SOCIAL MEDIA

Eastern Communications Achieves Increased Revenue, Furthers Mindanao Expansion in 2025

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Eastern Communications Mindanao Expansion

According to the latest e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, the Philippines recorded the fastest-growing internet economy among six Southeast Asian nations in 2024. Driven largely by the rising e-commerce sector, the country’s digital economy surged by 20%, with its gross merchandise value (GMV) rising from $26 billion in 2023 to $31 billion in 2024.

As the demand for digitalization grows, premier telecommunications and managed ICT services provider Eastern Communications highlights its strong performance over the past year and stands ready to empower businesses with cutting-edge ICT solutions and its robust, innovative network infrastructure.

A Year of Growth and Recognition

Eastern Communications has experienced remarkable business growth and resilience over the past decade. In 2024, Eastern increased its revenue by 8.4%, marking its competitive presence in the telco industry. The company has fueled its success by continuously striving for innovation, operational sustainability, and customer-centric solutions.

With a growing B2B market share, Eastern Communications has been able to make its innovative ICT solutions more widely accessible. This expansion has significantly impacted offerings like Eastern Cloud, a customizable public cloud platform powered by CloudSigma. Designed for flexibility, Eastern Cloud allows businesses to purchase only the computing resources they need, without being locked into fixed server sizes, offering greater control, cost efficiency, and scalability.

It was recently named the Cloud Initiative of the Year - Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, highlighting Eastern’s effort in redefining cloud computing in the Philippines. More than just a business success story, Eastern Cloud has also helped drive digital transformation across industries in the Philippines by enabling businesses to reduce IT infrastructure costs by up to 30%.

Further demonstrating its infrastructure excellence, Eastern Communications also received the Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Philippines award for its participation in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN),a joint venture between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN, designed to fortify the country’s communication infrastructure.

Addressing the vulnerabilities of traditional networks, the PDSCN Express Route strategically ensures that at least 80% of cables are laid underwater, with less than 20% inland, significantly reducing the risks of network disruptions caused by cable cuts. Through this innovative approach, Eastern Communications delivers enhanced bandwidth and network resilience, empowering Filipinos—especially those in disaster-prone areas—with stronger, more reliable connectivity.

For Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications, this recognition marks an exciting start to the year. "We are truly grateful for these global recognitions. They highlight our continuous mission to drive digital transformation across the Philippines. They fuel our passion to push boundaries, to empower businesses with resilient connectivity and future-ready solutions, and to champion ICT education and accessibility for all Filipinos," she said

Expanding Reach and Elevating its Heart of Service

Eastern Communications is committed to expanding its network to more business hubs across the country. In 2025, the company will extend its services to key cities including: Cotabato City, in BARMM, General Santos City in South Cotabato, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte.

"Our continuous expansion across the country is more than just growing our footprint, but pushing for a digital-ready Philippines and driving economic progress. With the rising demand for digital solutions, we aim to bring our world-class connectivity to rising business centers across the country, strategically improving our network to provide world-class connectivity to Filipinos," said Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

Strengthening Security and Connectivity with DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS

As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, Eastern Communications continues to invest in next-level security solutions. One of its latest offerings, DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), provides a premium, dedicated, high-speed internet solution designed to meet the demands of modern businesses.

DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS uses fiber-powered leased line technology, coupled with robust DDoS (Distributed denial of service) protection, ensuring reliable 24/7 connectivity with speeds of up to 10 GBPS, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and resilient access to global internet backbones. This cutting-edge solution enhances workforce productivity while safeguarding businesses against cyber disruptions.

As Eastern Communications looks ahead, it remains dedicated to being more than just a telco and ICT provider—it aims to be a trusted managed services partner of choice for businesses. Eastern continues to highlight its Heart of Service, delivering personalized solutions that drive business success. In 2024, the company’s Customer Satisfaction Score rose to an above-industry standard of 96.1%, demonstrating its dedication to customer experience excellence.

The company’s Heart of Service inspired its 2025 campaign, “Exceeding Expectations”, which aims to help businesses go beyond their goals and elevate their own customer experience through Eastern’s high tech and high touch solutions.

To learn more about Eastern Communications, please visit www.eastern.com.ph
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Manulife Philippines Marks 118 Years with a Focus on Health, Financial Protection, and Community Investment

Monday, March 3, 2025


Kicking off its 118th year in the country, Manulife Philippines, the local arm of the leading international financial services provider Manulife, has reaffirmed its commitment to adapting to rapidly changing needs of its growing customer base.

Manulife Philippines is ushering in its 118th year with important milestones anchored in its continued focus on driving customer satisfaction. It recently captured the top spot among Philippine life insurance companies in customer recommendation, based on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey conducted in the Philippines by the global market research firm IPSOS in 2024. Additionally, over the last five years, the company has also paid claims amounting to PHP 12.9 billion, standing by its promise to be with customers as their trusted financial partner for its customers.

“Customers in the Philippines are becoming more proactive in planning their financial protection against any uncertainties. They seek products and services that enable them and their families to live better lives, and we take pride in partnering with them to get closer to this goal. As we aim to the #1 choice for our customers, we are deeply committed to providing them with better innovative solutions on all fronts,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“I am pleased to see the trust and confidence our customers have given us—particularly based on the end-2024 NPS results, where we ranked #1 in terms of customer recommendation. These results inspire us to delight customers even further and consistently provide them the level of service and customer focus they truly deserve,” Hora added.

Financially securing and empowering Filipino families

Driven by its goal to protect more families, Manulife Philippines aims to further broaden its customer base to household decision-makers and young Filipinos through its comprehensive suite of health and life protection products including Manulife Freedom and Manulife HealthFlex.

● Manulife Freedom offers guaranteed cash payouts and life protection and is designed to be a reliable savings plan which can help customers fund their children's education, pursue their passions, prepare for a comfortable retirement, or leave a legacy to their loved ones.

● Manulife HealthFlex, on the other hand, offers comprehensive protection for over 100 critical illnesses from early diagnosis to recovery, with different payment plans tailored to customers’ lifestyle and budget.

Enabling customers to live Better Days

Manulife Philippines also recently introduced renowned content creator and creative director Erwan Heussaff and daughter Dahlia as the brand’s newest ambassadors, joining actress, wife, and mother Anne Curtis to promote better protection for Filipino families.

“Much of what we know about health and wellness starts from what we learn at home from our own family members, so we are delighted to partner with the Heussaffs to inspire more Filipino families to make financial planning a priority,” Hora shared.

“Particularly following the pandemic, customers have realized that out-of-pocket payments and their emergency savings are not sufficient to pay for future medical costs. They want to be as prepared as possible to ease any financial burden on their children—who can, in turn, learn and adopt the same thinking from their parents,” he added. “That’s why we at Manulife Philippines are constantly looking for ways to boost Filipinos’ level of financial security through products and services that provide protection against uncertainties, empowering customers to live better every day.”

Similarly, Manulife Philippines is focusing on its young Millennial and Gen Z customer base to demonstrate the importance of early preparation to secure their financial futures. The company is enhancing its product offerings and strengthening its health and life protection solutions based on customer insights, as well as recruiting younger advisors who can provide financial advice to help address young Filipino customers’ evolving insurance needs. This is in light of a 2024 Manulife Philippines study, which found that Filipinos remain largely unprepared for medical emergencies, with 41% dipping into out-of-pocket spending. On average, surveyed Filipinos have set aside PHP 62,000 for future medical needs. However, those ages 18-29 only have an average of PHP 38,000 saved.

“While Gen Z customers are starting to build their financial security, they are also highly conscious of how easily factors beyond their control, like medical emergencies, can deplete their savings. In this view, we encourage young customers to start investing in their health and financial future through protection solutions that suit their unique needs and budgets, helping them face the future with confidence,” Hora said. “They can count on us at Manulife to continue developing solutions that provide financial and health protection when it truly matters.”

Since opening its doors in 1907, Manulife Philippines has expanded its business of providing customers with diverse and innovative health, wealth, and protection solutions through its comprehensive product suite. In 1999, Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), Manulife Philippines’ parent company, was officially listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. As of end-January 2025, MFC has the largest market capitalization among companies listed in the PSE with PHP2.95 trillion.

Shaping Filipino communities for the better

As part of its legacy, Manulife Philippines has also committed to investing in the communities it serves through the Impact Agenda, its global community investment program focused on building a better business to better the world.

● Peso Smart is Manulife Philippines’ award-winning financial literacy program that supports the initiatives of the Department of Education to expand and improve the financial literacy aspect of the K-12 curriculum. To date, nearly 2,500 Filipino learners have benefited from the program, with its offshoot PesoSmart x RecoveREADS currently being implemented in 10 public schools and three community centers in 9 cities nationwide.

● Since 2022, Manulife Philippines has engaged colleagues and advisors through its Forests for Life collaboration with Haribon Foundation. This program successfully planted over 21,000 native tree seedlings across 17 hectares in the provinces of Quezon, Zambales, and Rizal, and contributed to a much-needed increase in forest cover across Southern Luzon.

● Manulife Philippines also established and operationalized 20 Community Food Farms in Gawad Kalinga villages to benefit community members and enable them to grow, harvest, and earn from their own produce.

Last year, Manulife colleagues from different countries in Asia and North America visited partner communities in the Philippines during the five-day ‘Impact Agenda Adventure.’ These global colleagues spent time on the ground to understand the communities’ needs and see the real-life impact of Manulife’s programs in collaboration with its NGO partners.

“Through our Impact Agenda, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve to empower sustained health and well-being, drive inclusive economic opportunities, and accelerate a sustainable future with the help of our colleagues and partners,” Hora added.

Manulife Philippines continues driving health and longevity through innovative products, high-quality sustainable growth of its business and distribution channels, and meaningful community initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to securing better futures for Filipinos.
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ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Achieves ITIL Certification for 14 ITSM Practices

Sunday, March 2, 2025


Company Joins PeopleCert's Accredited Tool Vendors (ATV) Program as a Silver-Level Member

ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corp. and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions, today announced that ServiceDesk Plus, its flagship AI-driven unified service management platform, has achieved ITIL-certification for 14 key ITSM practices, awarded by PeopleCert, a premier global training and certification provider. The certification and inclusion of ManageEngine as a Silver-tier member in PeopleCert's ATV program validates ManageEngine's efforts towards building an ITSM platform aligned with industry-recognized best practices.

PeopleCert's ITIL-ATV Program

ITIL continues to be the most widely recognized ITSM best practice standard globally, guiding organizations focused on streamlining their service delivery workflows. PeopleCert's ATV program verifies the ITIL alignment of IT service management vendors by undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the tool's functionality and the ITIL proficiency of staff engaged in functions like development, sales and implementation on the vendor's side.

ManageEngine's position in the ATV program signifies the organization's proficiency in the ITSM domain and its expertise in building a service management platform that is closely aligned with ITIL. This empowers customers to design and implement industry-recommended best practice workflows right out of the box on the ServiceDesk Plus platform.

Dmitry Isaychenko, portfolio director at PeopleCert, added, "Businesses trust ITIL for success. For them, ITIL is not just a brand but a source of proven best practices. Claims of ITIL adherence raise their expectations regarding the quality of implementations. This is why PeopleCert launched the ATV accreditation program. Today, we are delighted to welcome ManageEngine as an ITIL-accredited tool vendor. Together, we can help customers make more informed decisions when selecting ITSM tools and planning long-term investments in their implementations.”

14 Key ITSM Practices Certified With ITIL Alignment

This certification marks ServiceDesk Plus’ ITIL alignment for 14 practices, which include Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Incident Management, IT Asset Management, Knowledge Management, Measurement and Reporting, Monitoring & Event Management, Problem Management, Release Management, Service Catalogue Management, Service Configuration Management, Service Financial Management, Service Level Management and Service Request Management.

Currently, ManageEngine has been onboarded as a Silver-level member with plans to move up the tiers by certifying more ManageEngine staff in the coming year. "We are excited to partner with PeopleCert and join their ITIL-ATV program. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to building a best-in-class service management platform that adheres to industry best practices," said Kumaravel Ramakrishnan, director of technology at ManageEngine. "For over 20 years, ServiceDesk Plus has been empowering customers to streamline service delivery for IT and other business teams. We will further this with deep investments in cutting-edge tech like AI to deliver transformative value to customers and prospects. ServiceDesk Plus will continue to evolve as an intelligent service management platform that aligns with industry best practices, providing transformational business outcomes to enterprise IT teams."

Pricing and Availability

ServiceDesk Plus is available across three editions: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. The Standard edition starts at $13 per technician per month. For more details on ServiceDesk Plus’ editions and offerings, please visit https://mnge.it/sdp-editions.
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Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines Sign Exclusive SME Debit Card Deal


Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and CIMB Bank Philippines, the most-awarded digital-only commercial bank in the country and The Asian Banker’s Best Digital Bank in the Philippines for 2025, have announced an exclusive partnership aimed at enhancing financial solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines. The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from both Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration that began in 2023.

This strategic collaboration builds on the strong foundation established in 2023, when Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines first joined forces to provide innovative and accessible financial solutions to Filipinos. The new agreement will integrate Visa's world-class technology and extensive global network in digital payments with CIMB Bank Philippines’ cutting-edge digital offerings to deliver a superior banking experience to the underserved SME market.

To complement an upcoming business deposit product from CIMB, a new Visa Business Debit Card will also be offered by Q3 2025. The card will be linked to the high interest business savings account, where business owners can enjoy zero fees, free fund transfers, insurance product offers, as well as a revolving credit facility that they can maximize to grow their business. These new offerings cater specifically to micro and small enterprises, which make up majority of the SME market, with the potential to expand to larger enterprises later on.

In the Philippines, SMEs are often regarded as the "backbone" of the economy, constituting 99.6% of the economy in the country. This means they create a substantial amount of employment and contribute significantly to the country's GDP. By providing jobs and income to a large segment of the population, SMEs drive economic growth and development. Recognizing their strategic importance, this partnership aims to support the financial needs of SMEs and enhance their growth prospects.

Through this collaboration, Visa will provide CIMB customers with exclusive discounts and privileges at select Visa merchants, adding more value to the CIMB Visa Business Debit Card. This alliance aims to deliver seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions for SMEs, making it easier for them to access the financial services essential for their operations and growth.

"This milestone marks an important step towards our shared vision of providing accessible and innovative financial solutions to consumers and businesses, thereby boosting financial inclusion for Filipinos everywhere. Building on our successful partnership with CIMB Bank Philippines, there is a tremendous opportunity to enhance the digital capabilities of SMEs in the Philippines. Additionally, SMEs have unique and personalized needs that require bespoke solutions. By utilizing Visa’s global network and expertise, and CIMB’s digital leadership, we are committed to seizing this opportunity to serve the unique needs of SMEs and provide tailored solutions to facilitate their growth and success,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

"As a pioneer in digital-only banking in the country, CIMB Bank Philippines has disrupted the retail banking space for the better with our partnership-led model, earning the trust of 9 million customers and counting. We are now dedicated to also empowering SMEs who are looking for better ways to bank, all while we continue to drive digital and financial inclusion," said Vijay Manoharan, CIMB Bank Philippines CEO. "Our partnership with Visa is part of our maiden foray into the SME segment and helps enable us to offer enhanced payment solutions that are secure, convenient, and specifically designed to support the growth and financial health of SMEs. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to empower SMEs and contribute to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap, which targets to make 50 percent of total retail transaction volumes digital."
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Lucky Me!'s Giant Go Cup Bulalo Steals the Spotlight at WINA Summit 2025

Thursday, February 27, 2025


A Filipino favorite just made it big on the world stage—literally. Lucky Me! took center stage at the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) Summit 2025 with a jaw-dropping installation: a giant Go Cup Bulalo that had international delegates snapping photos and sharing their amazement online.

A Big Moment for a Pinoy Classic


Lucky Me!'s Go Cup Bulalo has long been a beloved staple among Filipinos, capturing the rich, comforting flavors of the traditional bulalo soup in a convenient, ready-to-enjoy format. As one of Monde Nissin Corporation’s best-selling instant noodle variants, it continues to be a top pick for grocery shoppers and a go-to choice for satisfying late-night cravings.

WINA Summit 2025: Bringing Global Leaders Together


Monde Nissin Corporation played host to this year’s WINA Summit, where over 300 industry leaders from around the world gathered to discuss key topics such as food safety, sustainability, and innovative packaging solutions. The two-day event featured insightful forums on recyclable packaging designs, advancements in food safety, and international labeling standards—ensuring that the future of instant noodles remains both delicious and responsible.

The Buzz Around Lucky Me!’s Show-Stopping Installation


While discussions about industry innovations were a major highlight, Lucky Me!’s giant Go Cup Bulalo proved to be a viral sensation, reinforcing the brand’s strong presence in the global instant noodle market. 


The installation not only celebrated the rich heritage of Filipino cuisine but also showcased how Lucky Me! continues to resonate with consumers worldwide.

Craving Bulalo? Satisfy Your Hunger Now!


Feeling the urge for a warm, savory bowl of bulalo? (We don’t blame you!) Grab your own Lucky Me! Go Cup Bulalo—thankfully, in a more practical size—at your nearest supermarket or convenience store. Experience the rich, beefy goodness that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Filipinos everywhere!
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Manulife Philippines and Erwan Heussaff Launch Video Series with Tips on Healthy Cooking

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Erwan Heussaf

Manulife Philippines celebrates National Heart Month with the launch of a special video series starring its brand ambassador, Filipino restaurateur and multi-awarded cultural storyteller Erwan Heussaff.

The video, now live on Manulife Philippines’ social media pages and YouTube, features Heussaff cooking up kinilaw, a raw tuna dish on top of a tangy sauce served with roasted vegetables, for a simple lunch date with wife Anne Curtis. The traditional recipe uses quality and easily accessible Filipino ingredients that promote heart health that can support longer, healthier lives.

“We know from research that heart disease and diabetes are among our most feared critical illnesses in the Philippines, and these are heavily lifestyle-influenced diseases. It’s my ambition to show Filipinos that we can take practical steps to improve our health and reduce the chance of suffering from these diseases. This video series partnership with Manulife, which shows how simple things such as cooking with whole foods and choosing local ingredients, is a great way to get this message out there,” shared Heussaff.

A 2024 study conducted by Manulife Philippines found that many Filipinos still find it challenging to adopt and maintain a “healthy lifestyle.” Most respondents cited barriers such as healthy food being too expensive, less appetizing, or taking too much time to prepare, despite diet and nutrition being among their top priorities.”

“Through this collaboration with Erwan, we hope to inspire more Filipinos to see healthy meals as more than just nourishment. Cooking these meals is also a simple yet meaningful way to care for yourself and those you hold dear,” shared Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“Living a healthier lifestyle starts by taking small yet proactive steps, and through conscious efforts to watch one’s diet and nutrition, Filipinos can stay on top of their health and wellness goals. At Manulife, we are committed to doing our share of helping and empowering Filipinos to make smarter health decisions – one meal, one plan at a time,” Hora added.


Manulife Philippines is slated to release more videos with the Heussaff family to encourage Filipinos to prioritize their health and wellness.

For more information on Manulife Philippines’ products and services, visit manulife.com.ph or follow their official social media channels.





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DoubleVerify Launches Content-Level Controls on Meta, Powering Media Quality and Advertising Effectiveness

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Global brands gain comprehensive coverage with both content-level avoidance and post-bid measurement, augmenting ad quality controls on Facebook and Instagram

DoubleVerify (“DV”) (NYSE: DV), a leading software platform for digital media measurement, data and analytics, has announced the launch of content-level controls for Meta’s Facebook & Instagram Feed and Reels – expanding the company’s footprint of trusted, independent brand suitability and media performance tools. This release will allow advertisers to proactively avoid content they deem unsuitable before their ads are served, enhancing brand impact across Meta’s platforms. This launch builds on last year’s release of post-bid brand safety and suitability measurement on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram Feeds and Reels.

Mark Zagorski

“DoubleVerify’s new content-level controls are a game changer for advertisers,” said Mark Zagorski, CEO of DoubleVerify. “By combining content-level controls with post-bid measurement, we’re enabling brands to maximize both the quality and impact of their campaigns. Advertisers can ensure their ads appear in environments that align with their brand, powering media effectiveness and boosting advertising ROI. This release strengthens our commitment to provide industry-leading, independent solutions that help brands improve quality reach and drive meaningful engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.”

Implementing a comprehensive media authentication strategy aligns protection controls with post-bid measurement, delivering significant value to brands. Post-bid measurement analyzes content after impressions are purchased, offering advertisers insights into ad delivery that aligns with their brand preferences. DV’s newly launched content-level controls evaluate inventory before impressions are delivered, and identify content that falls below the brand safety floor and does not align with the company's suitability tiers in an automated manner –– supporting the delivery of ads to appropriate environments. This approach helps brands optimize future campaigns and media investment decisions.

In addition, DV has rolled out 30 new and unique content-level avoidance categories, such as Youth and Young Adults, Youth Entertainment, and Gambling. These expanded categories offer advertisers precise control and protection tailored to their brand preferences.

With this release, advertisers will benefit from:

End-to-end Performance: Seamless alignment of content-level controls with post-bid measurement, improving campaign suitability rates, reducing media waste, and enhancing ad performance on Meta’s Facebook & Instagram Feed and Reels campaigns.

Operational Efficiency: Automated, hourly refresh of content-level avoidance that requires no manual intervention.

Trusted Coverage: Independent, third-party monitoring and protection of ad placements.

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

Measurement data insights and content-level controls are available through DV Pinnacle®, the company’s unified service and analytics reporting platform, enabling advertisers to monitor and optimize their Meta ad campaigns.

For more information about DoubleVerify, visit http://www.doubleverify.com.
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