From construction to cars: “Build, Build, Build” Program set to thrive at MIAS 2018

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Time and again, Worldbex Services International (WSI) – the country’s biggest events and expositions organizer – proves its unrivalled capacity in stimulating economic productivity with the recently-concluded WORLDBEX 2018. Following in the footsteps of its groundbreaking installments in the past, this year’s WORLDBEX had once again broken new grounds as it welcomed close to 180,000 visitors – transcending last year’s visitor count of 170,000.

As the country’s biggest construction event draws closer to its Silver Anniversary, attendees and exhibitors alike significantly benefitted from the dynamic B2B opportunities that unfolded during the widely successful trade event – a development that openly complements the ongoing “Build, Build, Build” Program of the current administration.

Drawing from the same objective, WSI picks up the pace in realizing the vast economic possibilities that abound as it gears up to deliver another highly anticipated trade event that will serve to augment the country’s plight towards infrastructure development. Hailed as the biggest and most awaited car show in the country, the Manila International Auto Show is set to return on April 5 to 8, from 10:00am to 10:00pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), WTCMM Northwing, and the Philippine Trade Training Center.

This time around, fueling the direction for this year’s MIAS is its strong intent to focus on the dual nature of today’s vehicles. Through the theme of “Work & Play”, this year’s MIAS will be all about showcasing a wide array of cars and other automotive innovations that will elevate not only the way people travel but also, the way companies do business.

To date, MIAS has noted a 38% increase on its exhibiting companies and a whopping 60% increase on the anticipated car and motorcycle displays which is in part a result of the 16% increase in venue of this year’s show. Moreover, apart from boasting of over 200 exhibiting companies and over 400 car and motorcycle display, MIAS is thrilled to announce a new addition to its roster of event highlights – the Truck Pavilion which will be located at the WTCMM Northwing.

Taking cue from the “Build, Build, Build” Program, MIAS believes that vehicular and automotive development play just as crucial a role in actualizing the planned expansion and growth in the infrastructure sector. As such, attendees can expect a high percentage of commercial vehicles on display at this year’s show.

Among the must-see exhibitors at MIAS 2018 is FOTON, an international automotive company which designs and manufactures trucks, buses, sport utility vehicles, and even agricultural machinery. At this year’s show, FOTON is expected to unveil the FOTON Tornado C, a Cummins-powered light duty transport vehicle best suitable for construction businesses.

From passenger cars that can double as Transport Network Vehicle Services to commercial vehicles that bear features as luxurious as executive sedans, this year’s MIAS is all about highlighting the multi-functionality and flexibility of today’s vehicles. Furthermore, this is attested by the fact that around 40% of this year’s exhibitors primarily deal with commercial vehicles. 

MIAS 2018 is expected to bridge the gap between various industries by providing business owners and investors with an extensive access to the world’s leading automotive brands. Likewise, it serves to open up the possibilities for automotive companies to foster connections across other sectors. Indeed, the optimistic and ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program finds a fitting platform in MIAS 2018.

Now on its 14th year, MIAS remains to be the most significant automotive event in the country for car enthusiasts and industry players alike! As this year’s show centers on the theme of “Work & Play”, MIAS 2018 invites everyone to take part in a different kind of automotive experience; one wherein the boundaries between leisure and progress collide to create a never-before-seen spectacle of automotive evolution. For more information, visit our facebook page @mias and on instagram: @mias.ph.

Alsons Power Group turns over DU30 Early Learning Center in Sarangani.

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Alsons Power’s Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) recently inaugurated the first President Du30 Early Learning Center located at Mangelen Integrated School at Barangay Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani Province. The two-classroom building donated by SEC which has a 210-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the area will cater to kindergarten students from host and nearby communities. Each classroom that can accommodate 40 to 50 pupils is equipped with a television and other visual aids, illustrated children’s books written in Blaan with English translations, and other learning materials.

Madame Cielito “Honeylet” S. Avanceña (third from right) graced the turnover ceremony. Also, in photo are Mangelen Integrated School principal Cleofe Quintana (second from right) and former Sarangani Governor and now Alsons Aquaculture Corporation Chief Operating Officer Miguel Rene A. Dominguez (rightmost).​

Alsons Power, through the Alcantara Group's Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), continues to support host and surrounding communities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects centering on education, the environment, and community welfare.

#PlayItRight: 5 ways to know if a site is distributing content illegally

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One of the most popular sources of entertainment in the Philippines is streaming videos online. However, many people think that everything available online is legal. Piracy is a huge problem and  something that cannot be solved easily. Moreover, it exposes viewers to dangers like viruses, malware, identity theft, and affects the livelihood of those producing and starring in films and TV shows. Even more dangerous, illegal sites also carry child pornography content.

Globe has launched #PlayItRight, an advocacy to educate Filipinos to download or stream content from legitimate sources only, and to share the dangers of streaming or downloading from illegal websites.

Here are five ways to know if a site is streaming or distributing illegally:

1. It has a lot of dubious-looking ads

One of the hallmarks of an illegal streaming website is the number of ads that appear as pop ups. Oftentimes, viewers will have to go through several of the popups before they can even watch the promised content. This is dangerous because they may contain malware that can steal private information like passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers.

2. The content has low quality

Content quality is usually low, with choppy or poor resolution, inaudible audio, or mixed-up subtitles. Some are even recordings at a cinema! Because these streaming websites obtained the movies illegally, their copies are inferior. Another sign that a film was stolen: the copy has a visible watermark that says it’s not for distribution.

3. You need to buffer a lot, even if your internet speed is fast

A fast and reliable internet connection doesn’t mean the viewer can watch from illegal streaming sites smoothly. These websites are not meant for content delivery so viewers will experience lag and buffering, especially if many viewers access the site at the same time. Legitimate streaming sites work with telcos to make sure that viewers get the best experience when watching content.

4. There’s no contact information

Websites normally have a “Contact Us” page where users can reach the administrators should they encounter a problem. A site with no such page is suspicious because it means they have something to hide. Illegal sources don’t want to get caught illegally streaming and distributing copyrighted content so they don’t put their contact information to avoid legal repercussions.

5. Movies currently showing in cinemas are already available online

The telltale sign of a site distributing illegal content is that movies still being screened in cinemas are already available in the site. Film studios rarely grant immediate distribution to films that are still in theaters, so sites peddling these are questionable and most likely acquired illegally.

Protect yourself from the dangers of illegal streaming and support the film and TV industry, make sure to #PlayItRight. Globe offers affordable access to legitimate content through international partners like Netflix, Disney, HOOQ, FOX+, and Viu.

To know more about how to subscribe to these streaming platforms, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/content. To report websites containing child pornography, you may submit a report to the Interagency Council Against Child Pornography through info@iacacp.gov.ph.

Women Redefined: The 3rd Belle de Jour Women’s Summit

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Nearly 500 participants gathered for the 3rd Women’s Summit recently organized by Viviamo! Inc., the company behind Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner. With the theme “Women Redefined”, this year’s event aimed to equip millennials with encouraging messages from strong female role models who are redefining the society’s standards for women.

“Our society has constantly bombarded today’s women - especially the millennials - with unrealistic standards regarding beauty and career, making it hard for them to find themselves and lead an authentic life. Through the Women’s Summit, Viviamo! Inc. hopes to empower them as they pursue fulfillment while being true to their identity,” shared BDJ founder Darlyn Ty-Nilo.

At the summit, guests were treated to inspiring talks and fun activities at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. The day began with a keynote speech by Ty-Nilo, who talked about the importance of claiming one’s success.

“To own up to your success is not a form of bragging, rather a means to realize that all the sweat and tears that you put into your job are making a difference,” she said, adding, “Women should learn to acknowledge their achievements so that they can inspire others to reach for their dreams.”

Meanwhile, Rachel de Villa, co-founder and chief technology officer of Cropital, opened the first plenary session entitled Resilient Females, which focused on overcoming one’s circumstances and maximizing one’s blessings. De Villa shared that she has always considered herself a problem solver, so she developed Cropital when she found the opportunity to help Filipino farmers access financial support. Through Cropital, anyone can provide farmers with funds for proper equipment and training from agriculture experts. 

For her part, PinoyAkoBlog.com owner Jover Laurio continues to publish critical articles on the country’s political situation, despite the relentless cyberbullying and death threats. Laurio has drawn flak for being outspoken in her fight against fake news. 

At the second plenary dubbed Courageous Females, resource speakers talked about living their authentic selves and defying expectations regarding women’s roles in the society. Blu Pingoy, for instance, courageously pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, a job usually taken on by males. With her persistence, Pingoy became one of the first few female commercial pilots in the country.

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter and alopecia areata awareness advocate Abby Asistio did not allow the society’s standards to define her. As someone who suffered from alopecia or hair loss at an early age, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and get over their insecurities. “Even if society says kailangan long hair para maging girly ka, eh hindi ako long-haired eh. Dapat manggaling sa sarili ko na, okay lang kahit hindi long hair, maganda pa ako with short hair. Just be open to embracing your own uniqueness.”

Aside from promoting resilience and courage, the summit also stressed the value of paving one’s path and sustaining success in the third plenary session called Resourceful Females, featuring businesswomen Audrey Tangonan and Kathleen Yu. 

Starting a business is risky, but Sinaya Cup founder Audrey Tangonan persevered because she believed that her idea can genuinely improve people’s lives. Now, her menstrual cup business has attained massive success locally and internationally. 

Kathleen Yu, owner of Manila-based tech start-up Rumarocket Inc., also shared the moving story of her business. From the initial failures, Kathleen resolved to learn from mistakes and bounce back. “As long as I was alive, I could always change and grow and learn and become different,” she said. 

These speakers’ thoughts echo the women’s advocacy of Belle De Jour, which has always aimed to empower modern Filipina women by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and self-appreciation. As Ty-Nilo explains, “We hope to help build a world where women are bound not by societal expectations, but by their vision of who they really want to be.”

The 3rd BDJ Women’s Summit was co-presented by Chinoy TV, Lipault and Sun Life Financial. Major sponsors include Food Panda, Modess, Wacoal, GCash, Style Genie, Biore, Caronia, Celeteque, Cinnabon, Fitness Gourmet, Jergens, Jollibee, Kipling, Liese, MegRhythm, Parisian Shoes and Bags, Serenitea, Zenutrients, Features and Shades, and Award Extremes Inc. 

Ace Water Spa, Chef Tony, Frankie’s, Goldilocks, and McDonald’s provided loot bags and raffle prizes, while Adobo Magazine, Rappler, and When in Manila served as media partners.

Forum highlights growth potential of microinsurance

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Despite the lack of financial literacy and lack of insurance penetration in the Philippines, more and more low-income Filipinos are leveraging microinsurance thanks to the collaboration between government and the private sector.

The Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines (RIMANSI) recently held the 2018 National Microinsurance Forum, in observance of National Microinsurance Month, at the grand ballroom of the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

(L-R) Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed, Rimansi president Pelagia Mendiones, Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa, Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and CARD MRI founder and chairman Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip

The event, which was supported by Global Affairs Canada, was attended by more than 200 of the country’s microinsurance stakeholders from microinsurance mutual benefit associations (Mi-MBAs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulators, promoters and supporters of microinsurance.  This year, the gathering of key microinsurance players and stakeholders provided the venue for discussions on the gains, challenges and prospects of expanding the reach of microinsurance, which included presentations on developments in regulations, outreach, market penetration, non-traditional products and distribution. 

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed outlined the bank's initiatives in promoting greater financial inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the Philippines. Ahmed said, “Financial inclusion is a subject which is very dear not only to the government in terms of wanting to enhance financial capability in the country but it’s one initiative that Citi too is highly committed to. Over the last 5 years, Citi Foundation has invested over $50 million in financial inclusion efforts across Asia Pacific, where in 2017 alone, we invested $6 million in 10 countries, which supported 65 financial inclusion programs and positively impacted close to half a million people. Last year, Citi committed around P25 million in the Philippines and we have been supporting RIMANSI’s capacity-building program for Mi-MBAs since 2016. Now on its second phase, Citi Foundation’s grant supports the growth strategy of Mi-MBAs with the aim of impacting 5,000 households through the development of new distribution channels.” 

Keynote speakers of the forum were Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa. They talked about Canada’s support for the rehabilitation and recovery of supertyphoon Yolanda-hit provinces through microenterprise and risk protection development initiatives; and on the positive growth of the insurance industry based on all indicators, including microinsurance coverage of now 32 million Filipinos and the issuance of an enhanced framework for insurance providers to use mobile applications in the distribution of insurance products.

The forum featured panel sessions on the future directions of MFIs, pilot initiatives of Mi-MBAs in reaching hard-to-reach areas, non-life calamity microinsurance and the government’s subsidized agricultural insurance program.  

The discussions highlighted the growth potential of MFIs. The more than 5 million unserved households were potential sources of the growth of microinsurance providers, especially Mi-MBAs. Partnership with non-traditional channels of microinsurance distribution was also promising but could face the challenge of operational systems and efficiency.  However, while a wide range of life, non-life, pre-need and agricultural microinsurance and risk protection products were available in the market, consumer education and literacy, efficient distribution, and connectivity, among others, remained as key challenges to be overcome by the microinsurance sector.

MiMAP (RIMANSI), a microinsurance resource center, is an association of 19 Mi-MBAs regulated by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines. MiMAP members have a combined coverage of 5.34 million households nationwide, insuring 17.92 million people through its basic family life insurance program that covers at least four members of each family, which pays only a single premium. 

In 2017, Mi-MBAs’ contributions and premiums reached P3.68 billion; reserves, P1.52 billion in equity value, and paid claims benefits totaled P908 million.  The Mi-MBAs have a shared mission of reaching 12 million members and insuring 48 million people by 2024.

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph.