HONOR Philippines Marks 3 Years of Success with New Office Expansion

HONOR Philippines Marks 3 Years of Success with New Office Expansion

Friday, September 19, 2025

In just three years since making its big comeback, HONOR Philippines has quickly risen to become one of the most recognized tech brands in the country. Known for delivering affordable yet cutting-edge smartphones, HONOR has captured the hearts of Filipino consumers—and now, it’s celebrating this rapid success with the expansion of its Philippine office at GLAS Tower Ortigas.

More than just extra space, this move cements HONOR’s growing influence in the local tech industry and its commitment to serving Filipinos with breakthrough innovation.

From Re-Entry to Rapid Growth

HONOR reestablished itself in the Philippines in 2022, and in just three short years, the brand has skyrocketed to success. With back-to-back product launches and a diverse lineup—from budget-friendly devices to AI-powered flagship phones—HONOR has struck the perfect balance between innovation and accessibility.

For many Pinoys, HONOR has become synonymous with value-for-money gadgets that don’t skimp on performance or style.

A Milestone Celebration at GLAS Tower

The expansion of HONOR’s Philippine office at GLAS Tower Ortigas isn’t just a physical upgrade—it’s a symbol of resilience, consumer trust, and a vision for the future.

“This office expansion is a reflection of our growth story here in the Philippines,” shared Sean Yuan, Country Manager of HONOR Philippines. “In just three short years, we’ve gone from reintroducing the HONOR brand to becoming one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the country.”

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, added: “Our expansion enables us to better serve our Filipino consumers while setting the stage for even bigger opportunities ahead.”

A Global Player with Local Impact

HONOR’s rise in the Philippines mirrors its global momentum. The brand continues to gain recognition as one of the most dynamic names in the smartphone and IoT market, showing how the Philippines plays a key role in HONOR’s regional and global roadmap.

With its expanded office, growing team, and exciting upcoming device launches, HONOR is gearing up for an even brighter future—one that promises to deliver technology that empowers every Filipino, from students to professionals to digital creators.

HONOR Philippines’ story is proof that in a short span of time, dedication to innovation, accessibility, and consumer trust can pay off big. From its re-entry in 2022 to today’s office expansion, HONOR is clearly here to stay—and to lead.

Keep an eye on HONOR’s upcoming launches. If the last three years are any indication, the next wave of devices will be just as game-changing for Filipino consumers.

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Alipay+ and Grab Make Ride-Hailing Easier for Southeast Asia Travellers

Alipay+ and Grab Make Ride-Hailing Easier for Southeast Asia Travellers

For many Filipinos exploring Southeast Asia, getting around can be one of the trickiest parts of the trip especially when juggling different apps, currencies, and payment options. Now, there’s good news: Alipay+ Voyager, the AI-powered digital travel assistant under Ant International, has integrated Grab’s ride-hailing services directly into its platform.

This means travellers from the Philippines using GCash can book Grab rides abroad right from their e-wallet there's no need to download a separate app. For jet-setting Pinoys, it’s a big step toward making travel smoother, safer, and more convenient.

A Stronger Alipay+ and Grab Partnership

The collaboration between Alipay+ and Grab isn’t new. Back in 2023, the two companies teamed up to allow users to pay with their home e-wallets on the Grab app. With this latest integration, the partnership has gone one step further: travellers can now book Grab rides directly within Alipay+ Voyager without leaving their e-wallet ecosystem.

As Scarlett Xing, General Manager of Alipay+ Travel Solutions, explained: this integration helps “mobile-savvy travellers access trusted transportation seamlessly across Southeast Asia.”

Where You Can Use It

Through Alipay+ Voyager, travellers can now access Grab in eight Southeast Asian destinations: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

For Filipinos, this means you can fly to places like Singapore or Bangkok and easily book a Grab ride straight from your GCash app.

Convenience and Security on the Go

By embedding Grab into Alipay+ Voyager, travellers can enjoy:

• Seamless booking: No need to switch apps.
• Trusted payments: Use your home e-wallet, like GCash, securely abroad.
• Time savings: Skip app downloads and language barriers—just book and ride.

Samir Kumar, Head of Mobility at Grab, highlighted that this partnership is about delivering safe and reliable rides for millions of travellers, enhancing their overall journey across the region.

For many Pinoys traveling within Southeast Asia—whether for business trips, family vacations, or quick getaways—this integration offers peace of mind. You get the convenience of cashless payments, the reliability of Grab, and the security of staying within your trusted e-wallet app.

It’s another step toward making cross-border travel stress-free, cash-free, and app-light.

With Alipay+ Voyager and Grab joining forces, Filipino travellers can now enjoy a more seamless ride-hailing experience across Southeast Asia. Whether you’re chasing city lights in Singapore, enjoying street food in Bangkok, or shopping in Kuala Lumpur, your GCash app is now your ticket to convenient transportation.

Before your next trip, update your GCash app and explore how Alipay+ Voyager can simplify your holiday—from rides to rewards.

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IT Modernization Tops C-Suite Priorities in 2025

IT Modernization Tops C-Suite Priorities in 2025

Thursday, September 18, 2025

C-Suite Leaders Pour IT Budgets Into Modernization, But Success Hinges on Strategy

Digital transformation has become the buzzword of the decade, but for many enterprises, turning big investments into real returns remains tricky. A new global study commissioned by Rocket Software and conducted by IDC shows that while executives are eager to modernize their IT systems — with up to 30% of budgets earmarked for it — most organizations are still struggling to achieve the results they want.

From cybersecurity threats to talent shortages, the road to modernization is riddled with challenges. For Filipino businesses looking to stay competitive in a digital-first world, the study offers valuable insights on how to future-proof operations while avoiding wasted investments.

IT Modernization Tops C-Suite Priorities

According to the survey of over 800 IT decision-makers across nine countries, nearly two-thirds of executives rank IT modernization as a top priority. Enterprises are no longer just focusing on cost savings — they’re now looking at modernization as a driver of innovation, agility, and customer satisfaction.

Planned spending in the next two years is expected to reach 25–30% of IT budgets, but organizations that lack a well-rounded strategy risk falling behind.

Barriers Holding Back ROI

The study revealed the top challenges businesses face in modernization:

• Cybersecurity risks (51%)
• Data quality and integration issues (43%)
• Skills and training shortages (39%)

For enterprises in the Philippines and beyond, these issues echo a familiar story. Many companies adopt new tech quickly but underestimate the need for training, data management, and strong security measures.

The Competitive Advantage of Mature Strategies

Organizations with mature, integrated approaches covering infrastructure, applications, data, security, people, and AI readiness are achieving twice the results compared to less-prepared peers.

Michael Curry, President of Data Modernization at Rocket Software, emphasized that success isn’t just about adopting AI or cloud technology. Instead, it comes from “embedding security, governance, and skills development into every phase,” turning IT modernization into a real competitive advantage.

Key Research Insights

Some of the standout findings from the IDC White Paper include:

AI-Ready Infrastructure: 44% of businesses are prioritizing AI-ready tools and platforms. Among the most advanced, 82% are already building infrastructure for high-performance AI models.

Cybersecurity First: 57% of respondents will make cybersecurity and resiliency their top investments in 2025.

Data as the New Gold: Leading organizations are heavily focused on data quality, cataloging, and stewardship to ensure trustworthy enterprise-wide access.

AI and Cloud Skills: Nearly half of businesses plan to strengthen in-house AI expertise and improve data pipelines.

Mainframe Modernization: About 26% of enterprises will update mainframes to better integrate workloads and enterprise data.

Why Talent and Strategy Matter More Than Ever

The study also highlighted a talent gap as a critical challenge. Half of the surveyed enterprises plan to grow IT headcount, with a strong focus on AI, cloud, and cybersecurity skills.

Mary Johnston Turner, Research VP at IDC, noted that modernization maturity is “not just about technology adoption — it’s about the ability to adapt, scale, and deliver measurable business value.”

For local companies, the lesson is clear: modernization isn’t just about chasing the latest tech. Without a comprehensive strategy that includes security, skills, and data governance, investments risk falling flat. Businesses in the Philippines can learn from global leaders by pairing tech adoption with strong organizational readiness to stay competitive in the AI-powered economy.

If your business is looking at digital transformation, don’t just focus on tools. Invest in people, security, and long-term strategy to make sure every peso spent on IT modernization delivers ROI.

See where your organization stands: take Rocket Software and IDC’s 8-minute Modernization Index assessment to measure your IT strategy across six critical pillars and benchmark against peers.

To download the full IDC White Paper (doc #US53640525, July 2025), click here.

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RLC Residences Named Developer of the Year Again at DOT Property Philippines Awards 2025

RLC Residences Named Developer of the Year Again at DOT Property Philippines Awards 2025

RLC Residences, led by OIC-General Manager Teddy Bernas (7th from left) won Developer of the Year at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2025

Winning once is impressive—but winning twice in a row? That’s a mark of true excellence. RLC Residences has just secured its second consecutive Developer of the Year award at the DOT Property Philippines Awards 2025, held at Okada Manila. This back-to-back triumph places the company among the most trusted and innovative names in the country’s real estate scene.

A Celebration of Innovation and Sustainability

Aside from the top honor, RLC Residences also walked away with multiple awards that highlight its versatility and forward-thinking approach:

Special Recognition Award for Sustainable Construction – a testament to the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly and responsible building.

Le Pont Residences (Bridgetowne Destination Estate) – crowned Best Condominium Architectural Design for its world-class aesthetic.

MIRA (Quezon City) – recognized as Best Smart Home Condominium for future-ready living features.

Mantawi Residences (Cebu) – awarded Best Sustainable Development as the first EDGE-certified residential project in the province.

SYNC (Pasig City, C5 Road) – honored as the Best Starter Home Condominium, catering to young professionals and first-time homeowners.

More Than Just Four Walls

Speaking about the milestone, Karen Cesario, Senior Director, Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer of RLC Residences, shared that these awards affirm their mission: to build homes that go beyond four walls—spaces designed to nurture lifestyles, support ambitions, and provide lasting value. She emphasized that with Robinsons Land’s 45 years of expertise, RLC Residences will continue to raise the bar in residential development.

Recognizing the Best in Real Estate

The DOT Property Philippines Awards, organized by DOT Property Group, is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious award-giving bodies in real estate. It celebrates developers and projects that embody excellence, innovation, and sustainability—making RLC Residences’ multiple wins even more meaningful.

This isn’t the first time RLC Residences has gained recognition on a regional level. In 2024, the company was named Developer of the Year Southeast Asia at the DOT Property Asia Awards, proving that its impact goes beyond the Philippines.

From premium residences in Metro Manila to sustainable projects in Cebu, RLC Residences continues to shape communities that reflect the aspirations of Filipino families and global investors alike. With these new accolades, homebuyers can feel even more confident about choosing a developer that consistently delivers both quality and innovation.

Interested in exploring their award-winning projects? Check out rlcresidences.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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Palo Alto Networks Launches Prisma SASE 4.0 with Next-Level Browser Security

Palo Alto Networks Launches Prisma SASE 4.0 with Next-Level Browser Security

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

 

Protecting Enterprises Against Highly Evasive Cyber Threats

In today’s digital-first world where the browser has become the new enterprise operating system, Palo Alto Networks has taken cybersecurity to the next level with the launch of Prisma® SASE 4.0. This industry-leading secure access service edge (SASE) solution introduces Prisma Browser, designed to stop sophisticated threats that slip past traditional defenses.

From neutralizing malware hidden in encrypted traffic to safeguarding private applications, Prisma SASE 4.0 sets a new benchmark in enterprise security, reinforcing Palo Alto Networks’ leadership in the global cybersecurity space.

Why Browser Protection Is Critical Today

As cloud apps, AI tools, and corporate data increasingly live inside the browser, consumer-grade browsers simply aren’t enough. Cybercriminals are now crafting attacks that assemble directly within the browser, bypassing secure web gateways and leaving organizations vulnerable.

Prisma Browser fills that gap with real-time in-browser protection, detecting and blocking malware before it can cause damage — a layer of defense legacy solutions miss.

Key Innovations in Prisma SASE 4.0

AI-Augmented Data Security

Prisma SASE 4.0 uses AI-powered classification to secure sensitive data, from patents to contracts and source code. With over 140 pre-trained ML classifiers and customizable models, it delivers 10x fewer false positives compared to traditional systems, protecting against risks from AI agents, copilots, and plugins that access company data.

Smarter Private App Security

Dynamic business applications are prime targets for hackers, and static firewalls are no longer enough. Palo Alto Networks’ Private App Security automatically adapts to evolving threats, updating security policies in real-time to shield mission-critical apps.

Market-Proven Leadership

With $1.3 billion in SASE annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2025 — a 35% YoY growth — Palo Alto Networks is scaling faster than the market. It serves over 6,300 SASE customers, including one-third of the Fortune 500, and holds multiple Gartner Magic Quadrant Leadership positions across SASE, Security Service Edge, and SD-WAN.

What This Means for Businesses

As Anand Oswal, Executive Vice President of Network Security, explains, “It’s no longer just about blocking threats—it’s about enabling growth. Traditional security stacks can’t keep up with today’s AI-driven attacks. With Prisma SASE 4.0 and last-mile protections in the browser, we’re setting a new standard for enterprise security.”

For businesses in the Philippines and worldwide, this means stronger protection, simplified operations, and a clear path to scaling securely in the AI era.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern anymore — it’s a growth enabler. With Prisma SASE 4.0, Palo Alto Networks redefines how enterprises can protect users, apps, and data at the browser level while staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats.

Prisma SASE 4.0 will be generally available later this year. To learn more, visit Palo Alto Networks’ blog

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FWD Life Insurance Climbs to No. 2 Spot in the Philippines for H1 2025

FWD Life Insurance Climbs to No. 2 Spot in the Philippines for H1 2025

Strong Growth Amid a Resilient Insurance Market

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Philippines) is celebrating a major milestone as it secures the #2 ranking among life insurers in the country for the first half of 2025. According to the latest report from the Insurance Commission, FWD achieved a new business annual premium equivalent (NBAPE) of ₱4.6 billion, marking a 39% increase year-on-year—the highest percentage growth among the top 10 insurance firms in the country.

On top of this achievement, FWD also ranked #1 in single-pay premiums, further strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing players in the Philippine insurance industry.

Leadership Driven by Trust and Innovation

FWD Philippines President and CEO Soon Liang Lau credited this success to the trust of Filipino customers and the dedication of the company’s nationwide teams. He shared, “These milestones not only strengthen our position in the industry but also reflect the trust our customers place in us and the relentless dedication of our teams nationwide. Our consistency is a testament to protecting more Filipino lives and our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance.”

Outperforming Industry Trends

The Philippine insurance sector as a whole showed resilience, with total NBAPE climbing by 12.92% to ₱18.86 billion in the first quarter of 2025. FWD’s 39% growth, however, significantly outpaced the industry average, underscoring its ability to deliver results above market trends.

This momentum is fueled by FWD’s:

• Innovative product offerings tailored to the needs of modern Filipinos.
• Financial literacy initiatives that empower people to make informed decisions.
• Expanding regional hubs that make insurance more accessible nationwide.

Beyond Business: A Commitment to Filipinos

FWD’s mission goes beyond financial performance. The company continues to drive initiatives that support nation-building, from community programs to efforts that promote health, protection, and financial security. This aligns with its 10-year vision of changing the way people feel about insurance—making it simpler, more customer-centric, and easier to understand.

FWD’s rise to the #2 spot is not just about rankings—it’s a reflection of how innovation, trust, and customer focus can transform an industry. As more Filipinos look for reliable financial protection in uncertain times, FWD is proving to be a strong and trustworthy partner for the future.

To explore FWD’s products and services, visit www.fwd.com.ph.

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Wise Business Account Empowers Filipino MSMEs to Go Global

Wise Business Account Empowers Filipino MSMEs to Go Global

Monday, September 15, 2025

Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are eager to expand internationally, but outdated payment systems have long held them back. Traditional bank transfers remain slow, expensive, and filled with hidden charges—costing local businesses a staggering ₱39.5 billion in 2024 alone due to exchange rate markups.

Recognizing this gap, Wise has officially launched the Wise Business Account in the Philippines, a digital-first solution designed to help MSMEs send, receive, and manage money globally with speed, transparency, and lower costs.

Why Wise Business Matters for Filipino MSMEs

MSMEs make up 99.6% of all businesses in the country, yet many lose thousands of pesos every year just on unnecessary bank fees. According to Wise’s research, nearly half of Filipino MSMEs still rely on traditional banks for international payments—despite the inefficiencies.

With the new Wise Business Account, MSMEs can:

Receive payments in 24 currencies – Get paid like a local in 10 major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, etc.) for a one-time fee of ₱1,400, or access 14 more via SWIFT with full fee transparency.

Send money globally, faster – Pay overseas suppliers or employees at the real mid-market exchange rate (the same one on Google) with no hidden markups. Over 70% of payments arrive within 20 seconds.

Spend anywhere, anytime – Use the Wise Business debit card in 150+ countries, free from foreign transaction fees. Business owners can also set spending limits and track employee expenses in real time.

Streamline operations – Integrate with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, generate invoices, and even pay up to 1,000 people at once—perfect for scaling companies.

Best of all, account opening is 100% online with no monthly fees or minimum balance required.

From Local Startup to Global Brand

For Raphaela Amat Agupitan, Managing Director of Koru Adventures & Travel Inc., switching to Wise Business was a turning point. “In 2024 alone, we saved around ₱280,000 in bank fees. Payments that used to take days now arrive within hours, improving our cash flow significantly. Wise Business also made it easier for our overseas clients—who now make up 60% of our customer base—to pay us. That’s how we grew from a small local business in 2020 to an international brand serving 14 countries today.”

She added that the Wise Business card simplified expense management for her team, freeing up more time to focus on growing their business instead of drowning in paperwork.

One Account for Global Growth

According to Areson Cuevas, Country Manager of Wise Philippines, the platform is designed to cut through the complexity that many small businesses face. “More than half of MSMEs juggle multiple payment providers just to manage their global operations. With Wise Business, they can do everything from one account—receive, send, spend, and manage their money with full transparency. Whether you’re a freelancer in Manila or a startup in Cebu, Wise Business helps you scale globally without the financial roadblocks.”

Building on Fintech Momentum in the Philippines

Wise is no stranger to the Philippines. It was the first global fintech fully integrated with InstaPay and PESONet, processing about 12% of all inbound remittances. With the Wise Business launch, those same reliable and cost-efficient solutions are now extended to MSMEs, giving them the tools to compete on the global stage.

If you’re tired of hidden fees, slow transactions, and complicated cross-border payments, the Wise Business Account might just be the upgrade your business needs to go global with ease.

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