Paperception 2025: How Paper Became a Symbol of Sustainability and Innovation

Paperception 2025: How Paper Became a Symbol of Sustainability and Innovation

Monday, August 11, 2025

What if something as ordinary as paper could spark extraordinary change? At Paperception 2025, leaders from the creative, academic, printing, and packaging industries proved that it can. Held recently at the AIM Conference Center and hosted by Prestige Paper Products, the event reimagined paper not just as a daily necessity, but as a powerful metaphor for fresh ideas, creativity, and sustainable living.

Paper as a Catalyst for Change

Opening the event, key industry voices—Albert See of the Printing Association of the Philippines, Vicky Tan of Global Compact Network Philippines and Ayala Corporation, and Cristy Oreta of the Philippine Marketing Association—delivered a unifying message: sustainability begins with all of us, and it can start with something as simple as paper.

From the private sector, Ruth Toreno of Fedrigoni Specialty Papers shared how their operations embrace carbon reduction, circular design, and eco-certifications. On the government side, Mary Joy Paico from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presented research on sustainable packaging, including innovations that use pineapple fibers and other biodegradable materials—a practice with clear benefits for local farmers and eco-conscious brands.

Sustainability in Design: Creativity with Purpose

In the first panel discussion, Jos Ortega of Havas Ortega stressed that sustainability isn’t a limit—it’s a creative accelerator.

“Sustainable design is about reducing harm while innovating. It’s about telling stories of stewardship and hope,” Ortega shared.

Panelists Ara Bella Castillo (PMG), Joy Paico (DOST), and illustrator Liza Flores (Studio Dialogo) agreed that the design world holds immense influence in shaping consumer habits. Topics ranged from reducing packaging waste to integrating authentic sustainability messaging, balancing innovation with cost, and using technology like AI responsibly.

Education Meets Industry: Training the Next Green Leaders

The second panel highlighted a growing challenge: according to a 2023 LinkedIn report, demand for sustainability skills is outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.

Educators Aazin Carl Sumalinog (National University), Romeo Catap Jr. (College of St. Benilde), Greg Borja (San Beda University), and Dulzzi Gutierrez (Mint College) discussed how schools are embedding sustainability in their curricula. This includes teaching students to assess product life cycles, reduce carbon footprints, and create user-centered designs.

Catap called on industry leaders to actively collaborate with academia:

“Include the learners. The sleeping giants are in our classrooms.”

Panelists emphasized that partnerships between schools and companies are essential to prepare graduates for real-world sustainability roles.

A Collective Mission

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paperception 2025 was more than a conference—it was a bridge between creativity, business, and education. It closed with a resounding takeaway: sustainability is not a solo act, but a shared responsibility.

If Filipino businesses, schools, and communities work together, the humble sheet of paper could become the blueprint for a greener, more innovative future.

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Manulife Philippines and Erwan Heussaff Promote Healthy Eating Habits for Filipino Families

Manulife Philippines and Erwan Heussaff Promote Healthy Eating Habits for Filipino Families

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of the leading international financial services provider, has teamed up once again with food content creator Erwan Heussaff and his daughter Dahlia. Together, they launched their third collaborative video highlighting the importance of healthy eating habits and practical healthy lifestyle tips.

The video, now live on Heussaff’s social media pages, captures a cozy father-daughter moment as they cook a warm bowl of tomato soup on a rainy day. The simple yet nourishing recipe shows that healthy cooking at home doesn’t need to be complicated—small, everyday choices can lead to better health.

Teaching Kids Healthy Eating Early

“Teaching kids to eat right at an early age is just as critical as instilling values like honesty or kindness. It sets the foundation for their lifelong health, discipline, and relationship with food,” Heussaff shared.

He also pointed out that obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases—once common only among adults—are now affecting children. By teaching kids healthy eating from an early age, families can help prevent these long-term health problems.

The State of Healthy Living in the Philippines

A recent Manulife Philippines study revealed that:

• 33% of Filipinos consider their lifestyle unhealthy.
• 24% are unsure what qualifies as a healthy diet.

Additionally, the Manulife Asia Care Survey found that while Filipinos value physical health as the most important factor in living their desired lifespan, only 5 out of 17 preventive actions are practiced by more than half of respondents.

These insights underline the need for accessible healthy lifestyle tips and practical solutions to help Filipinos take charge of their health and wellness.

Manulife’s Advocacy for Health and Wellness

“Insights from our studies reveal that while Filipinos are aware of the importance of physical health, there are still gaps in their actions to achieve it,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines.

“At Manulife, we remain committed to empowering Filipinos to take control of their health, wellness, and financial security. Collaborations with trusted public figures like the Heussaffs allow us to spread the message effectively—making decisions easier and lives better for more Filipino families,” she added.

Healthy Lifestyle Campaigns with the Heussaffs

Since joining wife Anne Curtis as a Manulife brand ambassador, Erwan Heussaff has been actively involved in promoting healthy living in the Philippines through:

• A video series featuring healthy recipes for kids and adults.
• Supporting Manulife’s Impact Agenda in partnership with Haribon Foundation in Quezon Province.
• Starring in the “M Knows Better” campaign to encourage informed lifestyle choices.

Through these initiatives, Manulife Philippines and the Heussaff family continue to inspire Filipinos to adopt family health tips, cook healthy recipes for kids, and make better lifestyle decisions—one small habit at a time.

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Beko Philippines achieves 100% plastic waste recovery and diversion in 2024 with PCX Markets

Beko Philippines achieves 100% plastic waste recovery and diversion in 2024 with PCX Markets

Friday, August 8, 2025

Convenience often comes at an environmental cost, with plastic waste posing as a pressing global issue. Every choice we make, from the products we buy to the packaging they come in, affects our planet's overall health.

Beko, from Europe’s No. 1 Large Home Appliance company, goes beyond the products it creates. The drive for sustainability is ever consistent to help the community live a healthier and greener life. In fact, Beko Philippines is well on its way to creating a sustainable future through its partnership with PCX Markets, a global plastic responsibility platform that provides solutions to help companies achieve their sustainability goals.

The partnership, which began in 2023, has already yielded impressive results. In 2024, Beko Philippines achieved 100% recovery and diversion of its plastic footprint, going beyond the requirements of the country's Extended Producer Responsibility law. This landmark achievement involved the diversion of over 39,000 kg of plastic waste from nature—the equivalent of 13 million 3-gram plastic sachets.

Beko Philippines has actively supported a lineup of projects with PCX Markets’ vetted partners that not only address plastic waste but also empower local communities:

Top Lun Project: Giving Plastics a Second Life

Through the Top Lun partnership, 33,000 kg of rigid HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastics, commonly found in plastic bottle caps sourced from junk shops and informal waste pickers, were successfully recycled into flakes and then sold to companies for use in various products.

Holcim-Geocycle Project: Fueling Up Energy

Beko also backed the Holcim-Geocycle initiative, fostering collaborations with local government units and waste aggregators. This project facilitated the sourcing of post-consumer plastic waste, which was then transported to Holcim's cement facilities and served as an alternative fuel source.

The initiative supports Holcim’s efforts to cut dependence on imported fossil fuels and raw materials, while promoting sustainable waste management. The project successfully diverted 4,000 kg of flexible plastics from the environment.

Aling Tindera Project: Building a Sustainable Community

The Aling Tindera waste-to-cash initiative empowers women micro-entrepreneurs to drive grassroots sustainability. These entrepreneurs collect or purchase flexible plastics from their local communities to be purchased by the partners and delivered to a co-processing facility, where it is used as alternative fuel in a licensed waste-to-energy plant.

More than helping the sustainability efforts, this initiative also helped the women provide for their families. This program gave around ₱7,500 in incremental income to these women and their communities. There was an increase of 37% in average monthly income compared to the initial project baseline last year.

"At Beko, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our products are designed to deliver comfort and convenience to every Filipino home, while also caring for the planet,” said Mr. Alper Yildirim, Country Director of Beko Philippines. “We are proud of our recent collaboration with PCX Markets, turning plastic waste into valuable opportunities for the environment and the community. We are committed to magnifying our efforts, and we hope this inspires our customers to take pride in choosing Beko as well as for other organizations to be inspired with their own sustainability initiatives," he added.

With Beko, each thoughtful action and appliance paves the way towards a more sustainable world.

For more updates on Beko's sustainability efforts, follow Beko Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @bekoph and visit www.beko.com/ph-en.

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FedEx Expands International Connect Plus to Enhance E-commerce Shipping in the MEISA Region

FedEx Expands International Connect Plus to Enhance E-commerce Shipping in the MEISA Region

Enhancing Shipping Solutions for Filipino Businesses in Emerging Global Markets

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) to the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA) region. This expansion provides Filipino businesses with enhanced access to key international destinations through fast, reliable, and cost-effective day-definite e-commerce shipping services.

In March 2025, the Philippines exported $34.3 million to the United Arab Emirates, reflecting a 2.51% increase year on year.1 Meanwhile, India exported $177 million to the Philippines during the same period, a year-on-year increase of 9.39%2.

"As Filipino businesses explore more trade with more markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, there’s a growing need for shipping solutions that are both affordable and reliable,” shared Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “By expanding FedEx International Connect Plus to the MEISA region, we're helping e-tailers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) deliver their products faster and easier, and with the confidence to thrive in the global market."

FICP is designed to support the growing demands of cross-border e-commerce, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution for low-value, single-piece shipments under 10kg*.3 Backed by the reliable FedEx international network, the service includes day-definite delivery, customs clearance, and enhanced visibility features such as tracking, delivery notifications, and flexible options through FedEx Delivery Manager® International.

To boost customer confidence, FedEx International Connect Plus now offers Picture Proof of Delivery, allowing recipients to visually verify that their package has arrived.

To learn more about FedEx solutions, visit the FedEx Philippines website.

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GreatDay HR Wins 2025 Southeast Asia’s Best HR Management App Award

GreatDay HR Wins 2025 Southeast Asia’s Best HR Management App Award

Bringing Purpose-Driven HR Tech to Filipino Workplaces

In a region where workplace innovation is rapidly shaping the future of business, one Filipino-focused HR platform has made its mark. GreatDay HR Philippines has been named Best HR Management App at the 2025 Southeast Asia Business Awards by APAC Insider—cementing its place as a leader in making HR smarter, faster, and more human-centered.

This recognition matters because for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines, the shift to digital HR systems isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifeline. Automating timekeeping, payroll, and performance tracking frees up valuable time for business owners and HR teams to focus on what truly drives growth: their people.

Why This Award Matters

The Southeast Asia Business Awards celebrate companies that excel in innovation, customer service, and market impact. Winners are chosen based on:

• Merit and proven results in their field
• Market performance and adaptability
• Positive client feedback and satisfaction

With such a stringent selection process, GreatDay HR’s win reflects both product excellence and strong relationships with its users.

The Power of a Mobile-First HR Platform

GreatDay HR isn’t your typical HR software—it’s designed for the mobile-first world, perfect for the on-the-go needs of modern Filipino businesses. The platform helps companies:

• Automate timekeeping with accuracy
• Manage payroll seamlessly
• Track leave requests and approvals in real-time
• Monitor employee performance with easy-to-read dashboards

This is especially valuable for SMEs, where HR departments often juggle multiple roles with limited resources.

A Mission Beyond Technology

According to Sri Coles, CEO of SunFish DataOn Philippines, Inc., the company behind GreatDay HR:

“Our goal has always been to empower HR professionals to focus on people, not paperwork.”

She emphasized that this award is more than a trophy—it’s a reminder of their commitment to human-centered HR technology that helps businesses grow.

Part of a Bigger HR Ecosystem

GreatDay HR is just one of several solutions offered by SunFish DataOn Philippines, Inc., which also provides:

SunFish HRIS – an enterprise-grade HR platform for large companies

Managed Payroll Services – for organizations that want expert payroll handling without the in-house workload

Together, these services support companies of all sizes, from lean startups to established enterprises, helping them navigate the complexities of modern HR management.

A Win for Filipino SMEs

This award signals a positive shift in how Filipino businesses embrace digital transformation. With platforms like GreatDay HR, even smaller companies can access enterprise-level tools—leveling the playing field in a competitive market.

If your company is ready to move beyond spreadsheets and manual tracking, this might be the “great day” to start exploring smarter HR solutions.

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Makati Medical Center Makes History with Its First Living Donor Liver Transplant

Makati Medical Center Makes History with Its First Living Donor Liver Transplant

In a historic feat that marks a new chapter for Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), the hospital successfully performed its first-ever living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), a transformative procedure that underscores the power of preparation, surgical excellence, and international collaboration.

This complex 11-hour operation is the culmination of meticulous planning, hands-on training, and global partnerships, particularly with Asan Medical Center (AMC) in South Korea—one of the world’s foremost authorities in liver transplantation. The core team from MakatiMed’s Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Services led this initiative, which included simulation drills, infrastructure upgrades, clinical immersions, and multidisciplinary readiness programs.

“This is a monumental accomplishment for our institution and the Liver Transplantation Team,” said Dr. Saturnino P. Javier, MakatiMed Interim Co-President & CEO and Medical Director. “It is also a deeply human story of courage, collaboration, and compassion. We salute the men and women of MakatiMed and Asan Medical Center for making this possible.”

The recipient, a 23-year-old patient suffering from end-stage liver disease due to recurrent sclerosing cholangitis (inflamed and scarred bile ducts), had previously been admitted several times to the ICU for sepsis. His condition had deteriorated despite maximal conservative management. With no other viable options, he underwent a life-saving transplant, receiving a right liver graft from his mother.

Notably, the donor has a history of abdominal gunshot wound and multiple prior operations, combined with unusual vascular anatomy. This case presented unprecedented challenges for both MakatiMed and AMC. Nonetheless, both surgeries were performed without blood transfusion, and the team kept costs remarkably reasonable despite the complexity—proving that high-quality care and cost-consciousness can co-exist.

“The success of any liver transplant lies in two critical pillars: the safety of the donor and the quality of the graft,” shared Catherine S.C. Teh, Section Chief of Hepatobiliary Surgery and lead liver transplant surgeon at MakatiMed. “This case challenged both, and we rose to the occasion.”

Surgeries on both donor and recipient were executed with precision through the synergy of MakatiMed’s team of surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and critical care specialists with the expert guidance of a 10-member visiting team from Asan Medical Center.

Postoperatively, the patient made a steady recovery under the care of the multidisciplinary team composed of Liver Surgeons, Transplant Nurses, Clinical Nutritionists, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology, Pathology, and Radiology specialists. He has since been discharged in stable condition, while the donor was discharged just five days after surgery, a testament to the quality of the care delivered by the Hospital with a Heart.

This milestone not only reflects surgical excellence but reaffirms MakatiMed’s ongoing commitment to innovation, compassion, and patient-centric care. It ushers in a new era in Philippine transplant medicine: one that is bold, inclusive, and globally benchmarked.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

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DoubleVerify’s Global Insights Report: 1 in 2 Consumers in PH Would Drop Brands With Ads Next to Harmful Content

DoubleVerify’s Global Insights Report: 1 in 2 Consumers in PH Would Drop Brands With Ads Next to Harmful Content

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The annual report highlights the evolving role of attention, viewability, and suitability in maximizing media performance

DoubleVerify ("DV") (NYSE: DV), the leading software platform to verify media quality, optimize ad performance, and prove campaign outcomes, today released its 2025 Global Insights: APAC Report, spotlighting key advertising trends and media quality benchmarks. The report draws on over one trillion impressions across desktop, mobile and CTV environments, as well as survey responses from marketers and consumers globally.

This year’s report reveals notable improvements in global media quality, with declines in brand suitability violations and fraud rates, alongside modest gains in viewability. Attention continues to vary significantly across regions, formats, and devices, highlighting the need for advertisers to customize strategies that drive both performance and protection.

In the Philippines, media quality continues to improve, with brand suitability violations falling by 44% year-over-year. However, consumer sensitivity remains high— approximately 1 in 2 Filipinos (54%) say they would stop using a brand whose ads appear next to false or offensive content. With consumers in the Philippines spending at least 3.8 hours daily engaging with digital content and growing ad fatigue, brand suitability should be non-negotiable for advertisers aiming to build trust and drive performance in the market.

Other key findings in the Philippines include:

Fraud and Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT): Fraud/SIVT incidents dropped by 61%, indicating improved efforts to eliminate invalid traffic.

Viewability: The country’s Authentic Viewable Rate rose by 12%, showing enhanced ad visibility across screens.

Attention Metrics: With an Attention Index of 117, the Philippines ranked third in Southeast Asia, outperforming the global benchmark and signaling high levels of audience engagement and ad exposure.

Global highlights include:

Brand Suitability: Violation rates fell 15% year-over-year, with Unsuitable Category violations still comprising the majority (65%) of all incidents.

Fraud and Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT): Global fraud/SIVT dropped 7% year-over-year, but bot fraud increased sharply, particularly in mobile app environments.

Viewability: The global Authentic Viewable Rate rose from 3% to 70%, supported by industry efforts to address "TV Off" issues in CTV.

Attention Metrics: APAC led all regions with a 14% higher Attention Index than the global benchmark of 100, while North America trailed by 4%.

“With digital media habits evolving across the Philippines, advertisers need timely, data-backed insights to navigate growing complexity and improve campaign effectiveness,” said Conrad Tallariti, Managing Director, APAC of DoubleVerify “Driving real results today means ensuring every impression appears in a suitable context, captures genuine attention, and contributes to measurable performance. This is how brands can earn consumer trust and make a lasting impact in the market.”

Marketers across APAC are increasingly prioritizing channels like commerce media networks, with over 20% in both Southeast Asia and India planning to boost investment. Top-performing formats, such as social media reels and feeds, are consistently exceeding campaign baselines, reflecting a broader shift toward performance-driven, digitally connected advertising.

At the same time, consumers in the APAC region are spending an average of 3.5 hours per day with online content, led by social media. But ad fatigue is rising: 46% use ad blockers, and nearly half of consumers say they’re less likely to purchase from a brand if its ad appeared next to false or offensive content, reinforcing the critical need for brand suitability and context-aware media strategies.

As media investments grow more complex, DV’s regional insights provide a critical roadmap for advertisers to reduce waste, boost engagement, and drive measurable outcomes in APAC and beyond.

To view the full report, visit: https://doubleverify.com/2025-dv-global-insights-apac/

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