RCBC Partners with Digital Edge NARRA 1 for Resilient Digital Banking

RCBC Partners with Digital Edge NARRA 1 for Resilient Digital Banking

Monday, December 15, 2025

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) is taking a decisive step toward future-ready banking as it formalizes a strategic partnership with Digital Edge (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd., reinforcing the backbone of the Philippines’ fast-evolving digital finance ecosystem.

Under the partnership, RCBC will migrate its production site to Digital Edge’s NARRA 1, currently the largest operating true carrier-neutral data center in the Philippines. The move supports RCBC’s long-term digital transformation agenda, ensuring its systems are resilient, secure, and capable of supporting the growing demand for always-on digital banking services nationwide.

The ceremonial signing was held at RCBC Plaza in Makati City, attended by senior leaders from both organizations, including RCBC President and CEO Reggie Cariaso, RCBC Chief Information Officer John Alabastro, Digital Edge Philippines President and CEO Vic Barrios, and Threadborne Group Chairman Charlie Rufino.

Building a stronger foundation for next-generation banking

The Philippine banking sector is entering a new era marked by accelerating digital adoption, increasing transaction volumes, the rise of AI-enabled services, and stricter cybersecurity and regulatory expectations. For banks, this shift demands not only innovation but also a stronger and more resilient technology foundation.

As part of its 2026 digital roadmap, RCBC is focused on enhancing operational resilience, expanding high-availability infrastructure, and strengthening compliance across its most critical environments. Migrating production workloads to NARRA 1 enables the bank to safeguard essential systems, support expanding digital services, and deliver consistent, secure customer experiences even as demand continues to rise.

This infrastructure upgrade comes at a pivotal time. As more Filipinos rely on digital channels for everyday banking, RCBC is reinforcing its IT backbone to stay ahead of industry expectations and support long-term growth.

“Digital Edge’s operational track record, sustainability-centered engineering expertise, and commitment to security made them the right partner for us,” said John Alabastro, RCBC Chief Information Officer. “We selected NARRA 1 because it delivers the technical scale and environmental efficiency required by a modern, fast-growing bank.”

Why NARRA 1 fits RCBC’s mission-critical needs

Designed to support high-demand enterprise workloads, NARRA 1 provides a future-ready environment for RCBC’s mission-critical operations. The facility features a Tier 3, carrier-neutral architecture engineered for high availability, supported by 100 percent dual-power redundancy to minimize the risk of service disruption.

Security and privacy controls at NARRA 1 are aligned with the stringent requirements of the banking sector, helping RCBC meet regulatory expectations while protecting sensitive customer and transactional data. At the same time, the data center’s renewable-energy-powered and energy-efficient design supports RCBC’s broader sustainability objectives.

Together, these capabilities allow RCBC to scale production workloads with confidence, balancing performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility as it accelerates its digital transformation.

Supporting the shift to hybrid and cloud-ready banking

The partnership also reflects a broader trend across the Philippine financial sector. Banks and financial institutions are increasingly modernizing legacy systems and moving toward hybrid and cloud-ready environments to support innovation, improve agility, and strengthen resilience.

“We are seeing a clear shift as financial institutions prioritize resilience and modernization,” said Vic Barrios, President and CEO of Digital Edge Philippines. “RCBC’s decision to locate its production workloads in NARRA 1 validates our commitment to providing banking-grade infrastructure built for security, uptime, and high-density performance.”

Barrios added that Digital Edge is well-positioned to support RCBC and other financial institutions as they prepare for the next phase of digital growth.

A sustainable and compliant data center for regulated industries

NARRA 1 stands out not only for scale and reliability, but also for sustainability and compliance. The facility is TIA-942-C certified, powered entirely by renewable energy, and recognized with BERDE, IFC EDGE, and LEED Gold certifications. It is also engineered to deliver one of the lowest Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratings in the region, reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s most energy-efficient data centers.

Built to meet the regulatory and security standards required by banks and other regulated institutions, NARRA 1 offers a stable, high-performance environment for modern financial operations. Its industry recognition, including the Innovation in Energy Efficiency Award for Southeast Asia from the W.Media Asia Pacific Cloud and Data Center Awards, further underscores its engineering excellence.

For RCBC, colocating in a highly resilient and environmentally efficient facility strengthens its vision of building a secure and sustainable digital banking ecosystem. For the broader industry, the partnership highlights growing momentum among Philippine banks to adopt modern, sustainability-driven colocation solutions.

Setting the pace for 2026 and beyond

The collaboration between RCBC and Digital Edge sets a strong benchmark for how banks can align resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in their digital infrastructure strategies. As digital banking continues to expand and technologies evolve, the partnership positions RCBC to meet today’s demands while remaining ready for the innovations expected in 2026 and beyond.

By investing in robust, future-ready infrastructure, RCBC reinforces its commitment to delivering reliable digital services to millions of Filipinos, while Digital Edge strengthens its role as a trusted partner for mission-critical financial workloads in the Philippines.

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Allianz Donates €200,000 for Typhoon Uwan Relief in the Philippines

Allianz Donates €200,000 for Typhoon Uwan Relief in the Philippines

As communities across the Philippines continue to recover from yet another devastating storm season, Allianz SE has stepped forward with meaningful support. The global insurance leader announced a donation of up to €200,000 to help fund emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts following the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan, known internationally as Fung Wong.

The typhoon struck in mid-November, bringing intense rainfall and destructive winds that affected 16 regions nationwide. According to initial reports, around 2.1 million families were impacted. The situation was made even more difficult by the fact that several areas were still dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which caused flooding and landslides just days earlier. The back-to-back disasters placed immense strain on already vulnerable communities, creating an urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance.

Supporting rescue, relief, and recovery efforts

Allianz structured its response to address both immediate and long-term needs. Up to €100,000 of the total donation has been allocated to the German Red Cross, which will support the Philippine Red Cross in carrying out urgent rescue and relief operations in affected areas. This includes emergency assistance such as evacuation support, basic necessities, and on-the-ground humanitarian response.

Beyond immediate aid, Allianz is also investing in recovery and preparedness. An additional up to €100,000 will be directed toward post-disaster support programs, implemented in collaboration with Allianz PNB Life and local partners. These initiatives will focus on disaster prevention and climate resilience, helping communities rebuild while strengthening their ability to cope with future natural disasters.

This two-pronged approach reflects Allianz’s broader philosophy of protection. Relief is not only about responding when disaster strikes, but also about ensuring families and communities are better equipped for what lies ahead.

Standing with Filipino communities in times of crisis

“At Allianz, we stand united with the people and communities of the Philippines, determined to help them recover following the recent typhoons,” said Renate Wagner, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE, responsible for Asia Pacific, Mergers and Acquisitions, and People and Cultures. She emphasized that through financial support and hands-on collaboration, Allianz aims to help families rebuild their lives, enable businesses to restart, and restore a sense of hope in affected areas.

The Philippines remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with typhoons becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. For insurers like Allianz, this reality reinforces the importance of combining risk protection with proactive community support.

Allianz PNB Life’s role on the ground

In the Philippines, Allianz operates through Allianz PNB Life, one of the country’s leading life insurers. The company serves thousands of customers nationwide and works closely with Philippine National Bank through its bancassurance partnership. It is also supported by more than 400 financial advisors and 2,000 LifeChangers who serve its agency clients.

During times of crisis, Allianz PNB Life plays a crucial role in extending the group’s commitment to protection and recovery at the local level.

“At Allianz, we stand beside you throughout a natural catastrophe, helping protect what matters most: people first, then property and business continuity,” said Joseph Gross, President and CEO of Allianz PNB Life. He added that the support from Allianz SE enables the company to strengthen disaster relief efforts and assist Filipino families when they need it most.

Why insurer-led disaster support matters

Natural catastrophes do more than damage homes and infrastructure. They disrupt livelihoods, education, and local economies. As storms grow stronger and more frequent, the role of insurers extends beyond financial compensation. Insurers provide stability during recovery, support rebuilding efforts, and help restore confidence in affected communities.

Allianz’s response to Typhoon Uwan highlights how global organizations can leverage their resources, partnerships, and expertise to deliver timely and effective assistance. By supporting both emergency relief and resilience-building initiatives, Allianz contributes to faster recovery and more sustainable outcomes.

A long-term commitment to Asia and the Philippines

The Philippines is a key market for Allianz, which views Asia as a strategic growth region. Across Southeast Asia, Allianz has established strong market positions and operates in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, among others. This regional presence allows the group to respond quickly and collaborate effectively with local entities during crises.

For Filipino communities affected by Typhoon Uwan, Allianz’s donation represents more than financial aid. It is a reminder that global institutions can play a meaningful role in supporting recovery, strengthening resilience, and protecting what matters most when disasters strike.

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Vena Energy Wins Bronze at AmCham 2025 Corporate Social Impact Awards

Vena Energy Wins Bronze at AmCham 2025 Corporate Social Impact Awards

Vena Energy has once again reinforced its role as a responsible energy partner in the Philippines after securing a Bronze Award at the AmCham Philippines 2025 Corporate Social Impact (CSI) Awards. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to community welfare through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program, implemented by its Philippine entity, Helios Solar Energy Corp. (HSEC).

The award was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, under the Community Impact & Civic Engagement category—one of the most competitive segments of the annual awards. The recognition underscores Vena Energy’s belief that delivering clean and renewable energy must go hand in hand with meaningful investments in social development, particularly within its host communities.

Advancing Community Well-Being Beyond Clean Energy

As a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, Vena Energy continues to expand its renewable energy footprint in the Philippines. However, the company emphasizes that sustainable progress is not limited to power generation alone. Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Vena Energy actively supports programs that address essential needs such as health, sanitation, education, and community resilience.

The award-winning WASH Program reflects this integrated approach. Implemented in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, the initiative directly responds to public health challenges related to inadequate access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education—issues that significantly affect children, families, and vulnerable sectors.

Strengthening Local Impact Through Strategic Partnerships

The WASH Program was carried out in close collaboration with the Cadiz City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Office (CHO). By working alongside local government units, Vena Energy ensured that the program addressed real, on-the-ground needs while aligning with the city’s broader health and social development goals.

The initiative focuses on improving sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene awareness, and supporting early childhood development—areas that play a critical role in preventing disease and fostering long-term community resilience. These efforts align with Vena Energy’s CSR pillar on Community Well-being and Infrastructure Development and contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, health, and sustainable communities.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. commended the partnership, emphasizing the program’s positive impact on local families and children. He noted that HSEC’s contribution to the city’s Early Childhood Care and Development Program has helped strengthen public services while improving outcomes for young learners and their communities.

Recognition That Reflects Long-Term Commitment

For Vena Energy, the Bronze Award represents more than an accolade—it serves as validation of its long-term commitment to inclusive growth and responsible development in the Philippines. The company’s approach to CSR is rooted in sustained engagement, rather than one-off initiatives, ensuring that programs continue to deliver measurable impact over time.

“Vena Energy is deeply honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our team’s dedication to our Filipino host communities,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of the Philippines for Vena Energy. He emphasized that as the company supports the country’s renewable energy targets, it remains equally focused on empowering its workforce and investing in initiatives that uplift communities where it operates.

The Philippines has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 35 percent renewable energy share by 2030, and Vena Energy plays an active role in supporting this national objective. At the same time, the company integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations to ensure that growth remains responsible, inclusive, and sustainable.

Building a Cleaner and More Resilient Future

The AmCham recognition further strengthens Vena Energy’s position as a trusted partner for both government and communities in the Philippines. Its success is built on strong collaboration with local stakeholders, a deep understanding of community needs, and a commitment to aligning business growth with social value creation.

By addressing fundamental issues such as water access, sanitation, and hygiene, Vena Energy demonstrates how private sector participation can drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. The WASH Program serves as a model for how renewable energy companies can contribute beyond infrastructure—by investing in the health, dignity, and long-term resilience of the communities they serve.

As Vena Energy continues to expand its clean energy portfolio in the country, initiatives like the WASH Program affirm its broader mission: to grow alongside the Philippines while helping build a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.

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UNIQLO Thank You Festival: Giving Back Through the Power of Clothing

UNIQLO Thank You Festival: Giving Back Through the Power of Clothing

Saturday, December 13, 2025

For UNIQLO, gratitude does not end with discounts and promos. Through its annual Thank You Festival, the global apparel brand continues to transform appreciation into meaningful action, reinforcing its long-standing belief in the Power of Clothing as a force for inclusion, dignity, and positive change.

While the Thank You Festival is widely known as UNIQLO’s way of rewarding customers with special offers, the brand has steadily expanded the celebration to include communities that need support the most. From disaster-stricken areas to underserved sectors, UNIQLO’s initiatives throughout the year reflect a deeper commitment to building a more circular and inclusive economy in the Philippines.

Beyond promos: celebrating gratitude with purpose

The Thank You Festival has always symbolized UNIQLO’s appreciation for customer trust and loyalty. But alongside in-store deals and seasonal excitement, the brand has made it clear that gratitude should also be shared with those who may not always benefit from commercial festivities.

Under this philosophy, UNIQLO continues to extend help to underprivileged groups, disaster survivors, and frontline communities, ensuring that the spirit of the festival reaches beyond retail spaces. Clothing, for UNIQLO, is not just about style or comfort. It is about improving daily life, especially during times of hardship.

Supporting farmers and local partners

One of the key initiatives this year took place during the November run of the Thank You Festival, when UNIQLO donated 1,500 AIRism shirts to pineapple plantation farmers in Bukidnon. This effort was carried out in partnership with Del Monte Philippines, as part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The collaboration went beyond donations. It also featured special UTme! designs inspired by Del Monte, along with exclusive beverages at UNIQLO Coffee, including Pineapple Yuzu Iced Tea and Pineapple Chocolate infused with Del Monte products. Together, these activities highlighted how partnerships can create shared value for both communities and customers.

Giving clothes a longer life through RE.UNIQLO

A central pillar of UNIQLO’s sustainability strategy is RE.UNIQLO Studio, a dedicated space for clothing repair, customization, and recycling. This year, the brand expanded its network with the opening of a new RE.UNIQLO Studio at SM Mall of Asia, making these services more accessible to Filipino shoppers.

RE.UNIQLO Studio encourages customers to extend the life of their clothing through repairs and creative updates, reinforcing the idea of conscious consumption. The studios also serve as collection points for pre-loved UNIQLO items, which are donated to partner communities and used for disaster relief initiatives.

In line with the holiday season, UNIQLO announced the relaunch of its RE.UNIQLO donation drive, in partnership with SOS Children’s Village. The initiative supports children without parental care and families at risk, ensuring that gently used clothing continues to serve a meaningful purpose.

Standing with communities during disasters

UNIQLO’s commitment to community support becomes even more evident during times of crisis. Following the September earthquake in Cebu, the brand, together with SM Foundation, distributed 4,000 AIRism items to affected communities in Bogo City. Hygiene kits were also provided to more than 800 individuals during subsequent relief operations.

The brand also responded to the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, donating 5,500 AIRism items to affected communities in Cebu, Bacolod, and Aurora. Recognizing the importance of caring for its own people, UNIQLO extended support to over 300 affected Cebu-based employees, including assistance for their families.

In addition, UNIQLO donated PHP 3,000,000 in cash to SM Foundation, which was allocated for essential relief resources such as hygiene kits, clean drinking water, and school repair efforts in disaster-affected areas.

Reaching more Filipinos nationwide

UNIQLO continued its relief efforts toward the end of the year, providing over 3,000 AIRism items to families affected by calamities in Davao, in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya. The brand also worked with BDO Foundation and the Department of Education to donate more than 10,000 AIRism pieces to public school teachers across various regions.

To close the year, UNIQLO is set to distribute additional aid in Cebu, including around 3,000 AIRism items and 4,000 pre-loved RE.UNIQLO donations, ensuring continued support for communities rebuilding after disasters.

Clothing with purpose, all year round

These initiatives show that UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival is more than a seasonal campaign. It is part of a broader commitment to being an active and responsible member of the community. By combining sustainability, circularity, and social responsibility, UNIQLO demonstrates how a global brand can create local impact.

Through thoughtful partnerships and consistent action, UNIQLO continues to prove that clothing has the power to comfort, protect, and empower. For Filipino communities, this commitment turns everyday apparel into a meaningful symbol of care and solidarity.

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Visa and CIBI Team Up to Expand Responsible Credit Access for Underserved Filipinos

Visa and CIBI Team Up to Expand Responsible Credit Access for Underserved Filipinos

Access to credit remains a challenge for many Filipinos who are active contributors to the economy but lack a formal credit history. Addressing this long-standing gap, Visa and CIBI Information, Inc. have entered into a strategic alliance aimed at widening responsible access to credit across the Philippines.

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership brings together Visa’s global expertise in digital payments and analytics with CIBI’s role as the country’s pioneering credit bureau. Together, the two organizations plan to explore and pilot data-driven credit solutions designed specifically to support “thin-file” consumers, or individuals with limited or no traditional credit records.

Tackling the thin-file challenge in the Philippines

Despite steady income streams, many Filipinos remain underserved by the financial system. This includes gig workers, BPO employees, and overseas Filipino workers, who often face difficulties accessing loans or credit cards due to incomplete credit histories. At the same time, banks and digital lenders are under pressure to grow their customer base while managing risk responsibly.

The Visa and CIBI collaboration aims to bridge this gap by improving how creditworthiness is assessed. Visa brings to the table its Credit Lab, an end-to-end solution that combines fraud management with alternative data enrichment. This includes insights from telco usage, utilities, devices, and other behavioral data, all of which can help paint a more accurate picture of a consumer’s financial reliability.

CIBI complements this with its extensive experience and trusted position in the Philippine credit information space. By integrating these capabilities, the partnership seeks to help financial institutions make more informed credit decisions without compromising risk standards.

Practical benefits for financial institutions

One of the key goals of the alliance is to equip banks, issuers, and digital lenders with tools that enable responsible growth. The joint initiatives are expected to unlock several advantages for business-to-business partners.

First, issuers can expand credit acquisition by confidently approving credit for thin-file consumers. Enhanced data models provide a deeper understanding of applicant behavior, allowing lenders to responsibly onboard new customers who may have been previously excluded.

Second, the partnership supports improved SME risk assessment. Small and medium enterprises often struggle to secure financing due to limited documentation or fragmented data. With clearer visibility into SME borrowers, lenders can make more accurate and scalable lending decisions that support business growth.

Third, financial institutions gain access to data-driven industry insights that can help grow portfolios. Deeper market intelligence allows lenders to identify emerging segments, spot new growth opportunities, and refine credit strategies in an increasingly competitive market.

Collectively, these outcomes align with the shared objective of strengthening the Philippine financial ecosystem through trusted data and analytics-led innovation.

A shared commitment to inclusion and trust

Leaders from both organizations emphasized that the partnership is rooted in a shared belief that access to credit should be inclusive, responsible, and empowering.

Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager of Visa Philippines, highlighted the importance of addressing long-standing gaps in credit scoring. He noted that many Filipinos remain thin-file despite actively participating in the economy. Through the partnership, Visa aims to complement its Credit Lab capabilities with CIBI’s leadership as a credit bureau to develop solutions that expand access to credit and set new benchmarks for the industry. According to Navarro, the collaboration reflects Visa’s broader commitment to inclusive growth and strengthening the digital economy.

For CIBI, the alliance reinforces its mission as a nation-building partner that uses trusted data to unlock opportunity. Pia Arellano, President and CEO of CIBI Information, Inc., shared that the organization believes data has the power to enable individuals and small businesses to grow, recover, and contribute more meaningfully to the economy. She described the partnership with Visa as deeply aligned with CIBI’s purpose of building a more inclusive, transparent, and trusted financial ecosystem.

Arellano also emphasized that access to credit must come with empowerment. Beyond signing an agreement, she said the partnership affirms a shared responsibility to use data wisely, enable inclusion, and help build a stronger financial future for the Philippines.

What the next 12 months will bring

Over the coming year, Visa and CIBI plan to explore new credit use cases, develop industry insights on emerging credit behaviors, and support financial literacy initiatives across the country. Both organizations agree that success will ultimately be measured by how many Filipinos are included in the financial system in a secure, responsible, and sustainable way.

Navarro and Arellano both expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the collaboration, noting that its benefits are expected to extend well beyond the initial 12-month period.

As the Philippines continues its shift toward a more digital and inclusive economy, the Visa and CIBI partnership signals an important step forward. By combining global technology with local data expertise, the alliance positions both organizations at the forefront of advancing responsible credit access and strengthening trust in the country’s financial ecosystem.

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Shell Dominates Global Lubricants Market for 19 Straight Years, Reinforcing Leadership in Automotive and Industrial Innovation

Shell Dominates Global Lubricants Market for 19 Straight Years, Reinforcing Leadership in Automotive and Industrial Innovation

 

Shell Lubricants continues to set the pace in the global energy and mobility space, securing its position as the world’s number one supplier of finished lubricants for the 19th consecutive year. This milestone was confirmed in the 23rd edition of Kline & Company’s Global Lubricants: Market Analysis and Assessment 2025, one of the most respected industry benchmarks worldwide.

According to the report, Shell ranked first globally based on finished lubricants sales volumes across both automotive and industrial segments. With a global market share of 11.6 percent, Shell once again outperformed competitors, demonstrating the strength of its long-term strategy, product portfolio, and customer relationships.

A balanced global performance across key segments

Kline’s 2025 analysis shows that Shell’s global lubricants sales in 2024 were distributed almost evenly across three major segments. Consumer automotive lubricants accounted for 37 percent, while industrial lubricants made up 32 percent, and commercial automotive products represented 31 percent of total volume. This balance highlights Shell’s ability to serve a wide range of customers, from everyday motorists to large-scale industrial and fleet operations.

Beyond overall volume, Shell also maintained its number one ranking in all three categories evaluated by Kline: consumer automotive, commercial automotive, and industrial lubricants. This consistent performance reflects not only scale, but also the company’s continued investment in technology, product quality, and market relevance.

The Kline report further examined trends shaping the lubricants industry, including the rise of electric vehicles, the growth of digital and energy infrastructure, and emerging applications such as immersion cooling fluids. Shell’s leadership across these evolving areas underscores its readiness to support both current and future demands.

Leadership driven by customer focus and innovation

Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice President of Shell Lubricants, emphasized that the company’s long-standing leadership is anchored on customer value and continuous improvement.

“At nineteen consecutive years of leadership as the number one global supplier of finished lubricants, we remain focused on the ability of lubricants to power progress across consumer, commercial and industrial applications,” Wong said. He added that Shell’s ambition is to be the most customer-focused energy marketer and trader, supported by ongoing investments in premium, high-efficiency products that deliver long-term value.

From Kline’s perspective, Shell’s achievement stands out not only for its longevity but also for the discipline behind it. Sushmita Dutta, Senior Project Manager at Kline, described the milestone as a reflection of a clear and consistent strategy. She noted that Shell’s success is rooted in its commitment to technologically advanced products and its ability to build enduring partnerships across sectors.

A strong portfolio of globally trusted brands

Shell’s leadership has been reinforced by a lineup of well-established and widely preferred brands. These include Shell Advance for motorcycles, Shell Helix for passenger cars, Shell Rimula for trucks and heavy-duty engines, and Shell Tellus and Shell Gadus for industrial applications. These products continue to be trusted choices in major markets around the world, including the Philippines.

In 2025, Shell further strengthened its technology credentials when Shell Helix Ultra became one of the first motor oils to meet the latest API SQ specifications, setting a new benchmark for engine performance and protection. This was followed by the launch of Shell Advance Ultra with API SP, positioned as Shell’s most advanced motorcycle and scooter engine oil to date. Notably, it remains the only premium motorcycle oil recommended by Ducati Corse, reinforcing its global performance reputation.

Shell also renewed its decade-long partnership with BMW M Motorsport, highlighting its continued involvement in high-performance environments where lubricant reliability and innovation are critical.

Expanding beyond automotive into future-ready solutions

While automotive lubricants remain a core strength, Shell is also making significant strides beyond traditional mobility. The company recently introduced DLC Fluid S3, a Direct Liquid Cooling solution designed for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications.

In May, Shell Lubricants achieved another industry milestone when its immersion cooling fluids became the first to receive Intel certification. This certification enables their use in data centers worldwide, positioning Shell at the forefront of cooling solutions for digital infrastructure and energy-efficient computing.

This expansion into advanced cooling technologies reflects how Shell is adapting its lubricants expertise to support emerging industries, not just engines and machinery.

Sustaining leadership in a changing market

As the lubricants industry continues to evolve alongside electrification, digitalization, and sustainability goals, Shell’s 19-year leadership streak sends a clear message. Scale alone is not enough. Long-term success depends on innovation, customer trust, and the ability to anticipate where markets are heading.

For Filipino businesses, fleet operators, and consumers, Shell’s continued dominance signals reliability and future readiness. As global demands shift, Shell appears well-positioned to remain a key partner in powering mobility, industry, and technology in the years ahead.

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Meet Magento Philippines 2025 Wraps Up Its First Conference with Big Ideas and a Stronger Ecommerce Community

Meet Magento Philippines 2025 Wraps Up Its First Conference with Big Ideas and a Stronger Ecommerce Community

The Philippine ecommerce community reached an important milestone this year as Meet Magento Philippines 2025 officially wrapped up its inaugural conference. Held on November 19, 2025, at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, the event gathered more than 250 merchants, developers, founders, and digital leaders under one roof. Organized by Dev Team in partnership with the Magento Association, the conference marked a confident entry of the global Meet Magento series into the local tech scene.

From the moment attendees walked in, it was clear that this was more than just another industry conference. Meet Magento Philippines was designed as a space for honest conversations, practical learning, and meaningful connections. Across a full day of keynotes, fireside chats, and panel discussions, speakers tackled the real challenges facing ecommerce today, from scaling platforms and managing marketplaces to navigating AI-powered commerce and understanding Filipino consumer behavior.

A full-spectrum look at modern ecommerce

The speaker lineup brought together experienced Magento professionals, technology innovators, and business leaders who have worked hands-on with ecommerce growth. Sessions explored how merchants can future-proof their platforms, make smarter technology investments, and leverage open-source development to stay competitive.

Discussions around AI-driven commerce and platform scalability resonated strongly with attendees, especially as many Filipino businesses continue to transition from small online stores to enterprise-level operations. Panels also highlighted the importance of adapting global ecommerce strategies to local market realities, including payment preferences, logistics challenges, and customer expectations in the Philippines and the wider APAC region.

More importantly, the sessions were highly actionable. Attendees did not just hear about trends, they gained insights they could immediately apply to improve operations, optimize performance, and plan long-term growth.

Community-first connections beyond the stage

The energy of Meet Magento Philippines 2025 started even before the conference day. On November 18, community members, speakers, and sponsors gathered for the official pre-party at Engkanto Taps in Forbes Town. True to Meet Magento tradition worldwide, the pre-party created a relaxed environment where conversations flowed easily over craft beer, helping break the ice before the main event.

This emphasis on community carried through the conference and into the evening afterparty. The MMPH afterparty capped off the day with unlimited craft beer from Engkanto Brewery, cocktails, Pinoy street food, and music. It was a fitting close to an event that balanced professional learning with genuine camaraderie.

Strong support from partners and sponsors

Meet Magento Philippines 2025 was made possible through the collective effort of its sponsors and partners. HVYÄ, the Headline Sponsor, played a key role in elevating the event’s overall experience and production quality.

The conference also acknowledged the contributions of its Marketplace Sponsors, including Builda, OnTap, BeBIT Tech, and ICube, whose support helped enrich the content and networking opportunities. Additional backing came from Supporting Sponsors such as Above The Fray, Amasty, luroConnect, Maru, ComVisory, ExoAsia, and JKJ Printing, all of whom contributed to the success of the event.

Special recognition was given to Engkanto Brewery as the Official Beer Partner, bringing locally crafted beer to the pre-party, conference, and afterparty. The Journey, as the Official Pre-Party Sponsor, helped reinforce the community tradition that has become synonymous with Meet Magento events worldwide.

Equally important were the Official Community Partners, including DEVCON Laguna Chapter, Filipino Web Development Peers, AWS User Group Philippines, AWS Cloud Club Philippines, AWS User Group BuildHERS+, and foundHER. Their involvement expanded the event’s reach and strengthened collaboration across the local tech and ecommerce ecosystem.

A strong debut with momentum for the future

Despite being a first-time event, Meet Magento Philippines felt anything but new. Attendees praised the quality of discussions, the smooth execution, and the openness of the community. Online feedback echoed this sentiment, with one local developer calling it “a meaningful moment to share ideas, talk about emerging trends, and learn from each other’s recent experiences and professional growth.” An AI and ecommerce entrepreneur visiting from the United States added that Magento now appears to have more momentum than it has had in years.

For Dev Team, Meet Magento Philippines 2025 represents only the beginning. The organization remains committed to strengthening ecommerce infrastructure, improving accessibility, and creating more opportunities for Filipino merchants and developers to thrive. With a successful first conference now complete, the foundation has been laid for a growing, more connected Magento and ecommerce community in the Philippines.

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