How Al Quitangon is Transforming Filipino Families' Future as Sun Life's Chief Distribution Officer

How Al Quitangon is Transforming Filipino Families' Future as Sun Life's Chief Distribution Officer

Thursday, August 22, 2024

In the Philippines, where the concept of life insurance is still gaining widespread acceptance, Sun Life emerges as a pioneering force, guiding Filipinos toward greater financial security. Leading this transformative journey is Al Quitangon, a seasoned expert in finance, who now serves as Sun Life's Chief Distribution Officer.

With a career deeply rooted in financial planning, Quitangon brings a wealth of experience and a client-first approach to his leadership. His journey with Sun Life began as an advisor, giving him unique insights into the challenges and aspirations of clients. This background fuels his commitment to leading with values centered on the needs of the people he serves.

“Insurance is more than just a career; it’s a calling,” Quitangon emphasizes. “It’s about empowering Filipinos to take control of their future, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate life’s uncertainties.” His belief in the power of financial education as a cornerstone of long-term prosperity drives his approach to leadership.

Under Quitangon’s guidance, Sun Life continues to uphold its mission of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and healthier lives. He inspires Sun Life employees and advisors to stay true to this purpose, ensuring that the company remains a trusted lifetime partner to its clients.

As Chief Distribution Officer, Al Quitangon leverages his over 30 years of experience to spearhead Sun Life’s efforts in reaching new heights. His leadership is driving a movement towards financial security, changing the lives of Filipino families, one at a time.

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Preserving Southeast Asia's Weaving Traditions and Balancing Cultural Heritage with Environmental Conservation

Preserving Southeast Asia's Weaving Traditions and Balancing Cultural Heritage with Environmental Conservation

Southeast Asia is home to many cultural traditions, which gave birth to plenty of crafts centered around fabrics and weaving, a practice deeply intertwined with identity and heritage across the region. 

In the Philippines, diverse weaving traditions thrive uniquely in different regions. Fabrics like the Ilocos' Abel using cotton fibers, South Cotabato's T’nalak using abaca fibers and the indigenous T’boli’s usage of abaca fiber for textile, and Palawan being the the forefront of the piña weaving industry all embody local stories and community values. These fabrics are not merely products; they are repositories of personal narratives of the weavers and embody cultural knowledge passed down through generations.

However, these traditions face challenges today, particularly from environmental degradation impacting natural material availability and, at the same time, textile production is also blamed for causing severe impact on the environment. Efforts are underway to ensure environmental sustainability and to engage younger generations in preserving these intricate weaving practices, crucial for safeguarding cultural continuity in the face of modern pressures.

Weaving conservation into a sustainable practice

In the Philippines, there are about 450 weaving groups, representing around 5,000 weavers who contributed an estimated P150 million to the country’s economy in 2020. Traditionally a personal activity, weaving has become a source of livelihood for many women, turning it into a cottage industry. While small, this industry plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and providing economic opportunities in rural communities, showcasing the skill and artistry of Filipino weavers to the world.

Industrialization, mass production, globalization, digitization, and even environmental degradation have pressured the weaving industry, driving changes in production technology and market access. Nevertheless, these advancements have also left many behind, including the weavers.

Margareta Mala's efforts in Indonesia showcase how weaving can preserve cultural heritage sustainably. In 2018, with growing interest in Tenun—a technique of making fabric by weaving different colors of threads using a traditional loom—Mala led young Iban women to revive the practice by blending tradition with conservation. She founded two communities: Endo Segadok for experienced weavers and Generasi Lestari to educate young Iban women. Together, 58 women are involved.

The community uses natural dyes from their forest to maintain cultural and conservation value, while factory-made threads replace the lost cotton plants. Sacred patterns requiring rituals are kept within the culture and not sold. Instead of selling, which requires rituals, they remain part of their culture and are not sold to customers.

They also use 'adopting' rather than 'purchasing' the fabric, emphasizing the unique relationship between the weavers and those who decide to adopt the product. This approach fosters a sense of connection and responsibility, as the adopter becomes the custodian of Iban culture for years to come.

Mala and her community have made significant strides in generating alternative income and empowering young Iban women to pursue weaving or organizing tours as their primary source of livelihood. This not only provides an alternative to working at plantations but also enhances their overall quality of life. Mala expressed hope that their efforts and outcomes can serve as a valuable model for communities, both locally and globally, emphasizing the significance of conservation and sustainability and their impact on those involved in traditional weaving.

To ensure that the community benefits equitably, the revenues generated are distributed among community members. Presently, the tenun produced by Mala and her community is priced between IDR 3,000,000 and 10,000,000 (US$300-US$700).

Similarly, the Philippines has long been at the forefront of natural textile development, championing the use of Philippine Tropical fabrics made from cotton, pineapple, abaca, and bamboo, woven and treated using low-impact or natural dyeing methods. The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) continues to develop these methods to foster a more sustainable textile industry—a collective effort involving the government, academia, industry, and communities.

The narrative of Mala and her community, integrating culture into conservation efforts, serves as a valuable lesson for other Southeast Asian communities, particularly those led by women. The involvement of everyone in conservation efforts that support the most affected communities is crucial, especially when it presents an opportunity to preserve and adopt a piece of cultural heritage.

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Monde Nissin Boosts Digital Success with TikTok Shop

Monde Nissin Boosts Digital Success with TikTok Shop

Monde Nissin Corporation, a household name in the Philippines for over 40 years, has elevated its iconic food brands to new digital heights by partnering with TikTok Shop. As part of TikTok's roster of Filipino brands, Monde Nissin's impressive growth on the platform underscores the transformative potential of e-commerce and social media in empowering local businesses.

Monde Nissin is celebrating 45 years of bringing good food to tables around the world and is renowned for brands such as Lucky Me!, SkyFlakes, Fita, Nissin Biscuits, Monde, M.Y. San Grahams, and Quorn meat-free products. The company joined TikTok Shop in January 2023, and launched its first livestream event in June 2023. Since then, Monde Nissin has harnessed TikTok Shop's innovative tools and vibrant community to achieve notable results.

"Joining TikTok Shop has been a transformative step for Monde Nissin. It’s not just about expanding our digital footprint, but about engaging with a new generation of consumers in a dynamic, interactive environment. By integrating entertainment and commerce, TikTok Shop has enabled us to drive sales and deepen brand loyalty in ways that traditional platforms could not offer," said Shellane Dy, Activation & Ecomm Head.

Meeting Consumer Demand with Competitive Offers

During TikTok's 7.7 Shopping Sale, Monde Nissin saw double digit growth in Total Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) compared to its previous campaign. This success can be attributed to the brand's strategic use of TikTok Shop's Assortment, Content, and Empowerment (ACE) Indicator System.

In order to meet its diverse consumer needs, Monde Nissin ensured its most popular products were available and competitively priced. In addition, by offering exclusive discounts on popular items, the brand positioned itself as a top choice for value-conscious shoppers.

A key part of this strategy was ensuring high-demand stock-keeping units (SKUs), such as Lucky Me! flavors were well-stocked. This careful inventory management, combined with attractive offers, led to GMV uplift for Lucky Me! during the 7.7 sale, with specific SKUs ranking in the top 40 on the platform.

In addition to Lucky Me!, Monde Nissin also saw substantial growth across other product lines on TikTok Shop. M.Y. San Happy Time Assortment Biscuits achieved an increase in GMV, while the Nissin brand experienced a surge compared to the previous campaign. These results are a testament to the effectiveness of Monde Nissin’s assortment strategy in capturing consumer interest and driving sales across multiple product categories.

Engaging Consumers Through Livestreaming and Influencer Collaborations

In the Content pillar, Monde Nissin's approach was both ambitious and effective. The brand conducted over 24 hours of livestreaming during the 7.7 sale, utilizing multiple TikTok Shop Partners (TSPs) and in-house resources across four accounts. This extensive live presence resulted in a triple digit increase in livestreaming growth compared to the previous campaign. Monde Nissin also leveraged a network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and partnered with mid-tier and large creators, contributing to its total GMV during the event.

"Livestreaming on TikTok Shop has allowed us to connect with our customers in real time, offering them exclusive deals and engaging them directly with our brand story. This platform has redefined how we interact with our audience," said Shellane Dy.

Leveraging Campaigns and Tools for Growth

Monde Nissin also saw significant results by consistently participating in TikTok Shop's campaigns, including the "Buy Local, Shop Local" program of the platform. The brand was nominated and featured as "Brand of the Day," and utilized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to attract new customers with targeted vouchers during campaign days. With a strategic focus on limited ad spending, Monde Nissin increased its ads GMV with a Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) of 30.

This success highlights Monde Nissin’s effective use of TikTok Shop’s features and demonstrates how the platform’s combination of social engagement and commerce is influencing the digital marketplace. By facilitating innovative connections between brands and audiences, TikTok Shop provides insights for local businesses adapting to the evolving digital landscape.

"Monde Nissin's impressive performance on our platform highlights the power of TikTok Shop's unique blend of social engagement and e-commerce innovation. Our platform is designed to help brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways, and Monde Nissin's success is a testament to how our tools and features can drive real results. We're excited to continue supporting local brands as they navigate the evolving digital landscape and achieve their growth objectives," said Niks Fojas, Category Lead for FMCG at TikTok Shop.

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Vista Land Expands Presence in Bulacan with Launch of Two Master Planned Developments

Vista Land Expands Presence in Bulacan with Launch of Two Master Planned Developments

Silaya incorporates puni weaving motifs into its architecture and shared spaces, providing spaces where artisans can freely express their creativity and engage with the community. 

Vista Land continues to strengthen its position as the Philippines' leading integrated property developer with the introduction of two highly anticipated estates in the Gateway to Northern Philippines: Silaya in the municipality of Bulakan and prime lot-only properties called Chateau Nissa at Provence in Malolos City.

As part of the Vista Estates portfolio, Silaya and Chateau Nissa provide unique, premium, and sustainable lifescapes that provide its residents and investors with limitless growth opportunities. These developments celebrate the rich history and dynamic growth of Bulacan, one of the fastest-growing provinces in the country.

“Silaya and Chateau Nissa represent key milestones in the transformation of Bulacan into a center of culture and innovation,” notes Ailene Sarmiento, Division Head for Vista Land North Luzon. 

Ailene Sarmiento, Division Head for Vista Land North Luzon, underscores the significance of these launches, noting, "Silaya and Chateau Nissa represent key milestones in the transformation of Bulacan into a center of culture and innovation. They reflect our commitment at Vista Land to regional development while honoring the heritage of Bulacan, offering residents a distinctive balance of tradition and progress that will define its future for generations."

Silaya, honoring the heritage of artistic expression

A portmanteau of the Filipino words malaya and sining or freedom in art, Silaya embodies the belief that art should be free and allowed to flourish organically through generations. In Bulakan, art is seen as its living expression, each piece telling its history and the creative spirit of its people.

The creative industries in Bulakan have been a cornerstone of its local economy, with puni weaving, the technique of creating intricate patterns using palm leaves, standing out as a symbol of ingenuity and regional heritage. Silaya incorporates its motifs into the architecture and shared spaces, recognizing the value of creative industries in Bulakan and providing spaces where artisans can freely express their creativity, showcase their work, and engage with the community. 

The multi-tower developments of Silaya are designed with low-density layout configurations to cope with the fast-paced demands of modern lifestyle.

Its multi-tower developments are designed with low-density layout configurations to cope with the fast-paced demands of modern lifestyle, while also ensuring a sanctuary of ease and relaxation. 

At the heart of the master planned development is the clubhouse, providing the perfect setting for celebrations, social events, and meaningful connections. Just steps away, the swimming pool offers a relaxing retreat, while the parks and green spaces are ideal for picnics or quiet moments of reflection. 

The gym is equipped with the latest technology for those who value an active and healthy lifestyle. Walking trails wind through scenic landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for a morning run or an evening stroll.

The commercial area is where culture and commerce come together in a dynamic setting. Retail boutiques and weekend markets offer an array of merchandise, from intricately woven pieces and beautifully crafted pottery to the latest fashion and finery. 

Dining at Silaya is an adventure. Enjoy a quick stop in Coffee Project or savor a leisurely meal in one of the restaurants serving everything from traditional Filipino fare to international cuisine.

Spaces and places within Silaya are full of life, hosting social gatherings and local events. These open areas are the pulse of the community, where residents and visitors come together to educate, enrich, and celebrate.

Chateau Nissa at Provence, designed solely for those who have achieved

At the heart of Provence in Malolos City lies Chateau Nissa, a close to eight-hectare lot-only enclave reserved for the truly discerning. The name combines chateau, symbolizing grand houses, and Nissa, the dialect for Nice, embodying timeless grace and sophistication. This development features expansive lots for stately French Mediterranean-style homes with upscale amenities designed to elevate one's lifestyle.

Concept Development Officer, Ar. Dan Delgado takes the audience on a virtual tour of the two newest master planned developments in Bulacan, Silaya and Chateau Nissa.

Reserved only for the exclusive use of Chateau Nissa residents is a range of amenities and facilities offering a variety of leisure pursuits, including basketball games at the sports court, gym, jogging along scenic trails, intimate and grand celebrations at the clubhouse, and family-friendly activities on expansive playgrounds. Chateau Nissa provides an idyllic haven for luxury living and tranquil retreats, epitomizing the French art de vivre, where every detail is carefully considered to enrich daily life.

Natural materials like exposed brick, native stone, and terracotta tiles create a charming, rustic landscape reminiscent of Provence's enchanting architectural style. Surrounded by exceptional amenities, residents will lead fulfilling lives, create lasting memories with family and loved ones, and revel in the beauty of limitless living. Chateau Nissa sets a new standard in premium living within Provence, promising a future filled with grace, sophistication, and endless opportunities.

An investment into a better way of living

As the holding company of the housing ventures of Vista Group, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. primarily develops master-planned developments, horizontal communities, and vertical residences in the Philippines' key growth areas.

Vista Land officers pose for a photo during the toast for the newest master planned developments in Bulacan, headed by Division Head, Ailene Sarmiento. 

Filipinos deserve the best—this driving belief has been integral to Vista Land and its day-to-day operations and is the secret to its success. Creating better, expansive, and global-oriented offerings and experiences for its residents and delivering excellent long-term investment growth for its stakeholders has always been the impetus behind the conglomerate's continued evolution.

Ready to aspire for amazing? Explore Vista Estates' master planned communities nationwide. 

Visit https://vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph or follow @VistaEstatesOfficial. 

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Makati Medical Center Achieves Zero Noncompliance in Latest ISO 9001:2015 Accreditation Audit

Makati Medical Center Achieves Zero Noncompliance in Latest ISO 9001:2015 Accreditation Audit

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) successfully completed the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation surveillance audit, conducted from July 31 to August 2, 2024. For three days, auditors from TÜV Rheinland assessed MakatiMed’s operations across its four sites: the main hospital, MakatiMed Care Access at Araneta City, MakatiMed Outpatient Center at Discovery Primea, and the MakatiMed Wellness Center.

The audit aimed to ensure that MakatiMed continues to uphold and implement its Quality Management System while addressing areas for advancement identified in last year’s evaluation. After achieving a zero noncompliance, MakatiMed Interim Co-President & CEO and Medical Director, Saturnino P. Javier, MD expresses his pride to the whole community. “The ISO auditors lauded our willingness and resolve to embrace new opportunities for improvement to achieve excellence in all aspects of healthcare delivery,” Dr. Javier noted.

He further emphasized that the efforts of the whole community in compliance with the organization’s standards underline the hospital’s dedication to providing top-notch service and expertise. “These accreditation activities help us forge a culture of compliance and continuous learning that ensures the highest standards of quality and safety not only for our patients but also for all healthcare professionals,” he added.

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is crucial for institutions like MakatiMed, as it provides a structured framework for enhancing performance, meeting customer expectations, and demonstrating a commitment to quality. By implementing this standard, the hospital has established effective processes and trained staff to consistently deliver exceptional healthcare services, ensuring patient satisfaction and safety.

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Digital Transformation Across Regions: Local Governments Envision Economic Growth with PDSCN Connection

Digital Transformation Across Regions: Local Governments Envision Economic Growth with PDSCN Connection

Monday, August 19, 2024

As the Philippines undergoes digital transformation, it has become critical for local governments to deploy reliable internet connectivity and digitalization. The Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) exemplifies this effort, aiming to enhance the nation's digital infrastructure.

Eastern Communications, the Philippines' pioneering telecommunications company and ICT solutions provider, has forged partnerships with local government units across the country. Through the collaborative PDSCN project, they aim to drive economic growth by elevating the country's digital connectivity and network backbone.

Connecting Regions Through the PDSCN 

The PDSCN is a joint initiative between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN Inc. with long-term goals of fostering economic growth and bridging the digital divide. Once completed, it will span over 2,500 kilometers of fiber cables across the Philippines. This robust network is designed to revolutionize internet reliability and resiliency. 

This advanced infrastructure is set to catalyze economic growth and digital transformation in previously underserved and unserved regions. With the PDSCN Express Route now operational, Eastern plans to expand its connectivity network to cater to key business regions such as Iloilo, Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Dumaguete. Eastern formally launched and made its services available in Tagbilaran, Bohol through its signature expansion event, Via Eastern, in July 2024.

As local governments harness the potential of reliable internet and embrace digitalization, they are able to deliver improved public services, enhanced communication, and sustainable economic development. The PDSCN is not just about connectivity; it's about empowering communities and driving the Philippines towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Fortifying Connectivity in Cebu

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 7.3 percent economic growth in Central Visayas for 2023, raising its GDP to P1.381.2 trillion. Metro Cebu is the region's top contributor, and is also a main driver of the Philippines as a frontrunner in the ASEAN region, achieving the highest growth of 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024. This economic surge, fueled by tourism and business programs, increases the demand for better internet connectivity. It also supports Cebu City's goal of becoming a technologically advanced, inclusive, and resilient urban center.

Eastern Communications is empowering the local government of Cebu with its premium Internet Direct Service (IDS), a dedicated high-speed connectivity solution. Eastern’s IDS boasts robust and reliable connectivity revolutionizing communication, data exchange, and collaboration, bolstering Cebu City's economic development and ensuring efficient governance. 

"The recent partnership between Eastern Communications and the Cebu local government offices is a significant step toward enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity within the city," said Cebu’s Acting City Mayor Atty. Raymond Garcia. "Advocating for better internet connectivity aligns with Cebu City’s vision of a technologically advanced, inclusive, and resilient urban center." 

Cebu local government’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) team also noted how improved connectivity aligns with the Cebu government’s goals and initiatives which promotes technological advancement and digitalization:

Enhanced Public Services: Reliable internet connectivity enables citizens to access government services online, pay bills, and apply for permits seamlessly. Digitalization of administrative processes reduces paperwork, enhances transparency, and improves overall efficiency. 

Community Inclusion: Improved internet access bridges gaps between urban and rural areas while providing free or affordable internet in public spaces through Community Wi-Fi promotes social inclusion and connectivity for all. 

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Digitalization generates valuable data on traffic, utilities, and public services, informing policy decisions and urban planning. Sharing data with the public encourages innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern’s services streamline the local government’s operations and optimize digital processes. The service helps the Cebu LGU in e-governance, fostering community inclusion, and leveraging data-driven decision-making for smart city solutions. 

Boosting Negros Occidental's Tourism and Emergency Response

Through the PDSCN, Eastern Communications now serves the local government of Negros Occidental in Western Visayas. In 2023, the province recorded a significant tourism revenue of P6 billion, marking a 36% increase in tourist arrivals from the previous year. As the municipality focuses on tourism growth, Eastern is committed to providing robust and reliable internet to support the government’s day-to-day operations and reinforce safety and communications during emergencies and natural disasters.

“We have been using Eastern Communications’ internet services in our office for the past months and have always been satisfied with its speed performance and no disconnection,” said Province of Negros Occidental OIC-ICTD Jose Larry Sañor. “They offer the most competitive rates and after-sales support to our company is great. I’m happy to recommend their services,” he added. 

Connecting the Nation

As the Philippines continues to grow into a more connected and digital-first nation, Eastern Communications plays a crucial role as a reliable ICT solutions partner for local businesses, working in alignment with government initiatives to advance digitalization. The telco’s support was evident during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., where Eastern served as a key connectivity provider. The telco provided its 10 GBPs Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service) to the House of Representatives Complex during the SONA 2024. Supporting the connectivity needs during this time helped Eastern connect Filipinos from various corners across the country and ensured the success of the event.

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TikTok Shop Partners with L'Oréal for Digital Beauty Academy in the Philippines

TikTok Shop Partners with L'Oréal for Digital Beauty Academy in the Philippines

TikTok Shop and L'Oréal are joining forces to advance the Digital Beauty Academy, an initiative designed to empower aspiring beauty entrepreneurs across the Philippines. Now in its second year, the program builds on the successes of its inaugural run in Quezon City, with this year's expansion to Makati City. This collaboration integrates L'Oréal’s extensive beauty education with TikTok Shop’s dynamic social commerce platform, creating new opportunities for participants.

The Digital Beauty Academy provides comprehensive beauty training and social commerce education, equipping participants with essential skills in beauty, grooming, and personal care while integrating effective strategies for leveraging TikTok and TikTok Shop for business growth. The initiative is designed to empower women from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their socio-economic status and creating opportunities for growth and success within the beauty industry.

"L’Oréal together with TikTok Shop Philippines recognizes the transformative power of beauty in driving positive societal transformations. The expansion of L'Oréal Digital Beauty Academy in Makati and Quezon City, amongst the bustling cities in the Philippines, signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive future. By the end of the year, over 1800 Makati residents are set to gain access to fundamental beauty and digital commerce tools, aving the way for enhanced economic opportunities through beauty among Filipinos", shares Yannick Raynaud, Managing Director of L’Oréal Philippines.

Running from August to December, the Digital Beauty Academy will conduct six sessions focused on content creation, social commerce strategies, and the effective use of TikTok Shop to market and sell beauty products. 

The curriculum includes an introduction to TikTok and TikTok Shop, livestreaming essentials, and best practices in content creation. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with TikTok creators and industry experts, gaining valuable insights and practical skills to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors.

“We are thrilled to partner with L'Oréal to bring the Digital Beauty Academy to life. This initiative perfectly aligns with TikTok's mission to democratize access to digital platforms and provide opportunities for growth and empowerment,” said Paolo David, Country Head for Brand Growth and Partnerships at TikTok. “Through this program, we aim to equip participants with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy, while also supporting local communities and fostering inclusive growth.”

Looking ahead, TikTok Shop and L'Oréal are exploring opportunities to expand the Digital Beauty Academy and continue their collaboration. Future phases of the program will aim to reach even more aspiring entrepreneurs, further broadening its impact and extending its reach.

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