Friday, June 20, 2025
With more employees joining each year, SM continues to strengthen its culture of volunteerism during Happy Walk 2025.
As the country commemorates National Volunteerism Month, SM Cares reaffirmed its commitment to building a more compassionate, resilient, and sustainable nation through a series of volunteer-driven programs and partnerships.
Throughout the year, SM employee-volunteers, tenants, and community members joined forces in outreach and sustainability efforts aimed at uplifting lives and protecting the environment. Among the highlights were large-scale coastal cleanup drives, youth-led initiatives like the Global Youth Summit, community-focused events such as the Happy Walk and ASP Angels Walk, and service-oriented employee engagements including Brigada Eskwela and Operation Tulong Express.
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SM employee volunteers stepping up during ASP Angels Walk 2025—reflecting a growing spirit of compassion to the community.
SM employee volunteers bring color and care to classrooms, painting a brighter future through the annual Brigada Eskwela service.
Each program exemplifies SM Cares’ mission to engage the community in purposeful action. In 2024, over 1,500 SM employees actively participated in various volunteer initiatives, including Angels Walk, Happy Walk, Operation Tulong Express, and Brigada Eskwela. Coastal cleanup drives mobilized more than 27,000 volunteers, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, the Global Youth Summit brought together approximately a thousand student volunteers, highlighting the power of youth engagement in driving positive change.
These initiatives were made possible through impactful collaborations with organizations such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Global Peace Foundation, among others.
Demonstrating our commitment to volunteerism and community development, SM employee volunteers contribute to lasting improvements in public school facilities.
More than just events, these volunteer efforts are designed to empower individuals and foster inclusion—encouraging employees, partners, and everyday citizens to be changemakers in their own communities.
“Through volunteerism, we build bridges of empathy, understanding, and shared purpose. SM Cares is proud to cultivate this culture of giving back—one where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part in creating a better future,” said Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.
As SM Cares continues to champion volunteerism, the public is encouraged to join upcoming activities and discover how small acts of service can lead to big changes—one community at a time. To learn more about SM Cares’ volunteer programs and how you can take part in upcoming initiatives, visit https://linktr.ee/smcares.
For the second consecutive year, East Zone water concessionaire Manila Water has earned a spot on the prestigious Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list—this time with an even stronger standing.
In the 2025 edition, Manila Water climbed to 384th place, a notable improvement from its 435th rank in 2024, reflecting the Company’s continued growth and operational excellence.
The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranks top-performing companies from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, each meeting a minimum revenue threshold of $349.4 million. Collectively, the companies on the 2025 list generated $1.82 trillion in revenue in 2024, up from $1.79 trillion the previous year.
According to Fortune, currently, the Southeast Asia 500 companies are playing an increasingly important role in global supply chains—capturing manufacturing capacity shifting from China, which is drawing significant capital flows and reshaping global trade dynamics. The second annual Fortune Southeast Asia 500 also offers a compelling snapshot of a region poised to lead in fast-growing sectors such as mining, electric vehicles (EVs), and artificial intelligence (AI)—highlighting Southeast Asia’s readiness to embrace the industries of the future.
"Fortune’s interest in the region reflects Southeast Asia’s growing importance as an engine of global growth,” says Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Fortune Asia. “The region has become a crucial manufacturing and export hub, which is drawing significant capital flows.”
“Being recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s Top 500 companies is a proud moment for all of us. This achievement reflects the trust of our customers, the hard work and dedication of our team, and the bold vision that drives us forward. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our stakeholders and contributing meaningfully to the region’s dynamic economic landscape.” says Jocot De Dios, Manila Water President and CEO.
To determine the Top 500 Southeast Asian companies, Fortune ranked companies based on revenue from their most recently available fiscal year ending on or before December 31, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Revenue figures include contributions from consolidated subsidiaries and any reported income from discontinued operations.
Fortune is an independently owned global business publication which provides in-depth business insights, research, reporting and information on American and international businesses and industries, economics, and technology. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies.
The list and rankings can be viewed at https://fortune.com/asia/ranking/southeast-asia-500/2025/.
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The thrill of opening your dream business is exciting. But when it comes to operations, logistics might not always be top of mind for budding business owners.
You might be focused on product development and sales, have limited resources, or find the entire concept of logistics too complex. However, its importance is often overstated. It encompasses many aspects, from storing materials and finished products and managing your stocks to fulfilling orders and moving products.
If you’re a budding entrepreneur, here are three mistakes you might be making when it comes to logistics and how you can avoid them:
Not Keeping Track of Your Inventory
Say you are a pet supply store owner and a specific dog toy suddenly became popular on social media. You see a steady increase in interest but run out of stocks over the weekend, so customers decide to check out other stores instead.
If you sell essential goods, the window of opportunity to regain your customers may be short – they might come back next week to see if you’ve restocked. However, if you sell durable or non-essential items, a lost customer might not need to return for months or even years.
On the other hand, overstocking can also be costly as excess stock incurs storage costs. Over time, slow-moving or non-moving stocks may have less value and can become an added burden.
Keeping stocks at a healthy level will help you plan your purchasing strategies and reduce costs. To help you ensure you have enough inventory on hand to meet customer demand and streamline your operations, consider tapping a fulfillment service that can handle multiple aspects of fulfillment from picking orders to packing them.
Not Optimizing Your Distribution
Imagine you're a small business owner selling handcrafted wallets and you have a bulk order from a couple who’s set to get married next week. Relying on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping might seem economical, but you will have to wait for other shipments, potentially delaying your delivery. Your deliveries arrived last minute – but the damage has been done, and you have a bridezilla giving you negative reviews.
It is essential to take time to optimize your distribution method or partner with a reliable delivery trucking service that has key distribution points.
Not Anticipating Seasonal Surges
Planning for day-to-day operations is essential for any business, but anticipating how different occasions or seasons can impact your business takes careful planning. Failure to account for seasonal surges can lead to unpredictable demands, sales disruptions, and stockouts.
Picture this: you’re a health supplement retailer. It’s only October but you know that as soon as the new year enters, most people are starting their wellness journey and there might be a demand for fitness-related products. Come January and you don’t have enough stocks of your popular supplements, you may have to deal with the aftermath of negative reviews by disappointed customers, which may also deter potential ones.
You can maximize sales during peak seasons by proactively planning for seasonal surges even before they happen and having an effective restocking method that can help you plan ahead.
A Reliable Partner to Level Up Your Logistics Game
The complexities of logistics can often feel daunting. Instead of figuring out things on your own, you can partner with a reliable logistics solutions provider like Ninja Van Philippines, which offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to streamline your operations and help you avoid common logistical pitfalls.
With Ninja Van Fulfillment service, you can keep your products safe and secure within state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing distribution centers until they’re ready for shipping. Say goodbye to manually processing orders and counting inventories, as Ninja Fulfillment can fulfill, pack and pick for your orders.
Ninja Van’s equipment such as the Dimension Weighing and Scanning, automated rollers, conveyors, and multipurpose mobile scanners are designed to provide an accurate movement of your inventory, allowing you to access a Live View of your inventory with real-time updates.
On the other hand, Ninja Restock provides flexibility for small businesses to do smaller, frequent restocks without the need to pay for an entire truck. Smaller load requirements and frequent drop-offs allow you to deliver nationwide, whether daily, weekly, or twice a week, while only paying for the space your products occupy in Ninja Van’s trucks.
Ninja Restock also leverages its established nationwide network, including key distribution points of 40 warehouses from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. With its 100% coverage nationwide, you can be assured of reliable and timely deliveries to your distribution and retail partners. When coupled with thorough planning, this would be beneficial during seasonal fluctuations or the need to restock popular items right on time.
In the competitive world of entrepreneurship, efficiency is key. By entrusting your logistics needs to a reliable logistics partner like Ninja Van, you can optimize your operations, avoid common pitfalls, and focus on what truly matters – building a successful and sustainable business.
EastWest’s founders took part in the event, with Filinvest Chairman Jonathan Gotianun lacing up alongside EastWest teams, partners, and customers. It was a proud moment that brought together decades of shared dreams, milestones, and everyday wins.
“It was an initiative that united thousands,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “Manila showed up with its whole heart. You could feel the excitement from start to finish. It was everything we hoped for and more.”
There were race categories for every kind of runner, from the lighthearted 1K Dog Run to the 30K Dream Challenge. But this wasn’t your typical race. The finish line opened into a festive village that felt more like a weekend fair. After the run, participants joined a high-energy Zumba session while enjoying free taho and sorbetes. Loot bags filled with treats from Gatorade, Monde Nuvi, Salonpas, Gumtect, Chlorelief, Park Access, Rexona, and EastWest-branded items made the experience even more fun and rewarding.
Interactive booths from various EastWest units and sponsors like Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest City, Crimson Alabang, Galinco, Mogu Mogu, Surge Fitness + Lifestyle, and WeTake Wellness kept the energy going and gave everyone something to enjoy throughout the morning.
The event was also made possible with the support of Mazda, among other partners who helped bring the EastWest Dream Run to life.
All participants received a specially crafted Dreamcatcher medal, inspired by the Bank’s brand line Your Dream, Our Focus. It served as a reminder to keep chasing what matters. Top performers from each category were also recognized for their standout finishes. Here are the winners who made their mark on the course:
1K Dog Top Finishers
Female
1st: Clariza Tumesa and Birdie 2nd: Haydee Tabangay and Atorni 3rd: Patricia Natalie Reyes and Somi | Male
1st: Jojie Dagas-as and Storm 2nd: Moises Calastravo and Onzi 3rd: Ranelle John Vicente and Java |
2K Kids Top Finishers
Female
1st: Althea Martinez 2nd: Rya Elize de Leon 3rd: Chrystin Jay Callos | Male
1st: King Agas 2nd: James Brua 3rd: James Daniel Dimaano |
5K Top Finishers
Female
1st: Jo Punay 2nd: Wilma Nano 3rd: Mikhaila Maia Sophia Cordero | Male
1st: Mark Angelo Biagtan 2nd: Cavin Vidal 3rd: Kristoffer Troy Sison |
10K Top Finishers
Female
1st: Bernadette Sales 2nd: Melody Lantad 3rd: Cristy Advincula | Male
1st: James Darrel Orduña 2nd: Takuya Nishio 3rd: Jaspher Delfino |
30K Top Finishers
Female
1st: Edna Magtubo 2nd: Jennelyn Isibido 3rd: Roel Maestro | Male
1st: Eduard Flores 2nd: Edsel Moral 3rd: Vincent Arvin Avestruz |
Beyond the podium finishes, the real spotlight was on the stories that unfolded throughout the day. There were families running their first race together, barkadas who trained for months, and everyday champions who showed up with grit and left with something more.
“The Dream Run series may be over, but the spirit it sparked will carry on,” said Ngo. “This year was about finding new ways to connect with the people who believe in what EastWest stands for. That connection doesn’t stop here. We’re looking forward to bringing this experience to more cities and turning it into a tradition our communities can look forward to.”
To know more about EastWest’s community and wellness initiatives, visit www.eastwestbanker.com.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
InLife, the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company recently launched Love In Life, a heartfelt brand expression that reflects its steadfast commitment to caring for Filipinos with real love, understanding, and protection.
“Love In Life is our love letter to the Filipino people. It is a tribute to those who have put their trust in the Company throughout our 115 years in the industry. Life may be tough, but our love is tougher. Through Love In Life, we are letting our customers know that no matter what happens, we will be here for them,” said InLife’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Bancassurance Officer Gae L. Martinez.
A love rooted in Filipino values
Filipinos are known for expressing love through quiet strength and unwavering support especially in difficult times. Filipino families are uniquely special for their deep-rooted, intergenerational connections and a vibrant bayanihan spirit. As a company deeply rooted in these values, InLife has long stood for more than just insurance. For more than a century, InLife has been a trusted companion to generations of Filipinos providing security, stability and peace of mind through life’s uncertainties.
“Love In Life is a powerful reminder that real, enduring love is built on protection, security, and peace of mind. InLife delivers this message with the warmth and sincerity of a love letter, signed meaningfully: Love, InLife,” Martinez said.
Encouraging financial independence
Recognizing that most Filipinos hesitate to discuss money matters even while earning well, Love In Life encourages open conversations towards financial security. It redefines love as both an emotion and action: confronting financial fears, breaking generational traumas and cycles such as belonging to the Sandwich Generation, facing one’s fears and pursuing one’s dreams. Through it all, InLife promises to be there always.
These come alive in the catchy Love In Life jingle that celebrates steadfast love in its many forms: from mothers who love their children unconditionally to Overseas Filipino Workers who endure years of separation to secure their families: “Happy life, Good life Here you belong, Sure kang maaalagaan. Kasama mo, kakampi mo, kakalinga sa’yo. Love ko sayo’y buong-buo” to young Filipinos breaking the cycle of financial dependence through smart planning: “Whatever and wherever and whenever you want, ‘Wag kakabahan, ako’y nandito lang; Sasamahan sa tawanan sayawan kantahan, Love ko sa’yo’y buong-buo” to elders who ensure their legacy is protected: “Kami ang bahala sayo, Ikaw at ikaw, Aalagaan ko; Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi, Forever, Iingatan at sasamahan ka.”
More than a brand message and expression, InLife’s Love in Life is an invitation for every Filipino to reflect on what it truly means to love and take meaningful steps to protect the people who matter most to them.
Learn more about how InLife can help you build the foundations of real love through financial security and protection by visiting https://www.inlife.com.ph/.
You can check out the Love In Life jingle here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyjvX1pwCnI&t=31s
The biggest K-pop acts are coming and if you’re reading this, chances are you already know. Tickets? Selling out in minutes. Merch? Vanishing faster than a bias wrecker moment. And if you’re a true stan, you know it’s time to start making that front-row dream a reality.
That’s where Maya comes in, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, and your ultimate concert survival kit for saving, spending, and staying ready when the next drop hits.
Be Ready Before the Beat Drops
If you’ve ever decoded a cryptic post from your fave or predicted a comeback before it dropped, this one’s for you. Concert szn is unpredictable—pre-sales pop up fast, and ticket sales may disappear in a flash.
Stay alert, stay ready. That encore moment might be closer than you think.
Just Pay With Your Maya Visa Card
When that ticket link goes live, you don’t have time to fumble. Whether it’s your Maya Visa Debit Card, Maya Black Credit Card, or even the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you’re good to go! All are Visa-powered and accepted at over 130 million merchants worldwide—so you can check out faster than a photocard drop. Concert tickets? Secured. Travel look? Done. Midnight merch haul? Double check.
Build Your Dream Concert Fund—Without Even Noticing
The real MVPs are the ones who started saving before the concert announcement. With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a., while Maya Personal Goals (with an instant 4% p.a.) lets you stack money for VIP tickets, limited-edition merch, or post-show food trip with your concert bestie. Treat it like your bias’ birthday fund—because it kind of is.
Plot Twist? You’ve Got Back up!
Surprise drops, ticket rush, VIP upgrades—your heart’s all in, but your wallet’s waving a white flag. That’s where Maya Easy Credit comes through. No paperwork, no drama, just instant, flexible funds when you need them most. Because being a fan takes feelings and funds, and Maya totally gets it.
So whether you’re prepping your cart for the next drop, stalking flight deals for a world tour leg, or just saving up to scream your fave’s name from the barricade—Maya’s here to back your bias era.
Download Maya now and start powering up your stan kit because you never know when the next big moment will drop. Visit maya.ph<https://www.maya.ph/> or mayabank.ph<https://www.mayabank.ph/>, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay in the loop. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph<https://www.bsp.gov.ph>). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.
[17 June 2025] As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, value mobile brand TNT is giving back to subscribers with the launch of its Anibersaya Raffle promo offering exciting prizes, such as a brand-new Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, a year's supply of data, smartphones like iPhones, exciting cash prizes, and more!
Running from June 17 to July 31, the TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo lets new and existing TNT subscribers to earn and accumulate raffle entries with every subscription to selected data promos via all channels, including sari-sari stores, e-wallets, online stores, and accredited retailers nationwide.
Join by texting ANIBERSAYA to 5858
To join the raffle, subscribers must simply text ‘ANIBERSAYA’ to 5858.
Eligible TNT subscribers will earn 1 raffle entry with every subscription to selected promos with one-day validity; 2 raffle entries with every subscription to selected promos with 2- and 3-day validity; and 5 raffle entries with every subscription to selected promos with a 7-day validity.
Every week, TNT will reveal and draw exciting prizes, including some of the latest gadgets and smartphone bundles.
On the other hand, for the Aug. 6 grand draw, 25 subscribers will win a year-long supply of data, while one lucky subscriber will take home a brand-new Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw!
MAX Saya for all TNT KaTropas
The TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo is just one of the many ways TNT is bringing maximum or MAX 'saya' to its KaTropas during its year-long celebration.
The brand is committed to delivering MAX Malakas or a stronger 5G network through continuous rollouts across the country. It also offers MAX Sulit or more affordable offers tailored to the budget and lifestyle of KaTropas nationwide. Furthermore, TNT promises MAX Exciting experiences, such as special surprises for subscribers every month.
To learn more about the TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo, visit https://tntph.com/Pages/Anibersaya2025.#
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