Tag: Philippines

Manila, Philippines – Local food business group Figaro Coffee Group has announced that its board of directors has approved the change to rebrand as Figaro Culinary Group, according to a recent stock disclosure statement by the company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

According to the disclosure statement, said rebranding has been determined that it is in the best interest of the company to change its corporate name to better reflect its strategic vision and broaden its brand identity. 

“The proposed new name (Figaro Culinary Group) will outline the company’s commitment to quality and innovation as it expands its offerings to include a wide range of culinary products and experiences,” the company said.

Figaro Coffee Group consists of the coffeehouse chain Figaro Coffee, pizza chain Angel’s Pizza, Taiwanese food chain Tien-Ma’s, kebab shop Koobideh Kebabs, and gourmet coffee chain Cafe Portofino.

The group’s most popular brand is Figaro Coffee, a chain founded in 1993. As of this writing, the coffee chain has 90 outlets worldwide, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea.

Philippines – Around 80% of Filipino respondents consider free shipping to be the most important factor when shopping with online stores or retailers, a study by Shopify showed.

The study found that the free shipping feature is a must for the majority of Filipinos when making purchases online. Other key considerations for Filipino shoppers include using mobile apps for online shopping (46%) and free returns (45%).

Meanwhile, for in-store purchases, 66% of Filipinos said attentive staff is their top priority. Additionally, 57% emphasised the importance of sufficient stock, while 52% highlighted the need for attentive customer service.

Bjarati Balakrishnan, head and director for Southeast Asia and India at Shopify, said, “Experiences in the store are really changing rapidly because, you and I, when we walk into a store today, we pop out a marketplace and read the catalogue in detail before we decide what to buy. We’re not really relying on the salesman to tell us all the details, like we used to 10 years back.” 

She continued, “Invest in unified commerce, but please get your basics right before you enter the world of (augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence). Let’s get catalogue and content assortment, inventory, pricing, and promotions right.” 

“I definitely think mainly the present is omnichannel. How it evolves into being more unified, more driven by technology, more driven by a unified experience for customers, so they feel, no matter where they want to buy you, they can find you, is really what the future is,” Balakrishnan further noted.

Manila, Philippines – HAVAS Ortega has announced the appointment of Rozzaine Valenzuela as its new head of growth, and will also serve as the deputy general manager leading the Arena Media brand. Her track record in driving business development and implementing transformative strategies is poised to propel HAVAS Ortega to new heights.

In her new role, Rozzaine will lead initiatives to expand the agency’s client base and advance its service offerings. Additionally, she will oversee operations for the Arena Media to ensure that the agency integrates strategies that only deliver impactful results for its clients.

She brings with her 15 years of experience in the media and advertising field, having previously held roles at Mindshare, Publicis Media, and most recently a regional client leadership role for SEA and Taiwan.

Rozzaine’s appointment is effective immediately, and she will be working directly with the various specialty teams of the HAVAS Village.

Speaking on her appointment, she said, “I am thrilled to join HAVAS Ortega and Arena Media. This is an exciting opportunity for me, to work with an incredibly talented team and contribute to the growth of an agency that values creativity and innovation. I look forward to building strong relationships with our clients and making meaningful and impactful change.”

Meanwhile, Jos Ortega, CEO of HAVAS Ortega, expressed his enthusiasm about the newest member of the team, commenting, “HAVAS Ortega is in expansion mode, having recently launched two specialist brands and five new service offerings. To ensure success, we need talent of Rozzaine’s caliber. Her expertise and approach will be instrumental in strengthening our position as industry leaders.”

Lastly, Jay Lim, chief operating officer of HAVAS Media Network , also shared his thoughts on Rozzaine’s appointment, saying, “We are excited to welcome Rozzaine to our team. Her creativity and analytical skills align perfectly with our mission to deliver pioneering solutions that resonate with our clients and their audiences. I am confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to our growth and success.”

Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a new law on Wednesday that imposes a value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital services providers (DSPs), marking a significant step in regulating the digital economy and ensuring that global companies contribute to the Philippine market.

Republic Act (RA) 12023, a priority for the administration, establishes a 12% VAT on foreign DSPs like Netflix, Disney, and HBO, aimed at generating crucial additional revenue for the government.

President Marcos believes that the new law will create a more equitable environment for local service providers.

“If you are reaping the rewards of a fruitful digital economy here, it is only right that you also contribute to its growth. After all, whether you are a small tech startup or a global tech giant based halfway around the world, if you are making money here in the Philippines, you’re a part of our community, and with that comes a shared responsibility,” Marcos said in his message. 

According to the President, RA 12023 is projected to generate approximately PHP 105b in revenue over the next five years. This funding could be used to construct 42,000 classrooms, establish over 6,000 rural health units, and develop 7,000 kilometres of farm-to-market roads. 

Moreover, % of the revenue generated by this law will be dedicated to supporting the local creative industry.

“This means our artists, filmmakers, and musicians—the very people who fill our platforms with storage and the content—will directly benefit. It ensures that our creative talents are not just surviving in a competitive digital market but will be allowed by fairness and progress,” Marcos added. 

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian noted that the new law is anticipated to mitigate revenue losses by clarifying the tax obligations of non-resident digital service providers and resolving ambiguities present in the previous legislation.

In a statement, Gatchalian said, “We believe in the importance of creating an environment where our digital services providers, whether they are nonresident or local, operate under fair and square tax policies.”

Gatchalian further clarified that the new measure does not mean a new tax imposition.

“We are not imposing new taxes. We will only collect the tax that we should be collecting from foreign digital service providers,” he explained. 

Manila, Philippines – Manulife Philippines, a financial services provider, has launched the ‘Manulife Stories’ video series celebrating its customers’ achievements. The campaign, which tells the inspiring stories of six customers, reinforces Manulife’s ‘Where will better take you’ strategy and tagline.

Within the three-episode series, Manulife customers including Filipino celebrity and brand ambassador Anne Curtis share their personal stories of investing in themselves.

In the campaign, Curtis shares how she managed her pregnancy during the pandemic with the security of insurance. Marielle Malaga and Yvonne Reyes also shared how they were able to continue pursuing their dreams despite financial and emotional challenges. 

‘Manulife Stories’ can be viewed via the company’s YouTube channel.

“At the core of every insurance policy is a very human story. No matter the situation, we want our customers to feel supported and know we are looking after their dreams and those of their families,” Sonali Verma, chief marketing officer at Manulife Philippines, said. 

“It is heartwarming to hear our customers talk about how the Manulife team gave them the support and encouragement when they needed it most. Through ‘Manulife Stories,’ we hope to inspire more Filipinos to take proactive steps toward their financial security, knowing that Manulife will be their trusted partner in securing a better future,” Verma added.

Manulife recently unveiled its ‘Where will better take you’ brand strategy to reflect its mission of ‘Decisions Made Easier. Lives Made Better.’

Manila, Philippines – Disney Experiences’ outlet chain Disney Store is opening its first store in the Philippines, located at SM Mall of Asia, Level 1 North Main Mall. It is also worth noting that this is Disney Store’s first physical store in Southeast Asia.

As the official destination for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars merchandise, shoppers can expect a wide selection of authentic, high-quality toys, plush items, trendy apparel, costumes, home décor, and more, including exclusive products from Disney Parks. 

Inspired by iconic Disney moments, the store also features photo opportunities and sculptures of beloved characters like Disney Princesses, Queen Elsa, Winnie the Pooh, Spider-Man, Darth Vader, as well as Mickey Mouse & Friends.

Sara Grewal, vice president of retail at Disney Consumer Products Asia-Pacific, said, “We are thrilled that Disney fans in the Philippines can connect with their favorite characters in exciting new ways at Disney Store by SM, with thoughtful collections and retail elements. We look forward to bringing the magic of Disney closer to home for guests of all ages, and creating happiness for them every day.”

Meanwhile, Rose Marie Dylim, president of International Toy World Inc. (ITWI) commented, “Disney Store by SM is more than just a place to shop. In bringing Disney Store to one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, we aspire for it to become a welcoming retail destination where guests look forward to creating memories with their loved ones.”

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines and local fast food chain Mang Inasal have teamed up to launch the ‘Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines’, focusing on promoting gastronomy tourism in the Philippines.

From September 23 to 27, local and foreign tourists can enjoy a FREE 8oz. Extra Creamy Halo-Halo when they order Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho Large at Mang Inasal. To avail of this special dine-in offer, tourists simply need to present a valid ID along with a boarding pass or e-ticket dated between September 1 and 27.

The campaign was launched at an event attended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Gisella Romualdez-Quisumbing, as well as popular celebrities and influencers, including celebrity mom from General Santos City Melai Cantiveros-Francisco; Blackman Family, featuring Australian father Joshua, Filipino mother Jeraldine, and their charming children Nimo and Jette; Japanese content creator, actor, and recording artist FuMi; and Canadian-Filipino explorer Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann of Becoming Filipino vlog. 

Each guest shared their love for the distinct flavours of Mang Inasal, highlighting how its signature dishes have become an essential part of their joyful travels around the Philippines.

“The Department of Tourism recognizes the vital role that gastronomy plays in promoting our culture, and we are so glad that Mang Inasal is a key partner in enhancing Filipino cuisine as part of our national identity. As we celebrate World Tourism Week, let us emphasize how food does not only serve as a culinary experience, it also serves as an avenue to connect people, promote appreciation of culture and drive economic development,” Quisumbing said.

Meanwhile, Mike V. Castro, president at Mang Inasal, commented, “Food connects people, and at Mang Inasal, we’re proud to be a part of that connection for tourists visiting the Philippines. We’re excited to share the flavours of the Philippines with the world. Every bite of Chicken Inasal, every spoonful of Halo-Halo, connects tourists to the heart of our culture, making their travels more meaningful and unforgettable.”

Manila, Philippines – Pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu in the Philippines has kicked off its ‘Campus Connect: THE VIU UNIVERSITY INVASION’ initiative, an interactive campus tour designed to engage university students through a series of activities across Manila highlighting the diversity of Asian entertainment.

Said on-campus experience aims to bring Viu’s popular titles to students at Manila’s top universities, as well as enhance students’ daily routines by offering engaging experiences that introduce them to Viu’s diverse range of Asian entertainment. 

The event will kick off at the National University Mall of Asia Campus on September 25, 2024, coinciding with their NU MOA Talent Competition, and then continue to the Arellano University’s Legarda Campus on October 24, 2024, during the AU Showdown 2024.

The Viu Campus Connect event features a variety of engaging activities designed to captivate students and create memorable experiences. At the Viu Photo Corner, students can capture selfies and share them using the hashtags #ViuCampusConnect and #EnjoytheViu, as well as their school’s name. 

Moreover, students can also win rewards by participating in the Viu Pop Quiz, which will test their knowledge of Viu Dramas, and by joining the Viu Pick a Prize activity by liking and following Viu’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The ‘Man on Campus’ segment will offer spontaneous Q&A sessions and more surprises, keeping the excitement alive throughout the event.

Lastly, the event offers a refreshing break from academics with engaging activities, exclusive prizes, and a chance to join a growing community of Viu enthusiasts. Interested college students can follow Viu’s social media channels for updates on the tour schedule.

Philippines – Cignal TV, the pay-TV provider in the Philippines, has strengthened its partnership with Quickplay to deliver a wider range of content across new platforms, including Android set-top boxes (STBs), enhancing the viewing experience for Filipino audiences.

As part of its innovation strategy, Cignal TV is harnessing Quickplay’s cloud-native, open-architecture OTT platform to elevate its Cignal Play service through the launch of the Cignal Play TV Android set-top box.

The new device serves as an all-in-one entertainment hub, combining various tiers of Cignal TV’s live and on-demand content with pre-installed apps like Pilipinas Live, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Go, VIU, and Lionsgate. These services are also accessible regardless of the user’s broadband provider, ensuring a seamless and diverse entertainment experience for users.

Gerard L. Milan, first vice president and chief revenue officer for Cignal TV, said, “Cignal TV is committed to delivering content that our customers love across the various platforms and screens that they use, combining our vast library with that of leading streaming apps.”

“The versatility and flexibility of the Quickplay platform have enabled us to expedite the integration of new services and availability of our content on Android devices. This will serve as the foundation for further content, product, and business model offerings in the future,” added Milan. 

Paul Pastor, chief business officer and co-founder of Quickplay, said, “Strategies that make a wide variety of content available on subscriber-owned devices are essential to MVPD’s continued ownership of the living room. Cignal TV is using the power of our cloud-native platform and its existing content relationships to launch game-changing Android STB services that will enhance their competitive position in the Philippines and address the needs of its Filipino community.”

Cignal TV’s transition to the Quickplay platform in 2022 brought significant improvements, including enhanced streaming performance, streamlined content management, and a user experience that quickly earned praise on Google Play. A year later, the same platform powered the launch of Pilipinas Live, a sports service aimed at Filipino viewers globally.

Quickplay’s OTT platform supports service launches and telco migration strategies to IPTV, enabling scalable cloud applications with advanced technologies like containers and microservices. This technology stack offers superior performance, modular feature expansion, rapid iteration, and built-in scalability and security. Leading OTT providers and telcos, including sports giants MSG+ and YES, as well as Cignal TV in the Philippines, leverage Quickplay to deliver flexible and agile services that match or surpass broadcast reliability and performance.

Manila, Philippines – Grab in the Philippines has announced the appointment of Ronald Roda, most recently the company’s chief operating officer, as its new country manager. He replaces Grace Vera Cruz as she takes on a regional role as head of regional corporate strategy.

In his previous role, Roda led the GrabCar business for over six years. Under his leadership, Grab expanded its reach from 8 cities to over 200 cities in the Philippines since 2018, making Grab’s services accessible to millions more Filipinos. 

Moreover, during the pandemic, when the GrabCar business was temporarily shut down, he adapted swiftly to sustain business operations and transforming it into a more reliable and affordable service post-pandemic.

Meanwhile, Cruz will continue to be based in the Philippines in her regional capacity, to ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity. Her ongoing presence signifies her continued commitment to supporting the Philippine market and strengthening Grab’s long-standing partnerships.

Speaking on his new role, Roda said, “I am honoured to take on the role of country head for Grab Philippines, and I am committed to continuing the great work and building on the strong relationships established under Grace’s leadership. My goal is to continue making Grab a true partner for growth, providing innovative solutions that benefit Filipinos across the nation.”

He added, “Together, we will further enhance the quality of life for our consumers and driver-partners, and strengthen the pathways for success for our MSMEs and corporate partners, ensuring that Grab remains a vital contributor to the Philippines’ socio-economic development.”

Meanwhile, Cruz commented, “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, collaboration, trust, and openness from all our partners and stakeholders who have believed in Grab’s success during my tenure. Reflecting on the commitment I made when I joined Grab, I am proud of the strides we have made together to drive innovation, enhance services, and uplift the lives of Filipinos.”

She added, “As I transition to my new regional role, I am filled with confidence, optimism, and excitement for Grab Philippines and our new country head. Ronald’s dedication and deep understanding of the industry make him the perfect leader for this next chapter. I encourage everyone to extend to him the same level of support and trust that you have generously given me as we continue our journey to drive growth and success for Grab and the Filipino community.”