Rezbin clinched the grand prize in the Philippine search for the local KPMG Global Tech Innovator (GTI) during the recently concluded 4th KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit at the Fort in Taguig City. Rezbin’s Chief Executive Officer Mari Martirez impressed the judges with how he turned a common dilemma into a strategic and profit-generating enterprise. He is bound for Lisbon in November to represent the Philippines at the KPMG GTI finals.

On its second year, the KPMG Global Tech Innovator 2024 in the Philippines was chosen by an impressive panel of judges including last year’s GTI winner Mr. Nel Laygo, Peddlr co-founder and CEO, along with Ms. Sharon G. Dayoan, KPMG in the Philippines Chairman and CEO; Mr. Ben Alderson, Head of Strategy, Investments and Partnerships, QBO Innovation Hub; Professor Philip Teow Huat Kwa, Clinical Professor and Academic Program Director at the Asian Institute of Management; and Mr. Gil Genio, of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines.

Are you one of the Beatles Fan or just simply an old soul who loves the songs of Beatles? Well, get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as the worlds No1 Beatles tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles, return to the Philippines for a spectacular concert.

From "Love Me Do" to "Let It Be", and from the Cavern Club, Liverpool to Apple Records rooftop in London, this incredible band will take you on a whirlwind tour through the Swinging Sixties, bringing to life the vibrant and revolutionary decade.

The Bootleg Beatles have become 'an institution' over the past 44 years with their note-perfect recreation of the hits from the world’s most famous songbook. Every tiny detail is meticulously covered from costumes to authentic period instruments; from their witty ‘Liverpudlian’ banter to their ‘inflection perfect’ vocal mimicry will make you feel as if you are experiencing the Beatles in their prime.

This talented quartet, featuring Steve White (Paul McCartney), Stephen Hill (George Harrison), Paul Canning (John Lennon), and Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr), not only sounds authentic but also bears an uncanny resemblance to the originals. As one reviewer aptly put it, "It’s not The Beatles… but you simply won’t believe it."

It's back to school!

Global technology provider, HONOR, has partnered with Maya Philippines in redefining portraiture with HONOR 200, the AI Portrait Master. Through a prior partnership with Harcourt Studio Paris, the HONOR 200 is engineered to capture photos with upgraded AI Shadow and Light, Optical Effects, and Artistic Style Enhancement.

Now that the HONOR 200 is coming in the Philippines, its partnership with Maya will revolve around bringing the Harcourt Studio Paris experience to Filipinos through the Back2School Promo with Maya Philippines.

The Back2School Promo includes “Enroll now, pay later” for up to Php 30,000 and let joiners earn raffle entries upon using Maya as their mode of payment for every back-to-school spends, investment, and savings or even earn rewards through referral.

There will be a weekly selection of 20 lucky winners of Php 10,000 and 4 lucky winners of HONOR 200, HONOR Band 6, HONOR Premium Bluetooth Speaker, and HONOR Earbuds 2 from July 1 to August 31, 2024.

The AI Portrait Master is coming to the Philippines on July 17! Excited for it? Catch it live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONOR200SeriesLaunch_PR and get a chance to win your very own HONOR 200! Stay tuned for the full mechanics on HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), (Instagram.com/honorph/) and : (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

 

The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), in cooperation with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA), co-presented with AGC Power Holdings Corp., have announced the finalists for the 32nd Agora Youth Awards. Honoring the next generation of Filipino marketers, the awards feature two categories: individual students and junior marketing associations or school organizations involved in marketing.

The Agora Youth Awards is an annual search for the country’s top marketing students, recognizing excellence in academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and performance in the marketing plan competition.

This year's finalists from various colleges and universities nationwide have demonstrated significant marketing skills through diverse initiatives that highlight their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. These initiatives showcase their creativity, strategic thinking and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing practices.

The finalists for the individual category came from Luzon, NCR, and Mindanao, namely Kristalyn Agustin from Central Luzon State University; Franco Gabrielle Delatina from Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo Campus; Ma. Alexandria Ogalinola from Bulacan State University - Main Campus; Kaye Liwag from Batangas State University - TNEU - Pablo Borbon; Xyrill Baltazar from National University-Fairview; Sharmaine Allen Bea, Mariel Flores, Raymart Mariano Jr. and Maica Stephamae Orenda from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila & Taguig; Prince Olie Cacho from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Jarmila Cansancio from Colegio De San Juan De Letran- Manila; Mark Enriquez Cruz from San Beda University; Madelene Abapo from La Salle University - Ozamiz; Rayan Camid from Xavier University- Ateneo De Cagayan and Mike Ivan Siga from Mindanao State University - Main Campus, Marawi City.

The awards program, in cooperation with the PJMA also spotlights top student marketing associations with their programs and contributions to the advancement of their student marketing members.

In the Junior Marketing Association category, the finalists came from Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao, including Cavite State University Junior Marketing Association; Central Luzon State University Junior Marketing Association; Bulacan State University Chamber of Young Business Leaders; Mariano Marcos State University Junior Marketing Advocates; De LaSalle University Manila Junior Entrepreneurs' Marketing Association; Polytechnic University of the Philippines Junior Marketing Executives; Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Taguig Junior Marketing Association;San Beda University Junior Marketing Association; Siliman University Junior Marketing Association and Xavier University Junior Marketing Association.

Leah Marie Ayeng, Director of Youth Academe at PMA, emphasized the broader impact of the awards. "The Agora Youth Awards is a platform that looks at community impact beyond competence because that is what it takes to be a changemaker. Now in its 32nd year, PMA’s youth and academe initiatives will take on a new approach with more innovative and practical programs that will enrich our young marketers' experience and expose them to the pivotal changes in the industry."

The selection process involves multiple stages of assessment, including application reviews, academic record assessments, and evaluations of nominees' marketing plans and impacts. The judges for the individual category are Lea Aquino, Mikaela Manuel, Loise Jan Alvarado, and Bianca Cerdenia. For the JMA category, the judges are Donna Donato, Lloyd Genesiran, and Queen Dy Manly. All judges are past recipients of the Agora Youth Awards.

The program focuses on five key areas: academic performance, extracurricular achievement, marketing acumen, values, and personality. Students demonstrate their capabilities by crafting real marketing plans that study real-life business cases, allowing them to apply marketing concepts and practices learned during their academic years. This thorough screening ensures transparency and fairness, subjecting each candidate to a comprehensive analysis to verify their accomplishments and assess their potential for future contributions.

Archie Carrasco, the CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. and a former recipient of the Agora Youth Award (formerly TOMAS Award) expressed his pride in being part of the awards again, this time as co-presenter and judge. "Being a part of the Agora Youth Awards is a full-circle moment for me. I was once a finalist in 2001, and now, two decades later, I have the honor of serving as a judge. This award has been a significant part of my career journey, and I’m honored to give back to this platform.”

The 32nd Agora Youth Awards is presented in partnership with Aseana Holdings Inc., Sequoia Hotel, AQAdvertising, and AIC Group of Companies Holdings Corporation. The Business Manual serves as the official media partner. Additionally, Shoppertainment Live, Zoe Broadcasting, Prestige Paper Products, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, and Uniquecorn Strategies PR are supporting the event as creatives and PR partners. The awards ceremony will take place on July 31, 2024, at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

During the press conference, the StratMark Student Conference was also announced, with representatives from the University of Santo Tomas, the venue partner, and Our Lady of Fatima University, the youth and academe partner, in attendance. StratMark is the annual convergence of marketing students, educators, and professionals, and is one of the flagship programs of the PMA.

Globe, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines have joined forces for the Hapag Movement to address involuntary hunger that still plagues millions of Filipinos.

The partnership aims to rescue over 110 tons of surplus food from SMDC developments to provide 450,000 meals to 90,000 families over the next 18 months. More than 40 SMDC mixed-use residential developments in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon will take part in the initiative starting this July.

SMDC employees and residents are encouraged to donate quality surplus food, which Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, an international food rescue organization, will transform into nourishing meals for the beneficiaries.

The effort not only addresses hunger but also minimizes food waste, aligning with both organizations' commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

"SMDC’s participation in The Hapag Movement represents a major step forward in our mission to combat involuntary hunger. By harnessing the power of community and corporate collaboration, we hope to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

“Our goals are ambitious. There’s a lot that needs to be done and many challenges to conquer. But with the help of partners like the SM Group and SOS PH, we could make a real impact and bring positive change in the lives of those in need. We are so grateful to have partners like you through this journey,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Globe Board Director and CEO of AC Industrials.

The collaboration with Globe for the Hapag Movement builds upon SMDC's existing sustainability initiative, The Good Guys Program, launched in 2020.

SMDC champions sustainability by embedding it as a core philosophy and guiding principle in its business practices. Known as "The Good Guys," SMDC is dedicated to creating sustainable master-planned developments that serve as catalysts for substantive change and progress. Inclusivity is integral to their mission.

"The Good Guys" also refer to residents, employees, and visitors who inhabit SMDC developments across the country. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of their operations contributes positively to the environment and society.

"Partnering with Globe to support the Hapag Movement and its mobilization partner, Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), aligns with our goal of addressing waste management issues while engaging our residents. This partnership establishes a system for our residents to rescue surplus food and distribute it to nearby communities, effectively reducing waste and providing food to those in need,” said Jessica Bianca Sy, SMDC AVP - Project Director.

“No one can achieve significant social impact alone. By working together, we can create lasting positive changes in society. Sustainable practices and fostering community engagement are essential for building resilient and thriving communities. People want to help and be part of the solution. Partnerships like the one we have with Globe’s Hapag Movement, and SOS PH create systems that make it easy for people to do the right thing and become good neighbors to one another,” she said.

She cited how urban house developments face significant waste management challenges, particularly food, due to “high turnover rates and transient populations.” This is why the intervention via SOS PH is a perfect fit.

“Residential developments could potentially yield a substantial amount of viable surplus food that we can reallocate to families in need. Our partnership with Globe and SMDC gives SOS PH the opportunity to prevent food waste in these communities,” said Arthur Winston Bitagcol, Director of Operations, SOS PH

Data from the Social Weather Stations survey indicates that 14.2% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2024, an increase from 12.6% in the previous quarter.

While millions continue to go hungry, Philippine households waste about 2.95 million tons of food annually, equivalent to 26 kilograms per capita, according to the UN Environment Programme's 2024 Food Waste Index Report.

The collaboration among the Hapag Movement, SMDC and SOS PH aims to help address both hunger and food waste by utilizing viable surplus food for a sustainable feeding program.

The Globe-SMDC led partnership expands upon the recent collaboration between Globe and the SM Group. In 2022 and 2023, SM's loyalty program, SMAC, encouraged shoppers to donate their rewards points to the Hapag Movement, resulting in a combined donation of Php 14.1 million, the largest single contribution that the Hapag Movement has received from a business conglomerate to date.

The alliance highlights the potential for corporate collaboration to create meaningful change. As Globe and SMDC lead the way, they invite other organizations and the public to support the Hapag Movement and similar initiatives, working together towards a future where no Filipino family goes hungry.

The Hapag Movement, initiated by Globe in 2022, has already made significant strides in addressing hunger, providing meals for over 95,000 Filipinos and livelihood training for more than 2,600 beneficiaries. It aims to provide sustainable feeding and livelihood support for 100,000 Filipino families or 500,000 individuals.

Know more about SMDC’s sustainability initiatives via www. smdc.com. Learn more about the mission of SOS PH via www.scholarsofsustenance.org/sosphilippines,

For more information about The Hapag Movement and how to get involved, email us at globeofgood@globe.com.ph or visit https://www.globe.com.ph/globeofgood.

Samsung recently unveiled a new era of creativity, connectivity, and self-expression across the Galaxy ecosystem at the Galaxy AI Festival at Bonifacio Global City, with immersive experience zones featuring the latest devices - the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Galaxy Z Flip6 – and a night full of unforgettable performances from top artists.

Eager to know what unfolded? Read on for all the details!

You can usually find these coffee lovers lining up at their favorite cafes. But did you know that there’s an affordable option to your go-to café drink? Great Taste recently released its newest Great Taste Iced Coffee flavor, Dark Latte, which offers a strong and creamy flavor. The best part? This delicious cold brew-inspired drink costs around Php 20.00 (SRP) a bottle.

 

Manila Prince Hotel will hold its first Manila Bridal Fair on July 26 and 27, 2024. The event, taking place at the Grand Ballroom, aims to offer an unforgettable experience for future brides and grooms.

Over two days, the fair will feature a wide range of wedding suppliers. Visitors can explore bridal gowns, suits, floral arrangements, hair and makeup services, photography options, and more. The event is free to attend, providing couples a convenient way to plan their weddings.

More options and more ways to get your PSA Certificates. It's not always easy to deliver your documents at home when you're not around. The National Bookstore pick-up option is easy and one of the convenient way to get your documents from PSA. This is ideal for applicants who have irregular schedules and are not always available at their delivery address. This delivery option provides you with the flexibility to pick up your order at your chosen National Bookstore branch at your most convenient time.

Here’s how you can arrange for your PSA certificate orders delivered at your preferred National Bookstore branch:

Step 1: Choose Pick-Up During Checkout

When placing your order online on PSAHelpline.ph, select "Pick-up" as the delivery option before entering your address details.

Step 2: Select Your Preferred Branch

A list of participating National Bookstore branches will be available. Choose the one most convenient for you. Here are the branches that currently accept PSA pick-up:

• Robinson's Galleria
• Quezon Avenue
• Taft Avenue
• Victory Central Mall
• Superbranch Cubao
• Filinevest Festival Mall
• Shopwise Sucat
• Cash and Carry (Makati)
• Rockwell (Makati)
• C. Raymundo (Pasig)
• E. Rodriguez (Quezon City)
• Katipunan
• Malabon Citi Square
• Marikina
• NBS Express Pasig
• Quad Alpha (Mandaluyong)
• North Ridge Plaza (Quezon City)
• Pateros
• Puregold Zabarte (Quezon City)
• Recto Manila
• Retiro (Quezon City)
• Rizal Avenue (Manila)
• Batangas Bay Mall
• Waltermart Cabanatuan
• NBEX Paniqui (Tarlac)
• Newpoint Mall Angeles (Pampanga)

More branches will be activated soon. To see the most updated list of participating National Bookstores, visit PSAHelpline’s FAQs page (https://psahelpline.ph/faq/NBS-Pick-Up).

Excellence in Filipino entrepreneurship was displayed when the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3, funded by the European Union (EU) and led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Competitiveness Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and QBO Innovation, recognized the most outstanding startups at its recently concluded Demo Day on June 25, 2024, at the Blue Leaf Pavilion, Taguig City.

Launched in 2021 and now in its third cohort, the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program is a 14-week program aimed at providing internationalization support to youth-led startups.

Rene "Butch" Meily, President of Ideaspace | QBO Innovation, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I'd like to thank our partners, the European Union, the International Trade Council, and DTI for their support. Europe is an often untapped market for us. Through the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program, we hope that Filipino startups can gain access to this crucial market and establish a foothold for exports."

The Demo Day, attended by a diverse audience of key partners, investors, and stakeholders, marked the culmination of the program for 12 business startups from various verticals.

The esteemed judging panel who evaluated the startups' pitches and shared valuable insights included Assistant Secretary Althea Karen Antonio, DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC); Miguel Lopez, Youth Entrepreneurship National Expert, ITC; Shoraliah Macalbe, Head of Startup Development, Ideaspace | QBO Innovation; Dara Ever Juan, Head of PLDT Innovations Laboratory and Ecosystem Partnerships (INNOLAB), PLDT; and Rodrigo Alarcon, Studio Director, ThinkPlace.

Mylo Speech Buddy, the developer of a speech development app for children with autism and speech delays, clinched first place, securing a pitch prize of $2,500, or around PHP 146,000.

"Our experience joining the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program has been great. The support provided by QBO Innovation and the insights from ITC have been invaluable. I believe our win underscores the importance of the service we provide to the market. Our winnings will play a crucial role in our efforts to further grow the company and help more Filipino families,” said Mylo Speech Buddy founder Vincent Rocha.

BCRemit, a London-based fintech company founded by Pinoys empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with efficient money transfers, was awarded second place and received a $1,500 grant, or around PHP 87,000.

"Our focus has been on penetrating more markets geographically to reach more migrant workers. The grant we won will fund our expansion plans to the United States," said BCRemit co-founder and director Gio Calma.

Lastly, fashion brand PAMMÉ, which crafts sustainable accessories from recycled plastic made by women deprived of liberty, secured third place with a $1,000 pitch prize, or about PHP 58,000.

"The ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program has been remarkable. With its main focus on internationalization, I’m grateful that they have opened doors for us to explore global markets. At PAMMÉ, a fashion social enterprise, we take pride in this win," shared PAMMÉ founder Pamela Meija.

Other participating startups in the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 included: Capilli, a social enterprise creating eco-friendly products from upcycled human hair waste; Hibla Philippines, a social enterprise preserving Philippine weaving traditions; IndieCo, an SEO company blending human creativity with AI for business content; Nama Urban Farms, an urban agriculture startup cultivating nutritious produce; Nutricoach Inc., a platform aiding dietitians in building and scaling nutrition clinics; Prezenter, a company that simplifies presentations in under 10 seconds, helping teachers put their lessons on Smart TVs; Reelist8, a proptech x Shoppertainment marketplace for real estate transactions; REPAMANA, a circular fashion brand repurposing hotel textiles into new garments; and TERPCAP Inc., an accessibility solutions provider for inclusive workplaces..

In addition to the cash prizes, the program, under the strategic partnerships facilitated by QBO Innovation, ITC, and DTI-CIG, will provide the top three winners opportunities to build stronger networks with EU partners and investors to support their global market expansion.

QBO Innovation, a division of Ideaspace that consults for and engages with government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises, provided support and guidance to the participating startups throughout the program via workshops and mentorship sessions.

DTI unveils comprehensive mapping report to bolster youth entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philippines

The DTI, in partnership with the EU and ITC, has unveiled a comprehensive mapping report to identify and leverage growth opportunities for young Filipino entrepreneurs and ecosystem actors, such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), which offer specialized programs to propel the Philippine economy forward.

The report, "Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in the Philippines - Network Analysis and Mapping of Institutions Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship," aims to foster an inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and contribute to sustained economic development.

In her video message, ITC Head of Youth and Trade Mayara Louzada highlighted the country's young entrepreneurship landscape:

"We have found that the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Philippines is young and rapidly developing, with an emphasis on economic development, inclusion, and innovation to attract investment. Both the government and private sectors actively support young innovators aiming to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, especially as many turn to entrepreneurship due to a lack of quality job opportunities."

However, she identified market gaps in the report, including confusion over the roles of different government departments, limited access to funding, and the lack of continuous and sustainable programs for youth-led businesses, especially outside Metro Manila.

The report's recommendations include creating a TBI info-sharing network to streamline access to relevant updates and content, establishing a country guide to support services for entrepreneurs, and expanding support beyond the tech sector.

The report also reiterates the government's critical role in supporting the continuous advancement of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and developing young entrepreneurs.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita "Fita" Aldaba stated, "We're working together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and other government agencies to ensure that our economic relationships are fundamental to our strategy, competition, innovation, and productivity. We cannot remain static—our industries cannot stay stagnant. Therefore, we are committed to supporting the growth and development of startups in the Philippines."

The Philippine startup ecosystem has shown continuous growth despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the country ranked 52nd globally, with thriving industries including fintech (19%), e-commerce (7%), education and healthcare (5.2%), and agriculture (3.1%).

To get full access to the report, you may download a copy via this link.

Leading smart devices provider, HONOR, has officially named the Heartthrob Yang Yang as the Global Ambassador for HONOR 200. Much to the delight of his fans, the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200 Series is officially arriving in the Philippines on July 17, 2024 which will be telecasted live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/H200YangYang_PR.

“HONOR takes pride in being the ultimate leader in smartphone portrait photography, transforming mobile imaging with the HONOR 200 Pro's advanced AI capabilities. Combined with its powerful hardware performance, the HONOR 200 Pro offers an exceptional level of convenience and enjoyment for users who enjoy capturing and preserving moments of their lives,” HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng said.

Yang Yang is one of the most sought-after Asian actors and has appeared in Jackie Chan’s 2020 film Vanguard and led hit series Fireworks of My Heart, You Are My Glory, and The King’s Avatar. He joined HONOR as its global ambassador during the launch of HONOR 90 5G and has continued for the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200.

Global technology provider, HONOR, is all out for the upcoming launch of the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200 in the Philippines on July 17! The much-awaited hero phone comes with the Studio Harcourt mode which is an official collaboration with the prestigious Parisian studio. Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONOR200SeriesLaunch_PR!

The HONOR 200 redefines smartphone portrait photography with its Studio-level Portrait Camera set-up. It features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with dual stabilization (OIS + EIS), ensuring clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting and motion-intensive scenarios. Equipped with a flagship-level 1/1.3-inch Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, the device delivers excellent light sensing capabilities and HDR support. The HONOR 200 Pro also includes a 50MP Telephoto Camera equipped with a customized Sony IMX 856 Sensor, enabling stunning zoomed portraits with remarkable sharpness and clarity. Additionally, the device boasts a 50MP Portrait Selfie Camera that offers automatic FOV switching, producing exceptional selfies in any lighting condition.

Furthermore, the HONOR 200 Pro revolutionizes portrait photography by collaborating with Studio Harcourt to co-engineer the AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. This achievement brings the mastery of studio-level portrait photography to smartphones, made possible by HONOR’s cutting-edge platform-level AI technology.