Home Credit x UST: Empowering Wellness and Financial Literacy #ParaSaLife

Home Credit x UST: Empowering Wellness and Financial Literacy #ParaSaLife

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

USTe! Home Credit Partners with UST Growling Tigers and Tigresses to Champion Wellness and Financial Empowerment

The roar of school pride meets the rhythm of wellness and financial empowerment as Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) teams up with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers and Golden Tigresses for UAAP Season 88. Beyond cheering for victories on the court, this collaboration aims to inspire a generation of Filipinos—especially students and young professionals—to live better, healthier, and financially smarter lives.

Home Credit Brings Wellness to the Court

Marking a new chapter in its advocacy, HCPH is blending sports, wellness, and financial literacy to create meaningful impact among Filipinos. The partnership was officially announced at the Future Focus: Building Tomorrow Together event, where the company reaffirmed its mission to help Filipinos thrive not only in their finances but also in their overall well-being.

This tie-up gives student-athletes and fans alike an empowering platform where discipline, resilience, and responsibility—values deeply embedded in both sports and smart money management—can take center stage.

Expanding Reach Through Sports and Media

Taking its advocacy nationwide, HCPH has also partnered with Cignal TV, the country’s leading sports broadcaster, to further engage sports fans. The collaboration extends to key sporting events such as:

• UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Conference
• UAAP Cheer Dance Competition
• PVL Reinforced Conference

Running from September to December 2025, these events will feature Home Credit prominently—reminding audiences that financial wellness and physical fitness go hand in hand.

A Decade of Empowerment, Evolving into a Movement

Now on its 12th year in the Philippines, Home Credit has already served over 12 million customers and partnered with 18,000 stores nationwide. What began as a mission to promote financial literacy is now expanding into a holistic wellness movement that embraces the physical, mental, social, and financial aspects of life.

“We have always been about enabling Filipinos to do more #ParaSaLife,” shared Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH. “This year, we’re taking that commitment further by linking financial literacy with overall wellness. A rewarding life doesn’t stop at financial security—it’s also about having the health and support system to sustain it.”

Wellness in Motion: The #ParaSaLife Run

Home Credit’s Takbo #ParaSaLife 2025 brought this advocacy to life, attracting over 2,300 participants from families to seasoned runners. Originally a customer appreciation activity, the event has evolved into a movement for holistic well-being, encouraging Filipinos to move, connect, and live healthier lives.

The momentum continues with Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026, set to be even bigger in partnership with RunRio, the country’s premier race organizer. The two-city race will welcome over 8,000 runners, with the Manila leg happening on February 1, 2026 at the MOA Grounds in Pasay, and the Cebu leg on March 29, 2026 at Citi de Mare.

Wellness Rooted in Financial Confidence

At its core, Home Credit believes that true wellness is sustainable when paired with financial confidence. Through educational efforts and lifestyle-driven initiatives, the company aims to reach students, young professionals, and families—empowering them to make informed, balanced choices that support both their financial and physical health.

“For us, wellness is not just about fitness or finances,” Paul emphasized. “It’s about creating opportunities for every Filipino to live fully, freely, and meaningfully. That’s the true spirit of #ParaSaLife.”

Through its partnership with UST, Home Credit Philippines champions the connection between smart financial habits and a balanced, healthy lifestyle. As the Growling Tigers and Golden Tigresses embody strength and perseverance in every game, HCPH continues to empower Filipinos to pursue the same—on and off the court.

For updates on upcoming events and initiatives, download the Home Credit App or follow @HomeCreditPH on social media.

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The Manila Hotel Named Philippines’ Leading Hotel 2025

The Manila Hotel Named Philippines’ Leading Hotel 2025

The Manila Hotel Wins “Philippines’ Leading Hotel” for the Second Year in a Row at the 2025 World Travel Awards

The pride of Filipino hospitality shines once again as The Manila Hotel secures the title of “Philippines’ Leading Hotel 2025” at the 32nd World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, held on October 13, 2025, at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. This marks the hotel’s second consecutive win, following its 2024 victory, a powerful testament to over a century of timeless elegance and unwavering service excellence.

A Hallmark of Filipino Heritage and Excellence

Often dubbed the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the World Travel Awards recognize the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality around the world. Winning this prestigious title two years in a row solidifies The Manila Hotel’s position as the country’s premier luxury destination as a place where history meets modern sophistication.

Accepting the award on behalf of the hotel, Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., President of The Manila Hotel, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“To be named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel once is already a distinct honor, but to receive this award for the second consecutive year is truly humbling. This recognition belongs to our people who are the heart and soul of The Manila Hotel and whose passion and dedication continue to define Filipino hospitality at its finest.”

Atty. Lina further emphasized that for 113 years, The Manila Hotel has been more than just a structure, it has been a living symbol of Filipino heritage, welcoming guests from around the world with warmth and grace.

A Legacy That Stands the Test of Time

Since its opening in 1912, The Manila Hotel has been the stage for countless moments in Philippine history from state banquets to cultural milestones. Through the decades, it has hosted global dignitaries, world leaders, and generations of Filipino families.

With this new accolade, the Grand Dame of Manila reaffirms its mission to honor tradition while embracing innovation. As part of its continuous evolution, the hotel remains committed to enhancing guest experiences through world-class amenities, exquisite dining, and personalized service all while keeping its historic charm alive.

Elevating Filipino Hospitality on the Global Stage

This latest international recognition not only celebrates The Manila Hotel’s achievements but also shines a spotlight on the Philippines as a world-class travel destination. It reinforces the growing appreciation for Filipino hospitality known for its genuine warmth, attention to detail, and spirit of service that makes every guest feel at home.

Winning the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel” award for the second year running is more than a victory for The Manila Hotel, it’s a celebration of Filipino excellence and resilience. As it continues to evolve while honoring its storied past, The Manila Hotel remains a proud symbol of national pride proving that true luxury never fades, it only grows stronger with time.

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ING Philippines Celebrates 35 Years with ECCP Leadership Forum

ING Philippines Celebrates 35 Years with ECCP Leadership Forum

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

ING Philippines Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Leaders with ECCP Partnership and Inspiring Forum on Purposeful Leadership

Leadership that empowers, inspires, and transforms—this was the spirit behind ING Philippines’ 35th anniversary celebration, marked by the “Do Your Thing: Lead with Impact” leadership forum held in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event brought together over a hundred emerging leaders and executives from business and finance sectors to exchange insights on what it means to lead with purpose in today’s rapidly changing world.

Empowering Filipinos to ‘Do Their Thing’ for 35 Years

For over three decades, ING Philippines has built a strong legacy of trust and innovation in financial services. In his opening remarks, Jun Palanca, Country Manager of ING Philippines, emphasized the company’s people-first philosophy.

“At ING, we believe in empowering people to go further, do their thing, and create meaningful change. Strong leadership is essential to achieving lasting impact, and this forum reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.”

The milestone event also underscored ING’s mission to shape future-ready leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the modern financial landscape.

Insights from Leaders: Transformation, Integrity, and Impact

The forum featured two engaging sessions designed to spark conversation and learning among today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.

1. Fireside Chat: “Do Your Thing: Lead with Impact”

Former RCBC President and CEO Eugene Acevedo, author of Never Stand Alone and The Future Leader, shared insights on digital transformation and leadership reinvention. He emphasized that technology is only a small part of the equation.

“Digital transformation is 90% transformational and 10% digital. Culture is what matters most. A company cannot be digitally transformed unless it is digitally ready.”

The session was moderated by Lenin Duenas, Head of Corporate Sector and Financial Institutions Coverage at ING Philippines, who steered the discussion on purposeful leadership and delivering results with integrity.

2. Panel Discussion: “Leading Across Generations and Beyond”

A multigenerational panel explored how leaders can inspire diverse teams to work toward shared goals. Panelists included Carlo Puno (Globe Telecom), Raffy Montemayor (Salmon Group and Salmon Bank), Philip Dy (Metrobank Foundation), and Jessica Sy (SM Prime Holdings), moderated by Nic Chua of ING Philippines.

The conversation highlighted the value of adaptability and empathy in leadership, especially when bridging generational perspectives in the workplace.

Celebrating Collaboration and Shared Growth

The forum also served as a reminder of ING’s global roots and strong international partnerships. H.E. Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines, commended ING’s 35-year contribution to the country’s financial landscape and praised its 6,000-strong Manila team as a core driver of the company’s regional success.

Meanwhile, Paulo Duarte, President of ECCP, expressed pride in the partnership:

“As the Philippines continues to rise as a strategic market in Asia, cultivating strong leadership across sectors is vital to sustaining inclusive growth and innovation.”

Three Decades of Milestones and Forward Momentum

Since establishing operations in 1990, ING has achieved numerous milestones that strengthened its role in the Philippine financial ecosystem. Notably, it was the first foreign bank to obtain a universal banking license in the country in 1996. To date, the company has facilitated 194 capital market transactions worth over USD 28 billion and supported 80 mergers and acquisitions valued at USD 35 billion.

These achievements reflect ING’s enduring commitment to the Philippines—empowering businesses, driving sustainable finance, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to create lasting impact.

As ING Philippines celebrates 35 years, its message to leaders is clear: lead with integrity, empower others, and stay true to your purpose. Through forums like Do Your Thing: Lead with Impact, the bank continues to champion leadership that goes beyond profit—one that prioritizes people, culture, and long-term progress.

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Manulife MOVE: Empowering Filipinos to Live Longer, Better Lives

Manulife MOVE: Empowering Filipinos to Live Longer, Better Lives

Manulife Philippines Leads the Way in Health and Longevity with Inaugural “Time to MOVE” Symposium

How can Filipinos live not just longer—but better? That was the question at the heart of Manulife Philippines’ first-ever “Time to MOVE” Longevity Symposium, held at the Grand Hyatt Manila. Bringing together over 500 health experts, financial leaders, and advocates, the event launched ManulifeMOVE, a holistic program designed to help Filipinos embrace healthier habits and purposeful living through movement, wellness, and smart financial planning.

Redefining Longevity: From Living Longer to Living Better

For many Filipinos, the definition of longevity is evolving. According to findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, more people now value quality of life over simply adding years. Younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are prioritizing wellness, purpose, and financial independence—a mindset echoed in Manulife’s new study, #FYP: Future-Proofing Young Pinoys.

“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live longer and better,” said Rahul Hora, President and CEO of Manulife Philippines. “We’re here to help them make informed decisions with trusted guidance and financial tools that empower them to enjoy a healthier, more meaningful life.”

A Holistic Approach: Bridging Health, Finance, and Purpose

The symposium featured a dynamic mix of keynote talks, expert panels, and interactive sessions, tackling how industries and individuals can collaborate to improve longevity and well-being.

Highlights included:

Preventive Health Innovation: Experts like Dr. Jeremy Lim (AMILI) and Dr. Beverly Ho (Ayala Health) discussed early detection, gut health, and preventive care.

The Future of Retirement: Aira Gaspar (Manulife Investments Philippines) and Elvin Tharm (Manulife Asia) debunked common myths about financial readiness for retirement.

Living Better for Longer: Manulife’s Ariel Kangasniemi joined ambassador Erwan Heussaff to explore sustainability, health, and purpose-driven living.

“Our choices today shape the future we want,” Kangasniemi emphasized. “Even small, consistent steps like sleeping well or eating healthy can create lasting change.”

Introducing ManulifeMOVE: Wellness Meets Financial Empowerment

At the center of the symposium was ManulifeMOVE, a comprehensive health and lifestyle program that integrates wellness insights, financial protection, and digital tools.

Here’s what MOVE offers:

Health Empowerment: Promotes preventive care and holistic wellness habits.

Exclusive Health Partnerships: Provides discounts on checkups, treatments, and fitness programs.

Digital Access: A dedicated MOVE section in the Manulife app for personalized health journeys.

Comprehensive Protection: Health and life insurance plans covering diagnosis to recovery.

The launch featured breakout sessions under the themes Live, Flex, Breathe, and Think, where attendees engaged in activities focused on nutrition, fitness, stress management, and brain health—turning insights into everyday action.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis shared how the program resonates with her personally:

“As a mom, I’ve realized how vital it is to stay healthy for my family. Time to MOVE is a beautiful reminder that caring for ourselves is an investment in a better future.”

Partnerships for a Healthier Philippines

Manulife also called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a more longevity-ready nation. Hora added, “There’s a clear opportunity to bridge the gap between aspiration and action through practical, preventive solutions that help Filipinos stay healthy and secure their future.”

By fostering conversations and creating accessible programs, Manulife Philippines continues to position itself as a partner in health, wellness, and financial confidence—empowering Filipinos to live longer, stronger, and happier lives.

The Time to MOVE Symposium is more than just a corporate milestone—it’s a movement toward a healthier and more resilient Philippines. Through programs like ManulifeMOVE, the company proves that financial strength and physical wellness go hand-in-hand in building a future where every Filipino can thrive at every stage of life.

To learn more, visit manulife.com.ph.

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YouTube Works Awards Philippines 2025: How YouTube Became the “New TV” for Filipinos

YouTube Works Awards Philippines 2025: How YouTube Became the “New TV” for Filipinos

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

YouTube Strengthens Its Reign as the “New TV” of the Philippines

For most Filipinos, YouTube has officially replaced the living room television. From Visayas to Mindanao, the platform continues to dominate as both an entertainment and information hub—becoming a vital part of everyday life across the country.

According to a 2025 Kantar survey, a massive 88% of Filipinos in rural Visayas and Mindanao watch YouTube every day. It’s no longer just an online pastime—it’s now where people go to learn, laugh, and stay connected. Meanwhile, views from internet-connected TVs quadrupled between 2020 and 2024, proving that YouTube has taken center stage in Filipino households.

Filipinos Trust YouTube More Than Any Other Platform

Trust is what keeps YouTube ahead of the game. Kantar’s findings show that 90% of Filipinos trust creators on YouTube, far higher than on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. This trust translates into action—viewers are more receptive to ads, more likely to remember messages, and even more open to purchasing from brands they encounter on the platform.

Because users enter a “flow state” while watching videos—fully focused and emotionally engaged—YouTube delivers the best ad experience compared to other platforms. Nielsen’s study further confirms this, showing YouTube to be 3.86x more effective than linear TV and 2.71x more effective than other digital media in driving ROI for advertisers.

Proven Impact: Myra E’s Success Story

One shining local example is Myra E under UL Skin Sciences, Inc., a subsidiary of UNILAB. By focusing its ad campaigns on YouTube—especially outside Metro Manila—the brand saw measurable results.

Myra’s campaigns led to a 2% national lift in supplement usage, a 5% increase in Visayas, and a 7% boost in market share in that region alone.

“Myra’s advertising on YouTube definitely paid off,” shared Paige Vicente Gacutan, Brand Lead for Myra E. “Even in rural areas, Filipinos are really engaged on the platform. YouTube is where the people are, and we’ll keep reaching our audience here to drive results.”

Google Philippines: “YouTube Is the New TV”

Prep Palacios, Country Manager of Google Philippines, highlighted the shift in how Filipinos consume content:

“Just as TV once defined advertising, YouTube is now the new TV—where trusted creators thrive, culture is shaped, and brands drive measurable impact.”

Palacios added that YouTube’s effectiveness has transformed it into a “growth engine for advertisers,” especially with the growing digital economy in rural areas.

Celebrating Creativity: YouTube Works Awards PH 2025

The spotlight shone brightest on brands that mastered the art of storytelling and digital impact during the YouTube Works Awards Philippines 2025. These campaigns proved that creativity, authenticity, and collaboration between brands and creators are key to long-term success.

Winners at the YouTube Works Awards PH 2025:

• Best of Philippines: Grab – Summer
• Multiformat Storytelling: Grab – Summer
• Masters of Media: GCash – GSafeTayo: Entertainingly Serious
• Best of Festive: Nido 3+ – Love Is Not a Word, It’s an Act

The awards also honored top-performing ad agencies for the first time:

• Media Agency of the Year: Openmind
• Creative Agency of the Year: GIGIL
• Specialty Agency of the Year: Nerve

These winners will proudly represent the Philippines at the YouTube Works Awards Southeast Asia, which saw over 800 entries from the region.

GCash Makes SEA History

Leading the pack was GCash, the first-ever Philippine brand to win at the YouTube Works Awards Southeast Asia. Their GSafeTayo: Entertainingly Serious campaign turned cybersecurity awareness into a viral, relatable story.

The campaign’s humorous yet powerful 40-second ad featuring “Tita Marnie” reached over 70 million views, lifted brand trust by 14%, and led to an 80% drop in SMS phishing reports within the first month.

“Cybercrime is a serious issue,” said Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Marketing Officer. “By using humor and relatability through YouTube, we turned a critical message into something both memorable and impactful.”

Shaping the Future of Filipino Marketing

With its massive reach, trusted creators, and strong ROI, YouTube continues to be the go-to platform for both viewers and brands in the Philippines. The YouTube Works Awards remind us that creativity and authenticity—combined with data-driven strategy—are the real power behind successful campaigns.

If you’re a marketer, creator, or brand owner, this is your cue to think beyond traditional media and start crafting content that connects and converts—right where Filipinos spend most of their screen time.

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SN Aboitiz Power Group Achieves 451% ROI with Kissflow’s Low-Code Platform

SN Aboitiz Power Group Achieves 451% ROI with Kissflow’s Low-Code Platform

Monday, October 6, 2025

How a leading renewable energy firm in the Philippines accelerated digital innovation with Kissflow’s enterprise platform

In a strong testament to the power of digital transformation, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) achieved a remarkable 451% return on investment (ROI) after adopting the Kissflow low-code platform to automate and modernize business processes across its operations.

The results come from an independent study conducted by Nucleus Research, which also named SNAP a recipient of its ROI Award 2025, recognizing organizations that deliver exceptional financial and operational gains through technology.

A digital leap powered by low-code innovation

Within just 2.8 months, SNAP recovered its investment in Kissflow by rapidly digitizing workflows and retiring outdated in-house systems. The company developed more than 114 custom applications across HR, operations, and IT service management — a move that replaced legacy systems and improved cross-department efficiency by up to 10%.

By training 19 citizen developers to build and manage workflows internally, SNAP empowered its workforce to take ownership of innovation without adding pressure on IT teams.

“Kissflow offers us powerful integration capabilities, enabling smooth connections with other systems and data sources for enhanced workflow automation,” said Maria Theresa Cabigon, Chief Information Officer of SN Aboitiz Power Group.

Driving measurable results and operational excellence

According to Nucleus Research, SNAP’s adoption of Kissflow led to:

• 451% ROI with a 2.8-month payback period
• $61,000 in annual savings from retiring legacy systems
• 5–10% efficiency gains in HR and O&M processes
• 19 citizen developers trained for in-house innovation
• 114+ business apps built to automate critical functions

The shift to a unified low-code environment allowed SNAP to align with its enterprise architecture roadmap, reduce IT dependency, and achieve scalable, secure digital transformation — all while maintaining agility in an evolving energy landscape.

Empowering enterprises to scale transformation

“SNAP’s success underscores how organizations can accelerate transformation and unlock extraordinary ROI through Kissflow’s platform,” said Rakesh Nandakumar, Associate Vice President for APAC at Kissflow. “This is what happens when technology meets empowerment — when employees are given tools to innovate faster and smarter.”

Kissflow’s unified platform combines no-code and low-code capabilities, giving both business users and IT teams the flexibility to automate processes, integrate data sources, and build scalable digital solutions. Its global clients include Pepsi, Danone, Motorola Solutions, and McDermott, among others.

About SN Aboitiz Power Group

SNAP is a leading renewable energy producer and developer in the Philippines, operating hydroelectric power plants in Benguet, Isabela, and Ifugao, as well as the Magat battery energy storage facility. It is a joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI).

About Kissflow

Kissflow is a pioneer in the low-code/no-code digital operations space, empowering enterprises to automate workflows and drive innovation with speed and scalability. Recognized by Gartner, Forrester, and G2, Kissflow continues to redefine how businesses build and manage digital solutions. Learn more at kissflow.com.

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Palo Alto Networks Warns: 36% of Cyber Incidents Start with Human Error

Palo Alto Networks Warns: 36% of Cyber Incidents Start with Human Error

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Cybercriminals are no longer just hacking systems — they’re hacking people.

The latest 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report: Social Engineering Edition from Palo Alto Networks reveals an alarming trend in the world of cybersecurity: attackers are now focusing less on breaking through technology, and more on exploiting human trust.

According to the report, 36% of cyber incidents handled between May 2024 and May 2025 began with some form of social engineering — tactics designed to trick individuals into giving up access or sensitive data.

Social Engineering: The New Frontline of Cybercrime

While phishing remains a well-known threat, Palo Alto Networks’ research shows that attackers are getting creative. Over a third of all social engineering cases now use non-phishing methods, including SEO poisoning, fake system prompts, and help desk manipulation — all designed to mislead users into compromising their own devices.

The report outlines two major types of attacks emerging in 2025:

Targeted and high-touch compromises – where attackers impersonate employees or manipulate help desks using stolen identity data and even real-time voice lures.

Broad, at-scale deception campaigns – such as ClickFix, fake browser updates, and malicious search results that reach users en masse.

The Alarming Numbers Behind the Trend

• 13% of critical alerts were either missed or incorrectly classified, giving hackers time to exploit weak points in identity recovery workflows and internal systems.

• Over 50% of incidents led to data exposure or operational disruptions, resulting in lost productivity and financial strain.

• Generative AI has accelerated the sophistication of these attacks, with 23% involving voice or callback techniques.

• A staggering 93% of cases were financially motivated, showing that human-centered attacks remain a low-cost, high-reward tactic.

• Top targeted industries include manufacturing (15%), professional/legal services (11%), wholesale/retail (10%), and financial services (10%).

The Philippine Context: A Growing Need for Cyber Awareness

Here in the Philippines, issues such as identity-related fraud, illegal access, and data interference remain widespread. These threats are often powered by the same social engineering tactics described in the report.

The National Cybersecurity Plan 2023–2028 continues to address these risks through enhanced response teams, incident protocols, and nationwide awareness programs — but experts say awareness alone isn’t enough.

“The biggest vulnerability in cybersecurity isn’t the technology itself — it’s trust,” said Philippa Cogswell, Vice President and Managing Partner for Unit 42, Asia-Pacific & Japan. She explained that attackers now use AI to scale deception, exploiting gaps in identity management and human behavior.

“To truly protect organizations, we need to build resilience that safeguards not just systems, but people and processes as well,” she added.

How Organizations Can Build Cyber Resilience

The Unit 42 report emphasizes that companies should move beyond awareness campaigns and invest in systemic resilience. Key recommendations include:

Strengthen identity security – Use identity-based analytics and ITDR (Identity Threat Detection and Response) to flag abnormal logins or MFA misuse.

Adopt Zero Trust access – Limit privileges, apply conditional access, and segment networks to prevent lateral attacks.

Secure human workflows – Train frontline teams to recognize impersonation, pretexting, and voice-based scams, especially in help desk and identity recovery processes.

Expand monitoring beyond email – Keep an eye on browsers, DNS activity, and collaboration platforms to detect fake prompts and SEO traps before they spread.

Protecting People as Much as Systems

As digital threats evolve, it’s clear that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a human issue. For Filipino businesses, this means training employees, enforcing secure access, and partnering with cybersecurity experts to stay ahead of modern threats.

To learn more, you can download the full report from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42:

2025 Global Incident Response Report: Social Engineering Edition

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