Marketers to learn latest AI hacks at ACE Manila workshop

AI isn’t the future of marketing—it’s the NOW.

The AI Centre of Excellence (ACE) is bringing back its sold-out workshop, “AI Hacks for Smarter Marketing Campaigns,” to Manila on August 27, 2025 (1–5 PM) at DivinaLaw Office, Makati City (with a Zoom option for remote attendees).

Fresh from Malaysia and Sri Lanka, this exclusive session—led by global AI marketing authority Rob van Alphen—is designed for marketers, advertisers, creatives, and communicators ready to transform their campaigns with real-world AI applications.

What you’ll learn:

• Prompting best practices for ChatGPT, Perplexity & NotebookLM
• Smarter campaign execution across the marketing lifecycle
• Workflow automation with custom GPTs
• AI optimization (AIO & GEO) for better content discoverability
• Team transformation into an AI-powered hub of innovation

Early Bird Rates until August 15, 2025:

Onsite: Php 7,500 | Online: Php 6,500

(Regular rates apply after: Onsite Php 8,500 | Online Php 7,500)

Don’t get left behind—future-proof your skills and gain hands-on AI hacks that turn buzzwords into breakthroughs.

Register now!

Kagay-anon media professionals explore AI’s role in journalism

Kagay-anon media practitioners, information officers, and aspiring journalists recently joined a practical workshop on “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation”. 

The session was spearheaded by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and co-organized by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., in collaboration with Xavier University - Development Communication Department, reaffirming their shared commitment to responsible journalism and innovation in the digital age.

Cebu journalists sharpen AI, media training skills

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes newsrooms, journalists are exploring ways to adapt. In Cebu, local journalists and communications educators gathered for a full-day workshop designed to equip them with AI skills, while reinforcing the values of ethical and responsible journalism.

Cebu community journalists participate in a workshop to strengthen their AI skills and digital safety practices.

“This workshop aims to help address pressing concerns and challenges which community journalists face daily in their work, such as digital safety, mental wellness, as well as challenges brought forth by AI and its impact on the newsroom,” said Atty. Maria Jane Paredes of STET–Women in Cebu Media.

The event was organized through a collaboration between STET–Women in Cebu Media, International Media Support (IMS), the Asian Center for Journalism (ACFJ) at the Ateneo de Manila University, PLDT Inc. (PLDT), and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Journalist, technologist, and media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla offered participants a deeper insight into AI and how it can support journalists in their daily newsroom work, including tasks like summarizing information, generating story ideas, and transforming content, among others. The discussion underscored that, while AI can enhance efficiency and creativity, it still requires responsible use and careful review for accuracy and fairness.

Participants also learned practical tips and tools from Innopub Media Co-founder Max Limpag to protect their data online and ensure safety in the digital space. Limpag stressed that digital security is not just a technical concern but a crucial responsibility for journalists to establish and maintain trust.

Moreover, the workshop featured Bidlisiw Foundation Inc. Executive Director Pamela Uy, who emphasized the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in taking care of one’s mental well-being. This is essential in the field of journalism, where the work is demanding and constantly evolving.

“We're committed to empowering our stakeholders, and that includes the media. Hopefully, this workshop helps journalists become more resilient in the digital age,” said Roby Alampay, FVP and head of Public Engagement and Corporate Communications Group at PLDT and Smart.

This effort underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. 

Over 200 Visayas Entrepreneurs Transform Businesses with AI

From farm to Facebook, small business owners in the Visayas are leveling up with AI and digital tools! 

Take it from Ormoc-based farmer-entrepreneur Dino Mirafuentes, who now uses generative AI to polish his posts and design product labels with confidence. Thanks to PLDT Enterprise and Smart’s Ebiznovation programs, hundreds of MSMEs across Cebu, Leyte, and beyond are gaining practical skills in AI, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and digital payments—helping them grow their businesses and inspire their communities.

Trusting Social Philippines optimizes Big Data and AI to spread financial inclusion to all Filipinos

Half of Filipino adults still don’t have access to formal financial accounts. Trusting Social is helping change that—using AI and telco data to deliver fast, paperless credit scoring for millions of underbanked Filipinos. Its technology empowers banks to reach underserved communities, helping lower interest rates, boost approval rates, and unlock opportunities even in remote provinces.

CommsForward Conference 2025 ignites PR dialogue on the future of AI

The first-ever CommsForward 2025, organized by Citrine One Group, wrapped up successfully at Aloft KL Sentral, gathering over 250 top communicators across Southeast Asia.

Held from July 2–3, the two-day conference explored how AI is reshaping public relations — not by replacing communicators, but by empowering them. From AI-powered media monitoring and chatbots to ethical concerns and human-AI synergy, thought leaders like Ana Pista (Ardent Communications / AI Centre of Excellence), Ivlynn Yap, and more unpacked the evolving skillsets and responsibilities of modern communicators.

The key message? AI may bring scale and speed, but human insight, ethics, and empathy remain irreplaceable.

DepEd and Microsoft Expand AI-Powered Literacy Initiatives Across the Philippines

The Department of Education (DepEd) and Microsoft continue to deepen their collaboration to improve literacy outcomes in the Philippines, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to empower educators and learners. This growing partnership reflects a shared commitment to democratize AI for the collective benefit of the education ecosystem, aligning with Secretary Sonny Angara’s five-point education agenda.

ZTE champions AI+gaming innovations across its Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem at MWC Shanghai 2025

 ZTE goes all-in at MWC Shanghai 2025 with AI, gaming, and next-gen tech!

ZTE Corporation has unveiled its Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem at MWC Shanghai 2025, spotlighting the nubia Neo 3 series — a stylish, gaming-focused smartphone line built on the "Born to Win" spirit. With console-like controls, AI-enhanced performance, and a Free Fire co-branded edition, it's clear ZTE knows how to merge hard tech innovation with youth culture appeal.

From mobile game tournaments and cosplay to AI-powered companions and foldable devices, ZTE’s showcase proves tech can be both powerful and fun — exactly what today’s digital-first generation demands.

How Philippine Companies Can Win in Google’s AI Search Era

As Google rolls out more AI-generated answers in search results, visibility is being redefined. Truelogic’s new AI Search Optimization service equips brands in the Philippines to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Backed by data and real-world insights, their latest study reveals what it takes to rank in an AI-first search experience.

Ant International Pushes AI Strategy with AI Platform for Fintechs

AI is reshaping the future of finance—and Ant International is leading the charge. With the launch of the Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, the fintech giant introduces an AI-as-a-Service platform that empowers financial institutions and super apps to build intelligent, secure, and fully agentic digital services. From fraud detection to automated workflows, discover how this next-gen AI toolbox is redefining what’s possible in financial tech.

Globe advanced AI use elevates service, empowers teams for broader efficiency

At Globe, AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer.

With over 400 bots built in-house and tools like ChatGPT Enterprise and Gemini in use, Globe is streamlining operations, cutting costs, and personalizing customer experiences.

From PHP millions to just ₱2K/month in audit savings—this is AI done right.

Spotify's AI Playlist now available in the Philippines, offering a fresh way to discover music

 🎧✨ Create the perfect playlist—just by describing it.

Spotify Premium users in the Philippines can now experience the magic of AI Playlist in beta! Whether you're craving "chill beats for rainy afternoons" or "pop anthems that feel like a movie montage," Spotify’s AI will turn your imagination into a custom playlist.

Just type a vibe, genre, or even a wild idea—Spotify will handle the rest. 🪄💚

Try it now! Head to the Search tab and type “AI Playlist.”

Beyond the algorithm: Championing responsible AI, empowering women in tech

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, takes innovation to the next level with GCash AI Week 2025—a landmark event celebrating the power of AI-driven transformation, responsible innovation, and gender inclusivity in tech.

Under the theme “AI-CHIEVED: Explore, Empower, Elevate,” the event brought together global tech leaders like Apple, Google, and AWS to spark discussions on ethical AI, intelligent automation, and the future of fintech.

From hands-on workshops to real-world AI demos, GCash reaffirmed its mission to shape an AI-ready, diverse, and financially inclusive Philippines.

Microsoft and LinkedIn Set to Unveil 2025 Work Trend Index, Highlighting AI’s Impact on the Philippine Workforce

Microsoft and LinkedIn are preparing to launch the 2025 Work Trend Index, offering fresh insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace. Building on the key findings of the 2024 report, this year’s study will provide a deeper look into AI adoption trends, workforce transformations, and the evolving role of leadership—particularly in the Philippine market.

HONOR Highlights Open Collaboration for the Intelligent Future at MWC Barcelona 2025

Global technology leader HONOR showcased its vision for the future of AI and intelligent ecosystems at MWC Barcelona 2025. 

Through engaging discussions in the Connect X Fireside Chat and the AI+ Panel, HONOR emphasized the importance of open collaboration and introduced the HONOR ALPHA PLAN to empower users and industries to embrace an intelligent world.

HONOR Leads the Fight Against Deepfake, To Intro AI That Detects Face-Swaps in MWC 2025

As AI-generated deepfakes become a growing concern for businesses and individuals, HONOR unveils its pioneering AI Deepfake Detection feature in 2024.

 

GCash brings Philippine Fintech perspective to WEF panel on harnessing emergent tech and AI for inclusive growth

Inclusivity must remain a priority within Asian economies amid the increasingly widespread adoption of emergent technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), according to a panel discussion among global policymakers and top business figures at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Building trust in the age of AI: Navigating the ethical tightrope

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both exciting possibilities and significant ethical challenges, particularly for the public relations industry. As businesses work to stay ahead of technological trends while maintaining trust with their audiences, Ana Pista, the founder and CEO of Ardent Communications (ArdentComm), is working to advocate for the responsible integration of AI into PR practices.

Agentic Era Gives Birth to a New Branding Paradigm

Amdocs (NASDAQ: DOX), a leading provider of software and services to communications and media companies, today released a global study*, “Rethinking Brand and Customer Experience in the Agentic Era,” commissioned by Amdocs in collaboration with McCann Tech agency and Coleman Parkes, which explores the impact on brand identity as consumers interact with generative AI-based agents (AI agents) for customer care and sales. 

ArdentComm CEO inspires future communicators to embrace AI in careers

As industries worldwide grapple with the rise of artificial intelligence, the question remains: is AI replacing jobs or empowering workers to excel?

Ana Pista, the Founder and CEO of Ardent Communications (ArdentComm), tackled this critical issue in her speech, “Mastering Marketing for Tomorrow: How AI and Consumer Insights Shape Success” at the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business in Indonesia on November 29, 2024.