Genteel Home ushers in a new era of Filipino furnishings, unveils Heart Evangelista as newest brand ambassador

Genteel Home ushers in a new era of Filipino furnishings, unveils Heart Evangelista as newest brand ambassador

Friday, March 22, 2024

Genteel Home, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of bespoke furniture, is on a mission to help uplift the Philippines’ home furnishing industry and put the spotlight on the exceptional talent and ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen. To pave the way, they've partnered with Heart Evangelista, the country’s top international fashion and style icon.

On March 14, Genteel Home's Founder and Principal Designer, IDr. Katrina Blanca de Leon, proudly announced Heart Evangelista as the brand's newest ambassador. She sees Heart Evangelista as a symbol of their brand's growth and evolution. "We've been crafting beautiful furniture for over a decade, and now, with Heart on board, we're blooming like never before," Katrina said. She added that Heart Evangelista embodies everything Genteel Home stands for – passion, pride in Filipino roots, and a belief in making a mark on the world.

Looking ahead, Genteel Home is set on expanding its reach to international markets, showcasing the Philippines' rich talent in home furnishings. Heart Evangelista’s global recognition, not only for her fashion sense but also her social media influence, makes her an ideal representative for the Genteel Home's global aspirations. "Heart's involvement with Genteel Home signifies our readiness to make our mark on the international stage," Katrina emphasized.

Heart Evangelista, known for her global acclaim in the world of fashion and beauty, affirmed and expressed her admiration for the international quality of Genteel Home pieces, “Genteel Home is super at par with international furniture. Not a lot of people talk about it, that's why it’s so nice that Kat and Genteel Home are here to show the world what we’ve got. Most furniture suppliers that you see in the global scene are actually from the Philippines. We are world class. It’s important that we’re trying to celebrate that,” she said.

Genteel Home's journey began in 2013, when Katrina received a special commission that ignited her passion for furniture design. Since then, the brand has been dedicated to crafting pieces that inspire beauty and creativity in every home.

Beyond aesthetics, Genteel Home is committed to sustainability and community engagement. By investing in a Mahogany farm, they're not only ensuring a steady supply of materials but also contributing to environmental preservation and providing livelihood opportunities for local communities.

For Genteel Home, every piece of furniture is crafted with love and purpose. Their collaboration with Heart Evangelista represents a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and Filipino craftsmanship, setting the stage for an exciting future ahead.

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Celebrating digital champions in the 3rd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

Celebrating digital champions in the 3rd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

Thursday, March 21, 2024

As digitalization in the business sector remains a major strategy for growth and financial inclusion in the Philippines, the Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) returns on its third year to recognize the achievements in digital transformation of the country’s most outstanding microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microentrepreneurs. The financial inclusion awards program is made possible by Citi Foundation, in partnership with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and supported by the Bangko ng Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

More than just honoring the excellent efforts of MFIs to adopt digital transformation, the DFIA also aims to highlight efforts on expanding digital financial services to poor households by incorporating digital solutions in the products or services offered. It includes customer-centric solutions, business and technology agility, and product and service innovation, while inspiring other microentrepreneurs and MFIs to embark on their own digitalization journey leading to business growth and livelihood opportunities for many Filipinos.

The program launch was led by BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., MCPI Chairperson Gilbert Maramba, Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila, together with the first DFIA Digital Champion on Microentrepreneur Category, Ms. Phoebe Borce.

BSP Governor Remolona said, “Digitalization serves as a bridge that connects the financially underserved segments of the population to providers of formal financial services. It does so in a manner that allows greater efficiency of financial transactions that fuel and accelerate economic growth. Let us therefore build more digital bridges so that everyone may enjoy the benefits of financial inclusion.” 

MFI winners will be chosen based on the types of adopted digital solutions, measurable outcomes on digital solutions, and institutional/client benefits of digitalization. Meanwhile, microentrepreneurs will be nominated by the MFIs based on success stories, types of digital solutions used, and measurable results on digital solutions. The National Selection Committee is composed of representatives from the government, business sector, media, and academia, and is co-chaired by heads of the BSP and Citi Philippines. Four MFIs and fifteen microentrepreneur winners will be selected as digital champions for the third DFIA. 

The program includes learning exchanges and technical assistance for MFIs as part of MCPI’s awareness and readiness campaign. An awarding ceremony will be held to recognize the winners on November 8, 2024.

The winners will be awarded cash incentives (PHP100,000 for each winner) and provided laptops that can be used to enhance their digital financial services program.

“Citi Foundation invests in efforts that increase financial inclusion, economic opportunities for the youth, and develop community solutions because it leads to economic empowerment and opportunities for low-income communities and individuals around the world. With the DFIA, we are able to support the nation’s pursuit of financial inclusion through digitalization. We hope that this will serve as inspiration for the microfinance industry and MSME sector to continue innovating their services for Filipinos and help transform the country into a more financially inclusive and resilient society,” said Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila.

“The impact of digitalization is seen everywhere around the world. This transformation not only allowed MFIs to help clients thrive, especially during crucial times, but most importantly, it has helped the institution in bringing more transformative change to businesses and help them succeed in today’s challenging business world,” said MCPI Chairperson Gilbert Maramba.

Aligned with the central bank’s push to promote financial inclusion nationwide, the DFIA program is an evolution of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards that enables Citi Foundation and MCPI to continue raising awareness about the importance of microentrepreneurship and microfinance in supporting digitalization and economic empowerment of low-income individuals.

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How local chocolate producer Kakaw Galleon made business sweeter with help from PLDT and Smart

How local chocolate producer Kakaw Galleon made business sweeter with help from PLDT and Smart

The famous line from the 1994 hit movie Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get” has been true so far for Isagani de Ocampo, owner and chocolatier of Kakaw Galleon.

De Ocampo began his career as a seafarer in 2009 and was trained as a Pastry Chef aboard cruise ships. This was followed by a chance to train under the esteemed Jean-Philippe Maury’s chocolate shop, honing Isagani’s skills under the guidance of masters.

But fate had different plans for the chocolatier. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Isagani belonged to the first batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers. It was also this time when he started creating his own chocolate formula, dreaming of launching his own chocolate line in the Philippines. 

“It was hard at first because our taste for chocolate is quite different. Filipinos prefer the “stateside” chocolate. So, I thought of making a local version of chocolate that tastes like it’s imported,” he shared. “I wanted to bring the technology and the taste that I learned from abroad closer to chocolate lovers here,” he added.

But starting the business in a pandemic was not easy. For one, he had to rent a separate place for his chocolate factory – which was not possible during the lockdown. De Ocampo had to put his business on hold for a year before he was able to launch his first product in November of 2021.

“It became a hit, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) heard about it. They approached me and offered me help. I held my first bazaar with them in January of the next year and I introduced my product as a local ‘imported’ chocolate. And the rest is history,” he recalled.

To scale his business even further, Isagani saw the value of upskilling and learning how to employ digital tools to boost micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) like Kakaw Galleon. When the invitation to attend the eBizNovation program under the livelihood advocacy of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) came, he did not hesitate to join.

“I’m a non-tech savvy person. Technology and I don’t get along. But I saw the invite to the eBizNovation workshop of DTI and PLDT and Smart, so I attended the event. Then, when I returned home, I told my wife about it, and she volunteered to implement it,” de Ocampo said.

The eBizNovation program is a digital upskilling-to-ecommerce program that aims to provide local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and MSMEs like Kakaw Galleon the right digital tools to help them grow their businesses online.

Together with government partners such as the DTI, LGUs, local chambers of commerce, and ecommerce platforms like TikTok Shop, eBizNovation trains local business owners like Isagani how to maximize digital commerce to boost their livelihood.

“The skills and knowledge we gained from PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation training have helped us build our digital platforms and online payment system, and ultimately helped boost our online presence and sales. We are thankful for this opportunity,” the chocolatier shared.

PLDT and Smart are committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos through livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities made possible by technology. These initiatives also support the UN SDGs #1 No Poverty and #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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Startup visionaries and a new ED take the stage at the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program Cohort 11 Demo Day

Startup visionaries and a new ED take the stage at the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program Cohort 11 Demo Day

IdeaSpace presents Cohort 11 Demo Day, where visionary techpreneurs showcased their groundbreaking ventures.

Celebrating the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, IdeaSpace, a startup enabler supported by the MVP or PLDT and Metro Pacific group of companies, recently hosted a demo day for Cohort 11 of the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program.

Showcasing six startups, the event provided a platform for visionary techpreneurs to pitch their ventures and showcase their journey towards reaching their growth targets and milestones throughout the program to investors, partners, and key ecosystem stakeholders. They were introduced to the community by IdeaSpace’s new Executive Director Jay Fajardo, one of the pioneers of the Philippine startup ecosystem.

The six groundbreaking startups that pitched at the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program Cohort 11 Demo Day are:

Hey Roomie - a community engagement app propelling how people can connect and monetize their interests and passions online.

ITOOH Homestyle - a digital platform that aggregates the finest local furniture and art.

kazam - a platform that aims to directly connect kasambahays and homeowners, presenting safer and smarter online interactions.

Kintab - a mobile car care platform designed to cater to car owners with packed schedules.

Kippap Learning Corporation - an education tech startup focused on empowering students and regulated professionals to prepare for board exams.

Molinos de la Especia - a consumer packaged goods provider aiming to bring premium spices globally.

Each startup brought something unique to the table, demonstrating their significant growth, market traction, and bold visions for the future with innovative technologies and robust business models. 

Throughout the 5-month IdeaSpace Accelerator Program, the startups had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into best practices for business operations, fundraising, marketing, and sales. They were guided by seasoned mentors with prominent roles in the local and global startup ecosystem, enriching their knowledge and capacities for success.

“Our latest cohort demonstrates the spirit of innovation and creativity that define the Philippine startup landscape. Through our Accelerator Program, we've not only provided them with the tools and guidance to thrive but also built a community where fresh ideas flourish. I am confident that these visionary entrepreneurs will continue to make waves, driving our nation towards a future brimming with opportunity and prosperity," said Butch Meily, President of IdeaSpace.

Following the theme “Prope11ing Filipino Startups”, the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program continues to serve as an avenue for high-growth potential startups to reach the next step in their ventures. Committed to nurturing the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs, IdeaSpace enables them to create positive change in society through innovative ideas.

Jay Fajardo, IdeaSpace’s new Executive Director, also brings a fresh perspective and strategic vision to the forefront of the organization. Fajardo's leadership heralds an exciting new chapter for the accelerator program, allowing a booming landscape where Filipino entrepreneurs can thrive.

“Cohort 11 represents an emerging breed of robust startups focused on practical fundamentals and sound unit economics. The founders have placed great emphasis on generating sustainable revenues and maintaining profitability while delivering tech-enabled innovation. This trend is particularly common with resilient startups during economic downturns in the past and is typical of the winners when economic cycles resume their upward trend. We’re glad to have played a role in strengthening Cohort 11’s best practices, business models, and value proposition—increasing their chances for success,” shared Jay Fajardo, IdeaSpace’s new Executive Director.

To know more about the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program Cohort 11 startup participants, view the online magazine here. Don’t miss your chance to join the ranks of innovators and changemakers—stay tuned for updates on the launch of Cohort 12, happening soon.

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PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

Monday, March 18, 2024

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) conducted an eight-day Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) for persons with disabilities in Mandaue City, Cebu. The training was done in collaboration with non-profit organization ATRIEV, Voice Philippines, and the Mandaue City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

Under their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program, PLDT and Smart partnered with ATRIEV, or Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, to expand the reach of this digital training across the country and upskill more entrepreneurs with disabilities, enabling them to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

“In a world full of judgment, it may be challenging for persons with disabilities to establish their own businesses, but I salute our DBBT graduates’ willingness to learn and improve their livelihood. Through IDEATe, PLDT and Smart ensure to support persons with disabilities in navigating through the world of business enabled by technology,” said Lailane H. Go, Senior Manager, Regional Customer Development at Smart.

Helen Ortega, a tuberculosis survivor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “As someone who is unfamiliar with online selling and digital tools, this training undoubtedly equipped me with skills to improve my small business. This is a great opportunity for us, and I thank ATRIEV and its partners for making this happen,” she said.

A total of 27 participants, who included individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments, learned about various digital tools and applications that they can use in growing their businesses online. Additionally, the training also covered e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, content creation, internet safety, and an introduction to the Maya Business App, helping them fully embrace digitalization in their businesses.

“LGU Mandaue City values the welfare of its people, especially those from vulnerable groups. We thank our partners for helping us reach our goal of capacitating persons with disabilities in our city and helping them become productive individuals,” said Dr. Michael Allan O. Pielago, Mandaue City PDAO Head.

This initiative under PLDT Group’s pioneering inclusion program, IDEATe, aligns with its commitment to helping the country achieve UNSDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and UNSDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. IDEATe was a finalist at the 2024 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, the connectivity industry’s most prestigious accolade, judged by the telco sector’s most prominent experts.

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Experience Lanson Living: Extended Stays at Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Experience Lanson Living: Extended Stays at Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Nestled in the heart of Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila promises an extended stay experience like no other. With a focus on personalised hospitality and thoughtful amenities, Lanson Place provides guests with an unforgettable journey of discovery and relaxation. Going the extra mile with a host of benefits, including welcome amenities, daily breakfast buffets, high-speed internet, and discounts on food and beverages. Additionally, guests enjoy access to the Residents' Lounge, where they can engage in curated activities like herb planting yoga sessions and more.

Extended Stay Experience

Situated at the Bay Wing of Lanson Place, from a selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom serviced residences, guests can indulge in stunning views of Manila Bay. These accommodations come with thoughtful features like kitchenette facilities in studios and washer/dryer units for the larger serviced residences.

Meanwhile, the Residents' Lounge provides a tranquil space for long-staying guests to unwind, featuring a minimalist nature-inspired colour scheme and window seating with views of the Galleon. Relax and socialise in our stylish lounge, featuring comfortable seating areas and scheduled events for guests to enjoy

“Exclusive access to the Residents' Lounge is a key feature of our approach. This lounge is designed to foster a sense of community and well-being. To cater to varying interests, we organise exclusive curated activities every quarter. These activities include unique experiences such as herb planting, painting sessions, aqua Zumba, and sunrise yoga to name a few. We believe that providing a range of engaging activities contributes to a more enriching and personalised stay for our guests. 

At Lanson Place, our commitment is to create an environment where each long-staying guest feels not only comfortable but also inspired, ensuring a truly memorable and tailored experience during their time with us” said Antonette Mitschiener, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Dining Options

Lanson Place, Manila offers an array of dining options for all guests. In Cyan Modern Kitchen, guests embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to Filipino delicacies, featuring both buffet and a la carte menus. 

From classic Hong Kong-inspired noodle soup made with locally sourced ingredients to enticing Indian and Spanish-influenced dishes, every dish is thoughtfully curated to cater to a diverse clientele. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing front-row seats to Manila Bay's magnificent sunset, Cyan Modern Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other.

Lanson Place’s Madeleine High Tea also offers guests a cosy high tea lounge experience, complete with tiered high-tea menus featuring locally sourced tea selections from Agusan del Norte, while the BLK12 Café|Bar provides a versatile space for guests to relax and unwind, offering perfectly brewed coffee made with premium beans sourced from local and international growers. For business travellers on the go, Bytes’ grab-and-go counter offers freshly prepared meals made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a healthy and convenient dining option.

Long-staying guests receive a 20% discount on food and beverage outlets.

Property Amenities

For relaxation and leisure, the Edge Pool Bar offers a serene escape while sipping on refreshments with its 180-degree scenic view of Manila Bay and the Metro skyline. Indulging in a leisurely swim in Lanson Place's infinity pool provides a holistic experience, seamlessly blending scenic beauty, tranquillity and relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, contributing to the enjoyment during your stay.

Stay invigorated with modern fitness equipment and personalised workout programs, provided alongside a well-equipped gym and spacious yoga studio on the building's top floor, offering a picturesque backdrop for both fitness activities and lifestyle classes.

Enhance your productivity at the Co-working Space, providing access to high-speed internet for work or school. Guests staying in-house for short or extended periods enjoy complimentary usage each week.

To further enrich guest experiences, Lanson Place collaborates with third-party businesses and organizations. Partnerships with Online Travel Agencies and local tourism initiatives underscore the brand's commitment to promoting tourism and supporting the community.

For more information about Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila’s upcoming events, and other offerings, visit the official website at www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia 

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KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

Sunday, March 17, 2024

• 71% of Filipino employees consider digital skills as a must-have to become competitive in the increasingly digital landscape;

• This highlights the importance of digital upskilling programs are easily available and accessible for all employees;

• As one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia, 917Ventures recognizes this imperative, which led them to create KodeGo to help upskill Filipinos

The Philippines is on track towards becoming a US$35 billion economy by 2025.But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation. 

According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country's digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.

“In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo Chief Executive Officer.

Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:

• Full-stack web development
• Virtual Assistance
• Virtual Bookkeeping
• Basic transcription 

“As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It's crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we're committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.

In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete. 

To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights including GCash and Accenture.

Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)

At the forefront of KodeGo's mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.

Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.

“I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.

After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.

Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer. 

“Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.

How to enroll at KodeGo

Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test. 

Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.

Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph

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