, Henry Aguda said, "Our main focus in UnionDigital Bank is to provide banking service to the under-banked, unbanked and SMEs, that is why we have an open mind coming into this show to find the ‘diamond in the rough’, an SME that will become a unicorn one of these days. My excitement is here also looking for solutions that we can take to the government and be the ones to scale up. Maybe an entrepreneur or a startup can solve a problem that the government is trying to solve and the government becomes the accelerator to make them a unicorn." Aguda is looking for game-changing ideas that can transform the industry and provide solutions to the government's problems.
Aguilar also announced that this season's mentoring sessions, previously exclusive to the contestants of the show, will be open for the first time to participants outside of the program. The Final Pitch will invite the show’s contestants, students, startups, and other organizations to come together for a one-day learning experience during the filming of the Open House Mentoring Day episode on May 23 at Thames International Business School.
The mentorship program will involve a diversified group of business mentors who will guide the participants. These mentors include Dean Bernales, Founder & CEO of Uniquecorn Strategies; Chris Peralta, Founder of Silicon Valley HQ; Vince Golangco, CEO & Founder of When in Manila; Atty. Marlon Valderama, founder and CEO of LexMeet; Joel Santos, President of Thames International Business School; and Paolo Rentero, Co-Founder of TechShake. Aguilar will likewise give a pitching masterclass based on his best-selling book The Art and Science of the Pitch.
"We are excited to offer opportunities to a varied range of entrepreneurs and startups to take advantage of the fundraising, mentoring, and market reach that The Final Pitch Open Edition can provide. This is our way of promoting inclusivity and diversity on the show, and we're eagerly anticipating the incredible concepts and companies that will emerge from this season," Aguilar added.
To join The Final Pitch, interested applicants will be required to fill out and submit an online entry form through the link: TheFinalPitch.ph/application via its official website TheFinalPitch.ph. The deadline for submission of applications is until May 13, 2023. Participants who wish to join the May 23 Open House Mentoring Day can register through https://TheFinalPitchOpenMentorship.eventbrite.co.uk or visit the The Final Pitch Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
ABOUT THE FINAL PITCH
The Final Pitch is a reality TV show where viewers see the coming together of the best and brightest startup entrepreneurs, and investors and business leaders searching to back and support their enterprises. The idea was spawned to create a platform to not just serve as a guide and inspiration to those who will trek the long and winding road of entrepreneurship, but for investors to find and invest in the ones they are willing to back. The Final Pitch is produced by independent television production company Streetpark Productions Inc.
For more information, visit www.thefinalpitch.ph.
May 11, 2023
Step Inside Metro Manila's Most Stunning Homes: Presello House Tours Returns to One News for a New Season Starting this May 13
Hosted by Julia Richards, Presello House Tours showcases some of the most luxurious properties, from chic urban condos to grand suburban estates. Each home is meticulously selected for its unique architecture, design, and history, providing an informative and enjoyable viewing experience.
In this new season, viewers can expect to see four (4) elements designed to create an unforgettable experience. First, the house tours are intimate and personalized, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in every interior detail. Second, the host will be joined by guest reviewers who will provide their insights on the featured houses in three different segments on the show. Third, the show will feature the best designers and builders in the country, sharing their inputs into the structure of the houses. Lastly, viewers can enjoy behind-the-scenes footage of each episode, showcasing the authenticity of the hosts and crew while working together.
“At Presello, we believe that a home is not just a structure made of bricks and mortar. It's a place where memories are made, families are raised, and dreams are created. That's why we're passionate about showcasing homes that not only offer stunning architecture and design but also embody the unique personalities and stories of the people who may one day call them home,” shared Julia Richards, host of Presello.
“Presello is not just about showcasing a beautiful home but also about
sharing the stories on how these wonderful homes were drawn, built, and created
from scratch. It gives viewers an inspiration to create sentimental memories
with loved ones and develop unique design and lifestyle perspectives,” added
Marvin Sim, Vice President of Presello Group
Whether you are a real estate enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable way to spend your evening, Presello House Tours is the show for you. Tune in to One News every Saturday starting May 13 for an evening of exploration and discovery of the most beautiful homes around the Metro, available on Cignal Ch. 250 HD and Ch. 8 SD, and on Cignal Play app.
Visit Presello’s website on www.presello.com for more information and updates
April 26, 2023
AXA Philippines bags two Gold seals in Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands of 2023
April 23, 2023
FedEx in AMEA Rolls Out Sustainability-Themed ‘50 Days of Caring’ to Celebrate its 50th Birthday
FedEx Express (FedEx), a
subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, celebrated “50 days of Caring” undertaking
community service programs across
the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) region as part of a series of
initiatives taking place during the countdown to the company’s 50th birthday
on April 17 this year.
Over 1000 FedEx volunteers and
their families across 22 AMEA markets including Australia, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Egypt,
Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mainland
China, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan,
Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam undertook a variety of community-based
activities focusing on sustainability and environmental protection, education,
welfare, and support for the underserved.
Some
of the programs undertaken include:
·
Beach
clean-ups in Australia, Mainland China, and South Africa, to reduce waste and
build cleaner coastal communities.
·
A park clean-up in Japan, and trash collection drives
in India, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to help
deliver a cleaner, trash-free environment.
·
Planting trees in Mainland China, Singapore, India, Vietnam,
and addition of plants and shrubs around office facilities in Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia.
·
Giving old fabrics in Thailand, including FedEx
retired uniforms in Indonesia a new life through upcycling programs.
·
Hosting educational seminars on eco-living/eating, waste
segregation, road safety and sustainable logistics education being held in the
Philippines, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea.
·
Meal distribution in India as part of Akshay Patra midday meal program,
providing nutritious food to the underserved.
“At FedEx, we believe that a connected world
is a better world. Over our first five decades, we’ve helped people and
businesses thrive and that includes contributing our resources and our network wherever
we can to make a positive difference,” said Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa
(AMEA) region at FedEx Express. “I’m incredibly proud to see the impact our
team members have made in contributing to a Better World as part of our
anniversary celebrations. What unites our team members is our drive to deliver
the best results for our customers, our communities, and to build a more
sustainable world. We are committed to creating a future that is as
transformative as our first five decades have been.”
To mark 50 years since FedEx was
founded in 1973, the company is continuing to
organize events and share stories that celebrate its team members, shine a
spotlight on its customers, and give the world a glimpse into what’s next. To
learn more about the FedEx 50th birthday celebration, click here.
--------------------------
About
FedEx Express
FedEx Express is one of the world's
largest express transportation companies, supplying fast and reliable delivery
to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global
air-and-ground network to speed the delivery of time-sensitive shipments by a
definite time and date.
Addendum:
Giving back to local communities has
always been part of FedEx culture. FedEx recently announced that it exceeded its FedEx Cares 50 by
50 goal announced in 2019 to help 50 million people ahead of its 50th
birthday. As one of the most extensive
regions within the FedEx global network, the FedEx AMEA team has contributed significantly
to this goal over the past years. Some of the key achievements include:
·
Donated
three charter
flights to India at
the peak of the Delta variant outbreak, providing hundreds of tonnes of medical
supplies and thousands of oxygen concentrators to vulnerable communities.
·
Provided over 50,000 children with access
to quality healthcare services across Vietnam under FedEx Delivers
Heartbeats Outreach Clinic program – a joint program
between FedEx and VinaCapital Foundation since 2012.
·
Collected over
140,000kg of
garbage and plastic waste
from 21 beaches in Australia, India, Japan and Singapore by the end of 2022.
·
Nurtured
nearly 40,000 aspiring students across AMEA through FedEx / JA
International Trade Challenge over the past 16 years.
·
Donated
more than 30,800 books to more than 5,400 children and set up 32 libraries
across Mainland China under the FedEx Library
Program.
·
Provided
over 1,000 care
packages to blue-collar
workers in the UAE through collaboration with SmartLife Foundation, and joined
the Egyptian Food Bank to pack 1,300 food boxes for the underprivileged in
Egypt during Ramadan in 2022.
·
Benefited more than 30,000 children aged 3-9 years old
and their families and caregivers through 430 AnQ Safety
Awakening cloud classes across Mainland China since 2020.
April 21, 2023
Coca-Cola Philippines expands partnership with Plastic Bank PH, accelerates collection and recycling in Laguna
Make your own Sulit-Sarap combination for only P75 with Jollibee’s Mix & Match Combos
1. Choose 1 main: Jolly Spaghetti, 1-pc. Burger Steak, Yumburger, or Tuna Pie (Also available in Spicy Tuna Pie)2. Choose 1 side: Jolly Crispy Fries Regular, Peach Mango Pie, Choco Sundae, Coke Float, or Pineapple Juice Regular3. Pay PHP 75.00 for any combination.