The Manila Hotel Wins Best Heritage Hotel Award

The Manila Hotel Wins Best Heritage Hotel Award

Thursday, March 20, 2025

The Manila Hotel, the country’s first premier hotel, has once again solidified its legendary status by receiving the prestigious Best Heritage Hotel award from Tatler Best Philippines 2025. This accolade, part of Tatler Philippines’ newly refined Tatler Best guide, recognizes the hotel’s steadfast commitment to preserving its storied past while delivering the true Filipino hospitality it is known for.

Tatler Best is known for its discerning selection of the country’s finest establishments, offering a sophisticated and detailed guide to top-tier hospitality and dining. The Best-in-Class awards for hotels recognize outstanding performance and enduring impact over the past year, making The Manila Hotel’s win a testament to its lasting excellence.

Steeped in history, The Manila Hotel has long been a witness to pivotal moments in Philippine history, having hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and industry leaders. Its storied halls echo with the narratives of those who have shaped the nation, making it a living landmark of heritage and grandeur.

“We are honored to be recognized by Tatler Philippines as the Best Heritage Hotel for 2025. This award is a testament to The Manila Hotel’s unwavering commitment to preserving its rich legacy while providing exceptional service. We are immensely grateful for the guidance of our president, Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. and the visionary leadership of our board of directors, whose dedication has enabled this remarkable milestone possible," said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing, who received the award on behalf of the hotel.

Beyond its rich historical significance, The Manila Hotel remains a benchmark of luxury and Filipino hospitality, offering a carefully curated selection of experiences. These include historical tours of Rizal Park, Intramuros, the National Museums, and more, as well as the Heritage Museum, which features the hotel’s captivating historical photos and archives. The hotel also maintains an Art Gallery that celebrates Filipino creativity, alongside dining experiences that pay homage to local culinary traditions.

As The Manila Hotel pays tribute to its illustrious past, it also looks toward the future, ensuring that every guest enjoys an unparalleled blend of history, luxury, and true Filipino hospitality—an institution where history lives on.

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City Savings Bank Supports DepEd’s Digitalization Efforts

City Savings Bank Supports DepEd’s Digitalization Efforts

City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift arm of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), has reaffirmed its commitment to support teachers and learners through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) last February 17, 2025. The agreement strengthens its continuing partnership with the DepEd as CitySavings pursues learning and teaching support programs that align with the government agency’s current 5-Point Agenda, which proactively addresses relevant issues in the education sector.

During the MOA signing, CitySavings Chairperson of the Board and UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz - Delgado recounted, “City Savings Bank was founded by my great grandfather, Don Ramon Aboitiz, together with his trusted business partner, Teotimo Abellana, with a simple vision back then to serve people of moderate means”. She further emphasized, “at Aboitiz, everything we do is anchored in our values and our greater purpose. We applaud DepEd for its commitment to improving the quality of education in our country, and rest assured that we in CitySavings and the whole Aboitiz Group are equally committed to enabling teachers and learners to reach their full potential.”

CitySavings President and CEO, Manuel Santiago, Jr., shared “through the years, we have been focused on our beloved teachers, serving their needs as we aim to be a teacher’s bank of choice. Since 2008, we have partnered with DepEd to provide relevant, accessible, and sustainable corporate social responsibility programs”.

The Bank's donation of laptops to select DepEd divisions across the country aims to advance digitalization efforts and improve learning outcomes in public schools. This initiative also seeks to support the government agency’s programs that ensure learners and schools are prepared for assessments.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his gratitude to the Bank’s active support. “City Savings Bank has long been a trusted partner not just in banking, but in nation building. Ang inyong ‘Tatak Aboitiz’ na malasakit at integridad ay ramdam din sa edukasyon, lalong lalo na sa pagpapaigting ng ating computerization program”. He also commended other CitySavings initiatives to elevating communities through financial inclusion. “Through your financial literacy programs, affordable loans, as well as your support during National Teachers’ Month and other DepEd events, we have felt your commitment that goes beyond profit. Hindi lang negosyo, kundi misyon ang dala nyo”.

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BeWell Levels Up Health Retail with the Halo Effect of TikTok Shop

BeWell Levels Up Health Retail with the Halo Effect of TikTok Shop

Rising from a trusted leader in health supplements to a powerhouse in social commerce, BeWell has embraced digital transformation to meet the evolving needs of consumers. By launching new products exclusively on TikTok Shop before retail distribution, the brand maximizes online engagement while building anticipation for offline availability. This digital-first approach has not only strengthened its e-commerce presence but also created a halo effect, where heightened online visibility directly drives in-store demand. Through strategic bundling, strong affiliate engagement, and daily live selling, BeWell continues to redefine the future of health retail.

The Halo Effect: Online Visibility Boosts Offline Sales

BeWell's strong digital push on TikTok Shop has boosted its offline sales, with consumers actively searching for its products in major drugstores after discovering them through TikTok Shop’s live selling sessions. Shoppers frequently use screenshots from live streams as references when purchasing in physical stores, demonstrating the powerful offline impact of online visibility. This growing demand proves how TikTok Shop’s interactive features can directly influence in-store sales, reinforcing BeWell’s position as a top health brand.

"For many Filipinos, the path to better health begins online, where they seek information, engage with content, and build trust before making a purchase. TikTok Shop has enabled us to be part of this decision-making journey, positioning BeWell not just as a product, but as a trusted presence in their wellness routine. When consumers walk into stores looking for BeWell after discovering it online, it reaffirms how digital visibility translates into real-world demand, strengthening our impact both online and offline," said Lance Cheng, CEO of BeWell Nutraceuticals Corp.

Strategic Assortment Drives Higher Sales and Brand Expansion

BeWell initially faced a challenge of lower average order value (AOV) compared to its category peers. To address this, the brand introduced well-curated bundle offers, gradually increasing AOV from ₱114 to ₱285. While its top-performing SKUs were initially in the Kids Vitamins segment, BeWell strategically pivoted to highlight its adult supplement range, particularly BeWell Zinc Protect. This shift, supported by exclusive TikTok Shop-only bundles and content adjustments, resulted in a +25% increase in BeWell Zinc Protect sales in Q4 2024.

These efforts contributed to BeWell’s overall growth, with a +16% increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in the second half of 2024 compared to the first half, solidifying its success on TikTok Shop and beyond.

Live Selling and Affiliate Marketing Drive Growth

BeWell has leveraged TikTok Shop’s live selling capabilities to drive consumer engagement and conversions. The brand maintains an extensive daily live schedule from 8 AM to 5 PM, complemented by a strong network of in-house affiliates who stream live directly from BeWell’s office. This strategy has been instrumental in sustaining growth, with a +11% quarter-over-quarter increase in live room gross profit margin (GPM) and a +35% rise in live enter room rates.

The brand’s strong commission-based affiliate program has further expanded its reach, empowering a growing community of sellers who actively promote BeWell’s product range. Combined with consistent investments in Live Shopping Ads (LSA) and Video Shopping Ads (VSA), these initiatives have strengthened BeWell’s dominance in the health category.

"Through our live selling and affiliate partnerships on TikTok Shop, consumers can engage with BeWell in a more interactive and informative way, ensuring they find the right products to support their daily wellness needs. This seamless integration of digital and physical retail reinforces BeWell’s commitment to making quality health products readily available whenever and wherever they are needed,” added Lance Cheng, CEO of BeWell Nutraceuticals Corp.

Exclusive Online Launches First, Before Retail Rollout

BeWell’s commitment to digital-first strategies extends to product launches, with every new product debuting exclusively on TikTok Shop before becoming available in retail stores. This approach has successfully built anticipation and driven initial demand, ensuring that by the time products hit offline shelves, they already have a dedicated consumer base searching for them.

Through consistent participation in TikTok Shop’s Brand Fiesta campaigns and sustained investments in paid ads, BeWell has achieved a +12% quarter-over-quarter increase in Shop Ads revenue in Q4 2024. With a 5-star shop experience score on TikTok Shop, the brand continues to lead in delivering quality products and a seamless shopping experience.

“BeWell has demonstrated how a health brand can thrive in social commerce by making wellness more accessible and engaging. Through TikTok Shop’s interactive features like live selling, affiliate marketing, and exclusive online launches, they’ve created a shopping experience that feels both seamless and community-driven,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines. “This approach strengthens online sales while amplifying offline demand, proving that digital-first strategies have a lasting impact beyond the screen.”

For more updates and exclusive deals, visit BeWell's official TikTok Shop page.

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Vista Land Unveils Latest Residential Developments in a Landmark Nationwide Expansion

Vista Land Unveils Latest Residential Developments in a Landmark Nationwide Expansion

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

In a bold move, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. has announced plans for new residential developments ahead of its 50th-anniversary celebration. This landmark expansion reinforces the dedication of the Philippines' leading integrated property developer to providing house-and-lot developments for Filipino families while addressing demands for unique, premium, and sustainable lifescapes.

The newly unveiled projects, with an initial salvo slated for the first quarter and the majority set for the second and third quarters, encompass a selection of offerings catering to diverse market segments. House-and-lot properties and mixed-use developments will rise in 20 areas in Luzon and 12 spread across Visayas and Mindanao. Commercial properties in Urdaneta, Balanga, Malolos, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan, among other cities, along with its foray into hospitality in Vigan, Bacolod, and Davao, underscore the broad-reaching influence of Vista Land across various sectors.

Having consistently earned recognition from prestigious real estate award-giving bodies such as Lamudi and Property Guru, Vista Land mixed-use developments will continue to offer seamless access to residential, business, commercial, and lifestyle components in central business districts, transportation hubs, and university clusters within Metro Manila. Its resort-inspired vertical villages in next wave cities will provide state-of-the-art amenities and green spaces to create a tranquil yet modern environment for its residents.

Recognizing the increasing preference for suburban living, Vista Land, the foremost house-and-lot developer throughout the archipelago, further expands its geographic reach with master planned developments while incorporating novel architectural configurations into its collection.

These additions complement its established communities, delivering beautifully designed options in residential neighborhoods and self-sustaining townships. The enhanced starter home models in emerging locations make homeownership more attainable for aspiring Filipinos by offering value-driven pricing and competitive financing options.

Solidifying its growth strategy, Vista Land has earmarked a capital expenditure of PHP 35 billion to sustain the momentum of these projects. This investment will be directed towards strategic land acquisition, construction, and infrastructure enhancements to ensure that each community is built to uphold quality and sustainability standards. Additionally, the company is capitalizing on smart technology, environmentally friendly designs, and community-centric planning to address current residential requirements and anticipate future trends in real estate.

Vista Land remains steadfast in its mission to build thriving communities that embody innovation and progress with family and community life at its center, creating a legacy of value for generations to come. With a record of nearly fifty years, this latest tranche of residential developments is an enduring testament to its leadership in the Philippine real estate sector. Vista Land ensures it remains at the forefront of an evolving market, and buyers and investors can look forward to a new era of well-designed housing solutions that redefine modern living in the country.

The market leader in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for nearly five decades

Vista Land is the market leader in the number of homes and projects built, having constructed more than half a million houses in 47 provinces and 149 cities and municipalities. With a nationwide footprint, it operates its businesses through distinct units, including residential brands Brittany, Crown Asia, Camella, Vista Land High-Rise Development Group, Vista Manors, and Lumina.

Vista Land: Pioneering excellence in property development

As the holding company of the residential ventures of Vista Group, Vista Land is primarily engaged in developing horizontal properties, master planned communities, and the construction of vertical residences in the Philippines' key growth areas.

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, as well as delivering excellent long-term investment growth for its stakeholders, has always been the impetus behind the conglomerate's continuous evolution.

To learn more about Vista Land and its developments nationwide. Visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial.

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Inclusivity through Technology: How Insurtech Igloo Supports Women Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

Inclusivity through Technology: How Insurtech Igloo Supports Women Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

Monday, March 17, 2025

This National Women’s Month, leading regional insurtech Igloo is celebrating the unstoppable spirit of women who are transforming industries, breaking barriers, and redefining success.

According to Packworks’ business intelligence tool, Sari IQ, 75% of sari-sari stores in the Philippines are owned by women. To support these women entrepreneurs, Igloo has partnered with various organizations to provide tailored insurance products that offer financial protection against unforeseen risks. Together with its partners, Igloo delivers accessible and affordable microinsurance solutions, covering business disruptions, health emergencies, and personal accidents.

“At Igloo, we believe that financial protection should be accessible to everyone, especially the women entrepreneurs who form the backbone of many communities. By embedding our insurance solutions into digital platforms that women already use, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that they have the security and confidence to grow their businesses and secure their futures,” said Roberto Vea, Igloo’s Head of Commercial for the Philippines

Igloo’s partnership with B2B MSME enabler Growsari, a technology-driven platform dedicated to helping small retailers and sari-sari stores digitize their operations and expand their businesses, continues to strengthen financial protection for MSMEs. The Personal + Business Protection Plan offers up to P150,000 in financial coverage for accidents and up to P35,000 in cash assistance to help store owners safeguard their property or inventory in cases of flood and fire. Additionally, Igloo and Growsari are working on initiatives to expand access to insurance products further, enabling sari-sari stores to offer protection plans to their customers and communities.

Likewise, Igloo also introduced NegosyoCare in 2024, which serves as a critical financial safety net for women entrepreneurs, particularly ensuring they can sustain and grow their businesses despite unforeseen challenges. Available via Gcash’s Insure Marketplace, NegosyoCare offers coverage against fire, accidents, and damages with affordable premiums starting at just P160 per month or P525 per year. Underwritten by Malayan Insurance, the policy provides up to P50,000 in benefits for accidental death, permanent disability, and dismemberment, medical reimbursement of up to P5,000, fire cash assistance of P10,000, and burglary and payroll protection of P10,000.

By making insurance accessible through familiar digital platforms, Igloo empowers women-led businesses to secure their livelihoods, protect their families, and contribute to economic resilience in their communities. Through innovation and empowerment, Igloo is ensuring that women-led businesses not only thrive but become pillars of economic resilience, creating a future where financial protection is a fundamental right for every woman striving for success.

Learn more about Igloo’s products and services by visiting https://www.iglooinsure.com/

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BPI AIA Secures Top Spot as Bancassurance Company in PH, Celebrates 7th Consecutive World Finance Award

BPI AIA Secures Top Spot as Bancassurance Company in PH, Celebrates 7th Consecutive World Finance Award

BPI AIA Achieves Top Ranking Driven by Innovation and Customer-Centric Approach

BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (BPI AIA), a strategic joint venture between Bank of the Philippine Islands and AIA Philippines, announced its achievement as the #1 bancassurance company in the Philippines based on New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent (NBAPE), according to the official data from the Insurance Commission as of December 31, 2024. This accomplishment coincides with BPI AIA receiving the prestigious World Finance Award for Best Life Insurance Company in the Philippines for the seventh consecutive year.

The company also ranked #2 in Net Income and #4 overall in the industry, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the Philippine insurance market.

"We are incredibly proud to regain our position as the top-ranked bancassurance company in the Philippines and to receive this accolade yet again from World Finance," said Karen Custodia, Chief Executive Officer of BPI AIA. "2024 was a year of both challenges and significant wins for the BPI AIA team. We navigated a highly competitive landscape and emerged stronger, driven by our unwavering purpose to build a better everyday life and future for all Filipinos."

BPI AIA's success in 2024 was fueled by several key factors. The company launched three innovative products—Future Ready, Wealth Advantage, and Aspire Premier—which resonated strongly with customers and significantly contributed to sales performance. BPI AIA's dedicated and highly trained sales force played a crucial role in reaching customers and providing tailored financial solutions.

Furthermore, BPI AIA strategically focused on enhancing its digital capabilities to provide seamless and convenient customer experiences, recognizing the increasing demand for accessible and user-friendly online platforms. The company also prioritized building strong relationships with BPI branches to effectively reach a wider customer base, leveraging the bank's extensive network to connect with more Filipinos and offer them tailored insurance solutions.

The World Finance award recognizes BPI AIA's consistent excellence in the life insurance sector, highlighting its commitment to innovation, customer service, and financial strength. The award considers various factors, including financial performance, product innovation, market leadership, and corporate governance.

Looking ahead, BPI AIA is positioned to continue its leadership in the life insurance industry, further advancing its customer-centric approach and leveraging technological innovations to create even more personalized and accessible solutions for Filipinos. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, BPI AIA aims to empower individuals and families across the Philippines to take control of their financial futures and achieve long-term security. As the company celebrates its continued success, it remains dedicated to fulfilling its mission of building a better everyday life for all Filipinos.

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ManageEngine Ushers in a New Era of Customizable and Unified Security Analytics With Its Open API-Based Platform

ManageEngine Ushers in a New Era of Customizable and Unified Security Analytics With Its Open API-Based Platform

Company's SIEM Solution, Log360, Evolves Into a Unified Security Platform; Helps Simplify Security Operations and Future-Proofs Security Investments

ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions, today announced the evolution of Log360—its unified security information and event management (SIEM) and IT compliance management solution—into an security analytics platform. The platformization of Log360, encompassing open APIs and a developer ecosystem, enables ManageEngine to address the critical need for adaptable, future-proof security. ManageEngine's leadership believes this shift empowers enterprises, system integrators (SIs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) to combat evolving threats on their own terms, turning SIEM from a cost center into a strategic asset.

Building the Platform on the Core Security Capabilities

Log360's evolution into a robust security platform began last year with key enhancements, laying the foundation for future innovation. These enhancements included proactive threat intelligence through dark web monitoring powered by Constella Intelligence, investigation triad capabilities for faster alert analysis via enriched security events and an enhanced correlation engine for complex threat detection.

"A platform isn’t defined by just what it does today, but by what it enables tomorrow. With Log360 evolving as a platform, we’re empowering customers and partners to innovate on top of our foundation—whether integrating cutting-edge AI models or niche compliance frameworks. This ecosystem-driven approach turns security from a cost center into a strategic enabler," says Manikandan Thangaraj, vice president at ManageEngine.

Key Highlights of ManageEngine's Unified Security Platform

● Unified visibility, zero complexity: Make it easier for teams to identify, investigate and respond to threats. Log360 facilitates the consolidation of disparate security data into a single, unified view, eliminating the need to juggle multiple tools and dashboards.

● Customizations at scale: Enable customizations at scale through API-driven integrations that empower MSSPs, SIs and enterprises to address unique challenges, optimize their security workflows and go beyond standard roadmaps.

● Accelerated innovation: Enable swift integration of AI, machine learning, and other advanced technologies with the platform architecture. This not only keeps Log360 at the forefront of security but also ensures enterprises benefit from the swift adoption of latest advancements in threat detection and response.

● A perfect sharing ecosystem: Facilitate industry-specific threat intelligence sharing, enabling smaller teams to benefit from the collective knowledge of the community. ManageEngine's Marketplace democratizes access to valuable expertise and improves incident response effectiveness by making extensions and data connectors publicly available.

● Compliance agility: Leverage Log360's developer ecosystem to enable rapid updates, addressing new regulations and revisions to existing mandates as they arise. This eliminates the delays associated with traditional vendor upgrades.

Partnership Forged with Sacumen

Looking ahead, ManageEngine will expand Log360's platform capabilities by growing its partner and developer ecosystem with industry-specific extensions, integrating advanced AI and ML tools for predictive security and fostering community-driven security innovation. As an initial step towards this direction, ManageEngine has entered into a partnership with Sacumen, a firm specializing in the development of cybersecurity product engineering and services.

"Our partnership with ManageEngine reflects our shared vision: empowering enterprises with comprehensive and integrated security solutions. Sacumen's contribution lies in building the crucial bridges—the connectors—that allow Log360 to seamlessly interact with the broader security ecosystem, maximizing its value for customers," says Nitesh Sinha, CEO and founder of Sacumen. "ManageEngine's platform approach coupled with Sacumen's expertise in connector development breaks down the data silos, providing unified visibility and streamlined integration, empowering enterprises to move beyond reactive security and embrace a proactive, data-driven defense."

Pricing and Availability

Log360 is available as both on-premises and cloud deployments. The cloud version, Log360 Cloud, is available in four editions—Basic, Standard, Professional, and MSSP. The Basic edition starts at $300 per year with 75GB of default storage and 90-days search retention. The on-premises deployment starts at $1,540. For more information, visit https://www.manageengine.com/cloud-siem/pricing-details.html

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