Tag: Philippines

Manila, Philippines – Leading recommerce group in Greater Southeast Asia, Carousell, recently held its Caroupreneur Awards in the Philippines. The Caroupreneur Awards recognises a wide variety of outstanding achievements of ‘Carousellers’ over the past year, ranging from entrepreneurs who started or scaled their businesses online, to brick-and-mortar retailers who digitalised their businesses, and everyday casual sellers who wanted to find valuable use for their pre-loved items and supplement their income.

This is the second iteration of the Caroupreneur Awards where the pioneer awards was held in its home country, Singapore, last year. The regional awards event, which now includes the Philippines and Hong Kong, will be recognising a total of 182 users on the platform’s wide array of product categories for their outstanding achievements throughout 2021.

A physical awards show for the Philippines was held in Manila on 1 September. Winners of the awards were determined through a judging panel made up of Marcus Tan, co-founder of Carousell; Djon Nacario, GM of Carousell Philippines, and Vishal Salunkhe, VP of Seller Success Operations at Carousell.

On the importance of the recognition exercise, Djon Nacario, GM of Carousell Philippines, shared with MARKETECH APAC, “We wanted to recognise the best of the best in Carousell because we recognise that Carousell is not simply a platform in order for sellers to sell, but it’s actually a platform of ‘possibilities’. We’ve seen throughout the years, even during the pandemic, that a lot of our sellers actually resorted to a lot of creativity, and really translated to passion in order to get, I would say, sources of revenue or sources of funds, especially during the difficult time.”

He added, “And we just really wanted to celebrate that type of ingenuity, and also at the same time, recognise the best practices that our top sellers have been doing on our platform in order to inspire more people to start selling and learn from them.”

The Carousell Group lauded the winners and finalists in the categories of Autos, Property for Sale, Property for Rent, Home Services, Men’s Fashion, Women’s Fashion, Electronics, Furniture and Home Living, Toys and Games, and K-Wave. Meanwhile, the Group also named the seller for its top award – Caroupreneur of the Year 2021 – as well as a special award for the Most Meaningful User Story of the Year. The shortlisted sellers were identified through a mix of qualitative and quantitative criteria, such as quality of listings, reviews, creativity, and brand story.

Seller Katherine Mae A. Cipriano, who sold electronics and gadgets through her Carousell page, @TekiCashGadgetsph, was the one who won the Caroupreneur Award of the Year for Best in Carousell: Electronics.

Cipriano shared with MARKETECH APAC her tips for aspiring sellers, and said that it’s all about just making the jump and carving out your first step in selling.

“Actually, I can’t believe that I won, I even thought that it was a dummy account who was chatting with me [about the win], because ever since I started selling gadgets, it’s really my first time receiving an award like this and to add to that – 2 awards,” she said.

Cipriano, whose main source of funds is through the platform, added, “Carousell is really a big help, especially if you just start selling because you will learn to like what you’re doing especially when you’re already earning.”

Full list of winners can be found on Carousell’s website.

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine-based buy-now-pay-later platform, BillEase, has partnered with OpenFabric, a technology company that builds infrastructure for payments and financial services, to launch its new integration stack for large enterprise merchants and payment gateways looking for same-day integration of BNPL service. This will allow any business to rapidly offer instalment payment plans for their customers. 

Through this solution, merchants can use BillEase’s agnostic software development kit (SDK), which is powered by OpenFabric, to easily add BillEase to their platform. The new stack allows merchant technical teams to deploy a BNPL solution in just one to three days, versus the usual integration that takes months to complete, hence saving about 95% of developer time.

Georg Steiger, CEO and co-founder of BillEase, commented that they are excited to launch this integration solution with OpenFabric to further smoothen the integration work for merchants looking for an instalment option at checkout.

“We continue to develop and launch new ways for merchants to easily launch point-of-sale financing without spending too much time and effort integrating our platform,” said Steiger.

Meanwhile, Soma Ramasamy, CEO and co-founder of OpenFabric, shared that at OpenFabric, they help fintech companies to accelerate their merchant acceptance footprint at scale via simple and quick integrations.

“We’re excited to introduce this solution with BillEase and accelerate their merchant onboarding process by providing a quick and easily implementable solution for all kinds of merchants’ shopping carts and payment platforms,” said Ramasamy.

Manila, Philippines – Courier delivery services Flash Express in the Philippines has launched a local campaign to offer sustainable business opportunities for local MSMEs as well as long-term commitment to its employees.

Through the Flash Express’ ‘Juan Asenso’ Campaign, Flash Express’ partners and customers will have better support in terms of business training and access to the Flash Home Branch System and Flash Express Key Account (KA) System, respectively.

Flash Express announced in August that it has reached a total of 1,000 Flash Home Partners across the country after eight (8) months from its soft launch last December 2021.

Flash Home is another business opportunity opened by Flash Express to enable budding entrepreneurs and MSMEs to generate income at a minimal investment cost. Through Flash Home, Filipinos intending to start their own business could utilise their residential or commercial spaces as drop-off points. 

During the internal launch of Flash Express’ ‘Juan Asenso’ Campaign, Flash Express’ Consultant Alvin Chew, said that one year is not enough to showcase what Flash Express can bring. He reiterated that this year is just the beginning of a more promising future for the company including its stakeholders, customers, clients, business partners, and its employees. 

“Within a span of one year, Flash Express was able to achieve several milestones within the frame of the company’s vision and goals. We were able to expand all over the Philippines in just a couple of months after we kicked off our operations, we were able to disrupt the market, and most importantly, we were able to improve the logistics industry in the country”, Chew said.

Flash Express aims to further improve its overall operations by putting in extensive support to its manpower, expanding business tie-ups, and acquiring more customers to increase more parcel volume by utilising its resources to continuously provide more employment and business opportunities among Filipinos.

The Philippines – MARKETECH APAC‘s What’s NEXT returns this year with a stronger push to bring the industry together through a variety of knowledge-sharing activities. MARKETECH APAC will continue to feature thought-leadership articles written by renowned marketing leaders to cover various marketing areas, as it did last year.

With MARKETECH APAC‘s ongoing push to create relevant video content, we will gather the best in the industry this year and sit down with them to discuss how marketers can prepare for the upcoming year of marketing opportunities and challenges.

On November 3, 2022, What’s NEXT 2023 will kick off with a regional webinar, What’s NEXT: Events in Asia Pacific, in collaboration with event tech platform, Hubilo. On November 8, in partnership with influencer marketing platform Vamp, another regional webinar, What’s Next: Influencer Marketing in APAC, will be held.

True to its mission of creating a well-connected marketing community in Asia Pacific, What’s NEXT 2023 concludes with a two-day hybrid conference, What’s NEXT 2023: Marketing in Asia Pacific, on February 21-22, with at least 120 physical attendees in Manila and 1,500 virtual attendees from various markets in Asia Pacific.

The conference will spark offline and online discussions about digital, e-commerce, customer engagement, CX, esports, research, B2B, metaverse, and other relevant topics that will help marketers future-proof marketing strategies.

MARKETECH APAC’s What’s NEXT 2023 will be a go-to platform for checking out the marketing industry’s new trends, opportunities, and challenges to be explored in the region through this holistic approach.

Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates on the hybrid conference.

Please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a partner.

Manila, Philippines – Uniquecorn Strategies, a PR agency based in the Philippines, has launched a new PR and marketing arm called ‘Blockceler8’, as part of a larger effort to expand its offering focused on blockchain, crypto, NFT, Web3, GameFi, and Metaverse projects.

The new marketing arm began operations with a focus on communications and marketing for cryptocurrency businesses. It employs engaging long-term marketing practices to bring cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to the forefront.

Additionally, Blockceler8 offers services that revolve around educating the audience, including full-stack public relations services, thought-leader marketing, commentary, content marketing, and branding. The agency also provides social media and forums management.

Uniquecorn Strategies said that its genuine interest in disruptive technology motivates its team of marketing experts to employ engaging strategies that will allow companies to reach more customers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders. The power of storytelling is central to the growth of its clients, and it wanted to bring this to its existing web3 clients, such as Tetrix Network, Moneybees, and The Mega Maxi, which will be transferred under the management of Blockceler8.

Dean Bernales, CEO and managing director of Uniquecorn Strategies, said, “The blockchain space is fueled by innovation, so as much as we like to be tech-savvy, we still want to keep its human element. Blockcele8 uses the power of information and persuasive communication to relate crypto to the masses.”

Moreover, Uniquecorn Strategies has promoted co-founder Irene Manansala as its new associate director, a step up from her position as public relations manager. In this new role, Manansala will be leading all Uniquecorn Strategies’ communications, including building the company’s reputation, managing client relationships and long-term partnerships, and developing sustainable communication strategies.

Manansala brings nearly seven years of experience working in advertising and PR to the company. She has worked with companies across various sectors, managing their projects, events, campaigns, and relationships with clientele including Johnson & Johnson (Johnson’s Baby line, Modess, Trade & Marketing, Shopper Marketing, and Retail), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Aventis Philippines, Cignal TV, TV 5 Network, and Reckitt Benckiser Philippines, as well as Mead Johnson, and Petron Corporation, amongst many others.

On her appointment, Bernales commented, “Irene’s extensive communication experience with a very open and collaborative approach to team building and management is something that is necessary and of great importance, as we execute on the next chapter of our company’s future.”

Manila, Philippines – The previously-announced historic partnership between ABS-CBN and TV5 has been paused by both companies following concerns raised by regulators and lawmakers alike.

In a joint statement, ABS-CBN and TV5 said that the pause will give the space for both media organisations to respond to the issues, and accommodate any relevant changes to the terms.

“Both ABS-CBN and TV5 believe that an agreement between the two media companies will have a favourable impact on Philippine media, and on free-to-air television—which remains the most affordable and extensive source of entertainment and public service to Filipinos,” both companies stated.

Through the previously announced partnership, ABS-CBN Corp will acquire 6,459,393 primary (new) common shares in TV5, representing around 34.99% of the total voting and outstanding capital stock of TV5 for PHP2.16b.

In addition, cable and satellite TV subsidiaries of ABS-CBN and PLDT also entered into a similar deal. Cignal Cable Corp, under MediaQuest, said it was acquiring 38.88% of Sky Cable Corp, under ABS-CBN, for PHP2.862b.

In a report by Inquirer, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said that Congress should look into the previous allegations brought to ABS-CBN and its holding company Lopez Holdings during the 2020 Congress session on the media giant’s franchise, including tax payments and foreign ownership that ABS-CBN had refuted before.

In addition, Sagip party list lawmaker Rodante Marcoleta, who was one of the primary Congress members that forced ABS-CBN out of air in 2020, delivered a privilege speech against the deal. This was then followed by three members of the House of Representatives filing separate resolutions to investigate the deal.

ABS-CBN has been forced off-air in 2020 after failing to renew its franchise and heavy scrutiny from Congress over alleged foreign ownership of the media giant.

Manila, Philippines – On August 12 in Manila, Vishnu Mohan, industry veteran in marketing and previously CEO of Havas Group for APAC markets, together with his C-suite team, officially launched his integrated digital and marketing agency, Avyan, in the Philippines. The media launch, which took place in Makati, was graced by Partner & CEO Valli Lakshmanan, Partner & Chief Growth Officer Jack Lim, Chief Strategy Officer Ed Mapa Jr., Chief Technology Officer Art Gabriel, and the company’s country head for the Philippines, Kaye Enriquez.

Mohan first introduced the firm exactly a year ago, being upfront about his goal of making the Philippines its regional hub – a fresh new move from the usual direction of regional companies making Singapore their centre of operations 

At present, Avyan in the Philippines is 30+ strong, with plans to further beef up the team count, said Mohan to MARKETECH APAC. So far, brands that Avyan in the Philippines has done work for are local bank RCBC, blockchain-based company AltSwitch, and PH leg of insurance provider AIA. 

In the media launch, Avyan’s leaders presented the agency’s core mission of helping ‘to design the future’. Avyan is a collective that invests in start-ups by helping them achieve their goals of growing their potential through designing and building products that enhance the digital landscape. 

With its goal of working towards “advancing human possibilities through design and technology,” Avyan presents its extensive capabilities roster which includes strategy formulation, design, coding, data, media practice, and commerce and content creation. 

In a brief interview with MARKETECH APAC, Founder and Chairman Vishnu Mohan shared that in line with making Manila their regional hub, they will be continuing to build a very strong design and tech team. He shared that they have brought in roles such as head of technology which had not been present a year ago. 

Regarding playing in the competitive market, Mohan said, “I’m not worried about the competition because I’m not trying to compete against anybody, to be honest…I said my aim is to give back to society. I want to do good work.”

Meanwhile, in the press statement, Partner & CEO Valli Lakshmanan commented, “Best way to predict the future is by creating it. As tomorrow builders, we, at Avyan, focus on designing a relevant, commercially successful future for our clients by creating products and services touched by millions of people worldwide. Our strength is our people and the love for what we do.”

Country Head Kaye Enriquez said, “We are all bound by the same purpose. And we will always strive to design experiences that will allow brands to stay relevant to their customers now and tomorrow. Our ultimate goal is to drive business outcomes for our clients, no matter how big or small.” 

Mohan also candidly shared the meaning behind Avyan’s name, which is in fact, a variation of his own – ‘Vishnu’ – which means perfection. 

Avyan currently has operations in Singapore, India, and the Philippines, with plans to expand into Indonesia and Vietnam, shared Mohan. 

Manila, Philippines – Pizza Hut in the Philippines recently launched a new ad campaign featuring popular Filipino boyband SB19. The new ‘Make It Great’ campaign is the brand’s attempt to reach out to the younger market segment. 

Chacha Juino, COO of PPI Holdings, said, “Pizza Hut is great barkada fare and given this, we wanted to make the brand more relevant by connecting to our younger market. We believe that SB19 can effectively connect with this young market, which makes them a perfect partner for Pizza Hut.” 

“SB19 is the hottest P-Pop band right now not just locally but they’re also being celebrated in the global scene with sold-out virtual concerts and millions of fans,” Junio added.

She also shared that the idea of getting SB19 came from Araneta Group Chairman Jorge Araneta himself. The Araneta Group is the owner of the Pizza Hut franchise in the Philippines.

According to Juinio, Araneta was very impressed by SB19’s virtual concert, which was held at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abigail Marzan, business director of Havas Media, which led in developing the campaign further explained that “the brand wanted to make itself more relevant. To do that, they needed to become younger and more ‘everyday’. SB19 had that massive and young appeal combined with their music makes them the perfect brand endorsers.”

The new Pizza Hut ad is about turning good times with friends into something great with the help of the delicious pan pizza. The TVC features Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin singing a new Pizza Hut jingle based off SB19’s hit song ‘Go Up’. A music video, which is an extended version of the ad, was also released. 

Integrated media and creative agency Havas Ortega said it was a “treat” to work with Pizza Hut on the new campaign. After being away from their friends for more than two years, young people are craving to reconnect ‘IRL’, and the agency wanted to be part of those moments, expressed its Executive Creative Director Angie Tijam-Tohid.

She adds, “So, we designed the campaign to be a delightful experience in every way for our audience. The video is a feast for the senses – a hit track, enjoyable dance choreography, and the young idols having fun while prepping pizza. After watching, it will really make you crave for your fave Pizza Hut [flavours]. That’s why we’ve made it easier for our viewers to get their fill simply by scanning the QR code at the end and have it delivered to their doorstep — it’s a music video they can directly order from.”

Tohid also hinted that this is just the start of the collaboration and that more “treats” will be coming out in the future.

United States – ABS-CBN, a media giant in the Philippines, has been reportedly planning an international expansion by opening its new office in Los Angeles, California.

ABS-CBN’s actress Sharon Cuneta broke the news on her official Facebook page by reposting a job ad by Cinema Sala, a platform showcasing Filipino and Filipino-American work in film and the performing arts. It said that the network is planning a physical office in Hollywood, and is looking for an assistant/coordinator.

According to recent news by Bilyonaryo, the international expansion comes after ABS-CBN signed a landmark investment deal with TV5, another media giant in the country under Manny Pangilinan.

“The goal of opening the LA office is to develop, collect, and curate material to produce from Hollywood, for the US and the world,” said Cinema Sala in the job ad.

Manila, Philippines – To celebrate COMCO Southeast Asia‘s sixth anniversary, the integrated communications agency based in the Philippines has unveiled its new global headquarters in Makati, the business capital of the Philippines, as part of its expansion. 

The new headquarters will house COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ current and upcoming ventures – COMCO SEA, COMCO Middle East & Africa (MEA), Camp COMCO Alumni Society, and Citizen COMCO Advocacy Program, as well as SEA Wave Pop Culture Studio, and Taro Digital AOX.

Each area is inspired by different pop culture references rooted in COMCO’s love for movies, series, music, books, and all the emerging platforms out there. The COMCO SEA workstation is called the ‘Millennium Falcon’, while the executive office is dubbed the ‘Cerebro’. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the areas are ‘Rivendel’ for the Corporate Services Unit, ‘Black Castle’ for the Digital and Multimedia Arts Unit, ‘Watch Tower Hall’ for the conference room, ‘Bifrost Bridge’ for the reception, and ‘Room of Requirements’ for the stock room, as well as ‘Wooley Hall’ for the lounge area. 

Following its launch during COMCO SEA’s Blazing Sapphire anniversary event last year, COMCO Middle East and Africa is now in full blast servicing various brands in the market. In its first year, COMCO MEA has already worked with notable brands in the Middle East such as Buono Buono, Nolte, Open Thrill, Paus, and POPC Live!, as well as Red Shrimp, and TruCARE, amongst many others.

Moreover, COMCO MEA, together with COMCO SEA, also recently conducted property roadshows for Philippine property firm RLC Residences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as amongst the group’s first of many synergy initiatives.

COMCO SEA also continued to strengthen its client portfolio for its sixth year, winning major accounts in recent inter-agency pitches for premiere brands/organisations such as MR. DIY, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Lenovo, as well as Skechers, and Lalamove, amongst others.