EastWest Honored as Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024


EastWest has been recognized as the Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines by The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024. This internationally recognized and highly prestigious award further highlights EastWest’s focus on providing exceptional wealth management services and its continuing efforts to innovate and enhance its offerings in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

EastWest Priority: A Segment Focused on Elevating Affluent Clients

EastWest’s dedication to serving affluent clients is especially evident through its EastWest Priority segment. This segment, which has seen a 20% increase in AUM and a 17% growth in client count, offers a suite of bespoke services designed to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. The bank’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine traditional, high-touch banking with cutting-edge digital solutions.

“Our affluent banking services are unmatched in the market,” said Jerry G. Ngo, CEO of EastWest. “From economic briefings with top economists to personalized investment advice, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service, tailored to their specific financial goals.”

Going Further for You

“Ultimately, this award is a symbol of EastWest’s promise of excellence in wealth management and our dedication to going ‘Further for You.’ As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition reinforces the strength of our ‘East meets West’ philosophy—blending the best of both worlds to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly meet the needs of our affluent clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and ensuring that our clients always receive the exceptional service they deserve as we continue our journey of growth and transformation into the next 30 years,” Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management concluded.

The Asset launched the Triple A Private Capital Awards for Private Banks, Wealth & Investment Bank Advisers, Solutions and Index Providers mainly to shine the spotlight and showcase the change agents among high net worth individuals and the private banks, wealth managers, bank solution advisers and index providers that partner with them. These awards cover the Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Australia.

For more information on EastWest’s wealth management services and digital initiatives, you may visit https://priority.eastwestbanker.com.

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Pioneering innovation and sustainability in the cosmetics industry

COSMETICON 2024

 With sustainability and digitalization at the heart of the global cosmetics industry, COSMETICON 2024 opened its doors at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. This year’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability,” positioned the event as a beacon for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to thrive in an evolving market.

This is the second annual cosmetics conference organized by the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP). The day commenced with Christine Michelle P. Reyes, president of the CCIP, who underscored the importance of innovation and regulatory compliance in her opening remarks. “COSMETICON 2024 is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cosmetics while ensuring that our businesses remain compliant, sustainable, and innovative,” said Reyes.

The morning session started with Maria Lynette M. Macabeo, FDA regulatory officer, who discussed promo permit regulations, followed by Maria Astrid M. Ambata, who covered post-marketing surveillance. Gilbert Maximo from DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau gave an overview of new chemical regulations, a crucial subject in today's industry.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivered a well-received presentation on functional cosmetics and F-Pop, stressing the role of regulatory bodies in innovation and public safety.

After the keynote, Claire Pasicolan from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on the understanding of PDEA regulations and their impact on the cosmetics industry. The morning ended with a panel discussion featuring regulatory experts, moderated by Janina G. Tan of Jradiance Corporation, focusing on industry challenges.

The afternoon session shifted focus to digital marketing, testing, and logistics. Terence Rene T. Iguidez III, from Sigmatech Inc., demonstrated advanced laboratory equipment for cosmetic products, while Ray Caguin, Country Director of LOCAD, discussed business sustainability amid digitalization. This was followed by Urk Acapulco of Xceler8 Technologies, who spoke on industry productivity solutions.

An insightful industry-sharing session was led by Marjorie Racines, Technical Services Head at Wipro-Splash Corporation, on substantiating cosmetic claims. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was represented by Hon. Adoracion P. Resurreccion, Chairperson of the PRC Chemistry Board, who discussed the issuance of Certificates of Authority to operate chemical laboratories.
The day concluded with networking opportunities, sponsor presentations, and closing remarks from Maricar O. Lopez, Board Secretary of Connell Bros. Co. Pilipinas, Inc., reinforcing the importance of collaboration for the industry's growth.

The conference was undoubtedly a resounding success, highlighting many learnings from speakers including the growing importance of functional cosmetics, as outlined by FDA director Dr. Samuel Zacate. He emphasized that functional cosmetics not only enhance beauty but also provide added health benefits, making regulatory compliance more crucial than ever.

FDA officials Maria Lynette M. Macabeo and Maria Astri M. Ambata shared business compliance with detailed updated on promo permit regulations and post-marketing surveillance. Lastly, Insights into sustainable business models in the digital age, shared by LOCAD’s Ray Caguin, highlight how companies can adapt to modern market demands while remaining environmentally and economically sustainable.

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Creating Unforgettable Customer Journeys: RLC Residences Aims to Enhance Customer Experiences with Salesforce

(from L to R) Sujith Abraham - SVP & GM, Salesforce ASEAN, Chad Sotelo - SVP and BUGM, RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer, Robinsons Land, Abhijeet Kulkarni - Founder & CEO, Appistoki Consulting


RLC Residences taps on the Salesforce Platform, including Data Cloud, Customer 360 applications, and Einstein AI to bring its customer-centric vision to life

RLC Residences, the residential division of Robinsons Land, is proud to announce a partnership with Salesforce, the AI customer relationship management (CRM) platform and global technology company. This collaboration, supported by Appistoki, is a pivotal step in the brand’s digital transformation journey, focused on enhancing customer experience through innovative, data-driven solutions.

“This partnership started with one vision in our minds—delivering a customer-first approach across all touchpoints, ensuring that every encounter—from the first inquiry to long after move-in—is a delightful experience,” said Chad Sotelo, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land. “This partnership with Salesforce and Appistoki brings us closer to our vision of creating homes and experiences that resonate deeply with today’s discerning homebuyers.”

Leveraging the strengths of both Salesforce and Appistoki, RLC Residences is poised to not only streamline its operations but also to enrich the overall customer experience in unprecedented ways. The integration of the Salesforce Platform comprising Data Cloud, Customer 360 applications, and Einstein, Salesforce’s AI technology, as well as Appistoki’s digital infrastructure expertise empowers the brand to enhance its customer-centric vision, improving every critical touchpoint and delivering a seamless, personalized journey for homebuyers, owners, and investors. This reflects RLC Residences’ strong commitment to innovation and positions it to effectively respond to the evolving needs of customers.

Strategic Integration to Redefine the Customer Journey

RLC Residences will use Data Cloud to unify and harmonize structured and unstructured customer data in real time — creating a foundation for personalized customer experiences and real-time analytics, triggering data-driven actions and workflows, and safely driving AI across all Salesforce applications.

This approach ensures that every interaction—whether it’s an initial inquiry, the purchase process, or after-sales support—will be seamless and memorable. By addressing pain points and anticipating needs before they arise, RLC Residences enhances customer satisfaction and personalizes interactions, resulting in a more tailored and efficient experience throughout the homeownership journey.

“RLC Residences is redefining the residential property market through elevating their customer experience with the power of the Salesforce Platform,” said Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Salesforce ASEAN. “RLC Residences is using our data meshing capability to unify their customer data across Salesforce and other data sources, through zero copy, to build a more unified view of their customer. This sets the foundation for personalized journeys at scale underpinned by AI. We look forward to a close partnership with RLC Residences on their customer-centric transformation journey.”

“RLC Residences’ leadership team has a clear vision on how it wants to elevate the customer experience at every moment,“ said Abhijeet Kulkarni, Co Founder & CEO of Appistoki. “Our firm has been fortunate to experience the amazing innovation in the Salesforce ecosystem with Data Cloud & AI. We are excited to play our part & see it take shape at RLC Residences. We look forward to making this initiative a landmark project in the industry.”

A Future-Proof Real Estate Experience

Looking ahead, this digital transformation will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also achieve operational efficiencies, reducing costs while improving productivity. By automating processes and integrating data, RLC Residences anticipates significant improvements in service resolution times, customer satisfaction, and brand love, ultimately enhancing both resident and investor experience.

As the first real estate developer in the Philippines to implement end-to-end customer personalization at scale, RLC Residences is setting a new standard in the industry. The integration of Salesforce’s technology will future-proof RLC Residences and allow the brand to adapt to rising customer expectations. With this commitment, RLC Residences is well-positioned to redefine the real estate landscape and provide unparalleled value to its clients.

About RLC Residences

For three decades, Robinsons Land Corporation’s Residential Division has been committed to improving the lives of Filipinos. Vital to its success is its understanding of and responsiveness to emerging residential trends like urbanisation, digital lifestyles and work-life imbalance.

RLC presents RLC Residences, a new brand that every modern family and young urban professional will be proud of. This brand integrates Robinsons Luxuria, Robinsons Residences and Robinsons Communities into a singular brand. With the merging of resources and a simplified structure in place, RLC Residences is more empowered to deliver a seamless customer journey for its clients. Equally, RLC Residences has redefined its core product offering encapsulated into its tagline 'Raise, Live, Connect'.

‘Raise’ is about helping homeowners raise their game by providing beautiful and well-designed living spaces. RLC Residences ensures this exciting possibility by partnering with world-class designers to bring to life developments with iconic features such as grand lobbies and home spaces with high ceilings equipped with upgraded deliverables.

RLC Residences strives to continuously empower its homeowners to ‘Live’ and design their best life by integrating their lifestyles in every corner of the development. All its projects have above-standard amenities – both in size and variety – for wellness, growth, and recreation. Coming from the evolving home and work trends, units are also designed to work-from-home spaces with efficient storage systems to make home life more convenient.

More than anything, everyone values connection to people and places that matter. This is what ‘Connect’ stands for, that’s why RLC Residences developments are located in strategic areas, where transport hubs, major roads, and essential destinations are easily within reach. These properties are also equipped with smart home features and digital service platforms so they can easily manage their day-to-day living. All these translate to being at the center of opportunities so they can achieve their goals in life.

RLC Residences embraces the future with much optimism. It brings with it experience and credibility in delivering an impressive and growing portfolio of projects over the last 30 years and its redefined purpose of building beautiful and well-designed residential projects that all of its stakeholders will be proud of.
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7-Eleven Opens 4000th Store, Marks 40 Years in the Philippines

Tuesday, October 15, 2024


Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensee of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, recently achieved a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 4000th store in Newport District, Pasay City. This event also marked PSC’s 40th year of providing convenience and innovation to Filipinos.

Founded on February 29, 1984, PSC launched its first 7-Eleven store at the corner of EDSA and Kamias Road in Metro Manila. Over the years, the store's vibrant branding became a familiar sight, symbolizing quick and reliable service for busy Filipinos. The phrase “Tara, 7-Eleven tayo!” became a household expression, reflecting the brand’s role in daily routines.

Jose Victor Paterno

By 2024, PSC had expanded its presence nationwide, opening its 4000th branch, staying true to its mission of "being the Filipinos’ neighbor you can count on," as articulated by the late Mr. Vicente T. Paterno, the company's founder. His legacy lives on through his son, Mr. Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO, who stated, “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional service. We look forward to continuing to serve Filipino communities for many years to come.”

Mr. Jose T. Pardo, co-founder and Chairman of the Board, emphasized the significance of the milestone: “Reaching 4000 stores reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team. We are proud to remain an integral part of Filipino daily life.”



To celebrate, PSC launched the “Forty-gether kasama ang paborito mong kapitbahay” campaign, highlighting its journey from a single store to a nationwide network. The campaign strengthens 7-Eleven’s reputation as a neighborhood partner, offering convenience, comfort, and reliability to Filipinos.

In addition to the Newport store, PSC is set to open a new branch in Angeles City, Pampanga, further expanding its footprint. This store will feature upgraded amenities, including the 21 To Go chicken and Café Reserve brands, and adopt sustainable energy practices with solar panels, aligning with PSC’s environmental goals.

As PSC commemorates four decades of service, 7-Eleven continues to blend modern convenience with familiarity, playing an integral role in the everyday lives of Filipinos.

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Alipay+ transactions triple in 2024 as travel industry embraces cross-border digital payment and marketing technology

Thursday, October 10, 2024


Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solution, revealed three trends shaping the future of tourism to the benefit of global merchants and the industry.

“Tourism’s importance to economic growth makes it essential for the industry to pursue innovation and new partnerships so that more people can benefit,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Our Alipay+ solution has evolved to include cross-border payments, destination marketing and digital lifestyle services, and we have seen significant adoption as more consumers embrace technology to enhance their travel experience. We believe in a collaborative open approach and will work closely with partners across the industry towards a new future of travel.”

1) Travelers prefer their home payment methods to the benefits of merchants abroad

Alipay+ enables travelers to use their familiar home payment app when going abroad. An expanding merchant coverage and a strong travel recovery, Alipay+ has seen a surge in transactions globally. By using Alipay+, cross-border travelers can experience a new country or market and pay like a local.

Alipay for Chinese consumers – and an Alipay+ partner – has been accepted by global merchants starting from 2015, and continues to see steady growth in global transactions.

Alipay+’s mobile payment partners from around the world have also seen significant growth. In the first nine months of 2024, the number of people using an Alipay+ payment partner apps while abroad increased by three times, and the number of transactions increased by more than three times.

As of October 2024, Alipay+ has more than 30 payment partners, including leading e-wallets and bank apps from Asia and beyond, with 1.6 billion consumers, connecting consumers to more than 90 million merchants in 66 markets.

To allow more businesses to benefit from tourism, Alipay+ is continually expanding its merchant coverage, through initiatives such as the national QR schemes that enable inclusive growth at scale, particularly for SMEs. For example, through PayNet’s DuitNow QR in Malaysia, Alipay+ has seen transactions increase on average by 142% per quarter in the first nine months in 2024. This ease of transaction allows travelers to easily visit smaller cities, driving significant growth in areas like Kota Kinabalu, Selangor and Penang.

Travelers are also using their payment apps online for pre-trip bookings. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), that accept Alipay+ payment partners have seen transactions increase by two times over the same period. Other than through OTAs, Alipay+ is also accepted on other travel platforms including by top airlines, such as Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia, hotels, attraction sites and more.

2) Travelers spend more, with a shift toward localized experiences

Alipay+ payment partners include top payment apps from across Asia, such as Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), GCash (the Philippines), KakaoPay, Toss Pay and Naver Pay (South Korea), OCBC (Singapore), TrueMoney (Thailand) and more. Asian travelers are visiting more regional destinations, with the highest number of Alipay+ transactions recorded in the Chinese mainland, Japan, Thailand, Macao SAR and South Korea.

Travel spending habits have also shifted since the Covid pandemic. While travelers are spending more overall, they are spending less on shopping and more on localized experiences. Spending via Alipay+ increasing by 80% on Food & Beverage (F&B) merchants and 50% for attractions. Spending via Alipay+ on transportation such as ride-hailing, taxis and trains have increased by 120%, in line with recent trends to explore destinations more independently.

3) All-in-one payment apps are reshaping travel habits

All-in-one payment apps offering additional services beyond payment have quickly become the go-to technology for Asian travellers. For example, TrueMoney, an Alipay+ payment partner from Thailand, saw its transaction volume through Alipay+ increase over 10-fold since launch. While Asia is the leader in mobile payments, there is also a growing trend for mobile solutions in other regions as seen by the emergence of e-wallets like Tinaba in Italy and interoperable solutions like Bluecode across Europe.

Alipay+’s partner e-wallets and merchants are increasingly leveraging Alipay+ digital tools to enhance the travel experience for users, offering seamless service and engagement for every step of their journey.

Tourism boards and merchants can use A+Rewards, a customizable destination marketing platform, to increase visibility of local attractions, shops and travel information even before a trip starts. In Southeast Asia, where Alipay+ is widely accepted, the number of claimed destination vouchers from A+Rewards increased by 53% across key campaigns in 2024. 

Additionally, merchants can leverage the vast user base of Alipay+ payment partners with customizable digital lifestyle services such as for transport, food, tax refunds and more. A notable example is FREENOW, a leading European taxi service, which launched a mini-program directly within Alipay+ partner apps.
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Ayala Land Premier Sets Urban Green Living Standard with Parklinks North and South Towers

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Parklinks Estate

Parklinks Estate, a pioneering development by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties, is set to redefine urban living by harmonizing city conveniences with the serenity of nature.

Parklinks Estate, a pioneering development by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties, is set to redefine urban living by harmonizing city conveniences with the serenity of nature. Positioned along the C5 corridor, this mixed-use development spans both Quezon City and Pasig.

Thoughtfully designed residences were made for discerning individuals who value both accessibility and sophistication. Parklinks North and South Towers are adorned with large panoramic windows that illuminate the space and give breathtaking views of the city. Whether overlooking the River Esplanade to the East or the Parklinks Mall to the West, these towers ensure that residents are always connected to the convenience of the city and the serenity of nature.

Parklinks is also a mixed-use community that houses retail, office, and leisure spaces all within a walkable and park-centered environment. At the heart of the North and South Towers is the Esplanade Hall, a lifestyle hub with a curated selection of retail and dining options. Residents can enjoy these conveniences and also benefit from close proximity to other nearby commercial areas, renowned schools, and popular establishments, enhancing their ease and quality of urban living. 

This represents an exciting era in Ayala Land Premier’s legacy of transforming landscapes into growth hubs. With iconic developments in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Arca South under its belt, Ayala Land continues to raise the bar with this development that preserves nature at its core.

Parklinks North and South Towers feature generous living spaces in a low-density environment to offer a blend of comfort and exclusivity. Parklinks North Tower, now 80% sold, features 280 units with one- to four-bedroom options, ranging from 70 sq.m. to 306 sq.m. Parklinks South Tower, currently 50% sold, will house 313 units, offering one- to three-bedroom configurations between 70 sq.m. and 286 sq.m. With only four to nine units per floor, each residence is crafted with expansive interiors and private balconies, ensuring a refined living experience.

Ayala Land Premier collaborated with Lexus to give prospective clients a glimpse of their life in Parklinks with a roving tour of the property. The exclusive tour featured Lexus’ electric vehicles, allowing clients to explore a nature-first property while enjoying the clean and sustainable driving power of Lexus’ EVs.

As Ayala Land Premier upholds its tradition of innovation, Parklinks stands as a commitment to crafting sustainable communities where modern living is one with nature. To discover more about Parklinks, visithttps://www.ayalalandpremier.com.

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MMDA Empowers Vitas Communities Through Waste Management Seminar

Monday, October 7, 2024


The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), continues to drive community-based solid waste management (SWM) initiatives by conducting its SWM seminar series.

This seminar aims to educate and empower communities about the environmental impact and benefits of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices, like waste segregation at source and storage, recovery and recycling, and disposal. This initiative targets to demonstrate to residents and empower barangays with the necessary knowledge on how proper waste management can be a source of economic gain, offering a real incentive for communities to adopt and sustain these practices.

During one of the recent regular Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, an extensive workshop was conducted for over 50 participants coming from Barangay 154, showcasing the practical application of SWM principles. By integrating educational activities with the MMRF operations, the MMDA highlighted the immediate and tangible benefits of proper waste management. The seminar also introduced some new techniques to increase the value of recyclable materials.

Since July 17, 2024, 769 residents from 20 barangays in Vitas have already participated, reflecting the growing community interest and engagement in sustainable waste management practices.

"The Solid Waste Management seminar exemplifies our commitment to educating and empowering communities to see the value in waste. By providing practical knowledge and showcasing real-life success stories, we aim to inspire more people to participate in sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can create a cleaner, more prosperous Metro Manila," concluded MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

“Through initiatives like the Pera Sa Basura seminar, we are not only teaching waste management techniques but also showing communities how these practices can directly benefit their daily lives. From reducing household waste to earning through recycling, we are empowering residents to take charge of their environment and be part of a larger solution for a sustainable Metro Manila,” added MMDA SWMO Director Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr.

Highlighting the Benefits and Community Impact


The SWM seminar focuses on showing residents that waste materials, when properly managed, can be exchanged into valuable commodities. Through the MMDA's Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), participants learned about a "commodity exchange or barter system" where they can exchange recyclable materials for groceries and other goods. The point system employed by the MMRF ensures that residents receive fair compensation based on the market value of their recyclables, with an additional 25% added to encourage participation.

The seminar also equipped the participants with knowledge on proper handling of recyclables, including segregating and sorting the materials according to type, cleaning the recyclables, and drying them as well. Types of recyclables included plastics, glass bottles, papers, metals and electronic waste.

Engaging Activities and Hands-On Learning

To reinforce the practical aspects of waste management, the seminar featured interactive activities such as "Segre-game Time" and "Role-Trash Trivia."

Key activities throughout the day included:

SWM Talks: Attendees learned about the financial incentives of SWM, including how to earn money by segregating and recycling waste. Experts shared their knowledge on starting businesses using recycled materials.

Segre-game Time: An interactive game where participants shot blocks with images of solid wastes into the corresponding trash bins labeled by type. Successful players received special prizes, reinforcing the importance of proper waste segregation.

Role-Trash Trivia: Participants spun a roulette and answered questions about waste management. Correct answers were rewarded with prizes, making the learning process fun and engaging.

These games were designed not only to educate but also to reward participants with prizes, further illustrating the immediate benefits of proper waste segregation. The hands-on experience of using the MMRF system allowed residents to directly apply what they learned, turning theory into practice.

Community Commitment and Future Plans

The seminar also served as a platform for community leaders to express their commitment to sustaining the MMRF operations. Barangay officials from the participating barangays continue to share their plans of educating residents about the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste management. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining these practices to ensure long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Mary Grace Capulong, Barangay Secretary from Barangay 154, Manila stated, “Our community has embraced the idea that waste is not just trash but a resource that can be converted into something valuable. The MMRF seminar has opened our eyes to the advantages that proper waste management can offer, and we are committed to maintaining these practices for the long-term benefit of our residents.”

The MMDA and MMFMP remain committed to continuing these efforts, with upcoming seminars scheduled for other barangays, which will further encourage residents to participate in the program, helping to build a more sustainable and prosperous Metro Manila.
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