PLDT, Smart win back-to-back Gold Stevies, International Business Awards
Initiatives of PLDT and Smart have been honored as Stevie Awards® winners at the 20th Annual International Business Awards®.
Receiving back-to-back Gold Stevies® is PH Digicon 2022: BOUNDLESS, the country’s most prestigious and one of the most sought-after digital thought leadership events in Asia Pacific, powered by PLDT Enterprise. Earlier this year, PH Digicon 2022: BOUNDLESS also received the Gold Stevie® at the 2023 ASPAC Stevie Awards.
Meanwhile, PLDT and Smart’s #FarmSmart advocacy, a program that promotes the use of tech-enabled solutions to support Filipino farmers and strengthen food security, bagged a Bronze Stevie®.
The annual PH Digicon brings together industry experts, business leaders, and key opinion shapers to explore the boundless possibilities of digital technologies. Plenary sessions tackle the infinite potential of enterprises in a redefined digital universe; transformational leadership as the core of successful digitalization; and insights on new business models, strategies, and predictions on the future of business and technology. The bigger and better PH Digicon 2023: VISION, will be led by PLDT Enterprise from October 12 to 13, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.
The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards. At this year’s International Business Awards®, more than 3,700 nominations from 61 nations were submitted, honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them.
German Ambassador, GPCCI TESDA visit underscores PH dual education and vocational training
The visit highlighted the enduring partnership between TESDA and various German entities and underscored the commitment to strengthen this collaboration. Ambassador Pfaffernoschke expressed his eagerness for productive discussions, particularly regarding Dual Education and Vocational Training.
Mr. Tristan Loveres, GPCCI’s Vocational Training Committee Chairperson elaborated on the importance of vocational education and training in boosting economic prosperity and supporting
the Philippines’ Educational Reform, particularly the K-12 Plus program. He stressed that Germany’s
support in economic and infrastructure development would ensure a robust supply of qualified and competent workers, benefiting both nations.
In the meeting, GPCCI also stressed their support for reforms which aim to improve the country’s national apprenticeship program. These reforms address the challenge of skills mismatch, youth unemployment, and align with global job market demands. They also align with OECD recommendations to adopt comprehensive policies for technical and vocational education and training to bridge skill gaps, increase labor market participation, and enhance skills system governance in response to global trends like globalization and technology.
Finally, the event ended with an invitation for GPCCI to explore a Memorandum of Understanding
with TESDA. the visit also featured a site tour at TESDA Women’s Center where it showcased their training facilities and technical demonstrations.
FWD Life Insurance launches the Philippines’s first insurance plan for gamers
Now in its 12th season, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) is one of the most prestigious and most anticipated gaming tournaments, where teams compete for a chance to go against international representatives in the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) and M World Series.
As the official insurer of MPL-PH season 12, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) supports the passion of players to turn challenges into victories and offers a new and exclusive policy: The One for gamers.
Like how most gamers would avail items for their heroes as part of their strategy to win the game, FWD The One for gamers is a fully customizable insurance plan that can help customers tackle life’s challenges and turn them into victories. It is also exclusive for this season of MPL-PH.
FWD The One for gamers offers flexible coverage for your life adventure for whatever stage you’re in. In just a matter of minutes, one can easily avail of the policy at the FWD Online Shop with no medical exams required. The policy also provides exclusive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in-game rewards that help players get better gameplay, when received within 20 days after purchase of The One.
Starting at PhP330 for a year of coverage, gamers can build their plan by adding critical illness benefit, accidental death coverage, or even both. One can also enjoy the unique benefit of no premium increase after every five years if you continually renew your plan on time.
PETNET Forex Solutions opens satellite office in Cebu, targets MSMEs in regional expansion
PETNET Forex Solutions, a leading B2B forex solutions provider, unveiled its new location in Cebu as part of its regional expansion to service the growing businesses in the region.
With the growing number of industries such as wholesale trade, construction, transportation, storage, and manufacturing in Central Visayas, PETNET Forex Solutions sees the emerging demand of businesses for forex services.
PETNET Forex Solutions aims to serve these industries in the region by providing an all-in-one hub forex solutions that offers efficient and convenient buying and selling of USD and global payments.
The new satellite office located at Aboitiz Corporate Office in Cebu City will expand PETNET Forex Solutions’ regional footprint with plans to promote additional auxiliary forex solutions services in the near future.
PETNET Forex Solutions is the corporate arm of PETNET, Inc., that offers efficient and convenient buying and selling of USD and international telegraphic transfers worldwide. It is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Metrobank posts top ranks at The Asset’s 2023 Benchmark Research
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has once again received recognition for its industry excellence and dominant market share in the financial markets space, as acknowledged by Hong Kong-based publication, The Asset.
In the Asset Benchmark Research, which involved top-rated analysts, economists, strategists, as well as salespeople and traders, Metrobank emerged as the Top Investment House in the Philippines in the Banks category, receiving the highest number of votes from the publication’s discerning investors.
The bank was also recognized as the Top Sell-Side Firm in the secondary market for Philippine Peso Corporate and Government bonds. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the bank has received this prestigious award. In the Top Arrangers for Investors’ Choice for Primary Issues, Metrobank ranked second among local financial institutions.
The Asset also commended Metrobank’s financial specialists for their expertise in research, sales, and trading. Institutional Investors Coverage Unit Head, Ruben Zamora, received the Highly Commended for Research award. Sales Trader Paterno Cobrador ranked fourth in Sales. In the Trading category, Government Securities Trading Unit Head Kevin Rosario ranked second; Rates and Credits Unit Head Kathryn Abes ranked third; Trader David Estacio ranked fourth, while Trader Samantha Dayrit received the Highly Commended award.
Metrobank’s Investment Execution Unit Head, Jerome Briz, and Investment Services Unit Deputy Head, Ginny Pecaña, were included in The Asset’s Top 10 Astute Investors in Asia, ranking fourth and sixth, respectively. These rankings are based on their knowledge of credits or markets, decision-making acumen, and trading skills.
The Asset’s Asian Local Currency Bond Benchmark Review has been conducted annually since 2000 and provides valuable insights into the product needs of investors and the market presence of banks active in local currency bonds.
FedEx drop-off services available at 1K plus retail outlets
FedEx Express (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has expanded its FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC) locations in the Philippines. Customers can now enjoy even greater flexibility and convenience by dropping off their packages at 792 2GO outlets, 335 SM Business Centers and 25 Alfamart stores across the country, at no extra cost. Select Alfamart stores also offer self-collection services.
Customers who opt to ship their FedEx packages at a 2GO outlet can log into the 2GO app from their mobile devices, input their shipping details, and ship their packages without having to print out any documents. FedEx customers can also choose to have their packages delivered to participating Alfamart stores through FedEx Delivery Manager, a FedEx tool that allows customers to customize their delivery date and location. This enables customers, who may not be available to receive their delivery, the option to select an Alfamart store closest to their home or workplace for collection at their convenience. At the same time, SM offers drop-off service for FedEx packages at any of their business centers making international shipping easily available to more Filipinos.
FedEx Philippines’ FASC initiative is fueled by the continuous growth of e-commerce in the country. The expanded FASC network helps to ensure efficient delivery of goods to people and businesses while contributing to the country’s global e-commerce network.
Victoria Bites: 24/7/365 home-cooked goodness
When one thinks of Victoria Court, the first thing that usually comes to mind is its reputation as a leading hotel chain that provides uniquely themed rooms for various intimate experiences. However, what many might not know is that Victoria Court offers more than just stylish accommodation.
Concealed within this renowned hotel chain lies a well-kept secret that beckons to night owls and those seeking comfort at any hour.
Enter Victoria Bites—the culinary gem within the Victoria Court brand that has been delighting taste buds with its exceptional take on traditional Filipino comfort food since the 1980s. While Victoria Bites has certainly secured a special place in the hearts and taste buds of many, its spotlight feature is its 24/7/365 around-the-clock kitchen concept.
Victoria Bites traces its roots back to the vibrant decade of the 1980s, when it first opened its doors to the public. Over the years, it has carved out a special place in the hearts and palates of Filipino food enthusiasts.
Initially created to serve hotel-goers at Victoria Court 24/7/365, the brand soon recognized that comfort food cravings don’t adhere to a strict schedule, and hunger can strike at any time of the day or night—whether within Victoria Court branches or outside at people’s homes.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, mid-afternoon snack, a late-night indulgence, or anything in between, Victoria Bites is there to satisfy your cravings. Their menu is also available in food delivery services like Grab and Foodpanda to cater to fast-paced lifestyles.
