SOCIAL MEDIA

ALPAS Consultancy Triumphs at 21st Philippine Quill Awards with 5 Wins

Monday, September 1, 2025


Public relations and public affairs consultancy firm ALPAS made an impressive debut at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, securing five wins, including an Excellence Award and a Top Division Award. The prestigious recognition ceremony was held last August 27 at The Manila Hotel, celebrating the country’s top communicators.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards honor communication programs that drive impact through creativity and strategy. ALPAS stood out in the Communication Training and Education division, winning an Excellence Award and a Top Division Award for its CSR initiative, “The Struggle Is Real: Crisis Communications Training.” The program empowered public servants and youth leaders to fight misinformation and champion truth in today’s challenging digital landscape.

The agency also bagged a Merit Award for Corporate Writing with its TALAKAYAN Series, a campaign designed to simplify complex political narratives ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. By making nuanced political information accessible, the initiative bridged the gap between government communications and public understanding.

Another highlight was ALPAS’ Health Connect Forum for Sanofi Vaccines Philippines, which received a Merit Award for Audio/Visual Communications. In collaboration with the Philippine Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), the campaign tackled persistent misinformation on immunization and emphasized the importance of vaccines in saving lives.

The consultancy also earned a Merit Award for Social Media Programs with its digital campaign “Batang Bakunado, Todong Protektado!” for the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with USAID and the Johns Hopkins Center for Communications Programs. The initiative provided parents with accurate and accessible information on COVID-19 vaccination for children, dispelling myths and underscoring the importance of community protection.

“To be recognized on our first entry at the Philippine Quill Awards is incredibly meaningful to us and to our whole team,” said Marzie Marzan, ALPAS Co-founder and CEO. “These awards validate the outcomes we’ve achieved to move society forward. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to telling more meaningful stories in the coming years.”

Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Atty. Carlo Escalada added, “Our wins affirm our philosophy of creating work that uplifts Filipinos and contributes to national development. These awards highlight the dedication of a team committed to building a better Philippines.”

The Philippine Quill victories follow ALPAS’ recent recognition at the Golden Standard Awards in Singapore, where it won two awards for Public Service Campaign and NGO Engagement. These back-to-back achievements reinforce ALPAS’ mission of raising the standards of PR and strategic communications in the Philippines and beyond.
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InLife Named One of Asia’s Best Places to Work for the 3rd Straight Year


A Milestone for the Philippines’ First Homegrown Life Insurer

Big wins keep coming for Insular Life (InLife), the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company. For the third consecutive year, InLife has been recognized as one of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia—a prestigious award that highlights organizations with outstanding workplace culture, employee engagement, and HR practices.

Beyond the main recognition, InLife also brought home two special honors: the Most Caring Company Award and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award, solidifying its reputation as an employer that values people just as much as performance.

Leading with People-First Culture

InLife President and CEO Raoul E. Littaua shared that these recognitions are not only achievements for the company but also a reflection of the employees who live out its purpose. “These awards are a tribute to our employees who embody our brand promise of leading Filipinos to A Lifetime for Good. As we celebrate 115 years of service, this recognition inspires us to continue our mission of bringing the benefits of life insurance to more Filipinos.”

More Regional Honors from HR Excellence Awards

The streak of recognition doesn’t end there. Earlier this month, InLife was also awarded at the HR Excellence Awards, another regional program celebrating innovative HR strategies. The company earned three silver awards in the categories of:

  • Employee Advocacy and Brand Ambassadors
  • HR Communication Strategy
  • Best HR Team

InLife also stood out as a finalist for multiple categories, including Employer of the Year, Employee Engagement, Workplace Wellbeing, Cross Generational Workforce Engagement, and Employee Volunteerism.

In an era when employees value not just salaries but also workplace culture, inclusivity, and personal growth, InLife’s consistent recognition sets an example for other Filipino companies. Its 115-year history shows that a business can thrive while also nurturing its people — proof that success and compassion can go hand in hand.

Being named one of Asia’s Best Places to Work for three years in a row is no small feat. For InLife, it’s a validation of its employee-first philosophy and a reminder that empowered employees are the strongest advocates of its mission to lead Filipinos toward “A Lifetime for Good.”
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PLDT, Smart Inspire Youth as Climate Champions


Inspiring the Next Generation of Eco-Leaders

When it comes to saving the planet, small actions can create a big ripple effect. This is why PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), launched the Xtrash Challenge School Partnership Program—a campaign that turns today’s youth into tomorrow’s climate champions.

Aligned with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) call for stronger environmental stewardship, the program engaged students of Nemesio I. Yabut Senior High School and Maximo Estrella Senior High School in Makati City through interactive sessions on responsible waste management and disaster preparedness. To help turn these lessons into habits, PLDT and Smart also donated recycling bins to the schools during their Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Week celebration.

Building Habits for a Sustainable Future

Kristine G. Gonzalez-Catague, Head for Environment, Health and Safety at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the right tools and mindset. “By fostering good habits and character through programs like the Xtrash Challenge, we are investing in the next generation of climate champions who will lead the way in building a healthier and more sustainable Philippines.”

For Maximo Estrella SHS Principal Michael Lorenzana, the collaboration is more than just an environmental drive, it’s a shared responsibility. “Students, teachers, and the entire school community must realize the significant role of everyone in ensuring that our environment and its resources will continue to be experienced by future generations of Filipino learners.”

Meanwhile, Fernan Placino, Assistant Principal II of Nemesio I. Yabut SHS, connected the initiative to the urgent realities of climate change. “The planet is getting warmer, storms are stronger and floods are worse. Disaster preparedness isn’t just about drills—it’s about knowing how to protect yourselves and your community, because one day, you might be the one to lead others to safety.”

Why It Matters for Filipino Communities

The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. From stronger typhoons to rising flood risks, these challenges directly affect Filipino families and communities. By engaging the youth early, programs like the Xtrash Challenge ensure that future leaders are not only academically equipped but also climate-aware and action-driven.

A Step Toward Global Climate Goals

The Xtrash Challenge also reinforces PLDT and Smart’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. By weaving environmental education into schools and supporting sustainable practices, the initiative shows how corporate partnerships can drive national efforts in climate resilience.

Climate action starts at home, in classrooms, and in communities. With PLDT and Smart’s Xtrash Challenge, Filipino students are learning that protecting the planet isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a calling they can lead with confidence.


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MakatiMed Earns Three Wins at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards

Sunday, August 31, 2025


Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) shined at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards held on August 27, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, as it brought home three prestigious honors that reaffirm its commitment to communication excellence, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is regarded as one of the country’s most esteemed programs that recognize world-class communication practices across industries.

MakatiMed was lauded for the launch of its da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, a milestone under the Communication Skills Division, Special and Experiential Events category. The system’s precision-driven technology allows for quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and the ability to perform advanced treatments in Urology, Hepatobiliary, and Gynecology. The launch highlighted MakatiMed’s leadership in ushering the future of surgery in the Philippines, placing patient care and innovation at the forefront.

The hospital’s 2023 Annual Report titled Breakthrough: Recognizing Opportunities and Reinventing Innovations also earned recognition under the Publications category. The report highlighted the institution’s resilience and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare landscape, presenting achievements in patient-centered initiatives, innovation, financial performance, and policies that strengthened its role as a leader in healthcare excellence.

Further, MakatiMed was honored for its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Program Webinar Series and Sustaining Initiatives under the Corporate Social Responsibility – Sustainability Communications category. Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 for Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4 for Quality Education, the initiatives emphasized that sustainable healthcare requires a collective effort. By sharing ESG knowledge with stakeholders and its value chain, the hospital demonstrated its commitment to environmental and social responsibility while promoting better health outcomes.

These recognitions underscore MakatiMed’s unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare through innovation, communication, and sustainability. With its three Quill Awards, the hospital once again proves that excellence in healthcare extends beyond medical treatment—it also thrives in how it communicates, educates, and cares for the community.

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LBC and Kimstore Partner to Power Nationwide E-Commerce Deliveries


Two of the country’s most trusted pioneers are joining forces to elevate the Filipino e-commerce experience. LBC Express Holdings Inc. (LBC), the Philippines’ leading logistics and courier provider, has officially partnered with Kimstore, the nation’s most trusted online electronics and lifestyle store, to bring faster and more reliable deliveries to customers nationwide.

Under this collaboration, LBC will handle the last-mile delivery for Kimstore.com, ensuring that every order arrives with speed, security, and the trusted reliability that both brands are known for. This partnership arrives at a pivotal time, as the Philippine e-commerce market is projected to hit USD 16.75 billion in 2025, fueled by mobile-first shopping, live selling, and rising consumer demand for quick and seamless services.

For Kimstore, the move provides a logistics backbone that strengthens its promise of delivering authentic gadgets and lifestyle products at competitive prices. Since 2006, Kimstore has been a trailblazer in Philippine digital retail, building its reputation long before giants like Lazada and Shopee emerged. With its guarantee of authenticity, accessible pricing, and personalized customer service, Kimstore has built a loyal following of Filipino shoppers who value trust and convenience.

On the logistics front, LBC brings 75 years of expertise and a vast network of over 1,300 branches nationwide. Known for pioneering door-to-door delivery and full cargo solutions, LBC remains the country’s most trusted logistics provider, serving both urban centers and the most remote communities across the islands.

“Partnering with LBC is a natural fit for Kimstore,” said Kim Lato, Founder and CEO of Kimstore. “Both of our brands are pioneers in our industries, and we share the same commitment to trust and reliability. At Kimstore, our mission has always been to make technology more accessible. With LBC, whose mantra is ‘We Like To Move It,’ every order is moved with care and dedication. Together, we create a seamless journey from browsing online to unboxing at home.”

By combining LBC’s logistics leadership with Kimstore’s digital retail expertise, the partnership sets a new benchmark for e-commerce in the Philippines. For millions of Filipino consumers, this means a smoother, faster, and more dependable shopping experience — from checkout to doorstep.
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Igloo and Skyro Launch Flood and Fire Insurance for Filipinos This ‘Ber’ Month


As the Philippines enters the storm-prone “ber” months, Filipinos brace themselves for heavy rains, strong winds, and floods that often cause devastating losses. To help households stay protected, insurtech company Igloo and fintech lender Skyro have teamed up once again—this time to launch their fifth insurance product, designed to cover floods, fires, and personal accidents.

Climate Disasters and the Protection Gap

From overflowing rivers like Marikina’s to powerful typhoons such as Crising, Dante, and Emong, millions of Filipinos face repeated displacement and damage each year. According to the NDRRMC, nearly 9.7 million people were affected by combined storm and monsoon impacts recently.

Yet, insurance penetration in the Philippines—and much of ASEAN—remains below 10%. This leaves many families financially vulnerable, struggling to recover after disasters.

The Igloo–Skyro partnership aims to close this gap by making affordable, accessible coverage part of everyday financial services.

Skyro Personal Accident VAS: Coverage Made Simple

The new Skyro Personal Accident VAS is available to Skyro’s 700,000+ active loan customers nationwide. For a minimal premium, users can purchase the plan via the Skyro app—either directly or bundled with loan applications at dynamic pricing based on credit scores.

Coverage includes:
  • Protection against fire and flood-related property loss
  • Accidental death or disablement
  • Daily hospital income
  • Coverage for unprovoked murder and assault
  • Accidental burial assistance

“This product ensures families don’t have to start from zero each time a typhoon strikes,” said John Chen, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Thailand. “By embedding insurance into financial products, we bring protection closer to those who need it most.”

Insurance that Meets Filipinos Where They Are

For Skyro, the goal is to provide peace of mind when disasters hit unexpectedly. “Disasters don’t give families time to prepare financially,” shared Dmitriy Vavulidi, Head of Product at Skyro. “That’s why we’re offering coverage that’s simple, reliable, and easy to access.”

By combining financial technology with insurtech innovation, Igloo and Skyro continue to expand protection for underserved Filipinos—helping them face climate risks not just with resilience, but with real financial security.
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EastWest Ageas Wins Bronze at 2025 HR Excellence Awards for Hybrid Work Program

 

EastWest Ageas Recognized for Addressing Workforce Challenges

EastWest Ageas, a fast-growing player in the Philippine insurance industry, has once again proven its commitment to people-first strategies. The company won the Bronze Award in the Addressing Urban Workforce Challenges category at the 2025 HR Excellence Awards Philippines, held on August 28, 2025.

This is EastWest Ageas’ second consecutive podium finish, following its recognition in the Excellence in Learning and Development category last year.

Listening to Employees, Building a Stronger Workplace

The company’s winning initiative stemmed from listening directly to employee feedback. Surveys revealed that staff preferred a hybrid work setup—balancing flexibility with on-site collaboration. Employees also requested improvements to office spaces, specifically more meeting rooms and private areas for confidential work.

EastWest Ageas responded by implementing a Hybrid Workplace Program where employees report to the office two days a week and work remotely for three. Additional private spaces were also built to support productivity.

Boosting Productivity and Attracting Talent

The program quickly delivered results. Employees reported feeling more productive and efficient under the new setup, while the company’s hiring rate rose by 5%, showing its appeal to prospective talent.

“This win is both motivation and confirmation that we will do even more for our employees,” said Lois Dalida, Chief People and Culture Officer of EastWest Ageas. “At EastWest Ageas, we are deliberate in creating a genuine workplace culture that recognizes our employees’ need to thrive professionally and personally. While we celebrate their contributions, we also ensure they have enough room to celebrate personal milestones as well.”

A Workplace for Growth and Balance

The recognition highlights EastWest Ageas’ dedication to building a workplace where employees are empowered, heard, and supported. By embracing a flexible and responsive HR strategy, the company strengthens its reputation as an employer of choice in the Philippine insurance industry.

For those seeking a career with a company that values both professional growth and personal well-being, visit EastWest Ageas Careers
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