SOCIAL MEDIA

EastWest Dream Run 2025: Thousands Run for Hope Across Davao, Cebu, and Manila

Thursday, August 14, 2025


Turning Every Step Into a Gift for Filipino Youth

In the Philippines, fun runs are more than just about fitness—they’re about community, purpose, and heart. The EastWest Dream Run 2025 proved just that, gathering over 13,000 runners in Davao, Cebu, and Manila to raise funds for organizations dedicated to changing young lives.

This year’s event was extra special. It marked EastWest Bank’s 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, making the milestone a double celebration of legacy and giving back. Each city had its own unique energy, but the mission remained the same—running not just for health, but for hope.

Beneficiaries That Inspire Change

Portions of the Dream Run proceeds were donated to:

Young Focus Philippines (Manila) – Empowering youth through education and values formation.

Asian Hospital Charities (Manila) – Providing vital medical care to those in need.

SOS Children’s Village (Cebu) – Offering long-term family-based care to children without parental support.

Padre Pio’s Home for Children (Davao) – Providing shelter, love, and guidance to abandoned and neglected kids.

Davao: Showing Up for Padre Pio’s Children


The series began on April 6 in Davao with nearly 4,000 participants. But the true highlight came days later, when EastWest’s Manila and Davao teams visited Padre Pio’s Home for Children, bringing not only financial support but also time and encouragement.

As Executive Director Sr. Floravy E. Raya put it, “Showing up matters. Sometimes all it takes to change a life is to be there, to listen, to care.”

Cebu: Heartfelt Moments at SOS Village


On May 4, over 3,000 runners gathered at City di Mare by Filinvest for Cebu’s first large-scale EastWest wellness run. After the event, the EastWest team visited SOS Children’s Village Cebu, where the donation will fund food, education, health care, and home maintenance.

Village Director Mario Victor Baang shared that the visit made a lasting impact, saying the children felt genuine care and attention—something that stays with them for years.

Manila: First-Time Runners, Big Dreams

The grand finale happened on June 15 at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, drawing over 6,000 participants. Donations from this leg went to Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities, supporting programs in education, youth development, and medical care.

Ms. Grace Palanca from Young Focus noted how seeing their students run with determination embodied their mission—showing the world what’s possible when children are given opportunities.

Beyond the Finish Line

EastWest Head of Marketing Martin Reyes summed it up perfectly: “These young dreamers need more than encouragement. They need access, support, and opportunities—and that’s what the Dream Run aims to provide, one step at a time.”

The EastWest Dream Run 2025 might have crossed its final finish line, but its momentum lives on—fueling more dreams, more cities, and more lives touched in the years to come.
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HONOR Philippines Marks 3 Years of Record-Breaking Growth, Inspires at SEA & Middle East Summit

Wednesday, August 13, 2025


HONOR Philippines is proving that local success can truly make waves internationally. In just three years since its market comeback, the tech giant has risen from re-establishing its presence to becoming one of the most celebrated and fastest-growing brands in the HONOR global network.

This remarkable journey was in the spotlight during the HONOR SEA & Middle East Summit, held last August 10–12 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered leaders from 35 countries to exchange strategies, celebrate wins, and learn from each other’s best practices.

From Local Comeback to Global Benchmark

Since its return to the Philippine market in August 2022, HONOR Philippines has delivered a winning combination of:
  • Strategic, timely product launches
  • Strong partnerships with retailers and distributors
  • A deep understanding of Filipino consumer needs

At the summit, HONOR Philippines executives shared their growth story—highlighting how their approach not only elevated their local market position but also set a standard for other HONOR branches worldwide.

A Proud Moment for the Team

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, expressed pride in being able to share the brand’s journey with an international audience.

“From day one, our mission has been to bring the best technology and experiences to the Filipino people. Being recognized globally validates our hard work and motivates us to keep pushing boundaries—not just to lead locally, but to inspire globally,” Cheng said.

HONOR Philippines’ 3-Year Milestones

In just 36 months, HONOR Philippines has achieved:
  • 40+ devices launched catering to various price segments
  • #1 Hero Product ranking for three consecutive years
  • 100%+ year-on-year sales growth, with record-breaking models like HONOR X9b, HONOR X9c, and HONOR 400
  • Sold-out product launches, including the HONOR 400 selling out in 3 days
  • 2,500+ retail stores and 2,000+ regional sales advisors nationwide

A Blueprint for Success

HONOR Philippines’ growth story is now seen as a model within the HONOR global network. By combining innovation, strong customer engagement, and smart market strategies, the brand has proven that even in a fiercely competitive smartphone market, it’s possible to dominate both locally and inspire globally.

What’s Next for HONOR Philippines?

With this recognition, HONOR is set to expand its footprint even further, bringing world-class smart devices to more Filipino consumers and strengthening its role in shaping the future of mobile technology.

If you’re a tech enthusiast, now’s the perfect time to keep an eye on HONOR’s upcoming launches—you might just be holding their next record-breaking device in your hands.
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Eastern Communications Expands in Mindanao, Bringing Faster, Smarter Connectivity to General Santos and Dipolog


In today’s digital economy, reliable internet isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of thriving businesses and connected communities. This is why Eastern Communications, one of the country’s pioneering telecommunications and ICT providers, is making bold moves in Mindanao. The company has officially launched its services in General Santos City and Dipolog City, opening new opportunities for industries, MSMEs, and local governments to embrace the full power of digital transformation.

Strengthening General Santos: The Tuna Capital Goes High-Tech

On August 12, Eastern Communications made its presence official in General Santos City through its signature Via Eastern launch event at the Grand Summit Hotel. GenSan, recently ranked 15th most competitive city in the Philippines and 3rd among highly urbanized cities in Mindanao (2024 CMCI), is already a powerhouse for fisheries and exports.

City Councilor Michael Pacquiao welcomed the move, noting that improved connectivity will help local businesses, government offices, and communities “connect better, work smarter, and innovate faster.”

As home to six of the country’s seven tuna canneries, GenSan employs over 200,000 people and plays a major role in the nation’s fishery exports. With the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority upgrading the General Santos Fish Port Complex, digital-ready infrastructure is now more critical than ever.

Eastern Communications is stepping in with enterprise-grade internet—including Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS)—to help industries such as:

Manufacturing and Smart Aquaculture – enabling real-time inventory tracking, automated production, and blockchain-based export traceability.

Agriculture – supporting agritech solutions like crop monitoring, weather prediction, and automated machinery.

Retail, Tourism, MSMEs, and IT-BPM – delivering scalable, secure, and fast internet to stay competitive locally and globally.
Unlocking Digital Growth in Dipolog: Gateway to Western Mindanao

Just a few weeks earlier, on July 22, Eastern Communications also launched in Dipolog City at D’Hotel & Suites. Known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao”, Dipolog is an emerging hub for tourism, trade, and logistics.

Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Uy emphasized that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, helping bridge communities, boost local businesses, and expand access to opportunities.

Dipolog’s competitiveness is on the rise—it remains the Most Competitive Component City in Region 9 and has helped Zamboanga del Norte climb to 47th in economic dynamism nationwide. Eastern’s arrival promises to accelerate this growth, giving local industries and government agencies the tools they need to compete in the digital era.

Closing the Digital Gap in Mindanao

While more than 50 million Filipinos are online, many areas in Mindanao still struggle with access—only 28.5% of households in the Zamboanga Peninsula have internet connectivity, according to PSA data.

Eastern Communications aims to close this gap by expanding its presence across Mindanao, including Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro, backed by the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN).

By bringing future-ready ICT solutions to General Santos and Dipolog, Eastern is helping fuel inclusive growth, strengthen industries, and prepare communities for a more connected future.

Why This Matters for Mindanao’s Future

Connectivity fuels progress—and Eastern Communications’ expansion is a game-changer for Southern and Western Mindanao. Whether you’re in fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, or tech, faster and more reliable internet means more opportunities, better services, and a stronger economy.

If you’re a business in Mindanao looking to upgrade your connectivity, explore Eastern Communications’ full range of solutions at eastern.com.ph.
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Phuket to Host 3rd ASEAN Battery Conference, Launch Regional Safety Network for Greener Energy Future

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

 

ASEAN’s top minds in energy storage are coming together in Phuket this August to push forward innovation, safety, and sustainability in battery technology.

The 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC) is set to take place from August 27–29, 2025 at SAii Laguna Phuket, Thailand, uniting leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the region. Organized by the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) in partnership with five other major battery and EV organizations, the event will address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy storage industry.

And this year, it’s not just about innovation—it’s about safety, too. The event will mark the official launch of the ASEAN Battery Safety Network (ABSN), a groundbreaking regional platform supported by the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI).

Powering ASEAN’s Clean Energy Ambitions

ABTC 2025 is more than a technical gathering—it’s a strategic move toward building an integrated, safe, and sustainable battery ecosystem in the ASEAN region.

Key objectives of the conference include:
  • Advancing battery technology for clean mobility and renewable energy storage
  • Encouraging cross-border collaboration between ASEAN nations
  • Strengthening the global competitiveness of ASEAN in the battery value chain
  • Setting higher safety standards through the ABSN initiative

The ASEAN Battery Safety Network: A Regional First

ABSN aims to become the go-to hub for science and technology knowledge-sharing on battery safety in Southeast Asia. By aligning policies and standards, ABSN will:
  • Support safe deployment of battery systems across all ASEAN nations
  • Share research and technical expertise
  • Build a strategic roadmap for future battery safety protocols

As Dr. Sing Yang Chiam, Technical Director at the Singapore Battery Consortium, put it, this is a “critical first step” toward tackling safety challenges and positioning ASEAN as a key player in the global market.

World-Class Experts in Attendance

The conference will feature big names in battery research, including:

Prof. M. Stanley Whittingham, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2019)
Prof. Yet-Ming Chiang, renowned materials scientist
Prof. Shirley Meng, leader in sustainable energy storage

Attendees can expect seven dynamic panel discussions on:

  • Battery policy and regulations
  • Circular economy approaches
  • Grid-scale energy storage
  • Battery swapping solutions
  • Financing and investment trends

A Showcase of ASEAN Collaboration

Speakers will represent top organizations across the region:

Indonesia: National Center for Sustainable Transportation Technology, National Battery Research Institute

Malaysia: NanoMalaysia Berhad

Philippines: Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines

Singapore: Singapore Battery Consortium

Thailand: Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association

Looking Ahead to 2026

NanoMalaysia Berhad CEO Dr. Rezal Khairi Bin Ahmad confirmed that ABTC 2026 will be held in Penang, Malaysia, building on this year’s momentum to unite stakeholders across the battery and EV value chain.
Why This Matters for the Philippines

For the Philippines—where clean mobility is still in early stages—events like ABTC 2025 open doors for technology transfer, policy alignment, and regional cooperation that can fast-track our local EV and renewable energy ambitions.

The ABTC is not just another conference—it’s a regional movement toward a future where ASEAN leads in clean, safe, and innovative battery solutions. For businesses, this is the moment to connect, collaborate, and take part in shaping the next phase of Southeast Asia’s energy future.

Visit the ABTC official website for the full program and registration details.
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Bamboo Cement Homes: How BASE Is Building Typhoon-Ready Communities in the Philippines


Safe Shelter in a Land of Typhoons

In a country where an average of 20 typhoons barrel through every year, a “home” is more than just four walls and a roof. For many Filipinos, it’s a lifeline—a place that must withstand nature’s strongest blows. In Iloilo City, that lifeline has been made stronger with the help of Base Bahay Foundation’s Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT)—a building innovation that combines affordability, sustainability, and unmatched resilience.

Since 2015, the Balay Kawayan Housing Community in San Isidro, Jaro has stood as living proof of this technology’s power. Built in partnership with the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Hilti Foundation, and the Iloilo City Government, these bamboo-and-cement homes have kept 47 families safe through countless storms.

Building Stronger Futures, One Home at a Time


Across the country, BASE has already built over 2,000 CBFT homes, giving more than 10,000 Filipinos not just shelter—but peace of mind.

For community worker Helen Villarin, her CBFT home has been a source of comfort during the most uncertain times.

“We’ve lived here since 2019 and I feel safe, especially during storms,” Helen shares. “Our house doesn’t shake no matter how strong the winds are.”

Another resident, Richard Gerafusco, who lost his home to a fire, found both security and beauty in his new bamboo home:

“It’s beautiful and very safe—a true home.”

Why Bamboo-Cement Homes Make Sense for the Philippines

The Philippines ranked #1 in the World Risk Index 2022—a reminder of how vulnerable our country is to climate change and natural disasters. With 60% of homes informally built, low-income families often have to rebuild after every disaster.

BASE’s CBFT offers a game-changing solution:

  • Made from bamboo, a renewable local resource
  • Built to code, meeting maximum windspeed and earthquake magnitude standards under the National Structural Code of the Philippines
  • Fast to construct—homes can be completed in as little as six weeks
  • Affordable and sustainable for both public and private housing projects

As BASE General Manager Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez explains, “With CBFT, we are redefining resiliency. It’s about building smarter and for the future.”

More Than Homes: Strengthening Livelihoods

Beyond construction, BASE is investing in livelihood programs for farmers, builders, and craftsmen. With nine bamboo supply and treatment facilities and the Bamboo Academy Program, they’re training the next generation of architects, engineers, and skilled workers.

On a larger scale, BASE is working with the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) to integrate bamboo into the country’s official building code—a move that could change how sustainable housing is built nationwide.

A Global Impact with Filipino Roots

Founded in 2014 by the Hilti Foundation, BASE has already helped save 35,000 tons of CO₂. The organization’s efforts also extend beyond the Philippines, helping other countries develop their own bamboo construction guidelines.

As BASE celebrates its 11th year, the mission is clear: resilience isn’t just surviving the storm—it’s building a future where communities stand stronger, together.

If more communities embrace technologies like CBFT, we can create homes that are safe, sustainable, and proudly Filipino—turning every typhoon season into a test we’re prepared to pass.
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FedEx to Guide Filipino SMEs Through New U.S. Tariff Rules in Free Webinar

FedEx courier in uniform carrying a package while walking outdoors in the Philippines.

Why This Matters to Filipino Exporters

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the United States remains one of the most lucrative markets for exports — from handicrafts and fashion pieces to tech accessories and specialty food products. But recent U.S. trade policy changes have altered the way small shipments enter the country, potentially impacting pricing, operations, and profitability.

To help local businesses navigate these changes with confidence, FedEx, a global leader in express transportation, is hosting a timely and information-packed webinar designed especially for Philippine SMEs.

Webinar Details You Need to Know

Title: Understanding the Latest U.S. Tariff Changes and Their Impact on Shipping
Date: August 20, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Format: Online (Free Registration)

This one-hour session will focus on the removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption — a rule that previously allowed goods worth USD 800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free. With this exemption now gone, exporters will need to adjust how they handle shipments, manage costs, and stay compliant with U.S. import regulations.

What You’ll Learn in the Session:

  • How to adapt your shipping strategy to the new tariff rules.
  • Compliance requirements to keep your goods moving smoothly.
  • Ways to minimize costs without compromising operations.
  • Tips for sustaining and expanding your U.S. market presence.

FedEx’s Ongoing Support for Filipino SMEs

Before diving into the technicalities, FedEx reaffirms its mission to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to compete internationally. As the company explains:

“By providing timely knowledge, expert advice, and access to innovative tools, FedEx continues to empower local entrepreneurs to scale globally, stay ahead of regulatory changes, and unlock new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic environment.”

This is part of FedEx’s broader commitment to enabling small and medium-sized enterprises in the Philippines to thrive amid shifting trade landscapes.

How to Register

Filipino business owners — especially those selling directly to U.S. customers via e-commerce platforms or export partners — are strongly encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar: August 20, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM


It’s free, it’s practical, and it could be the knowledge edge that keeps your business competitive in the U.S. market.

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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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