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| (Image Source: iTech Solution/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, Metro Manila’s largest live entertainment venue, posted a strong performance in 2024 as events held at the venue drew over one million in total ticket attendance. Located within the SM Mall of Asia Complex, the SM MOA Arena hosted a diverse mix of shows in 2024, with over half of its events dedicated to sports, concerts and family-oriented shows. The rest comprised corporate and special events, reinforcing its status as the Philippines’ premier venue for large-scale events and international artists.
“Live entertainment venues are strategic contributors to our company’s portfolio. They strengthen the SM ecosystem by driving foot traffic and supporting the performance of our mall tenants and adjacent businesses,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim. The SM MOA Arena has a seating capacity of 15,000, expandable to 20,000, and offers International Basketball Federation (FIBA)- and National Basketball Association (NBA)-compliant facilities. To maintain its world-class standing, the SM MOA Arena underwent a three-year modernization program that began in 2022, with an investment of over US$10M (10 million US dollars). Upgrades include digital turnstiles, a new 702 square meter giant LED Media Mesh, enhanced Public Address (PA) systems, newly installed acoustic panels, improved back-of-house areas and new spectator seating — all designed to elevate the customer and event experience. In 2024, the SM MOA Arena was named Sports Venue of the Year at the 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, highlighting its contribution to both the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events) and tourism sectors — two key areas of opportunity as the country’s service economy continues to rebound.
“Our solid performance in 2024 reflects the growing appetite for live experiences and the broad appeal of SM Prime’s integrated developments. This year, we expect an even stronger lineup of global and local events that will help drive sustained growth across our lifestyle and commercial assets,” said Lim. Over the past two years, the SM MOA Arena has hosted some of the biggest headline acts including the Backstreet Boys, Alanis Morissette, Sam Smith, Jonas Brothers, 2NE1, Itzy and Niall Horan, while the banner for OPM artists includes Regine Velasquez, Sharon and Gabby, Pops and Martin, Gary Valenciano, Juan Karlos, December Avenue and Ben&Ben. For 2025, global acts confirmed to perform at the SM MOA Arena include the much anticipated j-hope Tour “HOPE ON THE STAGE” in Manila, Lee Min-ho, Toto, Jo Koy, the Black Eyed Peas and Mariah Carey. On the domestic front, major events such as the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation and various collegiate sports events are also expected to draw strong crowds.
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Visa And USSC Announce Strategic Issuing And Money Movement Partnership To Transform Payment Solutions
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| From left to right: USSC Money Services Inc. (UMSI) Product Manager for Global Money Movement Jayne Famorcan, Head for Digital Development Mylene Paris, Chief Marketing Officer and Head for Corporate Affairs Dickie Soriano, and President and Chief Executive Officer Jose Xavier Gonzales, together with Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeff Navarro, Head of Clients Isidore Bada, Director for Commercial and Money Movement Solutions Abigal Aguilar, and Director and Account Executive Oliver Ornido (Image Source: Team PCheng/Visa Philippines) |
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with USSC Money Services Inc. (UMSI) on a strategic issuing and Money Movement partnership to launch Visa Direct in the Philippines. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing digital payment and remittance solutions in the region. While often cited as one of the largest remittance-receiving countries in the world, the Philippines remains strong in the outbound money movement market, particularly for business-to-business (B2B) payments. Visa’s “Money Travels: 2024 Digital Remittances Adoption” report reveals that there is a $151B (151 billion dollar) outbound market opportunity, the majority of which cover business-related flows. These include supplier payments, export/import, merchant settlement, and overseas procurement for goods and services for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Digital methods are driving cross-border payment growth too. The same report found that 58% of Filipinos prefer digital money movement methods, with many citing high fees, lengthy processing, and the need to visit a physical location as common pain points in making cross-border payments and remittances. To foster the growth of outbound cross-border business payments in the Philippines, Visa Direct facilitates the transfer of funds directly to eligible Visa Direct cards, bank accounts, and wallets in many jurisdictions around the world. Launched over a decade ago, Visa Direct revolutionizes fund disbursements with its fast, secure, and convenient platform, reaching over 11 billion endpoints across more than 195 countries and territories and 150 currencies. With Visa Direct, UMSI now enables many of its business clients to make faster and more efficient cross-border outbound payments to support their various business needs. In addition to this recent partnership with UMSI to launch Visa Direct, Visa and UMSI previously collaborated on an exclusive deal to issue the U Visa Prepaid Card. Geared towards new-to-bank customers from segments such as business process outsourcing (BPO) employees and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the U Visa Prepaid Card underscored Visa’s and UMSI’s shared commitment to boost financial inclusion.
“We are pleased to partner with UMSI to enhance digital remittance and payments services in the Philippines. Visa Direct aims to be Asia Pacific’s premier real-time payment platform by focusing on continuous innovation and expanding collaborations with banks, fintechs, and digital wallets. The increasing use of digital apps for sending business payments abroad highlights the need for secure, fast, and convenient money movement solutions. Visa is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient money transfers, enhancing the financial resilience of Filipino households, and contributing to economic growth,” said Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro. “Cross-border payments and remittances have steadily converged across settlement systems, and USSC is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution in partnership with Visa. This collaboration reaffirms USSC’s commitment to serving its core markets — OFWs and underbanked Filipinos — by delivering convenient and cost-effective solutions that facilitate money movement across borders,. Combining its physical store infrastructure and U Mobile app with a Visa card-based wallet overlay, USSC continues to drive financial inclusion for Filipinos worldwide, helping them shift from cash to digital seamlessly,” said UMSI President and Chief Executive Officer Jose Xavier Gonzales.
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DOST, British Council Develop National Policy On Technology Transfer And Commercialization
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| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/British Council Philippines) |
The British Council, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), convened over 200 stakeholders from government, higher education institutions, research organizations, and the private sector in a national consultative conference focused on drafting the “Technology Transfer Policy Framework For DOST”, a unified policy framework for technology transfer and commercialization in the Philippines. Supported through the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) implemented by the British Council, the conference strengthens research and innovation ecosystems in the Philippines and across the region. The event builds on previous policy write shops held in February and March this year.
Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor at the British Embassy Manila, highlighted the vital role of innovation, saying, “Without innovation, society cannot move forward. We won’t be able to address inequalities or the urgent challenges facing our world — from climate to energy and beyond. This is why technology transfer and commercialization are essential.” In collaboration with the DOST, the initiative bolsters the foundation for a more effective approach to tech transfer which will harness university research to jumpstart high-impact enterprises. In his remarks, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enabling innovation-driven enterprises, stating, “We are working towards establishing the Philippines as a hub for globally competitive technologies and solutions.”
Participants shared their insights in a policy write shop and discussion led by UK-based consultants Dr. Irene Dal Poz and Dr. Fabio Bianchi of innovation management and technology commercialization consultancy firm Oxentia Ltd. Participants also interacted with a panel on international practices in technology transfer with insights from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the National University of Singapore, Origgin Singapore, and key Philippine institutions. The Technology Transfer Policy Framework for DOST is expected to be finalized within April 2025.
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Globe Nurtures Youth At 1st Ever Student Community Builder Pitch Day
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Over 150 students from 63 student organizations gathered for the first-ever Globe Student Community Builder Pitch Day, a platform designed to nurture student-led initiatives through mentorship, collaboration, and direct support from Globe Telecom. Held recently at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, the event brought together student leaders from across Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Cavite, allowing them to explore Globe’s innovative workspaces, forge meaningful connections, and present their passion projects to Globe teams.
The event affirms Globe’s role as a genuine partner for the youth across different academic tracks— whether in Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), or Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM). Student participants were guided by Ka-Globe talents from the Information Systems Development Program, Cybersecurity, Corporate Communications, and Loyalty groups, who shared insights on how to turn passions into purpose-driven careers. The highlight of the day was the pitch session, where student organization heads took center stage to share proposals including Google Developers Group from different chapter schools, AWS Cloud Clubs, DLSU-Dasmariñas, iAcademy Creative Orgs, PLM Technology Orgs, Ateneo Business and Leadership Orgs, UP-Diliman Creative and Leadership organizations and other organizations from Greater Metro Manila. Martin Eusebio, a 2nd year student from the College of Saint Benilde and a Globe Community Builder, hosted the event and helped connect student organizations with opportunities to bring their ideas to life through Globe’s support.
“The Student Community Builder Pitch Day is one of the ways Globe is reinforcing its role as an enabler of the youth. We believe in the potential of students not only as future professionals, but as changemakers today. By providing a space where they can be heard, guided, and supported, we hope to inspire more young people to take bold steps in shaping their communities,” said Globe's Head of Marketing Youth Cultures Anne Calma. The Globe Student Community Builder Pitch Day underscores Globe’s goal to strengthen student engagement through purpose-driven innovation and real-world collaboration. To learn more about Globe’s student programs and how to join, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/community-builder#gref.
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SM's "We've Got It All For You" Strategy Captures Growing Gen Z Market
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/SM Retail Inc.) |
SM Investments Corporation’s (SM Investments) retail arm, SM Retail, Inc., is reaching new consumer markets, particularly the rapidly growing Gen Z demographic. Data from the SM Store, the department store business of SM Retail, reveals a 13% increase in in-store purchases by young shoppers in 2024, signaling a shift in consumer behavior and a rising preference for physical retail experiences. SM Retail Executive Vice President Jonathan Ng shared, “Our strategy has always been ‘We’ve got it all for you.’ SM Store offers a broad product range that appeals to different market segments, making it a one-stop shop for all. We’re also placing greater emphasis on engaging with Gen Z.” This increase in Gen Z shoppers reflects the growing purchasing power of this demographic. Ng added, “While Gen X and Millennials still lead in terms of purchasing power, we’re strategically investing in Gen Z as they become an increasingly influential consumer group.”
Gen X, ages 45 to 60, are those born between 1965 and 1980, and Millennials, ages 29 to 44, are born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Z, ages 13 to 28 or born between 1997 and 2012, currently makes up 38% of the Philippine population according to the recent census by the Philippine Statistics Authority. With 41 million Gen Zs, SM Retail is well-positioned to capitalize on this segment. A 2024 study by The Fourth Wall and Uniquecorn Strategies revealed that 31% of Filipino Gen Zs prefer shopping in physical stores, valuing the experience of products they can see and touch. This trend mirrors a broader global shift. A January 2025 report by Adyen, published by Retail Dive, found that nearly three-quarters of global Gen Z consumers shop in-person at least once a week, viewing it as an integral part of their lifestyle. Ng explained, “Filipino shoppers, especially Gen Z, are more experiential and tactile in their shopping preferences. At SM Store, we are dedicated to evolving to meet these expectations, investing in modern store designs and enhancing customer service to stay ahead of the curve.”
SM Retail has also focused on enhancing the customer experience through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), designed to create a more enjoyable in-store environment. This focus on in-store discounts, convenience, and the ability to quickly own products aligns well with Gen Z’s preferences. Ng emphasized, “SM is all about excellent customer service,” noting the presence of personal shoppers who are always ready to assist customers. SM Store continues to innovate, evolving its merchandise selection, store layouts, and overall customer experience to meet the demands of an ever-changing retail landscape. This commitment to excellence is reflected in SM Retail’s solid financial performance. In 2024, the company posted a net income of Php20.9B (20.9 billion pesos), a 5% increase from the previous year, with retail revenues growing 5% to Php434.5B (434.5 billion pesos), up from Php412.9B (412.9 billion pesos) in 2023. SM Retail’s ongoing growth and its ability to engage with different consumer segments reinforce its leadership position within the Philippine retail sector, contributing significantly to the strong financial performance of the group’s parent company, SM Investments.
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RunGP Announces First Team For Inaugural Event To Be Broadcast By DAZN Globally For Free
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| (Image Source: DAZN) |
RunGP, a new series of competitive events that is transforming the sport of running and is backed by Sir Mo Farah, has announced the first team participating in the league’s inaugural event to be held at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar on May 9-10, 2025. DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, is partnering with the Global Running League (GRL) to broadcast all RunGP events this year live and for free to fans worldwide.
RunGP has assembled the star-studded Team Shadow Vipers for the first event of its debut season which will be captained by Olympic silver medallist Paul Chelimo. The team will feature some of the world’s most exciting elite runners including Venezuelan Olympian and long-distance runner Luis Orta, professional triathlete Valentino Agnelli, South Asian gold medallist and road and track record holder Hiruni Wijayaratne, two-time top American at the Boston Marathon Nell Rojas, top ten finisher at the USATF 10,000m Championships Molly Grabill, and two-time Duathlon World Championships gold medallist Joselyn Brea Three other teams will be announced later in the coming weeks leading to the event. RunGP is the flagship series of the GRL, a newly established sporting property designed to merge elite competition, mass participation and high stakes entertainment. Unlike traditional marathon racing, RunGP introduces a team-based format, integrating pro athletes, influencers and celebrity-backed squads to engage competitors and fans.
With DAZN’s unparalleled scale – streaming a mix of live and non-live content in over 200 markets – this partnership gives RunGP a platform to engage a truly global audience, bringing the debut racing series to new and longtime fans of the sport. RunGP’s events will be available alongside DAZN’s ever-expanding portfolio of free, multi-sport content from both established and emerging sports properties. This includes the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, LIV Golf, E1 and many other sports offered on DAZN’s platform to fans worldwide.
