PH-Spain Business Forum
The Philippine Embassy in collaboration with the Spanish business arm ConfederaciónEspañola de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE), alongside with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the San Carlos City Local Government and the San Carlos Development Board held a business forum at the Centro de Filipinas en Madrid last March
The event served as a venue for various stakeholders, mostly to members of the Filipino community but also aiming to pursue the Embassy´s economic diplomacy efforts.
This forum serves as an initial direct contact of the San Carlos Local Government with representatives of various Spanish business firms which are eyeing into doing investment ventures in the Philippines and are considering capitalizing on Philippine special economic zones in our country.
Summertastic Promo
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) announced its new SummertasticDiscount Promo aimed at ensuring Isuzu vehicle owners enjoy their summer adventures to the fullest.
The promo offers a Free Safety Check-up and up to 20 percent discount on select Isuzu parts from April 17 to May 31, 2024.
The Summertastic Promo includes special discounts on parts critical for vehicle maintenance, famously encapsulated by the mnemonic BLOWBAGETS — representing battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tires, and shock absorbers.
These exclusive offers can be availed at any of the 48 authorized Isuzu dealerships.
The Turf Company at 35
The Turf Company celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings supplying products and services to golf courses in the country, it has grown into a company that offers the most reliable end-to-end-solutions for management and maintenance of golf courses, sports-themed estates, resorts and recreation facilities, hospitals, commercial landscapes like retail developments, andprivate and residential projects.
Today, it is considered aleading force in the industry with prestigious clients who have remained loyal to the company through the years.
As part of its anniversary celebration, Turf will hold a special promotion for the whole month of May with discounts on golf carts, maintenance equipment, parts and other products and services.
There is also the much-awaited Turf Company 35th Anniversary Golf Invitational on May 31 at the Pradera Golf Club.
PLDT Enterprise, Cebu City tie-up
The City Government of Cebu, in partnership with PLDT Enterprise, is accelerating its digital transformation by adopting Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Workspace (GWS) into its delivery of public services underscoring the local government unit’s (LGU) commitment to advancing its processes through cutting-edge digital solutions.
These platforms are set to revolutionize the LGU’s operations by boosting productivity, facilitating efficient collaboration, and ensuring high-performance and secure digital experiences.
“By harnessing the power of Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace, we aim to set a new standard for public service — one that is anchored on efficiency, resilience, and inclusivity. This initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between PLDT Enterprise and the City Government of Cebu, built on a shared vision for a digitally empowered community,” said Kent De La Calzada, AVP & head of Customer Relationship Management at PLDT Enterprise.
GCP and GWS will enable the city to streamline its operations, enhance disaster recovery capabilities, and ensure business continuity.
Power Mac Center offers free shipping
Power Mac Center online shopping platforms launched Fri-YAY Finds, initially offering free shipping nationwide for a limited time only.
It applies on checkouts of a minimum of three items from the list of participating premium accessories available in its Web Store, and official Lazada and Shopee accounts. Unlike the usual vouchers on offer, there is no cap on the shipping discount as long as the three-piece order requirement is met.
For the initial offering, participating products include MacBook cases and sleeves, iPhone and iPad cases, watch straps for Apple Watch, charging cables, power adapters, and multiport adapters from these brands: Cygnett, Moft Z, Speck, Belkin, Pipetto, UAG, UNIQ, LAUT, RIVACASE, PanzerGlass, Innostyle, Ventev, SwitchEasy, QDOS, and Anker.
The promotion is available from April 19 and extends until April 21, 2024 only at the Power Mac Center Web Store, and official Lazada and Shopee stores.
Paywatch redefines payday for Filipinos
Paywatch, Asia’s leading EarnedWage Access (EWA) service provider has been tapped as EWA partner by 30 companies in the Philippines, including real estate developer Shang Properties, hospitality group Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts, agribusiness group Wilmar International, and lifestyle delivery app Pick.A.Roo.
In his first media and stakeholder briefing in the Philippines, Alex Kim, group president and co-founder of Paywatch highlighted how financial stress impacts employee’s productivity at work.
Through EWA, Paywatch provides a debt-free solution that protects employees from unnecessary high-interest loans . Paywatch has the lowest transaction fee in the market with zero interest rate, and no hidden charges. It is currently the most affordable EWA solution on the market. These features make Paywatch accessible to all types of employees, especially for low-income earners who may be tempted to borrow from informal lenders
“From our experience in Malaysia, our data shows that EWA users are three times more likely to stay on their jobs compared to non-EWA users. This success in talent retention is something that we also want to replicate for our clients here in the Philippines,” said Kim.
Unlike a loan or an advance, EWA is money that employees have already earned and belongs to them.This helps employees achieve financial wellness as they have access to cash whenever they need it.
STI-led PSBA teams up with CPAR
STI, which owns and operates the largest network of private schools in the country, recently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PSBA and CPAR.
This move comes less than a month after STI’s move to manage and operate PSBA, signifying a swift effort to enhance PSBA’s legacy.
Under the MOA, PSBA’s School of Accounting will undergo a significant transformation, adopting the name CPAR School of Accounting. An innovative aspect of this partnership is the involvement of CPAR, a renowned review center responsible for producing numerous CPA topnotchers in the Philippines. This collaboration aims to revitalize PSBA’s College of Accountancy, leveraging CPAR’s expertise in CPA exam preparation.
The management of PSBA under STI is poised to introduce a wave of innovations across various courses and colleges within the institution. STI’s approach to education emphasizes the integration of technology to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. Furthermore, STI’s management of PSBA will prioritize the enhancement of academic programs and curricula to ensure relevance and alignment with industry demands.
RICE opens offices in PH, Thailand
Strategic communications consultancy RICE has launched offices in Thailand and the Philippines, celebrating 15 years of growth in Asia.
This expands the operation of the firm, which has been recognized as Agency of the Year at the 2023 ICCO Global Awards and ranks among Asia’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work, beyond its existing presence in Singapore, Myanmar, and Hong Kong.
The organic expansion puts social impact as a key focal point, building on RICE’s established strength in ESG communications and long-standing partnerships with global brands, not-for-profit organizations, and international development agencies. Partner and regional director Donna Garcia is spearheading the regional expansion and overseeing operations across Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
“Our expansion into Thailand and the Philippines aligns with our larger vision of stewardship, which focuses on how RICE and our people can positively impact our team, clients, and the wider community. We’re not only broadening our reach geographically; we’re building creative impact hubs similar to what we’ve established in Myanmar, and making services more accessible to non-profits, NGOs, and social enterprises in the region,” said Garcia.
Developing local talent within a caring and inclusive environment has always been a priority at RICE. “As we grow, we deepen our commitment to this philosophy by employing marginalized people who might otherwise find it challenging to land meaningful roles in our industry,” she added. In Thailand, RICE has partnered with Education for the Deaf (EDeaf) to train and hire graphic designers from their network.
