Lifestyle

Iskaparate.com core team, industry partners, and media representatives in a commemorative photograph, marking a significant milestone of the platform.

A team from ConnectSys, Iskaparate’s ecosystem provider, led an interactive online purchase demo for media representatives and industry partners to get a firsthand look at the platform during the press launch of Iskaparate.com on October 15, 2024, at Overdoughs Café in Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati.

The occasion, which was intended to present Iskaparate’s characteristics and advantages, was a significant occasion for the platform as it formally entered the online market. The demonstration included a comprehensive overview of the website, covering product showcasing, e-commerce functionalities, and the purchasing process that was initiated with an e-gift certificate. In addition to an open discussion on the platform’s general functionality, attendees interacted with the demo through interactive navigation.

I really enjoyed the event; it helped the local and small business entrepreneurs to widen their reach. It is also essential to acquire more skills to innovate and foster their business. Through the event, we got a demo of how the whole process works, and everyone enjoyed the event. It is such a great relief knowing what they launched is such a convenience, not just for the sellers but also for the customers. That’s why it is also important that we value our very own products and support the small and local businesses here in our country.

Media representatives and Iskaparate partners from various organizations participate in the platform’s online demo, exhibiting customers experience with hands-on guidance in website navigation.

The event began with a warm video message from Iskaparate Founder Joey Bermudez, sharing the journey of Iskaparate from having a community of 33 entrepreneurial mothers to partnering with 3,000 fully vetted sellers. He highlighted. “Iskaparate.com was born during the darkest days of the COVID pandemic when micro and small entrepreneurs lost their physical stores to the brutal lockdowns. We then created an online platform that would allow these entrepreneurs to resume their businesses.”

Attendees included a mix of media professionals and industry partners eager to see how the platform could potentially impact and transform the digital commerce landscape for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.

In the modern era when a unique driving force can define the success of an online platform, Iskaparate.com made a strong impression with its mission to empower small business owners. In her talk, DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames emphasized its passionate goal, “We share a vision to support the growth of MSMEs.”

On the left, Iskaparate President & COO Josefina Rojo-Natividad shares the platform’s growth since formation. On the right, DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames discusses features that set the platform apart from others.

On the other hand, Josefina Rojo-Natividad, President & COO of Iskaparate, shared the progressive growth of the platform, “Iskaparate started as a B2C [platform], but now, we are proud to showcase that our website already features B2B, offering grocery items and personal care products. This would benefit the sellers we have whose products are not able to sell because of competition.”

Using an e-gift certificate, the demo walked participants through the entire buying process, from selecting products to completing transactions. This hands-on demonstration allowed the attendees to explore different aspects of the platform in real time. This feature of the launch allowed for an in-depth understanding of how the platform operates from a customer perspective.

Iskaparate.com, while initially conceived to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has now extended its offerings to include larger businesses and B2B companies. With a wide range of e-commerce tools, vendors of all sizes can list and manage their products, handle transactions, and engage directly with consumers on a trusted, efficient platform. The team emphasized that this expansion is designed to help businesses adapt to the digital age while remaining competitive in an increasingly globalized market.

Iskaparate.com’s primary goal of empowering Filipino business owners, especially MSMEs, by providing them with the resources they need to successfully traverse the e-commerce industry was further explained during the event. Iskaparate aims to make online selling accessible to companies that might lack the funds or know-how to set up their own e-commerce systems by offering a multi-vendor platform that levels the playing field.

From left, Iskaparate team Beck Llaneta and Josefina Natividad and Louise Sarrah Uy of Suy Sing engage in a conversation after the event.

A multi-vendor e-commerce platform called Iskaparate.com was created to support and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Larger organizations and B2B companies are now included, enabling resellers to purchase in bulk at discounted rates and resell them with healthy profit margins.

To learn more, go to www.iskaparate.com.

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Multi-year partnership contributes to uplifting Filipino lives

Unite for Hapag this World Food Day. Globe and SMAC celebrate their joint effort that raised Php 14.93M to be donated to the Hapag Movement. IN PHOTO (L-R): Hapag Movement mobilization partners David Jo, Head of Partnerships, Communications and Reports, UN World Food Programme; Eduardo Jimenez, Vice Chairperson, World Vision Philippines; Jun Godornes, Director for Resource Development, World Vision Philippines; Cel Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications, Ayala Foundation; Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe; Kevin Hartigan Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC; and Yara Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

In preparation for World Food Day, SMAC has reaffirmed its commitment to combating involuntary hunger by contributing Php 14.93 million to Globe’s Hapag Movement. This is a major milestone in Globe’s efforts to end involuntary hunger and improve communities nationwide.

The Globe-led hunger reduction program, which helps 100,000 Filipino families with livelihood training and supplemental meals, has received the largest single corporate donation to date.

The funds were raised in the second round of SMAC’s partnership with the Hapag Movement, focusing on SMAC kits sold and members’ points donation through eligible purchases from SM Store and other SM retail partners from December 2023 to January 2024. The donation will be distributed to key mobilization and program implementation partners of the Hapag Movement, among them the Ayala Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, the United Nations World Food Programme, and World Vision.

The Hapag Movement has provided meals to over 154,000 family members, with 2,784 heads of households receiving livelihood training. Impressively, 2,361 of these individuals have successfully continued running their small businesses, highlighting the program’s role in fostering sustainable community growth.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners for closely working with us on this life-changing initiative. Together, we are creating a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, where Filipino shoppers are inspired to consider not only their personal needs but also the collective well-being,” said Yaracel S. Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

The growing success of the partnership also reflects the importance of corporate collaboration in addressing social issues.

“Our partnership with SMAC is a testament to the power of collective action. Seeing the impact of the Hapag Movement firsthand among families we have supported so far is truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for this substantial donation from SMAC, which will help us expand our reach and provide vital support to families whose lives we have yet to touch,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

“SMAC’s partnership with Globe through The Hapag Movement has created valuable opportunities for our members to engage in meaningful contributions. It enables them to actively give back to their communities and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. This collaboration empowers members to be part of something greater, fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility,” said Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Advantage Corp (DAC).

Looking ahead to their third fundraising round in December, SMAC and the Hapag Movement are creating more opportunities for Filipino shoppers to transform their purchases into acts of kindness and community support.

SMAC’s first partnership with the Hapag Movement in 2022 raised Php 5.5 million, benefiting 55,000 individuals and counting. Year 2 received a boost from the participation of 13 different brands apart from SMAC: SM Appliance Center, SM Beauty, SM Fashion, The Body Shop, Crate & Barrel, ECCO, Forever 21, Kultura, Levi’s, Our Home, Simply Shoes, Sports Central, and Surplus. This alongside the doubled online engagement for last holiday’s campaign significantly increased the funds gathered for the cause.

In order to provide lasting, effective solutions for Filipino families in need and contribute to the development of sustainable change that improves communities nationwide, Globe and SMAC encourage more businesses to #UniteForHapag. In order to combat child stunting, the program will intensify its livelihood training programs and support for wholesome feeding in public schools through its partners as it approaches its multi-year target.

To find out how you can help, see the Globe website’s Hapag Movement page.

• Improving digitalization and enhancing supply chain sustainability identified as the two biggest areas of planned investment
• 98% of PH companies have established sustainability targets, with 22% planning to invest at least USD 1M or more into sustainability in the next 2 years
• In Asia, sustainability is a high priority for 60% of business leaders, and nearly half have established comprehensive strategies and targets

Schneider Electric, a pioneer in the digital transformation of energy automation and management, released the results of its yearly Green Impact Gap study. It highlights the sustainability journey of Asia Pacific. 98% of PH companies, according to the poll, have set sustainability targets, and 22% want to devote at least USD 1 million or more over the next two years to their sustainability strategy. Additionally, the primary focus for this investment includes prioritizing digitalization as a key driver of their sustainability strategy.

Schneider Electric conducted interviews with 4,500 executives in nine different nations to learn about their viewpoints as business leaders in the Asia Pacific area. Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the markets. Milieu Insight, a market research firm, collaborated on the poll.

Digitalisation at the Forefront of Sustainability Efforts in Asia

Digitalization is emerging as a critical component of Asian organizations’ sustainability journeys. With 93% of companies currently leveraging digital tools, the survey found that technology is at the center of efforts to meet sustainability goals. The most common applications of digitalisation for sustainability are paperless operations (35%), followed by risk and opportunity management (33%) and supply chain digitisation (31%). For the Philippines, digitalization methods implemented include going paperless (42%) and limiting travel to/from office (39%).

“Digitalization is now becoming a priority for local businesses. While there are still challenges on our digital infrastructures that hinder digital inclusion and economic development, we are seeing significant shifts in terms of prioritization. Businesses now understand that digitalization will help drive operational resiliency and address achieve their sustainability agenda,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Sustainability: A Top Business Imperative

The survey also underscores the growing importance of sustainability in Asian companies, with 60% of business leaders now considering it a high priority. This is particularly strong in Thailand (83%), Vietnam (73%), and Indonesia (71%).

In the Philippines, while 98% have sustainability goals, only 52% of companies have implemented comprehensive sustainability strategies. Business leaders cite regulatory or economic uncertainty and internal company resourcing as key barriers to progress. When asked about their familiarity with the Philippines’ Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285), results show that the local business leaders are only “very to moderately familiar” with the policy. Most business leaders also expressed that they are moderately confident (44%) in meeting the terms of the policy.

Despite progress, the survey also reveals a persistent ‘Green Impact Gap’ in Asia—a misalignment between regional companies’ declared sustainability goals and the tangible actions taken to achieve them.

Navigating the Path to Net Zero

A notable difference between companies that have implemented sustainability strategies and other organizations lies in their commitment to supply chain sustainability. Nearly half (49%) of companies that have implemented strategies in Asia have identified supply chain sustainability as a key investment focus for the next two years, compared to around a third (34%) of other companies. This distinction translates into significantly higher rates of collaboration with suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing practices and reduce environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

Survey results show that 41% of Asian firms that are implementing sustainability strategies plan to invest $1 million or more in the next two years, compared to 31% of other organizations. These efforts include navigating emerging standards and regulations.

The results also reveal that energy supply and demand volatility (56%) and fluctuating energy prices (51%) are the top energy risks for Philippine companies. In response, the companies are taking steps by adopting technologies such as energy/resource efficiency measures (49%) and digitalization of systems/operations (47%) to address these challenges and meet their energy goals.

“There is a substantial opportunity to accelerate progress and close the gap between ambition and action. This involves reassessing organizational priorities and strategically allocating resources to achieve resilience through digital transformation. We believe that sustainability drives business growth, value creation, and should be at the heart of every firm’s business strategy,” Catane added.

Schneider Electric is a leading global provider of electrification, automation, and digitalization solutions for future-proof data centers, smart industries, robust infrastructures, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. It has been a part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for 13 years running, having been named the “World’s Most Sustainable Company” by Time Magazine in 2024.

Ms. Che Diaz, Executive Vice President for Commercial, and Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, Chief Operating Officer of Shang Properties receive the BCI Asia Top Developers award presented by BCI and Daikin Philippines.

One of BCI Asia’s Top Developers for 2024 is Shang Properties, Inc. (SPI), a renowned developer and manager of premier properties in the Philippines.

Top developers, contractors, and architectural firms from Asian countries—Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—have been featured by BCI since 2005. The award, which is given based on strict criteria, emphasizes and weighs a developer’s total worth of ongoing projects, commitment to sustainability, and contributions to the built environment of the area.

“BCI’s recognition of the work we do in the Philippines is a testament to years of thoughtfully building our portfolio,” said Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, SPI’s Chief Operating Officer. “Every project that we unveiled in the past year is also proof of our optimism about the market. We are looking forward to the momentum that comes with urban renewal and an improving macroeconomic and interest environment.”

The BCI recognition comes after SPI’s successful launch of Shang Summit, an 80-storey residential tower in Quezon City, Metro Manila,  Shang Bauhinia Residences, its first venture into Cebu, and LAYA, a 67-storey tower in Pasig that is made for a market of creative tastemakers, professionals, and young families.

SPI entered the residential market in 2002, working with internationally acclaimed architects, designers, and artisans to make spaces that embody luxury, attention to detail, and creative refinement. Since then, it has launched and managed successful projects in prime locations across Metro Manila.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Meanwhile, SPI’s other ongoing project, Shang Residences at Wack Wack in Mandaluyong, is nearing completion and is poised to boost the developer’s lived-in portfolio and its residential segment’s income.

 “We are happy to see SPI’s strategy validated by peers from BCI and by the market. We promise to continue doing the difficult but rewarding work of creating living spaces with timeless elegance,” added Maria Rochelle S. Diaz, SPI’s Executive Vice President – Commercial.

A few of SPI’s well-known projects are One Shangri-La Place in Ortigas Center, Horizon Homes in Bonifacio Global City, Shangri-La Plaza, The St. Francis Shangri-La Place, The Enterprise Center, The Shang Grand Tower, Shang Salcedo Place, The Rise in Makati, and Assembly Grounds at The Rise. Currently one of the newest five-star international hotels to open in the Philippines, Shangri-La at the Fort is owned by SPI.

Go to https://www.shangproperties.com/ for additional details.

Alsons Dev receives the Sapphire Award and the Most Compliant Award  at BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023, recognizing their commitment to excellence in the industry

At the BDO Annual Developers’ Appreciation Event, the leading real estate firm in Davao City, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), was recognized as one of BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023. Officially receiving the Most Compliant Award and the renowned Sapphire Award, Alsons Dev demonstrated their commitment to serving the changing real estate demands of Mindanaoans and offering outstanding customer service.

This is the first time the developer from Davao has been recognized by BDO on the esteemed list. Being the only recipient from Davao and Mindanao, Alsons Dev demonstrated its distinctive impact and dedication to quality in the real estate market, reinforcing its standing as a leader in the region’s sector.

Please visit https://alsonsdev.com/ to learn more about Alsons Dev.