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| (L-R) TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing and Communications Lead Franco Aligaen, TikTok Philippines Country Head for Brand and Mid Market Partnerships Paolo David, SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, and L’Oréal Philippines Corporate Affairs Head Krhizzy Pasigan with the Digital Beauty Academy participants. (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/TikTok Shop Philippines) |
TikTok Shop and L’Oréal are joining forces to advance the Digital Beauty Academy, an initiative designed to empower aspiring beauty entrepreneurs across the Philippines. Now in its second year, the program builds on the successes of its inaugural run in Quezon City with this year’s expansion to Makati City. This collaboration integrates L’Oréal’s extensive beauty education with TikTok Shop’s dynamic social commerce platform, creating new opportunities for participants. The Digital Beauty Academy provides comprehensive beauty training and social commerce education, equipping participants with essential skills in beauty, grooming, and personal care while integrating effective strategies for leveraging TikTok and TikTok Shop for business growth. The initiative is designed to empower women from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their socio-economic status and creating opportunities for growth and success within the beauty industry.
“L’Oréal together with TikTok Shop Philippines recognizes the transformative power of beauty in driving positive societal transformations. The expansion of L’Oréal Digital Beauty Academy in Makati and Quezon City, amongst the bustling cities in the Philippines, signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive future. By the end of the year, over 1800 Makati residents are set to gain access to fundamental beauty and digital commerce tools, aving the way for enhanced economic opportunities through beauty among Filipinos," shares L’Oréal Philippines Managing Director Yannick Raynaud. Running from August to December, the Digital Beauty Academy will conduct six sessions focused on content creation, social commerce strategies, and the effective use of TikTok Shop to market and sell beauty products. The curriculum includes an introduction to TikTok and TikTok Shop, livestreaming essentials, and best practices in content creation. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with TikTok creators and industry experts, gaining valuable insights and practical skills to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors.
“We are thrilled to partner with L’Oréal to bring the Digital Beauty Academy to life. This initiative perfectly aligns with TikTok’s mission to democratize access to digital platforms and provide opportunities for growth and empowerment. Through this program, we aim to equip participants with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy, while also supporting local communities and fostering inclusive growth," said TikTok Philippines Country Head for Brand and Mid Market Partnerships Paolo David. Looking ahead, TikTok Shop and L’Oréal are exploring opportunities to expand the Digital Beauty Academy and continue their collaboration. Future phases of the program will aim to reach even more aspiring entrepreneurs, further broadening its impact and extending its reach.
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Smart Empowers Over 1 Million Sari-Sari Store Owners Nationwide Through DTI’s "Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo" Program
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Department Of Trade And Industry) |
Aligned with its goal of empowering Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to empower over a million sari-sari store owners nationwide. “The sari-sari stores have been our key partner since day one, particularly in Smart electronic load distribution, and we are proud to support and launch initiatives that can help grow and benefit this channel. Together with industry partners and the DTI, we share the mission of empowering our sari-sari store owners and customers by assisting them in their digital transformation journey,” said Smart Vice President and Head of Channel Management Jac Bocalan.
DTI’s Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program aims to enable sari-sari store owners with knowledge on new digital solutions and products to expand their business, practical financial and marketing tips, and sustainable practices for store operations through a free webinar series on the DTI’s Facebook Page and Youtube account. “The Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program, entitled 'Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo', adopts a multifaceted approach to uplift our micro retailers, focusing on digital transformation, financial literacy, sustainable business practices, and consumer protection. Our goal is clear: to make our sari-sari stores more resilient, innovative, and competitive in the digital economy,” said DTI Undersecretary Jose Edgardo G. Sunico in his remarks. Smart, together with Maya, will take part in Module 3 of the program which will tackle ways to expand their capital through digital products and services, particularly Smart e-load. Smart has also been supporting DTI’s regional cascades in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, Cavite, Albay, Negros Oriental, and Leyte.
“We are excited to share with our Ka-Partners how to level up their businesses and how digital devices like a smartphone can accelerate their income with boundless opportunities. We are also looking forward to working with the DTI and industry partners in pushing forward these progressive programs that uplift the lives of Filipinos,” added Bocalan. Smart e-load has been one of the fastest selling products for sari-sari stores since it was introduced in 2003. A world-first innovation in mobile communication, Smart e-load marked the birth of prepaid services, democratizing access to mobile communication for Filipinos and enabling easier communication across the nation and overseas. These initiatives are in keeping with PLDT and Smart's commitment to narrowing the digital divide and enabling access to communications to more Filipinos across the country, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly on SDG #9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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SM Supermalls, She Loves Tech Power Filipina-Led Tech Startups
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| Left: Unprude co-founder Dr. Rica Cruz offers culturally grounded solutions to make sex therapy accessible, affordable, and shame-free by offering online and offline products. Center: She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers shares the importance of women-led innovation and the importance of championing women in male-dominated industries such as tech. Right: Farmtri co-founder Marini Fernandez pitches her B2B platform that connects farmers to food businesses, all the while harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to minimize waste and revenue losses. (Image Source: SM Supermalls) |
Singapore-based startup accelerator She Loves Tech, together with QBO Innovation Hub, Ideaspace Ventures Inc., and with SM Supermalls, empowered 10 Filipina-led tech startups to showcase their innovative and impactful business models in the Philippine finals of She Loves Tech 2024 held last August 2, 2024 at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. This year’s finalists came from varying industries including agri-tech, health and wellness, communications for differently-abled people and more. From this selection of outstanding businesses, Unprude and Farmtri were chosen to represent the Philippines in the Regional Finals which will be held in Singapore later this year.
Conceptualized by sex and relationships therapist Rica Cruz with the help of Chief Technology Officer Nicole Bernabe, grand winner Unprude encourages self-reflection to help users navigate sexual and life challenges, fostering deeper self-understanding, better relationships, and greater compassion for others. In second place was Farmtri, a business-to-business digital platform innovating the food value chain. Farmtri utilizes artificial intelligence to predict market trends helping food businesses and farmers minimize losses and food waste. She Loves Tech, led and founded by Virginia Tan, along with co-founders Rhea See and Leanne Robers, has made supporting and launching women-led businesses their main focus since 2015. Today, She Loves Tech is the world’s largest startup competition promoting both technology for women and technology by women. It includes an acceleration program, resource matching, and global pitch competitions and, since its founding, has featured over 1,000 startups across the globe and has gone on to collectively raise more than US$70M from top venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital and Wavemaker and top tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. She Loves Tech’s competitions have improved the visibility of female tech founders the world over, garnering over 1,200 media features, a live audience of over one million people, and over 500 million media impressions.
SM Supermalls shares in She Loves Tech’s vision as one of the largest supporters of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and projects that empower women. The partnership is a continuation of SM’s year-round support for women-led businesses and startups which can be seen through initiatives like SM’s Weekend Marketplace and the SM4SMEs Community Bazaar. “SM is deeply honored to be partnering with She Loves Tech to host the Philippine leg of this competition. We are excited to see what these brilliant, hardworking, and business-minded women have in store for the betterment of our society,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
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AirAsia Philippines Partners With Universal Islamic Center To Position PH As Halal-Friendly Destination
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| AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and Universal Islamic Center and PH Halal Trade and Tourism President Marilou Ampuan sealing their solid partnership to promote the Philippines as a Halal-friendly destination with a handshake (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines is helping solidify the country’s stake as a Halal-friendly destination with its partnership with the Universal Islamic Center (UIC) and the Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism. Since its inception, AirAsia has been offering Halal-certified meal options on all its flights, regardless of the destination. From Filipino favorites like Chicken Inasal and Beef Tapa to authentic Asean dishes like Nasi Lemak and Chicken Teriyaki, AirAsia’s Santan Inflight Menu caters to diverse tastes while adhering to Halal standards.
Beyond promoting Halal meals on its flights, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is elevating its commitment by mounting the Halal Culinary Cup in Davao in time for the Kadayawan Festival. The winning dish from the event is included in the inflight menu to showcase the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the region. “AirAsia is proud to lead the way in providing and innovating inclusive travel experiences. We’re continuously enhancing our offerings and ensuring that Muslim friends feel welcomed and truly at home when they visit our beautiful country. Through this, we hope to win their hearts and make them visit the Philippines more often, either for leisure or business travel," shares AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.
“Airlines play a vital role in the Halal promotion as they are one of the forefronts of accommodating and catering the Muslim consumers in tourism. Meals that are compliant to Halal caters to the huge Muslim passengers’ dietary requirements and Airasia’s commitment and dedication to be inclusive by providing a selection of Halal meals demonstrate that traveling to the Philippines is accessible and accommodative for Muslim travelers. We thank AirAsia Philippines for their support and for making this partnership possible," shares Universal Islamic Center and Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism President Marilou Ampuan. According to the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, the Philippine Halal industry is estimated to be worth $1.6B. This figure is expected to grow especially with the Philippines being home to the third largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia and a favorite alternative to other holiday destinations in the region. AirAsia Philippines also hopes to reinforce the growth of the Philippine Halal industry and entice more to visit the country by spearheading innovations and programs geared towards the promotion of Halal.
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Malacañang Conferred PH's 44th National Scientist
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/National Academy Of Science And Technology, Philippines) |
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently signed the Proclamation No. 643, s. 2024 conferring Dr. Romulo G. Davide to the Order of National Scientists. Dr. Davide becomes the 44th Filipino to be honored with this prestigious award, joining an esteemed group of individuals who have significantly impacted scientific research and knowledge in the Philippines. National Scientist Romulo G. Davide is recognized for his groundbreaking and substantial contributions to the agricultural sciences, particularly in plant pathology and nematology. His dedication is exemplified by his work on the epidemiology, host range, life cycle, taxonomy, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Dr. Davide’s development of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) has positively impacted the lives of 70,000 Filipino farmers. Through his steadfast mentorship and commitment as a professor, his students and mentees now lead the field of plant pathology and nematology, earning him the title “Father of Philippine Nematology". Dr. Davide obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture – Plant Pathology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 1957, earned his Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University in 1962, and completed his Doctorate degree in Nematology-Plant Pathology from the North Carolina State University in 1965. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Davide was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) in 2002, further cementing his status as a distinguished figure within the scientific community.
The Order of National Scientist Award (Orden ng Gawad ng Pambansang Alagad ng Agham) is the highest national recognition given to a man or woman of science in the Philippines, administered by the NAST PHL and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Academy. The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country.
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NetEase Games Announces Dunk City Dynasty, The First NBPA-Licensed 3v3 Street Basketball Game
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| (Image Source: NetEase Games) |
NetEase Games is proud to announce Dunk City Dynasty, a free-to-play 3v3 streetball spectacle for mobile devices. It is the first street basketball game officially authorized by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and features fast-paced, 11-point matches. Run the court with superstars like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, design your own sneakers, start clubs with friends and much more in Dunk City Dynasty, coming to Android and iOS in 2025. Pre-registration for the Technical Closed Alpha Test for August 30-September 2, 2024 is now open and players can unlock in-game rewards with pre-reg milestones via https://www.dunkcitymobile.com.
Dunk City Dynasty’s 11-point match system and 3-minute-rounds allow for addictive on-the-go streetball gameplay while numerous features like Dynasty Mode let players build their superstar dream line-up and strategize. Customization is the name of the game when designing sneakers, home courts, mix-and-matching player styles and creating both clubs and stadiums with friends..Ahead of the Closed Alpha, Dunk City Dynasty will be playable for the first time at gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany on August 21-25, 2024 and visitors will be able able to get their hands on some premium goodies when they visit the NetEase Games booth in Hall 6, Stand A050 and claim exclusive Dunk City Dynasty basketballs, wristbands, towels and more. Stars from across the globe have received an invite to Basketball City and what began as a curiosity turned into the ultimate faceoff. Dunk City Dynasty features include:
🏀 The First NBPA-Licensed Streetball Game: Experience the first Streetball Mobile Game licensed by the National Basketball Players Association as you choose, upgrade and customize a wide selection of Basketball superstars, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Paul George, Luka Dončić, and more.
🏀 Hoop With Friends Anytime And Anywhere: Quick matchmaking and instant battles allow you to team up with friends or challenge them in exciting streetball matches. Join forces in the League system, create Stadiums with friends, and battle side-by-side for victory and glory.
🏀 Fast-Paced 11-Point Games: The exhilarating 11-point game mode keeps you on edge. Each round lasts 3 minutes, allowing you to hop into and out of the court anytime, anywhere.
🏀 Take Charge As A Coach And Own The Court: Break barriers in Dynasty Mode by building your dream lineup, setting tactics, and making real-time manual adjustments. It's time to build your street dynasty!
🏀 Customize Your Home Court And Design Sneakers: Design your dream court with a wide array of components. From classic setups to mix-and-match styles - you set the trend! Let your style shine with original costumes and custom kicks. Unlock 8 slots for ultimate customization and trade your unique designs for bragging rights and profit.
