Globe myBusiness empowers SMEs with the latest digital solutions at DigPH 2016

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Largest digital and mobile marketing summit for SMEs provides opportunities for learning through innovative topics and learning sessions

DigPH - Executives with Craft Carrot

Recently held for SMEs, the country’s largest digital and mobile marketing summit, DigPH along with Globe myBusiness and Globe Digital Advertising (AdSpark) introduced a more extensive lineup of speakers and forums suited for entrepreneurs to learn and discover the latest trends in digital solutions ideal to expand their online footprint.

Modern entrepreneurs are in continuous search for ways to revolutionize how they do business through use of more efficient tools. Globe myBusiness upgraded and developed their portfolio to empower entrepreneurs with the right tools to adapt and keep up with the digital trend.

Through DigPH 2016, held at Crowne Plaza, Ortigas, participants had a full day of learning and discovering how to expand their reach through a strategy that is cost-efficient and effective.

“Last year’s run saw hundreds of entrepreneurs looking to learn the latest innovations. This is a wonderful turn out for us alongside AdSpark as we saw the potential of these kinds of events to address the needs of SMEs. DIgPH is now a platform for us to get in touch with our customers and at the same time share new tools and insights that will be useful to them,” said Globe myBusiness Vice President Barbie Dapul.

Bela Gupta D'Souza, Director for AdSpark also adds, “We want our modern day entrepreneurs to fully embrace and appreciate digital marketing and how it will benefit their business. Given this, we made this year’s DigPH bigger, packed with insights that business owners will certainly be able to use. We hope to give them a day of exposure, learning, and experience.”

Technology and communications, as envisioned by Globe myBusiness, plays a big role in one’s day-to-day business operations and overall success. DigPH aims to help SMEs start their businesses on the right track with the most effective solutions. With 52% of the Philippine population on mobile and the high rate of social media users, the digital venture is an advisable venue to begin a business.

DigPH 2016 features case studies, digital business tools, and practical tips for becoming digitally ready. Topics include learning how to maximize social media, venturing into e-commerce, being present in digital moments that matter, and optimization of backend processes for your growing business.

Entrepreneurs also learned how to expand their business’ footprint through Globe myBusiness and its partnership with top e-commerce platform, Shopify. Shopify is the go-to solution for starting your business online. Any business regardless of product or location can have its own customized website. It has a simple user interface that include features such as easy-to-understand report generation and in-depth analytics that provide substantial information for our customers when needed. Shopify also allows additional functionalities like loyalty ratings, reviews, social account integration, live chat and embedding of marketing materials such as flyers, videos and photos.

DigPH participants also learned how to effectively bundle Shopify with the DigiAds. DigiAds is a managed digital advertising service which aims to handhold SME’s on the appropriate online content and platforms to maximize returns. Its complementing features, such as targeting the right customers and monitoring the process of day-to-day transactions, eases the constant worry of entrepreneurs.

One of the emerging local enterprises that are now on Shopify is Craft Carrot. Craft Carrot is a specialty store that provides quality art materials and craft supplies for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. They specialize in watercolor art, acrylic art, calligraphy and lettering, and block printing / stamp making.

A family-run business of tight-knit sisters and cousins, Craft Carrot was born in 2014 out of their love for stationery and art products. The company is managed full-time by one of the owners Andrea Arancon, a mom to three kids.

Andrea Arancon of Craft Carrot

As Arancon shares, “We were searching for a solid platform that can grow with us as a company. It had to be easy-to-use with great interface options as well as payment gateways that can be adapted to the Philippine setting. Among all our options, we found Shopify to be the best choice. The online side of the business has been growing steadily since we started. More and more Filipinos like the convenience of not having to leave their homes to buy things because of the traffic situation in Manila.”

With Shopify, Craft Carrot found a convenient way to reach more clients who live in different provinces around the country. With their online store, they are able to make their products easily available and accessible.

To learn more about Globe myBusiness and its portfolio of digital solutions for SMEs, visit mybusiness.globe.com.ph/solutions.

For more information on DigPH, visit www.dig.ph.

ASUS Philippines Begins Zenfone 3 Series, ZenBook 3 and Transformer 3 Launch Countdown with Zenvolution Microsite

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ASUS Philippines opens its doors to 500 end-users and fans who will get a chance to witness the unveiling of Zenvolution in the country, and be among the first to experience the much-awaited ZenFone 3 Deluxe, ZenFone 3 Ultra, ZenFone 3, Zenbook 3 and Transformer 3 series

Ahead of the grand product launch of the new Zenfone 3 series, ZenBook 3 and Transformer 3 in the Philippine market this August 14, ASUS fans in the country can get a chance to be part of the historic grand reveal – and get all the exciting details about the local launch by visiting the official event microsite, www.Zenvolution.ph, which also represents the launch’s official theme, aptly called “Zenvolution”.

In line with the local launch, ASUS Philippines will be giving the first 500 end-users and fans the opportunity to be part of the exclusive Zenvolution launch event if they register through the event microsite and participate in ASUS led online contests and offline activities. The lucky 500 end-users and fans will be part of the elite club of attendees to first get their hands on their choice of Zenfone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Ultra, Zenfone 3, ZenBook 3, Transformer 3 series and other new ASUS products that will be revealed during the Zenvotion launch event.

“As previously shared, we are really excited about this grand launch and we want to share this excitement with avid ASUS users and Zenfone fans,” shares ASUS Philippines PR Head Anvey Factora.

Factora likewise notes that the early registrations will have the chance to experience the power and sophistication of all premium products that will be revealed during the grand launch in August.

"I’m very excited for all ASUS users and Zenfone enthusiasts. After much anticipation, they will get the chance to experience the agility, beauty and clarity of our flagship products. Those who will get the Zenfone 3 Ultra will enjoy the phone’s unrivaled performance while those who’ve been eyeing the Zenfone 3 Deluxe will get to see first the distinguished and desirable features of our premium phone,” Factora Added.

The exclusive official launch event will also feature other fresh releases like the powerful ultra-sleek, ultra-slim ZenBook 3, and the three-in-one mobile PC Transformer 3 Series and many more. At the launch event, attendees will be treated to exclusive promos, prizes, giveaways and other exciting activities.

Register now at www.Zenvolution.ph and be one of the first owners of the new Zenfone 3 in the Philippines.

The countdown to Zenvolution Philippines starts on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

RISING EXPO 2016 AWARDS NIDA ROOMS AS “BEST START UP” IN SEA

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Malaysian-Based Nida Rooms Beats 11 Participants In SEA

(LR): Abraham Viktor, founder of Taralite; Kaneswaran Avili, NIDA Rooms CEO; Takahiro Suzuki, CEO of CyberAgent Ventures Indonesia

CLEAR road map to achieve market leadership, mobile application focus, more than 3,500 hotel network traction in a short time span, and brand and product positioning were the main elements that solidified and secured votes for NIDA Rooms from 50 Venture Capital firms and corporations enabling the nine month old company to bag the prestigious Best Start Up Award at the recent Rising Expo 2016 that was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Established in Japan in 2012 and South East Asia in 2014, Rising Expo is an event coveted by start-ups, however, only those with good business potential are selected to participate in the event. Rising Expo has a reputation to showcase leading start-ups that has the ability of becoming the next generation successful internet business in Asia. Its main aim is to introduce selected innovative, creative and marketable internet-based business ideas that need capital injection or funds, to accelerate their growth, to Venture Capital firms worldwide.

This year, only 12 start-ups qualified to compete in the event. Only 1 company qualified from Malaysia, which is NIDA Rooms. The balance 10 companies were from Thailand (Two companies), Philippines (One company), Vietnam (Two companies), Japan (One company) and Indonesia (Five companies).

“Winning the Best Start Up Award at the Rising Expo 2016 is an acknowledgement of NIDA Rooms’ business model potential from the Venture Capital business community. We are honour to have received such a recognition,” said Kaneswaran Avili, Chief Executive Officer, NIDA Rooms.

“Although we have been experiencing a substantial growth month-on-month, securing more than 3,500 hotel partners in less than nine months throughout Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, this award has given us the boost needed,” He said, adding that NIDA Rooms was excited to participate in the Rising Expo 2016 finale.

Held annually, Rising Expo 2016 was held in Jakarta and Korea recently. Winners of both events will participate at Rising Expo 2016 finale in Japan on 2 September. The finale event will house over 100 Venture Capital firms located worldwide. 

Established in September last year, NIDA Rooms has changed the playing field in the hospitality industry in Asia with a fresh new business model. The company partners with selected hoteliers and secures certain number of rooms. Those rooms are branded as NIDA Rooms and are offered through various online channels mainly their website and mobile applications in Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Rooms sold under the NIDA Rooms brand name has certain criteria that hoteliers need to adhere to namely quality and services that make a hotel stay comfortable.

“We have grown strategically throughout Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. We will be continuously expanding our reach in Asia with immediate plans to penetrate markets like Vietnam,” Avili said, adding that the company’s main aim is to offer customers various types of accommodation throughout Asia at the Right Location, for the Right Price with the Right Quality.

About NIDA Rooms

As Asia’s largest and fastest growing “Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO)”, NIDA Rooms remains committed in its value proposition of 3Rs - Right Location, Right Price and Right Quality to its customers. This is in keeping with the “A Good Night, Every Night” spirit promoted by NIDA Rooms through a comprehensive range of facilities available in all NIDA Rooms, including complimentary wi-fi, hot showers, air conditioned rooms, and high quality amenity kit. Through NIDA Rooms, customers can instantly navigate and book thousands of affordably priced rooms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines through www.nidarooms.com and NIDA Rooms mobile applications available at Google Play Store or Apple App Store. NIDA Rooms’ commitment to its hotel partners are to increase their 3Rs - Reach, Revenue and Recognition. To date, NIDA Rooms has over 3,500 hotels partners with over 800 hotels in Malaysia, over 1,500 hotels in Thailand, over 1,000 hotels in Indonesia, and over 200 hotels in the Philippines.

Globe Business pushes for stronger IoT adoption in PH

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Co-Presents the 7th annual Asia IoT Business Platform

The Internet of Things (IoT) is touted to become a significant economic driver and frontier in the digital revolution, the full potential of which many have yet to discover. As the world moves towards converging technologies, experts predict that billions of devices will be able to communicate with each other—an ability that has the potential to enhance the quality of living and transform the way people experience technology.

IoT took center stage as key policy makers, government officials, solution providers, and local enterprises gathered for the 7th annual IoT Business Platform where Globe Business, the enterprise information and communications arm of Globe Telecom, top-billed as platinum sponsor. The conference enabled movers and shakers to discuss how IoT can be harnessed to better processes and exchange business insights in the manufacturing, transport, logistics, city planning, healthcare, banking, and finance industries.

Mike Frausing, Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Service Group, served as keynote speaker in the Asia IoT Business Platform conference

Mike Frausing, Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Service Group, served as one of the keynote speakers and panel members of the conference. He noted that the Philippine telecommunications industry must address key elements in order to optimally reap the benefits of IoT such as improved coverage, connectivity, latency, capacity, big data, analytics, and security as well as more affordable devices.

“To make IoT a success we need to have a robust wireless coverage and connectivity, and a complying performance. This has to be supplemented by affordable devices that users can utilize either for business or for networking. These fundamentals are the fields that we at Globe have made available, and we keep improving and expanding on these areas to ensure that consumers and businesses from all around the country will benefit and be covered,” said Frausing.

IoT is defined as a worldwide network of “things” that include identifiable devices, appliances, equipment, machinery of all forms and sizes with the intelligence to seamlessly connect, communicate and control or manage each other to perform a set of tasks with minimum intervention. The goal of IoT is to enable things to be connected anytime, anyplace and with anything or anyone. IoT is expected to help companies increase productivity, cut costs, offer new products and services, and bolster efficiency of business critical operations.

Aligned with this goal, Globe Business recently announced a three-year agreement with Astrata, a global organization that designs and develops advanced location-based IT services and solutions. Globe Business and Astrata take advantage of IoT to further improve the existing Globe Fleet Management Solution which allows companies to keep track of their moving assets via Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Both Globe Business and Astrata are also set to develop more solutions to support Fixed Asset Management, Security Services and other platforms. 

Globe also clears the way for the adoption of IoT in the country through investment of over $2.2 billion in network and IT infrastructure to enhance capacities of its data network and augment legacy-related investments. The bulk of its $750 million capex this year is allotted to the deployment of fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays or about two million homes nationwide. This allows higher download and upload speeds, lower latency, and faster Internet browsing and streaming of high-definition multimedia content for higher bandwidth and better speeds for enterprises and subscribers.

To know more about how Globe Business can empower your company’s passions with industry-renowned ICT products and solutions, visit m2msolutions.globe.com.ph or contact a Globe Business Account Manager.

PLDT SME Nation’s #BeTheBoss is back!

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And they’re looking for the country’s most promising and tech-savvy entrepreneurs

(L-R) AVP and Head of SME Community Engagement Services and Marketing Communications Gabby Cui, VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin and AVP and Head of SME Fixed Product Marketing Amil Azurin

PLDT SME Nation’s pioneering social media crowd sourcing search for the new generation of entrepreneurs is all set to welcome a new batch of digitally-driven industry game-changers.

#BeTheBoss, in partnership with Rappler, is back for year two as it continues on its mission to recognize excellence in technological innovation and digital integration. 

VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin reiterates the pivotal role of digital in today’s business landscape.

“Our goal is simple and poignant—to demonstrate how digital technology can empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help them grow their business by looking to young and savvy entrepreneurs who’ve actually done it,” VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin said. 

Online nominations are currently ongoing until July 10, 2016 at rappler.com/betheboss. A panel of judges will short list the nominations and choose the top three finalists for each category. The final phase will be the online public voting which will comprise of 40 percent of the finalists’ score. 

This year’s categories are: Boss for E-Commerce is for the e-commerce champ who knows how to own the internet and its opportunities through an innovative application or an online service; Boss for Social Media is the entrepreneur who knows how to maximize social media platforms and use it for growing an online community; Boss for Social Responsibility is the entrepreneur who goes beyond marketability and profitability by giving back to the community; and finally, Boss for Innovative Solutions is for the leader who thinks outside the proverbial box and utilizes technology to offer services and ideas that cater to a broad audience.

Last year’s first batch of winners and finalists, narrowed down from over 500 nominations from around the country, flew to Silicon Valley for a unique digital immersion in one of the world’s technological melting pots. 

Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of online tech store Kimstore, Boss for Social Media and top wedding photographer Jason Magbanua, Boss for Customer Service and queuing solutions company TimeFree Innovations founder Chino Atilano, Boss for Social Responsibility and Messy Bessy founder Kristine Reyes-Lopez, and Boss for Mobile Readiness and mobile app MobKard founder Carlo Calimon also received mobile business kits from SME Nation. 

This year’s winners will also get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and globalize their business with the Silicon Valley experience.

Locsin added, “For traditional entrepreneurs, digital can be daunting and discouraging. But that’s exactly what we want to disprove with #BeTheBoss. We want to show everyone that the right digital business solutions can actually democratize and level the playing field especially for MSMEs who are only starting to carve their niche in the industry.”