OFWs learn tips, life hacks in online talk show powered by TinBo, OWWA

Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) present Umpukan with Bossing Season 2, a livestream series that aims to educate and inspire overseas Filipinos worldwide.

The talk show is hosted by OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio and live-streamed via the TinBo Facebook Page, TikTok account, and YouTube channel. Backed by PLDT Global, TinBo (tinbo.ph) is a one-stop online marketplace that enables Filipinos overseas to buy load, pay Philippine bills, send vouchers, and avail of other digital products, healthcare consultations, and promos for their families back home.

“This show co-created by TinBO and OWWA supports our mission of educating and empowering OFWs, helping them navigate their lives and careers as they work away from their loved ones through the stories and experiences of experts and relatable personalities,” said Ignacio.

Inspiring global Filipinos

The first three episodes of the series featured Department of Migrant Workers OIC-Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services Felicitas Q. Bay who answered viewers’ questions about employment and programs for overseas workers. Actor and reality TV star Kokoy de Santos also talked about growing up with a father working overseas as a seafarer, and how, despite the physical distance, they managed to maintain a close and strong bond. He also shared the challenges his family faced when his father was held hostage by pirates. Meanwhile, psychologist and content creator Rea Villa gave helpful advice to overseas Filipinos on how to keep their emotional and mental health in check.

Upcoming episodes will feature stories centered on OFWs' experiences, expectations, and responsibilities and the vital role of support, love, and strong connection with their families back home.

“Aligned with our commitment to strengthening the connections of Filipinos around the world, we continue to deliver relevant and meaningful conversations that delight our modern-day heroes and uplift their lives,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), the international unit PLDT Inc. (PLDT).

Umpukan with Bossing also excites its viewers with exclusive giveaways. To qualify, viewers must register to TinBo via the link provided on the livestream caption, take screenshots of their registration, like, share, and comment on the live stream with the hashtags #UmpukanWithBossing #TinBoPH and #OFW(their host country) example: #OFWSaudi. TinBo will randomly select 27 lucky OFWs to receive e-gifts from Puregold, GrabGift, Spay, Lazada Wallet, and SM GiftPass. Winners will be announced after the final episode.

Aside from digital products and solutions tailormade for OFWs and their families back home, TinBo also enables Filipinos overseas to acquire a Smart Virtual Number (SVN), allowing them to have secure digital identities for their Philippine transactions, and providing them access to financial services.

Ethical AI, Workforce Upskilling, Digital Inclusivity Take Center Stage at DMAP’s DigiCon 2024

November 2024 Manila, Philippines — The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, has successfully hosted the ninth edition of the Digital Congress (DigiCon), with the theme, “REVOLUTION,” on October 15 to 16, 2024, in Newport City, Metro Manila.

The two-day event gathered over 2,500 participants, including 100 global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers, coming together to discuss key insights across marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation sectors.

DMAP's DigiCon is the premier digital marketing conference in Southeast Asia, providing a vital platform for innovators and industry leaders both locally and internationally to drive advancements in the digital landscape.

Following the conclusion of this year's conference, DMAP shared key recommendations for the industry. One of them is the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with DMAP urging its members to explore and integrate AI tools ethically and responsibly, focusing on data privacy, transparency, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.

DMAP also emphasizes the importance of investing in local digital talent by providing upskilling and reskilling initiatives to equip Filipino marketers with the latest digital competencies, particularly in areas like AI, data analytics, and Web3.

Additionally, DMAP underscored the importance of digital inclusivity, urging the industry to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines by expanding internet access and digital literacy programs across the country.

Other key imperatives from this year's DigiCon included pushing for data-driven decision-making to improve customer engagement and encouraging collaborative innovation to create a more vibrant digital ecosystem.

"DMAP's DigiCon REVOLUTION 2024 is a testament to DMAP's broader goals of advancing the digital marketing transformation, fostering industry growth, and contributing to the Philippine economy. As we continue to navigate today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, we aim to champion the industry's need to adapt and leverage emerging technologies for sustainable success," says Manny Gonzales, DMAP President.

Bestselling author and digital innovator Steven Johnson, known for his work as the Editorial Director at Google’s AI division Google Labs, was the keynote speaker on the event’s opening day, exploring how AI can unlock new possibilities in business and marketing. He encouraged attendees to stay curious and explore the potential of advanced technologies.

“Go out there, enjoy yourself with the technology, explore those edges just for the sheer delight of it, because history teaches us that you will find the future where people are having the most fun,” Johnson said.

On the second day, David Beal, Head of Global Marketing & Global Chief Marketing Officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation, delivered the keynote speech delving into values-driven digital transformation.

Beal emphasized the importance of openness to embracing technology for effective customer engagement, saying, "A true willingness is to know what we know, but also acknowledge what we don't and work hard to learn and improve. When you couple that with a value like integrity, and when you reinforce it with a bias for action, a willingness to try, and an agile attitude, we can challenge what's possible."

Through DigiCon's partnership with One Show Asia, attendees also gained insights from a distinguished lineup of international speakers, such as Masaya Asai, Chief Creative Officer of Droga 5 Tokyo, Angela Bassichetti, Head of Creative Shop of Meta, Kyungsin Pablo Kim, CEO of Paulus, and Tay Guan Hin, APAC Regional Director of The One Club for Creativity.

DigiCon 2024 took over Newport City, with plenary talks held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater and breakout sessions at nearby Sheraton and Hilton hotels. Attendees engaged in five specialized tracks designed to address critical industry trends: ‘From Ecommerce to Digitally Enabled Commerce,’ ‘From IMC to Customer-Centric Campaigns,’ ‘From Digital Transformation to Business Evolution,’ ‘From Data-Driven to Insight-Driven,’ and ‘From I to AI.’ These tracks highlighted trends like generative AI, short-form video content, the evolution of the metaverse, and the increasing importance of data privacy.

"DigiCon 2024 is all about equipping professionals to not just survive, but thrive in today's digital landscape. As we navigate new technologies, we encourage everyone to recalibrate their perspectives, staying curious, open, and ready to explore and innovate," said Alan Fontanilla, DigiCon 2024 chair.

In a first for DigiCon, DMAP partnered with Certified Digital Marketer (CDM) to offer program certifications to attendees. This new offering provides professionals with opportunities to enhance their skills and bolster their credentials in the digital marketing world.

Since its first iteration in 2016, DigiCon has consistently been a pivotal gathering for the luminaries of Philippine marketing, advertising, and digital landscapes.

Capture Every Moment With Vivo V40 Lite 5G’s 50MP Main Camera and AI Aura Light

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - For those who thrive on capturing life’s beautiful moments, the Vivo V40 Lite 5G is a game-changer. This newest midrange device from Vivo boasts a 50MP main camera with AI Aura Light, a 32MP portrait camera, and an 8MP 120° ultra wide-angle camera, all designed to make every shot exceptional. 

With advanced tools like AI Aura Light, AI Erase, and AI Photo Enhance, the V40 Lite 5G allows users to capture vibrant, studio-quality photos anytime and anywhere, with enhanced control over each image’s details.

Unmatched camera setup for every photography style

The Vivo V40 Lite 5G is equipped with a 50MP main camera for strikingly clear images, a 32MP portrait camera that excels in selfies, and an 8MP ultra wide-angle camera with a 120° field of view. The ultra-wide lens is ideal for capturing stunning group shots and panoramic landscapes, while Vivo’s intelligent algorithms correct wide-angle distortion to deliver flawless images.

Adding to this is the innovative AI Aura Light feature. Offering 75 times softer and 8 times wider lighting coverage than a standard flash, the AI Aura Light provides a warm, even glow that complements all skin tones and smooths away imperfections. Even Vivo ambassador Marian River can't get enough of it!

With this feature, portraits look more natural and professional, even in low light, making every shot look like it was taken in a studio.

Perfectly enhanced photos with AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance

The V40 Lite 5G brings powerful AI editing capabilities right to your fingertips. With AI Erase, users can easily remove unwanted objects or distractions from photos, ensuring that each image focuses on the best moments. 

On the other hand, the AI Photo Enhance feature automatically optimizes brightness, contrast, and sharpness, bringing out vibrant colors and fine details that make every shot look professionally edited with just a single tap.

The AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance features allow users to create photos that truly stand out, highlighting the beauty of each scene.

Low-light excellence with Super Night algorithms

Low-light conditions are no challenge for the V40 Lite 5G, thanks to its Night Mode with Super Night algorithms. This technology enhances brightness, clarity, and color accuracy, minimizing blur and noise for clear, vivid night shots. With nine unique night filters, users can add an artistic touch to their nighttime photos, unlocking endless creative possibilities.

For those who love capturing every angle and moment with perfection, the Vivo V40 Lite 5G is the ideal choice. With up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (expandable up to 2TB), the Vivo V40 Lite 5G starts at Php 15,999.

Visit Vivo stores nationwide or shop online via the Vivo website and Shopee to bring this powerful photography companion home today!

15th PhilSME Business Expo Takes on Innovation, Coalition and Client Relations to Help SMEs Grow

The PHILSME Business Expo is back for its 15th edition to showcase innovative business solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on November 22-23, 2024, 10 am- 6 pm at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The country’s largest business-to-business trade show for SMEs, start-up founders, and entrepreneurs returns following its successful two-day run in May.

With the theme “Unlock Upliftment: Taking on Innovation, Coalition and Excellent Client Relations for an Empowered Nation,” the trade show aims to highlight new and cutting-edge solutions and emphasize the importance of exceptional customer service to drive growth for businesses across the Philippines.

"We are honored to provide a platform where business owners can access innovative solutions, foster genuine connections, and reinforce the community in building long-lasting client relationships,” Philippine SME Business Expo CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla said.

Over 120 sponsors and exhibitors are expected to showcase 180 business solutions across various sectors such as finance, banking, advertising, healthcare, HR & recruitment, IT, payroll solutions, logistics, co-working spaces, franchising, telecommunications, AI solutions, Tourism, Business outsourcing solutions, Web Design services, and more.

Organized by Mediacom Solutions Inc., the event will also feature 30 keynotes and presentations by industry leaders and experts offering valuable insights and strategies to 9,000 business owners, aiming to help them boost their marketing, revenue, and business growth plans.

The 15th PHILSME Business Expo’s sponsors include Ai-CHA Ice Cream & Tea Philippines, QNE Software Philippines, Inc, Odoo, GCash for Business, Benchmark, Bossjob, Security Bank, and more.

In partnership with leading creative consultancy Design For Tomorrow, the re:brand Initiative will also be unveiled during the expo in November at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

The creative consultancy will be donating one full premium branding service to a chosen MSME.

For the full mechanics, visit www.philsme.com/rebrand

Register Now to Attend for FREE at https://www.philsme.com/visit-us/.

For Exhibition and Sponsorship inquiries, please contact Sunshine Sy at sunshine@philsme.com, text or call at 0968 569 8358, or visit the website at https://www.philsme.com/

Tech Innovations Secure Major Equity-Free Grants in Startup QC Cohort 3

November 2024 Quezon City, Philippines — The Quezon City Government awarded a total of Php 6 million in equity-free grants to six (6) local tech startups under the Startup QC Program to support and empower homegrown innovators as they create impactful solutions for various sectors.

The first and largest local government unit (LGU)-run startup program in the Philippines, Startup QC culminated in a Demo Day featuring tech-driven solutions aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges across various sectors.

The finalists surpass expectations with a remarkable diversity of innovations, tackling issues in creative industries, youth empowerment, education, disaster risk reduction, sustainability, finance, and information technology.

From an initial pool of 58 applicants, the final awardees were selected after a rigorous selection process, underwent group mentorship, and product development workshops, and received needs-based coaching with industry practitioners.

One standout finalist is Nyha Robotics, a promising team that first made waves as awardees in the recently launched Startup QC Student Competition. While a newer entrant, Nyha stood alongside seasoned entrepreneurs and experts in hopes of advancing their cause to make robotics education more accessible to children.

Other notable startups from this cohort include Callback, which aims to professionalize the casting process for cultural workers, and Kwentoon. This startup seeks to enhance youth literacy and promote Filipino contemporary arts through storytelling digital platforms.

Another set of groundbreaking startups include LITHOS Manufacturing, Pasajob, and RevUp Finance, each driving innovation in their respective fields. LITHOS tackles climate resilience with a compact, portable water filtration system that provides safe drinking water to remote or disaster-affected areas. Pasajob, branded in GCash as GJobs, accelerates job placements through a referral-based system that rewards users with referral fees.

Meanwhile, RevUp Finance revolutionizes SME financial operations by cutting invoicing and payment processing times by 80%. These startups exemplify the diverse solutions emerging from the StartUp QC program.

The Demo Day marked the culmination of an intense and inspiring journey, where these startups once again presented their business pitches. “Global scalability is within reach,” said Jay Gatmaitan, Head of the QC Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO), “as Quezon City continues to establish itself as a model for LGU-driven startup ecosystems.”

This year, the Program gained positive recognition, both locally and internationally, as a trailblazing initiative that nurtures tech innovation catching the attention of policymakers worldwide through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Youth Co: Lab. Representatives from various countries visited the Philippines to document Startup QC’s success for potential replication.

With the success of the Program, the city is exploring the creation of a startup incentives program to encourage more Filipinos and QCitizens to engage in entrepreneurship and technology development.

Further, the QC Government continues to work alongside key partners such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and tech-innovation incubators and hub - Launchgarage, whose invaluable guidance has contributed to the program’s growth.

“We are proud to see how these startups evolve and create meaningful sectoral transformation,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Quezon City remains proactive and open to cultivating a more vibrant environment for local talents, business, and economic development.”

As Quezon City celebrates its 85th founding anniversary, the Startup QC Program demonstrates the local government’s commitment to play an active and impactful role in shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurship and innovation.