Bigo Live Empowers Filipina Creators to Break Barriers

Bigo Live Empowers Filipina Creators to Break Barriers

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Bigo Live provides a supportive and inclusive platform that enables female creators to inspire positive change and build a global community

Bigo Live, the leading global livestreaming platform, remains committed to empowering women in the Philippines and beyond through its accessible platform, diverse initiatives, and supportive community. This March, in celebration of International Women’s Day (8 March), Bigo Live spotlights trailblazing female creators who are spreading positivity and driving meaningful change through the platform.

Aspiring singer Cess Angeles (BIGO ID: Prime_Cess) has amassed a strong fanbase on Bigo Live and is now a Manager with PTA Agency. She shared: “Bigo Live has helped me grow both as a person and a creator by giving me a platform to share my talents and connect with people from different backgrounds. It has also pushed me to be more creative with my content, whether through singing or chikahan sessions, while allowing me to support and guide others in my agency.”

Another creator, Diana Zubiri, Family Leader of DKSA and Agency Manager, PH-CELEBRITY2 (BIGO ID: dianazubiri) enjoys sharing her workouts and snippets of daily life. She said: “I love connecting with people, sharing my lifestyle, and helping aspiring hosts grow. Bigo Live has helped me gain more confidence, expand my network, and create meaningful content.”

Bigo Live actively fosters women empowerment through various initiatives, including regular events and activities that bring female creators together and specialised educational workshops for aspiring content creators. One example is Women’s Run PH, a community-led running event by women, for women. As a proud event partner, Bigo Live enables women participants to inspire, connect, and support one another through livestreaming. “We recognise that women turn to Bigo Live to discover new ideas, form meaningful connections and be part of a supportive community. We’re dedicated to cultivating a digital space where women are represented regardless of their background and empowered to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Bigo Live Philippines’ spokesperson.

As a creator-first platform, Bigo Live offers incentive programs that reward creators who produce engaging content and contribute to the community. The platform champions financial empowerment by providing female creators with opportunities to grow their fanbase, opening doors for income generation through various avenues such as virtual gifting on the app or potential brand partnerships.

Top Host and BIGO Awards Gala Philippines Annual Beans Championship Winner Jannine Joyce T. Cartagena (BIGO ID: Ninjajannine) highlighted the platform’s impact on her career: “Bigo Live has been a pivotal platform in my life, offering incredible opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise, such as travelling and sharing my talent with a global audience. While I've explored other platforms, I always return to Bigo Live because of its strong community and support. It's where I built my initial following, honed my skills, and truly realised my potential. I'm grateful for the continued opportunities Bigo Live provides me to connect with fans, collaborate with other creators, and grow both personally and professionally,” Jannine added.

Bigo Live believes that women empowerment is fundamental to building a more inclusive and equitable world. By giving women the space to express themselves, showcase their talents, and connect with a global audience, Bigo Live is breaking down barriers and creating a more level playing field. The platform remains committed to continuing its efforts to support and empower women worldwide, creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.

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Caltex Partners with PICKUP COFFEE to Drive Growth and Elevate Customer Experience at Service Stations

Caltex Partners with PICKUP COFFEE to Drive Growth and Elevate Customer Experience at Service Stations

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Executives from Caltex and PICKUP COFFEE come together to finalize their partnership with a contract signing.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), is strengthening its non-fuel retail (NFR) offerings alongside its continuous retail presence growth. The fuel brand recently partnered with PICKUP COFFEE, a brand proudly founded in the Philippines, with the mission to Uplift everyone with fast, delicious, and surprisingly affordable beverages – everywhere.

This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen Caltex’s NFR strategy. By teaming up with PICKUP COFFEE, known for its premium, espresso-based coffee and exceptional customer service, Caltex can offer customers a rewarding coffee experience while they refuel. This collaboration is expected to drive more foot traffic to Caltex stations, increase revenue, and enhance the Caltex brand image. Additionally, the partnership aligns with the brand’s commitment to providing value-added services that improve the overall customer experience at Caltex.

Caltex is focused on building long-term partnerships based on trust and shared goals, understanding that lasting success comes from collaboration. The company believes that strong partnerships are crucial for creating value, encouraging innovation, and supporting sustainable growth. PICKUP COFFEE aligns with this philosophy, sharing Caltex’s commitment to working together for mutual success and creating a meaningful, long-term impact.

“PICKUP COFFEE is thrilled to partner with Caltex, as we both prioritize long-term relationships grounded in trust and shared success. This partnership reflects our commitment to working together to deliver exceptional value to our customers. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration holds and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on the customer experience,” said Francis Flores, Chief Executive Officer of PICKUP COFFEE.

“We truly believe that this partnership will help strengthen the brand's presence and reputation even more, which is why we are excited for this partnership with PICKUP COFFEE. This collaboration will not only strengthen our presence but also provide customers with a more rewarding and seamless experience, showcasing our dedication to innovation, value, and sustainable growth,” added Billy Liu, General Manager and Country Chair CPI.

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Darwinbox Raises $140 Million Investment Co-led by Partners Group and KKR to Accelerate Global Expansion

Darwinbox Raises $140 Million Investment Co-led by Partners Group and KKR to Accelerate Global Expansion

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Darwinbox, a leading global human resource (“HR”) technology platform, today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry (acting on behalf of its clients), and funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm, will co-lead an investment of $140 million in the company, with additional participation from Gravity Holdings. The addition of Partners Group and KKR to an already-solid cap-table underscores Darwinbox’s strong momentum over the recent years. The investment positions Darwinbox well to deepen its technology leadership and accelerate its international expansion plans.

Founded in 2015, Darwinbox is a mobile-first and AI-enabled human capital management platform that serves more than 1,000 enterprises around the world. In less than a decade, Darwinbox has expanded internationally across multiple markets, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In particular, since its entry into North America two years ago, the company has seen significant traction and is doubling down on its regional presence. Over the last two years, Darwinbox has built a robust and diversified global portfolio, having achieved a fivefold growth in revenue in international markets, with over 60% of new revenue coming from international markets.

In 2024, Darwinbox was recognized as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for enterprises with more than 1,000 employees, making it the youngest and only Asian company to receive the accolade.

Since establishing a local presence in the Philippines, Darwinbox has swiftly become the go-to HCM platform for top Filipino enterprises, growing 2X year on year. Leading brands in the country like Gokongwei Group, BPI, SM Prime, Security Bank, Filinvest Group, MPTC, Home Credit, URC, Federal Land, Starbucks, and Toyota Motor Philippines trust Darwinbox to modernize HR. Proudly partnering with over 10 conglomerates in the Philippines, Darwinbox recognizes the country as a pivotal market within Southeast Asia. The company has launched its multi-country payroll solution in the country early this year further strengthening its commitment to delivering localized, high-impact HR innovations tailored to the unique needs of Filipino businesses.

“This investment is a testament to Darwinbox’s strong fundamentals and the trust we have earned from our 1,000+ global customer base,” said Jayant Paleti, Co‐founder of Darwinbox. “By placing the employee experience front and center — and ensuring our platform is deeply configurable to diverse local needs — we have helped transform HR for enterprises globally. With top-tier investors backing us, we’re poised to amplify our global momentum and deliver innovative AI‐powered solutions for thousands of enterprises worldwide.”

Cyrus Driver, Managing Director, Private Equity, Partners Group, comments, “Darwinbox operates in the rapidly growing HR tech market, which we have been tracking through our thematic research. The company is acting as a key disruptor to legacy platforms in this space, investing heavily in product innovation, generative AI, and global expansion, and is well positioned to take market share. We look forward to working with Darwinbox’s talented management team on driving future growth. The company represents another exciting addition to our private equity growth portfolio.”

Akshay Tanna, Partner and Head of India Private Equity, KKR, said, “Darwinbox has established itself as a leading player in the human capital management space in a short span of time through its focus on innovation and customer centricity. We are pleased to support Darwinbox on its next stage of growth and will look to draw from our global network and expertise to accelerate its international expansion ambitions.”

Globally, over 3 million employees from leading brands — including Starbucks, Nivea, AXA, Cigna, WeWork, Crisil (an S&P company), T-Systems, and more — rely on Darwinbox’s platform for modern HR management. Darwinbox’s recent wave of product rollouts — highlighted by a multi-country payroll solution and enhanced GenAI features — demonstrates its commitment to next-generation HR innovation.

Partners Group invested through its growth equity strategy, which applies a thematic approach to identify investment opportunities in growth-stage companies globally. Partners Group made its first growth investment in 2013 and has deployed around USD 2.5 billion in the space to-date. The firm’s recent growth investments include Lumin Digital, a leading cloud-native digital banking provider, and Neara, one of the first AI-powered predictive modeling software platforms for critical infrastructure.

KKR makes its investment from its Asia Next Generation Technology strategy, which seeks to support the growth of innovative, disruptive companies in Asia across consumer technology, software, and FinTech. This marks KKR’s latest growth equity investment in India and the region, including Rebel Foods, an internet restaurant company in India; Lenskart, an omni-channel eyewear retailer; Livspace, an omni-channel home interior and renovation platform; KiotViet, a SaaS platform for SMBs in Vietnam; and Privy, a digital trust provider in Indonesia.

Avendus Capital acted as the financial advisor and investment banker on this transaction.

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Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines again awarded as a Top Employer for the 7th year in a row

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines again awarded as a Top Employer for the 7th year in a row

For the seventh year in a row, the Top Employer Institute has recognized Boehringer Ingelheim as a Top Employer in the Philippines while also awarding the company as a “Global Top Employer” for the fifth consecutive year, and an Asia Pacific Top Employer for the sixth year straight. Boehringer is one of 17 companies worldwide to earn this award. The 2025 certification underscores the company’s commitment to an exceptional work environment that prioritizes career development and employee wellbeing. Comprehensive leadership training offers and strong values, communications, & ethics play a significant part in this.

“This remarkable achievement reflects our steadfast dedication to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally,” said May Evangelista, Head of Human Resources at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Boehringer’s employer offerings continue to score high, particularly in the categories “Steer” and “Develop”. The company’s internal Leadership Academy recognizes the value of leadership development for a positive and thriving work environment. It is one example how Boehringer supports its employees – whether in a leadership role or not – to steer their own development. The Academy helps create a shared understanding of leadership and offers targeted training for different leadership roles. Whether stepping into a leadership role for the first time or being a senior executive, tailored training will be available to all leaders.

“Our performance underscores our commitment to strong leadership and talent development, ensuring that our employees’ wellbeing, work environment, and career growth are always at the forefront of our initiatives,” Evangelista continued. “We encourage our employees to develop their own career paths and provide tools that help them find the balance that supports their goals.”

Develop your own path – at work and in private life

Boehringer’s learning offerings show how the company puts its people promise to “develop your own path” into practice. The internal Boehringer Ingelheim University makes a state-of-the-art virtual campus accessible to all 53,500 employees worldwide. The Leadership Academy is part of the University and offers in-person and virtual training. Their focus ranges from self-awareness to successfully driving teamwork. The modules help build skills in areas like stress and resilience, giving feedback, empowerment, problem-solving, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The leadership offerings also cover Boehringer’s holistic employee wellbeing program which includes mental, physical, social, and financial health. The company’s flexible working models are another contributor to the wellbeing approach. Some examples include the locally launched Volunteer Leave that allows employees to utilize leaves separate from their vacation leaves to carry out volunteering and charity work, as well as the formation of local well-being activities and initiatives. Overall, Boehringer takes an integrated approach to build an attractive work environment with an equitable, competitive, and transparent rewards and benefits program. It caters to the employee needs at every career stage with offerings that matter to their personal situation.

Certifications across the globe

Boehringer has been listed among the top employers in multiple countries and regions for the past 11 years. This year, it will receive the award in 30 countries. In South Korea, Boehringer is ranked among the top 3 employers and inGermany among the top 20. The company also received regional recognitions in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, and in the Middle East.

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Award-Winning Business Leader Jos Ortega Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainable World Today

Award-Winning Business Leader Jos Ortega Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainable World Today

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Jos Ortega, 2025 Agora Awardee, leads the charge in integrating sustainability into business innovation through initiatives like Le Trophée Bleu, Red Impact, and The KITA Initiative.

In an era where sustainability is no longer just a trend but a driving force for positive change, Jos Ortega has emerged as a visionary leader in integrating environmental and social responsibility into business innovation. As the 2025 Agora Award recipient for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications, Ortega has led transformative initiatives such as Red Impact, The KITA Initiative, and Le Trophée Bleu Sustainability Awards, reshaping corporate sustainability.

As the Managing Partner at HAVAS Red, Ortega has championed the integration of sustainability into business strategies. “Sustainability is the common thread in everything I do. It's about ensuring that our actions today create a lasting, positive impact for future generations,” he explains. His leadership philosophy is centered on making businesses a catalyst for good.

Le Trophée Bleu: Recognizing Corporate Excellence in Sustainability

One of Ortega’s signature initiatives, Le Trophée Bleu, was launched in 2022 by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines. Since then, it has evolved into a prestigious platform celebrating companies committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2024, he expanded the awards to recognize businesses making significant contributions across the Five Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. By showcasing initiatives that promote economic equality and environmental stewardship, Le Trophée Bleu urges companies to integrate sustainability into their core operations for the benefit of both business and society.

“Sustainability is not an option; it is a necessity for businesses to succeed in the modern world,” he emphasizes.

Driving Purpose-Driven Business

At the core of Ortega’s leadership philosophy is the conviction that sustainability extends beyond profit—it is about creating an impact. Through his leadership at HAVAS Ortega and HAVAS Red, he has guided businesses in integrating sustainability into their long-term strategies, ensuring it is not just a marketing message but a fundamental business priority.

“Sustainability is about building a future-proof business that aligns with evolving consumer values,” he explains. Under his guidance, HAVAS Red has helped numerous organizations transition from short-term CSR efforts to authentic, sustained sustainability programs, generating lasting value for both businesses and communities.

Red Impact: Turning Sustainability Commitments into Action

To bridge the gap between sustainability goals and real-world implementation, Ortega launched Red Impact, HAVAS Red’s dedicated sustainability arm. This initiative equips businesses with the tools, research, and strategies to integrate sustainability into their core operations.

“Red Impact ensures brands go beyond talking about sustainability—it drives them to make real, measurable changes,” he says. Through data-driven insights and strategic storytelling, Red Impact empowers companies to achieve their sustainability objectives while enhancing brand credibility.

The KITA Initiative: Championing Women Entrepreneurs

Ortega is also a strong advocate for gender equality in business. The KITA Initiative highlights the economic power of women entrepreneurs, shedding light on their often-overlooked contributions.

Developed by an all-women team at HAVAS Ortega, The KITA font is a unique typeface used by women-owned businesses to signify their ownership, challenging traditional narratives around gender and entrepreneurship.

“The KITA Initiative unmasks the true economic impact of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated world. This is about empowerment and ensuring women are not just succeeding, but also being recognized and celebrated for their contributions,” he emphasizes.

Leading the Charge for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Ortega’s 2025 Agora Award win reinforces his status as a pioneer in sustainability and business transformation. Through Le Trophée Bleu, Red Impact, and The KITA Initiative, he demonstrates that business success and social responsibility are interconnected.

By urging companies to move beyond surface-level sustainability efforts and commit to impactful, measurable programs, Ortega is redefining the role of business in shaping a greener, more inclusive world.

His legacy is one of leadership that prioritizes environmental responsibility, economic inclusivity, and sustained societal change. With Ortega’s ongoing innovation, the future of sustainable business is not just a possibility—it is a promise to the next generation!

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Marking 50 Years of Mega: CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan on What’s Next

Marking 50 Years of Mega: CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan on What’s Next

Mega Prime Foods Inc., the company behind Mega Sardines, the #1 sardines brand in the Philippines, has built a strong legacy in the fishing and food industry. Founded by William Tiu Lim, the company has grown from its humble beginnings as a fishing group 50 years ago into a powerhouse with a diverse portfolio of globally recognized brands.

As the company celebrates this milestone, it looks ahead with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. In 2023, Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan was appointed President and CEO, continuing the company’s commitment to growth.

Her appointment is significant—not just as a woman executive but as a daughter stepping into a leadership role in a family business, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive leadership.

A recent PBCWE census showed that women held 21% of board seats in 2022 but only 13% of CEO positions in the country. Tiu Lim-Chan’s leadership is a step toward increasing female representation at the executive level.

Beyond her role as CEO, she is a mentor and role model, demonstrating that women can lead successfully while managing personal commitments. She fosters a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered, championing inclusive leadership and supporting the next generation of female leaders. Through her leadership, she is helping shape the future of Mega Prime Foods and contributing to a more diverse business landscape in the Philippines

A Family Legacy of Excellence and Malasakit

The value of Mega Malasakit was built on the strong foundation of Filipino family values—caring, providing, and extending support to others. This has been the driving force behind Mega Prime Foods' success. With a steadfast commitment to this vision, Tiu Lim-Chan ensures that the Mega legacy continues to thrive, inspiring future generations and expanding its impact beyond borders.

“When malasakit is embedded in the workplace culture, it fosters an environment where employees work with compassion and a genuine desire to uplift one another. It becomes a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to act with goodwill and purpose. In our 50 years in the business, our proudest edge is our ability to translate this commitment into our products, fostering a deep understanding of food and love on the table,” shares Tiu Lim-Chan.

Her dedication to sustainability is also evident through the Mega Ocean Clean-Up, an initiative that involves sweeping the sea floor for garbage by attaching nets to the company’s boats and bringing the collected waste back to land. This effort reflects her commitment to environmental responsibility and marine conservation.

With a deep respect for the brand’s rich heritage and culture, Tiu Lim-Chan has transformed Mega Prime Foods into a modern, globally competitive enterprise. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio, diversifying into the beverage industry with Primo Sparkling Juice and Jimm’s Coffee Mix. Her bold vision continues to drive the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and service to Filipino families.

Women Leading the Future of Business

Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan is a testament to the power of women in leadership, proving that they have the ability to inspire, empower communities, and raise industry standards. Her dedication and vision continue to pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that women can lead with impact, innovation, and purpose.

She strongly believes in continuous learning, having graduated from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia. She also shares this passion for growth by conducting training for her team, ensuring that her leadership fosters a culture of learning and excellence within Mega Prime Foods.

As Mega Prime Foods celebrates this remarkable milestone, it also takes this Women’s Month as an opportunity to recognize the impact of women in leadership. Tiu Lim-Chan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability reflects how women continue to shape industries and drive meaningful progress

Her leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that women have the ability to empower communities, raise industry standards, and lead with impact, innovation, and purpose. Through her example, she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a female leader.

By blending tradition with forward-thinking solutions, she is shaping the future of Mega Prime Foods, ensuring that its impact will be felt for generations to come.

Fore more information, visit megaprimefoods.com.ph or shop on its official stores in Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok Shop.

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Visa and PHLPost Sign Agreement to Enhance Financial Services for Underserved Filipinos

Visa and PHLPost Sign Agreement to Enhance Financial Services for Underserved Filipinos

Friday, March 7, 2025

Visa and PHLPost to work together to provide more secure and efficient financial services

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) aimed at expanding access to financial services for Filipinos, particularly those in underserved sectors such as rural communities.

Under the agreement, Visa will utilize its innovation in digital payments as well as its global payments network to explore opportunities with PHLPost in modernizing and expanding the reach of its financial services, which include handling remittances and money orders for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well as disbursement of healthcare subsidies, social welfare payments, and disaster relief.

Visa and PHLPost will also explore opportunities to enhance business and financial literacy for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as share best practices in making financial transactions more seamless, secure, and accessible.

The PHLPost remains committed to providing essential postal and financial services to Filipinos, especially those in remote and or Filipinos abroad. Through this collaboration with Visa, PHLPost aims to enhance its financial offerings by integrating digital payment solutions, improving transaction efficiency, and ensuring greater security for its customers through good governance. By modernizing its services, PHLPost seeks to bridge the financial gap for communities that rely on its extensive network across the country.

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