SOCIAL MEDIA

EastWest Wins Double at Asian Banker Awards 2025

Thursday, August 28, 2025


A Big Win for Filipino Banking Customers

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is starting 2025 strong with a prestigious double win at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards. The bank was recognized for Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform—a testament to its commitment to creating innovative and customer-first solutions that make banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding for Filipinos.

These honors aren’t just shiny trophies. They represent real progress in how Filipinos can experience financial services—whether that means getting the best rates for currency exchange or enjoying seamless, digital-first banking wherever you are.

Leading the Way in Foreign Exchange Services

EastWest’s recognition for Best Foreign Exchange Service highlights its strong position in the market. By offering competitive rates with a much lower buy-sell spread compared to competitors, the bank ensures that customers get more value when converting their money.

Despite global economic uncertainties, EastWest reported record-high FX performance in 2024, driven by consistent growth in transactions, customer base, and trade volume.

To further improve the customer experience, EastWest has rolled out several enhancements:

e-Forex on EasyWay – launched in 2024, allowing convenient online USD/PHP conversions.

e-Signature and e-Document submission – streamlining paperwork for hassle-free transactions.

Expansion in 2025 – plans to offer FX third currencies for both individual and corporate clients.

This focus on accessibility and transparency makes EastWest a top choice for Filipinos who want reliable and cost-effective forex services.

Building a Future-Ready Digital Ecosystem

The award for Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform recognizes EastWest’s people-first approach to digital banking. Rather than simply offering apps, the bank has created a connected ecosystem designed to meet the needs of different customer groups.

Some of the standout innovations include:

EasyWay – a platform with multi-currency tools, consolidated account views, wealth management features, and in-app customer support.

Komo – a fully digital account offering competitive interest, affordable transfers, and access to personal and salary loans.

ESTA – the Philippines’ first AI-powered credit card chatbot on Facebook Messenger for real-time updates, installment conversions, and limit adjustments.

EastWest Pay – the country’s first Visa-certified tap-to-pay app for NFC-enabled Android devices.

Digital adoption has been impressive by the first half of 2025, over 44% of existing EastWest clients were already using digital services. From teachers using Komo to everyday savers on EasyWay, more Filipinos are finding ways to bank conveniently and securely.

With AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive security features, EastWest has made sure that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of safety.

Banking in the Philippines has long been challenged by accessibility and efficiency issues. EastWest’s recognition shows how far local institutions can go in giving Filipinos world-class financial tools without unnecessary complexity. From OFWs looking for the best forex deals to digital-savvy millennials who prefer mobile-first solutions, EastWest’s innovations are designed to fit into real, everyday needs.

As EastWest continues to innovate, it strengthens its place as a trusted partner in every Filipino’s financial journey—making banking truly the “EasyWay.”

EastWest’s back-to-back wins prove that Filipino banks can stand out on the global stage while keeping local customers at heart. If you’re exploring better ways to manage your money—whether through reliable forex services or digital banking platforms—EastWest’s award-winning ecosystem is worth checking out.
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From Nigeria to the Philippines: How Bimbo Adewoyin Built a Tech Startup That’s Changing the Game

Wednesday, August 27, 2025


What does it take to turn grit, family, and passion into a thriving tech business? For Nigerian-born entrepreneur Bimbo Adewoyin, the answer lies in hard work, resilience, and a dream that started with curiosity about an old computer. Today, as the CTO of Doublesquare Networks Inc., he leads a company that’s making a strong impact in the Philippines—thanks to technology, teamwork, and the support of partners like PLDT Enterprise.

This inspiring story was recently featured in ROI’d to Success, a podcast by PLDT Enterprise in collaboration with Hustleshare, highlighting how entrepreneurs use digital solutions to scale and thrive.

Humble Beginnings, Big Ambitions

Doublesquare Networks didn’t begin as a big tech firm—it started small, focusing on surveillance systems and network design. Over the years, Adewoyin and his team grew it into a trusted provider of wireless equipment, structured cabling, and connectivity solutions for schools, local government units, enterprises, and commercial establishments across the country.

Adewoyin’s spark for technology came from an unexpected place. Growing up in Nigeria, his mother ran a school where an American friend donated old computers. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into a passion. “Watching a printer work for the first time felt like magic,” he recalled in the podcast. From tinkering with computers at home to late nights at internet cafés with his brother, he discovered the power of technology—and never looked back.

Family as the Driving Force

When Adewoyin moved to the Philippines for university, he had no idea he would one day build a startup from scratch—with no capital and a child on the way. But instead of giving up, he used family as fuel.

He shared, “My dad told me to double my hustle because I had a family to provide for. My son became my biggest motivation.” That advice stuck with him. Starting out with a small office in Cubao, Adewoyin pushed forward, canvassing for projects with his cousin, distributing Ubiquiti products, and slowly building a reputation for solving tough infrastructure challenges.

Powering Growth Through Reliable Connectivity

As Doublesquare Networks scaled, so did the demands of its clients. From enterprise-grade internet to 24/7 customer support, stable connectivity became the backbone of their operations. This is where PLDT Enterprise stepped in with iGate and broadband solutions, ensuring seamless coordination between teams and clients.

“Reliable connectivity is the backbone of our operations,” Adewoyin explained. With PLDT Enterprise powering their systems, the company saw a 20% boost in sales and client retention, thanks to faster response times and fewer disruptions.

Building for the Future

These days, Adewoyin has shifted from daily operations to exploring new technologies and innovations that can drive growth. With a strong team managing service delivery and client accounts, he now focuses on strategy, expansion, and nurturing new tech talent.

Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Doublesquare Networks’ story is a powerful example of how technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives and communities. At PLDT Enterprise, we are proud to support visionaries like Bimbo Adewoyin.”

As the company continues to expand its service footprint, Adewoyin remains committed to bridging the connectivity divide, especially for businesses and communities in underserved regions of the Philippines.

Bimbo Adewoyin’s journey is more than just a success story—it’s a reminder of how passion, grit, and family can push us to achieve more than we ever imagined. With the right partners and the right mindset, local startups can go from humble beginnings to nationwide impact.

Catch his full story in the latest ROI’d to Success podcast episode on Spotify, brought to you by PLDT Enterprise and Hustleshare.

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Google.org and ASEAN Foundation Launch AI Class ASEAN to Equip 5.5 Million Learners

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tech buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming part of everyday life, from social media filters to workplace automation. In Southeast Asia, where digital adoption continues to surge, the question is no longer if we should prepare for AI, but how fast. This is why the ASEAN Foundation, with the backing of Google.org, has introduced AI Class ASEAN, a groundbreaking e-learning platform that promises to upskill more than 5.5 million learners across the region—including thousands of Filipinos.

A Regional Milestone for AI Literacy

Unveiled during the 2nd Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, the AI Class ASEAN is one of the major outcomes of a 2.5-year regional program supported by a USD 5 million grant from Google.org. The platform’s mission is clear: to make AI literacy inclusive, accessible, and future-ready for ASEAN’s diverse communities.

The initiative brings together youth, parents, and educators, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to understand AI responsibly. With 70 localized modules, AI-powered chatbots, multilingual support, and collaborative forums, learners can access training in ways that suit their unique cultural and linguistic contexts.


Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasized during the launch that AI readiness is about more than just technical skills—it’s about opportunity and inclusion. “Empowering communities with the right knowledge ensures a future-proof ASEAN. AI Class ASEAN offers shared progress and connectedness for the entire region.”

A Summit to Shape the Future of AI

Held under the theme “Bridging AI Literacy and AI Safety: Building Responsible AI in ASEAN”, the two-day event brought together policymakers, educators, youth leaders, and private sector experts. The launch itself was marked by a ceremonial button-press, symbolizing ASEAN’s commitment to safe and ethical AI adoption.

Notable attendees included:

H.E. Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital of Malaysia
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
Ms. Sapna Chadha, VP for Southeast Asia & South Asia Frontier, Google Asia Pacific

The presence of top leaders highlighted the weight of this initiative—not just for technology, but for the future of education and economic growth in the region.

Local Impact: AI Literacy in the Philippines

For the Philippines, AI Ready ASEAN is more than just a digital program—it’s a step toward bridging the digital divide. Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) such as Break The Fake Movement, Limitless Lab, AYO PH, Cyber Guardian, and SmartCT have been crucial in making AI concepts understandable and accessible for students and communities.

The Break The Fake Movement, in particular, is taking the lead in integrating AI literacy with media and information literacy (MIL) to combat disinformation. Working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), they’ve onboarded 100 Master Trainers to roll out Hour of Code sessions in schools and universities nationwide.

Paolo Miguel Ordonio, Executive Director of Break The Fake Movement, stressed that coding should not be seen as an exclusive skill for computer scientists. “Coding teaches critical thinking and problem-solving. By demystifying AI, we’re showing that it’s a skill anyone can learn—students, professionals, even parents.”

Why This Matters for Filipinos

With the Philippines’ young population and fast-growing digital economy, initiatives like AI Class ASEAN can be transformative. As AI reshapes industries—from BPO to education—Filipinos who are AI-literate will have a competitive advantage in the global job market.

Moreover, by teaching responsible and ethical AI use, the program also addresses concerns about misinformation, online safety, and inclusivity—issues that are especially relevant in the country’s highly active digital landscape.

AI Class ASEAN isn’t just another online course—it’s a movement to prepare Southeast Asia for an AI-driven future. For Filipinos, this means gaining the skills to thrive in an evolving economy while ensuring technology is used responsibly.

If you’re a student, teacher, or simply curious about how AI is changing our world, this initiative is worth exploring. The future is AI-powered, and with programs like this, we can make sure it’s also inclusive and ethical.
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Everyday Road Heroes: inDrive Celebrates Filipino Drivers This National Heroes’ Day

Monday, August 25, 2025

Not all heroes wear capes—some are behind the wheel, navigating our busy streets and making sure we get home safe. This National Heroes’ Day, ride-hailing platform inDrive honors its partner drivers whose quiet acts of service show that everyday heroism can be found in the most unexpected places.

From braving floodwaters to returning lost valuables and balancing family duties with long hours on the road, these drivers prove that courage, compassion, and commitment shine brightest when shared with others.

Jason Pamilar: Braving the Storm


When Typhoon Crising left roads submerged, inDrive partner driver Jason Pamilar spent nine grueling hours ensuring his passenger made it home safely. At one point, he even left the vehicle to wade through the flood just to buy food for them both.

“Ginawa ko yun kasi bilang isang driver, responsibilidad ko na ang passenger na nakasakay sa kotse. Basta kaya ko, ihahatid ko,” Jason shared.

His selflessness went viral, earning the admiration of thousands online. But for him, it wasn’t about recognition—it was simply about doing what’s right.

Rolando Perea: Honesty on the Road


Another driver, Rolando Perea, showed integrity when he discovered a passenger’s laptop left in his car. Without hesitation, he reached out and returned it.

“Hindi madali maging ride-hailing driver… Ang mahalaga ay may respeto tayo sa kapwa, maging matiyaga, masipag at magdasal para maging ligtas palagi ang byahe,” Rolando said.

His positive outlook keeps him grounded despite the daily challenges on the road.

Mark Allan Casulla: A Father First


For Mark Allan Casulla, heroism means showing up for his family. While providing for his children as the family’s breadwinner, he also makes time to drop them off at school and pick them up after.

“Napakagandang opportunity bilang TNVS driver na madali kong makakasama ang pamilya ko habang kumakayod,” Mark shared.

His dedication has also earned him recognition as one of inDrive’s top drivers for Q2 2025—a proud moment he celebrated with his son cheering him on at the awards ceremony.

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel

This year, inDrive introduced the People’s Driver Award in the Philippines, which was given to Jason. Rolando also received recognition as one of the top drivers, while Mark was celebrated for his stellar performance and inspiring balance of work and family life.

“Many of our partner drivers go beyond providing rides. They show up with integrity, empathy, and grit,” said Vanessa Taqueban, inDrive Philippines’ Driver Operations Lead. “On National Heroes’ Day, we honor our heroes behind the wheel and their commitment to driving all of us safely.”

Through stories like Jason’s, Rolando’s, and Mark’s, inDrive continues to highlight how ordinary drivers become extraordinary community heroes—one ride at a time.

For more inspiring stories about inDrive’s road heroes, visit www.inDrive.com.
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The Manila Hotel and TESDA Forge Partnership to Train Future Hospitality Leaders


The Philippines’ hospitality industry just gained a powerful boost. The Manila Hotel, an icon of Filipino heritage and service excellence, has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to serve as an official training ground for aspiring hoteliers.

Through this collaboration, the next generation of hospitality professionals will gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

A Landmark Agreement

The partnership was formalized on August 13, 2025, during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel event, with TESDA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez as guest of honor.

As part of the ceremony, TESDA awarded The Manila Hotel with its first-ever Certificates of TVET Program Registration under the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) scheme. This recognition officially designates the hotel as a hub for skills training in hospitality.

Training the Next Generation of Hoteliers

According to Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, “The Manila Hotel is proud to open its doors to the next generation of Filipino hoteliers. This partnership reflects our commitment to developing skilled professionals who will uphold and elevate Philippine hospitality on the global stage.”

Under the EBET program, trainees will undergo immersive, on-the-job training in various aspects of hotel operations, including:
  • Guest services and front office management
  • Food and beverage operations
  • Culinary arts and kitchen management
  • Housekeeping and hotel administration

This hands-on approach ensures graduates gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

Bridging Education and Industry

TESDA Secretary Benitez emphasized the importance of the initiative, “The EBET program aligns training with employer requirements, and The Manila Hotel, renowned for its heritage and service excellence, is the ideal setting for this partnership.”

By aligning with TESDA, The Manila Hotel strengthens its role as both a heritage landmark and a training institution, preparing graduates who are ready to meet local and international hospitality standards.

The partnership between The Manila Hotel and TESDA highlights how collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies can shape the future of Philippine tourism. With the EBET program in place, more young Filipinos will gain access to meaningful career opportunities in hospitality—bringing world-class Filipino service to the global stage.
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Hanabishi’s Kapartner sa Kabuhayan Helps Nanaypreneurs Build Stronger Livelihoods Through Project Karinderya


Running a small karinderya is more than just a business—it’s a way for many Filipino mothers to provide for their families and serve their communities. Recognizing this, Hanabishi Appliances has launched its Kapartner sa Kabuhayan program, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs, or nanaypreneurs.

In partnership with K-COOP’s Project Karinderya, Hanabishi recently turned over livelihood starter kits to support small eatery owners in Caloocan and Quezon City, helping them cook, serve, and grow their businesses with greater ease.

Hanabishi Extends Support to Nanaypreneurs

On August 4, 2025, Hanabishi officially donated 10 livelihood starter kits to nanaypreneurs and 2 health coordinators in their communities. The beneficiaries were identified through K-COOP and came from Camarin and Bagong Silang in Caloocan, as well as Lagro in Quezon City.


Each starter kit included:
  • Hanabishi electric fan
  • Gas stove or oven toaster
  • Rice cooker or pressure cooker
  • Water dispenser or hand mixer/blender
  • Coffee maker or airpot

These appliances will make it easier for women to run their eateries efficiently while also serving nutritious meals to their communities.

A Collaborative Effort with K-COOP, SEAOIL, and BiotechJP

The project was made stronger with the help of Hanabishi’s partners:

K-COOP (Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative) – spearheading Project Karinderya to support karinderya owners and low-income families.

SEAOIL – providing SEAGAS LPG tanks to the beneficiaries.

BiotechJP – donating Ready-to-Eat Rice (Rice to GO) to help karinderyas serve quick, filling meals.

According to Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi VP for Finance and Marketing, “At Hanabishi, we believe mothers are not only the light of their homes but also the backbone of their communities. Through Kapartner sa Kabuhayan, we want to help their businesses grow and thrive, ultimately supporting Filipino families in building sustainable livelihoods.”

Building Sustainable Livelihoods


Beyond this turnover, Hanabishi is looking to expand Kapartner sa Kabuhayan to benefit more micro-entrepreneurs across the Philippines. By joining forces with cooperatives and private sector partners, the company aims to create a ripple effect of empowerment—helping families achieve financial independence while fostering community resilience.

“We are exploring more collaborations with K-COOP and other organizations to further strengthen our livelihood programs,” Ong-Chua added.

Hanabishi’s Kapartner sa Kabuhayan proves that when corporations, cooperatives, and partners unite, they can create real change for Filipino families. By equipping nanaypreneurs with the right tools, Hanabishi isn’t just providing appliances—it’s helping build dreams, one karinderya at a time.



To know more about Hanabishi’s CSR programs, visit www.myhanabishi.com.
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Wise Becomes First Global Fintech to Fully Integrate with Philippine Payment Systems

Thursday, August 21, 2025


A Game-Changer for OFWs, Students, and Freelancers

Money remittances have always been a lifeline for Filipino families — from parents sending tuition fees abroad, to OFWs supporting loved ones back home, to freelancers working with international clients. But the struggle has often been the same: hidden fees, long delays, and strict transfer limits.

This is why Wise’s latest announcement matters. The global fintech giant has officially become the first international fintech to fully integrate with both InstaPay and PESONet, giving Filipinos faster, cheaper, and more reliable cross-border payments. Today, Wise already processes 12% of all inward personal remittances to the Philippines — a strong sign that many Filipinos are turning to smarter, more transparent ways to move their money.

What This Means for Filipinos

With this integration, Wise users can now:

  • Send and receive money seamlessly through InstaPay and PESONet.
  • Transfer large amounts abroad without delays or limits, perfect for tuition payments or family support.
  • Get real mid-market exchange rates (the same ones you see on Google) without hidden markups.
  • Enjoy lower fees — transfers like PHP 50,000 to USD are now over 10% cheaper.

This move makes it easier for OFWs, parents, and freelancers to handle international transactions without the frustrations of traditional banks.

Strengthening Financial Inclusion with National ID

To make these services even more accessible, Wise has partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to integrate with the National ID eVerify system.

Now, Filipinos can quickly verify their Wise accounts using their National ID — whether it’s a card, paper, or digital copy. This supports the government’s digitalization push and helps more Filipinos gain access to global financial tools.

PSA’s National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa emphasized that this collaboration empowers millions of Filipinos across all backgrounds, highlighting that over 88 million digital National IDs are already in use.

Wise’s Commitment to the Philippine Market


According to Areson Cuevas, Country Manager for Wise Philippines, the fintech’s rapid growth reflects the demand for better, more affordable financial solutions:

“By connecting directly to InstaPay and PESONet and streamlining National ID verification, Wise is removing barriers to transparent and affordable international money transfers. Our mission is to make sure every Filipino can move money with confidence and ease.”

Since launching locally in May 2024, Wise has introduced its Wise Account and Card, allowing Filipinos to manage over 40 currencies with no hidden fees.

Real Stories from Filipinos

For many, the benefits are already clear. Leslie May Daguplo, a freelancer paid by US-based clients, shared:

“Before using Wise, I’d always lose money to hidden fees and bad rates. Now, I see the fees upfront and get fair exchange rates. More of my earnings go straight into my pocket. It’s made managing my freelance work simpler and more affordable.”

Her experience echoes that of many Filipinos who are tired of losing hard-earned income to traditional banking systems.

For a country where remittances account for over 9% of GDP, innovations like this go beyond convenience — they directly impact family livelihoods, education, and even business growth. With Wise leading the way, we’re seeing a major step forward in financial inclusion and empowerment for Filipinos everywhere.

If you’re an OFW, a parent sending tuition abroad, or a freelancer juggling international payments, Wise’s integration with the Philippines’ payment systems might just be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
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