Kim Chiu, Modern Goddess, Unveiled as Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025

Embodying Strength and Beauty, Kim Chiu Exudes the Aura of a Modern Goddess as Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025 

Award-winning actress, TV host, and fashion icon Kim Chiu is the latest high-profile celebrity to be chosen as the iconic Tanduay Calendar Girl. The Chinita Princess was unveiled as the brand’s Calendar Girl for 2025 in a grand event production themed, “Aura” held at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. Center in Pasay City.

“As we approach the close of another year, this annual tradition has become a highlight for many Filipinos. The announcement of the Tanduay Calendar Girl sparks excitement and anticipation, igniting curiosity and friendly speculation. Tonight, we celebrate not just an iconic campaign, but a legacy of empowerment, artistry, and values that define who we are at Tanduay,” said President of the Lucio Tan Group and Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Lucio C. Tan III.

“For decades, the Tanduay Calendar Girl has symbolized strength, beauty, and confidence, inspiring people across generations. She represents more than a role—it’s a statement of resilience and empowerment, qualities that resonate deeply with our market and our brand,” Tan added.

Like Tanduay which has evolved and remained relevant since it was first introduced to the public in 1854, Ms. Kim Chiu has evolved as a reality star to become one of her generation’s best artists, conquering the worlds of television and the movies.

“It is a privilege to represent a brand that embodies my own ideals, which are quality and confidence. We Filipinos know how Tanduay has been providing us with the best rums for decades, and now the whole world also knows about it. Tanduay is also a brand that has withstood the test of time. 170 years na siya, pero patuloy pa rin siyang gumagawa ng quality products (It’s now on its 170th year, and it still continues to make quality products) and it just keeps on improving,” said Chiu.

Chiu entered the entertainment industry through ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition, where she emerged as its first-ever winner. She then appeared in numerous TV series, where she wowed the public with her acting prowess. Most recently, Kim appeared in the top-rating drama series Linlang, which was followed by another blockbuster romantic comedy series, a Philippine adaptation of South Korea’s What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?

For Chiu’s unveiling, the stage was filled with a configuration of stars on LED walls. Guests were asked to come in outfits that represent their own aura and were treated to a stunning visual display where Chiu was presented as a modern goddess.

Chiu then took the stage as the goddess-inspired layouts of her 2025 calendar were flashed on the screen. 

“This moment also reflects Tanduay’s incredible journey—a proud 170-year story of craftsmanship and innovation. So, let us raise a toast—to our new Tanduay Calendar Girl and to the continued success of Tanduay. May we honor our legacy while continuing to innovate, inspire, and empower,” Tan said.

Converge Executive Honored as Top Southeast Asian Tech Innovator

Santos has been named among the top 100 senior technology executives in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong at the CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2024, held in Singapore, on November 19.

US-BASED International Data Group (IDG) has honored the top technology innovators in Southeast Asia during the IDG Technology Symposium and CIO100 Awards held in Singapore recently. Recognized for driving innovation and rapid change in the technology space, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin Santos was among the top senior technology executives selected by an independent judging panel composed of CIO.com editors and industry analysts.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, IDG is a market intelligence and demand generation company focused on the technology industry. The CIO100 Awards also reaffirms the company’s reputation for operational excellence and its propensity to put the brightest minds in charge of key areas of its business. 

“This award really reflects the leading position Converge takes among technology companies not just in the Philippines but in the region. It also speaks volumes of the hard work and dedication that the Network Transformation Group devotes to ensuring Converge stands out in having a world-class fiber infrastructure among broadband players,” Santos said.  

Santos joined the Converge executive team as its youngest member in April of 2022. Upon his appointment, Santi hit the ground running in implementing strategic initiatives to revolutionize Converge’s network architecture. 

Converge CNTO Santos (center) with Converge VP and Head of Network Administration Reyniel Reign Boniel (left), and Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado

His mandate from Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy was to transform the network nodes to multi-edge data centers which will incorporate AI ready technology, preparing the Converge infrastructure to become a future-ready network. 

In 2023, under Santos’ direction, Converge started integrating automation into network operations, creating an intuitive and AI-powered platform called the Network Intelligence and Automation Platform or NIAP. 

The company’s dedication to automation has yielded remarkable results. Service issue resolution times have substantially decreased since the integration of AI technology. The implementation of NIAP has driven noteworthy improvements in operating metrics, chief among which is the MTTR or Mean Time to Repair on Backbone Network issues. 

Following through on the lead for the company to venture beyond connectivity solutions, Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy  tasked Santi to oversee the development of data centers, which will increasingly become a crucial part of the business. 

Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin ‘Santi’ Santos.

“This future-proofing investment is in anticipation of the massive demand in the coming years for more data-intensive applications in gaming, fintech, OTT, public services, and more,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, in a previous statement released to the media. 

This pertains to two data centers with a combined 1,500-rack capacity to rise in 2025, which, through Santi’s guidance, will incorporate AI-ready technology. 

“We will forge ahead with building up the company’s data center business and equipping these with state-of-the art technology, while at the same time, upgrading the network. We hope these future plans, which will ultimately be felt in our broadband service to our Filipino customers, will garner the recognition it deserves,” concluded Santos. 

Experience TNT ‘MAX 5G’ in a FREE show with Alexa Ilacad, Darren Espanto, Joshua Garcia, Mimiyuuuh, and More on Nov. 29 at Market! Market!

Gear up for a day of maximum fun and excitement as value mobile brand TNT takes its 5G connectivity to the “max” with a FREE show headlined by Joshua Garcia, Darren Espanto, Alexa Ilacad, and more on Nov. 29, Friday at Market! Market! in Taguig City. 

Open to everyone, the TNT 5G MAX Masaya! event will also feature online celebrity Mimiyuuuh and performances by "It's Showtime" host Jackie Gonzaga, singer-songwriter and rapper KZ Tandingan, and the hitmaker OPM band Lola Amour.

Experience TNT 'MAX 5G' first-hand

Aside from offering world-class performances, the TNT 5G MAX Masaya! event also features exciting activities at interactive booths called ‘SAYA 5G Zones",’ which showcase TNT 5G Max’s fast and reliable connectivity.

For example, those into mobile gaming can put their skills to the test at the Unli 5G and Turbo ML Station, while those who love creating content can head to the Saya All TikTok Station to share their own version of trending videos.

Guests can also experience futuristic tech and even play with Huawei Robot Dog and AI Avatar Station.

To make sure they can enjoy a much better mobile experience powered by TNT 5G Max, guests can head to Upgrade Station to easily switch or upgrade to a TNT 5G SIM and top up with the TNT’s value-packed data offers.

Game-Changing Announcement

Amid all the fun activities, TNT is also set to make a huge announcement in line with its push to bring TNT 5G Max and its many benefits to more ordinary Filipinos – from browsing apps and websites in seconds, streaming ultra-high-definition videos seamlessly, uploading content in real-time, or playing high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

"At TNT, we believe 5G should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re bringing 5G for All, allowing our customers to enjoy 5G connectivity even with our Panalo Load offers starting at just ₱10. We’re also excited to launch TNT’s most affordable 5G phone, priced below ₱4,000, making the benefits of 5G more accessible than ever" said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and TNT Group Head for TNT.

“This is also our way of showing our gratitude to our customers who continue to make TNT the Philippines’ biggest mobile brand,” Manaloto added.

Learn more about TNT’s value-packed offers and fun-filled events, by following its official accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Art Tagaytay Christmas Market 2024: A Festive Art Celebration

Art Tag isn't just another art gallery; it's a vibrant community connecting artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.  Our mission is to support the local art scene by creating unique, artist-led experiences.

This Christmas, experience Art Tag's inaugural market in Tagaytay!  Founded by PR expert and art enthusiast Philip Abadicio, Art Tag offers a direct connection between artists and buyers, bypassing traditional galleries.  This means you can purchase artwork directly from the creators and collectors themselves, getting a unique glimpse into their creative process.

What to Expect:

- Affordable Contemporary Art: Discover and purchase reasonably priced artworks from a diverse range of talented artists, including Popo San Pascual, Kutz de Jesus, Raiñer Duhaylungsod, Xander Calceta, Reb Belleza, David Kaufman, Ruth Cancio, Isaac Sion, Dante Palmes, Dominic Escobar, and Dante Enage.

- Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy the cool Tagaytay air, browse the art market, savor warm snacks from food kiosks, and listen to Christmas carolers.  Fire pits will add to the cozy ambiance.

- Unique Shopping Experience: Find unique gifts and merchandise from participating artists and merchants.

- Christmas Caroling Competition:  Enjoy a festive Christmas Caroling Competition.

Art Tag Christmas Market Details:

- Dates: November 30th & December 1st, 2024

- Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

- Location: Garden outside Tag 4120 Restaurant & Art Gallery, Lagusan Drive, Brgy. Tolentino West, Tagaytay

- Learn More: Visit Tag 4120 's Facebook and Instagram pages or call 09209264120.

This year's Art Tag Christmas Market promises a unique and unforgettable experience.  Join us for a weekend of art, community, and festive cheer in the beautiful city of Tagaytay!

Converge CEO Dennis Uy Named Country Mover by Largest Philippine Business Group

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy was conferred the Country Movers Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, has bestowed Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy with the Country Movers Award, recognizing the significant impact he has made on the fixed broadband industry and the strides he has taken to usher in widescale digitalization in the country. 

At the 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) held recently, pillars of the business community gathered together and lauded leaders and personalities that have made their mark in their industries. 

This special award recognizes conglomerates that have undertaken projects of national significance and continue to contribute to job creation, poverty alleviation, and building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth.

“Even before Converge was established, when I was building my cable network and ICT companies in Pampanga, my mind was set on leveraging technology to serve the needs of the Filipino people. Our entry into the fixed broadband market really challenged the giant telco companies as we offered the best and latest connectivity solution which is fiber internet, so that really broadened the access of more Filipinos to reliable and quality internet connectivity,” said Uy.

“In the past two years as well, we’ve strengthened our collaborations with the government, to ensure they use our superior connectivity to power up the delivery of public services. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), of course is a partner in providing public-access internet, and so is the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the free public wifi in airports, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their revenue district offices, and more recently, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for digital solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises,” added Uy. 

Converge CEO Uy with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte

The PCCI Country Mover Award was presented to Uy by Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, together with PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio, PCCI Chairman and 50th Awards Chair, George T. Barcelon, 50th PBCE Chair Raymund Jude G. Aguilar. 

“We’re proud to name Converge as among the country’s influential movers, triggering a shift in digitalization and broadband adoption in the Philippines in the last few years. ICT is an important sector that we in the PCCI are closely monitoring as we push for businesses active in these sectors to thrive and contribute to overall development,” said PCCI President Mangio. 

After targeting the mass market segments in 2023 with affordable postpaid and prepaid products, Converge is now exploring new verticals such as its cloud capabilities, data centers, and various add-ons to its fiber products. 

Moreover, it has expanded its suite of enterprise products, with a hospitality-oriented solution and home-business solution launched in 2024. 

Just this past quarter, it reported record revenue growth of 14.1% in the nine months ending September 2024 versus the same period the year prior, or from P 26.2 billion to P 29.9 billion. Residential subscribers of the fiber broadband company, as of September, are already at 2.5 million, with household coverage at 63.94% of homes. 

Celebrate Big Savings on Repairs and Services with the “HUAWEI Service Giving Season”

In the spirit of gratitude, HUAWEI Philippines is helping customers gear up for the holiday festivities with “HUAWEI Service Giving Season” offerings. From November 15 to December 31, HUAWEI users can get their devices in top shape for the new year with free services and repair discounts available in all HUAWEI Authorized Service Centers nationwide.

Free Service Offerings and Gift Vouchers

During HUAWEI Service Giving Season, HUAWEI Authorized Service Centers will offer free labor for out-of-warranty repair services. Customers will only have to pay the fees for parts replacement based on the repair quotation. While there is no limit in the number of devices that customers can have repaired, each device can only be repaired once within the HUAWEI Service Giving Season period.

Additionally, customers who get their HUAWEI phones repaired during this season will also receive a free tempered glass screen protector for their phones. A HUAWEI Service Center personnel will assist with the installation for free. This offer is available for select HUAWEI phone models only. 

Customers who purchased HUAWEI laptop units within the last 5 years and are looking to have the factory system reinstalled can avail a free System Reinstallation for their units. Before sending in their devices for reinstallation, customers should have their data backed up to other devices to avoid accidental data loss and other risks. The free System Reinstallation offer is only available at select HUAWEI Authorized Service Centers with PC Product support.

Moreover, customers who avail of any of the free repair services during HUAWEI Service Giving Season will receive gift vouchers worth PHP 500 or PHP 800. The PHP 500 vouchers are redeemable for purchases worth at least PHP 6,000 on Shopee, Lazada, and HUAWEI Online Store. Meanwhile, the PHP 800 vouchers are available for minimum purchases of PHP 10,000 on the HUAWEI Online Store. The vouchers are valid for single use until December 31.

Discounted Repair Services

Beyond free services, HUAWEI Service Giving Season will also ring in discounted repair services for HUAWEI users. During this period, customers can have their laptop mainboards repaired for only PHP 4,999. Initially, HUAWEI Service Center personnel will inspect and test the units to verify eligibility. This offer is available exclusively at the HUAWEI Authorized Service Center at HighPoint Service Network located at the GMG Building, President Quirino Avenue Extension, Paco, Manila. 

HUAWEI users can also get battery replacement for their devices. Prices for this service offer starts at PHP 699. Stocks of spare parts are subject to availability and will be available on a “First Come, First Serve” basis. This offer is unlimited throughout the HUAWEI Service Giving Season and is available for select HUAWEI devices at Authorized Service Centers nationwide.

Give Your Devices Some Love This HUAWEI Service Giving Season 

Customers can easily avail of any of these offers by heading to HUAWEI Authorized Service Centers. They can also send in their devices via free postal service to authorized service centers to avail the free system reinstallation service or the discounted battery replacement service. The HUAWEI Service Giving Season will run from November 15 to December 31. 

To verify your devices’ eligibility to any of the offered services and to learn more about HUAWEI Service Giving Season, visit the official website to know more.

To learn more, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Eat, Drink, and Say Thanks

Thanksgiving at SM Malls in the East 

As Thanksgiving approaches, SM Malls in the East offer the perfect settings for gathering with loved ones to enjoy hearty, delicious meals that blend Filipino flavors with global inspiration. Each mall has a lineup of restaurants with group meals and family feasts that make celebrating easier, whether you’re craving Filipino comfort food, an international buffet, or something uniquely local. Here’s a guide to the best places to dine this Thanksgiving season.

Comfort Food and Filipino Classics to Warm the Heart

The timeless goodness of a red velvet cake from The Taste of Czaczacza never fails even for Thanksgiving 

The Taste of Czaczacza in SM City San Mateo and Masinag: Enjoy a Filipino twist on Thanksgiving with reimagined traditional dishes, creative desserts, and indulgent cakes and donuts. 

Pasta, cakes, entrees and anything delicious for Thanksgiving at Mary Grace Café at SM City Masinag, SM City Marikina and SM City East Ortigas

Café Mary Grace at SM City Marikina, Masinag, and East Ortigas offers a cozy ambiance and heartwarming dishes like pasta, entrees, and signature cakes, alongside their famous cheese rolls and ensaymada—perfect for take-home treats.  

Crispy Tripe Kare-Kare and Sinaing na Tuna, the Antipoleño favorites at Marison’s at SM City Masinag

Marison’s at SM City Masinag, a culinary gem from Antipolo, serves Filipino favorites like Crispy Tripe Kare Kare, perfect for sharing and rich with local flavors for a memorable holiday meal.

Giligan’s in SM Center Antipolo Downtown and Angono delivers classic Filipino platters, featuring grilled seafood, Bulalo, crispy pata, and traditional dishes ideal for large group celebrations.

Global Cuisine Comfort, Perfect for Sharing

Hefty and flavorful Chinese cuisine spread for Thanksgiving at King Bee Restaurant in SM City Masinag

King Bee Chinese Restaurant at SM City Masinag offers families a delightful feast with its extensive menu of classic Chinese dishes, including dim sum and Peking duck, ideal for a shared celebration.

Authentic Japanese feast at Boteyju in SM Center Angono, SM City Marikina, and SM City San Mateo

For a Japanese flair, Botejyu in SM City Marikina, San Mateo, and Angono serves up its signature okonomiyaki and comforting Japanese favorites, making it a go-to for those craving something unique.

No fret Turkey served at Vikings buffet SM City Marikina just in time for Thanksgiving

Going global for thanksgiving is as easy as walking in Vikings buffet at SM City Marikina

At Vikings Buffet in SM City Marikina, indulge in an international spread featuring a carving station with juicy roasted meats, global sides, and an array of desserts for a grand Thanksgiving feast. 

Have a taste of the squisito Italian life through its authentic cooking at La Cassetta de Britt in SM City Taytay

La Casetta De Britt at SM City Taytay provides an elegant yet cozy Italian-inspired dining experience with wood-fired pizzas, creamy pastas, flavorful mains like Osso Buco and Roast Chicken, fine wines, and decadent desserts, creating a perfect ambiance for intimate family moments. 

Whole Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken on a bed of warm java rice and delectable sidings perfect for friends and family sharing. Available at SM City East Ortigas and SM City Marikina

For something bold and spicy, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar in SM City East Ortigas and Marikina serves its flavorful Portuguese-inspired charcoal-grilled chicken, paired with a variety of sauces to suit every taste.

Chow down a whole K-Barbecue spread with your barkada at Samgyupsalamat at SM City East Ortigas

Samgyupsalamat in SM City East Ortigas brings the sizzle with its Korean barbecue and samgyeopsal offerings, complemented by a wide range of sides tailored to Filipino tastes, ensuring a festive and satisfying meal for everyone.

Familiar Flavors, Perfect for All Ages 

The Shakey’s staple golden-brown chicken, paired with the irresistible crunch of seasoned mojos is a forever favorite by families. Visit their branch at SM City East Ortigas and SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Shakey’s in SM Center Antipolo Downtown, SM City Marikina, and East Ortigas is a classic choice for families, offering its famous pizzas and hearty chicken meals in a warm, inviting setting—perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday meal.

For a flavorful twist, Bonchon in SM City Masinag and SM City Taytay serves up its signature Korean fried chicken and vibrant Korean-inspired dishes, adding a unique touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.

Cap off that Thanksgiving feast with your go-to frappe or hot caffeine fix from Starbucks

Finally, cap off your feast at Starbucks, where you can savor your favorite drinks—whether a refreshing frappe, iced beverage, or piping hot coffee—paired with delectable cakes and desserts to complete the holiday experience.

Celebrate Togetherness, the Filipino Way

This Thanksgiving, let SM Malls in the East be your destination for family feasts filled with love, laughter, and, of course, irresistible food. Celebrate the season of gratitude with flavors that feel like home and a dining experience that brings everyone closer together.

Plan your Thanksgiving feast now, and let the giving of thanks begin! 🍽️

Converge Brings Fiber-Fast Internet to Davao International Airport

 

(From left: Converge Regional General Manager of the VisMin area Demetrio Montes, Regulatory Officer McNeil Mendoza, paralegal Glenn Anayron, Converge Regional Commercial Manager Benjo Tonzo , Converge Government Relations Manager Jay-Ar Maguddatu, and Converge Government Affairs Head Angelico Salud.)

Leading Philippine fiber broadband and technology solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. continues its push to fiber-power the country’s airports as it gave a 1-gigabyte capacity connection to Davao International Airport, for the use of the nearly 3.9 million passengers transiting through the gateway annually. 

“As we near the last quarter of the year, we’re forging ahead with our project of providing fiber broadband to the country’s local and international gateways.  We’re happy to report that Davao International Airport is now fiberized by Converge! Consider this as an early Christmas gift, as we expect an influx of travelers these last two months of the year,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.  

Converge Government Affairs Head Angelico Salud delivers the opening remarks at the inauguration of the Converge Free WiFI at Davao International Airport. 

In a ceremony held November 13, 2024, Converge Government Affairs Head Angelico “Chito” Salud linked hands with Davao International Airport General Manager Engr. Rex A. Obcena to officially seal the collaboration, done through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). 

The 1-gigabyte connectivity can be used through 49 access points spread throughout the airport’s passenger terminal building spanning 65,000 square meters, including the 14 domestic and international check-in counters and commercial areas. The 49 access points are estimated to serve some 12,500 users daily.

“The facility we’ve laid down in the Davao International Airport is capable of providing 1 Gbps of bandwidth for the passengers, but it can accommodate more. We’ve put in this extra capacity to suit the needs of the airport management and personnel, and of course the thousands of passengers that go through the airport,” said Uy.

Davao International Airport administration staff, Converge VisMin officials, and local government officials joined the powering.

Travelers in Davao International Airport can enjoy fiber-fast internet for two hours upon logging on to the Converge network. Converge subscribers with a GoFiber account have an additional 6 hours of free internet access for five devices if they input their GoFiber account number in the login page.

Davao International Airport is the main airport serving Davao City and Davao Region in the Philippines. Serving as the main gateway to Mindanao, it is the busiest airport on the island and the third busiest in the Philippines in 2022. 

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Converge is equipping the Philippines’ gateways with fiber-fast broadband, having finished NAIA in the second quarter of this year and now setting its sights to regional airports. 

Iskaparate.com: It's Not Just Shopping, It's Empowering!

Get ready to hear about an awesome platform that's changing the game for small businesses in the Philippines!  Iskaparate.com just had a super exciting digital launch, and it's more than just your average online marketplace.

We celebrated World Entrepreneurs' Day with a Christmas Mooncake Workshop led by the incredible Chef Cathy Yu of Save Bakery and Café Philippines last November 19 at All About Baking SM North Edsa.  Talk about a sweet way to learn and connect! 

Following its recent launch on October 15, 2024 at Overdoughs Café in Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, the digital launch aimed to demonstrate the platform’s nature of being beyond a multi-vendor e-commerce platform. 

Through a hands-on session led by an expert in the baking industry, Iskaparate.com emphasized that it also provides training for people to hone their skills and knowledge and explore other areas of expertise that encourage not only technical business improvement but also personal growth.

The workshop was attended by two of Iskaparate.com’s core team, Iskaparate President & COO Josefina Natividad and DTC Promos Inc. President & COO Marissa Dames, along with various representatives from the media, online influencers, and content creators from different fields. 

While learning about the mission of Iskaparate.com and its story, the guests were able to get a firsthand experience of mooncake baking processes in time for the holiday season, giving them a grasp of what it is like being part of the community.

One of the event highlights was a short address by Unox Asia’s Marketing Development Specialist, Chef Alphie Azarias, followed by All About Baking’s Chef Klyne Gorospe, who warmly welcomed the guests and expressed excitement for soon onboarding as Iskaparate.com’s vendor, extending the platform’s offers to in-demand baking supplies and high-end professional kitchen equipment.

Iskaparate.com is all about empowering entrepreneurs, especially nanays (moms) who are running their own businesses.  They started with just 33 back in 2020, and now they have a whopping 3,000 fully vetted sellers on their platform!  That's amazing growth!

But wait, there's more!  Iskaparate.com is taking things to the next level with their B2B (business-to-business) partnerships.  They're working with industry giants like Suy Sing and Hypha to offer small businesses wholesale pricing, financial assistance, and streamlined processes.

Think about it:  Sari-sari store owners, eatery owners, caterers, and distributors can now access competitive prices, nationwide delivery, and even a "Buy Now, Pay Later" option!  They're making it easier than ever for small businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

What makes Iskaparate.com stand out from the crowd?

Amazing Wholesale Prices:  They're offering prices that are way lower than traditional retail stores.  That means more profit for your business!

Financial Flexibility:  Their BNPL feature helps businesses manage their cash flow and stock up on essential inventory without breaking the bank.

Super Easy Registration:  It's fast, free, and convenient, so you can get started right away.

As observed in the comparison from a recent pricing study, Iskaparate.com consistently offers better deals compared to other competitors, including well-known grocery wholesale stores. Price differences range from a few cents to a couple of pesos.

See Table 1 for price comparison.

Iskaparate.com is truly a game-changer for entrepreneurs in the Philippines.  They're making a real difference by supporting small businesses and helping them reach their full potential.

Ready to join the Iskaparate.com community?  Head over to their website at www.iskaparate.com to learn more!

Converge Data Protection Officer named industry’s best by information security organization

Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason is among the handful of women taking up a senior leadership role in Converge. Atty. Esteban-Tuason formerly held roles in ABS-CBN and in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 

The Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer of leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, was recently lauded as the Best Data Privacy Officer (in the sector of General Management and Services) an award conferred by the Philippines’ leading professional information security organization, the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG). 

“As the Data Protection Officer of Converge, with a degree in cybersecurity, I regard data privacy as a human right and a fundamental part of our sustainability agenda. We made sure to enshrine this principle in the practice and policies of Converge and I am honored this is being recognized and validated by the country’s professional group of information security officers,” said Atty. Esteban-Tuason, during the ISOG Cybersecurity Excellence Awarding ceremony held at Peninsula Manila.

The ISOG I AM SECURE Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, now on its second run, recognizes outstanding Filipino cybersecurity experts and leaders who contributed and shaped the country’s cyber landscape and made an exceptional impact in their respective fields. Atty. Esteban-Tuason stands among only 17 recipients of the prestigious award.

Converge Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason (center) stands with other individuals awarded for their excellence in safeguarding their companies’ information. 

To ensure that Converge’s data practices uphold the highest standards of security and privacy, Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason implemented essential components that are vital in building a culture of privacy within the organization. Advocating for data minimization and enhanced security at the same time embedding privacy into the architecture of IT systems and business practices shifted the mindset of everyone from a reactive to a more proactive approach. 

Through stakeholder engagement, privacy risk assessments have been instrumental in identifying and mitigating potential privacy risks, and by simply staying ahead of compliance requirements and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, the team safeguards Converge from legal obligations, fines and penalties, and regulatory risks. 

To strengthen Converge’s resiliency and antifragility, in 2023,  the Data Privacy Team held its first data Privacy Breach drill which underscores the organization’s commitment to enhance its incident response plans. 

As the Data Protection Officer, Atty. Laurice endeavors to integrate Quality Management System and Information Security Management System which will create a robust management framework that enhances the overall organizational performance.

Additionally, in the past year, the Corporate Governance and Data Privacy team was empowered through the recruitment of additional Compliance Officers for Privacy and mobilized a team of Corporate Governance and Data Privacy Champions. The office led the conduct of a Data Privacy Awareness Campaign across the organization and third-party partners. 

The esteemed panel of judges include ISOG core members and institution partners including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bankers’ Association of the Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Privacy Commission, IT Interaction Philippines, and many other industry experts. 

(from left: Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy Atty. Eumir Espiritu, Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, VP and Head of Enterprise Risk Management Jeio Orfano, and Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada) 

The ISOG Cybersecurity Excellence Awards recognizes executives in key positions safeguarding their company’s information, cyber security, and sustainability such as Chief Information Security Officer or Information Security Officer,Chief Risk Officer or Risk Management Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Data Privacy Officer.

Thoughtful Gifting Made Easy With SM

The holiday season is all about spreading love and joy, and there's no better way to do it than with thoughtful, personalized presents. SM is here to transform your gift-giving experience into a heartfelt expression of care. With options ranging from versatile gift cards to curated Christmas baskets and even DIY fragrances, SM offers something truly special for everyone on your list.  

Gift of Choice: Gift Cards and Gift Certificates

Struggling to pick the perfect gift? Let your loved ones decide! The SM Store's gift certificates and gift cards are a fail-proof option, offering endless possibilities for fashion enthusiasts, tech fans, or home decorators. With SM’s extensive selection, recipients can shop to their heart's content and pick exactly what they want, turning your gift into a stress-free and memorable experience.

Classic Christmas Baskets: Gourmet Goodness

Bring festive cheer with baskets brimming with holiday treats! SM Supermarket and Hypermarket in SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela feature an exquisite selection of Christmas baskets filled with gourmet delights. From sweet indulgences to savory surprises, these baskets are the ultimate gifts for food lovers and families.

Christmas DIY: Fragrance Factory by Chemworld 

For a creative twist and personal touch, head to the Fragrance Factory by Chemworld at SM Center Sangandaan. Here, you can design your own perfumes with unisex premixes inspired by designer scents, premium oils, and elegant bottles. Whether you’re crafting a signature scent or creating a set of fragrances, this DIY experience adds a personal touch to your holiday gifting.

As you embark on your festive shopping journey, let SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela be your ultimate destinations for gifts that resonate with love and thoughtfulness.

Rediscover the joy of gifting with SM, where every present is more than just an item—it’s a story, a celebration, and a connection. Happy gifting!