From Sacrifice to Software: How One Man’s Family-First Vision Sparked a Tech Success in Bulacan

From Sacrifice to Software: How One Man’s Family-First Vision Sparked a Tech Success in Bulacan

Sunday, June 29, 2025

On PLDT Enterprise’s “ROI’d to Success” podcast, Michael Sta. Maria of NBSI shares the journey behind a growing local tech firm rooted in resilience, family, and community impact.

For Michael Sta. Maria, success didn’t begin with software. It started with sacrifice.

Long before he led a growing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software company serving clients across the country, Sta. Maria was a young professional from Norzagaray, Bulacan who spent many years working away from home, missing important family moments in pursuit of stability.

“I really wanted to give back the investment and time to my family, as well as the time to myself. I never thought it would be possible. Before, I would doubt myself, but eventually, after almost ten years, we now see that, while we struggled in the past, we are now established and can run the business well and continue to grow it,” he shares on the latest episode of ROI’d to Success, the podcast collaboration between PLDT Enterprise and Hustleshare.

That turning point came in 2016, when Sta. Maria decided to take a leap of faith and build something from the ground up. The result was Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. (NBSI), a Bulacan-based software company specializing in timekeeping, human resource management systems (HRMS), and payroll.

What started as a homegrown solution to a common business problem — reliable and affordable payroll software — soon evolved into an enterprise payroll and timekeeping solution catering to small and even very large-sized companies. By 2018, NBSI had successfully launched its product in the Philippine market. But the story behind the code is as powerful as the tech itself.

Building a Business with Heart

For Sta. Maria, NBSI was never just about growth, it was about reclaiming time, not only for himself but for others in his community.

Coming from a humble background, he poured himself into mastering software development. His early career took him far from home, requiring long hours and frequent travel. But with his family’s unwavering support, he eventually found the courage to strike out on his own.

Sta. Maria also believes that no business thrives in isolation, emphasizing that, “It is very important to listen to our team. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years about the business from my people. Our employees are truly our ambassadors. And, of course, how they represent themselves is a direct reflection of our company.”

Today, NBSI serves as a pillar of local employment in Norzagaray, providing opportunities for young professionals to pursue careers in tech.

“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: If you plan to start your own business, be prepared for challenges—they are part of the process. But you will reap the rewards later. You can do it,” he adds.

Tech, Trust, and a Reliable Connection

NBSI’s growth, however, didn’t happen in isolation. Behind its ability to deliver reliable solutions to clients lies a strong digital backbone provided by PLDT Enterprise’s iGate.

“PLDT Enterprise helped us achieve zero downtime in internet connectivity,” explains Sta. Maria. This dependable connection allowed NBSI to provide seamless service to businesses relying on them for sensitive, time-critical operations.

“Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, our productivity increased by over 15%. Our client base grew, while our total working hours decreased—reflecting improved efficiency,” Sta. Maria shares.

Looking ahead, NBSI plans to expand further with PLDT Enterprise’s broadband upgrades and Smart 5G Postpaid Plans, a move that will better connect its mobile workforce and help support its rapidly growing client base.

A Platform for Progress

For PLDT Enterprise, supporting MSMEs like NBSI means amplifying their own stories.

“Through stories like NBSI’s, we see how meaningful technology adoption drives real, measurable business outcomes,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise. “Through ROI’d to Success, we give entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, highlighting how they harness digital solutions to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and inspire others.”

You can listen to the full ROI’d to Success episode featuring Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. now on Hustleshare via Spotify.

To discover more inspiring stories and learn how PLDT Enterprise’s solutions empower businesses, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-pr.

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EastWest Priority Wins Outstanding Client Experience Award at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025

EastWest Priority Wins Outstanding Client Experience Award at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025

EastWest Priority, the affluent banking arm of EastWest, has been awarded Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025. This honor affirms EastWest Priority’s focus on thoughtful, tailored service and wealth strategies that speak to the needs of affluent clients across the country.

Launched in 2016 following EastWest’s acquisition of Standard Chartered’s retail banking and wealth portfolio, EastWest Priority has evolved into a trusted financial partner by helping clients grow, preserve, and maximize their wealth through a suite of tailored products and relationship-led service.

Where Personalized Care Meets Technology

In 2024, EastWest Priority demonstrated its leadership in client-centricity by expanding its footprint to 12 Priority Centers nationwide, bringing premium banking closer to clients in key cities across the Visayas and Mindanao. This hyperlocal strategy, a rare advantage among its peers, enabled the Bank to meet clients where they live, work, and invest.

Complementing its physical network, EastWest Priority offers a full spectrum of wealth solutions across deposits, investments, insurance, and lending, each matched to a client’s goals, risk appetite, and life stage. Supported by expert Relationship Managers, the segment’s bespoke experience includes:

• Exclusive asset swap and gold investment opportunities via EastWest Financial Markets and Wealth Management and through its referral program with J. Rotbart & Co.
• Preferred foreign exchange rates and banking fees
• Visa Infinite debit and credit cards with concierge access, waived ATM charges, and global travel protection
• Strategic global partnerships like Henley & Partners for citizenship and residency services
• Experience-driven client events

On the digital front, Priority-exclusive features on the EasyWay app include a dedicated interface and online foreign exchange capabilities by bringing added convenience to globally mobile clients.

“At EastWest, we believe banking should be both personal and powerful,” said Raffy S. Algarra Jr., EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management. “EastWest Priority is about anticipating our clients’ aspirations and crafting solutions that go beyond transactions. This award is a testament to our people’s dedication and our long-term belief in customer intimacy, local relevance, and innovation.”

Richie Tamayo, Head of EastWest Wealth Management, added: “We understand that trust, expertise, and access are the currencies of wealth relationships. Our Priority team doesn’t just manage portfolios. They nurture ambition, with service that adapts to each client’s life stage, market conditions, and dreams.” All these can be enjoyed with a minimum total relationship balance of only P2.5Mn.

This distinctive value proposition, premium banking with inclusive thresholds, has helped position EastWest Priority as a rising leader in the Philippine affluent segment.

What’s Next

In 2025 and beyond, EastWest Priority is set to:

• Launch enhanced Priority Credit and Debit Cards with curated lifestyle offers
• Expand its footprint to new growth markets
• Broaden digital access to investment products

“Client experience is our compass,” Algarra concluded. “Winning this global recognition inspires us to elevate every solution and every interaction in our customers’ financial journey.”

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Angels Initiative, World Stroke Organization, and Stroke Society of the Philippines lead Stroke CARE Meeting to elevate stroke care and build a stroke-ready Philippines

Angels Initiative, World Stroke Organization, and Stroke Society of the Philippines lead Stroke CARE Meeting to elevate stroke care and build a stroke-ready Philippines

Thursday, June 26, 2025

 

The Stroke CARE (Coalition for Acute Stroke Response and Excellence) Meeting brings together global and local leaders from the World Stroke Organization (WSO), Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP), and Angels Initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim’s global healthcare program, driving excellence in stroke response and care nationwide. 

Regional stroke champions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao engaged in the discussions to address the growing burden of stroke in the Philippines and bridge global standards with local solutions for better stroke care. Stroke remains a major public health concern in the Philippines, as the third leading cause of death and a major cause of long-term disability, with 34,464 fatalities from January to August 2024. 

WSO President Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian reaffirmed the organization’s support for the Philippines, highlighting progress through the WSO Angels Certification Program and emphasizing the need for multisectoral collaboration, community awareness, and capacity-building across all levels of care. Key priorities discussed include the development of a unified national stroke strategy, improved access to timely treatment, adoption of data-driven tools like the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q), and expanded training for frontline health workers. 

The Angels Initiative remains committed to advancing stroke care in the Philippines through strategic partnerships, continuous capacity-building, and a shared vision of a stroke-ready nation.

 

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Smart surges ahead as the PH’s leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers

Smart surges ahead as the PH’s leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers, as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025.

This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer.

Connecting families in fiber-limited areas

Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.

Unlock the power of 5G

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.

Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network, which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience.

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs - powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez.

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Eastern Communications Ramps Up Activities for 2025 National ICT Month

Eastern Communications Ramps Up Activities for 2025 National ICT Month

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Supports NICT Summit 2025 as Official Connectivity Partner and launches digital literacy initiatives

In alignment with the Philippines’ nationwide push for digital transformation, Eastern Communications extended its full support to the Chief Information Officers Forum Foundation, Inc. (CIOFF) for this year’s National ICT Summit 2025 (NICT2025) — the culminating event of National ICT Month.

This year’s NICT2025 took place last June 19-20, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, with the theme: “Transforming Together: Building an Inclusive Digital Nation.”

As the official connectivity partner of the summit, Eastern Communications provided a seamless, reliable internet connection for the event, making it more accessible for its online participants. Through this collaboration, the company actively supports initiatives that promote innovation, digital inclusion, and greater ICT awareness across the country.

“At Eastern Communications, we continuously seek opportunities to support the country’s digital advancement by way of strategic partnerships, digital education programs, and by empowering communities with reliable and accessible connectivity,” said Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan.

The telco provider will also roll out its latest “Brown Bag Session” and “Access Eastern” tech workshops across Metro Manila and the new videos of its "Thoughts on Tech" video podcast as part of its ICT month initiatives.

Driving Nation-Building Through NICT Summit 2025

Supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NICT2025 brought together national leaders, private sector innovators, and global ICT experts to present strategies and technologies that advance inclusive digital development.

The summit was joined by around 400 in-person delegates and 200–500 online participants, including representatives from the academe, IT associations, private industry, and government bodies. The event previewed the upcoming ASEAN CIO Association (ACIOA) 9th Forum in Singapore this September, featuring thought leadership on digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and emerging tech trends shaping ASEAN’s future.

Furthering its mission to support nation-building and empower Filipino communities through technology, Eastern Communications is proud to be part of the annual National ICT Month celebrations, observed every June under Presidential Proclamation No. 1521, s. 2008.

Empowering Businesses Through Tech Workshops

Eastern Communications announces the return of its award-winning thought leadership events with its annual “Access Eastern” tech workshops, and its new learning series, the Eastern “Brown Bag Session.” These series of workshops will gather key opinion leaders in the technology sector to build collaboration and drive digital transformation among businesses in the Philippines. The dynamic lineup of sessions include:

• Future-Proofing Philippine Retail Industry for next Gen Connectivity in partnership with Huawei
• Accelerating Innovation Through Next Gen/Emerging Technologies in partnership with Cisco
• Resilient IT-BPM Delivery Using Hybrid Cloud in partnership with CloudSigma
• Empowering Governance Through Emerging Technologies in partnership with Nexusguard
• Securing Distributed Teams with Zero Trust and SASE in partnership with CATO Networks
• Access Eastern: Solutions That Power Your Business with workshop runs in Clark & Laguna

These industry-focused tech workshops will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for businesses looking to leverage the latest technological advancements.

"Thoughts on Tech" Podcast Returns with Ai & Digital Literacy Focus

Eastern Communications also launched the third series of its official video podcast, "Thoughts on Tech," hosted by renowned news anchor and event host Danie Laurel. This series features insightful conversations with industry leaders, focusing on ICT as a crucial enabler of progress and why digital transformation is now a fundamental necessity for all businesses.

The series will address the need for greater AI and ICT awareness among Philippine businesses. Research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) indicates that despite national efforts for AI integration, local businesses, especially MSMEs, face challenges in adoption due to barriers in infrastructure, awareness, and funding. As of 2021, only 14.9% of businesses were using AI technologies, highlighting the early stages of AI adoption in the country.

The "Thoughts on Tech" episodes are released weekly throughout June via Eastern’s official Facebook and Youtube channel:

• The Future of the Filipino Workforce in the Age of AI featuring Tonichi Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix.
• The Creator Economy, Its Challenges and Unique Trends with Marla De Castro Rausch, President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP) and CEO of Animation Vertigo.
• From Classroom to Boardroom: Integrating Digital Skills in Education with Aurelien Chu, Co-Founder of Eskwelabs.
• Code Red to Code Ready: Managing Risks in Modern Enterprises with Alvin Harilla, Eastern Communications’ Enterprise Risk & Quality Management Head.

Through these various initiatives, Eastern Communications supports the Philippines' digital transformation journey by empowering businesses with knowledge and championing digital literacy during the National ICT Month.

 

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LBC Express Joins Forces with BidaBoss to Back Hardworking Bidang Filipino Entrepreneurs

LBC Express Joins Forces with BidaBoss to Back Hardworking Bidang Filipino Entrepreneurs

LBC Express, the Philippines’ leading logistics and money services provider, has partnered with BidaBoss, the first pioneering dropshipping platform in the country. Set to officially launch this June, LBC will provide warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery support to power BidaBoss’ nationwide operations, so that business ownership is more accessible for Filipinos.

As one of BidaBoss’ strategic corporate partners, LBC now operates a dedicated warehouse facility in South Luzon that serves as the platform’s primary distribution hub. From here, LBC ensures the seamless movement of products across the country from regional hubs to the doorsteps of customers.

This logistics support allows BidaBoss sellers to focus on growing their business without the burden of maintaining physical inventory. Sellers simply choose products to list, then LBC handles the storage and shipping, helping reduce costs, streamline operations, and expand reach.

“We’ve always believed in helping Filipinos succeed whether they’re sending packages to family or running an online store,” said Jerome Santos, Senior Vice President for Corporate Sales at LBC Express. “Working with BidaBoss lets us do that in a new way, by supporting everyday hustlers who are building businesses of their own.”

BidaBoss continues to make business more accessible by offering a wide range of affordable products and tools to support entrepreneurs at any stage.

“There’s so much potential in Filipino sellers. This partnership with LBC helps us give them a real shot whether they’re just starting out or looking to grow,” said Von Basa, CEO and Founder of BidaBoss.

Looking ahead, LBC and BidaBoss are exploring other ways to expand their partnership, including additional warehouse facilities, localized hubs, and system integrations to enhance efficiency.

At the core of this partnership is a shared mission to uplift hardworking Filipinos to build better livelihoods and succeed in creating long-term businesses.

Ready to build your business? Learn more by visiting LBC Express’ official website or follow their social media pages (Instagram | Facebook) for the latest updates.

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Fastly Appoints Nicola Gerber as Vice President for Asia Pacific & Japan to Accelerate Growth Across the Region

Fastly Appoints Nicola Gerber as Vice President for Asia Pacific & Japan to Accelerate Growth Across the Region

Fastly, Inc. (NYSE: FSLY), a leader in global edge cloud platforms, today announced the appointment of Nicola Gerber as Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ). This new hire underscores Fastly’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital regions, aligning with its global growth strategy and recent investments in go-to-market transformation.

Nicola Gerber brings more than 20 years of experience in technology sales, specialising in networking and cloud services. Her career includes leadership roles at Cisco, Amazon Web Services, and high-growth startups across the APJ and EMEA regions. For the past 16 years, Nicola has been based in Asia Pacific, where she has driven customer success and growth initiatives, leveraging strategic partnerships across the region.

“As Asia Pacific accelerates into an AI-powered future, the demand for fast, secure, and reliable digital infrastructure is unprecedented,” said Gerber. “Today, APJ has already established itself as the world’s largest region for mobile users and mobile app usage, and it's among the fastest AI-adopting geographies globally. With a strong foundation of people and expertise in place, we’re unlocking hyper-performance for these AI-driven businesses. Our partners play a pivotal role in this journey – not only as a channel for growth, but as strategic collaborators who help deliver end-to-end solutions that customers demand. I’m excited about the new enhancements to our portfolio that demonstrate Fastly’s commitment to delivering best-in-class customer experiences and also strengthening our security offerings even further.”

With APJ businesses unlocking growth through AI, Fastly’s modern architecture is uniquely positioned to support their evolving digital strategies. Its powerful global network allows Fastly to provide ultra-low latency and scalable performance needed for today’s AI-powered applications. From delivering real-time, AI-generated content to dynamically personalising user experiences and supporting inference at the edge, Fastly enables organisations to innovate faster, engage more deeply, and scale reliably.

“Bringing Nicola on board marks an exciting step forward in our investment in the APJ region – an essential part of Fastly’s global growth journey,” said Scott Lovett, Chief Revenue Officer at Fastly. “APJ represents one of the most promising markets in the world – not only for Fastly, but for our partners and customers who are accelerating their digital transformation journey.”

“We see immense opportunity here, and our partners are key to unlocking that value, helping businesses scale rapidly while delivering the best possible outcomes for customers. Nicola has a deep understanding of how to build and nurture strong partnerships and ecosystems that drive innovation and long-term success. With her track record of growing high-performing, diverse teams and leading with impact, Nicola is the ideal leader to harness the momentum.”

Nicola is a well-known and passionate advocate for diversity in leadership. She served as an Independent Director for Cavotec from 2014 to 2018 and continues her board work with the Singapore Institute of Directors. She was involved with the Asian University for Women from 2022 to 2023 and with Women@AWS APJC. Nicola was recognised as one of Asia’s “Most Inspirational Women in Leadership” at the “Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky” event in 2024.

Nicola Gerber will lead Fastly’s APJ go-to-market strategy, working closely with regional leaders, teams, and partners to accelerate growth, drive adoption of Fastly’s expanding edge cloud portfolio, and help customers deliver fast, safe, and engaging digital experiences.

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