Eastern Communications Takes Filipino Service Global at BATIC 2026

Eastern Communications Takes Filipino Service Global at BATIC 2026

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Technology can connect businesses across countries in seconds, but building relationships across those connections still requires something distinctly human.

That idea was at the center of Eastern Communications' participation in the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2026, held from August 25 to 28 at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

The Philippine telecommunications company joined global telecom players, digital technology companies and enterprises at the industry gathering, where discussions focused on the future of connectivity and the technologies shaping an increasingly digital economy.

For Eastern, however, the event was also an opportunity to bring something beyond technology to the international conversation: its Filipino approach to customer service.

Why does human-centered service still matter in telecommunications?

As connectivity becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, technology providers are no longer competing solely on infrastructure.

Enterprises expect connectivity to be reliable, but they also need providers that understand their business requirements, respond to problems and build relationships over time.

This makes customer experience an increasingly important part of the enterprise technology equation.

Eastern Communications frames this approach through its Heart of Service, built around Filipino values such as hospitality, malasakit, or genuine care, and a willingness to go beyond basic service requirements.

Its participation at BATIC 2026 placed that philosophy alongside conversations about digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

Eastern Communications brings its “Heart of Service” beyond the Philippines

Eastern's presence at BATIC reflects its ambition to participate in a broader regional and global business conversation.

The company has operated in the Philippines for nearly 150 years, giving it a long history in the country's communications industry. As Philippine businesses become more connected to international markets, telecommunications providers also have a role in helping organizations operate across borders.

Eastern says its approach is to combine connectivity expertise with a more personal understanding of the organizations it serves.

“Technology may connect the world, but it is people who make those connections meaningful,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

That distinction is increasingly relevant as businesses adopt more technologies.

Digital transformation can introduce sophisticated platforms, cloud services and automated processes, but successful adoption still depends on people being able to use those technologies effectively and organizations having the support they need.

What can Filipino businesses bring to the global technology conversation?

Eastern's BATIC participation also raises a broader question about how Philippine companies position themselves internationally.

Global competitiveness is often discussed in terms of technology, cost, infrastructure and scale. Service culture can be another differentiator, particularly in industries where businesses maintain long-term relationships with customers and partners.

For Philippine companies, this creates an opportunity to turn a familiar local value into a business strength.

The Filipino concept of malasakit is difficult to quantify, but its practical expression can be seen in how companies communicate with customers, solve problems and maintain partnerships.

The challenge is ensuring that these values are reflected consistently in actual customer experiences rather than remaining part of corporate messaging.

Where technology meets the human touch

At BATIC 2026, Eastern showcased its enterprise capabilities while exploring opportunities to collaborate with organizations and industry players from across the region.

The timing is significant.

Companies are navigating an environment in which connectivity is no longer simply a supporting function. Internet access, data networks, cloud platforms and digital systems increasingly underpin everyday business operations.

As organizations become more dependent on technology, the relationship between service providers and customers can become more important, not less.

Eastern describes this balance through its “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy.

“At BATIC, we hope to bring together the best of both worlds. The strength of our technological expertise and the warmth of human-centered service,” said Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

The approach recognizes that technology and customer experience do not have to be competing priorities.

The business value of Filipino hospitality

For companies expanding into regional or global markets, cultural identity can sometimes be treated as something separate from business strategy.

Eastern's approach suggests another possibility.

A company can compete through technology while allowing its service culture to remain part of its identity.

That can be particularly valuable in telecommunications and other business-to-business industries, where relationships often extend beyond individual transactions.

Enterprise customers may work with a provider for years. During that period, responsiveness, trust and an understanding of business needs can influence whether a relationship continues.

In this context, Filipino hospitality is not simply about being friendly. Its business value lies in translating care into consistent customer support, communication and partnership.

What Eastern's BATIC participation says about Philippine businesses

Eastern's appearance at an international telecommunications conference represents more than a Philippine company attending an overseas industry event.

It reflects a broader opportunity for local businesses to participate in global conversations while retaining characteristics that distinguish them at home.

For Philippine companies, competing internationally does not necessarily require abandoning local identity.

The stronger proposition may be to combine global standards with local strengths.

In Eastern's case, that means pairing enterprise connectivity and digital solutions with a service philosophy rooted in Filipino values.

Connectivity is becoming a relationship business

The telecommunications industry will continue to change as businesses adopt new digital technologies and become more dependent on connected systems.

But the fundamental business requirement remains familiar: organizations need partners they can rely on.

That is where Eastern Communications' message at BATIC 2026 becomes relevant beyond the event itself.

Technology may determine how quickly and efficiently businesses connect, but service determines much of what happens after that connection is established.

As Eastern brings its enterprise capabilities to a broader international audience, its Filipino approach to service becomes part of its story of differentiation.

The technology will continue to evolve.

The human side of business, however, remains much harder to replace.

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Delbros Group and UPS Expand the Philippines’ Global Reach

Delbros Group and UPS Expand the Philippines’ Global Reach

For Filipino businesses, reaching an international market involves more than finding customers abroad. It also requires the infrastructure to move products, documents, ideas and opportunities efficiently across borders.

That makes logistics an important part of the country's broader business ecosystem.

For Delbros Group, this role has been central to its operations for decades. Its long-running partnership with UPS, which began in 1988 and developed into a joint venture in 1997, is now entering another phase with the expansion of the UPS Clark Hub.

The development points to a larger business story: as the Philippine economy becomes increasingly connected to international markets, logistics infrastructure can play a strategic role in helping local enterprises participate in that growth.

Why does logistics infrastructure matter to Philippine businesses?

Logistics is often viewed simply as the movement of goods from one location to another. In practice, it is closely tied to a company's ability to serve customers, manage supply chains and enter new markets.

For businesses selling internationally, reliable logistics can influence delivery times, inventory planning, customer experience and the overall cost of doing business.

This is particularly relevant for Philippine companies looking beyond the domestic market.

The growth of e-commerce, digital businesses and globally distributed supply chains has made international connectivity increasingly important. A local company may be based in Manila, Cebu or another Philippine city while its customers, suppliers or business partners are located thousands of kilometers away.

Infrastructure that supports these connections therefore becomes part of the foundation for business expansion.

The Delbros-UPS partnership enters a new chapter

Delbros Group and UPS have maintained a relationship spanning more than three decades.

The partnership brings together Delbros' understanding of the Philippine market with UPS' international logistics network. According to the company, the expanded Clark Hub represents the next stage of that relationship.

For Delbros Group CEO Paolo Delgado, the partnership is about more than moving shipments.

“For decades, we have helped connect the Philippines to the rest of the world,” Delgado said. “As we enter this next chapter with UPS, we remain focused on strengthening those connections while creating more opportunities for Filipino talent and ideas to reach wider audiences.”

The statement reflects a broader view of connectivity, where logistics is not only about physical cargo but also about enabling businesses and people to participate in international markets.

What does the UPS Clark Hub mean for global connectivity?

The expanded UPS Clark Hub adds another piece to the infrastructure supporting international connections from the Philippines.

Clark's location also places the development within an important logistics and economic corridor in Central Luzon. For companies operating in and around the region, connectivity through Clark can be relevant to how goods move between local operations and international destinations.

However, the business value of logistics infrastructure goes beyond the physical facility itself.

The real measure is how effectively that infrastructure helps companies reach customers, manage international shipments and integrate into broader supply chains.

For Philippine businesses with ambitions beyond the domestic market, these capabilities can become increasingly important as competition becomes more global.

From moving goods to moving Filipino ideas

Perhaps the more interesting part of Delbros Group's story is its attempt to broaden the meaning of connection.

A recent example is the UPS Philippines Express Envelope Design Contest, organized by UPS Philippines with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and supported by Delbros Group.

The competition invited Multimedia Arts students to create designs inspired by the Philippines and the new Clark Hub.

More than 400 entries were submitted, with Multimedia Arts student Lauren Kerby Obaldo selected as the Grand Prize winner.

Her winning design, Haraya sa Kalsada, is set to appear on UPS Express Envelopes that can travel through the company's international network.

The project illustrates another way global logistics can intersect with the Philippine economy: by giving local creative work an avenue to travel beyond its original setting.

Why the creative economy belongs in the global connectivity conversation

Creative industries are increasingly part of how countries participate in the global economy.

Designers, artists, content creators, developers, filmmakers and other creative professionals can work with clients and audiences outside their home markets. But like traditional businesses, they still depend on networks and platforms that allow their work to move, be seen and create value internationally.

The envelope design contest is a relatively small initiative compared with the scale of a logistics operation, but its symbolism is significant.

A design created by a young Filipino artist can become part of an international delivery network. In that sense, the physical movement of an envelope also becomes a vehicle for cultural expression.

That connects with Delbros Group's stated ambition of supporting Filipino innovators and creators alongside enterprises and communities.

What businesses can learn from Delbros Group's approach

The story also offers a useful lesson for companies thinking about international growth.

1. Global expansion requires infrastructure

Entering an overseas market is not only a sales and marketing decision. Businesses need systems for fulfillment, transportation, payments, compliance, customer support and supply chain management.

2. Local knowledge still matters

International networks provide reach, but businesses also need an understanding of the local market. Partnerships can combine global capabilities with knowledge of how business works on the ground.

3. Connectivity is broader than physical shipments

Business networks can create opportunities for people, ideas and creative work as well as products.

4. Young talent can become part of the global story

The design contest demonstrates how corporate initiatives can provide emerging Filipino creatives with platforms beyond traditional exhibitions or classrooms.

The bigger business story

The expansion of the UPS Clark Hub comes at a time when connectivity is becoming an increasingly important consideration for Philippine businesses.

Companies are no longer operating within neatly defined geographic boundaries. A small enterprise can sell to an overseas customer, source materials internationally or collaborate with partners in another country.

That creates both opportunity and complexity.

The companies and infrastructure that can make these connections more reliable will have an important role in supporting that transition.

For Delbros Group, its next chapter with UPS is therefore not simply about expanding a logistics facility. It is about continuing a decades-old role in connecting the Philippines with the wider world.

And increasingly, what travels through those connections is not just cargo.

It is Filipino business, talent, creativity and ideas.

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Salmon Expands Retail Financing Reach Through EMCOR Partnership

Salmon Expands Retail Financing Reach Through EMCOR Partnership

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Salmon Finance is expanding its retail financing network in the Philippines through a strengthened partnership with EMCOR, adding more than 100 stores across Visayas and Mindanao to its network of partner retailers.

The collaboration allows eligible customers shopping at participating EMCOR branches to apply for financing for appliances, furniture, gadgets, and motorcycles. Salmon says its nationwide network now covers more than 10,000 partner stores.

The expansion is part of a broader shift in consumer finance, where digital lenders and fintech companies are increasingly integrating financing directly into retail purchases rather than requiring customers to arrange financing separately.

What financing options are available through EMCOR?

Customers at participating EMCOR stores can apply for two types of financing from Salmon.

Salmon Product Loans are intended for purchases such as appliances, furniture, and gadgets. The company says eligible customers can access payment terms of up to six months with 0% interest and zero downpayment, subject to applicable terms and approval.

Salmon Moto Loans are designed for motorcycle purchases. The company describes the application process as fully digital, with customers able to apply when purchasing a motorcycle at participating EMCOR stores or through the Salmon app.

The availability and terms of financing may vary depending on the product, customer eligibility, and applicable loan conditions.

How does the Salmon financing process work?

Salmon's model is designed to move the financing application into the retail purchasing process.

At participating EMCOR stores, customers can seek assistance from a Salmon Ambassador to apply for a product or motorcycle loan.

The company says eligible applicants can receive a decision in as fast as one minute.

Repayments are handled online, allowing customers to manage the loan without having to make repeated in-person payments.

The process can be summarized in four steps:

1. Choose a product or motorcycle at a participating EMCOR store.
2. Apply for financing with assistance from a Salmon Ambassador or through the Salmon app.
3. Receive an approval decision, with Salmon saying some applications can be processed in as fast as one minute.
4. Repay online according to the applicable loan terms.

Fast approval does not mean every application will automatically qualify. As with other forms of credit, applicants remain subject to the lender's eligibility and approval requirements.

Why does the EMCOR partnership matter to Salmon?

The partnership gives Salmon access to an established retail network in Visayas and Mindanao, where physical stores remain important channels for consumer purchases.

For a fintech lender, partnerships with retailers can help solve a basic distribution challenge: reaching customers at the moment they are deciding whether and how to pay for a purchase.

Instead of customers first searching for a loan and then finding a retailer, embedded financing places the credit option within the shopping experience.

This model can be particularly relevant for higher-value purchases, where installment payments may affect whether a customer proceeds with a transaction.

What is embedded finance?

Embedded finance refers to financial services being integrated directly into a non-financial customer experience, such as shopping, transportation, or online marketplaces.

In retail, embedded financing allows a customer to explore credit options while purchasing a product instead of navigating a separate loan application process.

The model has grown alongside digital payments and fintech platforms because technology makes it easier to connect retailers, lenders, payment systems, and customers within one transaction.

Salmon's partnership with EMCOR is an example of this approach in the Philippine retail market.

Why is Visayas and Mindanao important for retail financing?

The addition of more than 100 EMCOR stores expands Salmon's physical reach outside the country's largest urban centers.

Visayas and Mindanao contain a large network of cities and provincial communities where consumers shop through established local and regional retailers.

EMCOR's presence in these areas gives Salmon a way to introduce its financing services within stores that customers already recognize.

For the retailer, financing can also provide another payment option for customers considering larger purchases such as appliances and motorcycles.

The strategic value for both companies therefore goes beyond simply adding more locations. It connects Salmon's digital lending infrastructure with EMCOR's retail distribution network.

What does this mean for consumers?

For consumers, the main advantage is convenience.

A shopper who needs an appliance, gadget, piece of furniture, or motorcycle can explore financing as part of the purchase process instead of arranging credit separately.

Zero-downpayment and installment options may also reduce the amount of cash required at the time of purchase.

However, installment financing should still be evaluated based on the total repayment amount, payment schedule, applicable fees, and the customer's ability to make payments on time.

A lower upfront cost does not necessarily mean a purchase is cheaper overall.

Digital lending continues to reshape consumer finance

Partnerships between fintech companies and retailers illustrate how lending is becoming increasingly integrated with everyday transactions.

Traditional lending often begins with a financial institution. Embedded finance reverses the sequence by bringing financial services into places where customers are already shopping or conducting other activities.

This can make credit more accessible, but it also places greater importance on responsible lending and customer understanding.

As more financial products become available through retail channels, consumers need clear information about interest rates, fees, repayment schedules, and eligibility before committing to a loan.

For businesses, meanwhile, the model creates an opportunity to combine physical retail distribution with digital financial infrastructure.

What Salmon's expansion means for its business strategy

The EMCOR partnership gives Salmon another route to grow its customer base while extending its digital lending platform through an established retail network.

The company says it now has more than 10,000 partner stores nationwide, suggesting that retail distribution is a significant component of its Philippine expansion strategy.

For EMCOR, the partnership adds financing options that can help customers spread the cost of larger purchases.

For Salmon, it provides additional points of customer acquisition without requiring the company to establish its own physical retail network.

That combination illustrates one of the central strategies behind fintech growth: using partnerships to scale services more quickly than building every part of the customer journey independently.

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Manulife and Chinabank Strengthen 15-Year Bancassurance Partnership

Manulife and Chinabank Strengthen 15-Year Bancassurance Partnership

Manulife and Chinabank are reinforcing their long-standing bancassurance partnership following the 15-year renewal of their agreement, as both companies work to expand access to insurance, health, savings, retirement, and wealth solutions for Filipino customers.

The partnership operates through Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBL), a joint venture that has served customers since 2007. MCBL currently reaches customers through 650 Chinabank and China Bank Savings branches nationwide.

Manulife President and CEO Phil Witherington recently visited Manila and met with Chinabank's executive leadership, providing an opportunity for the two organizations to discuss the next phase of the partnership.

What is bancassurance?

Bancassurance is a business model where a bank distributes insurance products to its customers, usually through its branches, digital channels, or financial advisers.

The model combines the bank's customer relationships and distribution network with an insurance company's products and expertise.

For customers, the arrangement can make insurance and other financial protection products available through channels they already use for banking.

For financial institutions, bancassurance provides another way to reach customers while allowing banks and insurers to combine their respective capabilities.

How does the Manulife-Chinabank partnership work?

Manulife and Chinabank operate their insurance partnership through MCBL.

The joint venture provides access to products covering several areas of personal financial planning, including:

• Life insurance
• Health protection
• Savings
• Retirement
• Wealth solutions

MCBL's distribution network spans 650 Chinabank and China Bank Savings branches across the Philippines, giving the partnership a physical presence in communities where customers already conduct banking transactions.

The renewed agreement extends the relationship for another 15 years, continuing a partnership that began in 2007.

Why does the 15-year renewal matter?

A long-term bancassurance agreement gives both companies a longer planning horizon for developing products, distribution capabilities, customer experiences, and adviser networks.

Insurance is also a long-term financial product. Policies can remain in force for years or decades, while retirement and wealth planning require customers to think beyond immediate financial needs.

A 15-year partnership therefore represents more than a distribution agreement. It provides the organizations with a framework for building their insurance business around an established banking relationship over an extended period.

According to the companies, MCBL has recorded double-digit year-on-year growth following the renewal.

Why is branch access still important?

Financial services have become increasingly digital, but physical branches continue to play a role in products that require explanation and long-term planning.

Insurance, retirement planning, and wealth products can involve more complicated decisions than everyday banking transactions. Customers may need to understand coverage, premiums, investment components, exclusions, beneficiaries, and other policy details before making a decision.

A bank-based insurance model gives customers another point of access to these conversations.

For Manulife and Chinabank, the existing branch network also provides an established distribution channel that can complement digital financial services.

What does the partnership mean for Filipino customers?

The immediate customer benefit is greater access to a broader range of financial protection and planning products through Chinabank's network.

Instead of treating insurance, savings, retirement, and wealth planning as completely separate financial decisions, customers can potentially address several long-term needs through a connected financial relationship.

That does not mean every product is appropriate for every customer. Insurance and investment-linked products can have different costs, risks, coverage terms, and objectives.

Customers should still evaluate their financial goals and understand the terms of a product before purchasing.

Manulife and Chinabank focus on long-term financial planning

The renewed partnership reflects a broader shift in financial services toward more integrated approaches to personal financial planning.

Consumers increasingly need to consider several financial priorities at once: protecting family income, preparing for healthcare costs, building savings, and planning for retirement.

Banks and insurers can respond to these needs through partnerships that combine distribution with specialized financial products.

The Manulife-Chinabank relationship illustrates this model in the Philippine market, with MCBL providing the structure through which the two organizations deliver insurance and related financial solutions.

What role does MCBL play?

MCBL serves as the joint venture connecting Manulife's insurance capabilities with Chinabank's banking network.

Its role is significant because the partnership is not simply about Manulife selling insurance products through bank branches. The joint venture provides a dedicated organization focused on delivering insurance and financial solutions through the Chinabank ecosystem.

MCBL President and CEO Amy Gochuico said the company is entering its next phase with a focus on helping customers make financial decisions around protection and long-term goals.

The continued backing of both parent organizations provides MCBL with a platform to build on its existing distribution network.

Leadership alignment signals the next phase of the partnership

Witherington's Manila visit comes as the two organizations begin the next phase of their renewed agreement.

The meeting with Chinabank's executive leadership reinforces the strategic importance of the partnership at the group level.

For Manulife, the Philippines remains part of its broader Asian insurance business. For Chinabank, bancassurance provides a way to broaden the financial services available to its customers.

The partnership therefore aligns two different strengths: insurance expertise on one side and an established banking distribution network on the other.

The business lesson behind the partnership

The Manulife-Chinabank relationship highlights the continuing value of strategic partnerships in financial services.

Banks have direct relationships with customers and established distribution infrastructure. Insurers bring specialized knowledge in risk protection and long-term financial products.

Rather than building these capabilities independently, partnerships allow each organization to leverage what the other already does well.

The 15-year renewal suggests both companies see continued value in this model.

For customers, however, the ultimate measure of the partnership will be whether it translates into products that are understandable, accessible, suitable for different financial circumstances, and useful over the long term.

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LAC Adds MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract to Its Global Health Strategy

LAC Adds MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract to Its Global Health Strategy

Thursday, August 27, 2026

LAC Global, the health and wellness supplements business of Singapore-based V3 Group, has completed its acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract, bringing the intellectual property and scientific heritage behind the long-established botanical ingredient into its portfolio.

The deal gives LAC control of the patented technology associated with MASQUELIER’S® and adds a product platform with more than seven decades of research history. It also comes as LAC expands its retail and e-commerce operations across Asia and looks for additional opportunities in international markets.

The acquisition is therefore about more than adding another supplement to LAC's lineup. It gives the Singapore-based company ownership of a recognized ingredient platform while strengthening its position in a wellness market increasingly focused on preventive health and healthy ageing.

Why is MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract significant?

MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract is based on oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs, a group of plant compounds belonging to the broader polyphenol family.

French scientist Professor Jack Masquelier played a major role in the early research and development of OPC extracts. The history of the MASQUELIER’S ingredient traces back to research conducted in France in the mid-20th century, including work involving the bark of the French Maritime Pine.

The company behind the ingredient says its extraction process focuses on a specific composition of OPCs rather than simply producing a general pine bark extract. Its published materials also describe testing and quality controls designed to maintain consistency between batches.

That distinction matters in the supplement business because botanical ingredients can vary depending on the plant source, extraction process and composition. Scientific reviews have likewise noted that commercially available pine bark extracts are not necessarily identical and that evidence can vary across formulations and health outcomes.

What are OPCs?

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are naturally occurring plant compounds that are part of the proanthocyanidin family of polyphenols. They are studied for antioxidant activity and other biological effects. OPCs can occur in several plant sources, including grape seeds and pine bark.

For consumers, however, the term "antioxidant" should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a supplement prevents disease. Evidence for antioxidant supplements varies considerably depending on the specific compound, dose, formulation and health outcome being studied.

What does the acquisition mean for LAC?

For LAC, the acquisition provides an established ingredient platform that can be incorporated into its broader health and wellness portfolio.

According to the company, MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract has sold more than 250 million tablets to date. MASQUELIER’S® is also the originator and trademark holder of MASQUELIER’S® Anthogenol, an OPC supplement brand with a presence in Asia Pacific.

The move also fits into LAC's broader strategy of expanding beyond its original Singapore market.

LAC was established in 1997 and currently operates more than 250 branded stores across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, according to company information. Its distribution network also includes international markets.

The company said it has franchise operations in Mongolia, India, Indonesia and Thailand, while its products are available in selected markets outside Asia.

From retail expansion to intellectual property

The acquisition highlights a broader shift in how wellness companies can build their businesses.

Instead of relying entirely on developing new products internally, companies can expand by acquiring established brands, formulations or intellectual property. This can shorten the path to market while giving the acquiring company access to existing consumer recognition and research infrastructure.

For V3 Group, the transaction also strengthens the health and wellness component of a portfolio that spans several industries.

V3 Group founder and executive chairman Ron Sim said the acquisition brings European nutritional science into LAC while supporting the company's ambition to build a health and wellness business from Asia for global consumers.

Why Asia matters to LAC's expansion strategy

LAC's existing footprint gives the company a substantial base from which to grow.

Its physical stores provide direct access to consumers, while e-commerce allows the company to reach markets where establishing a full retail network may take longer.

The combination is particularly relevant in the supplements industry, where consumer trust can influence purchasing decisions. Physical retail allows consumers to interact with products and staff, while online channels make repeat purchases and cross-border access easier.

LAC's expansion also comes as wellness increasingly intersects with broader consumer concerns such as ageing, nutrition, fitness and preventive health.

However, growing demand does not remove the need for evidence. Consumers increasingly have access to health information online, making transparency around ingredients, clinical evidence, dosage and potential interactions more important.

What consumers should know about pine bark supplements

Research into pine bark extract has produced findings across several health areas, but the evidence should be interpreted carefully.

A 2020 Cochrane review examined 27 randomized controlled trials involving 1,641 participants across several chronic conditions. The researchers found that the studies varied substantially in quality, formulations and conditions studied, making broad conclusions difficult.

More recent research has continued to examine pine bark extract. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 27 randomized trials and 1,685 participants reported improvements in several cardiometabolic measures, but the authors also called for larger, longer and higher-quality trials to confirm the findings.

That distinction is important. Research on pine bark extract in general should not automatically be treated as evidence for every commercial pine bark supplement or formulation.

Consumers should also remember that dietary supplements can interact with prescription medicines and other supplements. Health authorities recommend discussing supplement use with a doctor or pharmacist, particularly when a person is taking medication or undergoing medical treatment.

What comes next for LAC?

Following the acquisition, LAC plans to deepen its presence in existing markets while exploring further opportunities across Asia Pacific and internationally.

The company has identified preventive health, healthy ageing and everyday wellness as areas for continued product development.

For V3 Group, the strategy extends beyond geographic expansion. The company is combining an established Asian retail platform with intellectual property rooted in European nutritional research.

The bigger business question will be whether LAC can turn that combination into sustainable growth while maintaining scientific credibility as it enters more markets.

The bottom line

The LAC MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract acquisition marks a significant step in LAC Global's expansion from a regional supplement retailer into a broader health and wellness platform.

The deal brings an established botanical ingredient, intellectual property and decades of research history into LAC's portfolio. At the same time, the company's growing retail and e-commerce footprint gives it a platform for taking those products into more markets.

For consumers, the development is another sign of how the global wellness industry is evolving. Scientific heritage and brand recognition can help a supplement company grow, but long-term credibility will ultimately depend on product quality, transparent evidence and responsible health claims.

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IWG Expands Philippine Flexible Workspace Network in 2026

IWG Expands Philippine Flexible Workspace Network in 2026

Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Philippine flexible workspace market is expanding beyond traditional business districts as International Workplace Group (IWG) prepares to open five new locations across the country in 2026.

The expansion includes four HQ and Regus centers in Bohol, Lapu-Lapu City, and Taguig, plus the Philippine debut of Humanly, IWG's workspace concept designed specifically for healthcare, wellness, beauty, therapy, and fitness professionals.

The move signals a broader shift in the flexible workspace sector. Instead of serving only companies looking for offices, workspace operators are increasingly developing specialized facilities for professionals and businesses that need flexible access to purpose-built spaces.

Where are IWG's new Philippine locations?

IWG's five announced Philippine locations are:

1. HQ Plaza Helena (Panglao Island, Bohol) -  Flexible workspace
2. Regus Island Central Mactan (Lapu-Lapu City) -  Flexible workspace
3. Regus Savya Financial Center (Arca South, Taguig) -  Flexible workspace
4. Regus Alveo Park Triangle Tower (Taguig City) -  Flexible workspace
5. Humanly APECO Super Health Center (Casiguran, Aurora) - Healthcare and wellness workspace

The locations give IWG a presence across established business districts, tourism-oriented areas, and a smaller provincial community.

That geographic spread is important because flexible work is no longer limited to Metro Manila's central business districts.

Why is IWG expanding outside major business districts?

The economics of office space have changed as companies adopt hybrid and distributed working arrangements.

Rather than maintaining large permanent offices for employees who may only work onsite part of the week, businesses can use flexible workspaces when they need additional capacity, meeting facilities, or professional locations.

The same principle applies to individual professionals.

A consultant, freelancer, startup, or healthcare practitioner may need a professional environment without wanting to commit to a conventional long-term lease.

IWG Philippines says it plans to add 29 locations nationwide and reach 76 centers by the end of 2026.

The company's expansion also reflects the growing importance of regional business hubs. For workers who live outside major urban centers, having professional workspace closer to home can reduce commuting time while giving businesses access to local talent.

What is Humanly, and how is it different from a co-working space?

Humanly is IWG's flexible workspace concept for healthcare, wellness, beauty, therapy, and fitness professionals.

Its first Philippine location at the APECO Super Health Center in Casiguran, Aurora, is designed around the practical requirements of these practitioners.

Instead of providing conventional desks and meeting rooms alone, the facility includes spaces such as:

• Private consultation rooms
• Therapy suites
• Treatment rooms
• Reception areas
• Specialist facilities for healthcare and wellness services

The concept addresses a different business problem from traditional co-working.

A healthcare professional, for example, needs more than a desk and Wi-Fi. They need a suitable environment for consultations and treatments, along with the professional setting expected by their clients.

Humanly allows practitioners to access these facilities without having to shoulder the full upfront cost of establishing a conventional clinic or studio.

Why could this model matter to healthcare and wellness businesses?

Traditional premises can require significant capital for rent deposits, fit-outs, equipment, utilities, reception areas, and ongoing maintenance.

A flexible model shifts some of those costs from capital expenditure toward more manageable operating expenses, depending on the practitioner's arrangement and usage.

For new practitioners and smaller businesses, that can lower one of the barriers to establishing a professional practice.

The model could also provide greater flexibility for practitioners who do not need a permanent facility every day.

However, specialized healthcare practices still need to comply with applicable professional, regulatory, licensing, privacy, and health-and-safety requirements. A flexible facility does not remove those obligations.

How is hybrid work changing Philippine real estate?

The expansion comes as companies reconsider how much permanent office space they actually need.

According to Colliers' 2026 Asia Pacific Workplace Insights Report, 82% of organizations in the Philippines are already operating under hybrid work models, while 32% plan to invest further in workplace upgrades over the following year.

That suggests the office is not disappearing. Instead, its purpose is changing.

Companies may need fewer traditional desks but greater access to meeting rooms, collaboration areas, client-facing spaces, and strategically located offices.

For commercial real estate, this creates an opportunity for flexible workspace operators to become part of a company's broader workplace strategy.

IWG also cites research showing that more than 83% of CEOs have policies allowing employees to work from more than one location.

What does the expansion mean for businesses?

For companies, flexible workspace can offer an alternative to committing capital to permanent office infrastructure.

This can be particularly relevant for businesses entering new cities or testing regional markets.

A company may establish a local presence through a flexible office before deciding whether a permanent facility makes commercial sense.

Flexible workspaces can also support:

• Market expansion — Businesses can establish a presence in new locations without immediately taking on a long-term lease.
• Hybrid work — Employees can work closer to home while retaining access to professional facilities.
• Business continuity — Companies can use alternative workspace when their primary office is unavailable.
• Cost management — Businesses can align workspace requirements more closely with actual usage.
• Regional hiring — Employers can potentially access talent outside traditional business centers.

For SMEs and startups, these considerations can be particularly important because office infrastructure can compete with investments in hiring, technology, product development, and customer acquisition.

What does IWG's global growth say about the flexible workspace market?

IWG's Philippine expansion forms part of a much larger global strategy.

The company says it signed 1,132 locations and opened 782 centers in 2025. Its global network now spans more than 120 countries and includes over one million rooms.

IWG also says 85% of Fortune 500 companies are among its customers.

These figures point to an important development in commercial real estate: flexible workspace is increasingly being treated as an established component of corporate real estate strategy rather than simply an option for freelancers and startups.

The company's expansion also reflects a shift toward decentralized work, where employees and businesses operate across multiple locations rather than relying exclusively on a single headquarters.

What comes next for flexible workspaces in the Philippines?

The next stage of Philippine workplace development is likely to be less about choosing between "office" and "remote work" and more about creating a mix of spaces suited to different needs.

For companies, that could mean maintaining a smaller headquarters while using flexible offices in other locations.

For professionals, it could mean having access to specialized work environments without making long-term property commitments.

And for regional economies, the expansion of professional workspace could help support business activity outside Metro Manila.

IWG's launch of Humanly adds another dimension to that trend. By extending flexible workspace into healthcare and wellness, the company is testing how the model can serve industries where the physical environment is part of the service itself.

As Philippine businesses continue adapting to hybrid work, the real opportunity may be in building a more distributed commercial ecosystem—one where offices, clinics, coworking facilities, and specialized workspaces are available closer to where people actually live and work.

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Skyro Hits 2 Million Product Loans in Philippine Market

Skyro Hits 2 Million Product Loans in Philippine Market

Skyro has reached two million product loan transactions in the Philippines, four years after entering the local market, as demand for consumer financing continues to reshape how Filipinos make major purchases.

The milestone comes as the SEC-registered lending company expands its network to more than 10,000 partner stores and over 3,000 online and offline merchant partners. The company says it is targeting further expansion across the country, with a goal of doubling its growth.

For businesses, the development points to the increasing role of financing at the point of purchase. For consumers, it reflects a broader shift toward payment options that allow them to acquire appliances, smartphones, and other products without paying the entire cost upfront.

Why is consumer financing becoming important to Philippine retailers?

Retail financing allows customers to purchase products through credit and pay according to an agreed repayment schedule. Instead of treating credit as a separate financial transaction, point-of-sale financing integrates it directly into the shopping experience.

That model can benefit retailers by giving customers another way to complete a purchase, particularly when they do not have enough cash available immediately.

Skyro says its financing solutions have helped partner stores increase sales by at least 30%. The company also reports that SMEs account for more than 60% of its sales volume, highlighting the role smaller retailers play in its expansion.

The company's merchant ecosystem includes major retailers such as Abenson, Robinsons Appliances, and EMCOR, alongside smartphone brands including HONOR, TECNO, and Infinix.

How does Skyro's model support financial inclusion?

One of the more significant implications of consumer lending is its potential to connect people with the formal financial system.

For consumers who have never borrowed from a formal financial institution, a product loan can represent an entry point into the credit system. Responsible repayment may help establish a credit history, although the impact depends on how the lender reports and manages credit information.

Skyro says many of its customers are first-time borrowers. Its use of credit-profile-based risk models is intended to allow the company to tailor financing to individual customers while encouraging responsible borrowing.

This is particularly relevant in a market where access to formal financial services remains an important policy and business issue.

Financial inclusion is not simply about making credit available. It also requires that credit is offered responsibly, clearly explained, and appropriate for the borrower's ability to repay.

What does Skyro's 2 million loan milestone mean for merchants?

The growth of embedded financing could give retailers another tool for converting customer interest into actual sales.

For SMEs, this can be particularly relevant. A customer may want to buy an appliance or smartphone but hesitate because of the upfront price. Offering financing at checkout gives the retailer an additional way to close that sale.

Skyro says its partner network includes thousands of SMEs and that these businesses contribute more than 60% of its sales volume.

The model also allows financing providers to become part of the broader retail ecosystem rather than operating separately from merchants.

As more purchases move between physical stores and online platforms, the ability to offer financing across both channels could become increasingly important.

What financing options does Skyro offer?

According to the company, its financing products can include offers such as:

• Zero-down-payment options
• Promotional 0% interest offers
• Flexible payment terms
• Financing available through physical and online merchants
• Credit decisions informed by customer profiles

Terms, eligibility, interest charges, fees, and repayment schedules can vary by product and promotion. Consumers should review the complete financing agreement before accepting a loan.

Why are SMEs important to the consumer lending market?

The participation of smaller businesses is significant because SMEs are a major part of the Philippine retail economy.

A financing platform that works with large national chains alone can reach consumers in major commercial centers. A wider SME network, however, can potentially bring financing closer to communities where consumers shop locally.

For lenders, this also creates a larger distribution network. For merchants, financing can become an additional sales tool without requiring them to develop their own lending infrastructure.

This is one reason the competition in consumer finance is increasingly about more than simply offering credit. Distribution, technology, risk assessment, merchant relationships, and customer experience are becoming equally important.

What comes next for Skyro?

Following the two-million-loan milestone, Skyro says it plans to expand its merchant ecosystem, invest further in technology and data capabilities, and reach more consumers outside major commercial areas.

Co-CEO Arsen Lyametov said the company's growth strategy will continue to focus on technology, security, operational efficiency, and responsible lending.

That direction reflects a broader evolution in consumer finance. As credit becomes embedded into retail transactions, lenders have to balance accessibility with risk management.

For consumers, convenience should not be the only measure of a good financing product. The more important considerations remain affordability, transparency, repayment capacity, and the total cost of borrowing.

What does the growth of digital consumer financing mean for Filipinos?

Skyro's two-million-loan milestone illustrates how financing is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday retail in the Philippines.

The opportunity is significant for both merchants and consumers. Retailers can potentially reach customers who need payment flexibility, while borrowers can gain access to formal credit and, when managed responsibly, develop a financial track record.

But continued growth also raises the importance of responsible lending. As more Filipinos encounter credit directly at checkout, consumers need clear information about interest, fees, repayment obligations, and the consequences of missed payments.

The next phase of Philippine consumer financing will therefore not be measured by loan volume alone. Trust, transparency, responsible credit access, and the ability to serve underserved consumers will be just as important to sustainable growth.

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Mayet Live House Brings Live Commerce to Luxury Jewelry

Mayet Live House Brings Live Commerce to Luxury Jewelry

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Live selling is moving beyond everyday retail and into higher-value categories, and Mayet Dela Rosa Fine Jewelry is testing that model in the Philippine luxury market with the launch of Mayet Live House.

The new live commerce hub gives aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, resellers, affiliates, and livestream sellers access to a professional studio, curated fine jewelry collections, selling equipment, and operational support. The model is designed to reduce some of the usual costs associated with starting a retail business.

Instead of purchasing inventory or opening a physical store, participants can reserve livestream schedules and focus on presenting products and interacting with customers while Mayet Live House handles much of the infrastructure behind the sale.

What is Mayet Live House?

Mayet Live House is a livestream selling facility built around fine jewelry.

Qualified participants can book a selling session and use a professionally designed studio equipped with lighting, livestream equipment, high-speed internet, product displays, and operational assistance.

The concept effectively separates selling from traditional retail infrastructure.

A conventional jewelry business can require capital for inventory, a physical location, displays, staffing, logistics, and other operating costs. Mayet Live House instead provides these elements as part of its live-selling environment, allowing sellers to concentrate primarily on the customer-facing side of the business.

That makes the model particularly relevant to the growing creator economy, where individuals can turn an existing audience or content skill into a potential sales channel.

How does the Mayet Live House business model work?

Participants first go through registration and pre-qualification before reserving a livestream schedule.

During their session, sellers receive access to:

• A professional livestream studio
• Curated Mayet fine jewelry collections
• Product displays designed for jewelry presentation
• Professional lighting
• Livestream equipment
• High-speed internet
• Product support
• Operational assistance

The arrangement allows sellers to focus on demonstrating products, answering questions, and building relationships with potential buyers.

Mayet Dela Rosa Fine Jewelry, meanwhile, provides much of the infrastructure required to support the transaction.

Going live may appear simple from the customer's perspective, but successful social commerce also requires systems for processing orders, tracking inventory, communicating with customers, and getting purchases delivered.

By handling those functions, Mayet Live House aims to allow sellers to spend more time on selling and audience engagement.

Who can use Mayet Live House?

The platform is positioned for a broad range of potential sellers, including:

• First-time livestream sellers
• Content creators
• Affiliate marketers
• Resellers
• Students seeking additional income opportunities
• Existing entrepreneurs
• Sellers looking to enter the luxury jewelry category

The common requirement is not necessarily an established retail operation but the willingness and ability to participate in live selling.

This is an important distinction because creator commerce has lowered the barrier between having an audience and becoming a seller.

However, lower barriers do not eliminate the need for selling skills. Building a sustainable live-commerce business still depends on factors such as audience trust, product knowledge, consistency, customer service, and the ability to convert engagement into sales.

What does Mayet Live House mean for Filipino entrepreneurs?

The launch reflects a broader shift in how small businesses and individual entrepreneurs can enter retail.

Starting a traditional jewelry business typically means taking on significant upfront costs before the first customer arrives. A live-commerce model changes that equation by allowing the seller to access existing products, equipment, and operational infrastructure.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the potential advantage is flexibility.

For brands, the opportunity lies in expanding distribution through a larger network of independent sellers without requiring every seller to build a traditional storefront.

That creates a model closer to creator-led retail, where the brand, seller, and digital audience become part of the same commercial ecosystem.

What role does Mayet Live House play in Mayet Dela Rosa Fine Jewelry's strategy?

Mayet Live House represents a move beyond simply selling fine jewelry as a finished product.

The company is positioning itself as an enabler of a new selling model, using its jewelry portfolio as the foundation for an entrepreneurship platform.

That strategy could allow the brand to reach customers through personalities and communities that it might not otherwise access through conventional retail channels.

It also reflects how luxury businesses are adapting to a retail environment in which consumers increasingly discover products through social media rather than through physical stores alone.

The success of the model, however, will ultimately depend on whether sellers can build genuine customer relationships and generate sustainable demand—not simply on the availability of livestream facilities.

The next phase of Philippine social commerce

Mayet Live House arrives as the boundaries between content creation, entrepreneurship, and retail continue to blur.

For creators, live commerce offers another way to monetize an audience. For brands, it creates a distribution channel built around people rather than storefronts. For consumers, it provides a more interactive way to discover products.

Bringing that model into fine jewelry is a notable experiment because the category depends heavily on trust and presentation.

If Mayet Live House succeeds, its significance could extend beyond jewelry. It could demonstrate how established Philippine brands can provide the infrastructure that allows more individuals to participate in digital commerce without having to build an entire retail operation from scratch.

The company has opened the platform to qualified sellers through Mayet Live House official website.

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