HONOR and EMCOR Seal Successful Partnership in Bukidnon and Davao!

LOOK! EMCOR just welcomed the complete HONOR X Series in March! These two brands are teaming up to expand their market footprint beyond Luzon.

With the opening of two new HONOR stores in Digos City, Davao del Sur, and Valencia, Bukidnon, this partnership signals a bold commitment to meeting the growing demand for top-notch mobile devices in regions outside Luzon. By harnessing EMCOR's well-established network and stellar reputation, HONOR is poised to make waves in these pivotal areas, solidifying its brand presence and captivating a wider audience of technophiles in the Philippines.

Nonprofit group I am MAD launches ‘Love the Volunteer Vibes’ campaign in Davao

Spreading the true spirit and positive vibes of volunteerism, nonprofit I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. launched its newest campaign catchphrase “Love the Volunteer Vibes” at its annual volunteer reunion and 14th anniversary celebration held recently in Davao City.

LOVE THE VOLUNTEER VIBES. I am MAD volunteers in their themed shirts and crochet heart corsage at Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park.

Dubbed as ‘MAD Meet,’ this year’s gathering of volunteers took a major leap as it was held for the first time in Mindanao, at the serene Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park—the event’s venue partner.

 

“Hosting this year’s MAD Meet in Davao marks one of our organization’s greatest achievements, as it breaks away from our traditional Luzon-based gatherings since the inception of the annual reunion of volunteers,” said Big Jay Lagang, MAD Meet Davao convenor and Chief of Volunteers for Countryside Operations of I am MAD.

 

Under its new banner, “Love the Volunteer Vibes: I am MAD to the 14th Power,” the organization hopes to express an amplified level of positivity and enthusiasm associated with engaging in volunteer work.

 

Furthermore, the latest theme is also in support of the country’s “Love the Philippines” campaign as it has been a trademark of I am MAD to visit local tourist spots after each outreach program. This year, I am MAD is set to conduct its flagship program MAD Camp in at least 12 schools across different provinces and explore seven tourist destinations for its MADventure initiative.

 

Lagang, a dedicated member of I am MAD for nearly a decade and presently serving as a news anchor/reporter at People's Television Network (PTV) Davao, expresses hope that both existing members and newcomers will wholeheartedly embrace and embody the spirit of “Love the Volunteer Vibes” that this kind of event fosters.

Celebrating milestones, recognizing volunteers

 

Meanwhile, aside from unveiling its latest campaign and plans for 2024, the two-day reunion also highlighted the organization’s accomplishments in 2023, including its 11 MAD Camps around the Philippines, MAD Talks Padayon—a volunteerism and mental health forum, MADx—an employee engagement program for corporate partners, and its newest social enterprise—MADventure, among others. 

 

Through these accomplishments that reflect the organization’s commitment to helping and inspiring young people to be a part of nation-building, I am MAD was likewise recognized by the Department of Education as one of its “MATATAG” Agenda partners.

 

Filled by the serene ambiance of bamboo-inspired architecture seamlessly blending with the lush surroundings at Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park, the evening culminated with volunteers radiantly adorned in earth tone outfits during “Star MADgic Night: Gawad I am MAD.” This event celebrated and honored the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the successful conduct of I am MAD programs, initiatives, and engagements throughout 2023.

 

Some of the special awardees and raffle winners received gift certificates and other tokens courtesy of its sponsors — Power Mac Center, The Loop, Alaska Milk Corporation, Wino Travel Services, WinoPay, Mik Dizon & Alex Garrow, Meat Outlet, The Dağlí’s Creations, ENGR MD HUB, and The New Channel.

 

MAD Meet Davao 2024 was also supported by Hacienda Torrentira Agri-Tourism Park, Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies, OK Custom Gifts, Love Eunicrafts, CID Communication together with its local media partners — SunStar Davao, Mindanao Times, and PTV News Mindanao.

 

Call  for volunteers, donors

To invite more volunteers and join its call to “Love the Volunteer Vibes,” the MADmates (volunteers) also shot a call-for-volunteers music video to entice more young people and professionals alike to engage with I am MAD and its advocacies.

 

I am MAD is encouraging everyone to be part of its upcoming MAD Camp volunteer opportunities this year in the following areas: Davao Occidental, Dinagat Islands, Romblon, Southern Leyte, Davao del Norte, Iloilo, Aurora, Oriental Mindoro,  Palawan, Cebu, Bataan, and Rizal. Pre-register through bit.ly/MADcamp2024reg.

 

Recognized by the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, MAD Camp is the organization’s flagship outreach program that spans three days. Volunteers gather to facilitate values formation activities aligned with the Department of Education’s core advocacies and to engage school children aged 10-12 in tasks aimed at promoting positive Filipino traits.The group typically stays at the beneficiary school for the duration of the camp, with the final day reserved for local community immersion and exploration.

Every MAD Camp is supported by a fundraiser called BIDA Eskwela  (Bigay Ayuda para sa Eskwela) in which funds collected will be used to provide each student-participant a “Bag of Dreams” with school supplies and other tokens. This year, the organization is pushing for the “Piso mula sa Puso para sa Pangarap ko” theme that aims to secure donations for as little as one peso. With such a small amount, I am MAD believes the collective efforts of everyone will make a big difference. Donations can be made through bit.ly/bidadonate.

For updates, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities, follow and message I am MAD on Facebook - fb.com/IamMakingADifference or send an email to iammadph@gmail.com.

Epson Philippines launches Davao office to support growth of Mindanao market

The Philippines has long been an important growth market for Epson, and the global technology leader has developed a strong presence in the local market throughout its two decades of operation in the country. Following the successful launch of its new Philippine Headquarters in Pasig City last February, Epson continues to expand its investment in the country as the company launched its newest Sales Office and Solution Center in Davao City.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Leading the official launch of Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) Davao Sales Office and Solution Center were (L-R) Benjamin Villacorta III, Regional Sales Manager, Masako Kusama, EPC President and Director, and Cristopher Sanchez, head of Sales Division.

Throughout the years, the Davao Sales Office has played an integral part in bringing Epson’s innovations to its customers in the southern part of the Philippines. In 2005, the Davao Sales Office opened its first location at Bonifacio Street, Davao City with only one regular staff and three promoters covering Davao City dealers. The office grew in both operations and profitability, and eventually transferred to a larger location within the heart of Davao City. 

Today, with 45 managed partners all over the region, the new and improved Davao Sales Office handles a multimillion business in Mindanao. To further empower customers across Mindanao, Epson has transformed its newest office space to accommodate the first Solution Center in the region. The Epson Solution Center functions as a display venue for Epson products and gives consumers the opportunity to explore Epson’s sustainable business solutions through actual demonstrations. With sustainability at its core, the Solution Center showcases Epson’s environmental solutions such as its heat-free technology in its inkjet printers, which uses no heat in the ink ejection process, delivers lower power consumption, and enables higher productivity for users. Located at the GIMS Building, Angliongto St. corner Liceralde Village, Davao City, the Solution Center showcases Epson’s unique portfolio of printing technology and visual imaging products.

“With Epson’s investment in our new home in Davao City, we have consolidated our resources in one place so that our customers and partners in the region can access all our products at our new Solution Center,” said Epson Philippines President Masako Kusama during her opening remarks. “The Southern Mindanao economic landscape has seen exponential growth in recent years. Our latest investment in the new Davao Sales Office and Solution Center is a show of our confidence in the region’s growth, and we will continue our commitment to enabling the local community through our solutions.”

Moving forward, Epson looks forward to collaborating with the local communities, providing them with access to digital innovation, and contributing to the growth of the local economic landscape.

“We recognize Epson as one of the leading providers of digital printing solutions in the country. As such, we congratulate the company as it opens new doors to bring its expertise and technology to the Mindanao region,” shared Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte in his welcome letter. “We are optimistic that Epson will continue to provide quality service and innovation to the market here, and we wish the company all the best as it continues to expand operations in the Philippines.”

In recent years, investors have taken a renewed interest in the Davao region, particularly Davao City which, due to its strategic location, is regarded as a regional trade center for Southern Mindanao. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Davao region's economy has seen 8.1 percent growth in 2022. It was valuated at 954.1 billion pesos, with an estimated increase of 71.9 billion pesos from 2021, and 53.2 billion pesos from the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

For Epson, its move to the new Davao Sales Office and Solution Center embodies its commitment to continue its contribution to the growth of the Philippine market as well as the enrichment of Filipino lives through efficient, compact, and precise innovation designed to create a sustainable future.

MSI expands its presence in the Philippines by opening a new store in Davao City

MSI has increased its presence in the Philippines by building its sixth concept shop. The new concept shop, located on Level 2, Cyberzone, Annex, SM Davao, assists the brand in reaching out to its followers and consumers in Mindanao.

"MSI is excited to deliver fresh and engaging experiences to Davao’s gamers and professionals. This is a huge step for us since we noticed a need in the area and decided it was the right moment to extend our local presence. We aim to bring innovation closer to people because we acknowledge the value of accessibility in creating a more inclusive society," says Rhyan Sy, Product Manager at MSI Philippines.

The opening of shops coincides with the launch of the brand's new makeover, which provides a more modern appearance and feels in keeping with MSI's "Tech Meets Aesthetic" credo. The new design has a brighter and more engaging, yet simple ambiance, putting the brand's view for the remainder of the year into focus. The store is separated into two sections: Tech Meets Aesthetic, which sells business and productivity items, and True Gaming, which sells gaming equipment.

Things to look forward to at MSI Davao Launch:

1. Exclusive Promotion

MSI also has a Holiday promotion running until December 31, 2022. This promo highlights MSI's Vector GP Series, GF Thin Series, Katana GF Series, Modern Series, and Stealth 15M, all of which are ideal for the rigors of work and play. Purchase any of these laptops during the promotional time to receive savings of up to PHP 22,000 and freebies of up to PHP 6,500. MSI gaming headphones, gaming mice, thermos bottles, and much more are among the gifts!

In addition, the first “10” customers who purchase any MSI laptop in the concept shop will receive a free 1TB Seagate External HDD valued at PHP 3,690 and a FREE 8GB RAM upgrade applicable for all gaming and modern laptop series for the first “30” buyers, while supplies last. 

 

2. Additional Campaign

If you want even more freebies, post your MSI laptop story on social media for a chance to win a PHP 1,000 Steam Wallet Code or Food Vouchers as part of our Your Opinion Matters campaign.

 

3. In-store Activities 

Nevertheless, the MSI Davao Grand Launch wouldn’t be complete without any in-store activities and freebies giveaways. So make sure to visit us on November 26, Saturday at 2L Cyberzone, Annex, SM Davao Ecoland.

 

So, what are you holding out for? Grab these incredible computers with numerous goodies while you can!

Maya accelerates 'digi-palengke' thrust in Mindanao

Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today.

Shopee sellers share two major tips on how they were able to build a successful business online

With inflation rising and economic recession looming, it may seem difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in an online business. Despite the economic situation and the challenges it poses, Davao-based Shopee sellers Shiela Reyes-Lao and Lou Putian prove that one can still manage to start an online business and become successful.

In a recent face-to-face event held by Shopee for Davao-based entrepreneurs, both sellers shared how easy it was to join and grow their businesses on Shopee, even in the face of economic uncertainty. 

Tip #1: Just go online, digitize your business

SY Glow Cosmetics owner Lou Putian’s e-commerce journey started when her husband, an Overseas Filipino Worker, was sent home in 2020. “We had little to no income at the time. To continue paying our bills, I started selling bath and body care essentials haphazardly online until some of my loyal customers urged me to set up a Shopee store,” she shared.

In just 2 months after creating an account and learning how to market her products through the platform, her sales greatly increased. “From barely making ends meet then, I’ve now been able to fulfill my dream of purchasing houses for family members and even establishing my own warehouse,” she added.

Meanwhile, Shiela of Cacao Culture, already joined Shopee in 2017. However, she and her team only focused their efforts on the platform after the pandemic affected their operations. “Initially, our Shopee account was only meant to supplement our retail store sales. But when the pandemic hit, we were forced to close down our physical stores and outlets—prompting us to refocus our efforts on e-commerce,” she shared.

Since making the leap to e-commerce, Shiela grew her sales volume 7x. Cacao Culture’s growth and visibility on the platform also encouraged Shiela and her team to carry more Davao-based cacao brands and sell them nationwide.

Tip #2: Maximize Shopee’s convenience, seller tools, and nationwide logistics network

Besides the need to shift to a new income stream, what drew both sellers to Shopee was how easy it was to onboard into and sell on the platform. “With Shopee, all you need is a mobile phone and internet connection,” shared Lou. “The convenience that Shopee offers allows entrepreneurs like me to manage my own business and care for my family, all from the comfort of my own home.”

Having benefited from the seamless Shopee experience to easily bring sellers online, Shiela also highlighted that growing and sustaining one’s business is another story and different kind of challenge. Fortunately, Shopee offers tools like insights and marketing solutions to help sellers further their business growth and visibility. Moreover, Shopee’s continuous logistics expansion nationwide also allows sellers like Shiela to reach more customers.

“As a Davao-based seller, I found it challenging to sell my products online and attract more buyers at the beginning. Through Shopee’s establishment of more hubs in Mindanao and the tools on the platform’s Marketing Center, I was able to attract more customers nationwide by setting up promotions, discounts, and vouchers,” she said.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines said, “It is heartwarming to hear Lou and Shiela’s success stories as it is a testament to what sellers are capable of achieving on Shopee’s platform. Through seller education activities, continuous advancement of platform features, nationwide hub expansion, and other initiatives, we strengthen our commitment to deliver a safe and convenient online shopping experience for both our customers and sellers, no matter where they are in the Philippines.” 

If you want to grow your business online and enjoy the numerous benefits of e-commerce, start your online selling journey with Shopee today. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Shopee expands presence in Mindanao, new Shopee Express hubs established

Shopee expands presence in Mindanao with a series of seller onboarding initiatives and the establishment of new hubs

Department of Trade and Industry Region XI Division Chief, Small and Medium Enterprise Division Marie Ann J. How, Shopee Philippines VisMin Seller Acquisition Head Dane Mangoba, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian, and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City

Online homebuying helps couple find dream resort-style Davao home

Having business transactions in Davao City, Manila-based couple David and Mae Nouvelot had always wanted a “second home” in the King City of the South.

PLDT Enterprise supports vaccination program for BPOs in Davao

PLDT Enterprise, the the B2B arm of the largest fully integrated telecommunications company in the Philippines PLDT, has provided free connectivity to the Davao City local government in support of its ‘Resbakuna’ vaccination program for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.