SOCIAL MEDIA

Bigo Live Mid-Year Gala 2025 Celebrates Filipino Creators

Sunday, August 31, 2025


Livestreaming has become more than just entertainment—it’s a space where Filipinos share their creativity, connect with global audiences, and build supportive communities. This year, Bigo Live, one of the world’s leading livestreaming platforms, put the spotlight on its brightest Filipino creators during the Bigo Live Mid-Year Gala 2025, held on August 16 at Revel at the Palace in Manila.

The glamorous event gathered over 150 livestreamers, fans, agencies, and partners, celebrating the passion and artistry that define the Bigo Live Philippines community.

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

A spokesperson from Bigo Live Philippines highlighted the significance of the Gala. “Every year, we recognize the incredible creativity and inspiring community we’ve built in the Philippines. This Gala is our way of celebrating their dedication and the positive impact they bring to the livestreaming landscape.”

This year’s theme, “Midstream Magic,” captured the energy and diversity of Filipino livestreamers, blending stunning performances with award recognitions that honored those who continue to push creative boundaries.

Award-Winning Filipino Creators

The Mid-Year Gala spotlighted both established stars and rising talents who’ve made waves locally and internationally. Some of the top awardees included:

  • Ikang (Ikangmo) – Power Host Superstar / PK Crownholder
  • Mikasa (chxmeys_m) – Overseas Top Favorite
  • Seki Gutierrez (SekiG) – Rising Star
  • Emma X (OGEmmaX) – ANZ Top Host
  • OnlySHOOKY19 – Super Gifter / Super Sponsor

The evening also featured lively performances from holahope, roxpuno1, and vealv_official, adding even more excitement to the celebration.

Bigo Live’s Role in Empowering Filipino Creators

More than just an event, the Gala highlighted how Bigo Live has become a creative hub for Filipinos, providing tools and opportunities to grow fanbases, engage with audiences, and even earn sustainably.

With a commitment to inclusivity, safety, and innovation, Bigo Live continues to strengthen the creator economy by supporting agencies and individual hosts. The platform’s focus is clear: empower creators to thrive not only in the Philippines but on a global stage.

From community building to global recognition, the Bigo Live Mid-Year Gala 2025 proved that Filipino talent knows no boundaries. With platforms like Bigo Live championing diversity and creativity, the country’s creators are set to shine even brighter in the evolving livestreaming landscape.

If you’re passionate about content creation or simply love engaging with live communities, try exploring Bigo Live—you might just discover the next big Filipino star.
Read More
di

Filipinos Drive Digital Remittance Growth 2025


Sending money home has always been a lifeline for millions of Filipino families. But now, more than ever, Pinoys are embracing digital remittance apps to send and receive money faster, safer, and more conveniently. According to Visa’s Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report, the Philippines is setting the pace for digital adoption in Asia Pacific’s $905 billion remittance industry.

The Philippines: A Top Digital Remittance Adopter

Visa’s study surveyed 44,000 senders and receivers across 20 countries, and the results put Filipinos at the forefront of the shift to digital.

  • 74% of Filipinos send money digitally
  • 66% receive funds via digital channels
  • 73% prefer digital payments for speed
  • 45% trust it for safety and privacy

Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Manager, emphasized the country’s key role in the region:

“The Philippines accounts for more than 60% of total inbound remittance transactions in Asia Pacific, underscoring our strong position as a driver for regional growth. The shift to digital fosters financial inclusion, allowing more people and businesses to manage money securely.”

Beyond Inbound: Filipinos Expand Outbound Money Movement

While the Philippines is well-known as a top inbound remittance destination, more Filipinos are also fueling outbound transfers, particularly in business-to-business payments.

A previous Visa report showed that 70% of SMEs in the Philippines need to purchase goods and services from abroad, while 60% are interested in sending money overseas—highlighting how remittances are evolving from personal to business-driven use.

Remittance Pain Points: High Fees Still a Concern

Despite the rise of digital transfers, fees remain a major frustration.

  • 43% of Filipino senders and 30% of receivers cited app fees as a pain point—the highest in Asia Pacific.
  • For traditional physical remittances, 45% of senders and 29% of receivers raised concerns about high charges.

This highlights the urgent need for more affordable and transparent digital solutions.

Surprising Insight: Seniors Lead in Digital Adoption

Interestingly, digital remittance apps are not just for younger generations. In fact, 100% of surveyed Filipinos aged 65 and above plan to send money digitally, compared to 72–75% among younger age brackets.

This shows that older Pinoys are embracing fintech tools as long as they are reliable and user-friendly.

Visa’s Partnerships to Power the Future

To support this digital shift, Visa has partnered with USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). Through Visa Direct, Filipinos can now enjoy real-time transfers straight to Visa cards, accounts, and wallets worldwide.

Navarro summed it up:

“Speed, security, and convenience are no longer optional—they’re expected. Together with our partners, Visa expands financial inclusion by making remittances efficient, reliable, and affordable.”

For millions of Filipinos, sending money home is more than a transaction—it’s an act of love. With digital tools making remittances faster and safer, the Philippines is leading Asia Pacific into a future where financial inclusion is within everyone’s reach.

If you’re sending money abroad or receiving remittances, try digital apps that partner with trusted institutions like Visa. You’ll save time, enjoy better security, and experience seamless transfers.
Read More
di

Hotel Casiana Redefines Tagaytay Hospitality



When you think of Tagaytay, you imagine cool breezes, scenic views, and cozy getaways. But at Hotel Casiana, hospitality is more than just comfort—it’s a purpose-driven commitment to creating lasting memories for every guest.

Recently featured on ROI’d to Success with Hustleshare, the business podcast by PLDT Enterprise, Hotel Casiana’s General Manager Clive Aranha opened up about the real work behind making each stay exceptional. From childhood dreams of travel to steering a modern hotel through a digital transformation, his story is a mix of passion, resilience, and innovation.

Hospitality Rooted in Purpose

For Aranha, running a hotel is about trusting relationships built one detail at a time—whether it’s a child laughing at the play club, a seamless wedding celebration, or simply a warm greeting at check-in.

“At Hotel Casiana, our mission is to delight discerning travelers by curating extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories,” he shared.

Located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway, the ten-story hotel blends Scandinavian-inspired design with the warmth of Filipino service. Families, corporate teams, and event-goers can enjoy its heated pool, wellness center, children’s carousel, and versatile function rooms—all crafted to turn getaways into meaningful experiences.

The Story Behind the Leader

Aranha’s fascination with hospitality started young. Inspired by a neighbor’s cruise ship stories, he dreamed of traveling the world while working in hotels.

“I’ve always enjoyed interacting with people and exploring cuisines, which naturally led me here,” he recalled. “Hospitality teaches us skills that apply to any career—especially how to connect with people. That’s what makes this work fulfilling.”

Like many businesses, Hotel Casiana faced tough challenges during the pandemic, but Aranha believes true leadership is about lifting people together: “It’s not about ‘I,’ it’s about ‘we.’ Success is when your team feels part of something greater.”
Building Seamless Guest Experiences with Technology

As bookings grew, so did the need for reliable operations. That’s where PLDT Enterprise came in. With iGate internet and trunkline services, the hotel now enjoys:

  • Smoother online bookings
  • Faster staff coordination during events
  • Uninterrupted communication even during peak seasons

“When I joined Hotel Casiana, connectivity was one of the most common guest concerns,” Aranha explained. “Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, our Wi-Fi improved significantly, which is essential today. We’ve also gone paperless with QR codes and are even exploring AI integrations.”

Since adopting these solutions, 12% of the hotel’s yearly bookings now come from online platforms. Looking ahead, Hotel Casiana is expanding with a new branch in Mexico, Pampanga by 2026, continuing its digital journey with PLDT Enterprise.

Powering Philippine Hospitality

For Aranha, technology is not a replacement for hospitality—it’s an enabler of human connection. “We’re in the business of making people feel taken care of,” he said. “With the right tools, we can do that consistently, even at full capacity.”

PLDT Enterprise’s VP Jay Lagdameo echoed this vision: “Hotel Casiana exemplifies how hospitality is evolving with reliable technology. We’re proud to support them as they continue raising the bar in Tagaytay and beyond.”

Hotel Casiana proves that hospitality thrives at the intersection of heart and innovation. By embracing technology while staying true to Filipino warmth, they’re setting a new standard for guest experiences in Tagaytay.

If you’re planning a Tagaytay trip—whether for leisure, business, or special events—Hotel Casiana is a sanctuary worth discovering.
Read More
di

Boomi Named Leader in Forrester iPaaS Report

Friday, August 29, 2025


The race toward AI-driven business automation just got more interesting—and Boomi™ is leading the charge. The company was recently recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), Q3 2025, earning the highest score in the strategy category among the 10 vendors evaluated. This recognition highlights Boomi’s strong vision, relentless focus on AI and APIs, and commitment to helping businesses build future-ready enterprises powered by automation.

Why Boomi’s Recognition Matters

For businesses in the Philippines and around the world, integration has become the backbone of digital transformation. Companies rely on iPaaS solutions to unify applications, systems, and data—essential for creating seamless customer experiences and driving AI adoption.

According to Forrester, Boomi’s focus on AI-driven automation makes it a standout choice for organizations that view integration as the foundation of their AI and automation strategies. With Filipino businesses increasingly investing in AI-enabled solutions, this recognition signals that Boomi is positioned to support companies looking to scale intelligently.

Boomi’s Strengths in the Forrester Wave Report

In the latest Forrester evaluation, Boomi received the highest scores in 10 criteria, which included vision, innovation, roadmap, and supporting services. Highlights include:

Strategic Focus on AI and APIs – Boomi sharpened its strategy with acquisitions (like Thru for managed file transfer) and a roadmap geared toward AI agents.

Clear Vision – A unified platform that accelerates time-to-market, reduces costs, and enhances customer experiences.

Robust Roadmap – Investments in AI agent tools, data integration, event streaming, and wider connector support.

Partner Recognition – Praised as “the best iPaaS vendor” by a leading global systems integrator.

Ease of Use – Tools for building, testing, and governing AI agents, backed by a strong service-level agreement (99.99% uptime with financial credits).

Customer-Centric Model – Hands-on support from embedded technical consultants ensures enterprise clients get expert guidance.

What Boomi Leaders Are Saying

Boomi executives view this recognition as validation of their long-term strategy. Ed Macosky, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Boomi, explained:

“We’re honored to be named a Leader in the Forrester Wave — and especially proud to receive the top score in the strategy category. For us, this recognition validates our belief that integration is foundational to delivering meaningful, production-grade AI. We’re investing heavily to help our customers build intelligent, scalable, and future-ready enterprises through agentic transformation.”

What’s Next for Boomi

Boomi continues to invest heavily in AI and automation, building on its reputation as a trusted platform for integration. With an emphasis on scalability, innovation, and simplicity, Boomi aims to help businesses worldwide—including enterprises and SMEs in the Philippines—achieve agility in their digital journeys.

For organizations ready to explore how integration and automation can reshape their business, the full Forrester Wave report is available here: Boomi Forrester Wave Report.

Being recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave™ with the highest strategy score reinforces Boomi’s role as a frontrunner in the iPaaS industry. For Filipino businesses navigating digital transformation, this recognition highlights a reliable partner for unifying systems, harnessing AI, and unlocking automation-driven growth.
Read More
di

ManageEngine Adds DEX to Endpoint Central


In today’s hybrid work era, every second counts when it comes to digital tools and devices. Slow boot-ups, app crashes, or login delays can stall productivity and frustrate employees. To address this, ManageEngine, the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corporation, has introduced Digital Employee Experience (DEX) capabilities to its flagship platform, Endpoint Central. This upgrade pushes the platform closer to autonomous endpoint management while giving IT teams the ability to proactively resolve issues, reduce support tickets, and ensure smoother employee experiences.

Why DEX Matters for Filipino Businesses

Employee productivity in the Philippines, like everywhere else, is increasingly tied to the quality of their digital experience. According to Gartner’s 2024 Digital Worker Survey, nearly 90% of employees feel that their workplace technology enables them to perform tasks efficiently. Yet, common frustrations like apps freezing in the middle of an important report or laptops lagging during online meetings often remain unnoticed until employees raise support tickets.

With DEX, IT teams can catch and fix these issues before they snowball into major disruptions, helping companies improve both efficiency and employee satisfaction. For Filipino businesses embracing hybrid work setups, this capability can be a game-changer.

Smarter Insights, Faster Fixes

The new DEX capabilities enhance Endpoint Central’s unified endpoint management features by transforming raw data into actionable insights. Here’s what IT teams can now expect:

Experience Monitoring & Insights – Detect early warning signs such as CPU spikes, memory overload, and disk issues.

Root Cause Analysis – Pinpoint whether poor performance stems from hardware wear-and-tear or resource-heavy apps.

Prioritized Alerts & Remediation – Address the most pressing issues first with one-click or automated workflows.

Experience Scoring & Benchmarking – Rate device and app performance against organizational baselines to measure ongoing improvement.

By consolidating these into a single platform, Endpoint Central eliminates the need for multiple IT tools, reducing costs and complexity.

Expert Insights on the Future of IT

Industry experts believe this move reflects a broader shift in IT management. As Chirag Mehta, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, explained, “Hybrid work has made the digital experience a defining factor in employee productivity and retention. Buyers are seeking integrated visibility and automation that enable IT teams to transition from reactive support to proactive engagement.”

ManageEngine echoes this vision. Mathivanan Venkatachalam, Vice President of ManageEngine, highlighted that their long-term goal is autonomous endpoint management: “Our North Star is autonomous endpoint management delivered through a unified platform that proactively ensures all endpoints adhere to policies, maintain optimal performance, and remain secure—with IT intervention required only by exception.”

Looking Ahead: AI and Automation

The roadmap for Endpoint Central goes beyond monitoring. Future upgrades will bring predictive analytics, stronger self-healing automation, and AI-powered workflows, enabling IT teams to prevent problems before they even occur. ManageEngine also plans to expand ecosystem integrations and strengthen proactive controls—ensuring adaptability in fast-changing workplace environments.

Availability and Free Trial

The DEX capabilities are available now in two formats:

DEX Manager Plus – a stand-alone SaaS product
Add-on for Endpoint Central – for organizations already using the platform

Businesses of all sizes,from SMEs in the Philippines to global enterprises, can try these features with a free trial at www.mnge.it/DeX.

For Filipino companies navigating hybrid and digital-first workplaces, digital employee experience (DEX) is no longer optional, it’s essential. By giving IT teams real-time visibility and automation tools, ManageEngine’s Endpoint Central empowers organizations to boost productivity, reduce downtime, and keep employees happy. If you’re an IT leader, now’s the time to explore how DEX can transform your workplace.

Read More
di

YouTube Shopping Boosts Filipino Creators


Filipinos love watching, sharing, and discovering on YouTube and now, the platform is opening even bigger doors for creators and brands. Just two months after launching in the Philippines, YouTube Shopping, in partnership with Shopee, has already transformed how Pinoys connect culture, content, and commerce. With over 20% of eligible creators now monetizing their videos through product tags and affiliate links, this signals a powerful shift in how Filipinos shop and earn online.

A Fast-Growing Video Commerce Hub in the Philippines

When YouTube Shopping officially rolled out in April 2025, the appetite for shopping-related content was already strong. In fact, from February 2024 to February 2025, watch time for shopping videos in the Philippines spiked by over 70%. This surge reflects how Filipinos are increasingly turning to creator-driven recommendations before making purchases.

Today, the Philippines is one of only six countries where YouTube Shopping is live and it’s proving to be one of the most dynamic markets. More than 550,000 products have already been tagged across 240,000 videos, giving brands instant access to engaged audiences while providing creators with a sustainable income stream.

Why Creators Are Thriving on YouTube Shopping

For Filipino creators, the benefits go beyond extra earnings. YouTube remains the #1 video platform in Southeast Asia, reaching more than 93% of the country’s online population aged 18 and up. An Ipsos survey even shows that Filipino users are 98% more likely to trust YouTube creators’ recommendations than ads from other platforms, proof of how influential creators are in shaping consumer decisions.

Kristian PH, one of the creators leveraging YouTube Shopping, has already seen success by combining his reviews with shoppable product links. This seamless integration allows viewers to discover, trust, and purchase without leaving the platform, making content creation a real livelihood.

New Features to Enhance Shopping Content

To make things even more exciting, YouTube has launched new features based on feedback from its creator community:

Stickers on Shorts – eye-catching product tags that pop up in short-form content.

Timestamps – product tags appear exactly when they’re featured in the video.

Chrome Extension – a convenient tool that lets creators save and tag Shopee products directly.

These updates are designed to make product discovery more natural for viewers while keeping content engaging.

Partnership Built on Trust and Convenience

Shopee sees this collaboration as a game-changer for both sellers and shoppers. Jack Ng, Head of Commercial at Shopee Philippines, emphasized that YouTube is helping Filipinos shop more seamlessly: “Through YouTube Shopping, Shopee is helping brands and sellers connect with shoppers in a more seamless way, while giving creators new opportunities to bring value to their audiences.”

With creators at the center, YouTube and Shopee are creating a stronger ecosystem that blends storytelling, trust, and commerce.

From K-drama reviews to gadget unboxings and PBA highlights, Filipinos already turn to YouTube for entertainment and trusted recommendations. With YouTube Shopping, these passions now translate into opportunities—not just for content creators, but also for brands and everyday shoppers.

If you’re a creator, this could be the best time to explore YouTube Shopping and start turning your content into a business. For brands, the platform offers direct access to an engaged Filipino audience ready to click, trust, and shop.
Read More
di

UnionBank and SSS Launch MySSS Card for Members

Thursday, August 28, 2025

 


A Game-Changer for Filipino Workers and Pensioners

For millions of Filipinos, claiming Social Security System (SSS) benefits has always been part of life milestones—whether it’s pensions, loans, or refunds. Now, accessing these benefits is about to get a whole lot easier.

The Social Security System (SSS), in partnership with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), has introduced the MySSS Card, a 2-in-1 functional SSS ID and UnionBank Visa debit card. This innovation builds on a successful card rollout from 2022 and is designed to bring faster, safer, and smarter financial access to millions of members across the country.

What Makes the MySSS Card Different?

Unlike traditional SSS IDs, the MySSS Card isn’t just proof of membership. It doubles as a UnionBank-powered debit card, making it both a government-recognized ID and a tool for everyday transactions.

With this card, members can:

Receive SSS benefits directly whether pensions, loans, or refunds—into a UnionBank savings account.

Access a Visa debit card that works worldwide for ATM withdrawals, digital payments, and mobile banking.

Apply easily online via the UnionBank Online app, making enrollment fast and hassle-free.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro explained that this partnership makes government services more accessible: “The MySSS Card empowers our members with a secure and convenient way to receive their benefits, while also serving as an official SSS-recognized ID.”

Opening Financial Doors for More Filipinos

UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado highlighted the card’s role in expanding financial inclusion. With the integration of Philsys ID, over 40 million Filipinos can soon be eligible to apply for the MySSS Card.

Delgado noted: “Together with SSS, we are once again reimagining what banking can be like for millions of Filipinos. This initiative enhances financial inclusion and empowers more Filipinos with access to essential financial services.”

This card is particularly helpful for the unbanked population—those who have never had a savings account before. With the MySSS Card, they gain direct access to secure banking, making government benefits more efficient to claim.

For many Filipino workers, retirees, and beneficiaries, this development is more than just a new card—it’s a step toward digital convenience and financial empowerment. No more long lines for claiming checks or manual processing; the MySSS Card puts transactions right at your fingertips.

It’s also a sign of how public-private partnerships can make everyday services better for ordinary Filipinos. By combining UnionBank’s digital expertise with SSS’s commitment to member welfare, this card reflects progress in building a more inclusive financial system.

The MySSS Card is shaping up to be a must-have for every member who values convenience, security, and efficiency. If you’re an SSS member with a Philsys ID, keep an eye out for its official release—you wouldn’t want to miss out on this smarter way of managing your benefits.

Read More
di
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
...