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On March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally unveiled the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program.

After being chosen from a starting group of eight growth-stage companies, the top five candidates were evaluated based on organizational capability, business development, and preparedness. During these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage assessed each startup on the basis of its current state of product development, team composition, goals for the future, and obstacles, with an emphasis on how the program may help it flourish. This made sure that the selected finalists were not only capable of handling upcoming obstacles but also in a position to significantly influence the creative industry with their creative and adaptable solutions.

The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.

The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI’s dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”

The finalists will receive in-depth instruction via a sequence of educational workshops, industry expert mentorship, and tailored business matchmaking and acceleration initiatives. A demo day in April, which marks the program’s culmination, will provide the businesses a chance to present their work and draw in possible partners and investors.

To support the Philippine Creative Industries even more, DTI previously unveiled ten carefully chosen creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program. The startups that were chosen for IDEA are Wika, 7×7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.

Digido, a multi-awarded consumer finance company, has received eleven award recognitions from four prestigious international financial and business periodicals as of the end of the first three months of this year.

The digital lending service was recognized as the nation’s “Best New Fintech Company” and the Philippines’ “Best New Online Lending Services” by the Global Banking & Finance Awards® for the second consecutive year.

Three titles were won by Digido at the World Economic Magazine Awards: “Best Personal Loans Provider Philippines 2024,” “Best Customer Service Company For Finance Philippines 2024,” and “Best New Online Lending Services Philippines 2024.”

The Global Financial Market Review named the platform the “Best Digital Lending App in the Philippines” while the Gazet International Awards recognized Digido in five categories: “Best Digital Lending Firm Philippines 2024”, “Most Customer-Friendly Financial Solutions Philippines 2024”, “Most Innovative Digital Lending App Philippines 2024”, “Best Digital Loan App Philippines 2024”, and “Best Digital Lending Platform Philippines 2024”.

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.

Commenting on the 11 awards, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “We recognize the unprecedented nature of this series of recognitions from these prestigious finance and business publications and feel incredibly humbled. We at Digido have been striving to ensure we remain a trusted financial partner for the Philippines’ underserved, and these awards are stark reminders to do so with the consumer at the forefront.”

Because of their versatility and ease of usage, personal loans were the most preferred formal credit option, according to a previous Digido-commissioned survey, which found that 54% of respondents had one in 2023.

With Digido’s First Loan For Free program, first-time borrowers can obtain a normal personal loan up to PHP 25,000 for returning customers and up to PHP 4,000 with no interest for first-time borrowers. It is available via Lazada Loans, its apps on Google Play and the iOS App Store, and its official website, digido.ph.

Visit the adobo SheCreative Conference 2024: Forging A Sustainable Future for Creativity to witness the power of creativity and teamwork. There, “Women Arise” to discuss a sustainable future for the creative industry. As committed to innovation as our speakers and attendees, we have partnered with Future Proof, RMN, Cignal TV, Shangri-La The Fort, PANA, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and Asia Society Philippines to bring you this important event.

Attend the 2024 #adoboSheCreative Conference presented by adobo magazine to find out how we can create a creative future that is sustainable. Women leaders are rising up and reinventing tomorrow in a world where optimism is much needed in our creative sectors.

Happening this March 26, 2024, 2PM at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, learn what these women have said, done, and promised towards forging a more sustainable future for our creative industries. Let them spark those same fires within you. Now, more than ever, the future is female.

With a line up of fabulous speakers, we are thrilled to announce the following women:

• Loren Legarda – Keynote Speaker – Senator, Philippines Pro Tempore
• Rhea Matute – Executive Director, DTI – Design Center of the Philippines
• Lisa Collins – Director of Experience Platform, Accenture
• Peachy Pacquing – Managing Director, Hyper Island Asia
• Pia Colby – Vice President of Marketing, Globe Telecom
• Jane Jimenez-Basas – President and CEO, Cignal TV
• Lui Castaneda – PR and Influencer Lead, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing
• Merlee Jayme – Founder and Chairmom, The Misfits Camp

Join together with women who are paving the way for a more promising and sustainable future and benefit from their ideas and leadership. Tickets are available for purchase at https://adoboshecreative.helixpay.ph.

In a time when customers need immediate, clear information about what they’ve bought, the supply chain sector is going through a radical change. According to 77% of retail workers surveyed in Zebra Technologies’ 2023 Global Shopper Study, consumers today are more aware than ever before, indicating a well-educated and discriminating consumer base.

Businesses are redesigning their goods and supply chains to deliver more transparency, resilience, and sustainability in response to these changing consumer expectations. The survey also shows that 7% of businesses are using business analytics and intelligence now or in the future as part of their supply chain management plans.

Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed to further enhance operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridge better product engagement between businesses and consumers in the advent of digital labeling.

The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order and other kinds of information.

The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product’s sustainable characteristics.

Moreover, the migration to the 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1’s global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product’s batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.

“In the face of rapid technological advancements, it’s critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora’s box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations,” GS1 Philippines President Roberto “Bobby” Claudio said.

The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global’s 50th anniversary of the barcode’s invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.

By 2027, GS1 Philippines hopes to have industry ready for the switch to 2D barcodes. By then, 2D barcodes enabled by GS1 can be read and processed by every retail point-of-sale scanner in the world, and widespread global brand owner implementation has taken place.

By the end of 2024, GS1 Philippines, which currently serves over 5,000 shops, hopes to have reached 30,000 establishments across the country.

Visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page to discover the limitless possibilities of a single scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology.

The highly anticipated yearly art expo, Art in the Park, is returning for its 18th year, offering an eclectic display of Filipino ingenuity and a special chance for art fans to immerse themselves in a lively display of talent. This year’s event, which is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc., brings together over 60 exhibitors from independent art spaces, galleries, art collectives, and student organizations, providing a vibrant forum for interaction and involvement.

Art in the Park, which will be held on March 17, 2024, at Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village in Makati, provides a wide selection of artworks at a price cap of P70,000, enabling attendees to purchase sought-after pieces at reasonable costs. Through its all-inclusive approach, Art in the Park hopes to promote a closer relationship between artists and the community as well as democratize art appreciation.

One of the featured artists at this year’s event is Demi Padua, a native of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, whose journey in artistry began at a young age. Drawing inspiration from childhood imagination, everyday experiences, and the desire to express his true identity, Demi’s paintings and sculptures captivate viewers with their Trompe L’oeil style, blending theatrical production elements with visual arts. 

As part of its commitment to making art accessible to all, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is offering exclusive privileges to its credit cardholders during Art in the Park 2024. BPI Credit Cardholders can enjoy up to 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan (SIP) for a minimum purchase of P3,000 at the fair. Additionally, BPI offers a Buy Now Pay 3 months Later option and a 100% Bonus Madness Limit on installment purchases for qualified cardholders, providing a convenient and affordable way to acquire exclusive art pieces. 

Art in the Park is another day of celebration for art enthusiasts to foster a deeper appreciation on Filipino’s creativity and continues to be a platform to make art more accessible to the public.  

Art enthusiasts of all ages should look forward to an engaging experience from Art in the Park in 2024. Don’t pass up the chance to interact with the dynamic Filipino art scene and discover the variety of talents on display at this year’s festival.

Visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/rewards-and-promotions/promos/art-in-the-park-2024 for additional details about Art in the Park and its exhibitors, or follow us on our official social media pages.

The well-known motorbike taxi app Angkas used an innovative approach to promote their most recent update: a heartfelt and humorous video ad. The video, which debuted on March 9th and stars CEO George Royeca, is receiving a lot of good feedback online.

Royeca is the source of the allure. He welcomes a low-budget, PSA-type production with purposefully embarrassing scenes. His self-deprecating humor lends him an immediate sense of relatability. As a lighthearted homage to the app’s upgrades, the video even adopts the appearance of a vintage DVD player, replete with a bouncing Angkas logo.

But it’s not all about laughs. Royeca acknowledges user feedback and openly discusses the app’s earlier limitations. This transparency builds trust with Angkas customers.  His passion for the app’s potential to improve commutes and livelihoods is also evident, making him appear invested in the Angkas community.

The main takeaway from the video is that the new app provides a much better experience. Faster booking, a more user-friendly interface, better location monitoring, and even cashless payment options are what customers can anticipate.

Angkas created an educational and engaging film by fusing comedy, honesty, and sincere excitement. They effectively conveyed the advantages of the app and gave visitors a favorable image of George Royeca, their CEO. Both Angkas and their consumers benefit from it. Are you prepared to see the update for yourself? Get the latest version of Angkas app now! For iPhone users, it is available on the Apple App Store; for Android users, it is available on the Google Play Store. Search for the one whose logo has glitter on it!

Women on Wheels initiative aims to foster women empowerment

In honor of Women’s Month, foodpanda logistics is providing livelihood packages and training to women in their Ka-panda delivery fleet.

The program, known as Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW), was formally introduced on International Women’s Day. The recipients were chosen to receive business funding valued at Php 100,000 as well as training to launch their own small businesses.

Foodpanda Logistics Philippines’ Rider Experience Lead, Ron Sanders, stressed the value of helping their delivery partners—especially the women Ka-pandas—achieve success and better living conditions.

Sanders stated that as of 2023, the number of women in the growing fleet of foodpanda logistics delivery partners has increased by thrice, demonstrating the real benefits of this approach.

“With Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW, we are not just celebrating women, we are actively working to enhance their productivity, income, and living standards,” he remarked, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusive business practices and women’s empowerment.

The beneficiaries will undergo online training sessions, mentoring, on-ground retail store visits, and catch-ups with mentors to be spearheaded by foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, HAPINOY.

Hapinoy’s Mark Ruiz shared that this initiative will be anchored under their training and mentoring program, HapiSkwela, designed for sari-sari store owners. This program provides education, business tools, personal development training, and values formation. “Learning from all these aspects will serve as the foundation of their journey as happy, growth-oriented, and socially responsible microentrepreneurs,” he explained.

Ruiz added that they are delighted to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. “foodpanda logistics shares our commitment to upskilling and providing sustainable livelihood to these women.”

Supporting livelihood for women as Ka-panda delivery partners

According to the November 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there has been a decrease in the participation of women in the labor force this year, dropping from 57.8% to 55.4%. Factors such as family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related considerations have influenced this decline, resulting in a lower participation rate compared to men, which stands at 75%.

In response, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has set a target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to increase female labor force participation from 2023 to 2028 by creating more economic opportunities for women.

Acknowledging this disparity, Sanders emphasized the significance of offering equal opportunities for women to become part of their delivery fleet. “We extend a warm invitation to all women interested in working as delivery partners at foodpanda logistics, and we’re fully committed to supporting and guiding them every step of the way,” he affirmed.

Ka-pandaBIZ: a livelihood program for Ka-pandas

A key element of foodpanda logistics’ larger livelihood program, Ka-pandaBIZ, which aims to provide delivery partners and their families with sustainable economic prospects, is the WoW initiative.

After completing the Ka-pandaBIZ program with success, three Ka-pandas were given starting funding and in-depth business training for their sari-sari establishments. Following a rigorous training program where they gained expertise in a range of business management domains, such as product marketing, store setting, financial administration, and business expansion, they graduated last year.

“Similiar to these Ka-pandas who have also undergone an extensive training curriculum, these women are poised to become thriving micro-entrepreneurs, and we hope they will also drive positive change within their communities,” Sanders said.