The Storyteller Online

InnovationOne and VIU Philippines Team Up to Bring Brands into the Heart of Asian Streaming Culture

Thursday, November 13, 2025

A new era of premium, culturally connected advertising arrives for Philippine brands

As Filipino viewers continue shifting from traditional TV to digital platforms, brands are now racing to meet audiences where they actually spend time streaming their favorite Asian dramas, variety shows, and K-content hits. This growing demand for culturally relevant advertising has paved the way for a major collaboration between InnovationOne, the digital arm of United Neon Media Group (UNMG), and VIU Philippines, one of Asia’s leading streaming platforms.

This partnership opens up fresh opportunities for advertisers looking to tap into a young, digital-first audience that treats streaming as the new primetime.

Creating More Meaningful Brand Visibility Through Premium Asian Content

Through this collaboration, InnovationOne gains direct access to VIU’s ad inventory including branded content integrations embedded within the platform’s most-watched titles. From blockbuster Korean dramas to VIU Originals and regional hits, brands can now appear beside content Filipinos are already emotionally invested in.

InnovationOne Managing Director Raphael T. Layosa described this as a huge advantage, noting that “Filipinos are among the world’s biggest consumers of Korean and Asian entertainment,” and that appearing alongside such content gives brands a deeply engaged audience receptive to storytelling-driven campaigns.

Strengthening Digital Marketing with Cultural Access

The ceremonial signing of the partnership included leaders from VIU and UNMG:

Raphael T. Layosa, InnovationOne Managing Director
Vicente Sy-Quia, VIU Philippines Country Head
Torto Canga, VIU Philippines Channel Revenue & Partnerships Head
Michael San G. Mendoza, UNMG Chief Commercial Officer

UNMG Deputy COO Benjamin Lim emphasized that the partnership aligns with their mission of pushing advertising innovation forward. He explained that “streaming has become the new primetime,” and this collaboration gives brands something far more powerful than simple ad placements, it gives them cultural access, backed by data, insights, and audience passion points.

Reaching Filipino Viewers in the Platforms They Prefer

The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, as more Filipinos opt for on-demand streaming over linear TV. VIU’s dual setup, an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier ensures advertisers reach diverse audience groups with strong watch-time and engagement.

With InnovationOne’s end-to-end expertise in strategy, analytics, creative content, social media, and performance marketing, brands now have a comprehensive pathway to activate campaigns that feel natural, relevant, and deeply integrated into Filipino viewing culture.

A Win for Content-Driven Advertising

As streaming continues shaping Filipino pop culture, partnerships like this help brands stay visible in the moments that matter when audiences are fully immersed, inspired, and emotionally connected. For businesses looking to elevate their storytelling or boost digital reach, InnovationOne and VIU’s collaboration offers a smart, strategic path forward.

If you're aiming for campaigns that resonate, now’s the time to plug into the content Filipinos love.

TP Philippines Reinforces Support for Philippine Red Cross

A Renewed Commitment to Helping Filipinos in Times of Crisis

At a time when many Filipino families in the Visayas and Mindanao are recovering from recent earthquakes, Teleperformance (TP) in the Philippines has once again stepped up to support communities in need. Through its global CSR arm, Citizen of the World (COTW), the company turned over a new round of assistance to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), reinforcing its dedication to humanitarian work and disaster response.

This renewed partnership highlights what many Filipinos already know—when disasters strike, strong public-private collaborations accelerate relief, recovery, and hope.

TP Leaders Join PRC in Support of Nationwide Relief Efforts

During the turnover ceremony, several global and Philippine TP executives were present, including:

Miranda Collard, CEO of TP in the Americas
Anish Mukker, CEO of TP.AI and Chief Operating Officer of TP in India and the Philippines
Rahul Jolly, CEO of Teleperformance Philippines
Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP Philippines and President of the Citizen of the World Foundation

They were welcomed by PRC leadership led by Richard Gordon, Chairman and CEO, and Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General.

A Partnership Rooted in Compassion and Volunteerism

During the event, Johnson emphasized TP’s deep culture of volunteerism, sharing that their employees remain at the heart of their humanitarian initiatives. He explained that their people consistently “drive meaningful change through compassion in action,” whether supporting disaster-stricken communities or participating in ongoing community outreach programs across the country.

Gordon, in turn, thanked TP for its unwavering support through the years. He highlighted that the company’s continued assistance has positively impacted thousands of Filipinos, especially during times when help is needed most.

Hands-On Support: TP Leaders Pack Relief Kits with PRC

After the ceremonial turnover, TP executives rolled up their sleeves and took part in a symbolic relief-pack assembly. These kits filled with essentials for affected families will be distributed to communities in crisis across the Visayas and Mindanao.

This hands-on gesture reflects TP’s belief that meaningful change happens not just through donations, but through people showing up and contributing time and effort.

More Than a Decade of Humanitarian Partnership

Teleperformance Philippines has worked closely with the PRC for over ten years through:

Monetary donations
Volunteer-driven initiatives
Nationwide blood donation activities

This long-standing partnership exemplifies the mission of Citizen of the World: to uplift communities, empower volunteers, and help build stronger, more resilient Filipino families no matter the challenges.

Teleperformance’s renewed support for the Philippine Red Cross is a powerful reminder that corporate citizenship matters especially in a country as disaster-prone as the Philippines. If more organizations take part in strengthening humanitarian efforts, Filipinos can look toward a safer and more prepared future.

csr · features · sustainability

Vena Energy Leads Coastal Clean-Up at Talim Island Rizal

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Vena Energy Leads the Way in Protecting Rizal’s Shorelines

When it comes to walking the talk on sustainability, Vena Energy continues to set the bar high. The leading renewable energy company in the Asia Pacific region recently held a Coastal Clean-Up at Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal, on November 6, reinforcing its mission to protect the environment and empower the communities it serves.

The clean-up, which benefitted Barangay Gulod, is the third in a six-part series of environmental drives led by Vena Energy in the province. Each initiative strengthens the company’s vision of building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Philippines one community at a time.

Working Hand-in-Hand with the Community

The event was organized in partnership with the Barangay Council of Gulod, showcasing how corporate and community cooperation can create a powerful force for positive change.

Vena Energy employees joined local residents in cleaning the shores of Laguna de Bay. Registration and assembly took place along the Coastal Road near the Municipal Annex, with volunteers hitting the shoreline from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Together, they collected debris and litter, helping prevent pollution from reaching the waters of the country’s largest lake.

“Our commitment to sustainable energy is tied to the well-being of the communities we serve,” shared a Vena Energy representative. “Through efforts like this, we aim to protect both the environment and the livelihoods that depend on it.”

Beyond Energy: A Culture of Environmental Stewardship

For Vena Energy, sustainability doesn’t stop at generating clean power—it also means ensuring the health of the ecosystems that sustain local life. By taking a hands-on approach to conservation, the company continues to prove that environmental protection and business growth can go hand in hand.

The clean-up concluded with a brief fellowship among participants, celebrating teamwork and shared responsibility for the planet. Volunteers were reminded that even small acts like picking up trash can make a lasting impact on the community’s future.

Looking Ahead: More Clean-Ups to Come

The Talim Island clean-up is just the beginning. Vena Energy has lined up similar initiatives in other Rizal barangays including Navotas, Subay, and Boor in the coming weeks. Each event strengthens the company’s ongoing environmental advocacy and reinforces its partnerships with local government units and residents.

Through these efforts, Vena Energy continues to redefine what it means to be a sustainable energy leader not only by generating renewable power but also by championing environmental action and community care.

With climate change and pollution affecting coastal communities, efforts like Vena Energy’s clean-up drives serve as vital reminders that sustainability starts with collective action. If more companies followed suit, cleaner shorelines and healthier communities wouldn’t just be a goal, they’d be our reality.

business

LIFT Energizes Bacolod with Dare to Switch at MassKara

Monday, November 10, 2025

Coca-Cola’s newest drink energizes Bacolod with its fearless and fun spirit

The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is known for its colorful masks, non-stop street parties, and contagious energy and this year, Coca-Cola Philippines’ newest drink, LIFT, brought an extra jolt of excitement to the city’s biggest celebration.

For the first time ever, LIFT joined the festivities, lighting up Lacson Street with a three-day activation that dared festival-goers to push their limits and embrace the brand’s bold, challenger mindset through its “Dare to Switch” campaign.

High-Energy Fun: The Dare to Switch Experience

Thousands of festival-goers flocked to the LIFT booth, one of the most talked-about attractions during MassKara weekend. Attendees faced a series of exciting challenges designed to test strength, agility, and focus all while showcasing their fearless side.

Participants navigated their way through the LIFT Maze, showed off their power at the LIFT UpBar, unleashed creativity at the LIFT Art Photo Wall, and tested precision in the LIFT Bottle Up Challenge. Each station encouraged Bacolodnons to step out of their comfort zones, have fun, and celebrate their unstoppable energy, the same traits that define both MassKara and LIFT.

The result? Non-stop laughter, friendly competition, and countless share-worthy moments across social media as attendees documented their victories and snapped selfies with the brand’s signature orange-and-yellow setup.

Celebrating Confidence and the Filipino Spirit

The activation perfectly mirrored the MassKara Festival’s theme of resilience and optimism, values that LIFT proudly champions.

“LIFT’s first-ever MassKara activation was a celebration of the bold spirit that defines both the brand and the festival,” shared Frenissa Mae Lagman, Frontline Marketing Senior Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “MassKara is all about uplifting the Filipino spirit, and LIFT embodies that same drive to face every challenge with confidence and dare to switch when it’s time to level up.”

As the festival came to a close, LIFT left Bacolod buzzing energizing thousands of attendees and inspiring them to take on life’s challenges with renewed confidence and excitement.

Fueling the Challenger Mindset Nationwide

Following its successful MassKara debut, LIFT is gearing up to bring the Dare to Switch experience to more regions across the Philippines. Bacolod may have been the first to experience the brand’s electric presence, but more Filipinos can look forward to their own taste of LIFT’s bold, refreshing energy soon.

Ready to make the switch? LIFT is now available in sari-sari stores across Western Visayas, perfect for anyone who’s up for a challenge and ready to power up their day.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and nationwide activations by following LIFT Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

business · digital transformation

GoTyme Bank Partners with Wise Platform to Revolutionize International Remittances for Filipinos

Faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border transfers now possible through GoTyme Bank app

Sending money home just got easier, faster, and smarter for millions of Filipino families. GoTyme Bank, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing digital banks, has officially partnered with Wise Platform, the global leader in payment infrastructure.

This landmark collaboration makes GoTyme Bank the first Wise Platform partner in the Philippines and Wise’s first International Receive partner in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Together, they’re empowering over 7.8 million Filipinos with seamless, low-cost, and transparent international remittances through the GoTyme Bank app.

Redefining How Filipinos Receive Money from Abroad

For decades, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families have faced steep remittance fees, hidden charges, and long processing times. The GoTyme–Wise partnership tackles these long-standing challenges head-on by integrating Wise’s trusted global infrastructure directly into the GoTyme Bank app.

Customers can now receive money from over 11,000 banks worldwide via SWIFT, covering 23 major currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD all with transparent pricing and faster settlement.

With just a few taps, users can view and share their GoTyme account details, making it easier for senders abroad to transfer funds directly to the Philippines. Once received, customers can withdraw their remittances for free at over 1,400 Robinsons Retail partner stores nationwide, ensuring accessibility even without traditional bank branches.

Empowering Families and Building a More Inclusive Financial Future

Remittances are a lifeline for millions of Filipino households. In 2024 alone, OFWs sent home over US$38 billion, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. However, Wise research shows that Filipinos lost around USD 170 million (₱9.74 billion) that same year due to hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

This new integration changes that. By making remittances faster, fairer, and more transparent, GoTyme Bank and Wise Platform are helping families get the full value of every peso sent turning overseas earnings into opportunities for education, livelihood, and growth.

“Our collaboration with Wise is about creating a trusted remittance experience that feels effortless,” said Nate Clarke, President and CEO of GoTyme Bank. “By pairing Wise’s world-class technology and global network with GoTyme Bank’s simple, beautiful banking, we’re redefining how Filipinos support their families, grow their ambitions, and stay connected to what matters most.”

“This partnership exemplifies Wise’s mission to build the infrastructure for the world’s money,” added Samarth Bansal, APAC General Manager of Wise Platform. “GoTyme Bank is the first in the Philippines to break away from hidden charges and slow speeds on SWIFT payments. For 14 years, Wise has been building better cross-border systems and now, Filipinos can benefit from this innovation through GoTyme.”

A New Era for Cross-Border Banking

As Filipinos increasingly expect global payments to be as seamless as local transfers, this partnership sets a new benchmark for digital banking in the Philippines. Combining GoTyme’s customer-first approach with Wise’s trusted global network, the two companies are bringing world-class financial access to millions of Filipinos both at home and abroad.

This collaboration isn’t just about faster transactions, it’s about empowering real connections between families and communities, wherever they are in the world.

To experience smarter, faster remittances, download the GoTyme Bank app and start receiving money from abroad with no hidden fees, just real value.

entrepreneurship · msme

Discovery Capital and Kredit Hero Empower Filipino SMEs

Saturday, November 8, 2025

A powerful partnership for SME growth and financial inclusion

In a move that promises to reshape the financing landscape for Filipino entrepreneurs, Discovery Capital Finance Corporation (DCFC) has teamed up with fintech innovator Kredit Hero, Inc. to make business loans more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The new alliance combines Discovery Capital’s trusted lending experience with Kredit Hero’s cutting-edge AI technology, creating a partnership that champions the spirit of nation-building one business at a time.

Bringing Finance Closer to Filipino SMEs

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, access to capital remains a major hurdle. With this partnership, DCFC and Kredit Hero are bridging that gap through a hybrid financing model that combines Discovery Capital’s six on-ground offices with Kredit Hero’s nationwide digital reach.

According to Diosdado C. Salang Jr., President of Discovery Capital Finance Corp., the partnership goes beyond business growth, it’s about empowering local communities.

“This collaboration with Kredit Hero is more than just numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about giving entrepreneurs the support they need to thrive and, in turn, uplifting the communities they serve,” he shared.

Accelerating Access Through Technology

Through Kredit Hero’s AI-powered credit marketplace, SMEs can expect faster, more efficient loan processing. This technology-driven approach ensures that even unbanked and underbanked entrepreneurs can connect with financing options that suit their needs without the usual red tape.

The partnership focuses on four key goals:

Expand hybrid footprint: Merge DCFC’s physical offices with Kredit Hero’s online accessibility.

Promote financial inclusion: Reach underserved entrepreneurs across the Philippines.

Enhance borrower experience: Simplify loan processing with quicker approvals.

Boost local economies: Enable more SMEs to create jobs and sustain growth.

Nation-Building Through Inclusive Financing

Both companies share a vision rooted in inclusive growth. As SMEs are often called the backbone of the Philippine economy, this collaboration empowers them to scale up operations, invest in innovation, and strengthen their contribution to the country’s progress.

With Discovery Capital’s commitment to transparent lending and Kredit Hero’s AI-driven solutions, this partnership signals a new era for entrepreneurs—where access to funding is no longer a privilege but a right.

As local businesses continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery, this partnership offers hope and opportunity. It’s a reminder that when innovation meets purpose, Filipino entrepreneurs can dream bigger and achieve more.

If you’re an SME owner looking for financing solutions, keep an eye on Discovery Capital and Kredit Hero, this could be the partnership that helps you take your business to the next level.

business

Manulife Philippines Expands Presence with New Agency Office in Makati City

Friday, November 7, 2025

Strengthening its Mission to Empower More Filipino Families Through Financial Security

Global financial services leader Manulife continues to grow its footprint in the country with the opening of its newest agency office located on the 10th floor of Ayala North Exchange Tower 1 in Makati City.

This modern workspace will serve as a new home for Manulife’s expanding agency sales force, supporting its ongoing mission to help more Filipinos build stronger, more secure financial futures.

A New Chapter in Empowering Financial Advisors

Present during the opening ceremony were Rahul Hora, President and CEO of Manulife Philippines; Sailesh Nalinakshan, Chief Agency Officer; and Ian Mar Dayot, National Agency Sales Head joined by the company’s financial advisors and agency leaders.

In his remarks, Hora emphasized the company’s dedication to growth and innovation:

“The opening of our Ayala North Exchange office marks an exciting milestone for Manulife Philippines. This new space reflects our commitment to empowering our growing agency force and strengthening our presence in Makati and across the NCR,” he said. “By investing in modern, collaborative environments, we enable our financial advisors to deliver exceptional service and solutions helping make decisions easier and lives better for our customers.”

Creating Modern, Collaborative Workspaces

The new Ayala North Exchange office is part of Manulife’s broader strategy to create spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and purpose. The design reflects the company’s focus on empowering financial advisors to connect meaningfully with clients, making financial planning more accessible to Filipino families.

Located in the heart of Makati’s bustling business district, the new office gives Manulife’s advisors an ideal base to reach more customers in Metro Manila especially professionals and entrepreneurs who want to take charge of their financial well-being.

Commitment to Growth and Service Excellence

With this expansion, Manulife Philippines reinforces its long-standing presence in the country and its promise to be a trusted partner for every stage of the Filipino financial journey.

The company continues to provide a wide range of life insurance, investment, and financial protection solutions, backed by a growing network of advisors trained to guide Filipinos toward long-term financial stability.

This latest office opening signals Manulife’s continued investment in its people ensuring that its advisors have the right tools, training, and environment to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

As financial literacy and long-term planning become more crucial than ever, Manulife’s expansion in Makati is a timely move. By creating more spaces for its advisors to collaborate and connect with clients, Manulife is showing that it’s not just about selling policies, it’s about building lasting relationships and empowering every Filipino family to dream bigger.

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