The presence of the Defense Secretary affirms the strong partnership of government with business amidst the rapidly evolving global disorders faced by businesses around the world.
Businesses can be collateral damages as new levels of risks emerge between conflicting nations. The greatest threat now with present technological developments is in cyber space. We are witnesses to new and improved systems of cyber attacks, corporate espionage and intellectual property thefts.
At the same time, expect more disruptions of economic production and transactions as well as travel, triggered by natural disasters like strong storms, floods, forest fires and droughts caused by extreme weather changes. Pandemics is also a growing development for business interruption (e.g Coronavirus). International and homegrown terrorism likewise pose costly disruption.
These key issues will be the subject of discussions at PROTECT 2020. After the keynote address of Secretary Lorenzana, international and local experts will present to the delegates the latest evolving landscape and the top security challenges, cyber defense mechanics, data protection, measures and the use of data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence for security of businesses.
A special session has been arranged by the US ASEAN Business Council on the subject of Pandemics, amidst the occurring nCoV 19’ virus.
A session on State of our National Security will have government officials from agencies concerned with security brief the delegates on their activities. Following this will be the Panel Discussion on the Future Security Issues considering the global situation, the security of our critical infrastructures, the gaming situation in the country and how foreign investments and partnerships affect national security.
A limited exhibit at PROTECT 2020 also offers a unique opportunity to witness in a select setting the following: firewall, cloud access, cross-domain IT security products, mobile forensic solutions, video analytics, video management solutions, data center solutions, cybersecurity solutions, virtual reality simulations, software development kits,etc. Emerging technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology will also be on display.
The PROTECT annual conference series on “Doing Business Amidst New Threats” provides the forum for dialogue and network thinking between government and the private sector.
An important milestone has passed for Singlife Philippines after receiving the license to operate as a life insurance company from the Insurance Commission (IC) last Monday, February 17.
“I’m very grateful to Mr. Funa and the people in the IC for the fast turnaround of our license application,” Singlife Philippines President & CEO Rien Hermans shares. “We submitted all the requirements for our license only last mid-December, and we actually have the license framed in our office barely two months after.”
Apart from the usual documents for corporations and a detailed business plan, it is a requirement for every new insurance company to have an unimpaired capital of at least Php 1 billion to ensure contract liabilities can be met. After receiving Php 1.3 billion from its shareholders Singapore Life Pte Ltd., Di-Firm, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Singlife Philippines cleared all the requirements and passed the mark.
Singlife Philippines is not just another life insurance company. Aligned with its vision to unlock the potential of money for everyone, the company’s objective is to broaden the penetration of life insurance in the country. Current penetration of individual life insurance products is still low at 6% of the insurable population and is expected to double or even triple in the medium-term, based on experience elsewhere in the region.
Mr. Hermans states that “the key issue is that available products are not affordable nor attractive at the moment. Minimum premiums are too high, or benefits are not flexible enough to fit the needs of clients with a smaller budget.” He continues, saying that “distributors are more focused on clients who can pay high premiums and generate attractive commissions.”
Digital technology has changed many industries, allowed services to be distributed to a broader range of clients, and made customer experience reach a higher standard. Unlike the nineties when customers were fine with receiving statements of account twice a month, customers now check their balance twice a day through their mobile devices and expect payments transacted over social media platforms to be in their accounts within minutes.
Regulators recognize the change in customer demands, the need for financial inclusion, and the benefits technology can offer. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) support for electronic fund transfer services such as PESONet and InstaPay and regulation on e-wallets are testaments to this fact, just as the IC’s push for micro-insurance and support for new digital players like Singlife Philippines affirm the same.
Commissioner Dennis B. Funa and the IC welcome the entry of Singlife in the market. He states: “technology has underpinned the consistent, continuous growth of the insurance industry in the Philippines. Singlife’s philosophy – of making insurance customer-centric and efficient through technology – is a game changer for the evolving needs of a digital, progressive middle class who expect to be served real time and in a fair manner.”
With the license received, Singlife Philippines is targeting to launch its first product in April.
About Singlife Philippines (Singlife PH) Singlife Philippines is a majority-owned subsidiary of Singlife (65%) with partners Di-Firm (20%) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures (15%). The company’s vision is to unlock the potential of money for everyone by offering innovative financial solutions that help people manage, grow and protect their money distributed according to their preferences.
About Singapore Life Pte Ltd. (Singlife) Singlife is the first independent life insurance company that is fully licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore since 1970. Valued at USD 360mn, the company has been recognized for its deep expertise in technology to provide a superior experience for its customers, attracting investments from major life insurers such as Aflac, Aberdeen Standard Investments, and Sumitomo Life Insurance.
Color Manila, one of the leading race organizers in the country that specializes in fun run and marathons will celebrate their 8th anniversary on March 21, 2020 at SM MOA Event Groundsthrough their classic, Color Manila Run–on its 8th edition. Color Manila visions to create unparalleled euphoric experience, promoting health and happiness.
THE CO-PRESENTERS
Color Manila Run Year 8 is co-presented by SMART COMMUNICATIONS, the Philippines’ leading mobile network for Call, Text and 4G Internet services. The event is also co-presented by KUMU, a powerful livestream platform that prioritizes the voices of over 100 million Filipinos around the world, where possibilities are endless – hang out, explore, meet and interact with the Kumunity.
TO INFINITY
Color Manila promises a bigger, better and more colorful experience this year with 8,000 runners expected to join. Aside from the two co-presenters – Kumu and Smart Communications, parallel to the promise, Color Manila organized a space-themed event, taking runners to an out of this world adventure starting from collaterals, race kit inclusions – Event Shirt, Headwear, Drawstring Bag, Sunglasses, Revolving Medal, and Race bibs to stage and venue set-up and the overall vibe of the event. Runners can race through 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM with various extravaganzas along the route while being flecked with colors!
AND THE BEYOND
The fun does not stop at the finish line, the race is only a part of it! And it gets better beyond the run! Be entertained with the exciting activities at the venue from Color Manila’s sponsors and partners. A friendly dance showdown competition between runners showcasing their skills and talents through dancing is also set to happen! And the most anticipated part of the event, the music and color festival epic experience, where everyone playfully dance to the beats of the DJ and cap off the event with pop of colors!
CORPORATE DISCOUNTS
Color Manila Run Year 8 is open for all. Family, friends, and couples will gather to experience a unique way of running. Businesses are also welcome to join the fun. In fact, corporate packages are offered to SME and large enterprises, involving employees creating value and uplifting positive culture among companies. For inquiries on corporate package and/or partnerships, kindly email info@colormanila.com.
THE SPONSORS
This event is sponsored by UCC, Oishi, and Goju. This is also in partnership with SM Mall of Asia – the official venue partner, SM Bowling, SM Skating – the official kit claiming partner, 361, Mizuno, – official registration partners, Impack, Pretty Huge Obstacles, Tai Chi, and Anytime Fitness.
For more details about this event, visit www.colormanila.com. Register now and see you there!
A new breed of training and consulting company with a mission to help Filipino companies become world-class using the latest technologies and training methodologies, Olern is helping an increasing number of entrepreneurs stay competitive in their industry by learning new best practices, improve their people skills and adopt new technologies. By partnering with the different business consultants and experts to design online and offline practical and in-depth courses and programs for SMEs, Olern is coming up with more convenient and affordable ways to learn everything that it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
In the last two years alone, Olern trained thousands and thousands of entrepreneurs through its online platform and face-to-face trainings. This summer, Olern is taking its innovative approaches to the next level with its first-ever Olern Virtual Business Summit. Happening on March 3 and 4, 2020 from 9AM to 5PM, the momentous event will be a gathering of more than a dozen business leaders with the goal of sharing best practices to help Filipino companies become world-class.
Focusing on key business areas such as Innovation and Technology, Management Strategy, Strategic HR, and Sales & Marketing, the two-day FREE event features distinguished speakers such as Fortune 100 CEO and Olympic coach Jim Lafferty, Google Philippines market lead Samuel Jeanblanc, BQB CXInstitute Founder Claire Boscq-Scott, Philippine Franchise Guru Armando Bartolome, Association of Filipino Franchises Inc. (AFFI) Chairman Eric Caeg, sought after professional speaker Paulo Tibig, Executive Director of Ideaspace Diane Eustaquio, Cycle House President Jeff Chua, Tarkie Founder Rio Ilao, MPlify Founder Migs dela Rosa, President of DM Kompass Suzan Bigay, Digital Marketing Consultant Rey Baguio, and world-certified Image Strategist, Executive Coach and Transformational Speaker Toni Miranda.
Expecting more than 1,000 attendees in this pioneering event, Olern understands that SMEs need more help in growing their businesses and becoming world-class companies. More often than not, however, the moving forces behind these rising enterprises cannot physically attend trainings or summits for reasons that include venue proximity, conflict in their busy schedules and pricey business summit fees.
The first Online Business Summit in the Philippines using the latest technologies aim to break those barriers. With the Olern Business Summit, interested entrepreneurs can attend the Summit wherever they are in the world, no need to travel or go through painstaking traffic. And best of all, it’s FREE. All one needs is a mobile phone or laptop and an internet connection and he or she is good to go!
To become our brand partner, please contact our co-organizer and marketing partner PMCM Events Management at 0917 8344978 or email pmcm.events@gmail.com
Owning a business at minimum cost and low risk, flexible earning opportunities, flexible schedule, personal growth, mentorship and working from home are just some of the benefits of being a dS DIANA STALDER MOMPRENEUR RESELLER.
Mompreneurship is coin for mother-entrepreneurs who desire to achieve work and life balance by blending the role of a mother and business owners, thus prioritizing family work together with professional work on a full-time basis. Many new mothers see raising children and growing a family as a full-time job. But more and more mothers are inspired to take on a full-time job by raising children while running a business all at the same time.
Ms. Dina dela Paz Stalder, President and CEO supports empowering mothers through entrepreneurship. She knows very well that juggling motherhood while running a business and be great at both is women empowerment.
If you’re already a mompreneur or planning to become one and hoping to make the most out of your past experiences and skills, dS Diana Stalder MOMPRENEUR RESELLER PROGRAM is ready to answer all your queries.
For details, you may visit or call the following dS DIANA STALDER centers near you, dS Gateway located at Basement 2, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City (08-351-0299 / 0917-621-8468) and dS Megamall located at 5th floor, Building A, Mandaluyong City (08-531-5644 / 0917-626-5362).
Initial screening from barangay level, easy writing and panel interviews, ten (10) awardees stood up as winners from hundreds of applicants in different categories and proclaimed as the Binibining Ginoo 2019-2020 achievers awardees. This is the 1st Gawad Natatanging HERO ng ikatlong lahi, the first and the most prestigious awards for the LGBTQ Plus Community in the Philippines. A project headed by Councilor Hero M. Bautista of Quezon City. Binibining Ginoo 2019-2020 Achievers Awards was held at the Le Reve Events Place Quezon City last December 27, 2019.
Shown in Photo; Left to Right: Mr. Mario Maclang (Chief of Staff of Councilor Hero Bautista), Mr. Richard Hiñola (Awardee: Media, Journalism, Film & Entertainment Category) & Councilor Hero Bautista
Radisson Hotel Group has celebrated the start of the new decade by announcing the signing of 17 new hotels in India. As the Group enters the third year of “Destination 2022”, its global expansion and transformation strategy, these signings will boost the company’s portfolio in South Asia to more than 150 hotels and 17,000 rooms, both in operation and under development.
One of the fastest growing international hotel operators in India, Radisson Hotel Group is now present in more than 60 cities across the country. The Group is actively pursuing opportunities to introduce its industry-leading brands to key gateway cities and rapidly emerging destinations nationwide, including Tier 2 and 3 cities.
“We are excited to open the year on a high note with 17 impressive hotel signings. We are focused on developing strong partnerships across the country and delivering exceptional guest experiences, in line with our global standards. We remain fully committed to our owner relationships and will continue delivering maximum returns for our esteemed investors,” commented Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President, Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
With domestic and inbound travel on an upward trajectory¹ and India projected to be the world’s fastest-growing business travel market in the coming years², Radisson Hotel Group is extremely optimistic about the opportunities for growth. The new hotels will add approximately 1,880 hotel rooms across India.
Radisson Blu Hotel Jaipur Malviya Nagar – Located in Jaipur, one of the three cities in Golden Triangle tourist circuit, the city is well connected with major cities of India through its international airport as well as through its prominent presence on rail and road network. The 180-room hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a themed bar, a specialty restaurant, meeting and conference facilities including a pre function area, ballroom and meeting rooms, a fitness center and a swimming pool. The hotel is expected to be operational by 2025.
Radisson Hotel Greater Noida – With a high-visibility location in the National Capital Region (NCR), surrounded by blue-chip companies, this hotel will enjoy strong connectivity to Delhi via the Noida Expressway and to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway. The 180-room hotel is part of a mixed-use project featuring 1,200 office units, boosting corporate demand. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, rooftop pool, fitness center and extensive event space. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2021.
Radisson Hotel Dehradun – Located one kilometer from the center of Dehradun, the state capital of Uttarakhand, the hotel will delight guests with 360-degree views of the forest and Mussoorie Hills. The 120-room property will attract leisure guests and business travelers alike. Guests will have access to multiple Food & Beverage (F&B) outlets, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, and a spa, swimming pool, fitness center and event spaces, including a ballroom. The hotel is expected to be operational by 2023.
Radisson Hotel Agra – Newly-opened in June 2019, the hotel is perfectly positioned in Agra, one of India’s top leisure destinations. The 165-room hotel overlooks the Taj Mahal, creating outstanding options for leisure travelers and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market. Guests will enjoy a rooftop pool, several F&B outlets, a fitness center, spa and salon, and indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a pre-function area.
Radisson Hotel Gurugram Sohna Road City Center – Operational since April 2019, this 135-room hotel enjoys a prominent Tier 1 location on Sohna Road, Gurugram, which is home to more than 250 Fortune 500 companies, making it ideal for corporate business and MICE. The hotel features 511 square meters of space spread across ballrooms and meeting rooms, two restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, spa, salon and fitness center.
Radisson Hotel Vadodara – Located in Vadodara, one of the largest cities in Gujarat, this hotel will be an important flag for Radisson Hotel Group. Situated in the city’s industrial hub, the hotel will offer 140 rooms, two restaurants, a deli and coffee lounge, a fitness center and swimming pool, along with 1,670 square meters of conference space. Scheduled to be operational by 2023, this hotel will be a preferred location for social and corporate functions.
Radisson Hotel Bareilly – This will be the first international upscale hotel in Bareilly, one of India’s 100 planned smart cities. Located off the Bareilly Bypass Road, less than one kilometer from the new Bareilly Airport, this 100-room hotel will also be easily accessible from Lucknow and Delhi. Guests will have access to function space, a restaurant, bar, fitness center and swimming pool. The hotel is expected to be operational by 2021.
Radisson Hotel Vaishno Devi – This 100-room hotel will mark the Group’s entry into Katra, one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites, with over eight million visitors per year. The hotel is conveniently located close to Katra Railway Station and features meeting spaces, a restaurant, fitness center, spa, salon and swimming pool. It forms part of a dual-branded development with Park Inn by Radisson. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2022.
Radisson Hotel Dehradun – Located in the state capital, the hotel will offer a 360-degree view of the forest reserve surrounded by the Mussoorie hills. The 120-room hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness center and swimming pool with a deck and bar. The hotel is expected to be operational by 2023.
Park Inn by Radisson Vaishno Devi – The hotel will be the second part of a dual-branded development with Radisson Hotel Vaishno Devi. Together, the complex will deliver a choice of 184 rooms and suites across two international brands – midscale Park Inn by Radisson and upscale Radisson – catering for different guests, including short-stay pilgrims. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant and a fitness center. It is scheduled to open in 2022.
Park Inn by Radisson Kashipur Resort – The hotel will mark the company’s debut in the industrial city of Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Located on the access road to Jim Corbett National Park, the hotel will cater to leisure travelers attracted by the area’s natural wonders, as well as business and MICE guests. Nestled in landscaped gardens, the hotel will offer a total of 100 rooms, a restaurant, meeting spaces, outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. This property is scheduled to open in 2022.
Park Inn by Radisson Saputara – This will be Radisson Hotel Group’s first hotel in Saputara, Gujarat’s most popular hill station. Located close to the city’s main tourist locations, the hotel will offer open function spaces for weddings and other events. Nestled in rocky hills with lush green views, Park Inn by Radisson Saputara will compete for both leisure and MICE business. It is expected to be operational by 2022.
Park Inn by Radisson Surat – Radisson Hotel Group’s first hotel in Surat, this property will be a part of mixed-use development consisting of commercial, retail and entertainment facilities. Park Inn by Radisson Surat will offer a total of 100 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a swimming pool, fitness center and 260 square meters of meeting space. Located in a prime city spot surrounded by commercial establishments, this hotel is expected to be operational by 2021.
Park Inn by Radisson Jalandhar – Located in one of India’s 100 new “smart cities”, this property will have excellent rail and road connectivity to other major cities in Punjab, as well as Delhi NCR. This centrally located midscale hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, fitness center and swimming pool. It is expected to be operational by 2023.
Park Inn by Radisson Gwalior – The hotel will mark the Park Inn by Radisson brand’s market entry into the “smart city” of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Located near the railway station and just 2-3 kilometers from the main commercial and retail areas, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant. It is expected to be operational in 2020.
Park Inn by Radisson Jabalpur –Located in the growth hub of Jabalpur, the hotel will be situated approximately eight kilometers from the city center. The hotel will feature 115 rooms and house an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop bar and ample meeting spaces. The hotel is expected to be operational in 2022.
Park Inn by Radisson Mashobra –The hotel will be the first international hotel in Mashobra – a preferred tourist getaway destination in North India. The hotel will offer 125 rooms with beautiful valley views and is expected to be operational in 2023.
As the Asian table grape season commences, Australian growers head to the Philippines to boost trade relations.
Six (6) growers from the Sunraysia region, which is responsible for around 99 per cent of table grape exports, along with the CEO of the Australian Table Grapes Association (ATGA), were in Manila from 10th to 11th February to spruik the premium product.
Hosted under the Hort Innovation Taste Australia banner and supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, the recent trade activity aims to cement existing trade relations and develop new and exciting partnerships.
Hort Innovation General Manager of Trade, Justine Coates said the Philippines was urrently the 7th largest importer of Australian table grapes.
“The Philippines is a key exporting country for Australia, and the Australian table grape industry has worked hard to educate and promote Australian grapes to Filipino consumers,” she said.
“Australian total exports over the last year have increased 33%, whilst exports to the Philippines have increased by 41%.
“Looking at the 2020 crop forecast table, the main table grape variety exported to the Philippines from previous years, Thompson and Crimson seedless, increased production volumes by 7.4 and 6.6 per cent respectively.
“Moving forward, the 10-year forecast for the main varieties to the Philippines will increase substantially.” Australian Table Grapes Association CEO Jeff Scott said several new varieties were coming into production for export this year such as; Sweet Surrender, Ivory Seedless, Sweet Nectar, Magenta, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration and Luisco seedless to name a few.
“Many growers have planted new varieties in large numbers under commercial licences and have commenced exporting,” he said. “If any variety proves successful or demand is high from importing countries, additional plantings will take place to satisfy demand.”
Mr Scott said Thompson Seedless and Crimson Seedless were still expected to be Australia’s main export varieties.
“Australia’s most sought-after varieties by importing countries – Thompson seedless, is forecast to increase by 30 percent to 76,000 tonnes and Crimson seedless is expected to increase 70 per cent to 122,000 tonnes,” he said.
“Whereas Red Globe, being a seeded variety, is anticipated to have no change at 30,000 tonnes.”
“As an industry we are seeing year on year growth in table grape exports and this is a very pleasing outcome for growers.”
Mr Scott presented an industry update during the trade activities in Philippines providing key stakeholders with a seasonal overview of the 2020 crop forecast and the 5-10-year crop yield predictions.
He also addressed new and emerging quality and safety standards and highlight the benefits of Phytosanitary Irradiation or X-ray technology which is used as a post-harvest treatment for grapes.
“Australian farmers have strict traceability systems in place and all growers are required to undergo extensive training to be accredited to allow exports,” he said.
“Phytosanitary Irradiation takes two hours to complete and involves a wave of energy like light or sound. It is chemical and heat free, cold chain friendly and importantly, it leaves no chemical or radioactive residue.”
Mr Scott said because the treatment was so quick and non-invasive, it allowed for immediate air freight.
“This means Australian grapes could be in the Philippine market within 2-3-day post-harvest, which allows for longer shelf life of the grapes,” he said.
Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce in Thailand by Thai Trade Center in Manila, one hundred (100) Thailand and Philippine companies will exhibit their products and services on March 5 up to 8, 2020 (Thursday to Sunday) at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The event is entitled, Mini Thailand Week 2020, with the theme, “Discover Excellence, Trade with Thailand”.
The trade show will showcase top and excellent Thai products under these categories: Beauty, Health & Wellness as well as spa products, Food & Beverage, Gems & Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories, Household & Kitchenware, pet accessories and many more!
Mini Thailand Week 2020 will be holding different activities that will portray Thailand’s rich culture. This year’s activities include: Cooking Demonstrations and Thai Traditional Dances.
Aside from the exhibition, business matching is available among the participating brands for Philippine trade buyers who are interested to be a distributors or agents.
Experience Mini Thailand Week 2020 in Manila! Get a feel of the Land of Smiles and discover top Thai brands. Event runs from March 5-8, 2020. Entrance to the trade Fair is free!
Don’t miss the chance to visit Mini Thailand Week 2020. For more information, contact Thai Trade Center in Manila, at tel nos. 88940406; 88940403, email at thaicommnl@ymail.com or fax at 88160698.
