Clout Kitchen raises $4.45M from a16z SPEEDRUN, Peak XV’s Surge, & AppWorks to build ‘AI twins’ of top creators like Tyler1, Emiru

Clout Kitchen raises $4.45M from a16z SPEEDRUN, Peak XV’s Surge, & AppWorks to build ‘AI twins’ of top creators like Tyler1, Emiru

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Clout Kitchen, a consumer AI startup with operations in Los Angeles and Manila, today announced its $4.45 million seed funding round.

The round was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge – with participation from Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures, and founders & creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Voyboy, Jankos and Perkz. 

Established in 2024, Clout Kitchen builds creator-powered interactive experiences in gaming and pop culture that unlock new ways for top creators to engage and expand their fan base. 

Clout Kitchen is led by serial gaming and creator economy builders. 

● Justin Gorriceta-Banusing (CEO) founded and scaled AcadArena (SEA and LatAm’s leading campus gaming platform) to series A and an exit while in college. In high school, they built CONQuest Festival – the largest creator event in SEA with 80K+ attendees.

● Marcel Feldkamp (CBO) was a pioneering League of Legends pro/creator, playing in the 2013 World Championship. After retiring, he founded the gaming talent agency Prime – who later joined United Talent Agency via Press X.

Clout Kitchen’s first product is Backseat AI, an in-game “buddy” for League of Legends co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp – one of the world’s biggest gaming content creators with over 20 million followers. Backseat AI is Riot-compliant and guides players on how to best play the game in real-time – from what characters to pick to which items to buy, all by an AI voice twin of their favorite creator. Since launching early access testing in June, the product has hit over 45,000 waitlist signups. 

“Our thesis at Clout Kitchen is to build things that grow the pie and add value for fans, creators, and game developers alike,” said Justin Banusing, CEO, Clout Kitchen. “We grew up in this space, so it’s our way of giving back.”

Pricing starts at US$4.99 monthly for each creator “buddy,” who earns from every subscription. Backseat AI’s buddies roster continues to expand with streamer & cosplayer Emiru and pro player Jankos – with more top creators lined up in the coming months.

“As a creator myself, I know how difficult it is to keep your community and business growing,” said Marcel Feldkamp, CBO, Clout Kitchen. “It’s easy when you’re starting and have all the time in the world – but it gets harder to keep giving the same love to everyone as you scale. We want to solve that problem.” 

With this financing round, Clout Kitchen looks to expand Backseat by scaling its team, establishing its US office, and building out its shared internal tech stack for future creator-powered game companion apps and experiences. 

“As a gamer and a creator myself, I’m excited to support Justin and Team Clout Kitchen in their journey to unlock new frontiers for our community,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks,“ Justin and the founding team showcased exceptional hearts, heads and hands from the moment we met them, the very traits we look for in founders.”

"At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world. Clout Kitchen embodies this vision wholly, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they pioneer new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love," said Jack Soslow, Investment Partner, A16Z GAMES.

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beep™ powers Clark Loop bus relaunch

beep™ powers Clark Loop bus relaunch

Encouraging Cities to Follow Clark’s Lead in Promoting Cashless Transport

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI) recently marked a major milestone in the Philippines’ public transportation evolution by launching the Clark Loop bus operations with a fully cashless Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS).

The event, attended by CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega, LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, and AFPI’s Chief Commercial Officer Sharon Fong, symbolizes Clark’s commitment to transforming itself into a modern, efficient, and digitally advanced city.

The Clark Loop bus service covering 25 stops from SM City Clark to the Clark International Airport caters to employees, visitors, and tourists within the Clark Freeport Zone. By adopting beep™ card or beep™ QR tickets as exclusive modes of payment, the Clark Loop has eliminated cash handling, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient public transportation experience.

“We want to showcase a disciplined transport system in Clark, and this government-led pilot will help us refine the service before allowing private sector involvement. We are starting with 10 buses on the Clark Loop. It’s cashless, with Wi-Fi, GPS, and it runs on time. Our aim is to influence passenger behavior, emphasizing discipline and punctuality,” said CDC President Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.

“The shift to cashless payment systems is not just about modernizing public transportation, it is about improving the lives of commuters. beep™’s cashless payment solution not only enhances passenger experience but also reduces operational inefficiencies and supports sustainable urban development,” said AF Payments, Inc. President & CEO Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno. “We hope this initiative in Clark encourages other cities to adopt similar systems as part of a broader nationwide effort to modernize public transportation.”

The relaunch of Clark Loop as the first fully cashless bus system in Central Luzon further demonstrates beep™’s capability to deliver seamless, modern payment solutions at scale.

Its success is a clear example of how cities can leverage digital payment systems to improve public services, presenting a model for other cities and municipalities to follow as they aim to modernize public transport systems and provide better services to commuters. The streamlined boarding process through cashless transactions leads to reduced congestion and shorter travel times, ultimately boosting ridership and satisfaction levels.

Convenient and Cashless: How It Works

To travel with beep™ card on the Clark Loop bus line, commuters may line up at any of its stops, hop on, tap in upon entering, then tap out upon alighting the bus. They can also purchase beep™ QR tickets in advance exclusively through the beep™ app, downloadable in the App Store or Google Play. Note that the QR ticket must be used within 24 hours from the time of purchase, or it will be forfeited without a refund. To use it, simply scan the QR ticket upon riding the bus.

Fares start at P15, depending on the number of stops traveled. A full 25-stop travel from SM City Clark to Clark International Airport costs P49.50. Some channels may also charge a minimal convenience fee.

Expanding the Footprint

Clark Loop’s integration into AFPI’s network now benefits millions of beep™ users by offering seamless connectivity across different transport systems. With plans to expand further in the transportation sector, beep™ is committed to providing innovative, customer-centric services that improve everyday commuting experiences while supporting the broader push towards a cashless society. Commuters and businesses alike can benefit from AFPI’s seamless payment systems, which are integrated across various sectors.

Cities across the Philippines can take inspiration from Clark’s digital transformation. With proven results in enhancing public transport, promoting sustainability, and delivering a better commuter experience, it's time for local governments and transport authorities to adopt cashless fare systems like beep™ to create smarter, more efficient urban transport networks. By doing so, they will help build a future where commuting is not just faster and easier, but also part of the digital revolution for a better urban lifestyle.

Transport operators and other businesses looking to partner with AF Payments, Inc. may visit the website or contact the Service Desk at (02) 87379600 (Landline), 09175121319 (Globe Line), or 09985819675 (Smart Line).

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Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Aspiring pharmacist Micaella Abedejos from Davao City is pursuing her degree for a deeply personal reason: she wants to help her sick grandmother, who is taking several medications.

"Whenever I come home from school, my grandmother would ask me about her medications, and being able to explain it to her made me happy," 20-year-old Micaella shared. 

Her knowledge from pharmacy school empowered her to explain to her grandmother the purpose of each medication, helping her manage her health and avoid potential errors. To Micaella, this is the important role pharmacists play in the community—to educate and empower the vulnerable sectors of our society.

“This inspired me to share my knowledge about her medications because I didn't want her taking them without knowing what they were for. I felt motivated to help and make a difference,” she added.

Micaella’s mother is a housewife, and her father works as an informal electronics repairman. Due to their irregular and limited income, it would have been challenging for them to support her college education, especially with three other siblings also in school.

But with her academic excellence and determination, Micaella was one of the chosen beneficiaries of the Enrollment to Employment Scholarship Program of Generika Drugstore, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI). 

This initiative responds to the demand for pharmacists, especially in rural areas, by making it possible for students to pursue their studies.

Atty. Yet Abarca, the President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that the scholarship program is in fulfillment of its promise to provide ginhawa by giving Filipino communities access to quality affordable generic medicines. She noted that pharmacists often serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved areas where drugstores outnumber clinics and hospitals. 

“This is really a milestone for us as we embark on this program with Ayala Foundation. Central to our promise of ginhawa is the pharmacist. We take pride in our network of friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists who are at the core of delivering our ginhawa promise to the communities that we serve,” Abarca said.

Inspiring stories from Generika scholars

Three other aspiring pharmacists shared their inspiring stories.

Elizabeth Montano of Bacoor, Cavite is another recipient of Generika and AFI’s scholarship program. Just like Micaella, a personal family experience sparked her passion to become a pharmacist.

She recalls buying the medications of her father when he suffered a stroke and being intrigued by the complex names of the drugs, "Sabi ko, ‘Ang hahaba naman ng mga pangalan’. Natutuwa po ako kasi natatandaan ko ‘yung mga gamot.” 

Her curiosity led her to pursue pharmacy, a field she acknowledges is both challenging and rewarding, “Ang dami pong kailangan na skills. Hindi lang po sa memorization, sa pag-intindi rin po, at sa pakikipag-usap sa mga tao. Kasama po lahat ‘yun. Nag-aaral po ako nang mabuti, para as a future pharmacist, masisiguro po nating safe ang patients natin.”

Maureen Concon of Davao City, also comes from a family with limited means. Her father, a former seaman, had to stop working due to illness, leaving her family to rely on a small sari-sari store for income. 

Before receiving the scholarship, some relatives supported her college education, but she wanted to find other ways to support herself and unburden her folks.

"Parang nabawasan ‘yung worries ko financially kasi I no longer have to ask my parents for an allowance. It also lessens the worries of my parents. Parang ‘Yes! May magsu-support sa pag-aaral ko. Wala na silang aalalahanin pa,” Maureen added.

Hannah Menor of General Trias, Cavite was overwhelmed with gratitude when she received the scholarship knowing it would greatly help her family.

“Sobrang natuwa po ako kasi po ginusto ko po talagang maka-help sa family namin regarding sa finances tapos nu’ng binalita ko po sa father ko, naiyak rin po sya. Kaya sobrang thankful lang po talaga ako kay Lord for this opportunity,” Hannah recalled. 

Hannah stays motivated by remembering her reasons for pursuing pharmacy and the potential to help many people in the future. 

"I'm very thankful for this scholarship opportunity. It's a big help para po sa family namin. And ako personally, as a pharmacy student, mas lalo po kong na-motivate na pagbutihin ‘yung pag-aaral ko. And nare-remind po ako na ‘wag pong bumitaw sa mga pangarap ko po," she added. 

Employment to entrepreneurship

Antonio Lambino II, President of Ayala Foundation Inc., emphasized the exciting potential for these scholars to grow their careers, noting the possibility of entrepreneurship through Generika Drugstore’s network. 

“Opening up slots for pharmacy scholars in key Generika Drugstore business locations makes a lot of sense, not just as a business solution but also as support for local community value,” Lambino said. 

“The scholarship to employment track gives Generika Drugstore access to some of the brightest pharmacy students in the country while also contributing to the growth of human capital in the community surrounding these investments.”

The pharmacy students awarded with the scholarship have a wide range of promising career paths that they could venture on. Aside from traditional roles in community pharmacies, they can explore opportunities in hospital settings, pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, and even entrepreneurship through drugstore ownership. 

Generika Drugstore’s Enrollment to Employment Program ensures that scholars not only have the support to complete their studies but also access to meaningful careers within the Generika network, where they can directly help communities by providing affordable, quality healthcare.

A perfect example of this is Riza Asombrado, NCR Area Operations Manager of Generika Drugstore and a registered pharmacist. Starting her career as a pharmacist over 19 years ago, she steadily rose through the ranks. But more than the job title, it’s the ability to give back to the community that fueled her passion. 

“I thought my role as a pharmacist was limited to reading prescriptions, dispensing medicines and managing inventory. However, joining Generika made me realize the broader impact that I could have in this profession,” Asombrado said. 

“It was incredibly fulfilling to hear customers share how Generika has touched their lives,” she added.

Vision of uplifting communities 

Gino Guinto, Chief Operations Officer of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that this program is a key component of Generika's broader vision to support and uplift communities through various social initiatives. 

“Over the next two years, we’ll be embarking on this exciting journey together. We at Generika Drugstore are truly excited about this program—this is the very first scholarship initiative we’ve launched, and it’s something close to our hearts,” Guinto said.

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ManageEngine Rolls Out First-Ever Decision Intelligence Platform for Enhanced IT Operations

ManageEngine Rolls Out First-Ever Decision Intelligence Platform for Enhanced IT Operations

Company's Flagship IT Analytics Solution Introduces Spotlight for Intelligent, Data-Driven Strategic Recommendations

ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions, today announced a significant upgrade to its flagship IT analytics solution, Analytics Plus. Version 6.0 introduces Spotlight, a contextual recommendations engine powered by AI, designed to identify key inefficiencies in IT operations and suggest corrective strategies.

The 2023 State of Analytics Engineering report found that time to business insight is the biggest challenge for nearly 50% of surveyed directors. Spotlight dramatically reduces the time IT managers and CIOs spend analyzing various IT metrics and coming up with remedies to fix structural fault lines in operations. By incorporating decision-intelligence capabilities, Analytics Plus now facilitates contextual decision-making, addressing a crucial gap in traditional analytics software.

For instance, Analytics Plus can analyze correlations between the age of IT assets, their frequency of failure, and the meantime to repair. Based on these parameters, it suggests the optimal time frame for asset replacement. This approach ensures that organizations neither dispose of assets prematurely, losing usable value, nor retain them for too long, negatively impacting employee productivity. With the introduction of Spotlight, ManageEngine reinforces its commitment to enhancing IT operations through intelligent, data-driven solutions.

"While traditional analytics tools excel at providing a platform for analyzing any type of data, they often lack the necessary context of the data they are analyzing. Deriving meaningful and context-specific insights is becoming increasingly challenging due to a significant disconnect: the people performing the analysis are skilled at mining data but often lack the IT context, making it difficult to translate findings into actionable business decisions," said Samantha Hall, Service Delivery Manager, Leathams Ltd., a UK-based food supplying company.

Analytics Plus' built-in AI engine is programmed to study common IT processes and identify solutions to achieve desired results more quickly. Spotlight acts like an assistant, constantly monitoring for bottlenecks or operational inefficiencies and offering tips for corrective action. By bringing in IT context and leveraging AI capabilities, Analytics Plus ensures that organizations can address issues more effectively and efficiently.

"Organizations no longer want to spend hours mining data for actionable insights. They require ready-made strategies that they can implement immediately to see rapid results," said Rakesh Jayaprakash, product manager and chief analytics evangelist at ManageEngine. He added, "There are sufficient tools in the market that promise automation and remediation for day-to-day network and application failures, but there's a lack of focus on strategic decision-making. This is the gap Spotlight aims to bridge."

Root Cause Analysis

Quick decision-making is only half the journey; IT managers and CIOs also need a way to backtest their decisions to ensure a new strategy or model will achieve the desired results. In addition to decision intelligence capabilities, ManageEngine is introducing the Root Cause Analysis feature, which automatically identifies the top factors contributing to a particular trend. This feature allows IT managers and CIOs to verify whether their changes or decisions are having a positive impact.

For instance, if tools are implemented for auto-remediation of L1 network issues, Root Cause Analysis can look at the increased uptime and highlight the reduction in L1 network issues as the major contributor to better network uptime.

No-Code Auto-ML for Deep Analysis

The new version of Analytics Plus empowers IT teams to create custom machine learning (ML) models without writing a single line of code. Traditionally, developing and deploying ML models was restricted to experts. However, Analytics Plus’ no-code ML platform democratizes this process, allowing IT managers to develop ML models directly on the data they are familiar with.

With this capability, IT managers can build ML models for prediction and classification, such as a predictive model to derive the probability of ticket escalations based on various factors or related events. This approach ensures the development of highly specific and accurate models because they are built on the organization's unique data and validated by the very people who use it daily.

Unified IT Metrics Library

Analytics Plus serves as a command center and decision hub for IT by contextually analyzing all IT data, enabling organizations to cross-correlate metrics and identify interdependencies. Analytics Plus version 6.0 introduces the Unified IT Metrics Library, listing all KPIs from an IT environment in a single view, effectively acting as a comprehensive directory of metrics. This makes searchability and reusability easier, breaking down silos created by various IT tools and serving as a single source of truth for any metric that IT teams need to track.

"Traditional IT data analysis is often confined within individual tools. For instance, resolution time of incidents is limited to ITSM while mean time to repair a device is restricted to IT operations management. This inhibits cross-correlation and prevents organizations from obtaining a complete picture of their IT infrastructure. By analyzing all these metrics together in a centralized platform, organizations can unlock significant value," said Jayaprakash.

The Unified IT Metrics Library democratizes data by making a catalog of KPIs readily available for technicians to conduct their analyses, which can also be consumed by other IT applications for contextual integration. This comprehensive approach enhances governance and ensures that all relevant metrics are easily accessible and managed effectively, driving quick decision-making.

In addition to these key features, Analytics Plus version 6.0 includes a range of productive enhancements such as multivariate forecasting, workflow charts, support for distributed processing (on-premises) and more than 10 new integrations with popular IT tools, detailed here.

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PH showcases culinary heritage at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024

PH showcases culinary heritage at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with Slow Food Communities and various stakeholders, proudly showcased the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage on the global stage by leading the country’s delegation to the world-renowned Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, from September 26 to 30, 2024.

This biennial international event, the largest of its kind, attracts over 600 exhibitors from around the globe and features workshops, conferences, and food tastings that promote good, clean, and fair food practices. The 2024 edition served as a platform to highlight unique food cultures with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of culinary traditions.

"The Philippines' participation in Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 is a significant moment as we present the richness of our food traditions to an international audience. Our delegation reflects the strength and passion of our local communities, with each member working to promote the use of native ingredients and sustainable agricultural methods. Our involvement underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating sustainable agricultural practices into the tourism experience, aligning with the global movement toward food sovereignty," said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

A Showcase of Regional Cuisines and Heritage Dishes

The Philippine Pavilion featured signature dishes and heritage cuisine from various regions, including Cavite, Bacolod, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, Panay, the Cordilleras, and other areas in Luzon and the Visayas. Guests savored heirloom recipes such as Inasal, Adobo, Sinigang, Kinalabasa, and Kinilaw, along with the distinctive flavors of artisanal products like heirloom rice, native vinegar, and Philippine artisanal salts. Philippine coffee also took center stage, highlighting the country's coffee trails and slow food community experiences.

For five days, the Philippine delegation engaged audiences through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and immersive food tastings, while top-tier chefs and culinary experts prepared special menus that blended traditional and modern techniques. The featured resource persons shared insights on sustainable food practices, heritage recipes, and the role of indigenous ingredients in promoting biodiversity.

Philippine Pavilion: A Crowd Favorite

The Philippine booth was among the most popular in the international pavilion, consistently drawing large crowds of event-goers eager to learn about the Philippines’ food culture and sample its diverse offerings. The booth became a hub for food enthusiasts to experience the best of Filipino cuisine, sample artisanal salts, sip on innovative Philippine cocktails, and enjoy the country’s world-renowned coffee. The delegation also took the opportunity to promote the Philippines' leading tourist destinations directly to consumers and fair attendees, presenting a holistic view of the country’s vibrant culture and sustainable tourism offerings.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

A delegation of 90 farmers, chefs, restaurateurs, and advocates for good, clean, and fair food represented the Philippines at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024. These individuals embody the heart of the country’s agricultural and culinary sectors, each dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Filipino food traditions while promoting sustainable practices.

Among the key activities that highlighted the Philippines’ participation were the talks and panel discussions on sustainable tourism and food systems. Resource speakers from the Philippines, including renowned culinary experts and community leaders, were featured in several panel discussions to share the country’s progress and insights on sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and Slow Food Travel initiatives.

Bacolod Launched as Slow Food International Hub for Asia and the Pacific

A key highlight of the Philippine participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designating Bacolod City, Negros Occidental as the official hub of Slow Food in Asia. This milestone solidifies the Philippines' role as a leader in the Slow Food movement within the region, championing biodiversity, food sovereignty, and fair food systems.

"The Philippines has one of the most organized Slow Food networks in Asia, and our delegation underscores our commitment to championing our unique food heritage and sustainability. We are excited to foster global partnerships not only in promoting good, clean, and fair food, but also in developing and promoting Slow Food Travel. With Bacolod recognized as a Slow Food International hub for Asia and the Pacific, we aim to further elevate the country’s status as a key player in sustainable food systems and place the Philippines at the forefront of the global movement toward Slow Food Travel and sustainable agriculture, providing a platform for regional collaboration and innovation," Secretary Frasco added.

The DOT also announced its bid to host Terra Madre Asia Pacific in the Philippines in 2025, making it a convergence venue for the Asia Pacific region.

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Empowering Communities, Awarding Success: MMDA and Coca-Cola Recognize Metro Manila’s Top Barangays for Recycling Achievements

Empowering Communities, Awarding Success: MMDA and Coca-Cola Recognize Metro Manila’s Top Barangays for Recycling Achievements

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) recently hosted the awarding ceremony for the "Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! Barangay Contest" at the MMDA Arena. The event marked the culmination of a four-month initiative that encouraged barangays to actively collect and recycle the most clear PET plastic bottles, Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles (RGBs) and crates, as part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.

The Tapon to Ipon initiative, which integrates CCBPI’s "Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!" program with the MMDA’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) project, has been instrumental in engaging communities in resource recovery and waste reduction. Twenty-one (21) barangays participated in the contest, which ran from April to July 31, 2024, with the top-performing barangays being recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

Each of the barangays exchanged clear PET bottles and Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles as well as small and big crates, with assigned equivalent points for Coca-Cola products.

Top Barangays and Impact on Community

The top barangays, which demonstrated exceptional commitment to the cause, were led by Barangay Pinagsama of Taguig City winning the top prize, Barangay Tejeros of Makati coming in at second place, and Barangay Bayanan of Muntinlupa City securing third place. Barangay Tatalon of Quezon City was honored as fourth place, and Barangay Batis of San Juan City claimed fifth place. Certificates of Participation were given to the remaining barangays who participated in the collaboration.

These barangays collectively contributed to the collection of over 10,000 kilograms of clear PET bottles, more than 480 pieces Coca-Cola crates, and over 16,000 pieces of Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles. The collected materials were then exchanged for Coca-Cola products, further incentivizing the residents to participate actively in the program. The goal is for all collected clear PET bottles to be brought to PETValue Philippines, the country’s pioneering bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, giving limitless lives by turning the bottles into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) bottles.

The top three barangays were awarded significant funding to further support their sustainability initiatives, focused on waste recovery and recycling. These funds will be used for resources and materials to develop and implement programs that will continue to promote responsible waste management within their communities. The initiative not only highlights the importance of environmental stewardship but also empowers communities to take concrete steps towards sustainability.

Barangay Chairperson Hon. Maria Victoria Mortel-Balidoy of Brgy. Pinagsama, Taguig City, acknowledged the positive impact of the program on reducing waste in their waterways, saying, “While flooding remains a concern in our community, the Tapon to Ipon initiative has significantly reduced the accumulation of PET bottles and other recyclables in our waterways. Through this program, our residents have learned to see value in collecting these items for incentives, instead of disposing of them improperly. This has greatly lessened the amount of waste contributing to blockages. With continued efforts, we hope to further reduce flooding risks as we strengthen our waste management practices at the barangay level and spread awareness throughout the community. The key to lasting change is in creating a culture of recycling, and we are committed to making this a permanent part of our daily lives.”

Partnership for a Cleaner Future

“The Tapon to Ipon initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also empowers communities by showing them that small actions can lead to significant change. By participating in this program, barangays are not just contributing to a cleaner environment but also setting a positive example for other communities to follow. This is how we build a culture of sustainability, one bottle at a time,” said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

MMDA Solid Waste Management Office Director Josias E. Syquimsiam Jr., emphasized the success of the initiative and how it paves the way for a more proactive community, saying "The Tapon to Ipon Barangay Contest has been a very successful initiative to promote collection of clear PET bottles and RGBs for recycling with the support of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility of the MMDA. This Barangay Contest has shown us the power of community engagement in addressing the issue of plastic waste. By incentivizing recycling, we’ve been able to make a significant impact on waste reduction and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. We are confident that this is not the end of our initiative, but a start to an even cleaner Metro Manila."

Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, VP for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs of CCBPI added, "This partnership with the MMDA is truly significant, as we strive to help clear our waterways to prevent flooding, especially during typhoons. Our collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to foster cleaner communities and a better future for all, by making collection and recycling systems more accessible. Getting over 20 barangays together to join and participate is really a big deal for us and we are very happy with the outcome of the collective effort of all the barangays. We are proud partners of the MMDA, and we look forward to continuing this engagement as a long-term initiative."

Future Initiatives

The MMDA and CCBPI plan to build on the success of this initiative by expanding the Tapon to Ipon program to more barangays in Metro Manila. Future collaborations will include more sustainability-focused initiatives and community engagement activities aimed at reinforcing the importance of recycling and proper waste management.

The event closed with an awarding ceremony, photo opportunities, and a commitment from all stakeholders to continue working together to promote a cleaner and greener Metro Manila.

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Carlos Yulo: Financial Growth Beyond Gold with EastWest

Carlos Yulo: Financial Growth Beyond Gold with EastWest

EastWest, one of the Philippines' fastest-growing universal banks, recently introduced Carlos Yulo, two-time Olympic gold medalist, as its newest brand ambassador. The exclusive event in Makati honored Yulo’s outstanding achievements in gymnastics and his inspiring financial journey as a loyal EastWest client. This partnership reinforces EastWest’s commitment to empowering Filipinos through sensible financial management, a mission the bank has upheld for over 30 years.

Carlos Yulo: A Global Icon and Financial Success Story

Carlos Yulo has made a remarkable impact on the global gymnastics stage, proudly representing the Philippines. His discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly align with EastWest’s core values of pushing boundaries and striving for greatness. Just as Yulo excels as an elite athlete, EastWest provides world-class financial services, guiding Filipinos in their pursuit of their own dreams.

Yulo shared his personal connection with EastWest, saying, “This partnership began before I won my Olympic gold medals. EastWest helped me manage my financial goals from the start. I started with simple deposits, and now I have investments that support my plans. We share the same mindset—always striving to improve, which makes this partnership feel so natural.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The event highlighted the strong alignment between Yulo and EastWest’s values. What began as a client relationship has now evolved into a full-blown partnership, with Yulo becoming the face of the brand. His focus on mastery and perseverance is mirrored in EastWest’s commitment to supporting clients’ financial journeys, ensuring they have the confidence to achieve their goals.

Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management at EastWest, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Carlos Yulo represents the passion and dedication that EastWest stands for. His journey from raw potential to world champion reflects the path we aim to provide for our clients—guiding them towards financial success, whether through our priority services, consumer loans, or investment management.”

Carlos Yulo's Financial Growth with EastWest

Yulo’s financial journey began with basic banking products, using them to save and cover training expenses. As his earnings grew, EastWest provided Yulo with expert financial advice, helping him transition into smart investments. Yulo credits EastWest with helping him create a solid financial plan, allowing him to stay focused on his athletic career. “EastWest has been a huge help in my journey, not just as an athlete but in managing my finances. They taught me about smart financial decisions and investments, ensuring I’m prepared for the future.”

EastWest Celebrates 30 Years of Financial Excellence

As EastWest marks its 30th anniversary, the partnership with Carlos Yulo underscores the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service. For three decades, EastWest has provided personalized financial solutions, supporting clients like Yulo every step of the way. By combining cutting-edge technology with a human touch, EastWest continues to empower Filipinos to achieve their financial goals.

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo proudly shared, “Carlos Yulo embodies resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence—values EastWest has upheld for 30 years. As we continue to innovate and grow, we welcome Carlos as a partner who inspires Filipinos to push their boundaries and achieve their financial dreams with EastWest by their side.”

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