Experience Lanson Living: Extended Stays at Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Experience Lanson Living: Extended Stays at Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Monday, March 18, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila promises an extended stay experience like no other. With a focus on personalised hospitality and thoughtful amenities, Lanson Place provides guests with an unforgettable journey of discovery and relaxation. Going the extra mile with a host of benefits, including welcome amenities, daily breakfast buffets, high-speed internet, and discounts on food and beverages. Additionally, guests enjoy access to the Residents' Lounge, where they can engage in curated activities like herb planting yoga sessions and more.

Extended Stay Experience

Situated at the Bay Wing of Lanson Place, from a selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom serviced residences, guests can indulge in stunning views of Manila Bay. These accommodations come with thoughtful features like kitchenette facilities in studios and washer/dryer units for the larger serviced residences.

Meanwhile, the Residents' Lounge provides a tranquil space for long-staying guests to unwind, featuring a minimalist nature-inspired colour scheme and window seating with views of the Galleon. Relax and socialise in our stylish lounge, featuring comfortable seating areas and scheduled events for guests to enjoy

“Exclusive access to the Residents' Lounge is a key feature of our approach. This lounge is designed to foster a sense of community and well-being. To cater to varying interests, we organise exclusive curated activities every quarter. These activities include unique experiences such as herb planting, painting sessions, aqua Zumba, and sunrise yoga to name a few. We believe that providing a range of engaging activities contributes to a more enriching and personalised stay for our guests. 

At Lanson Place, our commitment is to create an environment where each long-staying guest feels not only comfortable but also inspired, ensuring a truly memorable and tailored experience during their time with us” said Antonette Mitschiener, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Dining Options

Lanson Place, Manila offers an array of dining options for all guests. In Cyan Modern Kitchen, guests embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to Filipino delicacies, featuring both buffet and a la carte menus. 

From classic Hong Kong-inspired noodle soup made with locally sourced ingredients to enticing Indian and Spanish-influenced dishes, every dish is thoughtfully curated to cater to a diverse clientele. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing front-row seats to Manila Bay's magnificent sunset, Cyan Modern Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other.

Lanson Place’s Madeleine High Tea also offers guests a cosy high tea lounge experience, complete with tiered high-tea menus featuring locally sourced tea selections from Agusan del Norte, while the BLK12 Café|Bar provides a versatile space for guests to relax and unwind, offering perfectly brewed coffee made with premium beans sourced from local and international growers. For business travellers on the go, Bytes’ grab-and-go counter offers freshly prepared meals made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a healthy and convenient dining option.

Long-staying guests receive a 20% discount on food and beverage outlets.

Property Amenities

For relaxation and leisure, the Edge Pool Bar offers a serene escape while sipping on refreshments with its 180-degree scenic view of Manila Bay and the Metro skyline. Indulging in a leisurely swim in Lanson Place's infinity pool provides a holistic experience, seamlessly blending scenic beauty, tranquillity and relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, contributing to the enjoyment during your stay.

Stay invigorated with modern fitness equipment and personalised workout programs, provided alongside a well-equipped gym and spacious yoga studio on the building's top floor, offering a picturesque backdrop for both fitness activities and lifestyle classes.

Enhance your productivity at the Co-working Space, providing access to high-speed internet for work or school. Guests staying in-house for short or extended periods enjoy complimentary usage each week.

To further enrich guest experiences, Lanson Place collaborates with third-party businesses and organizations. Partnerships with Online Travel Agencies and local tourism initiatives underscore the brand's commitment to promoting tourism and supporting the community.

For more information about Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila’s upcoming events, and other offerings, visit the official website at www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia 

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KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

Sunday, March 17, 2024

• 71% of Filipino employees consider digital skills as a must-have to become competitive in the increasingly digital landscape;

• This highlights the importance of digital upskilling programs are easily available and accessible for all employees;

• As one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia, 917Ventures recognizes this imperative, which led them to create KodeGo to help upskill Filipinos

The Philippines is on track towards becoming a US$35 billion economy by 2025.But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation. 

According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country's digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.

“In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo Chief Executive Officer.

Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:

• Full-stack web development
• Virtual Assistance
• Virtual Bookkeeping
• Basic transcription 

“As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It's crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we're committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.

In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete. 

To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights including GCash and Accenture.

Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)

At the forefront of KodeGo's mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.

Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.

“I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.

After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.

Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer. 

“Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.

How to enroll at KodeGo

Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test. 

Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.

Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph

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LAC Leads Wellness Revolution by Redefining Supplement Consumption in the Philippines

LAC Leads Wellness Revolution by Redefining Supplement Consumption in the Philippines

More and more Filipinos are embracing wellness, as a recent study showed a 4.7% surge in the country's personal care segment in 2023 compared to 2022. Seeking better health, nearly four out of five Filipinos (76%) have purchased vitamin supplements and incorporated them into their daily routines, indicating a shift towards a more proactive and preventative mindset in seeking personalized health solutions. However, despite this rise, there is an ongoing lack of complete trust in health and wellness products sold online, with 32% of individuals expressing reservations. 

Recognizing the prevalent lack of awareness and misinformation in the health and wellness market, LAC (Leader in Antioxidative Control™), the leading health and wellness product provider in the Philippines, aims to revolutionize the way people perceive supplement intake and consumption. With stores across 47 locations in the Philippines, LAC puts each of their scientifically-proven ingredients within Filipino’s reach.

LAC is dedicated to educating consumers on a wide range of products tailored to various needs to help them understand their unique nutritional requirements and choose the right supplements through nutrition education. Their Nutrition for Life campaign advocates for holistic well-being, offering supplements for health, beauty, wellness, preventive nutrition, diet, weight management, and sports nutrition, catering to diverse lifestyles across all walks of life.

This holistic approach to nutrition also translates to how supplements can be consumed–by integrating it into innovative recipes that will help consumers prioritize wellness without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Blend

LAC empowers individuals to effortlessly incorporate essential supplements into their lifestyles. Its supplements go beyond just pills and caplets. For on-the-go convenience, they come in tasty jelly, liquid, and powdered forms, making it easier to also mix them into your favorite foods and beverages throughout the day. Showcasing their commitment in removing the barrier of complexity, ensuring that optimal health and vitality are within easy reach.

Balance

LAC's supplements are meticulously crafted to enhance overall health and well-being, integrating a diverse array of nutrients and botanical extracts to promote equilibrium within the body's systems. From skin improvement, brain health, immunity to stress resilience and more, it promises a state of overall well-being where various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health are in harmony. 

Boost

LAC's innovative approach is designed to boost every aspect of Filipinos’ life. Its scientifically-proven ingredients, diverse product range, and accessible platforms uniquely equip them to elevate your well-being. By harnessing the power of antioxidants, probiotics, collagen, and other bioactive compounds, these supplements help individuals optimize their antioxidant health, skincare, digestive health, and overall vitality through easy absorption for a more boosted and energetic lifestyle. 

LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract: SUPER ANTIOXIDANT, Perfect for Immunity Boosting

Start the day with LAC Masquelier's® French Pine Bark. As LAC’s best-selling product, over 200,000,000 tablets of Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark have been sold worldwide. This gem of a pill offers a holistic approach to health that goes beyond superficial enhancements, LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract’s antioxidative properties work from within, helping individuals to counteract oxidative stress and free radicals that can contribute to premature ageing and other skin-related concerns. Loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a potent antioxidant, the product reduces the amount of free radicals in the body, allowing the body to combat pathogens and infections effectively.

LAC Activated Liver Protector™: Promoting Liver Health for Better Sleep and Skin

Contrary to popular belief, poor liver function does not just affect those who consume alcohol. Excessive consumption of fatty foods and even long term medication can also stress and burden the liver, weakening its functions and increasing the risk of liver disease. LAC Activated Liver Protector™ is a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs that can prevent and relieve fatty liver, promote healthy liver function and lower bad blood lipid levels, infused with ingredients such as Hawthorn Fruit, Lotus Leaf, and Chrysanthemum Flower to keep the liver healthy.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ Premium Collagen 13,000mg: Firm, Hydrate, Restore skin for Ageless Beauty

Derived from one of the most premium fish sources – the red snapper, LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ is a unique collagen formula designed to protect your skin against the effects of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), a primary cause for premature ageing which weaken the elastin and collagen proteins responsible for maintaining the support and elasticity crucial for skin integrity.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ contains 13,000mg of proprietary RDS (Rapid Delivery System) low molecular weight collagen and further fortified with thoroughbred placenta, a blend of glycation-fighting ingredients, antioxidants and herbal extracts.

LAC StemC®: The Elixir of Youth, Incomparable Cellular Rejuvenation

LAC StemC® is the final result of cellular research and an incomparable cellular rejuvenating supplement. It contains a precious concentration of 400mg of active placenta extract per capsule through an advanced encapsulation process to preserve vital cell growth factors extracted from the placenta; an active ingredient that supports the body’s renewal system to repair and rejuvenate ageing cells and damaged tissues. In addition to its high content of active placenta extract, each capsule also contains Grape Seed Oil with excellent emollient properties to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin, and Squalene from shark liver oil, known to support the body’s renewal system. This potent blend of ingredients results in the most powerful cellular rejuvenating supplement for the improvement of your life quality.

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Bayad and Pay&Go seals partnership with Carmona Cavite local government, bringing accessible bills payment services

Bayad and Pay&Go seals partnership with Carmona Cavite local government, bringing accessible bills payment services

As the Local Government of Carmona, Cavite celebrates its first cityhood anniversary last February 19, 2024, City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola leads a week-long program celebration that champions its different programs including its advocacy on financial inclusion. In line with this, a joint partnership between the LGU, Bayad and Pay&Go was officially sealed on February 20, 2024.

Bayad is a subsidiary of Meralco and the pioneer and leader in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines while Pay&Go is a leading 24-hour self-service payment kiosk provider in the country.

Under the partnership, Bayad will continue to power the bills payment services of Pay&Go payment machines, which are now made accessible at LGU Carmona City Hall.

“Imagine the ease of being able to pay your electric, water, and internet bills, while being able to settle your government contributions, load your prepaid, RFID, and e-wallet accounts all at the same time. This is the kind of one-stop-shop convenience that Bayad stands for.” shares Bayad Business Development Manager Kathlyn Alarcon, as she also provided a picture of onboarding more local billers in the future to cater to the various needs of Carmona residents.

Pay & Go Senior Alliance Manager, Kenneth de Guzman also shared “We are happy that we share the same values with Bayad in providing convenient and accessible payment experience. We hope that in deploying our Pay&Go automated payment terminals, we enable thriving communities like Carmona City to strengthen financial inclusion.”

LGU Carmona Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola added “The local government of Carmona is proactively supporting the country’s adoption of fast and secured digital payment touchpoints. By harnessing our collective efforts with Bayad and Pay&Go, we can ensure that financial services reach more of our kababayans and empower them to make informed financial decisions.”

For banks, financial, and government institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

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Angkas Wins Hearts with Hilarious App Upgrade Announcement

Angkas Wins Hearts with Hilarious App Upgrade Announcement

Friday, March 15, 2024

Angkas, the popular motorcycle taxi app, took a unique approach to promoting their latest upgrade – a video advertisement packed with humor and heart. Released on March 9th, the video features CEO George Royeca in a starring role, and it's quickly gaining positive buzz online.

The charm factor comes from Royeca himself. He embraces a low-budget, PSA-style setup, complete with intentionally awkward moments. This self-deprecating humor makes him instantly relatable. The video even uses a retro DVD player aesthetic, complete with a bouncing Angkas logo – a playful nod to the app's improvements.

Watch the full ad here: https://fb.watch/qKt3lDbW3X/

But it's not all about laughs. Royeca acknowledges user feedback and openly discusses the app's earlier limitations. This transparency builds trust with Angkas customers. His passion for the app's potential to improve commutes and livelihoods is also evident, making him appear invested in the Angkas community.

The video's core message is clear: the new app offers a significantly enhanced experience. Customers can expect faster booking, a smoother user interface, improved location tracking, and even cashless payment options.

By combining humor, honesty, and genuine enthusiasm, Angkas crafted a video that's both entertaining and informative. They successfully promoted the app's benefits while leaving viewers with a positive impression of their CEO, George Royeca. It's a win-win for Angkas and their customers. Ready to experience the upgrade for yourself? Download the new Angkas app today! You can find it on the Apple App Store for iPhone users and Google Play Store for Android users. Look for the one with the glitter on the logo!

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Schneider Electric says 2 out of 3 travelers prefer green hotels, emphasizes need for digital transformation in the PH hospitality industry

Schneider Electric says 2 out of 3 travelers prefer green hotels, emphasizes need for digital transformation in the PH hospitality industry

 

Schneider Electric, the leader in energy management and digital automation, emphasized during the recent Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit Philippines 2024 that sustainability plays a crucial role in the hotel and accommodation industry, as 2 out of 3 travelers now prefer establishments that engage in green practices.

This growing preference for sustainable establishments coincides with the expected return of international travel to pre-pandemic levels this 2024, which is estimated to grow by 2% above 2019 figures, according to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the Year. 

Schneider Electric’s Segment Head of East Asia and Japan Madhu Menon explained that digital transformation could enable the industry to continue offering comfort and convenience to travelers while reducing its energy consumption. 

"Travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint," Menon said as he emphasized that "this shift in priorities underscores the need for hotels to embrace innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability and efficiency into their operations." He added that hotels consume 50% more energy than similar-sized residential buildings despite having only 55% occupancy rates on average. 

This integration can be accomplished with end-to-end digital solutions that Schneider Electric offers through EcoStruxure™ IT, the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides energy management and automation solutions.

Specifically, this technology features the Asset Advisor and Building Advisor, offering cloud-based analytics to monitor and control their energy use in real time, identify savings opportunities, and reduce their overall carbon footprint. Meanwhile, its Building Operation and Power Monitoring Expert provides data-driven insights to inform hotels about possible problems and diagnostics and determine areas for maintenance– decreasing downtime and guest complaints. 

To future-proof hotels in the Philippines, Schneider Electric identified four focus areas where end-to-end solutions could be utilized: reducing carbon footprint by adopting greener sources of energy, improving the efficiency of operations and energy use, as well as the productivity of staff, ensuring continuity and agility in operations, and delivering exceptional guest and staff experiences. 

As the Philippine hospitality industry gears up for a travel boom, embracing sustainability and digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity. Schneider Electric stands ready to partner with hotels on their journey toward a greener, more efficient, and future-proof business.

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ML Quick Car Loan: Affordable Pre-owned Car Financing Made Easy

ML Quick Car Loan: Affordable Pre-owned Car Financing Made Easy

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Commuting is very challenging in the Philippines. The decision to purchase a vehicle becomes a necessity instead of a luxury. While the allure of brand-new cars is undeniable, buying a pre-owned vehicle is also a good option especially if budget is an issue. One of the most apparent advantages of opting for a pre-owned vehicle is the substantial cost savings. But even if a pre-owned vehicle is more affordable, you might still need to take a car loan. 

As a trusted financial partner with a rich history, M Lhuillier has emerged as a go-to choice for Filipinos seeking accessible, customer-centric, and transparent car financing solutions. Recognizing the unique needs of its customers, M Lhuillier introduces ML Quick Car Loan, offering hassle-free financing for second-hand cars from 2014 and up. 

Why Opt for Second-Hand Cars with ML Quick Car Loan?

Practicality and Affordability

The primary reason customers choose second-hand cars is practicality. With ML Quick Car Loan, practicality meets affordability, as second-hand cars are inherently more budget-friendly. The bulk of depreciation has already occurred, making these vehicles a cost-effective choice for buyers.

Lower Insurance Rates

ML Quick Car Loan acknowledges the cost-conscious nature of second-hand car buyers. Not only are the cars more affordable, but insurance rates are also significantly lower compared to brand-new units. This translates to more savings in the long run, allowing customers to enjoy their dream car without breaking the bank.

What are ML Quick Car Loan Features?

Qualification Criteria

ML Quick Car Loan is available to locally employed individuals, OFWs, pensioners, and self-employed individuals with proof of income. Even pensioners with proof of pension payments are eligible to apply.

Financing Terms

The financing process is straightforward. Clients pay the dealer 30% of the appraised value, and M Lhuillier covers the remaining 70%. The loan term spans a maximum of 36 months, ensuring flexibility for borrowers. Chattel fee and comprehensive insurance are mandatory, offering comprehensive protection for both the borrower and the vehicle.

Easy Application Process

Applying for an ML Quick Car Loan is as easy as 1-2-3. First, check if you qualify for pre-owned car financing. Then, choose a second-hand car from a reputable dealer, with accepted brands including Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Ford, Suzuki, and Nissan. Pay 30% of the cost as a downpayment. Finally, bring the necessary documents, including the car's OR/CR, to any M Lhuillier branch for assistance with the remaining 70%, or conveniently apply online.

Don't Miss Your Chance - Get Your Dream Car Today!

With ML Quick Car Loan, your dream car is just a few steps away. Don't miss the opportunity to drive home your desired second-hand car. For more details and to kickstart your journey towards car ownership, visit https://mlhuillier.com/car-loan/. 

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New UK Visa Application Centre launched in Manila

New UK Visa Application Centre launched in Manila

• UK visa customers can visit the new and upgraded centre from Monday to Friday, between 7AM to 4PM to apply for all categories of UK visas.

• Customers get a range of optional services to choose from including Premium Lounge, Prime Time Appointments, Keep My Passport, and SMS Alerts among others.

• Customers can also apply for their UK visa from a location of their choice through our optional On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

To offer an enhanced visa application submission experience to UK visa customers in Manila, Philippines, Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, inaugurated the new and upgraded UK Visa Application Centre in Manila on 08 March 2024, in the presence of Mr. Julian Salisbury, Assurance and Integrity Manager for Asia Pacific, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head-Australasia, VFS Global.

The new UK Visa Application Centre in Manila located on the 6th Floor of the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two will offer customers a more comfortable and relaxed visa application submission experience. This spacious facility, equipped with modern amenities and services, will have the capacity to process a higher volume of visa applications per day, and enhance the customer experience by making the customer journey even more smooth and seamless. 

Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, said, "This new and improved visa application centre (VAC) located at the city center is easily accessible by public transportation, providing our customers with added convenience to ensure they have a smooth start to their journey to the UK, whether that’s to visit, work or study at one of our world-leading institutions. In 2023, UKVI issued around 77,500 visas to Philippine nationals. This was a 24% increase from the numbers we saw issued in 2022. As always, we’re excited to welcome more travellers this year, as the UK stands as a key travel destination for many in the Philippines.” 

Spread across 3,300 square feet, this centre offers 10 submission counters with a capacity to process over 300 applications per day. The new center also provides a newly designed state-of-the-art Premium Lounge as one of the optional services for UK visa customers.

Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head - Australasia, VFS Global, said, "VFS Global has shared a long-standing relationship of trust with the UK Government since 2003, and this new Visa Application Centre is a reflection of the strong partnership we share. This centre in Manila will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to the UK. We are confident that this new Visa Application Centre will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and seamless, thereby helping us better serve travellers to the UK better.”

The visa application centre also offers a host of optional services that include the Premium Lounge service for end-to-end personalised assistance throughout the application process, Prime Time Appointments to allow submission of visa applications beyond regular working hours, and the Keep My Passport service to allow applicants to retain their passports while their applications are being assessed, and only submit them once a visa decision has been reached. Similarly, Courier Return service facilitates delivery of the processed documents to the registered address, while SMS Notifications can help in giving updates at each step of the application journey. 

Additionally, UK visa customers can apply for their visa from any preferred location – home or office -- by opting for our On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres across two cities in Philippines – Cebu and Manila. This new Visa Application Centre in Manila will cater to UK visa applicants including study, travel, business, and others. 

VFS Global, which has been a trusted partner for the UK Government since 2003, won the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services last year. As part of the contract, during 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions. These centres will accept all categories of visa applications as well as UK passport applications in some locations. Combined, these new centres are estimated to process 3.8 million applicants every year.

For more information, please visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/gbr/.

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Echelon’s TOP100 2024 Boasts A More Mature Program In Its 10th Edition As First 26 Startups Are Revealed

Echelon’s TOP100 2024 Boasts A More Mature Program In Its 10th Edition As First 26 Startups Are Revealed

Sunday, March 10, 2024

• Echelon has revealed the first 26 startups in its TOP100 Program for this year.

• Participants from beyond Southeast Asia will be spotlighted in 2024, with startups emerging from India, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.

• As the startup ecosystem matures, the program has shifted its mentorship focus to business resilience and sustainable regional growth.

Echelon, the premier tech and startup conference in Southeast Asia organized by e27, has announced the first 26 shortlisted participants in its TOP100 Program for 2024. Launched in 2012, the TOP100 is a curated growth program for startups across the region to gain visibility, mentorship, and funding opportunities. 

From cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, this year’s participants span beyond Southeast Asia, with startups from India, Bangladesh, and Taiwan emerging. “We are proud to see applicants and candidates emerge from beyond our traditional Southeast Asian borders. This goes to show the impact we have made on startups across Asia”, said Mohan Belani, CEO and Co-Founder of e27. “We have a pool of very impressive applicants, and the 26 shortlisted startups are poised to revolutionize their respective fields. This makes us very excited to see what the rest of the program will bring.”

The first 26 shortlisted participants include startups from Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia along with Singaporean applicants. The list includes names such as Careera (Singapore), Fina Fintech (Laos), Edge Tutor (the Philippines), dentall Co. Ltd. (Taiwan), The Mango Jelly (India), PriyoShop (Bangladesh), Talent Hero Ventures (Singapore), among others.

These startups will participate in the TOP100 program in March, where they will have the privilege of exclusive access to events, mentorship, workshops, and 800+ investors on the e27 PRO Connect platform. They will also be active participants at Echelon X through their exhibition booths and will have a chance to showcase their ideas on the Pitch Stage during the milestone 10th event in Singapore on 15-16 May 2024.

Over the years, the program has witnessed the participation and showcasing of various notable players in today’s startup ecosystem such as 99.co, Edukasyon.ph, FOMO Pay, Lalamove, Gojek, Carousell, and Carro. Priyoshop, a participant in 2023, has since gone on to raise US$ 5 million in funding. Priyoshop is now, joining the stage in 2024 too, to get another boost to their growth.

In its 10th year, the program has evolved to match the dynamic landscape, focusing on providing a multitude of opportunities curated to meet the needs of more mature startups. This includes workshops and mentoring aimed at fostering business resilience and sustainable growth. "The TOP100 Program gives us an opportunity to support and collaborate with the up-and-coming startups across the region. This year, we have a very promising initial group of startups, and we eagerly anticipate revealing more startups to you soon”, added Belani.

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foodpanda Logistics Celebrates Women's Month with a Special Livelihood Program for Ka-panda Ladies

foodpanda Logistics Celebrates Women's Month with a Special Livelihood Program for Ka-panda Ladies

Women on Wheels initiative aims to foster women empowerment

foodpanda logistics is celebrating Women's Month by granting livelihood training and packages for women from their Ka-panda delivery fleet.

The program was officially launched during International Women’s Day and is dubbed as Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW). The beneficiaries were selected to undergo training to start their own small business and receive a business capital worth Php 100,000. 

Ron Sanders, Rider Experience Lead of foodpanda logistics Philippines, emphasized the importance of supporting their delivery partners, particularly women Ka-pandas, towards success and improved livelihoods.

Sanders revealed that this focus has yielded tangible results, as evidenced by the threefold increase in the number of women within the expanding fleet of foodpanda logistics delivery partners as of 2023. 

"With Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW, we are not just celebrating women, we are actively working to enhance their productivity, income, and living standards," he remarked, highlighting the program's commitment to inclusive business practices and women's empowerment.

The beneficiaries will undergo online training sessions, mentoring, on-ground retail store visits, and catch-ups with mentors to be spearheaded by foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, HAPINOY. 

Hapinoy’s Mark Ruiz shared that this initiative will be anchored under their training and mentoring program, HapiSkwela, designed for sari-sari store owners. This program provides education, business tools, personal development training, and values formation. "Learning from all these aspects will serve as the foundation of their journey as happy, growth-oriented, and socially responsible microentrepreneurs," he explained. 

Ruiz added that they are delighted to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. “foodpanda logistics shares our commitment to upskilling and providing sustainable livelihood to these women."

Supporting livelihood for women as Ka-panda delivery partners

According to the November 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there has been a decrease in the participation of women in the labor force this year, dropping from 57.8% to 55.4%. Factors such as family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related considerations have influenced this decline, resulting in a lower participation rate compared to men, which stands at 75%.

In response, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has set a target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to increase female labor force participation from 2023 to 2028 by creating more economic opportunities for women.

Acknowledging this disparity, Sanders emphasized the significance of offering equal opportunities for women to become part of their delivery fleet. "We extend a warm invitation to all women interested in working as delivery partners at foodpanda logistics, and we're fully committed to supporting and guiding them every step of the way," he affirmed.

Ka-pandaBIZ: a livelihood program for Ka-pandas

The Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW initiative is an integral component of foodpanda logistics' broader livelihood program, Ka-pandaBIZ, designed to empower delivery partners and their families through sustainable economic opportunities. 

Three Ka-pandas have successfully graduated from the Ka-pandaBIZ program, receiving startup capital and comprehensive business training for their sari-sari stores. They graduated last year after an extensive training, where they acquired skills in various business management areas, including store setup, financial management, product marketing, and business expansion.

“Similiar to these Ka-pandas who have also undergone an extensive training curriculum, these women are poised to become thriving micro-entrepreneurs, and we hope they will also drive positive change within their communities,” Sanders said.

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