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April 25, 2024
Win a shopping spree worth up to P100,000 from PLDT Home
April 22, 2024
The Journey of Diskarte Pinoy TV with LBC at the Helm
April 9, 2024
Angel Investors Network Pushes for Advocacy and Intentionality in Empowering Filipina Entrepreneurs
Tina Di Cicco, Chairperson of MAIN’s Gender Lens Investing Committee, discussing MAIN's Gender Lens Investing strategy.
This was the statement of Tina
Nepomuceno-Di Cicco, the Gender Lens Investing Committee Chairperson of Manila
Angel Investors Network (MAIN), the Philippine’s largest network of angel
investors, in the recently concluded FoundHer Forum, organized by a Filipino-based
women-led inclusion studio, Imaginable Impact at KMC One Ayala in line with
Women’s Month.
In her keynote speech, Di Cicco
highlighted that advocating for and intentionally supporting women-led
businesses will encourage more women to succeed and attract and grow
investments.
“Through advocacy, we communicate our
vision and goals, as well as promote and support each other’s businesses.
Intentionality, on the other hand, is when we turn our advocacy into
action–it's when we put our resources into investing in women and helping make
women-led businesses succeed,” Di Cicco said, sharing tips on how women can
appear more investible.
In addition, she noted that while the
gender gap remains a pressing issue with only 2% of global venture capital
funds going to women-led businesses, investments on women entrepreneurs are in
fact growing in Southeast Asia with data indicating that female-led startups
raised $1.41 billion in equity funding in 2023, which accounts for 18 percent
of capital raised in the region. This is a 12.6 percent increase from the
previous year.
Di Cicco also pointed out that the
current trend indicates that more investors and networks are using Gender Lens
Investing when considering startups to invest in and support. Gender Lens
Investing (GLI) is a strategy that MAIN employs, through the support of the
Australian Aid’s Investing in Women program, to maximize investment potential
in women-led businesses. Through the GLI, MAIN provides extensive support to
women-led startups, especially those at the early stage, in terms of capital
allocation, training, and mentorship. To date, more than 40% of the startups
that MAIN members have invested in are female-led.
“We are hearing investors
prioritizing portfolio diversity, with many incorporating gender lens investing
strategies. What we see across the board is a slow but steady increase in
gender lens investing,” Di Cicco said, underscoring investors’ intent to address
gender disparity through their investment choices.
“This is the time for women founders.
We are being sought. We are more visible. There is no better time to be a woman
than now,” Di Cicco added.
The FoundHer Forum is a signature
event series elevating the conversation on investing in female founders, to
bridge the capital gap for women in the startup ecosystem. Aside from MAIN,
FoundHer Forum was made possible in partnership with KMC Solutions, a leading
provider of flexible office space requirements and co-working space for
emerging businesses in the Philippines.
Aside from supporting women-led
businesses, MAIN, composed of more than 120 angel investors, aims to increase
the number of female investors in the Philippines by diversifying their own
membership. MAIN is also a member of the Gender Lens & Impact Investment
Council (GIIC), a member-based industry body that seeks to build the gender
lens and impact investment ecosystem in the Philippines.
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About Manila Angel Investors Network
(MAIN)
MAIN is the largest committed private
investors network in the Philippines that was formed to support the country’s
startup ecosystem by connecting investors with promising early-stage companies.
Apart from providing capital funding, it also mentors entrepreneurs, provides
expertise support, and opens networking opportunities. This innovative startup
ecosystem will benefit both MAIN members’ portfolio and overall growth of
Filipino startups.
MAIN’s upcoming pitch nights are
slated on April 30 (Q2), July 23 (Q3), and October 22 (Q4). The network also
conducts seminars and training sessions semi-annually. This includes a
StartupAcademy and MAINAcademy sessions this coming May, and a HardTalk session
in June.
To learn more about these upcoming
events, stay tuned to MAIN’s social media platforms (linkedin.com/company/manila-angel-investors-network/) for more
details. For investors interested in joining MAIN, please contact
invest@main.ph.
April 2, 2024
Digido wins 11 awards, including two ‘Best’ accolades from Global Banking & Finance Review
Pru Life UK solidifies its leadership position as 2023’s top life insurer in the Philippines
March 28, 2024
Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines gets GPTW certified for the 4th time in a row
Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, a microcosm of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, is once again certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) organization. This is the fourth consecutive year that the organization has received the certification and its first GPTW certification since it repositioned itself as Sun Life Global Solutions. The Survey results draw on the employees’ responses to an independently conducted survey by the Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.
The outcome of the survey shows that 93% people feel that they are fairly treated regardless of their sexual orientation, 92% experienced fair treatment regardless of race or gender, 91% affirm that the workplace is physically safe, and 90% shared a sense of pride on being a Sun Lifer and would like to tell others about the same.
Adding to the
thoughts shared by Tarun, Vice President and Site Head of SLGS Philippines
Nathalie Bernardo also talked about how this certification is an inspiration
for her to continue furthering the organization’s programs in diversity,
equity, inclusion and belonging, employee recognition and advocacy work.
“We are truly grateful for this honorific by Great Place to Work as we continue to foster a culture that embraces diversity; champions work-life harmony; aims to unleash everyone’s full potential; is about purpose and teamwork at its core; and fulfills its social responsibility. Our goal is for every employee to feel heard and empowered to make a positive impact both with the organization and in our community," Bernardo shared. The organization celebrated this feat during the recently culminated SLGS’ Moments of Togetherness and Celebration event.
What further makes it an employer of choice are the inclusive and equitable opportunities where each employee is encouraged to push their boundaries of imagination to solve for the business and the world. This culture of innovation is fueled by the collaborative and inclusive culture at SLGS where employees can grow and thrive, with a drive towards innovation, a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) and embedding a culture of sustainability.
Over the years, SLGS has emerged as a talent and innovation hub, driving seamless digital transformation and providing technology, knowledge services and business services to Sun Life businesses globally, helping its clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives – its core purpose and mission. SLGS works with Sun Life teams across the group to support clients in areas such as operations, technology, actuarial, legal, and more.
To learn more about Sun Life Global Solutions, visit https://www.sunlife.com/slgs/en/
March 27, 2024
Globe Business and Ugbo 24/7: Cooking up success with advanced ICT solutions
Globe Business leverages the power of robust connectivity and innovative technology to power Ugbo 24/7, a new culinary venture of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Ugbo 24/7 pays homage to the popular street food culture of Ugbo Street, Tondo, one of Moreno’s favorite food digs in his home city. His restaurant offers a concise menu featuring affordable signature dishes such as Tumbong, Camto, Dila, and Lechon Kawali.
Globe Business signs deal with former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for his latest venture, Ugbo 24/7, to deliver a better connectivity experience for customers. In this photo are (L-R) Jef Cruz, Chief Commercial Officer, RUSH; Cocoy Claravall, Vice President for Sales, Globe Business; Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, owner of Ugbo 24/7; and Nikko Acosta, Chief Strategy Officer, Globe and CEO of Brave Connective Holdings, Inc
This new dining hotspot endeavors to bring the beloved gastronomic delights of Tondo closer to a wider audience. Located at One World Square, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Ugbo 24/7 particularly aims to bridge Tondo delicacies to the dynamic workforce of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector and its nearby residents.
Globe Business steps in as a crucial enabler for Ugbo 24/7’s digitalization journey. By providing a comprehensive suite of connectivity and business applications, Globe Telecom’s B2B arm supports the restaurant's operational needs and growth ambitions.
The partnership encompasses a phased service implementation, starting with existing Fixed Broadband and Mobile solutions made to power the food hub’s connectivity. This is followed by the deployment of advanced tools such as Inquiro for data analytics, Rush eStore for end-to-end online selling platform, and m360 for multi-channel communication services.
"We are excited to support Ugbo 24/7 as they unlock their full business potential. We do this by providing them the essential technological backbone that enhances productivity and overall business performance, powered by Globe’s reliable connectivity. Our role is to ensure that Ugbo 24/7 can operate seamlessly and efficiently, enabling them to focus on delivering quality dining experiences to their customers,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business.
"Drawing from my personal experience – after a long day at work, I always look for “feel good food” that is affordable, delicious and satisfying. In launching Ugbo 24/7, my goal was not only to offer a taste of Tondo's best but also to ensure that our food remains flavorful and enjoyable without breaking the bank.” Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno mentions as he invites everyone to visit his new venture.
Emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing his business operations, Moreno also shared, “Partnering with Globe Business equips us with the tools we need to understand our market better, streamline our operations, and expand our reach. Their support is invaluable in helping us achieve our vision for Ugbo 24/7."
This collaboration reflects the commitment of Globe Business to empower MSMEs to thrive in today’s digital era. By leveraging the strengths of Globe Business's connectivity and ICT capabilities, Ugbo 24/7 is well-positioned to achieve operational success and deliver exceptional service to its customers.
For more information on how Globe Business can empower enterprises, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/business.
March 26, 2024
Enstack Launches "HERstory": A Celebration of Women in Leadership
Series aims to
inspire professional ambition and personal growth by spotlighting trailblazing
women in business and industry
Enstack, the AI-powered mobile app that enables everyone to be entrepreneurs, announced today the launch of EmpowHER HERstory, a year-long video series designed to spotlight the journeys, challenges, and achievements of female leaders across various industries.
EmpowHER HERstory, a new initiative from Enstack’s EmpowHER campaign, gives a closer look at the lives of influential women who balance professional success with personal roles such as that of mothers and primary caregivers.
As a female-led company, Enstack consistently highlights female entrepreneurs, emphasizing role models just ahead in their journeys for relatable inspiration. With EmpowHER HERstory, Enstack also wants to celebrate women who have reached the C-suite, built billion-peso businesses, or created an impact on millions of Filipino lives while juggling different personal roles, with an aim to motivate audiences toward even bigger dreams and substantial ambitions.
This series
brings to the fore influential women including:
●
Yangyang Zhang,
Xendit's Chief Innovation Officer, known for her pivotal role in financial
innovation across Southeast Asia;
●
Ruoshan Tao, Canva's
Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia and Latin America, who is transforming
digital design accessibility worldwide;
●
Ambe Tierro, Country
Managing Director at Accenture Philippines, who is setting the standard for
excellence in the IT and consulting industry;
●
Berna Romulo-Puyat,
Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, instrumental in shaping
national financial and economic policy; and
● Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, renowned for her dedication to community development and governance.
In the Philippines, women hold 39% of senior management[1] and have surpassed men in tertiary education enrollment, with a ratio of over 2.57 million women to 1.87 million men in AY 2021-2022[2]. However, the labor force participation rate for women is at 34.5%[3], highlighting a discrepancy that underscores the critical importance of visible, diverse female leaders to inspire the next generation.
"Within
Enstack's ecosystem, where nearly 70% of merchants are women, we are deeply
committed to amplifying female entrepreneurship and underscoring the
significant impact women have on the economy. EmpowHER HERstory is about the
power of visibility and representation. It's about revealing not only the
achievements of women but also the paths they've taken, the obstacles they've
overcome, and the significant impacts of their journeys,” shares Enstack's CEO,
Macy Castillo. “This initiative is our way of inspiring viewers to dream
bigger, encouraging not just young women but people from all walks of life to
challenge norms, break barriers, and pursue their dreams with relentless
passion."
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About Enstack
Enstack is changing the way businesses are built by empowering everyone
to become entrepreneurs. Enstack is more than just a mobile app that removes barriers in starting
a business. By integrating Artificial Intelligence into the core of business
building, it is a transformative force in entrepreneurship, providing tools and
a supportive ecosystem to help its users dream bigger, build smarter
businesses, and live richer lives. For more information on the Enstack Magic
update and to join a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visit www.enstack.com.
March 24, 2024
J&T Express Philippines reaches new horizons, plans wider expansion on its 5th anniversary
Since its inception in 2019, J&T Express Philippines has experienced phenomenal expansion, currently operating an extensive network of over 2,200 branches and warehouses nationwide. The company takes pride in its dedicated workforce of 60,000 service personnel to back up its operations and a fleet of 3,000 owned trucks and vehicles, solidifying its position as a key player in the logistics industry.
“As we rely on our advanced logistics facilities while continuing to accelerate the company’s digital transformation, this will enable us to create a reliable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly supply chain service system to meet e-commerce demands. Through this, J&T Express can continue delivering smiles and trust to our Filipino customers nationwide,” said Dean Ding, CEO of J&T Express Philippines.
With sharing and responsibility as part of its core values, J&T Express Philippines keeps the Bayanihan spirit alive in the previous year through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) ‘J&T Cares,’ extending support to communities affected by natural disasters such as Typhoon Egay, the Mayon Volcano eruption, and the jolting earthquakes in Surigao del Sur. Through these initiatives, J&T Express has provided critical assistance to thousands of families, emphasizing its commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Recognizing that dedicated employees are the backbone of its success, J&T Express Philippines launched the "1 Family, Juan J&T" campaign in 2023. This nationwide initiative connects the company with its employees across all regions in the country, reinforcing the message that each employee is valued and integral to J&T Express' achievements.
“Now that we are already in our fifth year, J&T Express aspires to continue to work with employees and our business partners, further elevating our business to new heights and enhancing how we can keep up with the growing demands of our consumers,” Mr. Ding concludes.
J&T Express is known for
its corporate excellence such as its mobile application, a VIP platform, free
door-to-door pickup, cash-on-delivery payment option, 24/7 customer service,
and 365-day operations, all complemented by its nationwide coverage that
continues to expand as it celebrates its fifth anniversary in the Philippines.
Adhering to its “customer-oriented and efficiency-based” mission, J&T Express is committed to providing customers with integrated logistics solutions through intelligent infrastructure and digital logistics network as part of its global strategy to connect the world with greater efficiency and bring logistical benefits to all.
March 23, 2024
Road trip this long weekend? Here are some tips to keep it hassle-free
With the long weekend coming up, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break. Road trips are a popular choice during this time, especially to beach destinations as summer approaches.
Here are some tips to ensure your road trip is smooth sailing:
- Plan your route.
Long weekends may involve road closures, maintenance, or
construction, so it’s best to check the news for updates. Navigation apps will
prove helpful during this time. The holiday rush may also affect traffic, so
beat other travelers by leaving earlier, if possible.
- Check your car.
A vehicle in top condition will be your best friend during a long
journey. Ensure your tires are aligned and balanced, car fluids and battery are
secure, and lights and turn signals work. Inspect your car before the trip to
ensure everyone’s safety.
- Pack essentials.
Long drives call for ample snacks to keep hunger at bay and a
steady water supply to prevent dehydration. Bring essential medications and a
first aid kit for any untoward incidents.
- Go cashless.
Long lines at ATMs during holidays are inevitable. Embrace hassle-free travel by going cashless. Opt to pay through bank transfers, QR codes and the like.
- Use Easytrip and
Autosweep RFIDs.
Streamline your tollway transactions with RFID payments. By eliminating the need for cash transactions, drivers can breeze through tollways, avoiding long lines and unnecessary delays.
For a stress-free road trip this long weekend, effortlessly set up a PSBank account by simply downloading their mobile app. Enjoy cashless transactions through QR codes, and instantly reload your Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs with PSBank.
For more information on PSBank’s
products and services, visit psbank.com.ph or facebook.com/psbankofficial.