Eastern Communications Wins Multiple 2026 Marketing Awards

Eastern Communications Wins Multiple 2026 Marketing Awards

Monday, August 31, 2026

Eastern Communications received multiple recognitions at the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards and Marketing Event Awards for initiatives focused on digital inclusion and customer experience.

The telecommunications and ICT solutions provider received a Bronze Award for Excellence in CSR / Cause Marketing for its satellite internet initiative for remote schools and communities. It also won a Silver Award for Best Event: <100 Attendees for the launch of its Titanium tier under the Link VIP Club loyalty program.

The two awards recognize very different marketing initiatives. One uses connectivity to address access to education and digital resources, while the other uses art and storytelling to strengthen relationships with business customers.

Together, they illustrate how technology companies are increasingly using marketing not only to promote products but also to demonstrate how their services affect communities and customer relationships.

What awards did Eastern Communications receive?

Eastern Communications received two major recognitions in the 2026 awards programs.

At the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards, held on August 8 at Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, the company received the Bronze Award for Excellence in CSR / Cause Marketing for its initiative, “Uplifting Far-Flung Schools & Communities in the Philippines through Satellite Internet.”

The company also received a Silver Award for Best Event: <100 Attendees at the 2026 Marketing Event Awards in Singapore for its “Redefining Customer Experience Through Eastern Communications’ Titanium Tier Launch.”

The awards cover two increasingly important areas of corporate marketing: demonstrating social impact and creating differentiated customer experiences.

How does Project Maaasahan use technology for digital inclusion?

Eastern Communications' award-winning CSR initiative is part of Project Maaasahan, a digital inclusion program developed with Unconnected.org, the Department of Education, and local government units.

The project uses satellite-powered internet to connect public schools in geographically isolated communities.

Its first phase connected 10 public schools across 10 provinces, benefiting 2,785 students and 155 teachers, according to Eastern Communications.

The project also extended connectivity beyond the schools. The connected campuses serve as free community Wi-Fi hubs, creating potential access to online resources for people living in surrounding areas.

Eastern Communications says the first phase created opportunities for more than 29,500 residents in nearby communities.

Why does satellite internet matter in remote communities?

Satellite internet can provide connectivity in locations where conventional terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.

For geographically isolated schools, this can make internet access possible without waiting for traditional fixed-line infrastructure to reach the area.

That distinction matters in digital inclusion programs. Providing a computer or digital learning platform has limited value if students and teachers cannot reliably access online resources.

Connectivity therefore becomes part of the basic infrastructure needed for digital education.

How is Eastern Communications approaching customer experience?

The company's second award focused on a very different audience: its customers.

Eastern Communications received the Silver Award for its launch of the Titanium Tier, the newest and most exclusive level of its Link VIP Club loyalty program.

Rather than presenting the new tier through conventional marketing materials, the company staged the launch at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and used original artworks to communicate the benefits and ideas associated with Titanium.

The approach combined customer engagement with Filipino art and culture.

For a business-to-business company, the strategy is notable because customer experience does not end with the delivery of a telecommunications or ICT service. How a company communicates with and recognizes its clients can also influence the broader relationship.

What can businesses learn from the two campaigns?

The two award-winning initiatives point to different ways companies can make marketing more relevant to their audiences.

Project Maaasahan connects brand activity with a tangible community need. Instead of communicating digital inclusion as an abstract corporate value, the initiative puts connectivity into schools and communities that have limited access to it.

The Titanium Tier launch, meanwhile, focuses on how a business can make an otherwise functional announcement more memorable by connecting it with art, culture, and customer recognition.

Both approaches move beyond conventional product promotion.

For business leaders, the larger lesson is that effective marketing increasingly needs to answer a simple question: What does this initiative actually do for the people the organization serves?

Why customer experience matters in B2B technology

Customer experience is sometimes associated mainly with consumer brands, but it is equally relevant in business-to-business markets.

ICT and telecommunications providers often manage relationships that extend over years. Businesses depend on connectivity and technology services for daily operations, which makes reliability important. However, communication, responsiveness, account management, and recognition can also influence how customers perceive the relationship.

Loyalty programs such as Link VIP Club are one way companies can formalize that relationship.

The Titanium launch demonstrates another aspect of customer experience: the way a company presents value can itself become part of the customer journey.

Digital inclusion is becoming a business and social issue

Connectivity is increasingly tied to access to education, employment opportunities, information, and digital services.

That makes digital inclusion relevant beyond the telecommunications sector.

For businesses, stronger connectivity can expand the potential customer and talent base. For communities, internet access can provide pathways to educational resources and online services that may otherwise be difficult to reach.

Programs such as Project Maaasahan therefore sit at the intersection of corporate social responsibility and technology deployment.

The important measure, however, is not simply the number of devices or connections installed. Long-term impact depends on whether communities can continue using the infrastructure effectively and whether connectivity translates into meaningful opportunities.

Eastern Communications' 'High Tech, High Touch' approach

Eastern Communications describes its strategy as “High Tech, High Touch,” combining technology with personalized customer experiences.

The two 2026 awards provide examples of how the company is applying that approach in different areas.

Project Maaasahan puts technology into underserved communities, while the Titanium launch uses a human-centered experience to engage business customers.

This combination reflects a broader challenge for technology companies. As connectivity becomes increasingly essential, technical capabilities alone may not be enough to differentiate a provider.

Businesses also need to demonstrate how technology creates practical value for customers, employees, and communities.

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Salmon Expands Retail Financing Reach Through EMCOR Partnership

Salmon Expands Retail Financing Reach Through EMCOR Partnership

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Salmon Finance is expanding its retail financing network in the Philippines through a strengthened partnership with EMCOR, adding more than 100 stores across Visayas and Mindanao to its network of partner retailers.

The collaboration allows eligible customers shopping at participating EMCOR branches to apply for financing for appliances, furniture, gadgets, and motorcycles. Salmon says its nationwide network now covers more than 10,000 partner stores.

The expansion is part of a broader shift in consumer finance, where digital lenders and fintech companies are increasingly integrating financing directly into retail purchases rather than requiring customers to arrange financing separately.

What financing options are available through EMCOR?

Customers at participating EMCOR stores can apply for two types of financing from Salmon.

Salmon Product Loans are intended for purchases such as appliances, furniture, and gadgets. The company says eligible customers can access payment terms of up to six months with 0% interest and zero downpayment, subject to applicable terms and approval.

Salmon Moto Loans are designed for motorcycle purchases. The company describes the application process as fully digital, with customers able to apply when purchasing a motorcycle at participating EMCOR stores or through the Salmon app.

The availability and terms of financing may vary depending on the product, customer eligibility, and applicable loan conditions.

How does the Salmon financing process work?

Salmon's model is designed to move the financing application into the retail purchasing process.

At participating EMCOR stores, customers can seek assistance from a Salmon Ambassador to apply for a product or motorcycle loan.

The company says eligible applicants can receive a decision in as fast as one minute.

Repayments are handled online, allowing customers to manage the loan without having to make repeated in-person payments.

The process can be summarized in four steps:

1. Choose a product or motorcycle at a participating EMCOR store.
2. Apply for financing with assistance from a Salmon Ambassador or through the Salmon app.
3. Receive an approval decision, with Salmon saying some applications can be processed in as fast as one minute.
4. Repay online according to the applicable loan terms.

Fast approval does not mean every application will automatically qualify. As with other forms of credit, applicants remain subject to the lender's eligibility and approval requirements.

Why does the EMCOR partnership matter to Salmon?

The partnership gives Salmon access to an established retail network in Visayas and Mindanao, where physical stores remain important channels for consumer purchases.

For a fintech lender, partnerships with retailers can help solve a basic distribution challenge: reaching customers at the moment they are deciding whether and how to pay for a purchase.

Instead of customers first searching for a loan and then finding a retailer, embedded financing places the credit option within the shopping experience.

This model can be particularly relevant for higher-value purchases, where installment payments may affect whether a customer proceeds with a transaction.

What is embedded finance?

Embedded finance refers to financial services being integrated directly into a non-financial customer experience, such as shopping, transportation, or online marketplaces.

In retail, embedded financing allows a customer to explore credit options while purchasing a product instead of navigating a separate loan application process.

The model has grown alongside digital payments and fintech platforms because technology makes it easier to connect retailers, lenders, payment systems, and customers within one transaction.

Salmon's partnership with EMCOR is an example of this approach in the Philippine retail market.

Why is Visayas and Mindanao important for retail financing?

The addition of more than 100 EMCOR stores expands Salmon's physical reach outside the country's largest urban centers.

Visayas and Mindanao contain a large network of cities and provincial communities where consumers shop through established local and regional retailers.

EMCOR's presence in these areas gives Salmon a way to introduce its financing services within stores that customers already recognize.

For the retailer, financing can also provide another payment option for customers considering larger purchases such as appliances and motorcycles.

The strategic value for both companies therefore goes beyond simply adding more locations. It connects Salmon's digital lending infrastructure with EMCOR's retail distribution network.

What does this mean for consumers?

For consumers, the main advantage is convenience.

A shopper who needs an appliance, gadget, piece of furniture, or motorcycle can explore financing as part of the purchase process instead of arranging credit separately.

Zero-downpayment and installment options may also reduce the amount of cash required at the time of purchase.

However, installment financing should still be evaluated based on the total repayment amount, payment schedule, applicable fees, and the customer's ability to make payments on time.

A lower upfront cost does not necessarily mean a purchase is cheaper overall.

Digital lending continues to reshape consumer finance

Partnerships between fintech companies and retailers illustrate how lending is becoming increasingly integrated with everyday transactions.

Traditional lending often begins with a financial institution. Embedded finance reverses the sequence by bringing financial services into places where customers are already shopping or conducting other activities.

This can make credit more accessible, but it also places greater importance on responsible lending and customer understanding.

As more financial products become available through retail channels, consumers need clear information about interest rates, fees, repayment schedules, and eligibility before committing to a loan.

For businesses, meanwhile, the model creates an opportunity to combine physical retail distribution with digital financial infrastructure.

What Salmon's expansion means for its business strategy

The EMCOR partnership gives Salmon another route to grow its customer base while extending its digital lending platform through an established retail network.

The company says it now has more than 10,000 partner stores nationwide, suggesting that retail distribution is a significant component of its Philippine expansion strategy.

For EMCOR, the partnership adds financing options that can help customers spread the cost of larger purchases.

For Salmon, it provides additional points of customer acquisition without requiring the company to establish its own physical retail network.

That combination illustrates one of the central strategies behind fintech growth: using partnerships to scale services more quickly than building every part of the customer journey independently.

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Manulife and Chinabank Strengthen 15-Year Bancassurance Partnership

Manulife and Chinabank Strengthen 15-Year Bancassurance Partnership

Manulife and Chinabank are reinforcing their long-standing bancassurance partnership following the 15-year renewal of their agreement, as both companies work to expand access to insurance, health, savings, retirement, and wealth solutions for Filipino customers.

The partnership operates through Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBL), a joint venture that has served customers since 2007. MCBL currently reaches customers through 650 Chinabank and China Bank Savings branches nationwide.

Manulife President and CEO Phil Witherington recently visited Manila and met with Chinabank's executive leadership, providing an opportunity for the two organizations to discuss the next phase of the partnership.

What is bancassurance?

Bancassurance is a business model where a bank distributes insurance products to its customers, usually through its branches, digital channels, or financial advisers.

The model combines the bank's customer relationships and distribution network with an insurance company's products and expertise.

For customers, the arrangement can make insurance and other financial protection products available through channels they already use for banking.

For financial institutions, bancassurance provides another way to reach customers while allowing banks and insurers to combine their respective capabilities.

How does the Manulife-Chinabank partnership work?

Manulife and Chinabank operate their insurance partnership through MCBL.

The joint venture provides access to products covering several areas of personal financial planning, including:

• Life insurance
• Health protection
• Savings
• Retirement
• Wealth solutions

MCBL's distribution network spans 650 Chinabank and China Bank Savings branches across the Philippines, giving the partnership a physical presence in communities where customers already conduct banking transactions.

The renewed agreement extends the relationship for another 15 years, continuing a partnership that began in 2007.

Why does the 15-year renewal matter?

A long-term bancassurance agreement gives both companies a longer planning horizon for developing products, distribution capabilities, customer experiences, and adviser networks.

Insurance is also a long-term financial product. Policies can remain in force for years or decades, while retirement and wealth planning require customers to think beyond immediate financial needs.

A 15-year partnership therefore represents more than a distribution agreement. It provides the organizations with a framework for building their insurance business around an established banking relationship over an extended period.

According to the companies, MCBL has recorded double-digit year-on-year growth following the renewal.

Why is branch access still important?

Financial services have become increasingly digital, but physical branches continue to play a role in products that require explanation and long-term planning.

Insurance, retirement planning, and wealth products can involve more complicated decisions than everyday banking transactions. Customers may need to understand coverage, premiums, investment components, exclusions, beneficiaries, and other policy details before making a decision.

A bank-based insurance model gives customers another point of access to these conversations.

For Manulife and Chinabank, the existing branch network also provides an established distribution channel that can complement digital financial services.

What does the partnership mean for Filipino customers?

The immediate customer benefit is greater access to a broader range of financial protection and planning products through Chinabank's network.

Instead of treating insurance, savings, retirement, and wealth planning as completely separate financial decisions, customers can potentially address several long-term needs through a connected financial relationship.

That does not mean every product is appropriate for every customer. Insurance and investment-linked products can have different costs, risks, coverage terms, and objectives.

Customers should still evaluate their financial goals and understand the terms of a product before purchasing.

Manulife and Chinabank focus on long-term financial planning

The renewed partnership reflects a broader shift in financial services toward more integrated approaches to personal financial planning.

Consumers increasingly need to consider several financial priorities at once: protecting family income, preparing for healthcare costs, building savings, and planning for retirement.

Banks and insurers can respond to these needs through partnerships that combine distribution with specialized financial products.

The Manulife-Chinabank relationship illustrates this model in the Philippine market, with MCBL providing the structure through which the two organizations deliver insurance and related financial solutions.

What role does MCBL play?

MCBL serves as the joint venture connecting Manulife's insurance capabilities with Chinabank's banking network.

Its role is significant because the partnership is not simply about Manulife selling insurance products through bank branches. The joint venture provides a dedicated organization focused on delivering insurance and financial solutions through the Chinabank ecosystem.

MCBL President and CEO Amy Gochuico said the company is entering its next phase with a focus on helping customers make financial decisions around protection and long-term goals.

The continued backing of both parent organizations provides MCBL with a platform to build on its existing distribution network.

Leadership alignment signals the next phase of the partnership

Witherington's Manila visit comes as the two organizations begin the next phase of their renewed agreement.

The meeting with Chinabank's executive leadership reinforces the strategic importance of the partnership at the group level.

For Manulife, the Philippines remains part of its broader Asian insurance business. For Chinabank, bancassurance provides a way to broaden the financial services available to its customers.

The partnership therefore aligns two different strengths: insurance expertise on one side and an established banking distribution network on the other.

The business lesson behind the partnership

The Manulife-Chinabank relationship highlights the continuing value of strategic partnerships in financial services.

Banks have direct relationships with customers and established distribution infrastructure. Insurers bring specialized knowledge in risk protection and long-term financial products.

Rather than building these capabilities independently, partnerships allow each organization to leverage what the other already does well.

The 15-year renewal suggests both companies see continued value in this model.

For customers, however, the ultimate measure of the partnership will be whether it translates into products that are understandable, accessible, suitable for different financial circumstances, and useful over the long term.

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Canon Expands imageFORCE Lineup With AI-Assisted Business Devices

Canon Expands imageFORCE Lineup With AI-Assisted Business Devices

Canon Philippines has added four new multifunction device (MFD) series to its imageFORCE portfolio, expanding the range of business imaging equipment available to organizations from large enterprises to small and medium-sized businesses.

The new imageFORCE C3100, C3026, 4100 and 4000 series combine printing and scanning with document management, security, connectivity, and maintenance features. Canon is positioning the expanded lineup for workplaces where physical documents still need to work alongside cloud-based systems and digital workflows.

The launch reflects a broader shift in business imaging. Modern multifunction devices increasingly function as connected workplace tools rather than standalone printers, with organizations expecting them to support security, remote collaboration, workflow automation, and operational efficiency.

What are Canon imageFORCE multifunction devices?

A multifunction device, or MFD, is a business machine that combines several document functions in one system. Depending on the model, these can include printing, scanning, copying, and document-related workflows.

Canon's imageFORCE portfolio is designed around four areas: security, reliability, sustainability, and connectivity.

The newly launched models extend these capabilities across different business segments, giving organizations more options depending on the size and requirements of their operations.

For SMEs, this can be particularly relevant because one connected device may support several workplace functions without requiring separate equipment for every task.

How does AI-assisted maintenance help businesses?

One of the key additions to the new imageFORCE models is AI-assisted maintenance.

The technology is designed to detect potential issues early, allowing businesses to identify maintenance requirements before they develop into larger operational problems.

For organizations that rely heavily on printing and scanning, equipment downtime can interrupt routine workflows. Early detection can therefore help IT and administrative teams address potential issues before they affect users.

The value of this type of technology is not necessarily about replacing human technicians. Instead, AI-assisted monitoring can provide earlier information about device conditions and help maintenance become more proactive.

How does imageFORCE address document security?

Printers and multifunction devices are often overlooked when companies consider cybersecurity.

However, modern MFDs can connect to corporate networks, cloud platforms, computers, and other workplace systems. That connectivity can make device security an important part of an organization's broader information-security strategy.

Canon says the new imageFORCE models include protection for the devices, networks, and sensitive business information handled through them.

Secure printing, scanning, and document access are also designed to support businesses where employees work across offices, remote locations, and cloud-based environments.

For companies handling confidential contracts, financial records, customer information, or internal documents, controlling how information moves through office equipment can be an important part of document governance.

How does imageFORCE support hybrid workplaces?

The workplace has changed significantly from the traditional office environment where documents were created, printed, and stored in one location.

Employees may now work from different offices or remotely while accessing documents through cloud services.

Canon's new imageFORCE models support this environment through connectivity features that allow users to print, scan, and access documents across cloud platforms.

This can help bridge the gap between physical documents and digital workflows.

For businesses, the objective is not necessarily to eliminate paper completely. Instead, connected document systems can make it easier to move information between physical and digital formats when both are still needed.

What sustainability features are included?

Sustainability is another area Canon highlights in the expanded imageFORCE lineup.

The company says the new models use up to 30% recycled plastics, along with energy-saving technologies designed to reduce environmental impact.

For organizations developing sustainability policies, office equipment can form part of a wider effort to reduce energy consumption and improve resource use.

The impact of any individual device will depend on how it is operated, the volume of printing, power-management settings, and the organization's broader document practices.

Canon also highlights document quality

The new imageFORCE series uses Canon's D² Exposure Technology, which the company says is designed to deliver sharp and consistent document quality.

For businesses, print quality remains relevant even as more documents move online.

Contracts, presentations, marketing materials, invoices, forms, and other business documents may still require physical copies. Consistency can therefore matter for organizations producing documents at high volumes or using printed materials as part of customer-facing operations.

Why does the imageFORCE expansion matter to SMEs?

Enterprise technology is often associated with large organizations, but smaller companies face many of the same operational challenges.

SMEs also need to protect sensitive information, manage documents, support employees working across locations, and control technology costs.

Expanding an enterprise-oriented device portfolio across different business sizes gives smaller organizations access to capabilities that were once more commonly associated with large corporate environments.

The challenge for SMEs, however, is determining which features they actually need. A business with modest printing requirements may not benefit from paying for capabilities designed for high-volume or complex workflows.

The right choice ultimately depends on document volume, security requirements, cloud services, number of users, and the company's existing IT environment.

Canon receives another A3 portfolio recognition

The imageFORCE launch follows Canon's recognition by Keypoint Intelligence with the BLI 2026 A3 Line of the Year Award.

According to Canon, the recognition marks the 13th consecutive year that its A3 multifunction device portfolio has received the award.

A3 multifunction devices are business machines capable of handling paper sizes larger than the standard A4 format commonly used for everyday office documents. They are frequently used for presentations, spreadsheets, posters, diagrams, and other larger-format business materials.

The award provides additional context for Canon's continued investment in its business imaging portfolio, although individual businesses should still evaluate devices based on their specific operational requirements.

What the shift in business printing means

The latest imageFORCE expansion illustrates how the role of office printing equipment is changing.

A business MFD is no longer simply a machine that produces paper. As workplaces become more connected, the device sits at the intersection of documents, networks, cloud platforms, employees, and business processes.

That makes capabilities such as security, connectivity, proactive maintenance, and energy efficiency increasingly relevant when organizations evaluate workplace technology.

Canon's expanded imageFORCE lineup reflects that transition, bringing these features across a broader range of business environments in the Philippine market.

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Rakuten Viber Adds eSIM to Expand Super App Strategy

Rakuten Viber Adds eSIM to Expand Super App Strategy

Rakuten Viber has added an in-app travel eSIM service in the Philippines, allowing users to purchase mobile data plans for international travel without leaving the messaging platform.

The launch is more than an additional feature for travelers. It is part of Rakuten Viber's broader strategy to evolve from a messaging service into a super app, where users can access multiple digital services from one platform. The eSIM service is powered by technology from Rakuten Mobile and creates another connection between messaging, telecommunications, travel, and digital commerce.

For businesses, the move also illustrates how established digital platforms can expand beyond their original product category by embedding services that solve problems users already face.

Why is Viber adding eSIM to its platform?

International connectivity remains a fragmented part of travel. Consumers traditionally have to choose between roaming packages from their home operator, buying a local SIM after arriving at their destination, or purchasing a travel eSIM through a separate provider.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM profile built into a compatible device. Unlike a physical SIM card, it can be activated digitally and allows users to add or change mobile service without physically replacing a card.

Viber's approach removes another step by placing the purchase and installation process inside an application many users already have on their phones.

The service initially launched in the Philippines and provides data-only roaming packages covering hundreds of destinations, according to Rakuten Viber.

That positioning is significant because the company is not simply selling connectivity. It is incorporating connectivity into an existing digital relationship with its users.

How does the Viber travel eSIM work?

The process is designed to take place within the Viber application:

1. Open the eSIM store. Users can access the eSIM section through the More or Calls screens.
2. Select a destination and plan. Travelers can browse data packages covering hundreds of destinations.
3. Complete the purchase. Payment is handled through integrated payment options.
4. Install the eSIM. Users can use a Quick Install link, scan a QR code, or enter the eSIM details manually.
5. Activate the plan. Once installed and activated, the eSIM provides mobile data while traveling.

Because the service is data-only, it does not replace every function of a traditional mobile plan. Travelers may still need their regular mobile service for their phone number, calls, or SMS, depending on their device and travel setup.

What is the business strategy behind Viber's eSIM?

The bigger story is Viber's attempt to increase the number of things users can accomplish inside its ecosystem.

Messaging applications have increasingly expanded into services beyond person-to-person communication. Payments, commerce, business accounts, entertainment, financial services, and travel-related tools can all give platforms more reasons for users to return.

For Viber, eSIM adds a service that has a natural connection to communication.

Someone traveling overseas needs mobile data to use messaging, maps, ride-hailing, social media, online banking, and other digital services. By offering connectivity within Viber, the company is positioning the app at an earlier point in the traveler's digital journey.

The strategy also builds on existing services such as Viber Out, which allows users to make international calls to mobile numbers and landlines.

The combination creates a broader connectivity proposition: users can obtain mobile data for their trip and use Viber's communication services while abroad.

Why does the Rakuten Mobile partnership matter?

The eSIM service is powered by Rakuten Mobile's AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform.

This is strategically important because Viber can add a telecom-related service without becoming a traditional mobile network operator itself.

Rakuten Mobile brings telecommunications infrastructure and eSIM technology into the partnership, while Viber contributes its established consumer platform and user experience.

That division of capabilities illustrates a broader technology-business model: digital platforms do not necessarily need to build every underlying service themselves to expand their offerings.

Instead, partnerships can allow companies to package existing infrastructure into new consumer-facing products.

For Rakuten, the relationship also connects its telecommunications capabilities with another part of the Rakuten ecosystem.

What does this mean for companies in travel and fintech?

The eSIM launch offers a useful lesson for companies looking for new digital revenue streams.

Travel companies, financial platforms, retailers, and telecommunications businesses increasingly have opportunities to embed complementary services into their existing customer journeys.

For example, a travel platform could offer connectivity alongside flight or hotel bookings. A financial app could provide travel-related services to customers before they leave the country. A telecom company could distribute travel data through a non-telecom digital platform.

The important strategic principle is adjacency.

Instead of building an unrelated product, companies can identify a problem that naturally occurs before, during, or after the use of their existing service.

Viber's eSIM fits this model because international connectivity is directly related to the platform's core purpose: helping people communicate.

Super apps are becoming digital ecosystems

The super app concept is built around bringing multiple services into a single digital environment.

Rather than requiring users to download and manage separate applications for messaging, payments, commerce, transportation, or other services, a super app attempts to make several of those functions available through one ecosystem.

Viber has already expanded beyond messaging through services including Business Accounts, Viber Dating, Viber Pay, and Viber Out. The addition of eSIM gives the platform another service category with a clear use case.

However, adding features alone does not make a successful super app.

The real test is whether those services are useful enough to become part of users' regular digital routines. A platform must also make the experience simple, trustworthy, and consistent across its different services.

That makes the Viber eSIM rollout an interesting example of how a messaging platform is testing the boundaries of its original business model.

What does the Viber eSIM launch mean for travelers?

For international travelers, the immediate benefit is convenience.

Instead of searching for a separate eSIM provider, users can browse and purchase a travel data plan from within Viber. Digital installation also eliminates the need to handle a physical SIM card while traveling.

The broader benefit is potentially lower friction when preparing for an overseas trip.

Travelers increasingly depend on their smartphones for navigation, bookings, payments, communication, translation, and access to travel information. Reliable mobile data has therefore become an important part of the travel experience rather than simply a telecommunications add-on.

Pricing will remain an important factor, however. Convenience does not automatically mean the lowest price, so travelers should compare the available Viber plans with roaming offers from their home operator and other travel eSIM providers.

The bigger opportunity is beyond the eSIM

Rakuten Viber's Philippine launch demonstrates how a familiar consumer platform can use partnerships to move into adjacent services.

The eSIM itself solves a practical travel problem. The more significant business development is what sits behind it: a messaging platform using telecommunications infrastructure to expand its ecosystem and create another potential source of engagement and revenue.

For companies pursuing a super app strategy, the lesson is straightforward. Growth does not necessarily require moving into completely new markets. It can come from identifying services that naturally fit the moments when customers already use the platform.

In Viber's case, international connectivity is a logical extension of communication. Whether that makes eSIM a meaningful part of the platform's long-term business strategy will depend on adoption, pricing, user experience, and how successfully the company integrates the service into its wider ecosystem.

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inDrive Philippines Mobilizes Drivers to Help Flood-Affected Families

inDrive Philippines Mobilizes Drivers to Help Flood-Affected Families

Thursday, August 27, 2026

For ride-hailing drivers, flooded roads are an everyday operational challenge during the rainy season. For some inDrive partner drivers, however, flooding is also a reality they face at home.

That shared experience recently brought inDrive Philippines employees and partner drivers together to provide emergency relief to more than 250 families affected by flooding in Barangay Masambong, Quezon City.

The volunteers worked with local barangay officials and nonprofit organization Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to distribute emergency aid bags containing rice, noodles, canned goods, coffee, biscuits and bread.

The initiative was conducted through inDrive Cares, the company's local community program. Beyond providing immediate supplies, the activity highlights a less visible role that platform-based driver communities can play during disasters: connecting companies with people who understand vulnerable communities because they live and work in them.

Why are drivers an important part of community disaster response?

Flooding is a recurring problem in many parts of Metro Manila, particularly during the southwest monsoon and periods of intense rainfall.

For drivers, flooded streets can mean longer travel times, disrupted routes and difficult working conditions. For residents, flooding can quickly affect food supplies, transportation and access to basic necessities.

That overlap gives drivers a different perspective on disaster response.

Some of the inDrive volunteers who joined the Masambong activity also come from communities that experience flooding. Their participation therefore went beyond a conventional corporate volunteer activity. They were assisting families facing a situation that many drivers encounter themselves.

"Our partner drivers know firsthand what it means to keep moving even when conditions are unfavorable," said Vanessa Taqueban, Driver Operations Lead for the Philippines at inDrive.

She added that the company wanted employees and drivers to come together not only to deliver relief but also to support communities facing difficult circumstances.

What did inDrive distribute to the affected families?

More than 250 families in Barangay Masambong received emergency aid bags.

Each package contained:

• 2 kilograms of rice
• Cup noodles
• Canned goods
• Coffee
• Biscuits
• Bread

The contents were focused on basic food supplies that families could use immediately while dealing with the disruption caused by flooding.

That approach is particularly relevant in the first days after a disaster, when households may have difficulty buying or preparing food because of flooded roads, damaged property or interrupted livelihoods.

Why does basic food relief matter after flooding?

Flooding can disrupt access to food even when a household's home is not severely damaged.

Road closures and unsafe conditions can prevent residents from reaching markets. Small stores may also close temporarily, while families may lose food stored at home.

Emergency food packs do not solve the longer-term problems created by flooding, but they can help households manage the immediate period following a disaster.

How does inDrive Cares support communities?

The Masambong relief activity is part of inDrive Cares, a community initiative established when inDrive began its local operations two years ago, according to the company.

The program has previously supported communities affected by Typhoons Carina, Crising and Dante, including through feeding activities and relief-pack distribution.

inDrive has also worked with government agencies on an environmental cleanup along Caingin Estero in Barangay Caingin, where volunteers helped address garbage accumulation that can contribute to blocked drainage.

These activities point to two different aspects of community disaster preparedness: responding after an emergency and addressing local conditions that can worsen flooding.

What role can companies play in disaster response?

The Masambong initiative also illustrates how corporate social responsibility can move beyond donations.

For companies with large networks of employees, contractors, customers or partner workers, those networks can become useful channels for identifying communities that need assistance.

In inDrive's case, partner drivers provide a particularly direct connection to neighborhoods across Metro Manila and other areas where they operate.

The model also involves collaboration rather than a company acting alone. Barangay officials helped connect the volunteers with the affected community, while ASSIST participated as a nonprofit partner.

Such partnerships can make relief activities more targeted and reduce duplication of efforts during emergencies.

Community resilience goes beyond emergency relief

Flood relief addresses an immediate need, but Metro Manila's recurring flooding presents a much larger challenge.

Community resilience depends on several factors, including effective drainage, waste management, early warning systems, evacuation planning and access to basic services.

This is why the company's earlier cleanup activity along Caingin Estero is notable in the context of its community program. Removing garbage from waterways is not a substitute for major flood-control infrastructure, but keeping drainage channels clear can form part of broader local efforts to reduce risks.

For businesses operating in flood-prone areas, supporting both emergency response and community preparedness can create a more sustained form of engagement.

What does this mean for inDrive's driver community?

For inDrive, the relief effort puts its partner drivers at the center of its community initiatives rather than treating them solely as service providers.

Country Manager Sofia Guinto said the company's inDrive Cares program is intended to create opportunities for employees and partner drivers to support communities that need assistance.

That distinction matters in platform-based businesses, where partner workers can operate independently from the company's corporate workforce.

Bringing employees and drivers together for community activities can strengthen connections within that wider network while allowing the company to use its existing reach for a social purpose.

The inDrive Philippines flood relief effort in Quezon City provided more than 250 families in Barangay Masambong with basic food supplies following flooding in the community.

More broadly, the initiative demonstrates how companies can use their employee and partner networks to support disaster-affected communities. For inDrive, the involvement of partner drivers adds a practical dimension because many of them understand the disruption caused by flooding firsthand.

As Metro Manila continues to face recurring flood risks, immediate relief remains important. So does the longer-term work of building communities that are better prepared for the next heavy rainfall or disaster.

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LAC Adds MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract to Its Global Health Strategy

LAC Adds MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract to Its Global Health Strategy

LAC Global, the health and wellness supplements business of Singapore-based V3 Group, has completed its acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract, bringing the intellectual property and scientific heritage behind the long-established botanical ingredient into its portfolio.

The deal gives LAC control of the patented technology associated with MASQUELIER’S® and adds a product platform with more than seven decades of research history. It also comes as LAC expands its retail and e-commerce operations across Asia and looks for additional opportunities in international markets.

The acquisition is therefore about more than adding another supplement to LAC's lineup. It gives the Singapore-based company ownership of a recognized ingredient platform while strengthening its position in a wellness market increasingly focused on preventive health and healthy ageing.

Why is MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract significant?

MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract is based on oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs, a group of plant compounds belonging to the broader polyphenol family.

French scientist Professor Jack Masquelier played a major role in the early research and development of OPC extracts. The history of the MASQUELIER’S ingredient traces back to research conducted in France in the mid-20th century, including work involving the bark of the French Maritime Pine.

The company behind the ingredient says its extraction process focuses on a specific composition of OPCs rather than simply producing a general pine bark extract. Its published materials also describe testing and quality controls designed to maintain consistency between batches.

That distinction matters in the supplement business because botanical ingredients can vary depending on the plant source, extraction process and composition. Scientific reviews have likewise noted that commercially available pine bark extracts are not necessarily identical and that evidence can vary across formulations and health outcomes.

What are OPCs?

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are naturally occurring plant compounds that are part of the proanthocyanidin family of polyphenols. They are studied for antioxidant activity and other biological effects. OPCs can occur in several plant sources, including grape seeds and pine bark.

For consumers, however, the term "antioxidant" should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a supplement prevents disease. Evidence for antioxidant supplements varies considerably depending on the specific compound, dose, formulation and health outcome being studied.

What does the acquisition mean for LAC?

For LAC, the acquisition provides an established ingredient platform that can be incorporated into its broader health and wellness portfolio.

According to the company, MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract has sold more than 250 million tablets to date. MASQUELIER’S® is also the originator and trademark holder of MASQUELIER’S® Anthogenol, an OPC supplement brand with a presence in Asia Pacific.

The move also fits into LAC's broader strategy of expanding beyond its original Singapore market.

LAC was established in 1997 and currently operates more than 250 branded stores across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, according to company information. Its distribution network also includes international markets.

The company said it has franchise operations in Mongolia, India, Indonesia and Thailand, while its products are available in selected markets outside Asia.

From retail expansion to intellectual property

The acquisition highlights a broader shift in how wellness companies can build their businesses.

Instead of relying entirely on developing new products internally, companies can expand by acquiring established brands, formulations or intellectual property. This can shorten the path to market while giving the acquiring company access to existing consumer recognition and research infrastructure.

For V3 Group, the transaction also strengthens the health and wellness component of a portfolio that spans several industries.

V3 Group founder and executive chairman Ron Sim said the acquisition brings European nutritional science into LAC while supporting the company's ambition to build a health and wellness business from Asia for global consumers.

Why Asia matters to LAC's expansion strategy

LAC's existing footprint gives the company a substantial base from which to grow.

Its physical stores provide direct access to consumers, while e-commerce allows the company to reach markets where establishing a full retail network may take longer.

The combination is particularly relevant in the supplements industry, where consumer trust can influence purchasing decisions. Physical retail allows consumers to interact with products and staff, while online channels make repeat purchases and cross-border access easier.

LAC's expansion also comes as wellness increasingly intersects with broader consumer concerns such as ageing, nutrition, fitness and preventive health.

However, growing demand does not remove the need for evidence. Consumers increasingly have access to health information online, making transparency around ingredients, clinical evidence, dosage and potential interactions more important.

What consumers should know about pine bark supplements

Research into pine bark extract has produced findings across several health areas, but the evidence should be interpreted carefully.

A 2020 Cochrane review examined 27 randomized controlled trials involving 1,641 participants across several chronic conditions. The researchers found that the studies varied substantially in quality, formulations and conditions studied, making broad conclusions difficult.

More recent research has continued to examine pine bark extract. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 27 randomized trials and 1,685 participants reported improvements in several cardiometabolic measures, but the authors also called for larger, longer and higher-quality trials to confirm the findings.

That distinction is important. Research on pine bark extract in general should not automatically be treated as evidence for every commercial pine bark supplement or formulation.

Consumers should also remember that dietary supplements can interact with prescription medicines and other supplements. Health authorities recommend discussing supplement use with a doctor or pharmacist, particularly when a person is taking medication or undergoing medical treatment.

What comes next for LAC?

Following the acquisition, LAC plans to deepen its presence in existing markets while exploring further opportunities across Asia Pacific and internationally.

The company has identified preventive health, healthy ageing and everyday wellness as areas for continued product development.

For V3 Group, the strategy extends beyond geographic expansion. The company is combining an established Asian retail platform with intellectual property rooted in European nutritional research.

The bigger business question will be whether LAC can turn that combination into sustainable growth while maintaining scientific credibility as it enters more markets.

The bottom line

The LAC MASQUELIER’S French Pine Bark Extract acquisition marks a significant step in LAC Global's expansion from a regional supplement retailer into a broader health and wellness platform.

The deal brings an established botanical ingredient, intellectual property and decades of research history into LAC's portfolio. At the same time, the company's growing retail and e-commerce footprint gives it a platform for taking those products into more markets.

For consumers, the development is another sign of how the global wellness industry is evolving. Scientific heritage and brand recognition can help a supplement company grow, but long-term credibility will ultimately depend on product quality, transparent evidence and responsible health claims.

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