Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

“As more digital-based solutions and trends emerge in the market, Filipinos are more open to new innovations that make payments and banking more convenient, accessible, and seamless. There is an opportunity in the country for traditional banks and new players to launch digital banking services in the country that will better serve the needs of underserved and underpenetrated segments. We believe this will transform the banking and payments landscape in the country and at Visa, we are keen to work with all our partners to help them create better user interface and experience when they create and enhance their digital banking solutions,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

According to Visa Study says that Eight in 10 Filipinos Are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services. Top interest drivers for Filipinos to use digital banking services include access to banking services any time of the day (68%), time saved from not having to queue at bank branches (68%), and convenience (67%).

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released new findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study[1], that shows over eight in 10 Filipinos (83%) are aware and interested (81%) in using digital banking services. However, only 32 percent of respondents are currently using services offered by a digital bank.

[1] Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study was conducted between August to September 2020 on 1,014 Filipinos aged 18-65 years old through an online questionnaire by CLEAR. This is part of a regional research project conducted in Southeast Asia on over 7,500 consumers across eight markets.

Filipinos interested in banking with digital banks are keen to use services such as paying bills (84%), transferring money locally (78%), making deposits and withdrawals (76%), and making payments for purchases at local retail locations (71%). However, the preference of using digital banking for traditional bank services such as investments (52%), international transfers (48%) and loans (46%) is lower.

The study also showed that Filipinos are most keen to work with a financial services brand for digital banking services (93%) and traditional banks (92%), followed by new start-ups with digital banking services (72%).

In addition, 86 percent of Filipino respondents would switch current banking services to digital banking services if the bank provided better rewards and 85 percent would do so if they can benefit from lower costs for their banking transactions. Filipinos’ interest to use digital banking services increased to 80 percent compared to 70 percent in the previous year when the same research was conducted.

Interest in Biometric Authenticated Payments

Awareness of digital solutions such as biometric authenticated payments grew to approximately 80 percent in 2020 from 60 percent in 2019. Almost eight in 10 Filipinos express high awareness and interest in using biometric authenticated payments, especially the Gen Z and affluent segments. Biometric payment is perceived as a quick (62%) and innovative (61%) way to pay. In addition five in 10 Filipinos (55%) think it is a more secure way to pay. However, usage is low at 23 percent since its accessibility depends on market availability.

Finger scan as one of the biometric authentication methods is most popular amongst Filipinos (59%) especially for making bill payments or purchases at the convenience stores. This is followed by facial recognition (31%) and retina scan (16%).

Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

2:32 AM banking, Digital Banking Services, feature, Featured, Visa

Press Conference and the Official Launch of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

Today, May 20, 2021, at the Manila House Private Members Club, The Asia Leaders Awards launch their press conference for the upcoming Asia Leaders Awards 2021 attended with selected awards committee, honourees, media, and some bloggers. This year's theme is Hope and Optimism. Choosing leaders who are shining more in times of pandemic through their Corporate Social Responsibilities to reach out to those even beyond their communities.

Dr. Elton See Tan, Avin Ong, Harvey Ong, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Rick Sobreviñas, Tan Yu III

These are from the business sector and the committee chose some from the public officials who are also doing their job but making a difference. Those who are not afraid to fold their sleeves and help out. 

See the nation's greatest leaders in Business, Public Service, and Academe. Chairman Rick Sobreviñas of the American Association of the Philippines announced the two honourees from the academe; Historian Ambet Ocampo and Ron Mendoza of Ateneo De Manila University. 

“Ron Mendoza is the Head of the School of Government at the Ateneo, MPA from Harvard and PhD in Economics from Fordham University. Before this, he was the Head of the Development Department at AIM, responsible for 40% of all the research publications of all the Professors at AIM, truly exceptional educator.”- Rick Sobreviñas 

The Press Conference is attended by two young leaders of this generation; Avin Ong of Fredley Group of Companies with their famous Macao Imperial Tea and Harvey Ong of Alfamart. 

When asked how did Macao Imperial Tea manage to keep the business strong despite the pandemic:  

“You have to be creative, innovative, adaptable to change.” - Mr. Avin Ong, Fredley Group of Companies

What I loved most about Macao Imperial Tea and their management is their ability to coup up even this pandemic. Since no one is allowed to dine in or minimal capacity, their ability to do other strategies like ordering online, have their discounts coupons, and more so that customers will remain loyal to them. 

Harvey Ong, Chief Operations Officer shared an overwhelming story also. Going to work during the first days of the pandemic, Harvey chanced upon one of their Alfamart employees, walking on the streets, full of sweat. He has been walking for 3 hours already when he saw him. He asked the employee, why not just file a leave for that day, The employee answered: "our team needs me to be there." 

Awards committee in attendance; Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez, Makati Tourism Foundation Secretary-General Tan Yu III, BNI Premier President and Filipino Chinese Chamber of the Philippines Vice President Dr. Elton See Tan, Rick Sobreviñas, and Grace Bondad Nicolas of American Association of the Philippines. 

Major sponsors include:

• Grab
• J&T Express
• Asian Tigers Mobility
• AsiaPrime Corporation
• Jollibee Group
• Eastern Communication
• Bounty Agro Ventures Inc
• Alfamart
• Fredley Group of Companies
• Frontrow Enterprise

Asia Leaders Awards is the only acknowledgment and recognition-giving body with organizations and embassies as part of the awards committee is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its purpose is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub in Asia and beyond. The event is considered a must-attend occasion for business and government leaders across the nation and beyond. 

For more details, visit www.asialeadersawards.asia.

Press Conference and the Official Launch of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

12:50 AM Asia Leaders Awards 2021, feature, Featured, Press Conference of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company: Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo

The Co-Founder and Brand Chief Executive Officer, Grace Bondad Nicolas reiterated that this is for those employees or workers displaced by this pandemic, a very specific group. 

According to her, “We already did some testing to different individuals from different backgrounds and we decided that those who were working before and lose their jobs has more will and determined to earn. It’s a circle, they need to reorder from the free resellers' package we provided in order for this program to be successful for themselves. Other sectors can apply but still need to be approved.” 

In order to help more those employees who are displaced by this global health crisis, AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company with brands; Immune CEE Vitamin C +Zinc, GlutaGlow Slimming Drinks, GlamHigh Cosmetics By Andria, and GracefulSkin Essentials came up with “Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo or SKPM Project.

SKPM is to provide an initial FREE capital or investment in a form of the AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company Products Mix for the chosen or approved individual to sell. Since most doesn’t have an extra budget to invest, the Group Chairman, Andrew Troy Nicolas explained, “We like to help those workers displaced by this pandemic, they have the will to work and yet doesn’t have a choice since their companies were also affected and need to remove them. We like to help out and for them to continue to help their family.” 

Mechanics are as follows:

1. Apply via AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company Facebook Page to submit necessary proofs of work displacement 

2. Wait for approval within a week 

3. If approved, Orientation & receive the products to sell in SRP 

4. Reorder less profit 

This is the Corporate Social Responsibility and project of AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company. 

For more information; www.aaacosmetics.Asia or 09778978877/ 028 2193503, manila@aaacosmetics.Asia.

AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company: Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo

5:49 PM feature, Featured, www.aaacosmetics.Asia

Andrew Troy Nicolas: Meet the Man Behind the Tag Media Group

Let's meet Andrew Troy Nicolas, the CEO and the man behind the Tag Media Group. For years of being an IT in the Center of the business world, Wall Street, New York City, USA, Andrew Troy Nicolas shifted to help the rising Tag Media and Public Relations eventually became Tag Media Group that manages concerts, advertising, marketing, public relations and campaigns of different companies from different industries in the Asia Pacific. 

Troy as his team calls him, is the one handling the management of all IT related items and monitoring it like the social media accounts, multiple websites under the company and even some of the content. He is making sure that all has a positive impact in the lives of the clients and followers. 

His expertise is Business Intelligence (BI), checking everyday the data as the basis of the actual position. BI comprises the strategies and technologies used by enterprises for the data analysis of business information. BI technologies provide historical, current, and predictive views of business operations.

As the Group CEO of Tag Media Group, he approves the launching of AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company (GlamHigh Cosmetics, Graceful Skin Essentials, Immune CEE, GlutaGlow Slimming Drinks) last November 2020. As per analysis, even during pandemic, there’s still a demand from consumers who are into weight loss, those who are always in online meetings, for health and wellness and still to beautify or improve their personal appearances since most are staying home so more focus on their physical appearance and well being. As of this writing, the company has more than 100 distributors nationwide with few already in Milan and Taiwan. Targeting at least a thousand at the end of this year, not bad business during Pandemic. 

According to Troy, “It’s all about big data and actual projections. We will also continue our AG Builders and Developers, the construction company under Tag Media Group. We’re hiring right now since clients, even afraid of this pandemic still likes to secure their family with a home as their legacy. The brands under AAA Cosmetics are still new but there’s a lot of inquiries. The events are still here even online as we wanted to still be relevant and the followers we have likes to learn more and to see what’s new so we have Cocktail Hour under Asia Leaders Awards, the show with the honourees of ALA to present their lighter side of success. We’re not stopping and keeps on innovating.”

The signature events under Tag Media and Public Relations (Asia Digital Marketing Expo, Asia HR Expo, Asia E Commerce Expo, Dwelo, Asia’s Best Singing Competition)  might be in halt because of this global health crisis but Asia Leaders Forums and Awards (ALA) are still thriving with the support of its stakeholders and organising committee. Announcement of honourees will be this May 20, 2021 and awarding ceremony will be on November 11, 2021 at Embassy of Singapore. 

For more information, visit Tagmedia.Asia and Asialeadersawards.Asia.

Andrew Troy Nicolas: Meet the Man Behind the Tag Media Group

4:44 PM Andrew Troy Nicolas, feature, Featured

Get Ready for the Asia Leaders Awards Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour will be launched on May 3, 2021, at Asia Leaders Awards Facebook Page with Renan Ponce Morales who is the Managing Director of Paragon Group of Companies, Inc. Lots of online shows right now due to the inability to have physical activities as mandated by the government that usually tackle heavy discussions about business and leadership. 

Asia Leaders Awards theme for this year is hope and optimism. Same as the color of the year, yellow and gray. A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another. What we all need right now. Support and Unity. 

This year, Asia Leaders Forums and Awards will present the exemplary leaders in the Philippines with a twist, to discuss anything under the sun, their advocacy and passion. No more of those mind-setting heavy presentations about the usual business scenario or discussions about their companies, we have a global health crisis, we’re in a survival mode. 

It will be between the leaders with the resident host, award-winning and talented entrepreneur and comedian Frida Nepomuceno, daughter of master impressionist Willie Nepomuceno. Very fitting to make the show as unique as possible to showcase the lighter side of success as a squeeze from the guests. 

Renan Ponce Pascual-Morales, or “Bespren” as what his friends and constituents normally call him, is the current President of the National Movement of Young Legislators in Region 3. He founded the Bestfriend ng Bayan Foundation in 2015 which provides assistance to rape victims, out-of-school youths, women caught in sex trafficking and prostitution, People With Disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens who are neglected.

Renan is a former professional car racer, an N-1 champion, and F3 Formula Drive. After his racing career, he started to focus on different advocacies to help uplift the lives of his countrymen. He became a public servant and a town councilor in Nueva Ecija. Later on, he also got involved in supporting different sports groups such as Basketball and Volleyball Tournaments, Persons with Disability Paraplegic Athletes, and the Philippine Memory Sports.

The announcement of finalists will be on May 20, 2022, with the presentation of the whole awards committee and Gala night will be on 11-11-21. 

To know more and want to nominate; visit their website at www.Asialeadersawards.Asia.

Get Ready for the Asia Leaders Awards Cocktail Hour

7:16 PM feature, Featured, Frida Nepomuceno, Renan Ponce Morales, www.asialeadersawards.asia

Meet the Woman in the Asia Leaders Awards 2021

“I’m from the province (Laguna) who moved to the big city, for years of staying in the US and roaming in Wall Street and Broadway, I told myself that it’s all about campaigns and good branding and that’s why we have Tag Media Group, we like to disseminate the information fast and to promote the leaders to be emulated. It’s all about inspiration. To be at Asia Leaders Awards is the highest honour especially with these leaders with me. As they say, surround yourself with good people. Helping out is natural for us, it’s being human and with Asia Leaders Awards, promoting these leaders in the world and what they do and accomplished are part of promoting the talent and strength of the Philippines.” - Grace Bondad Nicolas 

Asia Leaders Awards (ALA), the largest in the Asia Pacific will continue to acknowledge these companies and leaders. Thanks to the awards committee who in spite of all their busy schedule and own challenges are still here to support. 

There are 13 high-profile and empowered individuals as part of the awards committee but there’s only one woman in the pack who represents the American Association of the Philippines that caught the attention of many though in so many organizations she’s with, always standing tall. 

This year Asia Leaders Awards is all about hope and optimism. Showing how these leaders are reaching out to others to give back and at the same time bouncing back big time not just for their own organizations but for the community. Though ever since this global health pandemic, they were already there helping out. A slow clap from everyone for continuing what they started amidst this chaos worldwide. 

Meet Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, the President of Asia Leaders Awards and leading different organizations as part of its top management team and in charge for ALAs campaigns since she’s the co-founder of Tag Media Group, one of the leading marketing, advertising, public relations, and consultancy in the Philippines. 

For this year, it’s about the nation in unity. Here are the complete awards committee; 

• H.E. Gerard Ho - Ambassador of Singapore 

• H.E. Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz - Ambassador of Poland 

• H.E. DongMan Han - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea 

• H.E. Rizany Irwan  - Deputy Ambassador of Malaysia 

• Ebb Hinchliffe - Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce 

• Ricardo Sobreviñas  - Chairman, American Association of the Philippines 

• Grace Bondad Nicolas - Vice President, American Association of the Philippines 

• Dr. Elton See Tan - President, BNI Premier 

• Robert Laurel Yupangco - Vice President, Philippine Korean Chamber 

• Andrew Troy Nicolas  - Group CEO, Tag Media Group 

• Edward Ling - President, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Inc.

• Tan Yu III - Secretary-General, Makati Tourism Foundation Inc  

• James Jimenez  - Spokesman/Director, Commission of Elections 

A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Our theme for this year is coinciding with the colors of the year; Yellow and Gray. Two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another. What we all need right now. Support and Unity. 

The announcement of finalists will be on May 20, 2021 with the presentation of the whole awards committee and Gala night will be on 11-11-21. 

To nominate; please visit their website at www.Asialeadersawards.Asia.

Meet the Woman in the Asia Leaders Awards 2021

6:04 PM Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, feature, Featured, www.asialeadersawards.asia

Meet the Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Awards Committee On November 11, 2021

Let's meet the Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Awards Committee in the Gala Night at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig on November 11, 2021. 

The objective is to acknowledge honorable men and women who promotes the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia and beyond and who shows leadership not only to his peers but also tries to solve the problem of the country and beyond and who demonstrated outstanding achievement for the welfare of others even for public service. 

The largest in the Asia Pacific, Asia Leaders Awards is all about hope and optimism this year. Showing how these leaders are reaching out to others to give back and at the same time bouncing back big time not just for their own organizations but for the community.

For this year, it’s about the nation in unity. Meet the awards committee; 

• H.E. Gerard Ho  - Ambassador of Singapore 

• H.E. Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz - Ambassador of Poland 

• H.E. DongMan Han - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea 

• H.E. Rizany Irwan Deputy -  Ambassador of Malaysia 

• Ebb Hinchliffe - Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce 

• Ricardo Sobreviñas  - Chairman, American Association of the Philippines 

• Grace Bondad Nicolas  - Vice President, American Association of the Philippines 

• Dr. Elton See Tan - President, BNI Premier 

• Robert Laurel Yupangco  - Vice President, Philippine Korean Chamber 

• Andrew Troy Nicolas  - Group CEO, Tag Media Group 

• Edward Ling  - President, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Inc 

• Tan Yu III - Secretary General, Makati Tourism Foundation Inc  

• James Jimenez  - Spokesman/Director, Commission of Elections 

A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. The theme for this year in coinciding with the colors of the year; Yellow and Gray. Two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another. What we all need right now. Support and Unity.

Being an Asia Leaders Awards honouree is a testament to great leadership and contribution in the business world.

Nomination is extended till May 15, 2021 

Announcement of honourees/finalists  will be on May 20, 2021. 

For more details, visit www.asialeadersawards.Asia.

Meet the Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Awards Committee On November 11, 2021

4:46 PM Asia Leaders Awards 2021, feature, Featured, www.asialeadersawards.asia

DynaQuest: Blockchain Journey in the Philippine Businesses

DynaQuest, an award-winning Blockchain solutions provider, which has been globally recognized in the most prestigious Blockchain expo and forums is a Philippine-based systems integration specialist who specializes in the adoption and integration of frontier technologies into existing business and enterprise systems. Armed with the expertise on change management, knowledgebase, resource management, and technical qualifications to guide businesses in their Blockchain transformation journey. 

The company embeds a Blockchain-centric culture that is conductive to enterprises for their business innovation, new market ventures, and decentralized economic participation.

Blockchain is leading the frontier technology in the business transformation department as the platform is being primed as the essential backbone of business and enterprise information. To date, Blockchain is already making transformative benefits into the world of banking and finance as global banks are in a position to save between $8 to $25 billion annually from infrastructure operating costs. Further, Gartner estimates that the annual business value derived from Blockchain will be worth at an estimate of $3 trillion by 2030, and by the same year, Gartner projects that 10% to 20% of the global economy will be running on Blockchain-based systems.

Global business is being changed by the rapid advance of frontier technology. These technologies such as Blockchain have allowed consortiums, Fortune 500 companies, and global enterprises to rethink and reimagine how transactions are done. In fact, according to the executives in the recent Deloitte’s Global Blockchain Survey of 86% have set Blockchain as a priority of their business strategy and transformation in the 2020's decade, while according to Forbes Business Insights, the current rate of global Blockchain adoption projects that the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of Blockchain-enabled markets will be at staggering 56.1% in which the global Blockchain market will be worth $69 Billion by 2027 from $2.1 Billion in 2019. 

With this acceleration of Blockchain adoption, the market is at the precipice of huge changes: there will be new leaders, new challenges and there will be new forces that will challenge the status quo. Failing to adapt and transform with the technology will prove to be a major hindrance for businesses in terms of their competitiveness, cost-efficiency, and long-term survival beyond the late stages of the decade.

In a closer look at the impact of the technology in the day-to-day micro-processes; Blockchain allows businesses to verify and process information seamlessly while significantly cutting down on costs from delays resulting from transactional data needed to be verified by back-office work. As such, the transformative effect follows a broad but extensive market where portability and interoperability are dictating markets and their convergence. It leaves no room for silo and niche as the technology of today is easily ported or retrofitted to fit diverse industries, aligned markets and used as turnkey factors against even the most unique cases of business needs.

Blockchain Transformation

In just a few years, Blockchain has progressed from a buzzword, to a nascent technology and to the most sought after technology in business transformation. The early adopters were the consortia consisting of the world’s biggest banks, the world’s tech titans and the global leaders in trade and shipping. The promising results of their respective use cases demonstrated new levels of efficiency being reached alongside an optimise process with very little friction as much as possible. It wasn’t long until enterprises began forming strategic partnerships to explore the Blockchain space and how the technology can reinvent their business as well as reach new levels of competitiveness. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) published a report named Global Blockchain Survey. The report states:

Financial services industry accounts for 46% of the advancement in developing Blockchain, while industrial manufacturing (12%), energy & utility (12%) and healthcare (11%) are trailing.

* 84% of leaders responded that their companies have some involvement in Blockchain

* 30% of the survey respondents believe that China will be the leader in global Blockchain infrastructure by 2023 and 18% believe that the United States will still be the leaders of Blockchain, as 29% of the same respondents stated that from 2018-2021, the United States are the current global leaders.

What is truly astounding is how we went from “Wow to Now” in the business transformation with Blockchain. We are seeing the years grow shorter in between adoption and commercial viability towards Blockchain’s maturity. Since every business-minded person now has a grasp on Blockchain’s process, the question is how businesses – such as the SMEs can get started in Blockchain – given the depth of requirements and steep learning curve of the said technology. 

Despite the challenges, the SME market is projected to grow at a higher CAGR from 2020-2025 according to MarketsAndMarkets’ Blockchain Report, in reference to the technology becoming more portable, accessible and more adoption models emerge out of the solutions market in the coming years. In fact, there are already proven Blockchain framework to follow out of the SME market in the form of the following:

• SMEs and Associations banding together to form and fund a Blockchain alliance

• Key partnerships with technology and solutions providers

• Study and build upon the Blockchain as a Service emerging market where instead of

building your own, you can sign up with a provider to enable Blockchain basing on your use case.

Blockchain Transformation in the Philippine Economy

The Philippines has always been an early adopter of emerging technologies: from relational servers to cloud computing and virtual infrastructures, the country’s largest businesses, and banks are always the first to adopt key technologies and they are always setting the standards. As the country is gearing up for economic recovery from the pandemic and seeking new grounds to establish new levels of economic opportunities when it comes to frontier technologies, Blockchain transformation is among the prime ventures in which most businesses will make it a priority in this decade. 

Today, banks, startups, and strategic partnerships between regulatory bodies and global technology providers are leading the way for Blockchain adoption in the country. Key transformation in the following economic zones will help uplift the country as it roars back as a tiger economy in Asia and the Pacific:

• Blockchain in Banking for unprecedented efficiency in operations

• Adoption of digital wallets and managed digital identities for economic inclusion

• Technological transformation in healthcare and insurance for overall better health outcomes

• New tech hubs and tech economic zones to drive in frontier technology investors and capital venture

• Adoption of fintech to help businesses and the government save billions annually from paper-based and traditional transactions.

• Blockchain adoption in shipping, trade and logistics to enable greater value in the local, regional and global value chain.

The pandemic has stunted the growth of the Philippine economy. From what once a very resilient economy that was able to withstand several global financial contractions, had posted economic losses from last year. Such losses were not seen since the aftermath of the second world war. As a catalyst for recovery, the key economic areas of the Philippines must include process efficiency and cost-efficiency:

• Business – Improve overall efficiency of the business and transaction process

• Government – Improving efficiency in its overall administrative structure from day-to-day management to the efficiency of its tax collection, mobilization on projects, and lawmaking.

• People – Promote an inclusive economy to promote and encourage economic participation from its poorest sectors in order for these sectors to become productive in their economic contributions in areas such as microfinance and tax remittance.

• Economic Zones – Create more special economic areas to attract investors on frontier and catalyst technology to help boost the global competitiveness of its province / regions.

For more information, visit: https://dqtsi.com/.

DynaQuest: Blockchain Journey in the Philippine Businesses

5:37 PM Blockchain, DynaQuest, feature, Featured

Community Pantry: University of Asia & the Pacific and ANIMA Member Andria Terese Nicolas Donates in Los Baños Laguna

One student of the University of Asia & the Pacific and an ANIMA member chose to give something back to the community on the eve of her birthday. 

“We have lots of challenges but in spite of all those, we must still be grateful, grateful for the life and opportunity, we actually giving in our simple ways ever since but for this pandemic, we must share more and for my birthday this year, would like to take this opportunity to share.” - Andria Terese Nicolas 

The spirit of giving or “Bayanihan” is very visual nowadays with the different initiatives of private individuals and organizations all throughout the nation via various community pantries. 

First-year Masters in Political Economy Student Andria Terese Nicolas who is also a young entrepreneur donates essential goods to Kiwanis Club of Los Baños. 

Andria is also the brand CEO of GlamHigh Cosmetics which she launched last year and distributing nationwide. 

ANIMA, a community of actively participating students, exists to protect, maintain, and uphold an atmosphere of student initiative for the University’s well-being; and to form the most human in the individual through the adherence of self-knowledge, self-mastery, and spirit of self-giving with the Values of ANIMA which is Service, Pursuit of Excellence and Respect for Individual.

Community Pantry: University of Asia & the Pacific and ANIMA Member Andria Terese Nicolas Donates in Los Baños Laguna

9:44 PM Andria Terese Nicolas, ANIMA member, Community Pantry, feature, Featured

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore will Host the Venue for Asia Leaders Awards 2021

 “Singapore plays an important role also in our economy. We can still learn from their progress and success. We’re thankful to Ambassador Gerard Ho of Singapore for his continuing support. He is also a part of the awards committee last year and this year.” - Robert Laurel Yupangco (Philippine Korean Group, Vice President)

This year Asia Leaders Awards is all about hope and optimism. Showing how these leaders are reaching out to others to give back and at the same time bouncing back big time not just for their own organizations but for the community.

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore will host the venue for the biggest recognizing award show in Asia. Asia Leaders Awards 2021 with the pool of leaders from different organizations as part of the awards committee announced recently.

A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Our theme for this year is coinciding with the colors of the year; Yellow and Gray. Two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another. What we all need right now. Support and Unity.

Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of these two colors, Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly. Sunlight and a new beginning.

The announcement of finalists will be on May 20, 2022, with the presentation of the whole awards committee and Gala night will be on 11-11-21. You may still nominate at www.Asialeadersawards.Asia.

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore will Host the Venue for Asia Leaders Awards 2021

5:15 PM Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, feature, Featured, www.asialeadersawards.asia

List of the Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Awards Committee

Save the date for the Asia Leaders Awards 2021; Gala Night at Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig on November 11, 2021.

The objective is to acknowledge honorable men and women who promotes the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia and beyond and who shows leadership not only to his peers but also tries to solve the problem of the country and beyond and who demonstrated outstanding achievement for the welfare of others even for public service.

For this Asia Leaders Awards 2021, here are the awards committee:

• H.E. Gerard Ho – Ambassador of Singapore

• H.E. Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz – Ambassador of Poland

• H.E DongMan Han – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea

• H.E. Rizany Irwan – Deputy Ambassador of Malaysia

• Ebb Hinchliffe – Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce

• Ricardo Sobreviñas – Chairman, American Association of the Philippines

• Grace Bondad Nicolas – Vice President, American Association of the Philippines

• Dr. Elton See Tan – President BNI Premier

• Robert Laurel Yupangco – Vice President, Philippine Korean Chamber

• Andrew Troy Nicolas – Group CEO, Tag Media Group

• Edward Ling – President, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Inc

• Tan Yu III – Secretary-General, Makati Tourism Foundation Inc

• James Jimenez – Spokesman/Director, Commission of Elections

A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. The theme for this year in coincide with the colors of the year; Yellow and Gray. Two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another. What we all need right now. Support and Unity.

Being an Asia Leaders Awards honouree is a testament to great leadership and contribution in the business world.

Nominate at www.asialeadersawards.asia.

List of the Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Awards Committee

4:48 PM Asia Leaders Awards 2021, feature, Featured, www.asialeadersawards.asia

Architect Kaydee Velasco: Young CEO for Survival, Compassion and Opportunity

Just recently,  Architect Kaydee Velasco won multiple awards and one of them is under Asia Leaders Awards as Young CEO of the Year under Real Estate and her company for Green Company of the Year. 

Architect Kaydee Velasco is a young thought leader on sustainability in real estate and development. Under the group is KMV Asia, specialists on pocket developments in the Metro. She specializes in creating thoughtful, strategic, and expert solutions for a multitude of urban industries including construction, architecture, and design - creating a diverse, learned assessment on real estate. 

When asked about her career and thoughts on different issues, here are her answers; 

Survival. Compassion. Opportunity. 

“Survival this 2020 despite the several challenges we faced. Survival to hold on and trust the people who can decide for the betterment of your household, or your workplace.”

“Compassion to the people who worked hard for you, making sure that you do your best to ensure that each and everyone can still keep their jobs. And vice versa, employees to their bosses, with the compassion, trust, and  understanding that they will make the right decision for the betterment of all.”

“Opportunity. With survival and compassion, you’re able to open doors, grab, and create opportunities for a better and a more planned future.”

“This was my 2020. With the situations we faced, we fight and stay strong.”

“Two days before November 22, my birthday, I was awarded for the third time, the Young CEO of the Year 2020. It is an honour to receive this award for three consecutive years. it just shows that we are on the right track.”

“And a new award which brightened the hearts of my team. VI Group of Companies won the Green Company of the year 2020. This is a very unexpected award for the Group. This only meant that the entire subsidiaries are working side by side to build a sustainable eco-system for the benefit of the majority.”

“Congratulations VI Group and subsidiaries!”

For more details; https://kmv-asia.com

Architect Kaydee Velasco: Young CEO for Survival, Compassion and Opportunity

2:20 PM Architect Kaydee Velasco, Featured, https://kmv-asia.com

Architect Kaydee Velasco as part of membership committee of American Association of the Philippines

The award winning Architect and CEO, Kaydee Marie Velasco is part of the esteemed membership committee of American Association of the Philippines. One of the oldest American organisation of the Philippines. 

For this 2021, the selection process will be different. Some draft adjustments and not final yet will be the following;

• Applicant must be endorsed by an existing member

• Fee will be from Php 2500 to 7500

• Must allot time to attend events 

• Must allot time for community activities 

All adjustments will be discussed soon by the Board of Directors and must be approved. Aside from Architect Kaydee Velasco, here are some of the membership  committee members;

- Larry Dimagiba

- Grace Bondad Nicolas 

- Den Manzano 

- Micheal Haskell 

Architect Kaydee Velasco is a young thought leader on sustainability in real estate and development. Under the group is KMVAsia, specialists on pocket developments in the Metro. She specializes in creating thoughtful, strategic, and expert solutions for a multitude of urban industries including construction, architecture, and design - creating a diverse, learned assessment on real estate. 

For more. details; https://kmv-asia.com

Architect Kaydee Velasco as part of membership committee of American Association of the Philippines

10:43 AM AAP, American Association of the Philippines, Architect Kaydee Velasco, https://kmv-asia.com

Young CEO of the year for Asia Leaders Award 2020 goes to Arch. Kaydee Velasco

The biggest and most talk of the town recognition event from the previous year even during pandemic is Asia Leaders Awards that was held at Inagiku, Makati Shangrila Hotel and attended by leaders who are making a difference even in this crisis we all are experiencing with an objective to acknowledge these leaders ans to be emulated that in spite of this Pandemic are still and able to reach out those in need even outside their community. 

The young CEO of KMV Asia Development Corporation, Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco is the recipient of “Young CEO of the Year: Real Estate” for her success in developing multiple  real estate properties and by reaching out to the Frontliners and indigents. 

The winner of this award proves that being young is not a limitation to succeed in the field of business. This award recognizes those 40s and under who play an important role in developing and improving their community, business industry and professional arenas.

Young CEO of the year for Asia Leaders Award 2020 goes to Arch. Kaydee Velasco

8:37 PM

Let's Hear Some Brilliant Ideas on National Development from Arch. Kaydee Velasco

Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco, the group CEO of VI Group of Companies where the award winning real estate company KMV Asia Development Corp is under, was commended by Secretary Panelo for her contributions as an advocate for green architecture and for her brilliant ideas in solving the problems especially in urban planning. 

Last February 7, 2021, The dashing and always witty Secretary Salvador Panelo discussed in his radio program under RTVM the need for urban planning and mentioned Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco, the award winning and young protege of Arch. Felino “Jun” Palafox who is the respected and premier urban planner of our generation. 

Here’s the transcript of Secretary Salvador Panelo’s talk during his program. 

“Sayang etong si Arch. Palafox at hindi naimplement... Meron syang isang protege na kilala natin, etong si Arch. Kaydee Velasco, naku puring puri ni Secretary Del Rosario at yung isa pang ahensya Ng gobyero magaling daw ang utak Kung Ano Ano raw binibigay sa kanilang ideya tungkol sa city planning, pagtatayo Ng mga bahay, pagtatayo Ng mga green at kung Ano Ano pa. Sabi ko e gamitin nyo yan at magaling yan at protege ni Arch. Palafox..kase naman pag may naririnig tayo na magaling e kunin agad natin kase yang mga yan e binigyan ng mga gift na tinatawag.” 

Architect Kaydee Velasco is a young thought leader on sustainability in real estate and development. Under her group is KMVAsia, specialists on pocket developments in the Metro. She specializes in creating thoughtful, strategic, and expert solutions for a multitude of urban industries including construction, architecture, and design - creating a diverse, learned assessment on real estate. 

For more details; visit https://kmv-asia.com.

Let's Hear Some Brilliant Ideas on National Development from Arch. Kaydee Velasco

2:21 AM Arch. Kaydee Velasco, Featured, KMV Asia Development Corporation, National Development

Real Estate and Property Awards 2020: KMV Asia Development Corporation recently won the Best Real Estate Development and Management Company in the Philippines

At the recent Real Estate and Property Awards; KMV Asia Development Corporation recently won the Best Real Estate Development and Management Company in the Philippines. 

Awarded the prestigious honor after only a few years from its inception in 2016, the company is gaining recognition for being one of the most innovative and energy-efficient architecture firms in the country today. 

Leading the company is Architect Kaydee Velasco or KMV who built the company with the dream of designing more sustainable, eco-friendly homes and buildings.

Congratulations to the people behind KMV Asia! To know more about their company and products; please visit their website at https://kmv-asia.com/.

Real Estate and Property Awards 2020: KMV Asia Development Corporation recently won the Best Real Estate Development and Management Company in the Philippines

4:56 PM feature, KMV Asia Development Corporation, real estate

SYKES recognized as the BPO Company of the Year by the 3rd Asia Leaders Awards

"Winning the award for three straight years is a testament to SYKES’ passion, commitment to excellence, and solid teamwork to serve our clients, customers, employees, and community. Although 2020 has not been an easy year for everyone, we have not lost sight of our purpose. We endeavored to beat the odds and continue to operate our business thriving under the new normal. We appreciate that international business awards such as Asia Leaders Awards recognized our hard work in staying true to our mission of helping and serving people one caring interaction at a time,” said Shane Baetz, Vice President Regional Support Services, APAC operations.

Award-winning call center SYKES was once again recognized as the BPO Company of the Year by the Asia Leaders Awards. The company was awarded for its exemplary commitment to driving and improving the local business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, while still going above and beyond expectations with its pandemic response.

“Recognizing global excellence among its awardees, the Asia Leaders Awards annually acknowledges industry leaders who are making significant changes not only in their respective fields, but also promoting the Philippines as a premier business hub in Asia and beyond. Its awards committee is made up of esteemed organizations and accomplished individuals from different industries.

The BPO Company of the Year award is given to the organization that best demonstrates outstanding BPO management, work culture and environment, and consistent pursuit of excellence and value. SYKES continues to be an industry frontrunner in this regard, having showcased all these qualities and achievements, on top of delivering solutions amid the challenges of the pandemic.

With limited time and resources, the company was able to adjust its business model and quickly adopted an effective work-from-home setup, which has enabled 75-100% of its entire workforce to work remotely. In doing so, it deployed thousands of PC sets, complete with accessories and office chairs, and provided WiFi allowance to those who are amenable to the setup. Meanwhile, for those who still reported on-site, SYKES offered free temporary accommodations with shuttle services and food provisions. It has also increased sanitary and physical distancing measures within the office premises and provided all employees with a care package consisting of a face mask, face shield, and alcohol or hand sanitizer. 

Displaying resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit, SYKES has ensured uninterrupted business operations throughout the entire year and was even able to expand its workforce, employing thousands of displaced Filipino workers. Its business continuity plan was carried out successfully because of the teamwork, agility, and laser-like focus of leaders and team members alike.

SYKES also bagged the prestigious award due to its high-performance workplace that fosters employee engagement and continuous improvement through staff motivation, training, and coaching and development. A significant component of its employee-engagement effort is its SYKES Choices (for Manila sites) and Involve (for Cebu sites) programs. Comprised of 20 interest clubs, the programs hold several activities wherein SYKESers can showcase their talents and hobbies while having fun and developing bonds with coworkers. In the time of the pandemic, these clubs served as an avenue for the employees to pursue their passions and achieve work-life balance.

Furthermore, the BPO industry pioneer’s long-established skill development programs such as the SYKES ALPHA (Accelerated Leadership Program for High Achievers) and the Career Selfie help SYKESers unlock their full potential and empower them towards career growth. This year, despite having to work separately, SYKES was able to achieve great success and maintain activities under these programs to ensure that employees still gain professional progress.

With its excellence in the face of disruption, SYKES was also recognized by various award-giving bodies across different categories in the past year. It won two trophies from the Stevie Awards, namely a Silver Stevie for the Most Innovative Work-From-Home Plan and a Bronze Stevie for the Most Innovative Workplace Redesign. SYKES was also hailed as the Top Employer of the Year by the Asia CEO Awards.

2020 truly was a year unlike any other, but the BPO company is proud to have risen above every challenge while nurturing the development of its people, clients, and community.

“SYKES is very grateful for the different industry recognitions that we have received. We carry them with pride and gratitude together with our close to 18,000-strong employees in the country. As we grow our family here in the Philippines, we believe that these recognitions speak for the culture of our organization where each member is given an incredible opportunity to work, learn, and grow,” said Baetz.

Multi-awarded by local and international business awards every year, SYKES has established its position as a frontrunner of the BPO industry. It has earned its reputation by ensuring that its people are always prioritized to meet the needs and expectations of its clients. More information about SYKES and how to join its growing workforce is available at <sykes.com/philippines> and its official Facebook page at <fb.com/SYKESPHofficial>. Work, learn, and grow at SYKES!

SYKES recognized as the BPO Company of the Year by the 3rd Asia Leaders Awards

1:46 AM Asia Leaders Awards, BPO of the Year, fb.com/SYKESPHofficial, Sykes, Sykes Philippines