Want to Experience PAL Business Class? Just Link Your Mabuhay Miles in the Maya App!

Thursday, May 8, 2025


What if we told you that your next business class adventure was just one tap away? With Maya, the #1 Digital Bank app, your Mabuhay Miles are now easier to access than ever. Simply tap the tile on your Maya homepage marked with the PAL logo to check your balance, manage your rewards, and get one step closer to flying in style.

And here’s the real deal: From April 15 to June 30, 2025, when you link your Mabuhay Miles account through the Maya app, you’ll get the chance to win a roundtrip PAL Business Class ticket for two. That’s right—three lucky winners (and their travel buddies) will be jetting off to dream destinations in Asia like Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, Singapore, and more. Think champagne, lie-flat seats, and all the perks—on the house.

But the best part? There’s even more on the way! Keep an eye out for exciting new features and rewards that’ll take your travel experience to even greater heights. This collaboration is part of Maya’s ongoing mission to help you make the most of your money—and now, your miles.

So, what are you waiting for? Link your Mabuhay Miles in the Maya app today and unlock a world of premium rewards. Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated.

Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.
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VFS Global acquires majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience to create a centre of excellence and promote Brazilian knowhow in Public Service abroad


VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a leading provider of digital and physical citizen services based in Brazil. This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal step in VFS Global’s expansion journey—particularly across Latin America (LATAM)—as it continues to broaden its capabilities and deepen its impact in the public service delivery space.

With nearly two decades of pioneering innovation in citizen services, CiX has established a strong presence in Brazil. This success will be further scaled across LATAM and other global markets, leveraging VFS Global’s international reach and operational excellence.

This acquisition is centred on driving transformation through advanced digital technologies, including AI and data-driven platforms. By uniting CiX’s cutting-edge digital capabilities with VFS Global’s extensive global infrastructure and expertise in managing complex service ecosystems, we are positioned to deliver next-generation, integrated solutions to public and private sector clients around the world.

For both companies’ client governments and partners, this will lead to enhanced, tailored solutions that improve citizen engagement, access, and satisfaction.

Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Services, said, “Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America, and beyond. This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens' lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility, and savings for governments worldwide.”

Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added, "We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition which will be value accretive for both companies – for CiX Citizen Experience and for VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this, and our technological capabilities, will provide the launchpad for CiX Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services world-wide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens' quality of life and build renewed trust in governments."

Since its founding in 2008, CiX Citizen Experience has established itself as a pioneer in public services, managing over 250 service centres across Brazil. The company offers more than 200 types of services to states and municipalities, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of government services. Over the years, CiX Citizen Experience has served over 150 million citizens, issuing more than 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licenses. With operations in key regions such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Ceará, CiX Citizen Experience continues to lead the way in digital and physical public service solutions, driving innovation and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.

VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has significantly expanded its global footprint. With over 3,500 Application Centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has processed more than 309 million applications since its inception in 2001. In 2023, the company secured seven major global contracts, including a landmark agreement with the UK government as the exclusive overseas provider to manage visa and citizenship services across 142 countries. Additionally, VFS Global won contracts with the governments of Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in delivering secure, efficient, and innovative solutions for visa and consular services worldwide.
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This Mother’s Day, Do Something for You

PSBank Flexi Personal Loan

Say yes to your goals with PSBank Flexi Personal Loan

Being a mom is a 24/7 job—no time-outs, no log-offs. Between managing work, school projects, family meals, and everything in between, it’s easy to lose sight of one very important person: You.

This Mother’s Day, celebrate saying yes to yourself—because prioritizing your dreams isn’t just smart, it’s empowering. With PSBank Flexi Personal Loan, you can confidently and affordably take the next step toward your goals.

Fund Your Passion Projects

Whether you’re ready to launch that dream business, enroll in a new course, or finally bring a creative idea to life, the PSBank Flexi Personal Loan helps turn your plans into reality.

PSBank’s digital tools like the loan calculator and pre-qualification checklist can easily guide you in the application process with confidence. The Loan Calculator gives a preview of the monthly amortization based on the preferred loan availment and term.

Borrow up to ₱250,000 and enjoy flexible repayment terms of 24 to 36 months—giving you the freedom to move at your own pace and on your own terms.

Invest in the “New You”

It’s your turn to thrive. From scheduling that long-overdue check-up to starting a wellness routine or creating your own peaceful corner at home—this is your sign to focus on you. Prioritize your well-being, and let PSBank Flexi Personal Loan help make it happen.

And the best part? Your approved PSBank Flexi Loan comes with a free Flexi Mastercard that you can use to withdraw funds or swipe at any BancNet and Mastercard-affiliated establishments—seamless and stress-free.

Spend Without the Guilt

Moms are natural budget keepers—so it’s normal to feel a bit guilty about spending on yourself. With PSBank Flexi Personal Loan, you get more than just funds—you get flexibility. Rebates are computed daily and automatically applied to all qualified term loans, rewarding you for paying early or more than your monthly due.

Even better, PSBank Flexi Personal Loan works like a revolving credit line. This means once you repay what you’ve used, your available balance is replenished—ready to be used again when needed without having to reapply. It’s like having a financial safety net that’s always there when opportunity calls.

You can also access your funds 24/7 via ATM, and repay the way that works best for you—whether through PSBank branches, BancNet ATMs, PSBank Mobile or Online, InstaPay, or Online Bill Payment Services.

Mom’s Maaasahan Partner

This Mother’s Day, choose to invest in yourself with PSBank Flexi Personal Loan. Apply for a PSBank Flexi Personal Loan with Prime Rebate via PSBank Mobile, PSBank Online, or visit your nearest PSBank branch. For more information on PSBank's products and services, visit psbank.com.ph or follow PSBank on Facebook and Instagram.

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Shell Empowers Young Filipinos with Disaster Preparedness Through Innovative Board Game


Students in these cities are engaging in a unique learning experience that teaches them the importance of proper disaster response. . "Master of Disaster" (MOD), an innovative board game developed by Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), is being utilized to equip the next generation with essential disaster preparedness knowledge and skills. MOD emphasizes the value of “bayanihan”, the Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation, by working together to support one another during simulated scenarios.

Building upon the success of the initial phase, which reached over 81,000 students and more than 300 teachers, Year 2 of the project will expand to 20 schools in Cagayan de Oro City. "By empowering children with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenging situations, we can foster resilience within communities and better protect them during times of calamities." stated Serge Bernal, Shell Pilipinas Vice President for Corporate Relations.

The MOD game has garnered enthusiastic feedback from both students and educators. One Libjo Elementary School student remarked, "Playing MOD improves our social skills and teaches us to work together and escape disasters." A teacher from Tabangao Elementary School echoed this sentiment, stating, "The MOD rollout was very interesting. It motivated the students to learn about disasters."

Pilipinas Shell, with its long history of commitment to community development and safety, believes that investing in the education of young Filipinos is crucial for building a more resilient and disaster-prepared nation.

Shell remains committed to empowering communities through innovative partnerships that build resilience and preparedness for a safer future.
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VFS Global Leverages SAP Software to Power Digital Cross-Border Mobility

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Christian Klein and Zubin Karkaria in New York, highlighting VFS Global's decision to leverage SAP software for enhancing digital transformation and supporting governments and travellers worldwide.


SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced that VFS Global, the world-leading provider of visa, consular and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions, will leverage SAP software to help it develop leading-edge AI-powered digital solutions for cross-border mobility and citizen services.

Cross-border mobility and citizen services are becoming increasingly digital, and governments are looking into the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and sovereign security. To accelerate its innovation road map and help governments meet the increasingly complex needs of travelers and citizens, VFS Global is adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and other SAP solutions.

“We take great pride in partnering with SAP as a leading and trusted technology and AI company,” said Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO of VFS Global. “By combining our deep expertise in visa, consular and citizen services with SAP’s world-class solutions, we empower governments to enhance efficiency, strengthen security and enable seamless mobility for millions of travelers around the world.”

“With SAP solutions at its core, VFS will be able to leverage the latest innovations to become an even stronger partner for governments, travelers and citizens worldwide,” said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE.

In line with its vision to embrace technological innovation to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, VFS Global has also chosen SAP Business Technology Platform and the SAP Business Data Cloud solution to deliver leading-edge and AI-powered solutions to its customers and to drive operational excellence across its global operations.

“By combining the strengths of VFS Global and SAP, we are elevating cross-border mobility and citizen services to the next level”, said Michael Nilles, member of the VFS executive board and chief digital and technology officer. "Strategically, this positions us as a leading force in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech, powered by technology and AI innovations that benefit governments, travelers and citizens worldwide," he added.


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Palo Alto Networks Encourages Voter Vigilance as AI Threatens Digital Trust Ahead of 2025 Elections


As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the Philippines’ digital landscape faces growing vulnerability to disinformation tactics from bad actors seeking to manipulate public perception. Amplifying this risk is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), which introduces new levels of realism and precision that demand heightened vigilance, especially during major national events when public reliance on digital platforms surges.

There has been a surge in deepfake content in the country, with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) reporting that it monitors 200 to 300 deepfake incidents daily in the Philippines. In the lead-up to the elections, such sophisticated disinformation poses a serious risk to public trust and informed decision-making. Often integrated into broader social engineering campaigns, these tactics exploit trust and urgency to mislead individuals into sharing, believing, or acting on false information.

As Filipino voters prepare to head to the polls, Palo Alto Networks, the world’s leading AI cybersecurity company, shares practical recommendations to help individuals stay vigilant and protect themselves online amid heightened digital activity during the election period.

Evaluate Digital Content Critically. As AI-generated content online becomes increasingly sophisticated, voters should assess the credibility of sources and verify information across multiple trusted channels before engaging or sharing.

Be Cautious of Suspicious Messages. Phishing remains a top tactic for threat actors. Messages requesting personal details, containing strange links, or urging immediate action should raise red flags. Always verify the authenticity of these communications through trusted channels.

Secure Personal Accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication. Voters are advised to strengthen the security of their personal accounts by enabling multi-factor authentication. This extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access, identity theft, data breaches, or misuse of private information.

Verify Website Authenticity. Deceptive websites often impersonate official government platforms to mislead users. Always inspect web addresses, ensuring they use legitimate domains to avoid engaging with links from unfamiliar or unverified sources.

Adopt a Zero Trust Mindset. As AI-driven threats become more convincing, voters should treat every message, link, and request with caution. Verify authenticity before engaging and keep devices updated to reduce exposure to evolving risks.

“Election periods heighten digital activity and open the door to more sophisticated, AI-driven threats,” said Steven Scheurmann, Regional Vice President for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks. “What’s different today is the precision, scale, and speed at which disinformation can spread. Deepfakes and phishing scams are no longer obvious or amateur — they’re targeted, realistic, and timed to exploit moments of national significance. In this environment, every voter becomes a potential target. Proactive cyber hygiene isn’t just about personal safety anymore; it’s about protecting democratic trust at scale. We all have a role to play in strengthening the integrity of our digital way of life.”

The election period puts additional strain on digital spaces where information is exchanged. With AI accelerating the speed and scale of online activity, distinguishing between legitimate content and manipulation becomes increasingly challenging—and increasingly important.

This period underscores the need for shared responsibility, where platforms, institutions, and individuals all play a role in safeguarding the integrity of digital spaces. In an online environment shaped by speed and sophistication, the ability to pause, assess, and respond wisely has never been more crucial.

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Schneider Electric kicks off the year with significant sustainability milestones, exceeds 2024 target

Schneider Sustainability Impact


Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced that its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program achieved a score of 7.95 out of 10 for the first quarter of 2025, towards a target of 8.80/10 by the end of the year.

Recognized as the world’s most sustainable corporation by Corporate Knights, Schneider Electric continues to make significant strides towards its sustainability goals as it enters the final year of its current SSI program. The company also recently published details of its sustainability performance for the final quarter of 2024, alongside its full-year financial results. The company’s SSI score for 2024 reached 7.55 out of 10, surpassing the end-year target of 7.40. Monitoring and reporting on the 11 global commitments of its SSI’s quarterly progress remains essential to achieving the company’s goals across all dimensions of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

SSI is the company’s framework for measuring sustainability progress, aligned with its business strategy. Performance is tracked against a 2020 baseline, with some programs using adjusted baselines due to COVID-19. SSI scores progress on a 10-point scale, where the 2025 target equals 10/10, and the base year is 3/10. Scores are calculated per key performance indicator, averaged equally (excluding Local Commitment), and externally audited annually. In 2024, SSI #8 received "reasonable" assurance.

“In 2024, Schneider Electric was recognized by TIME and Statista as the World’s Most Sustainable Company. Earlier this year, we were honored to receive the same recognition from Corporate Knights as part of its Global 100 ranking – marking our second time topping this list and a first for any corporation. These remarkable achievements, alongside other key ESG recognitions inspire us to reach even greater heights in 2025,” said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. “As we enter the final year of our Sustainability Impact program, we are determined to continue transforming ambition into action. There's still work ahead, but with the support of our extensive ecosystem, our people, and all our Impact Makers, we will succeed.”

In Q1 2025, Schneider Electric helped customers save and avoid nearly 700 million tonnes of CO₂ through its solutions. Since 2018, its energy-saving technologies have enabled 679 million tonnes in avoided emissions. It also achieved a 42% emissions cut from its top 1,000 suppliers through energy efficiency and renewables under the Zero Carbon Project.

Schneider Electric’s suppliers uphold decent work standards, with compliance rising from 21% in 2023 to 63% in 2024. Exceeding its SSI goal ahead of schedule, Schneider has provided clean electricity to 53.4 million people and trained 824,000+ individuals in energy management, nearing its 1 million target by 2025. Through its Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program, Schneider equips young people with skills for sustainable careers.

In addition to these accomplishments, for the 14th consecutive year, Schneider Electric has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index, achieved a place on CDP’s A list, and earned a AAA rating from MSCI ESG. Its latest score from EcoVadis also secured a Platinum medal.

“At Schneider, we believe in strong partnerships with corporations, governments, local partners, and communities to uplift livelihoods, boost incomes, and expand access to education and reliable, clean energy,” added Leong. “I'm especially proud of our people’s relentless pursuit to turn ambition into action, from innovating solutions for environmental impact to giving back to our communities. Together, we’re making progress and sustainability a reality for all.”

For further insights on Schneider’s Sustainability Impact program, explore Schneider Electric's Q4 and Q1 2025 reports featuring detailed progress dashboards.
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I am MAD debuts ‘Powered by Volunteer15m,’ marks 100th outreach


'I am Powered by Volunteer15m' launch during MAD Meet Annual Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration in Baguio City.

I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers, Inc., a volunteer-powered nonprofit, marked its 15th year with a meaningful return to Baguio City, where its journey began. The MAD Meet Annual Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration featured the launch of its newest campaign, ‘I am Powered by Volunteer15m – I am MAD: 15 Years of Heartfelt M15sion.’

This year’s theme, “I am Powered by Volunteer15m,” celebrates the unwavering spirit that fuels every outreach. It’s a tribute to the passion, commitment, and love of every volunteer who powers its mission to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children and communities.

The gathering became a full-circle moment for founders Maco Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, who first conceptualized I am MAD in 2009 amid the cool breeze and pine-lined streets of Baguio. From just two passionate volunteers, the organization has since evolved into a nationwide movement with nearly 1,000 active “MADmates” dedicated to reaching underserved communities across the Philippines.

“What began as a simple dream has grown into a thriving community of changemakers,” Ravanzo shared. “Being back here with our volunteers is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and the greater impact we can still create together.”

Honoring Beacons of Volunteerism and breaking new ground

As part of the celebration, I am MAD honored 15 exceptional volunteer leaders with the ‘Alab ng Puso’ Beacon of Volunteerism Award, a special tribute to their selfless contributions over the years. The awardees were Ramona Rivero, Raymark Estael, Big Jay Lagang, Jake Villanueva, Ruth Dağli, Kevin Conrad Tansiongco, Erwin Dela Cruz, Mayo Ceazar Mendoza, John Martin Recio, Lester Lim, Julian Robert Obamos, Carmela Magbanua, Ymari Kristia Pascua, Ralph Laurence Manubay, and Lyman Hansel Gerona.

The event also recognized the dream team leaders behind last year’s outreach efforts with individual and group citations, celebrating their vital role in executing I am MAD’s 2024 programs and events. Other major milestones included the onboarding of 63 new volunteers and the launch of new initiatives that reached entire communities for the first time. Notably, I am MAD expanded its school outreach in Rizal and Palawan, supporting two schools per province—a first in its history.

A special highlight of the evening was a powerful cultural performance by the Uschong Cultural Ensemble, showcasing the richness of local heritage and community spirit. The celebration culminated in an emotional tribute to the founders, who were surprised with photo memorabilia and words of deep appreciation from fellow volunteers.

MAD Meet Cordillera 2025 was organized and hosted by MADmates from Rizal and made possible through the generous support of Power Mac Center / The Loop, FH Commercial, The Dağli, OK Custom Gifts, The Engravers, Creative ADOBO, KFC, Fudgy and Pepper, and MMA Jr.

100th outreach to build next-gen volunteer leaders

I am MAD also celebrated a historic milestone with its 100th MAD Camp, held in the upland village of Barangay Puguil, Santol, La Union. The three-day outreach, which also served as the 2nd Builders Camp after 10 years, brought together around 40 children and dozens of volunteers for a weekend of values formation, storytelling, and community bonding at Liguay Elementary School.

Beyond outreach, the Builders Camp doubled as an immersive training ground for aspiring volunteer leaders: Aldrine Anzures, Anna Ricka Nacasabog, Beezus Abesamis, Emmanuelle Jasper Relativo, Heini Borromeo, Jahnnela Faith Bonilla, Jalilah Sarip, Lourielaine Garcia, Marco Sayas, and Michelle Del Rosario. Carefully selected from over a hundred applicants, these emerging “builders” received free training on both the technical and relational aspects of running a MAD Camp. They gained hands-on experience in program facilitation, logistics, and community engagement. Senior volunteers also played a key role, offering inspiration, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes support—equipping the next wave of changemakers with both heart and skill.

Despite the steep terrain and rough roads, volunteers arrived with full hearts and a shared mission: to uplift lives in underserved areas. Signature segments like MAD Talks Padayon created safe spaces for healing and reflection, with a message that resonated deeply: “Do it because God allows you to do it.”

Local officials, including La Union Governor Rafy Ortega-David, lauded the initiative and pledged continued support to improve access and infrastructure in remote communities like Puguil.

Join the mission to make a difference

The ‘I am Powered by Volunteer15m’ campaign invites more Filipinos to be part of a growing mission of hope, service, and change.

Registration is now open for MAD Camp, the organization’s flagship outreach volunteer program that focuses on values formation, education, and community-building for children aged 10 to 12. Camps are scheduled this year in Marinduque, Masbate, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Zambales, Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. As part of the campaign launch, I am MAD is releasing a music video to inspire youth and professionals to get involved. Sign up at bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg.

Each MAD Camp is powered by BIDA Eskwela (Bigay Ayuda para sa Eskwela), a fundraising drive that provides every child with a “Bag of Dreams”—school supplies and tokens of encouragement. Support the cause by donating at bit.ly/bidadonate.

To learn more, volunteer, or explore partnerships, visit fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com.
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Empowering Dreams: FWD x JA SparktheDream Celebrates Financial Literacy and Youth Entrepreneurship


FWD Life Insurance and JA Philippines successfully concluded the FWD x JA SparktheDream: Igniting Success, Celebrating Excellence event at the FWD Office in Bonifacio Global City. This inspiring gathering celebrated the achievements of the JA SparktheDream program, which equipped thousands of young students with essential financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

A total of 8,822 students from Albay, Bulacan, Pasay City, and Mandaluyong have been empowered through this initiative, setting a solid foundation for responsible financial decision-making.

“As the insurer of the next generation, we believe in empowering young minds to take charge of their future. Through JA SparktheDream, we have equipped students with essential financial literacy knowledge at an early age, shaping future leaders and entrepreneurs who can make a positive impact in their communities,” shared Arnolfo de Leon, Chief Agency Officer at FWD Life Insurance.

The event honored key partners from the Department of Education, recognizing their unwavering support in making the program a success. Dedicated FWD volunteers were also acknowledged for their contributions to mentoring and guiding students through their financial literacy journey.

“JA SparktheDream equips thousands of public school students with financial literacy, fostering a future of responsible Filipinos. In partnership with FWD Life Insurance and JA Philippines, we empower students to make a lasting community impact.” said Asec. Georgina Ann H. Yang, Assistant Secretary for External Partnerships and International Cooperation, Department of Education

A highlight of the event was the JA SparktheDream Business Plan Competition, which showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young participants. Winning teams such as YES Crafty Bookmarks (Abangan Sur Elementary School, Albay) and Twin Burgers (Malilipot Central School, Albay) demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to their craft.

“Financial literacy is a fundamental skill that empowers young individuals to make informed decisions about their future,” said Krishna Alejandrino, Executive Director of JA Philippines. “Through JA SparktheDream, we are equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to turn their aspirations into reality, fostering a generation of financially responsible and entrepreneurial Filipinos.”

The FWD x JA SparktheDream event was not just a celebration of success but a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and partnership in shaping a financially empowered future.

Looking ahead, JA Philippines is set to host the JA ItsMyDream Bazaar on May 8-9, 2025, at Glorietta 1, where young entrepreneurs from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs in Mandaluyong and Pasay will present their innovative business ideas.

For more updates, follow @ja_philippines and @fwdlife_ph on social media.
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Appdome Unleashes Most Comprehensive Mobile Bot Defense Profile for Industry Standard Web Application Firewalls

Mobile Bot Defense Profile


Delivers 400+ Defenses in a single MobileBOT™ Protection Profile to Turn Web Application Firewalls into Fraud-Fighting Machines

Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced at RSAC 2025 that its AI-Native MobileBOT™ Defense solution now offers the most comprehensive mobile bot defense profile on the market. Capable of evaluating 400+ attack vectors in Android & iOS apps, OSs, devices, user interfaces and networks, Appdome’s new MobileBOT™ defense profile allows network security teams to not only stop brute force bot and credential stuffing attacks but also stop hyper targeted, spear phishing, account takeover (ATO), KYC fraud, on-device fraud (ODF), and deepfake threats in real time across account creation, login, password reset, payment and other critical API endpoints.

“Up until now, mobile bot defense has been about trying to stop brute force bot and credential stuffing attacks and inspecting the mobile device for 2-3 threat signals,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “This isn’t enough. Mobile brands need to stop brute force attacks, for sure, but they also evaluate mobile device, OS, application, user interface and network level threats before allowing anyone to connect to their APIs.”

AI Has Changed Bot Defense Forever

Modern bot attacks aren’t contained to brute force bot and credential stuffing attacks launched from bot farms, automated scripts and similar attack vectors. Today, bot attacks can also include hyper-targeted ATO attacks that use AI-generated deepfake images, face cloning, liveness spoofing, and mobile Trojans to bypass biometric checks of specific users. These attacks can also be combined with client-side malware to intercept OTPs, complete Captcha challenges, hijack sessions, and exploit sensitive app flows like login, payment, and password reset. Some bot attacks weaponize the mobile app itself—evading traditional anti-bot defenses and putting user trust, compliance, and revenue at risk.

AI-Native Bot Defense is the Future

Appdome’s AI-Native MobileBOT™ Defense redefines mobile bot protection by providing multi-layered defense built for Android & iOS environments. While legacy bot defense SDKs aren’t protected in the app, use vulnerable cookies or JWTs to identify apps, and monitor only a few basic threat indicators such as emulators and jailbreak/root, Appdome’s MobileBOT™ Defense provides application-level rate limiting to eliminate the risk of weaponized and zombie applications, immutable application fingerprinting using secured client certificates to stop brute force attacks, and provides deep session risk, evaluating up to 400 configurable attack vectors in a single bot defense profile. With Appdome MobileBOT™ Defense, network security teams can stop brute force attacks and scan the mobile environment for any sign of deepfakes, social engineering scams, voice cloning, trojan attacks, vishing, remote access trojans (RATs), mobile device takeovers, and more before allowing a connection.

“Your bot defense strategy has to take AI into consideration,” said Gil Hartman, founding engineer and Field CTO of Appdome. “Brute force bot and credential stuffing attacks are one way the attacker guesses the user name and password of the victim. With AI, guessing gets really easy, really fast and your network and API defense have to be able to repel more sophisticated ATO threats.”

Tailored Profiles Stop Targeted ATO Attacks

Using a single MobileBOT™ Defense Profile, mobile brands and enterprises can evaluate up to 400+ attack vectors before allowing connections to any API, endpoint, or host. More importantly, network security teams can create separate defense profiles to address the specific threats applicable to each API. For example, network security professionals can evaluate different threats in each bot defense profile for:

Sign Up & Onboarding APIs - Detect the presence of fake users and devices signing up to your service including fake taps, clicks, swipes, gestures as well as fake location and devices.

Sign In & Password Reset APIs - Detect the presence of spyware such as keyloggers, overlay attacks, and activity monitoring, as well as ATO risk from deepfakes, ATS Malware and more.

Payment APIs – Detect the presence of data harvesting and trojan malware, MiTM attacks, session hijacks, OS compromises, vishing, social engineering scams and more.

“Tailored threat evaluation per API or host across 400+ threat vectors is huge,” said a leading industry analyst. “This level of deep inspection per API allows network security professionals to turn any Web Application Firewall into Mobile Fraud Fighting machine and get so much more out of their WAFs.”

Layered Defense to Stop All Mobile Bot Attacks

Appdome’s MobileBOT™ Defense solution is the only anti-bot solution purpose built for mobile applications, mobile environments and mobile businesses. Every feature of MobileBOT Defense is designed to address the unique computing environment, threat vectors and operating requirements of the mobile channel. Here are just some of the key elements of MobileBOT Defense by Appdome:

App-Level Rate Limiting – Leverages the compute on the mobile device to throttle API requests coming from “noisy,” malware controlled or zombie mobile apps.

Application Fingerprinting – MTLS Pre-Check authenticates the real app during the TLS handshake, allowing network security teams to deny API requests from bot farms, bot scripts and fake applications.

Extended Bot Defense Profiles – Evaluate session risk across up to 400+ separate threat vectors in mobile devices, OS, applications, user interface and networks to stop targeted ATOs, KYC Fraud and On-Device Fraud on a per API basis.

Pin to Host – Uses Appdome’s secure certificate pinning to validate the authenticity of servers your application is connecting to per API.

Dynamic API Updates - Remotely update protected hosts and endpoints without a new app release.

Zero-Trust and Dynamic Threat Evaluation – Allows network security professionals to control when threat evaluations are performed.

Hardened Implementation in Apps – Delivers tamper-proof anti-bot implementation in Android & iOS apps, free of spoofing, interception and compromise.

All Mobile App Compatibility – Works seamlessly with any Android or iOS app.

No-SDK, No Server Delivery - Eliminates integration work and infrastructure overhead, accelerating deployment and eliminating engineering work.

All Web Application Firewall Compatibility – Compatible with all industry standard WAFs; no change outs required.

“To protect Mobile APIs from bot and ATO attacks, you need a bot defense product that is purpose-built for the unique threats and challenges of your mobile app and business,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “You also need an anti-bot solution that works with all the Web Application Firewalls you have today and tomorrow, otherwise it just doesn’t work.”

With the MobileBOT release, Appdome now offers full flexibility for mixing and matching where and how to enforce mobile app protections. Mobile businesses can enforce these protections at the client app level, network layer, or a combination of both. Whether stopping brute force bots or user-level targeted fraud, Appdome’s layered defense model ensures optimal protection and performance.

Appdome’s MobileBOT Defense requires no SDKs, no servers, and no changes to existing WAF infrastructure, bypassing the limitations, complexity and cost of traditional anti-bot products. By working with any WAF, businesses can preserve and extend their WAF investments and, with client-side rate limiting, can dramatically lower data processing costs.

Appdome is demonstrating the AI-Native MobileBOT Defense solution and the full Appdome AI-Native Platform at RSAC in San Francisco at booth South-0948.

To learn more about AI-powered bot protection for mobile apps, you can request a personalized demo at www.appdome.com/mobilebot-defense.
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New batch of Out-of-School Youths flex entrepreneurial skills at FWD Life Insurance’s It’s My Dream Bazaar


Find quality products while helping out-of-school youths build their best futures in this one-of-a-kind event by FWD Philippines in partnership with JA Philippines.

Coming from the successful inaugural program in 2024, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) welcomes a new batch of out-of-school youths (OSYs) to showcase their financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills at the 2025 Dreamers' Pop-Up Bazaar: Powered by Passion, Driven by Youth.

Open to the public from May 8 to 9, 2025 at Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati, the event is part of FWD Philippines and Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines) It’s My Dream program, which aims to equip OSYs with the appropriate entrepreneurial skills to help them thrive and build their best futures.

FWD Philippines President & CEO, Antonio Manuel “Jumbing” de Rosas said, “As the insurer of the next generation, we believe our youth are the cornerstone for nation-building. That’s why we are committed to showcase the incredible potential of our youth who have dreams to succeed. It is our goal through this program to empower them to become their own agents of change, so they can ably support themselves, their families, and their communities.”

This year, the It’s My Dream program locks in a bigger number of participating OSYs. Products to be sold during the bazaar event were sourced by the participating OSYs from local businesses as part of the program’s practicum.

JA Philippines Executive Director, Krishna Alejandrino, emphasized how the program and the partnership with FWD Philippines is a testament to the transformative power of financial literacy to the youth. “Equipping these young dreamers with practical skills and real-world knowledge fosters their confidence and paves the way for economic independence. We are thrilled to see them take ownership of their futures and create better opportunities for themselves.”

JA It’s My Dream is under FWD and JA Asia Pacific’s groupwide financial literacy program, JA SparktheDream, which was launched in 2023. Learn more about the program by visiting ph.jasparkthedream.org

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Allianz Asia Pacific and INSEAD Celebrate First Pinnacle Excellence Program Graduation

Tuesday, April 29, 2025


Setting a New Standard in Future-Proofing the Next Generation of Financial Advisors

Allianz Asia Pacific proudly announces the inaugural graduation of 200 agents and agency leaders from its Pinnacle Excellence Program (PEP), a first-of-its-kind initiative co-designed with INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools. This milestone underlines Allianz’s dedication to equipping its agency force with advanced skills and insights to navigate the evolving financial landscape, while also supporting the broader Pinnacle 2030 strategy focused on sustainable growth and enhanced client engagement.

Among the 200 agents and leaders, are nine (9) LifeChangers from Allianz PNB Life: Artemio Wapanio, Carla Joyce Garcia, Sharon Joy Ang, Dan Angelo Mamerto, Hayde Zamora, Maricris Comendador, Mariel Mendoza, John Michael Licas, and Alfredo Emmanuel Butalid.

Transformative Outcomes and Strong Agency Performance

Graduates of this first cohort demonstrated over 40% growth in productivity, and nearly 40% qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)—a global standard of excellence in financial advisory. These accomplishments contributed to Allianz’s robust 9M 2024 agency performance, marked by a 19% increase in New Business Value (NBV) and 8% growth in Annualised Premiums (ANP). Notably, ANP per active agent climbed by 11%, reflecting a strategic emphasis on developing a high-performing, client-focused agency network.

A Program Created "For Agents, By Agents"

PEP was developed through extensive collaboration with leading industry practitioners, including Allianz’s top-performing agents and leaders across Asia Pacific. Their on-the-ground insights shaped a specialized learning journey that addresses the key drivers of long-term success in today’s competitive market. Unlike conventional insurance training programs, PEP integrates both academic rigor and practical application through:

  • Blended Learning Delivery: Combining theoretical case studies, action-based projects, and role-playing exercises
  • Focused Skill Modules: Spanning Customer Psychology, Leadership, Communication, and Entrepreneurial Strategies.
  • Real-World Application: Equipping participants to translate classroom learnings into tangible results, from client engagement to team leadership.

“Our vision at Allianz is to build a world-class agency force that delivers exceptional service and trusted financial solutions,” said Anusha Thavarajah, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Asia Pacific. “The Pinnacle Excellence Program is a key pillar of our Pinnacle 2030 strategy, designed to elevate our agency force, enhance client engagement, and drive long-term growth. Through this program, we are not just transferring knowledge—we’re shaping the future of financial advisory by equipping our agents with the skills, tools, and mindset needed for sustainable success.”

Art Wapanio, one of the Filipino LifeChangers in the program, expressed his gratitude for being part of the experience: “I am deeply thankful to Allianz for giving me the opportunity to participate in the PEP program. Learning from a world-renowned business school broadened my perspective on both business and life. The opportunity to collaborate with passionate colleagues from different regional offices allowed us to exchange valuable ideas relevant to our work. I am eager to apply all the knowledge gained to ensure I can effectively help my clients achieve their financial goals and move closer to realizing their life aspirations.”

Elevating Industry Standards

In an environment where customer expectations continue to evolve, PEP graduates emerge as highly skilled advisors and leaders committed to safeguarding their clients’ financial well-being. By emphasizing lifelong learning, advanced financial planning expertise, and leadership development, Allianz aims to raise the bar for quality advisory services in the region.

“At INSEAD, we believe in developing responsible leaders who can navigate complexity and drive meaningful impact,” said Sameer Hasija, Dean of Executive Education and Dean of the Asia Campus at INSEAD. “Our collaboration with Allianz in the Pinnacle Excellence Program exemplifies this mission—combining world-class business education with real-world application to empower agents with the knowledge, skills, and strategic mindset needed to lead and create positive change in today’s financial landscape.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and Future Enhancements

The 200 graduates represent a diverse mix of new agents, aspiring leaders, and experienced professionals—each benefiting from PEP’s structured, hands-on approach. Building on this success, Allianz will expand the program in the coming years, allowing more agents to:

  • Access innovative learning methods tailored to an ever-changing market.
  • Develop leadership capabilities that drive team performance and client trust.
  • Contribute to sustainable growth in Asia’s dynamic financial services industry.

Allianz remains committed to creating industry-leading development pathways that prepare advisors for tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring clients receive best-in-class financial guidance well into the future.

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EmpowerHer campaign highlights value of recognizing unpaid care work rendered by women in households

Monday, April 28, 2025


Oxfam Pilipinas, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, and OCI Group launched Asenso Squad, an online campaign that brings together the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) community to share lived experiences on breadwinning, unpaid care and domestic work, and gender equality.

The campaign, part of “EmpowerHer: Embedding Gender Equality in MSME Business Practices in the Philippines” project, addresses the issue of shared care work at home and how it limits work opportunities for women. The project, supported by Investing in Women, an initiative by the Australian Government, also promotes equal distribution of care work among household members.

“When household members share the responsibility of care work equally, it doesn’t just ease the burden on women—it builds stronger, more resilient households. It also gives everyone, regardless of gender, the chance to thrive both at home and in their careers,” says Lot Felizco, Executive Director of Oxfam Pilipinas.

She adds, “Women’s participation in economic activities brings a ripple effect—not only does it boost household incomes, but it also strengthens community economies and fosters inclusive growth. Redistributing care work is a crucial step in unlocking this potential.”

The campaign kicks off with an online forum, ‘Family or Career, Why Not Both? Pag-usapan natin paano sumakses sa bahay at buhay.’ The forum highlights the effects of assigning majority of unpaid care and domestic work to women in the typical Filipino household, limiting opportunities to seek employment or pursue entrepreneurship which can help support the family financially.

Gender gap in the workplace

The Philippines slid nine spots and ranked 25th in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, which measures gender parity or equal proportion of genders in four areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

The report showed the Philippines had 1.4 percentage points lower in overall economic participation and opportunity. The country dropped 5.3 and 2 percentage points in women’s share of legislators, senior officials, and managers, and perceived wage equality for similar work, respectively.

Studies have pointed to women performing more and longer hours of care work as the cause of the decline in women’s participation in the workforce. Care work may refer to domestic work such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, childcare, and caring for older people or persons with disabilities—all assumed to be part of the woman’s role in the household.

A National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 2024 study mirrored the reported decline in the Global Gender Gap Report. It showed that 0.8 percent of women (21.9 million) were working, compared to 76 percent (30 million) of men. The study added that marriage and childbearing are associated with a significant decline in women’s labor force participation, noting that women take on domestic roles while men take on economic or productive roles in the Filipino household.

An Oxfam Pilipinas 2021 study on unpaid care and domestic work revealed that women spend on average 6.5 hours daily on care work— three times more than men. Girls were reported to spend longer time on care work and total work than boys in the same age group.

Care work also puts women at risk of injuries, illness, and other harm. Both women and men respondents of the study said that beating and yelling at women and shaming men for doing housework were acceptable.

Join the AsensoSquad Facebook group page to learn and share experiences on how to succeed at home and at work.
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DoubleVerify Expands Its AI-Powered Brand Safety & Suitability Offering for TikTok to Include Pre-Bid Video Controls




Global brands can access automated pre-bid video exclusion lists to protect brand equity and maximize ad performance on TikTok

DoubleVerify (“DV”) (NYSE: DV), a leading software platform for digital media measurement, data and analytics, today announced the launch of pre-bid video exclusion lists for TikTok—expanding the company’s footprint of trusted, independent brand suitability and media performance tools on the platform. This release will allow advertisers to proactively avoid content they deem objectionable before their ads are served, maximizing media quality, campaign performance and advertising ROI.

“We’re excited to launch DV’s pre-bid video controls on TikTok, empowering advertisers to enhance both the impact and quality of their campaigns,” said Mark Zagorski, CEO of DoubleVerify. “Powered by DV’s industry-leading, AI-driven classification technology, this solution helps advertisers ensure that ads appear in environments that align with their brand settings—driving stronger engagement, maximizing ad performance, and instilling greater confidence in their digital investments.”

With this release, advertisers will benefit from:

Comprehensive Coverage: Combine DV’s pre-bid controls with post-bid reporting to ensure end-to-end campaign measurement and optimization.

Operational Efficiency: Benefit from pre-bid activation that requires no manual upkeep and auto-refreshes in near real-time, ensuring seamless, always-on protection.

Enhanced Performance: Ensure ads do not appear next to objectionable content, reducing media waste and maximizing advertising ROI.

DV’s solution is powered by its proprietary, AI-powered Universal Content Intelligence™ classification engine. DV analyzes video, image, audio, and text elements to deliver superior content classifications at scale. Its innovative key frame extraction method is a smarter and faster way to analyze video content. Instead of examining each video frame, which can be repetitive and time-consuming, key frame extraction focuses only on the most important moments where changes happen. This streamlined approach uses less computing power and reduces environmental impact––ensuring an efficient, quicker, and more accurate analysis of campaigns, without sacrificing quality or precision.

DV’s automated pre-bid video controls and reporting insights are activated through DV Pinnacle®, the company’s unified service and analytics reporting platform, enabling advertisers to monitor and optimize their TikTok ad campaigns.

Additionally, DV is enhancing its TikTok dashboard in DV Pinnacle®, equipping brands with greater transparency into ad delivery and deeper insights for campaign optimization. Launching in the coming months, these updates will introduce top-level pre-bid filtering, enabling brands to analyze reporting specifically for campaigns with pre-bid controls, along with content previews for flagged incidents—empowering advertisers with more actionable intelligence.

For more information about DoubleVerify, visit http://www.doubleverify.com.
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To Thrive, Not Just Survive: The Need to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Southeast Asia’s Insurance Industry


How Insurtechs like Igloo are driving digital transformation and expanding access to coverage

Southeast Asia’s insurance industry is at a crossroads. Despite rapid economic growth and rising demand for financial protection, insurance penetration remains low. In fact, in many countries like the Philippines, it remains at 1.78%, while countries like Vietnam are at 2.8% and Indonesia is at 1.4%.

One of the biggest barriers in the industry is its continued reliance on outdated legacy systems, which create inefficiencies in underwriting, claims processing, and customer management, driving up costs and making insurance inaccessible to many. The region’s fragmented market, made up of numerous small, independent insurers, further complicates digital transformation efforts, leaving the industry ill-equipped to meet evolving consumer expectations.

“Unlike global insurance powerhouses that invest heavily in digital ecosystems, Southeast Asia’s insurance market remains highly fragmented. Many insurers operated independently, lacking the scale to afford large-scale technological upgrades,” said Raunak Mehta, Igloo’s Co-Founder and CEO. “As an insurtech that has been in the industry for almost a decade, Igloo has seen how shifting to digital is not an option anymore–it’s a necessity. Without it, the industry risks falling further behind and leaving millions of underserved individuals without access to affordable coverage. An accelerated digital transformation is the key to bridging this gap, enabling insurers to offer innovative products and improve accessibility for the growing middle class in Southeast Asia.”

Modernizing insurance processes end-to-end

Igloo, a regional insurtech leader with over 650 million policies facilitated and more than 75 partnerships, offers innovative embedded insurance solutions that seamlessly integrate insurance into core business products. This simplifies policy applications, purchases, and claims management, reducing friction for providers and distributors while streamlining underwriting and claims processing to make the system more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible to a broader audience.

Igloo partners with major online platforms like Lazada and Shopee, payment services such as GCash in the Philippines to develop customized insurance products that integrate into their digital ecosystems. It also collaborates with telecom companies like Smart, consumer finance platforms like Skyro and Salmon, and B2B MSME enabler Growsari in the Philippines to expand access to insurance across various sectors. This frictionless model simplifies the purchasing process, improving conversion rates and appealing to customers who may not have considered insurance otherwise.

Meanwhile, Igloo’s Ignite platform streamlines the sales process for intermediaries, offering a user-friendly interface, a quick quote system, secure payment processing, and real-time referral fee tracking. With 42 products across nine categories, Ignite has expanded to Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and was awarded Mobile App of the Year - Vietnam at the Insurance Asia Awards 2024.

The next step to digitalization? Leaving legacy systems behind

“But beyond this, we see immense value in helping insurers of all sizes fully embrace digital transformation by evolving their systems to become more agile and customer-centric,” said Mehta.

Igloo is helping the industry move away from legacy systems by introducing modular, no-code platforms that enable businesses to scale efficiently, reduce operational complexities, and enhance customer experiences. This way, Igloo empowers insurers to digitally define their underwriting rules, set up sales and operational processes, and launch products through the appropriate distribution channels. They can then monitor performance and identify areas for improvement. From creating their insurance marketplaces to seamlessly embedding products with retail partners' platforms, and improving agent-driven insurance sales, Igloo is reshaping how insurance can be delivered in a modern, scalable way.

“At the end of the day, our role as an insurtech is not only to facilitate digitalization but also to enable insurers to thrive in this era of digitalization. By adopting scalable technologies, insurers can simplify operations, expand their reach, and provide value to customers in ways that traditional systems simply couldn’t,” Mehta added.

Learn more about Igloo’s products and solutions by visiting iglooinsure.com.
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Life’s Camera focuses on InLife Sheroes in Motion

InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas

InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas shares her dream of touching the lives of a million men supporting women after InLife Sheroes has impacted more than ten million lives in 6 years.

Women are resilient, silently enduring struggles while remaining the backbone of their homes. As primary caregivers, they are a force to be reckoned with. Since its establishment in 2019, the InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement (InLife Sheroes) has been championing women empowerment, transforming their voices into a powerful call to action through its four pillars: financial literacy, health and wellness, women-specific solutions, and access to social and business networks. On March 12, InLife Sheroes celebrated its 6th anniversary through its Life, Camera, Action: Sheroes in Motion event held at the Insular Life Corporate Centre in Muntinlupa City, honoring the 1st InLife Sheroes Awards recipients for their courage, commitment, and advocacy.

Atty. Nelisa Guevara-Garcia: The Defender of the Voiceless


Atty. Nelisa Guevara-Garcia has spent two decades in the legal profession, dedicating 15 years to rescuing children from online sexual exploitation. As the Director of National Prosecution Development for International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines, she leads efforts to develop sustainable prosecution strategies, ensuring justice for the most vulnerable.

“Children are my primary clients,” Atty. Garcia shares. “Awareness is the first step. You can’t just choose an advocacy at random—it has to be something you can commit to. For me, there was a tipping point where I knew I could no longer stand by. I had to act,” Atty Lisa explains when asked why she advocated for human rights.

Her work has led to numerous convictions, even reaching the Supreme Court. However, she measures success not just by legal victories, but by the transformation of survivors. “All the women I’ve helped in my cases are my Sheroes. I’ve seen them grow and change their lives after traumatic experiences. I share this award with the women and children I represented in court who were victims and now survivors. I thank all of them for their courage.”

Marge Aviso: Empowering Communities Through Digital Innovation


Leaving a high-pressure job in the call center industry to spend more time with her son, Marge Aviso found her calling in digital entrepreneurship. She founded TeleworkPH, a business process outsourcing company bringing employment opportunities to rural communities, particularly Bulacan and Bohol; co-founded Salig AI, a business management platform supporting local freelancers and businesses; and is the President of Global Impact Productions, a film and music production company.

“When I first started working from home, it became a turning point for me. I said, why not start training people in the barangays to learn about online work?” Marge recalls.

Her journey has been riddled with doubts and setbacks. “People questioned why I was teaching digital work in barangays. They assumed I was a scammer. But I kept pushing forward. If there’s a dream implanted in you, it’s there for a reason. Sometimes it’s scary but you just have to take the leap of faith. If your faith is very strong, you won’t be easily destroyed.”

Beyond business, Marge is driven by a deeper mission: breaking stereotypes. “Even now, in international conferences, people assume Filipinas are mere laborers rather than business owners. We need more women in tech—AI, metaverse, blockchain. All these technologies are here, and we need more people, women and youth; to understand these things so we can truly embrace and leverage them for our own good.”

Antoinette Taus: Champion of the Environment and the Underserved


A household name as an actress and singer, Antoinette Taus has used her platform to advocate for sustainability and social impact. She founded CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation) and The Sustainable Planet, championing environmental conservation and livelihood programs for women and vulnerable communities.

“One of my dreams is to be able to keep placing the spotlight on local sheroes and heroes, people we should know and hear about, and recognize for dedicating their lives to things that benefit their countrymen and the rest of the world,” Antoinette says. “One small action can have a ripple effect and truly make a difference for years and decades to come without you even realizing it. Just start where you are.”

Through CORA, she supports grassroots environmental warriors: “…local communities, women, youth, fisherfolk, farmers, women grove warriors restoring mangroves in Leyte, women champions at the forefront of solid waste management and the circular economy, volunteers and everyone at team CORA.” This is an advocacy close to her late mother Cora’s heart.

She encourages all to be sheroes and heroes in their own right. “Through your gifts, skills and experience and the amazing and painful things you’ve experienced in life, you serve that purpose to be a shero and a hero to many others around you.”

The Power of a Voice, The Strength of a Movement

At the heart of this celebration was InLife Executive Chair Nina D. Aguas, who reflected on how the Sheroes Movement has grown from a bold ambition—reaching one million women in three years—to an unstoppable force that has impacted over ten million lives after six years.

“For too long, women were unheard—not because they had nothing to say, but because no one was listening,” Nina said. “InLife Sheroes has changed that. When a woman finds her voice, she finds her power. The InLife Sheroes is about everyday actions that create change, amplifying the voices of women, ensuring they are heard in boardrooms, businesses and communities. It is about breaking barriers and creating a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. When one woman speaks, she inspires another to rise. When millions speak, the world listens.”

With InLife Sheroes surpassing its goal, Nina takes her dreams further. “Our collective dream is to touch the lives of a million men, supporting women if this is what it takes for the world to truly listen.

The Next Chapter: InLife Sheroes Awards 2026

During the event, InLife Sheroes announced the launch of the 2026 InLife Sheroes Awards, calling for nominations of exceptional Filipino women. The awards recognize champions in four categories:
  • Financial Literacy Advocates
  • Health and Wellness Champions
  • Women Empowerment Leaders
  • Business Innovators Addressing Women’s Needs

Aside from a plaque, winners will receive a life insurance policy for one year, and donation to their chosen advocacy or charitable institution.

Interested? Please send an email to: inlifesheroes@insular.com.ph for a copy of the nomination form. Deadline of entries is on November 25, 2025.

As this year’s InLife Sheroes Awardees have shown, life is not about waiting. It’s about taking the stage, owning the moment, and moving forward no matter what stands in the way. Before the celebration ended, InLife Sheroes made a powerful pledge: to “…hold space for ourselves and for our fellow Sheroes—a safe and brave space to own our roles, turn inspiration into action, and create the change we envision.”

The InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement 6th anniversary celebration featured performances by singer and actress Bituin Escalante, talented young singer, New York-based Dominique Aguas Alvarez, and the Philippine Educational Theater Association who performed a theater play featuring women empowered by the InLife Sheroes.
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