Eastern Communications Honored for Innovation and Customer Excellence at 2025 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards

Eastern Communications Honored for Innovation and Customer Excellence at 2025 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards

Monday, May 26, 2025

Eastern Communications, the premier telecommunications and ICT solutions provider in the Philippines, earns global praise for its outstanding achievements at the 2025 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul. The company proudly took home three prestigious awards, namely: Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year, Award for Innovation in Content Marketing/Branded Editorial, and Innovative Achievement in Customer Satisfaction.

The Stevie Awards are among the world’s most respected international business awards, recognizing achievements in various categories across the Asia Pacific region. This year's competition saw over 1,000 nominations from organizations across 23 markets, including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more.

Driving Digital Literacy and Nation-Building

Eastern Communications' "Eastern Huddles" campaign, which won the Silver Stevie Award for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year, addressed critical technological challenges faced by businesses in the Philippines between 2022 and 2024. These challenges included talent shortages in emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, digital literacy gaps, and a lack of upskilling.

Through close collaboration with key industry associations and business chambers, Eastern launched the Eastern Huddle series, which has been a proven success since its first run. Through the thought leadership series, Eastern achieved a 30.1% penetration rate in 2024 (up from 25% in 2021) and garnered exceptional event satisfaction ratings (94% in 2024, compared to 83% in 2021).

Showcasing the Philippines' Hidden Gems Through Engaging Content

The "Eastern Explores" video campaign, which received the Bronze Stevie Award for Innovation in Content Marketing/Branded Editorial, was released in time for Eastern Communications' completion of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project. This joint undersea network infrastructure project aims to deliver robust internet connectivity to previously unconnected or underserved areas.

Eastern Communications strategically launched "Eastern Explores" to amplify the PDSCN news while supporting local tourism in its service areas: Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bohol, Metro Manila, and Boracay. The seven-episode series showcased Filipino culture, history, cuisine, and pride through local festivals such as the Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Panagbenga festivals, aligning with Eastern's "Partners in Progress" campaign. The initiative aimed to increase brand visibility, support government tourism, and promote local businesses.

Excellence in Customer Experience

Eastern’s customer-centric initiatives were also recognized with the Bronze Stevie Award for Innovative Achievement in Customer Satisfaction. Forwarding its "high tech and high touch" promise, Eastern emphasizes personalized experiences and genuine human connections through its "Heart of Service" philosophy.

Eastern Communications' customer experience strategies were focused on creating a customer-first culture, championing efficiency, redefining customer excellence, and amplifying brand love and loyalty.

These efforts have resulted in significant improvements, including a 5% increase in overall customer satisfaction and a 10% revenue increase among its loyalty program customers.

“These awards affirm Eastern’s continuous efforts in elevating its overall experience – not only through innovation, but also through meaningful partnerships and authentic customer engagement,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer of Eastern Communications. “We owe this success to our Ka-Eastern people and, most importantly, to our loyal customers, who motivate us to exceed expectations this year and drive progress for Filipino communities and businesses through technology.”

Being recognized at the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards positions Eastern Communications among the leaders in the Philippine telecommunications industry, driven by its passion for innovation, nation-building, and exceptional customer service.

To learn more about Eastern Communications, please visit www.eastern.com.ph

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TP leaders build hope through community service at TP Village in Tanay

TP leaders build hope through community service at TP Village in Tanay

Friday, May 23, 2025

Themed Building Hope, the initiative had senior executives roll up their sleeves in a heartwarming service activity, aimed at giving back to the community that has long been part of TP’s corporate social responsibility journey.

TP in the Philippines, spearheaded by its Senior Leadership Team, dedicated a full day of community service at its TP Village in Tanay, Rizal, coinciding with the company’s 29th year of operations in the country.

TP, through Citizen of the World (COTW) Foundation, its official corporate social responsibility arm, partnered with a non-government organization to help residents who were devastated and displaced by Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) in 2009. With support from the global Teleperformance Group, TP volunteers started building the TP Village in 2010 and has since become a thriving community for lives rebuilt and restored. To this day, it continues to symbolize the company’s unwavering commitment to social impact and inclusive growth.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jolly and Chief People Officer Jeffrey Johnson, the celebration, which was dubbed Building Hope, featured communal activities where volunteers repainted the village’s houses and spent a moment with children who were given their own canvases to paint as well. With eagerness and enthusiasm, the leadership team pledged new commitments of support and enjoyed a “Boodle Fight” (communal lunch) with the families and children, celebrating camaraderie, humility and a shared sense of purpose.

“As leaders at TP, it’s important we engage with our community. This humbles us, keeps us grounded, and instills in us compassion for others, especially those who need it most. I am so proud of our Philippines leadership team - we are all part of the TP family that believes in giving back, and in passionately building a sustainable future,” said Jolly.

This journey started 15 years ago when Tanay was considered strongly impacted by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). Since TP helped build the Village, the organization’s volunteer efforts have been able to help rebuild the lives of 99 families who now oversee the community through the Kapitbahayan neighborhood association. Through TP’s inarguable strength in numbers, the organization was able to construct 100 houses, provide one community center for leisure and entertainment, and provide growth and development opportunities for 55 of the village’s youth, and 145 children.

“Seeing how much this community has developed in 15 years is absolutely amazing! The thriving village of today shows the power of coming together, united with a purpose to leverage the work that we do in making a lasting positive impact in people’s lives. One of my favorite things about the TP Village is seeing the community’s children growing up and making their lives better. I remember seeing some of these children back then when they were just two feet tall; they are now adults with jobs, some even have their own families! This growth only reaffirms my belief that the social impact this project has is truly measurable,” Johnson said.

Taking full advantage of the moment and impact that the experience has created among the participants, the TP leaders gathered to share their personal insights. Collectively, they’ve expressed their continued commitment to being a Force of Good for the community by implementing various programs for TP’s adopted communities. Among these commitments include a Community Building & Governance of the TP Village neighborhood association; Food Sufficiency and Sustainability which promotes hydroponics gardening and backyard farming training; Livelihood and Entrepreneurship; Education; and Community Health. Said programs are all geared to help the village residents become sustainable and self-sufficient toward long-term gains.

“More than just houses, we are building homes, hope, dreams, and a future where nobody gets left behind. Truly, the TP Village stands as a symbol of unity, resilience, and transformation,” Jolly added.

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HAVAS Ortega Spotlights Women’s Empowerment with HAVASister Program

HAVAS Ortega Spotlights Women’s Empowerment with HAVASister Program

Though Women’s Month may have concluded in March, HAVAS Ortega believes that championing women’s empowerment should be a year-round commitment. This spirit was at the heart of the HAVASister (Have-A-Sister) program—a transformative initiative launched by the agency to foster solidarity, inclusion, and support for women within and beyond the workplace.

The HAVASister program brought together employees, partners, and thought leaders for a series of dynamic and inclusive events that continue to inspire meaningful conversations. The initiative also encouraged male employees to become allies—acting as “brothers” to their female colleagues—while strengthening bonds among women through shared learning and advocacy.

The program featured five thoughtfully curated sessions focused on today’s most pressing issues affecting women:

“Breaking Glass Ceilings: From Telephone Operator to CEO”

Kicking off the series, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury shared her powerful story of resilience and ambition—from her early career as a telephone operator to her rise as a CEO—illustrating the power of grit, mentorship, and perseverance in navigating a traditionally male-dominated business landscape.

“Queens of Console”

In partnership with Ampverse, a leading gaming media and esports company, this interactive event highlighted inclusivity in gaming. Women gamers participated in spirited discussions and live challenges, redefining the gaming space as a place where female voices and talents are not only welcomed but celebrated.

“Empowered Wellness: Navigating PCOS and Reproductive Health Challenges”

Co-hosted with Lockton, a global leader in insurance and risk management, this session offered crucial insights into women’s reproductive health—particularly PCOS—aiming to equip attendees with knowledge and resources for improved well-being and healthcare advocacy.

“Understanding Neurodiversity Diagnoses in the Case of Women”

In collaboration with Graymatters, a mental health and neurodiversity organization, this session explored how neurodiverse conditions uniquely impact women. The discussion advocated for inclusive workplace practices and increased awareness of how diagnoses manifest differently in women.

“Vaccines for Every Life, for Every Stage of Life”

Partnering with Kindred, a women’s health company, this session focused on the importance of HPV vaccination across all genders and life stages. It underscored the value of preventive care and empowered individuals to make informed health decisions.

“We launched the HAVASister program with the vision of creating a platform that empowers, educates, and uplifts women—both inside and outside our organization,” said Nina Estenzo, Business Director at HAVAS Ortega. “While the program was timed for Women’s Month, the issues we addressed and the bonds we’ve built are enduring. Our commitment to fostering inclusive spaces and elevating women’s voices will continue all-year round and beyond.”

The HAVASister program exemplifies HAVAS Ortega’s dedication to gender inclusion and community engagement. More than a one-month campaign, it is a long-term effort to cultivate a workplace culture where equity and empowerment thrive.

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House Creatives PH: Shaping the Next Generation of Impactful Creators

House Creatives PH: Shaping the Next Generation of Impactful Creators

Thursday, May 22, 2025

In a world where digital noise often drowns out authenticity, one movement is cutting through with purpose: House Creatives PH. Founded on the belief that content is more than just a form of expression—it is a catalyst for transformation—House Creatives PH is on a mission to equip individuals with the skills, mindset, and confidence to tell stories that change lives.

At the core of this movement is a powerful Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP):

“Creating Creators That Influence Transformation.”

Through immersive bootcamps, high-impact workshops, and deeply purposeful mentorship programs, House Creatives empowers entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring content creators to go beyond trends and build legacies. Whether you're a business owner looking to elevate your brand through storytelling or a creator wanting to inspire action, House Creatives offers the tools and support to make that leap.

Their flagship program, the Content Mastery Bootcamp (CMB), has become a proving ground for personal and professional breakthroughs. More than just technical training, it is a transformative experience that nurtures self-mastery, strategic communication, and authentic branding. Attendees don’t just learn how to create content—they know how to lead movements.

At the heart of this thriving community is a culture of collaboration, alignment, and shared growth. Participants leave not only with refined skills but also with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and connection.

From Real Talk to Real Impact

The spark behind House Creatives PH comes from Darbie Kim Estrebilla, widely known as Real Talk Darbs (RTD). A self-made entrepreneur and internationally recognized content creator, Darbs transformed his personal story of struggle, growth, and resilience into a platform that now uplifts thousands.

His motto, “One changed soul is worth more than a billion views,” has become the heartbeat of the community he built. Through House Creatives PH, he continues to turn passion into purpose, proving that with the right guidance, every story has the power to influence, inspire, and transform.

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More Than 300 Monde Nissin Runners Join SILAKBO 2025 to Champion Environment and Community Wellness

More Than 300 Monde Nissin Runners Join SILAKBO 2025 to Champion Environment and Community Wellness

In a powerful display of unity and commitment to sustainability, over 300 Monde Nissin employees took part in SILAKBO 2025 (Sikad-Lakad-Takbo), an annual fun run held at South Evozone, Nuvali. Now in its 17th year, the event united participants around the shared goal of environmental conservation and community empowerment through the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”

Organized by the Save Silang Santa Rosa River (S3R2) Foundation in collaboration with the City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna, and Nuvali, SILAKBO 2025 is the organization’s flagship advocacy campaign dedicated to protecting the Silang-Santa Rosa Sub-watershed and promoting sustainable development practices in the region.

As one of the key partners, Monde Nissin mobilized hundreds of its employees to join the initiative, bringing its advocacy to life and further reflecting its corporate mission of "Making Better Possible."

“The event isn’t just a fun run for us. It’s about our shared commitment to the planet and each other,” said Marie Perona, Senior Manager for People and Culture at Monde Nissin. “Monde Nissin believes in creating experiences that support our employees’ health and wellness, while also making a positive impact on the communities where we operate. This is what ‘Making Better Possible’ really means.”

Proceeds from the event will go directly towards S3R2’s efforts for watershed protection, water quality monitoring, and tree planting activities they hope to organize in line with their mission.

Beyond promoting fitness and camaraderie, SILAKBO is a platform for rallying the public and private sectors toward sustainable and inclusive action. The event underscores the powerful role that businesses such as Monde Nissin play in making a tangible difference for both people and the planet.

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Boehringer Ingelheim receives Philippine Society of Nephrology Presidential Service Award for Kidney Disease Management for Primary Care Physicians

Boehringer Ingelheim receives Philippine Society of Nephrology Presidential Service Award for Kidney Disease Management for Primary Care Physicians

Sunday, May 18, 2025

In photo, from left to right: Pelagio L. Emmanuel Jr., MD, Immediate Past President of the Philippine Society of Nephrology; Ricky Solitaria, Senior Product Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc.; Seunghun Lee, Head of Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc.; and Ricardo A. Francisco Jr., MD, President of the Philippine Society of Nephrology. Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. received the prestigious Presidential Service Award from the Philippine Society of Nephrology in recognition of its commitment to empowering primary care physicians through the Kidney Disease Management for Primary Care Physicians (KDM4PCP) program, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to diagnose, manage, and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Philippines.

The Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) awarded Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. the prestigious Presidential Service Award during the Annual Convention Opening Ceremony on April 24, 2025, recognizing the company’s significant contribution to the Kidney Disease Management for Primary Care Physicians (KDM4PCP) program. This initiative provides primary care physicians with essential knowledge and the latest evidence-based guidelines to screen, assess risk, and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) early. 

A key highlight was the two-day pre-convention scientific session held on April 22-23, 2025, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. A KDM4PCP was also carried out in Zamboanga City as part of the recent World Kidney Day Celebration last March, focused on education and screening. This aims to further bridge healthcare gaps to underserved areas, empowering more healthcare professionals to deliver early and effective CKD care in communities that need it most. As CKD continues to impact millions of Filipinos, Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to advancing healthcare through initiatives like KDM4PCP, focused on addressing the rising incidence of CKD and improving patient outcomes across the Philippines. To learn more about chronic kidney disease, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.

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Flavors of Samba: An Evening of Connections over Food and Music

Flavors of Samba: An Evening of Connections over Food and Music

EastWest hosted Flavors of Samba, an evening that brought together its valued clients for a celebration of culture, personal service, and shared experiences. Held at Shangri-La The Fort, the event offered a vibrant setting for meaningful connections and a glimpse into how the Bank continues to grow alongside its clients.

Ms. Jackie Fernandez, EastWest President, welcomed guests by emphasizing that EastWest’s role goes beyond providing financial solutions. She shared that the evening was designed not just as a culinary showcase, but as a way to thank clients for their trust and to celebrate the relationships that have shaped the Bank’s journey.

The program featured celebrated Peruvian chef Arturo Melendrez, Head Chef of Samba, who treated the audience to a live ceviche demonstration, inviting guests onstage to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves in the flavors of Latin America.

Dinner was a showcase of culinary craftsmanship led by Chef Carlo Huerta, Executive Sous Chef of Shangri-La The Fort. Drawing from his training at Le Cordon Bleu and deep Peruvian roots, Chef Carlo curated a multi-course dining experience that paired bold flavors with elegant presentation, set to the rhythm of live samba music.

From there, guests were whisked into cocktail hour, where Samba’s Beverage Manager Arlie Gole shared the secrets of crafting the perfect Pisco Sour, balancing technique, tradition, and storytelling in every pour.

Staying true to the evening’s spirit of ease and thoughtful experiences, Ms. Ivy Uy, Head of EastWest’s Branch Banking Group, shared updates on how EastWest is making everyday banking simpler and more convenient for clients. She also reintroduced the Bank’s refreshed online platforms, EasyWay for individuals and EasyBiz for businesses which have been receiving strong customer feedback. Uy closed by mentioning new partnerships and promotions designed to make financial transactions even more rewarding and seamless.

This was followed by remarks from Mr. Rafael Algarra Jr., Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, who spoke about the importance of personal relationships in EastWest’s approach. He emphasized the dedication of the Bank’s Store Managers and Priority Relationship Managers, noting that their care truly sets EastWest apart. Algarra also shared that EastWest was recently recognized as the Best Private Bank in the Philippines by Global Finance Magazine and awarded Best in Discretionary Portfolio Management by Euromoney Private Banking, saying that achievements like these continue to drive EastWest to offer the best in banking, service, and innovation.

As a token of appreciation, guests received cocktail shakers and personalized recipe booklets. These small touches captured the spirit of care and thoughtfulness that ran throughout the evening. The gathering built on the messages shared by EastWest’s leaders: the importance of creating enriching experiences, making everyday banking more seamless, and strengthening the relationships that define the Bank’s story. Held as part of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary, it served as a meaningful tribute to the milestones achieved and the future the Bank continues to shape with its clients.

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