PLDT Smart SME Nation puts the focus back on MSMEs as part of nation-building mission

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MSMEs—or micro, small, and medium enterprises—are driving the Philippine economy to an interesting direction: inclusive growth.

As of 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded 937,327 businesses falling under the MSME category, which accounts for 99.6 percent of all registered enterprises in the country. The micro segment is the largest segment, with over 800,000 registered entities that provide 2.3 million local jobs and generate 25 percent of the country’s total exports.

These figures highlight a new economic landscape where more and more people—even those with little to no capital or those typically excluded from the job market—generate and gain productive employment. Students, housewives, retirees, and individuals with limited physical abilities can participate in income-generating activities through starting their own micro-enterprises.

PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin talks about the key role of MSMEs in nation-building

“PLDT Smart SME Nation believes in empowering individuals to become modern entrepreneurs,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head. “Entrepreneurship is not only about helping one’s self, but also about contributing to families and communities. Collectively, MSMEs contribute to an economically stronger Philippines.”

Leveling the playing field

Despite the increasing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact, an overwhelming majority is missing out on profit and expansion opportunities.

“Only one percent of over 900,000 MSMEs have online presence,” noted Locsin. “With the rest of the world quickly moving to a more digital-centric business direction, MSMEs—especially the micro-enterprises—need to catch up, fast.”

A group dedicated to amplifying the business potential of MSMEs, PLDT Smart SME Nation offers the right digital tools to future-ready micro-entrepreneurs. Through a reliable landline and high-speed DSL connection, the SMART BizKit, and an online store powered by Tack This!, a micro-enterprise can reach and serve more customers with lower overhead costs.

“The digital arena is where MSMEs can directly compete with large enterprises,” added Locsin. “That’s why we support our entrepreneurs and help them conquer the digital landscape with our products and services.”

Gearing up for a digital future

Last April 22, 2016, PLDT Smart SME Nation gathered over 1,400 modern Pinoy entrepreneurs at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for a day filled with revolutionary insights and key learnings from the country’s industry stalwarts. Dubbed TechIsland 3.0, the event is the first SME Nation business convention to be open to the general public.

To help MSME owners embrace a digital future and put their learnings into practice, PLDT and students from Pampanga’s St. Mutien College developed websites for each TechIsland 3.0 attendee. The students developed 30 percent of the websites, and will continue to work with PLDT Smart SME Nation for future projects to benefit MSMEs.

SME Nation also rolled out the TechMobile, a caravan of digital tools and solutions specifically designed for MSMEs, in several key provinces, including Negros and Cavite. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart’s tech expertise can easily reach entrepreneurs wherever they are in the country.

Locsin added, “By empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital disruption happening in business right now, we also empower them to become active players in the journey towards nation-building through inclusive economic growth.

To find out how you can become a digitally savvy micro-entrepreneur, visit www.smenation.com.ph.

Yael Yuzon, Alex Medina headline Levi’s big sale

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Levi’s holds a two-day big sale at the Globe Tower to encourage office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in.

Making a corporate sale event a fun affair, Levi’s brought in Spongecola vocalist Yael Yuzon and award-winning indie actor Alex Medina for a meet-and-greet during Levi’s two-day big sale at one of the biggest telecommunications offices in the country.

Award-winning actor Alex Medina hangs out at the Levi’s pop-up store at the Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The two influencers shared their We Are Original stories with Levi’s and gave some fashion talk and advice to Globe employees.

The Levi’s Tailor Shop for the customization of your Levi’s apparel.

“These two understand how to excel in their chosen fields. Today, they shared their stories with Levi’s and gave fashion advices to Globe employees so we all just had fun overall,” said Kaths Laudit, Levi’s Marketing head.

During the sale, Levi’s Philippine is pushing its agenda to encourage office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in.

Spongecola vocalist Yael Yuzon gave some fashion talk and advice to everyone who shopped at the pop-up shop.

Back in the day, dressing for success meant donning predictable and boring office attire that usually meant blazers-and-slacks ensembles for the ladies and dress-shirt-and-tie combos for the gentlemen.

So, this move from Levi’s is a support to millennials and how they are redefining fashion as they do with everything else in their environment—from trends and styles to their choices of fast-fashion brands.

Brandishing the tools of the digital age and touting innovation, the Gen Y—who work mostly in design studios, BPOs, booming start-ups, or any other technology-driven profession—insist on making fashion work for them and not the other way around.

“Comfort equals productivity,” Laudit affirmed. “This event showed that Levi’s likes to evolve with the times and keep up with innovations while promoting comfort as key. In the past, professionals wore their Levi’s and colorful kicks on their off hours, but they now don their Levi’s in the workplace.”

Indeed, the enthusiastic response to the recent event means office fashion is changing and Levi’s is on top of it.

Recently held at the Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Levi’s jump-started the event by offering up to 50 percent off on selected Levi’s apparels.

At the pop-up shop, the first 100 buyers were given different prizes such as De Orro tickets, Zouk Out, Trail Mix, tickets to Palace Pool Club’s 1st Year Anniversary with DJ Deorro, denim bags, and other Levi’s merchandise.

Inspired by the success of the event, Levi’s is set to visit more offices and roll out bigger surprises this year.

Levi’s brought in actor Alex Medina for a meet-and-greet during its big sale at the Globe Tower in Taguig

Alex Medina shares his Levi’s story with Globe employees

Levi’s Philippine is encouraging office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in

Brian McKnight Live in Manila 2016

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One of the most consistent and versatile adult contemporary R&B artists, Brian McKnight will have a 'Better 2K16 Tour' Live in Manila! on June 20, 2016, 8pm at Kia Theatre at Araneta Center.

Brian McKnight placed ten albums across two decades from the early ’90s through the early 2010s — within the Top Ten of Billboard’s R&B albums chart.

The man behind the classic love songs such as: "Back At One", "6, 8, 12" and "One Last Cry" is back! Multi awarded RnB superstar, Brian McKnight returns to Manila and will serenade the Kia Theatre with his timeless hits on June 2016. 

This is a full set back-up by his band and it's going to be a greatest hits show. 

Back At One by Brian McKnight

Still by Brian McKnight

Better by Brian McKnight

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and through online at www.ticketnet.com.ph. Call 911-5555 for ticket inquiries about the show.

TICKET PRICES

VIP - P5,300

Orchestra A - P4,240

Orchestra B - P3,710

Loge - P2,120

Balcony - P1,590

LINK

http://ticketnet.com.ph/Brian-McKnight-KIA-Theatre/EventDetails/426

http://www.mcknight360.com/

www.kiatheatre.com

Get ahead of the class with McJim’s back-to-school style

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 As another school year starts, another door full of opportunities opens to help you get closer to your dreams. However, it also means that a year full of cramming and sleepless nights is ahead of you.

If you look at the bright side, it’s also the time to see your old buddies and meet new ones. What’s even better is it’s another full year of preparation for your future career in the real world.

But if you’re still feeling nervous for the year ahead, what better way to crank up more enthusiasm for the serious business of studying than the prospect of wearing your best first-day-in-school look?

Whether you want to keep your signature style or pop up in class as a new you, making an extra effort to look great will surely give you the confidence boost you need to do better in school.

Because fashion styles can be tricky, you want to stand out without being too flashy. McJim is well aware of this and reminds you that a gentleman’s style is defined by subtle details.

In fact, you don’t need a wardrobe makeover to update your look. McJim suggests investing in quality apparel, footwear, and accessories that reflect your fine values as a young man.

Even when you’re simply clad in the basics—jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers—you can use classic and classy accessories such as belts, wallets, and bags made from authentic leather.

“We take pride that our products are made from genuine leather, which are all classic and durable. McJim has been in the market for decades and we continue to offer products that different generations would love—from businessmen to students preparing for their careers in the real world. Wear something basic and pair it with McJim then you’ll definitely stand out.” - McJim Classic Leather said in an official statement. 

For instance, pair your chino pants or basic school uniform with a good leather belt and stand out in the crowd. McJim, with its wide selection of dress belts and casual belts, will always have one that will suit your agenda—a school fair, a college conference, or any random day in your student life.

“McJim belts are simply stylish and you know it is made from genuine leather. It’s a Filipino brand but it is not cheap looking unlike poor imitations,” said Joshua Lucas, an incoming 4th year Communication student. “My dad has been using it for years and they always look new and attractive even after many years.”

Join the Jollibee's #PinoyAndProud: 2016 Independence Day Celebration and Countdown on June 11

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This coming June 12, the country’s number one fast food chain is set to release its latest anthem that is sure to make Filipinos #PinoyAndProud. Titled “Sarap at Saya”, this inspirational song is written for the country’s 118th Independence Day, to remind everyone how joyful it is to be Filipino and to highlight the many qualities that make every Pinoy proud of our beautiful country and unique culture.

Jollibee has consistently introduced generation-defining jingles through its TV commercials over the years. Top hits include the iconic “Beeda ang Saya” and “I Love You Sabado,” which captured the hearts of Pinoys of all ages. The brand’s latest anthem—especially composed for Independence Day—is slated to become another classic. 

“Sarap at Saya” redefines Pinoy pride by igniting interest in commemorating the one truly Filipino holiday of the year, and in celebrating Independence Day as one resilient, jolly, and hopeful nation.

Emerging international musical titan Rachelle Ann Go, star of the London West End productions of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 runner-up and teen singing sensation Darren Espanto brought the anthem to life with their heartfelt rendition.

The song will be performed live for the first time by Darren joined by The X Factor Philippines season 1 champ KZ Tandingan at the Jollibee #PinoyAndProud: 2016 Independence Day Celebration and Countdown on June 11, 2016 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig.