EastWest Ageas’ ‘What’s Your Purple’ campaign bags two trophies at 60th Anvil Awards

Tuesday, February 11, 2025


EastWest Ageas Insurance “What’s Your Purple?” campaign wins double during the 60th Anvil Award.

EastWest Ageas Insurance scored a double win at the 60th Anvil Awards in the Public Relations Tools Special Events and Public Relations Programs Corporate Identity / Corporate Branding categories for its “What’s Your Purple?” campaign and launch party. The Anvil Awards recognize the most innovative, impactful, and inspiring public relations campaigns of the past year with over 500 entries from various organizations and entities across the country.

EastWest Ageas Insurance’s brand campaign “What’s Your Purple?” highlights the lengths people go through to pursue the best life for the ones who matter the most to them. This is summed up by the campaign color, purple, which communicates the philosophy of merging PURpose and peoPLE into one. 

This is the 2nd consecutive year EastWest Ageas Insurance was among the companies recognized for their work. 

“The Philippine insurance industry is a crowded field of players with their own identities. With ‘What’s Your Purple?,’ we at EastWest Ageas Insurance are standing out from the sea of sameness,” explains Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer, “And not just with a strong and unique color, but with our clear mission to help Filipinos secure their financial future that is aligned with their purpose and people. Most of all, this recognition only shows just how much potential EastWest Ageas has to be included among giants in various industries here in the country.”

“We are humbled to receive these awards. We are a growing company and to be recognized among the giants in the industry was made possible because of the hard work, passion, and dedication our people show, day in and out," adds Sjoerd Smeets, President and CEO. 

With this recognition, EastWest Ageas Insurance remains committed to helping its policyholders build a better tomorrow for all. 

For more information about EastWest Ageas, visit their official website and follow their Facebook page and LinkedIn.  Interested clients may also contact them through the official email AskMe@ewageas.com.ph.
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UnionBank champions AI-driven future at inaugural SONAI 2025

Monday, February 10, 2025


At the Philippine Global AI Council’s “State of the Nation in AI (SONAI)” congress, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) showcased its leadership in AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and strengthen cybersecurity.

SONAI 2025 gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to shape a national AI strategy for global competitiveness. Global AI Council founder Kate Hancock emphasized the need for AI education and accessibility to prevent disparities in the digital era.

UnionBank’s AI Center of Excellence head, Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, highlighted the Bank’s customer-centric approach and the potential of AI to enhance and augment cybersecurity measures. “Currently, we are using AI to analyze our customers’ transactional behavior so that we can catch early on any suspicious activity. This also helps increase operational efficiency by giving us insights around process optimization. For example, there can be so many false positives in suspicious transaction reporting, but because we have an AI model in place, we’ve brought these findings down significantly. This gives investigators more time to focus on the real critical cases.”

“Choosing not to move forward and adopt AI will not stop bad actors from using that technology for their own means. So for us, we anticipate, adapt, learn about AI and its advancements, and wield it proactively,” concluded Dr. Heinrich as she stressed how AI is transforming, not eliminating, jobs—similar to how ATMs initially and mobile apps eventually reshaped banking roles.

Dr. Donald Lim, President of Global AI Council Philippines, urged the country to lead in AI adoption rather than just be users. Global AI Council Philippines Chairman Brian Poe Llamanzares reinforced the importance of AI in driving economic growth and ensuring the country remains competitive.

UnionBank remains committed to responsible AI adoption, championing ethical and inclusive technological advancements that drive security, innovation, and economic progress.

For more information on UnionBank’s next-generation banking initiatives and its commitment to AI-driven innovation, visit the UnionBank website, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. For any concerns, you can contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas .

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Intergenerational Empowerment for Our Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Stories from Philippines and Indonesia

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are considered to have an important role in driving the economy of countries in Southeast Asia. According to data from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), there are currently more than 70 million MSMEs in Southeast Asia employing more than 140 million people and representing 99 percent of all businesses in the region. However, Southeast Asia continues to face challenges in building a sustainable MSME ecosystem, particularly in helping small businesses navigate an evolving landscape.

In the Philippines, efforts to empower MSMEs that preserve traditional crafts are gaining momentum in Iloilo, a region renowned for its hand-loom weaving. Once a thriving industry in the late 18th century, it struggled due to a decline in skilled artisans. To sustain the craft, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office, has initiated programs like the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. This event has since evolved into a partnership with ISAT-University’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, offering a platform for emerging designers.

In 2024, six designers—John Patrick Tajo, Jeraldine Nofre, Donato Peniero, Wendy Tanaleon, Kim Ivan Delgra, and Jerico Labata—showcased modern interpretations of Ilonggo craftsmanship. Using locally hand-woven fabrics created by artisan weavers, their work highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration in sustaining traditional industries, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening the local economy.

Intergenerational empowerment to boost local businesses


In Indonesia, intergenerational empowerment also exists to support local entrepreneurs. The Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) through its incubation program, Siak Sustainable Business Incubation (Kubisa), offers innovative and sustainable solutions in the Siak area, Riau, which is known to have great local economic potential, one of which is by building intergenerational collaboration.

Since its inception in 2023, the Kubisa program has involved young people from Skelas to support the development of MSMEs. The program trains business owners, who are often their seniors, on how to create designs with Canva, implement digital marketing strategies, and create product innovations that meet market needs. Kubisa also ensures that each product is tested in the laboratory to ensure its quality before being marketed.

One of those innovations is the sustainability aspect of the product. Skelas and Kubisa emphasize using locally grown products and working with local farmers to ensure that the products have a low environmental impact and empower the participants and the surrounding communities in Siak.

Enthusiasm for this program continues to increase. In 2024, the number of registrants has almost tripled, from 23 to 62 people. After going through the selection, 20 participants, consisting of 17 culinary entrepreneurs and 3 from the fashion sector, were selected. Six young participants were actively involved in this training, playing a major role in helping other participants understand the material more effectively.

"I feel helped by participating in the Kubisa program, through this program I not only get practical solutions to produce my creations but also assistance in marketing and packaging the products," said Santi Lestari, owner of Dapur Mempura, one of the MSMEs that created the gluten-free Bolu Kemojo pre-mix flour and Kubisa participant of 2023.

Most of the participants have now used digital platforms to market their products, assisted by promotional materials they developed during the training. By combining the expertise of the younger generation in technology and the experience of the senior generation in management and business networks, MSMEs are able to overcome challenges such as digital transformation, market adaptation, and resource management.

Capacity and capital enhancement for business actors

In addition to increasing the capacity of business actors, Skelas also connects them with investors and governments at the local and regional level to support business development. One form of this collaboration is the implementation of Demo Day and business matching for MSME actors, especially in the fashion and culinary sectors.

Skelas also collaborates with the national charity platform, to provide funding of IDR 60 million to 12 selected Kubisa participants. This funding is used for training and developing their businesses, as well as several production tools that have been ordered. The selection process emphasizes participants who have incomes below IDR 5 million. With support from various government institutions and investors, the Kubisa program increasingly provides great opportunities for MSMEs to develop and reach a larger scale.

“We are optimistic that the collaborations that have happened in Siak, either intergeneration or between the public and private sector, can become a catalyst for a broader restorative economy activity in the regions. By growing businesses that are based on local wisdom, we can be assured that we are making an impact not only in the economy but also in the environment sectors,” said Cerli Febri, from Skelas

About SKELAS

The Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) is a place and a forum for creative young people to pour out ideas to explore the superior potential of Siak Regency while maintaining the sustainability of its nature. Currently, Skelas has mentored 26 businesses from various sectors, such as three from fashion, 22 culinary businesses, and one education service, and continues to support the vision of green Siak in achieving the target of 1000 MSMEs/year and increasing creative economic efforts, which are the Regional Development Performance Indicators plan of the Siak Regency Government.

For more information, please visit https://skelas.org/
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Schneider Electric has contributed to restoring Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral

Schneider Electric contributed, by means of donations, to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The donated solutions have made it possible to secure and monitor the site's electrical facilities.

The fire that severely damaged the cathedral on April 15, 2019, sparked an incredible wave of solidarity that Schneider Electric wanted to be a part of. "It's an obvious move for Schneider Electric to support actions of this type for symbolic and prestigious sites, as we have done in the past for the Comédie Française state theater and the Antarctic station," highlights Gilles Vermot Desroches, Director of Citizenship, and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric.

Innovations for the Future

Schneider Electric provided expertise, products, and solutions thanks to a donation agreement. As such, the Group supplied all the equipment required to supply power to the site and for its security (20 kV HV cells, a 20 kV/410V 1250 kVA transformer, general and divisional electrical switchboards, inverters, safety lighting, devices etc.), as well as the tools for the technical management of the building, making it possible to monitor the functioning of the network and control its power consumption (automatic control systems, sensors, controllers, communication buses etc.).

In addition to the equipment, Schneider Electric is carrying out some of the maintenance of the electrical distribution equipment, providing some of the engineering, studies, commissioning, and programming of the installed systems, as well as the training of future users.

The old electrical installation was inoperable due to the fire and without electricity, reopening was impossible. The new network ensures the distribution and security of the energy supply, incorporating innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that optimize the management of its electricity consumption and help ensure the safety of the cathedral.

A Shared Commitment

The project team had to deal with a large number of technical issues demanding ingenuity and preparation.

One such issue was the delivery and installation in early 2024 of the connected TRIHAL transformer, a key element of the cathedral's power supply. Delivered by truck and then raised onto the site above the construction area, this 3.2-ton block was then lowered via a hoist into position in the basement of the presbytery. A specific study had to be carried out for the lifting operation.

Installing the high-voltage substation in an underground vaulted cellar with considerable access and space constraints was also an issue resolved with customized equipment and support.

"This is a project for which the logistics have been quite tricky and required excellent coordination with the other players on site," said CĂ©dric Larcher, Regional Manager of the Electrical Distribution Application Center at Schneider Electric France, responsible for management, performance, and monitoring on site.

In addition to providing infrastructure, around 60 Schneider Electric employees (from factory workers to the site’s network designers) contributed knowledge and expertise as part of a skills transfer program. Schneider Electric’s support also included training partner companies such as the panel builder Ateliers Electriques de France (based in Val-de-Marne) to install the main low-voltage cabinet, FBS ElectricitĂ© (based in Seine-Maritime) to install the high-voltage substation, ERM (based in Eure) to create specific support structures and Transport Avex (based in Val-de-Marne) to carry out the extremely tricky handling operations in the basement of the presbytery.
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Visa and Valentine's Day: Analyzing Consumer Spend Trends

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Consumer Spend Trends

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has released new insights into consumer behavior during February 2024. Visa Consulting & Analytics found that more active cards were used for transactions, indicating a change in how Filipinos are celebrating Valentine's Day.

The data shows an overall increase in transactions for February 2024 compared to February 2023, driven by more active card users. Despite the rise in transactions, the average amount spent per transaction slightly declined. This suggests that inflation and higher commodity prices may have led consumers to be more cautious with their spending this Valentine's month.

Unlike Valentine's Day 2023, which saw a peak in transactions on the day itself, the peak in 2024 occurred on the weekends before and after Valentine's Day. This change points to evolving consumer preferences. The report also highlights changes in spending patterns. Spending on food-related categories decreased, while spending on travel-related categories saw a slight rise. There was a significant increase in spending on local transport services. Spending on gifts, such as books, shoes, sporting goods, and jewelry, saw significant growth. Spending on flowers decreased slightly, indicating a preference for more durable gifts. Spending on health and beauty spas remained steady.

Consumers Are Spending Smarter: Likely to Prioritize Value and Affordability this Valentine’s

Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar Survey reveals that many Filipinos are adopting a more budget-conscious approach this year. Instead of splurging on luxury items, they are focusing on experiences that create lasting memories. Across the Asia-Pacific region, many consumers are cutting back on non-essential spending, channeling their budgets into special moments with loved ones.

Shifting Towards Sentimentality: The Growing Demand for Personalized and Meaningful Gestures

With excessive spending taking a backseat, personalized and meaningful gestures are becoming more popular. Custom gifts, handmade creations, and intimate dinners are the go-to choices this season, reflecting deeper emotional connections. According to the survey, arts and crafts purchases are on the rise, with more Filipinos shopping in this category compared to last year. These creative purchases, whether it’s a hand-painted card or a DIY gift, show the effort put into expressing love authentically.

Managing Budgets with Rewards and Discounts for Celebrations

How are Filipinos making it all work on a budget? By leveraging rewards and discounts. Visa’s survey shows that many Filipinos are tapping into promotional deals through their credit cards. By taking advantage of cashback, loyalty points, and exclusive discounts, they’re able to treat their special someone to a memorable Valentine’s experience without the financial strain.

"With Visa, couples can unlock added value with every purchase, from thoughtful gifts to special meals, making it easier to celebrate love while staying within their budget. It’s all about offering more ways to make the most of your budget, so you can focus on creating memorable moments with those you love,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines.
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Mang Inasal Shines at the 60th Anvil Awards with Three Major Wins


Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, continues to set the bar high in innovative and consumer-focused public relations, earning two Gold and one Silver at the prestigious 60th Anvil Awards. Held at the iconic Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the event recognized the brand’s excellence in impactful marketing and PR campaigns.

A Triumph Against Hundreds of Competitors

Competing against over 586 entries, Mang Inasal emerged as a standout in 2024, bringing home top honors for three of its most engaging campaigns:

  • Gold for Pork BBQ Media Launch (PR Programs – Marketing and Brand Communication)
  • Gold for #MangInasalKahitSaan Digital and PR Campaign (PR Programs - Best Use of Digital)
  • Silver for "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines" (PR Programs – Arts & Culture/Heritage/Tourism)

“These Anvil awards are more than just recognitions; they’re a testament to our dedication to connecting with our customers in meaningful ways,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “This honor tells us that our efforts, whether in-store or online, truly resonate with our customers. It drives us to keep improving, listen to their needs, and find new ways to serve them better. This is a shared victory with our customers — they inspire everything we do.”

Award-Winning PR Campaigns That Captivated Audiences


1. Pork BBQ Media Launch: A Star-Powered Sensation

Mang Inasal’s Pork BBQ Media Launch clinched Gold for its stellar execution in marketing and brand communication. The mid-2024 event created massive buzz with a high-energy, celebrity-driven launch that positioned the brand’s Pork BBQ as a must-try for Filipino food lovers, especially younger audiences who crave new and exciting flavors.


2. #MangInasalKahitSaan Digital and PR Campaign: Digital Excellence

Winning Gold for Best Use of Digital, this campaign turned an innovative idea into an online sensation. Featuring giant order numbers with QR codes linked to manginasaldelivery.com.ph, it redefined digital engagement. With the help of influencers, media buzz, and organic social media conversations, Mang Inasal amplified excitement around its delivery service, proving that creative digital strategies can drive real-world impact.


3. "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines": A Culinary Celebration

Securing a Silver in the Arts & Culture/Heritage/Tourism category, this campaign showcased Filipino flavors on a grand scale. In collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism, it highlighted the richness of local cuisine, elevating Mang Inasal as not just a brand but a cultural ambassador for the Philippines’ vibrant culinary heritage.

A Legacy of Excellence in Public Relations

Following its stellar performance at the 59th Anvil Awards—where it won four Golds and one Silver—Mang Inasal’s continued success reinforces its commitment to PR excellence and brand innovation.

The Anvil Awards, often dubbed the ‘Oscars of Public Relations’ in the Philippines, are presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). Each year, the awards recognize outstanding PR campaigns and business communication initiatives from leading brands, agencies, and institutions. With rigorous judging by esteemed local and international experts, winning an Anvil signifies industry leadership and creative excellence.

Stay Updated on Mang Inasal’s Latest Innovations

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives? Visit manginasal.ph for the latest news and  order your favorites at manginasaldelivery.com.ph.

Mang Inasal’s latest Anvil victories prove that beyond serving delicious grilled favorites, the brand is also a leader in consumer engagement, digital innovation, and cultural celebration. Cheers to more milestones ahead!

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Palo Alto Networks Prepares Organizations for Quantum Security with QRNG Open API

Monday, February 3, 2025


Consortium of innovators paves the way to make a quantum secure future accessible to all

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, has announced the release of a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework, empowering organizations to prepare for future quantum security threats. The framework, developed in partnership with six innovators across the QRNG field, addresses the need for multi-vendor interoperability across the industry and enables organizations to invest in and build QRNG-based systems that are resilient regardless of the underlying technology or company.

Rich Campagna, SVP Product Management, Palo Alto Networks:

"Helping the world become quantum safe is much more than any one cybersecurity company, government agency or critical infrastructure organization can tackle alone. Collaboration in the QRNG field is vital to future-proofing against quantum computing threats and we are committed to our work with standards bodies, global governments and our partners to help steer the industry toward standardization. We are thrilled to launch the QRNG Open API to benefit as many organizations as possible."

The future convergence of AI, ML, deep learning and classical supercomputing with quantum computing necessitates securing today's systems against quantum-enabled attacks. QRNG is a technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate truly random numbers, which are essential for creating secure cryptographic keys. Experts recommend the use of recently released NIST post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards in combination with QRNG to give organizations the best chance to protect against future threats. The QRNG Open API framework eliminates barriers to QRNG adoption, helping global organizations access the highest quality cryptographic operations possible as they prepare for quantum computing technology.

Available through the Palo Alto Networks GitHub portal, the QRNG Open API can be embedded into any application. Later this year, Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) will support the QRNG Open API, enabling the network security platform to bring in entropy for cryptographic functions.

Developed by Palo Alto Networks and leading QRNG technology partners, Anametric, ID Quantique, Qrypt, Quantinuum, Quantropi and Quside, the QRNG Open API will:

  • Simplify QRNG integration by removing proprietary silos.
  • Maximize interoperability in multi-vendor networks and promote freedom of choice, allowing customers to select the best technologies and systems for their needs, including both cloud-based and on-prem solutions.
  • Accelerate QRNG adoption by removing barriers with a collaborative, open approach.
  • Provide a common mechanism for obtaining high-quality entropy from an external QRNG platform.

QRNG Open API initiative partners commented:

Fernando de la Iglesia, VP of Product, Quside:

"As a leader in quantum technology, Quside is committed to advancing the adoption of quantum randomness in cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Our key objective is to make quantum randomness more accessible by reducing adoption barriers. The QRNG Open API initiative is crucial for establishing clear and robust guidelines that meet precise user needs."

Kenny Huebsch, Director of Software Engineering, Qrypt:

"The biggest hurdle in helping organizations adopt quantum entropy isn't convincing them of its value - it's how complex it is to integrate into their systems..Driving toward a standard is an essential first step on a path to broader first-class support of quantum entropy sources." 

Wil Oxford, CEO, Anametric:

"Anametric is pleased to join the efforts of the QRNG Open API initiative. Establishing a standardized QRNG Open API is crucial for the cybersecurity landscape, facilitating the seamless transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Our collective expertise and collaboration will ensure that our digital infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and future-ready, safeguarding data in an increasingly quantum-enabled world."

Duncan Jones, Head of Cybersecurity, Quantinuum:

"Participating in the QRNG Open API initiative enables us to work alongside other industry leaders to address a critical aspect of quantum safety that's often overlooked - the quality of randomness used in cryptographic operations. By developing a common standard for access, we're helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity today while ensuring they maintain flexibility for the future."

Mike Redding, CTO, Quantropi:

"We believe that open standards are essential to give clients the confidence to adopt new technologies. Quantropi was honored to contribute our expertise to the QRNG Open API initiative to help make the Open API a reality. The Open API will allow clients to focus on the quality, reliability, security, and value of QRNG service offerings without the complication of evaluating implementation differences."

Grégoire Ribordy, CEO, IDQuantique:

"ID Quantique (IDQ) commercializes quantum hardware and software systems compliant with the relevant applicable standards, ensuring smooth integration with existing security framework, infrastructures, and applications. Ultimately Quantum Entropy combined with existing security solutions improves the security of end-user data and organization infrastructure today and in the future. We were delighted to support Palo Alto Networks initiative to provide a QRNG Open API to customers."

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is the global cybersecurity leader, committed to making each day safer than the one before with industry-leading, AI-powered solutions in network security, cloud security and security operations. Powered by Precision AI, our technologies deliver precise threat detection and swift response, minimizing false positives and enhancing security effectiveness. Our platformization approach integrates diverse security solutions into a unified, scalable platform, streamlining management and providing operational efficiencies with comprehensive protection. From defending network perimeters to safeguarding cloud environments and ensuring rapid incident response, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to achieve Zero Trust security and confidently embrace digital transformation in an ever-evolving threat landscape. This unwavering commitment to security and innovation makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we're committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we're also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2021-2024), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2024, 2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ+ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

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