917Ventures launches venture incubation program in SEA

 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate incubator, has launched a regional venture incubation program dedicated to giving prospective builders and other talents the opportunity to build successful businesses in the areas of e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, and adtech. 

Called Velocity, the program seeks to gather the best innovators in Southeast Asia with an initial grant of up to $50,000 (roughly P2.4 million).  Talents who manage to build a meaningful product with proven traction will continue in the venture development journey through a seed round, with the ultimate goal of spinning off as an independent entity. Up to 10 finalists will be selected to partake in this exclusive program. 

“We have structured Velocity in a way that really puts talents first. We’re here to support and help venture builders create successful businesses that would progress on to ultimately becoming a standalone entity with bright growth prospects. We aim to support venture builders in their journey to realizing their dreams and thus, encourage interested parties to build their first unicorn with us,” said Vince Yamat, 917Ventures’ Managing Director.

Velocity provides 917Ventures’ resources and expertise in product development, go-to-market strategic design, lean operations, digital marketing, legal support, and a variety of other areas.  917Ventures  has already shown a track record of nurturing innovations and building businesses, having invested in Mynt which operates GCash, the nation’s largest provider of mobile money services.  It has also successfully managed AdSpark, and KonsultaMD, two companies making strides in the digital marketing and telehealth space, respectively. 

The program is also fully supported and backed by Globe and the large ecosystem that it is a part of,  including its parent company, Ayala Corporation. Globe has already successfully built its own corporate venture capital firm, Kickstart Ventures, which invests in early- to early-growth stage tech startups globally.

The presence of Globe provides an unfair advantage that venture builders can unlock given Globe’s massive user base, distribution points nationwide, data, and resources.  By joining the program, venture builders will have access to Globe’s resources including legal, finance, marketing, and human resources.  They also have higher chances to scale under the four focus areas of e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, and adtech, as well as receive temporary employment from day one, close mentorship, networking opportunities for business optimization, and upskilling programs for personal development. 

The program takes place over the course of three months. The first month will be geared towards helping chosen applicants build their minimally viable product while the following two months will focus on helping them take their solution to market, and refine their value proposition. 

Velocity will accept applications for the first batch until January 4, 2021.  Application details may be found at https://velocity.917ventures.com/. 

Reach Unlimited Family Entertainment with these Sony BRAVIA Android TVs

Your family bonding at home just got better with Sony’s BRAVIA large screen and Android TV X8007H Series and Master A9G Series which are your family’s ticket to unlimited home entertainment.

With top-class yet easy to control features, these TVs promise to bring your family closer together as you watch, stream, play and learn new hobbies to create a memorable family bonding experience at home.

Immersive viewing experience just like in cinemas

These Sony televisions deliver an immersive viewing experience, giving you the feel of being in a cinema house at the comfort of your home!

Reach ultimate realism as these Sony TVs are powered by the best processors – X1 4K HDR for X8007H and X1 Ultimate for Master Series A9G – which bring clear and fine details, along with enhanced color and contrast, so everything you watch comes to life.

The Sony BRAVIA X8007H series brings 4K Ultra HD resolution and features an X-Balanced Speaker that augments movies and music with clear sound, and is designed to complement the slimness of the TV with its unique new shape.

Meanwhile, the Master Series A9G is an OLED TV that features an Acoustic Surface Audio technology where sound comes directly from the screen. Two innovative actuators behind the TV vibrate delicately to create sound that moves within the picture so you can hear dialog and special effects precisely at the right scene.

Made for every member of the family

As Android TVs, the Sony BRAVIA X8007H and A9G Series have access to over 5,000 applications. This fulfills its promise of providing entertainment to the whole family -- whatever the activity may be.

Up for a family game night? Make use of these Sony BRAVIA TVs by downloading games from Google Play Store or connecting your PlayStation consoles for a bigger and better gaming experience.

Need some time to bond with your children? Get their hands on some new hobbies and learn new skills like baking or making new family recipes by watching different tutorials on YouTube.

The BRAVIA experience is limitless as you could also utilize these Sony TVs as your large screen monitors for other family activities like celebrating virtual parties with relatives and friends, for your kids’ online classes, and even for attending online fitness classes to get physical and stay fit at home.

These models are also Netflix Recommended; watch your favorite movies and series and enjoy Netflix originals in perfect studio quality with the Netflix Calibrated Mode. Utilize this feature with the whole squad through a binge-watch session and discover the wonders, mysteries, and thrills of the world or famous personalities through the wide variety of documentaries available on Netflix.

Create a memorable family bonding experience at home with Sony’s large screen BRAVIA TVs where your family can stream, play, and learn new hobbies with the TV that brings you all together.

PLDT Enterprise augments JPA Freight Logistics operations with connectivity boost

(Manila, Philippines – November 2020) The country's largest integrated telecommunications company PLDT, through its business unit PLDT Enterprise, and JPA Freight Logistics, Inc.'s (JPAFLI) recently signed a partnership that will help boost the latter's business operations expansion through fast and reliable enterprise-grade connectivity.

Through the partnership, PLDT will connect JPAFLI with iGate, or Dedicated Internet Access service, which will help them further build their operations and service their customers better. This enterprise-grade solution provides businesses with guaranteed bandwidth, reliable and managed internet connectivity suitable for running bandwidth-intensive applications, hosting rich-media content, and utilizing mission-critical communications.

Since 2009, PLDT has been a partner of JPAFLI and remains committed to deliver a wide array of solutions that enable business owners to adapt to evolving technological needs. 

According to Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP & Enterprise Group Head says that with this digital upgrade for JPAFLI. “We would like to thank JPAFLI for their continued trust in PLDT Enterprise and we express our commitment to serve their needs. With our services, they are assured of an unmatched connectivity capability to enable their day to day operations.”

Another benefit of an iGate service is its guaranteed service experience. This means that JPAFLI receives uninterrupted 24/7 customer service and stringent service level agreements.

JPA Freight Logistics, Inc., formerly JP Trucking Services, was established in 2004 as a cargo and freight company. It now boasts of having 55 trucks and 14 units of 40 feet chassis trailers used in container vans, with plans to expand into warehousing and distribution.

Gerardo Alday, CEO and President of JPAFL, elated with the continued partnership with PLDT Enterprise, says that “the digital upgrade was definitely needed for JPAFL especially with the global pandemic. Monitoring for our tracking services and communication with customers was essential, and PLDT being the biggest player in the telecommunications industry was the only option for us, assuring us of fast and stable internet connection, and 24/7 customer service availability.”

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

Grab leads community-wide celebration and appreciation for Filipino drivers and delivery riders on Nov 29 through Araw ng Tagapaghatid

27 Nov 2020 Manila, Philippines - With the majority of Filipinos experiencing restricted mobility over the past months, driver and delivery partners have worked tirelessly and selflessly to help Filipinos cope with the impacts of the pandemic by providing access to much needed daily essentials such as food, medicine, etc. while helping sustain livelihood across tens of thousands of Filipino businesses and microentrepreneurs either by providing transport solutions to essential workers or delivering goods to thousands of households.

Here's our promotional video for the Araw ng Tagapaghatid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJhImcOXvmU

To show appreciation for all modern-day heroes, Grab is bringing together the Filipino community - of customers, brands, and businesses to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the tens of thousands of drivers and delivery-riders across different platforms in the Philippines in celebration of the Araw ng Tagapaghatid happening this November 29, 2020. The celebration is part of Grab’s commitment to honor the tagapaghatid who sustain the livelihood of their communities and enable the growth of businesses of all sizes throughout these extraordinary times.

Brands and Businesses in solidarity to show appreciation to drivers and delivery-partners

On Araw ng Tagapaghatid, driver and delivery riders across the country - regardless of their platform affiliation, will enjoy a series of online festivities and special offerings prepared by Grab and its community of brands and businesses. 

As with all Filipino occasions, celebrations on this special day will be made complete by food. Ensuring that drivers and delivery partners are well-fed throughout the day, food industry giants Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) and McDonald’s Philippines have joined forces with Grab to set up Ka-Grab Pit Stops all over the country, which will provide free meals to driver- and delivery-partners - distributed through the Grab Driver Centers. 

Ka-Grab Pit Stops will provide driver and delivery partners a wide array of food options to choose from on their special day. Jollibee Food Corporation will provide a total of 3,000 meals from its staple brands Jollibee, Chowking, and Mang Inasal to Ka-Grab Pit Stops across Metro Manila. Additionally, they will also give away over 15,000 Happy Plus Cards - the company’s exclusive loyalty rewards card, to all driver- and delivery-partners across NCR. 

Likewise, McDonald's Philippines has also dedicated 3,000 meals to Ka-Grab Pit Stops in Marikina, Mandaluyong, Pampanga, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, enjoining driver- and delivery-partners in key cities outside Metro Manila are also able to partake on the celebrations.

Adding to this year’s festivities, Grab will also host more programs including a Grand livestream event, where partners have a chance to win special prizes and enjoy exclusive performances from special guests. It will also showcase the talents of its driver and delivery partners through singing and dance, and many other programs to allow their partners to join the community in celebration.

Furthermore, Araw ng Tagapaghatid is made possible through a vast network of corporate partners who have joined Grab to celebrate this momentous day. Joining the community of businesses and brands celebrating this year’s Araw ng Tagapaghatid, co-presentors Samsung, Lazada, Safeguard, URC, Neozep, Diatabs, Kremil-S, and Extra have all come out to express their generous support, along with sponsors Bayad Center, Crocs, Nutriasia, CDO, and Timex. 

Several partners were likewise instrumental in supplying the Ka-Grab Pit Stops, sponsoring livestream events, and providing exclusive deals and discounts to Grab’s fleet of driver and delivery partners. In particular, Lazada will be providing P100 off vouchers, Samsung will provide smartphones as prizes to top driver- and delivery-partners, SeaOil, Unioil, Caltex, and Phoenix will provide fuel discounts, and Safeguard will supply Ka-Grab Pit Stops with hand sanitizers, liquid hand soaps, and body wash as giveaways.

Driving community-wide support through technology

Likewise, Grab is leveraging on its technology to make it easier for customers who are staying at home to be part of the celebration by enjoining each and every Filipino to show support and appreciation to their driver and delivery-partners through ratings and feedback, tipping via GrabPay, and even posting heartfelt messages of gratitude via social media with the hashtag #ArawNgTagapaghatid. Additionally, customers can also show appreciation to their GrabFood delivery-riders through GrabFood’s "Order For Your Driver" feature- which will also be prominently highlighted on the Grab app to encourage customers to order meals for their drivers when placing their own food orders.

“Drivers and delivery-riders are our modern-day heroes. They take on enormous risks to provide us with our everyday essentials and safely bring us to our intended destinations. Most importantly, our drivers and delivery-riders have helped businesses and our economy to power through the very difficult phases of our country’s history - be it during the pandemic or when facing natural disasters. As we celebrate Araw ng Tagapaghatid, let us all come together as one Filpino community to commemorate these selfless acts of heroism by showing our appreciation to our drivers and delivery-riders. Be sure to thank your drivers for the convenience that they bring into our lives. Let us all be patient, courteous, and constructive as they are equal-partners in everything that we do. Sa ating mga drivers and delivery-riders - kahit ano man po ang inyong ginagamit na platform, kami po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta at pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan,” said Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz. 

Grab invites all users, business owners, and community, and most especially drivers and delivery partners, to join them as they celebrate Araw ng Tagapaghatid. To all Grab users, if you happen to ride a GrabCar or receive deliveries from Grab on this day, don’t forget to greet our partners a happy #ArawNgTagapaghatid and to follow our three-step process to make sure your appreciation is felt: Mag-rate. Mag-tip. Magpasalamat. 

For more details, visit https://www.grab.com/ph/blog/araw-ng-tagapaghatid/.

Globe myBusiness and Check Point Help Protect Your Business Across All Devices

Over the years, Globe myBusiness has partnered with enterprises to offer the best solutions to customers' issues. From strengthening communications, enhancing operations, to ensuring data protection, clients can count on top-of-the-line products for their businesses.

With COVID-19 effectively changing the way we work, Globe myBusiness has ramped up solutions that help keep data and organizations protected 24/7. “As companies pivot to adapt to the changing work environment, having a solid business continuity plan remains to be a key milestone for companies to thrive in these new conditions. The ability to process data and information in a secure virtual environment, as operations move from workspaces to home, is vital to maintaining the integrity of the company. Keeping client information safe from cyber threats and attacks at all times are equally important,” according to Grace Anduiza, Senior Director for the ICT Business Group of Globe myBusiness. “With all the threats coming from multiple sources, Globe myBusiness understands the need to safeguard data of clients and their customers. That is why we are excited to announce our partnership with Check Point, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions. Our customers can be assured that they get the best in endpoint and cloud security for team’s mobiles, desktops, and cloud networks.”

 

Check Point provides consolidated cybersecurity solutions across networks, endpoints, and the cloud. These protect devices from the many types of cyberattacks that plague businesses, especially true for small, medium, and emerging organizations.

 

According to Check Point, cybercriminals often target and breach small and medium enterprises. Small businesses make up 43 percent of security breach victims, and 63 percent of SMEs' attacks result in confirmed breaches. The pandemic indeed exposed business' vulnerabilities, making it the best time for cybercriminals to strike.

 

Check Point understands that businesses embracing mobile and SaaS (software as a service) technologies have increased their vulnerability and chances of being targeted. Thus, companies need to take steps to ensure overall protection, especially now that many struggles to regain control over the pandemic's impact.

 

To address cybersecurity issues, Check Point helps keep businesses protected in several ways, as seen in this list of products. These solutions promise to:

 

●        Provide comprehensive security for all networks, endpoints, clouds, and mobile devices

●        Enable the most robust protection without compromising performance or interfering with operations

●        Offer easy-to-use cloud management with zero-touch deployment and automated reporting

 

Additionally, Check Point consistently meets and exceeds the strictest requirements of internationally recognized standards and has garnered numerous awards for its work, including recognition from companies like Gartner, a global leading research and advisory company.

 

No matter the size of your business, securing your data should be a priority. Thankfully, Globe myBusiness together w/ Check Point has the right solutions for SMEs.

 

If you think your enterprise could benefit from these solutions, Globe myBusiness is here to help. Fill out this sign up form and get started on protecting your company today.