Philippine Seven Corporation Ushers in New Era of Leadership with Appointment of Richard Lee as President

Philippine Seven Corporation Ushers in New Era of Leadership with Appointment of Richard Lee as President

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, enters a bold new chapter in its corporate journey with the appointment of Richard Lee as its new President. The leadership transition, announced during PSC’s 2025 Annual Stockholders' Meeting, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing evolution following a landmark year of growth and innovation.

Lee, previously the Chief Operating Officer, brings decades of experience and operational excellence to his new role. He succeeds Jose Victor P. Paterno, who now assumes the role of Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee. This transition reflects PSC’s strategic succession planning and commitment to long-term stability and growth.

A New President for a New Phase of Growth

Richard has long been a cornerstone of PSC’s success, with a deep understanding of the company’s operations, strong executional discipline, and a solid track record of collaboration with international partners, particularly 7-Eleven Taiwan. These qualities position him well to lead Philippine Seven Corporation into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Under Lee’s leadership, PSC is expected to continue advancing its innovation-driven agenda, enhancing customer experience, and deepening its presence in both urban centers and underserved communities nationwide. His appointment is also seen as a reinforcement of the company’s collaborative, regional strategy that has fueled PSC’s rise to market leadership.

2024: A Historic Year of Achievement

Lee steps into his new role following PSC’s record-setting performance in 2024. The company reported a net income of ₱3.81 billion, representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year. System-wide sales surged by 13.8%, reaching ₱93.5 billion, while revenue from contracts with customers grew to ₱88.7 billion.

Same-store sales growth remained solid at 3.2%, driven by a 3.4% increase in customer traffic at mature locations. Despite a slight slowdown in the final quarter, PSC maintained its momentum, delivering consistent shareholder returns and reinforcing its strong market position.

A Year of Milestones and Market Expansion

PSC also celebrated its 40th year in the Philippines by opening its 4,000th 7-Eleven store—an achievement that underscores the brand’s enduring relevance and trusted presence across the country. By year-end, the store network had grown to 4,130 branches, reinforcing PSC’s role as a vital part of daily life in Filipino communities.

Outgoing Chairman Jose T. Pardo, who now becomes Chair Emeritus and joins the Advisory Board, described the milestone as a “testament to the dedication of the PSC team and the trust of millions of customers nationwide.”

Driving Innovation and Financial Inclusion

As part of its forward-looking strategy, PSC invested significantly in technology, infrastructure, and financial services. In partnership with Pito AXM Platform, Inc., over 3,400 stores were equipped with cash-recycling ATMs, enhancing efficiency and improving access to banking services in underserved areas.

Capital expenditures rose 12.9%, driven by investments in store expansion, logistics, and digital tools, including upgrades to the CLiQQ mobile app. These efforts supported PSC’s vision of offering greater convenience, affordability, and innovation to its customers.

Strong Financial Health and Shareholder Confidence

In 2024, PSC ended the year with total assets of ₱43.3 billion and delivered a record-high Return on Equity (ROE) of 35.2%. The company rewarded shareholders with ₱7.26 billion in cash dividends and a 100% stock dividend, reflecting robust earnings and solid financial stewardship.

Looking Ahead

With Richard Lee at the helm, PSC is poised to build on its four-decade legacy of performance, innovation, and service. Chairman Paterno emphasized that the company remains focused on enriching lives through convenience, expanding access to essential services, and delivering sustained value to customers, employees, and shareholders.

As the 7-Eleven brand in the Philippines continues to evolve, PSC’s leadership transition signals not only continuity but also an exciting new era of transformation and opportunity.

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Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines announces Cosmeticon Year 3: A deep dive into product safety assessment

Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines announces Cosmeticon Year 3: A deep dive into product safety assessment

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated annual event, Cosmeticon Year 3, scheduled this August 28th, 8am-5pm at the F1 Hotel, BGC. This year's event will focus on the critical and ever-evolving field of Product Safety Assessment, offering a comprehensive, one-day intensive program designed to maximize productivity and deliver invaluable insights to industry professionals.

Recognizing the dynamic nature of the cosmetics landscape, CCIP has consolidated the previous two-day program into a single, power-packed day, ensuring attendees gain maximum knowledge efficiently without compromising on depth.

Cosmeticon Year 3 will bring together leading experts to discuss crucial topics surrounding product safety, a cornerstone for building consumer trust and ensuring brand integrity in the competitive beauty market. The program features an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions, including the following but not limited to:

• "Strengthening Regulatory Functions, Data-Driven Governance and Inter-agency Collaboration" by FDA director general, Atty. Paolo S. Teston

• "Safety & Efficacy Evaluation of Cosmetic Products" by Dr. Gertrude Chan, MD; MSc., FPDS president, Clinical Trial Management & Testing Associates Inc.

• "Regulatory Requirements on Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment" by Ms. Esperanza Almenanza, RPH, LPT, Food-Drug regulation officer III from the FDA

• "ASEAN Updates & FDA/CCHUHSRR Key Initiatives" by Engr. Ana Trinidad R. Rivera director, CCHUHSRR.

• “IFRA Role in Ensuring the Safety of Fragrance Ingredients” in Cosmetics by IFRA director, Ms. Caroline Li

• “Important Role of ACA in ASEAN Regulations and Understanding the importance of halal certification for cosmetics products” by VP for PR & international affairs at the ASEAN Cosmetics Association, Ms. Hamidah Minjah

"In today's beauty industry, understanding and implementing robust product safety measures is not just about compliance; it's about safeguarding consumer well-being and upholding the reputation of our brands," says Shirley Cayago, head of regulatory affairs & IP for Splash Corporation and CCIP's VP for professional development and education. "Cosmeticon Year 3 is meticulously designed to equip our members and the broader industry with the latest knowledge and best practices in product safety assessment, ensuring our collective growth and success."

Attendees will gain essential knowledge on navigating regulatory requirements, adopting advanced safety evaluation techniques, and staying abreast of ASEAN updates that impact the local cosmetics sector. There will be an in-person Halal certification and license consultation opportunity with Dr. Jane of Prime Certification as well.

Event Details:

Date: August 28th

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4jiCUQZ

Registration Fees:

CCIP Members: Php 3,500

Non-Members: Php 4,500

Inclusions: AM Snacks, Buffet Lunch, PM Snacks, and Certificate of Attendance.

Industry professionals, cosmetic manufacturers, formulators, regulatory affairs specialists, and anyone involved in the beauty supply chain are encouraged to register early to secure their slot for this vital industry event.

For more inquiries, contact CCIP Secretariat at ccipsecretariat@gmail.com or SMS at 09338562524 / 09167318850

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Agri Exim: Growing Global Impact from the Heart of Mindanao

Agri Exim: Growing Global Impact from the Heart of Mindanao

How a purpose-driven agricultural exporter is transforming lives—powered by digital connectivity from PLDT Enterprise

A harvest rooted in purpose. A local farmer prepares freshly gathered coconuts in one of Agri Exim Global Philippines, Inc.’s sourcing sites in Mindanao. By supporting smallholder farmers and connecting them to global markets, Agri Exim, powered by PLDT Enterprise’s digital solutions, continues to champion sustainable agriculture and community-driven growth across the region.

At the southern tip of the Philippines, a company rooted in coconut trees and sustainability is making waves far beyond Mindanao. From its humble beginnings to its expansion into Davao, Agri Exim Global Philippines, Inc. has grown into a thriving exporter of organic and conventional agricultural products, connecting local farmers to markets around the world.

Driven by a global vision for sustainability, Agri Exim operates with a triple bottom line approach—economic, social, and environmental—across its entire organic value chain. Its mission is to empower smallholder farmers through ethical sourcing, responsible production, and transparent governance. With over 100,000 certified organic farmers across multiple continents and a steadfast commitment to ESG standards, Agri Exim aims to be the most trusted provider of organic and sustainable food ingredients worldwide. In the Philippines alone, Agri Exim works with over 4,500 certified organic farmers cultivating more than 17,500 hectares of land under its organic program.

Founded as a subsidiary of India-based company, Suminter India Organics, Agri Exim has made its mark by sourcing and processing a wide range of high-value goods—including VCO (virgin coconut oil), coconut flour, Coconut water and CWC (Coconut Water Concentrate), Coconut milk and cream, and RBD (Refined, Bleached, & Deodorized) oil. But more than just its product lines, Agri Exim’s success is defined by the deep mission at its core: to support smallholder farmers and champion sustainable agriculture in the Philippines.

“I believe in our vision of helping the entire community. We have generated over a thousand jobs in less than 10 years. I think that’s the top reason why I am proud to be with Agri Exim,” said Kareen Grace Lacorte, Lead Business HR.

Agri Exim’s work extends far beyond Davao. It has built a resilient network of agricultural communities whose efforts feed global demand—and whose growth is central to the company’s long-term goals. At every step, the people behind Agri Exim remain driven by pride in the farmers they support and the impact they create.

Even in the face of adversity such as the pandemic, Agri Exim doubled down on its commitment to employment and the community. “Even during the pandemic, everyone was still intact. We still continued hiring people and proceeded with operations, as opposed to other industries. We even expanded further. That’s how resilient our company is,” shared Gerard John Deriada, Materials Management Department Manager.

This resilience also paved the way for digital transformation—an essential evolution as the company scaled.

“One way that helped us is the implementation of our ERP system, which needs real-time updating of reports, of our systems, and of everything that is going on in the plant,” Deriada added. “PLDT Enterprise helped us expedite that. It was a dream of our investors and the owner before, and we were not able to do it back then because of connectivity challenges. Through the partnership with PLDT Enterprise and its reliable solutions, we streamlined the process, allowing for more real-time feedback to our group, our company, and to our clients internationally.”

Empowering Agriculture Through Technology

As operations scaled and logistics became more complex, PLDT Enterprise became a critical enabler for Agri Exim’s continued success, providing high-speed, reliable broadband to enable field communications and connectivity.

With real-time updates from farmer partners, agricultural mapping, and harvest coordination, Agri Exim is now equipped to respond quickly and make data-informed decisions. The improvements extended to recruitment and HR functions as well.

“When we transferred to our current location, we initially had difficulty connecting with our candidates and new team members. There was an instance where we had to go out onto the highway due to network limitations which made hiring difficult. Especially now, when people are more digital, we have to be able to connect with them directly and seamlessly. PLDT Enterprise helped us resolve this concern. Now, we can even conduct interviews virtually,” added Lacorte.

These innovations are helping Agri Exim build a digitally ready workforce and supply chain—pushing the envelope of what agriculture can look like in the digital age.

A Commitment to Advancing Smart Agriculture in the Regions

“Agri Exim’s story is a powerful example of how digital solutions can transform traditional industries like agriculture. By enabling real-time coordination, faster decision-making, and stronger market access, we’re helping businesses scale sustainably and create real impact in regional communities. PLDT Enterprise is proud to support Agri Exim in their mission to uplift Filipino farmers and bring world-class products from Mindanao to the global stage,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise.

“We continue to uplift the living of our farmers by empowering them and connecting them globally. Our mission is to improve the whole supply chain. We want to help bridge the gap between farmers and our clients globally with the help of PLDT Enterprise,” concluded Deriada.

As Agri Exim continues to grow, its partnership with PLDT Enterprise ensures that its vision for community-based, globally competitive agriculture remains on track and online.

Catch the full episode featuring Agri Exim Global Philippines, Inc. on ROI’d to Success, now streaming on Hustleshare via Spotify. To learn more about the solutions that can transform your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-AEGPI-ordernow

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Appdome Named Mobile Fraud Detection Leader Amid Surge in AI-Driven Scams and Account Takeovers

Appdome Named Mobile Fraud Detection Leader Amid Surge in AI-Driven Scams and Account Takeovers

Customer reviews credit Appdome with multi-year leadership, growth, and adoption in mobile fraud detection and prevention for Android & iOS apps.

Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced that it has been catapulted into the leader quadrant in mobile fraud detection and prevention, based entirely on verified customer reviews. In a little more than 18 months since Appdome debuted its first mobile anti-fraud offering, Appdome is now recognized as a Quadrant Leader in Fraud Detection, jumping 16 positions and earning two new badges in that category alone. This recognition builds upon Appdome’s G2 Momentum Leader recognition in the Mobile Data Security, RASP, and Application Shielding categories.

“Digital trust and identity protection require a solution that brings together security and fraud telemetry into one unified risk engine for the mobile business,” said Tom Tovar, CEO and Co-Creator of Appdome. “This recognition proves what customers already know – Appdome is the only solution that can bring all the relevant threat signals together in one unified stream and give mobile brands a lasting advantage against fraud.”

Concerns from mobile brands and consumers surrounding mobile fraud and scams are at an all-time high. By 2024, 58% of consumers cited mobile fraud as their top cybersecurity concern, with over 40% reporting firsthand or secondhand experience with scams, malware, or cyberattacks on mobile devices. Mobile users are increasingly worried about account takeovers (ATOs), deepfake attacks, and social engineering scams—and for good reason. ATO rates surged 24% year-over-year, and deepfake fraud attempts skyrocketed by over 2,000% in just the past three years. These trends reflect a growing threat landscape where stand-alone security or fraud detection and prevention products are no longer enough to safeguard users in the mobile-first world.

Appdome Recognized by Experts, Proven in Market

Since its debut in 2023, Appdome’s fraud detection and prevention solution has been recognized by both customers and industry experts, including:G2 Customer Reviews have named Appdome a Leader in Fraud Detection for the past 18 months.

Appdome was awarded multiple Global InfoSec Awards for AI defenses, ATO protection, and fraud prevention at RSA Conference 2025.

Appdome was also honored by in the InfoSec Innovator Awards in Fall 2024 and by leading industry-analyst firm Intellyx in Spring 2024 for fraud prevention.

“Fraud Detection and Prevention is a critical pillar in digital trust and identity protection,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “Fraud detection cannot stand alone but combined with other threat defense and telemetry available via the Appdome platform, fraud detection and prevention are an indispensable part of keeping mobile brands, business, users, and revenues secure. We could not be prouder that our customers recognize our contributions to this market segment.”

Point Products in Security and Fraud Detection Decline

As fraud tactics grow more sophisticated and users demand stronger protections, many legacy mobile app security and fraud detection point products are struggling to meet the unified threat defense needs of mobile brands and enterprises. Against this backdrop, the security, anti-fraud, bot defense, and social engineering protections available on Appdome’s AI-native platform continue to grow. Today, Appdome provides mobile brands and businesses with access to over 400 anti-fraud defenses, all of which can be deployed on demand into mobile apps—without requiring SDKs, servers, or engineering effort.

Customers recognize Appdome’s best-of-suite offering for mobile apps, ranking it as G2’s Best Meets Requirements, Easiest to Use, and Easiest to Do Business With for the past three years in a row. In Summer 2025, Appdome also earned the top “milestone” honor in the G2 Users Love Us category.

“You have to deliver a multi-layered defense in Android & iOS apps to protect a mobile business,” said Jamie Bertasi, Chief Customer Officer at Appdome. “Our AI-native architecture allows our customers to continuously ship new protections—like detection of deepfake identity streams, advanced device integrity checks, and behavior-based geo-fraud defenses—without integration work or reworking their app. Our customers can scale their defenses, while others stall.”

To learn more about Appdome’s mobile fraud solutions, please visit https://www.appdome.com/mobile-fraud-prevention-detection/.

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Manulife Launches "M Knows Better" Campaign with New Heartwarming Digital Film Featuring the Heussaff Family

Manulife Launches "M Knows Better" Campaign with New Heartwarming Digital Film Featuring the Heussaff Family

Sunday, July 13, 2025

● New brand campaign film shows how Manulife cares for Filipino families like a beloved friend

● Brand ambassadors Anne, Erwan, and Dahlia Heussaff star in Manulife’s latest digital film, which highlights the value of care and the importance of preparation to build a better future

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, launched a new digital film featuring brand ambassadors Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff, and their daughter Dahlia for the "M Knows Better" campaign. The mockumentary-style video introduces "M," a loving but hilariously overprepared family friend who always goes the extra mile to take care of those she loves.

In the video, “M” helps the Heussaff family through various scenarios—being ready to put out a fire amid a kitchen mishap, calling an ambulance when Erwan simply catches a cold, and helping Dahlia train to become a prima ballerina—all because she genuinely cares and wants them to be prepared for anything life throws their way. While her methods might be a bit “extra,” her heart is always in the right place. The video ends with a simple but powerful question: "Do you have someone who cares as much as you do?" followed by Manulife's tagline, "Where will better take you."

The campaign resonates with the family's authentic experience with Manulife. "Manulife has really helped our family plan ahead and build financial security for our family's future," said Anne Curtis, a Manulife policyholder since 2009. "This new digital film is a fun and creative way to show people the kind of care and support we're receiving from Manulife."

The campaign shows how caring means going the extra mile, especially for people who matter to us. Through “M’s” character, Manulife wants to demonstrate the kind of genuine care they provide to their customers.

"We want to show Filipinos that they can count on Manulife as a trusted partner who cares, protects, and is there to help them secure a better future," said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. "Our mission is to make our customers’ decisions easier and lives better, so we aim to be their trusted partner, always there to support them and help them plan ahead."

"M Knows Better" is now available on Manulife Philippines’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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Revolutionizing Retail: PLDT Enterprise and PRA Champion Inclusive, Tech-Driven Growth

Revolutionizing Retail: PLDT Enterprise and PRA Champion Inclusive, Tech-Driven Growth

Saturday, July 12, 2025

PLDT Enterprise and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) reinforce their commitment to future-proof Philippine retail, as the sector undergoes rapid digital evolution. The 23-year partnership is driven by a shared mission: to equip Filipino retailers with the tools and insights they need to thrive in an increasingly digital and customer-driven landscape.

“We are proud to work hand in hand with PRA once again in our shared commitment to advancing Philippine retail,” said Chet Alviz, Vice President and Head of Marketing at PLDT Enterprise. “Through our holistic suite of connectivity, communication, and ICT solutions, we empower retail businesses of every size, from MSMEs to flagship chains, to operate more efficiently, serve customers better, and scale sustainably.”

Strategic Collaboration for Tailored Retail Innovation

At the heart of PLDT Enterprise’s partnership with PRA is a commitment to collaborative innovation. Through ongoing dialogue with retail stakeholders, PLDT Enterprise identifies the sector’s evolving pain points, from the need for omnichannel customer engagement to real-time inventory management, and secure, cashless transactions.

These insights shape bespoke digital solutions, ensuring that retailers, whether large mall chains or MSMEs, can improve operational efficiency, enrich consumer experiences, and compete effectively in today’s highly connected marketplace.

By co-creating technology strategies with industry leaders, PLDT Enterprise continues to bring fit-for-purpose solutions that respond to actual business needs, helping to future-proof retail in both urban and emerging communities across the Philippines. These include:

• Fixed and wireless connectivity for seamless operations and digital transactions.
• AI and Cloud-powered solutions that enhance both customer experience and business intelligence.
• Cybersecurity and resiliency services that protect critical data and ensure continuity.

Through this partnership, PLDT Enterprise also continues to tailor its offerings to the unique needs of each retail player, enabling smarter supply chain management, personalized customer engagement, and operational agility.

“At PRA, we believe that technology and strategic collaboration are essential to navigating today’s fast-changing retail environment,” said Roberto S. Claudio, Sr., Chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association. “PLDT Enterprise has consistently understood the evolving needs of our industry and helped enable our members, big and small, to innovate and compete locally and globally.”

More than providing technological solutions, PLDT Enterprise plays an active role in inclusive digitalization. Through the infrastructure investments of its parent company, PLDT, and strategic partnerships with groups like PRA, PLDT Enterprise helps bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to technology, especially for businesses in underserved areas.

A Commitment to Empowering the Philippine Retail Sector

As PLDT Enterprise continues to deepen its engagement with industries like retail, it underscores the importance of listening, understanding, and co-creating solutions.

“We don’t just provide technology; we build relationships that help us recommend the best digital tools based on real industry challenges,” added Alviz. “By collaborating with organizations like PRA, we strengthen our mission to equip every Filipino business with future-ready solutions.”

PLDT Enterprise is also set to participate in the upcoming National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE), themed “Retail Game Changes,” happening this July 31 to August 1, at SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex. The telco group will share insights on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital integration, and discuss how these innovations are shaping the future of retail.

For more information about PLDT Enterprise’s solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-pra-partnership-pr

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Globe, CCP partner to empower student creatives and future Filipino artists

Globe, CCP partner to empower student creatives and future Filipino artists

Globe and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have officially launched a year-long partnership to promote the arts and strengthen creative education among Filipinos, particularly the youth. Key figures at the agreement signing include CCP President Kaye Tinga and Globe’s Chief Marketing Officer Rochelle Vandenberghe (center), along with CCP Vice President for Administration Jose Gaite (left), were present at the signing. This collaboration aims to foster creativity and support the next generation of Filipino artists.

The partnership, also attended by Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yolanda Crisanto, Senior Director of Convergent Segments Strategy Mary Ontiveros, and Director of Marketing Strategic Partnerships Rochelle Flores, will empower young talents through programs like Cinemalaya 2025, Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog, and the CCP Arts Education Program, providing essential tools and opportunities for artistic development.

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