There is a new kind of small business emerging in the Philippines.

It may have no office, no large staff, and no separate marketing department. Sometimes, it is run from a home office, a small shop or even a smartphone. Yet its owner can research a market, create content, prepare sales proposals, manage a website, respond to customers and organize business information—all with the help of artificial intelligence.

This is the rise of the one-person business.

AI is not necessarily replacing entrepreneurs. For many small business owners, it is doing something more useful: giving one person capabilities that once required an entire small team.

And that could change how Filipinos start, operate and grow businesses.

What Is a One-Person Business?

A one-person business is more than a freelancer working alone. It is a business where one entrepreneur uses digital platforms, automation and AI-assisted tools to handle multiple business functions while remaining in control of strategy and decisions.

A solo entrepreneur can potentially perform tasks involving marketing, customer service, research, content production, basic administration, sales proposals and website management.

The result is what can be called a micro-company: a very small operation with the capabilities of a much larger organization.

This matters because one of the biggest barriers to entrepreneurship has always been the cost of building a team.

AI can reduce some of that initial burden.

AI Gives Small Businesses More Leverage

Consider someone starting a digital marketing service.

Instead of spending hours researching a client’s industry, the entrepreneur can use AI to organize information and identify areas worth investigating. AI can help develop content ideas, prepare first drafts, create campaign variations and organize reports.

The entrepreneur still has to check the information, understand the client and make the final decisions.

That is the important distinction.

AI can accelerate the work, but the entrepreneur provides the judgment.

The same principle applies to a small online retailer, consultant, construction service, restaurant, professional practice or home-based business.

Technology becomes a force multiplier.

Marketing Without a Full Marketing Team

Marketing is one area where small businesses can gain immediate advantages.

A business owner can use AI to brainstorm campaign ideas, develop content calendars, draft social-media copy and adapt one piece of information into different formats.

A new product, for example, can become a website description, Facebook post, short-video script, email message and customer FAQ.

This does not mean businesses should flood the internet with AI-generated content.

Quite the opposite.

The best small-business marketing will combine AI’s speed with the entrepreneur’s actual experience, personality and understanding of customers.

Customers can recognize generic content.

They remember useful content.

AI as a Research Partner

Another important opportunity is AI-assisted market research.

Before investing money in a new business idea, an entrepreneur can use AI to help organize publicly available information, examine competitors, identify potential customer problems and develop questions for further research.

But AI should not be treated as the final authority.

A market report cannot replace talking to customers. An AI-generated competitor analysis cannot replace visiting the market. Data can show patterns, but the entrepreneur still needs to understand the people behind those numbers.

The smartest approach is to use AI to ask better questions and work faster, rather than simply accepting whatever answer it provides.

From Customer Service to Sales

A small business owner can also use AI to reduce repetitive customer-service work.

Frequently asked questions about prices, operating hours, delivery areas, product specifications and ordering procedures can be organized into response systems and templates.

AI can also help prepare sales proposals, presentation drafts and follow-up messages.

That frees the entrepreneur to spend more time on the conversations that actually require a human touch.

A customer with a complicated problem does not want to talk to a robot.

They want someone who understands them.

AI should help the business owner get to that conversation faster—not eliminate it.

The Website That Works While You Sleep

For a one-person business, a website can function as a permanent digital storefront.

It can explain the company’s services, display products, answer common questions, showcase previous work and collect inquiries even when the owner is unavailable.

AI-assisted tools can make it easier for small-business owners to create website content, organize information and improve their search engine optimization or SEO.

This is particularly important for businesses competing locally.

A potential customer searching for a service does not necessarily know the company already. Search visibility gives a small business an opportunity to be discovered before the customer contacts a competitor.

What About Bookkeeping and Administration?

AI can also help organize routine administrative work.

Entrepreneurs can use digital tools to categorize information, prepare document drafts, summarize meetings and organize invoices, expenses and other business records.

But this is an area where common sense is essential.

AI should not replace qualified accountants, tax professionals or legal advisers when professional judgment is required.

The practical rule for entrepreneurs is straightforward:

Automate repetitive work. Review important work. Get professional advice when the stakes are high.

AI Does Not Make Every Business a Good Business

There is also a danger in becoming too excited about the technology.

AI can help you produce a business plan in minutes.

That does not mean customers will buy the product.

It can create a beautiful marketing concept.

That does not mean the campaign will generate sales.

It can produce hundreds of content ideas.

That does not mean any of them are useful.

Technology can make production easier. It cannot manufacture demand.

A successful one-person business still needs a real customer problem, a compelling solution, good service, sound pricing and a reason for customers to come back.

Start With the Problem, Not the AI Tool

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the easiest way to begin is not to download every new AI application.

Start by identifying what consumes too much of your time.

Is it writing proposals? Researching customers? Preparing content? Answering repetitive inquiries? Updating your website? Organizing information?

Choose one.

Find an AI-assisted workflow that can make that task faster. Test it. Check the quality. Measure whether it actually saves time or improves results.

Then move to the next process.

Over time, these small improvements can become a surprisingly powerful business system.

The Philippine Opportunity

This development is especially relevant to the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs, which form the backbone of Philippine entrepreneurship.

AI can potentially help smaller businesses compete beyond their physical size.

A neighborhood retailer can market online. A provincial service provider can reach customers beyond its immediate community. A freelancer can serve international clients. A small professional practice can produce better educational content. A new entrepreneur can conduct research and prepare business materials without immediately hiring a full team.

This is why the growing government focus on AI-powered MSME growth and digital transformation matters.

The opportunity is not simply to make businesses more technological.

It is to make them more productive, competitive and capable of growth.

The Future May Belong to the Highly Capable Solo Entrepreneur

The one-person company does not mean the end of employment or traditional businesses.

As companies grow, they will still need talented people. Human creativity, leadership, relationships, specialized knowledge and accountability remain enormously valuable.

But the starting point is changing.

An entrepreneur no longer has to wait until they can afford a complete team before attempting something ambitious.

They can begin with an idea, a customer, their expertise and a growing collection of digital tools.

The goal is not to build a company where AI does everything.

It is to build a company where technology handles more of the repetitive work while the entrepreneur concentrates on the work that matters most.

That may ultimately be the biggest opportunity created by AI for small businesses.

Not fewer entrepreneurs.

More entrepreneurs with greater capabilities.

And perhaps the defining business story of the next decade will not be about how big a company can become before it starts.

It will be about how much one determined entrepreneur can build before needing to become a big company at all.

via Money News PH

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At DTW Ignite 2026, Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Intelligence and Trust Officer, joined Guy Lupo, Executive Vice President for AI and Data Innovation at TM Forum, for a fireside discussion on how organizations can adopt increasingly autonomous AI systems while maintaining resilience, interoperability, and enterprise trust. As enterprises transition from AI assistants to autonomous AI agents, the conversation is no longer just about deploying AI but about governing it safely and consistently across increasingly complex technology environments.

Drawing from Globe’s AI transformation journey, Bonifacio shared how the company is scaling AI across the enterprise through its AI Kitchen framework and Agent Factory. Built on a platform-driven approach, security-by-design, and trusted governance, these initiatives enable business and technology teams to innovate under common governance frameworks while delivering measurable business value.

“With how fast AI is moving, we emphasized the need for a platform-driven approach, strong federation to drive impactful adoption and value, shift-left controls with forward-deployed teams for dynamic governance and assurance, and deliberate re-factoring to leverage open standards, frameworks, and architectures to ensure reliable observability and interoperability across the entire stack,” Bonifacio said.

Bonifacio also underscored the importance of embedding governance and security early in the AI lifecycle through shift-left controls, forward-deployed teams, and deliberate re-factoring around open standards and architectures. This approach promotes observability, interoperability, and resilience while enabling organizations to adapt as AI capabilities continue to evolve.

Globe’s contribution extends beyond the conference through its participation in collaborative innovation initiatives. This year, the company is championing four DTW Catalyst Projects, including three led by its AI Group, demonstrating its active role in advancing practical and trusted AI solutions for the telecommunications industry.

Among these are InsightX Agent: From Question to Insights in Seconds and MODaaS: Accelerating Agent Velocity, both Moonshot Catalyst finalists under the Trustworthy Data & AI Challenge. Globe is also contributing to the AI Decision Accelerator, which validates AI-driven decision workflows in telecom production systems, and the Essential Framework for Telecom Agentic AI, which provides a blueprint for rapid AI agent development and lifecycle management to help communications service providers move confidently from experimentation to large-scale deployment.

Through these efforts, Globe continues to demonstrate how responsible AI can accelerate innovation while maintaining security, interoperability, and long-term resilience. By combining a platform-driven approach, collaborative governance, and open architectures, the company is building meaningful intelligence and continuous trust at scale.

Via: moneynewsph

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Imagine applying for a loan from your phone.

The application has a familiar name.

The logo looks professional.

The website appears legitimate.

There are social-media pages carrying the same branding.

Everything looks right.

Except for one thing:

The company behind it isn’t the company you think it is.

That is the emerging danger of digital lending impersonation—and it may be one of the least understood risks facing consumers as financial services move deeper into the smartphone.

On August 20, 2026, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission issued an advisory warning about unauthorized online lending platforms, mobile applications and websites. The regulator also identified platforms that allegedly imitate legitimate lending and financing companies by using their names, logos, brands and identities.

SEC — Public Advisories on Lending and Financing Companies

The obvious lesson is: beware of scams.

The more important lesson is this:

In digital finance, identity itself has become a security feature.

A logo can now be weaponized

For decades, a brand was an asset.

In digital finance, it can also become a vulnerability.

A legitimate lender spends years building recognition. Consumers learn its name, colors, logo and communication style.

That recognition is precisely what makes impersonation effective.

The fraudster does not need to convince the borrower that an unknown company is trustworthy.

The fraudster only needs to convince the borrower that it is a known company.

This is a very different form of deception.

And artificial intelligence, cheap web hosting, automated advertising and readily available design tools are making the cost of producing convincing digital identities lower than ever.

The result is a strange new economics of fraud:

Trust can be copied much more cheaply than it can be built.

The SEC’s warning should be read as a technology warning

The SEC’s August 20 advisory is therefore significant beyond the individual applications named in it.

The regulator identified both unauthorized lending platforms and fake or copycat platforms allegedly impersonating legitimate financial brands.

That means there are effectively two problems:

Who is not authorized to lend?

And:

Who is pretending to be somebody who is authorized to lend?

The second question is becoming harder to answer in a world where an application can look almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

The SEC maintains official resources that allow consumers to verify recorded lending companies and online lending platforms. SEC — Lending and Financing Companies

But verification is only useful if consumers know they need to verify.

That is where digital financial literacy becomes critical.

The smartphone has become a financial storefront

The transformation of financial services has been extraordinary.

The BSP’s data shows that digital payments already represented 57.4% of monthly retail payment volume in 2024. BSP — 2024 Report on E-Payments Measurement

Meanwhile, the BSP’s 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey highlights the growing role of digital channels in financial access. BSP — 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey

This is good news for financial inclusion.

But it changes the nature of fraud.

The bank branch used to have a physical location.

The loan officer had a face.

The paperwork had a company address.

The consumer knew where the transaction was happening.

The smartphone removes much of that physical context.

Now the “branch” may be a screen.

And the person behind the screen may be somewhere else entirely.

Convenience has created a new trust problem

This is the paradox of digital credit.

The fewer barriers there are to borrowing, the easier it becomes for legitimate consumers to access financial services.

But fewer barriers can also mean fewer opportunities to notice that something is wrong.

A borrower can receive an advertisement, click a link, download an application, and begin submitting information within minutes.

Scammers understand this behavioral pattern.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warned consumers in January 2026 about fake loan text messages that claim recipients have been preapproved and then attempt to obtain personal or financial information.

The FTC also warns about advance-fee loan schemes in which consumers are told they must pay money upfront before receiving a promised loan.

The technology changes.

The psychology doesn’t.

Make the offer feel urgent. Make it look credible. Reduce the time available for doubt.

The data problem may be bigger than the loan

A fake loan may cost a borrower money.

A fake loan application can potentially collect something more valuable: information.

The World Bank’s research into responsible digital credit identifies privacy and data-protection concerns as central risks in digital lending.

And new research suggests the concern is not theoretical.

A 2026 study examining 434 Android lending applications across five countries—including the Philippines—found numerous applications that failed national regulatory or Google policy requirements. Researchers reported instances in which sensitive information such as contacts, SMS, location, and media could be transmitted before registration.

Following disclosure of the findings, Google removed 93 flagged applications with more than 300 million cumulative installs.

The number is striking.

Not because 300 million installations mean 300 million victims.

They do not.

But because it demonstrates the potential reach of questionable digital-lending applications.

The scale of distribution can be enormous before regulators, researchers, or technology companies have fully identified the problem.

The industry has a reputational problem hiding in plain sight

There is another consequence.

When someone has a terrible experience with a fake lending application, they rarely tell the story using the vocabulary of corporate law.

They do not necessarily say:

“I interacted with an unauthorized entity that impersonated a legitimate financial institution.”

They say:

“I got scammed by a loan app.”

That distinction matters.

Because public perception does not always preserve the difference between the fraudulent operator and the legitimate industry it impersonated.

A consumer who is deceived by a fake airline website does not necessarily conclude that aviation is fraudulent.

But financial services are different because trust is already fragile.

Money is personal.

Debt is emotional.

And people who seek emergency credit are often operating under pressure.

One bad experience can therefore influence whether they trust digital credit at all.

That could undermine financial inclusion

This is where the issue becomes bigger than fraud.

Digital lending is frequently presented as a mechanism for expanding access to financial services.

And there is good reason for that.

Digital channels can reduce transaction costs, extend reach and provide alternatives for consumers who may not have easy access to traditional financial institutions.

But access without confidence is not meaningful inclusion.

The World Bank’s responsible digital-credit framework emphasizes that consumer protection needs to run throughout the credit lifecycle—from marketing and disclosure through credit assessment, responsible lender behavior and dispute resolution.

If consumers begin assuming that every digital lender is potentially fraudulent, legitimate providers face an unintended consequence:

They have to spend more effort proving they are legitimate before they can even compete on their actual products.

That is not innovation.

It is defensive overhead.

Copycats create an uneven playing field

There is something economically peculiar about impersonation.

A legitimate company pays for its credibility.

A copycat exploits it for free.

The legitimate company invests in compliance.

The copycat avoids it.

The legitimate company builds customer-service systems.

The copycat may simply disappear when complaints begin.

The legitimate company protects its brand.

The copycat borrows it.

This is why the problem should not be dismissed as merely “bad actors in the market.”

It creates an uneven competitive environment in which the cost of responsible behavior is carried by legitimate operators while the benefits of their credibility can be appropriated by fraudulent ones.

The answer is not to slow digital lending down

There is a temptation whenever digital fraud increases to respond by making digital finance harder to use.

That would be the wrong lesson.

The objective should not be to eliminate convenience.

It should be to make trust scalable.

That means better verification at app stores.

Faster removal of impersonating applications.

Stronger cooperation between regulators and technology platforms.

Clearer official channels from legitimate financial companies.

Better consumer education.

And, importantly, better systems for identifying suspicious applications before consumers encounter them.

CGAP’s 2025 guidance on responsible digital credit similarly emphasizes practical approaches that authorities and providers can use across the consumer-risk lifecycle, from identification and prevention through mitigation and resolution.

The five-second verification habit

Consumers cannot become cybersecurity experts every time they need to borrow money.

They need simple habits.

Before applying through a digital lending platform:

Stop.

Check the company.

Check the SEC record.

Check the official website.

Check the application developer.

Check whether the offer and charges are clearly disclosed.

And if something does not add up, stop.

Five minutes of verification can be worth far more than the five minutes saved by clicking the first advertisement that appears.

The future of digital credit will be built on trust

The next chapter of digital lending will not be decided solely by artificial intelligence, instant approvals, open banking or faster payment rails.

It will be decided by whether consumers believe the person on the other side of the screen is actually who they claim to be.

That may sound like a basic requirement.

In the digital economy, it is becoming sophisticated infrastructure.

The SEC’s latest warning is therefore about more than fake applications.

It is about the integrity of the digital financial environment itself.

Because when a borrower cannot tell a real lender from an impersonator, the problem is no longer simply that somebody has been fooled.

The system has failed to make identity trustworthy.

And in finance, where every transaction begins with trust, that may be the most expensive vulnerability of all.

The post The Loan App You See May Not Be the Lender You Think It Is appeared first on Money News.

Ma. Alegria “Bing” Sibal-Limjoco belongs to that rare group.

At the 2026 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, Limjoco was honored with the 2026 PRA President’s Award as a Pillar of Philippine Retail Leadership, alongside fellow industry leader Roberto “Bobby” Claudio. The recognition honors decades of service, leadership and contribution to the Philippine retail industry.

For Limjoco, however, the recognition represents much more than a career milestone. It reflects a lifetime spent strengthening Philippine business—from retail and publishing to franchising, entrepreneurship, professional education and industry advocacy.

A Leader Who Helped Build the PRA

Limjoco’s connection with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) goes back almost to the organization’s beginnings.

According to the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, she had been a PRA board member since 1976 and went on to serve as its president for three terms. She was also among the major proponents behind bringing major Asian retail gatherings to Manila, including the Asia Retailers Conference & Exhibition in 1993 and the Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition in 2015.

Her long involvement with the organization coincided with the transformation of Philippine retail from a largely traditional industry into the increasingly sophisticated, technology-driven and globally connected sector it is today.

During her years of leadership, Limjoco helped push the PRA toward becoming an organization capable of representing retailers nationally and connecting Philippine businesses with regional and international opportunities.

Her influence was also recognized in a 2006 Philstar feature that identified Limjoco, together with Samie Lim, Bobby Claudio and Manuel Siggaoat, among the organization’s pillars.

The description remains remarkably relevant nearly two decades later.

From Retail Leadership to Building Entrepreneurs

While her legacy is deeply connected to retail, Limjoco’s influence extends well beyond the traditional retail sector.

She became one of the Philippines’ most prominent advocates of franchising, eventually earning the distinction of being known as the “Mother of Philippine Franchising.”

Her journey in franchising included the establishment of Francorp Philippines in 1996, together with Philippine Franchise Association chairman emeritus Samie Lim and Manuel Siggaoat Jr. The organization became an important platform for helping Philippine businesses understand and pursue franchising as a path to expansion.

Limjoco’s approach was not simply about helping established businesses grow.

Her work also focused on helping entrepreneurs develop systems, strengthen their businesses and become capable of expanding beyond their original markets.

Francorp Philippines currently identifies her as its Vice Chairman, while highlighting her experience as a Certified Franchise Executive and former president of the Philippine Franchise Association.

Her expertise eventually extended to international franchising organizations and events. She served as overall chair of Franchise Asia 2001 and Franchise Asia 2011, while representing the Philippines in international franchise meetings and exhibitions.

A Pioneer in Professionalizing Franchising

One of Limjoco’s most significant contributions has been her role in professionalizing franchising in the Philippines.

She became the first Filipino and first Asian to earn the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation, after completing a Mini-MBA in Franchise Management at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis and the Asian Institute of Management.

That achievement was more than a personal credential.

It helped establish a higher standard for franchise professionals in the Philippines and contributed to the country’s growing reputation as a major franchising market in Asia.

Her work also involved mentoring entrepreneurs and helping businesses understand the discipline behind sustainable expansion.

A 2012 Philippine Star profile described her as a respected figure whose guidance had helped businesses and brands prosper in an increasingly challenging environment. Limjoco herself described the fulfillment she gained from seeing businesses grow and knowing that she had contributed to their progress.

That philosophy captures much of what makes her legacy distinctive.

Success, in her view, is not only about what one builds—but also about how many others are helped to build.

Taking Philippine Businesses Beyond Their Borders

Limjoco’s work has consistently carried an international dimension.

Her involvement with the Philippine Franchise Association included representing the country at international franchise events, the World Franchise Council, and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation. She also played a leading role in bringing major international franchise events to the Philippines.

This international exposure helped Philippine entrepreneurs see opportunities beyond the domestic market.

It also helped position the Philippines as a serious player in the global franchising community.

In many ways, this mirrors the role she played in retail: connecting Philippine businesses to larger networks and encouraging local enterprises to think beyond their immediate boundaries.

A Career Rooted in Business and Education

Limjoco’s professional background is equally diverse.

She is associated with Central Books, where she currently serves as director, and has also been connected with Phoenix Publishing.

Her academic background includes Foreign Studies from St. Theresa’s College, Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design, a master’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific, and further education in franchise management.

She has also served in education, including a teaching stint in Retail and Franchise Management at the De La Salle University Graduate School.

That combination of business experience and education helps explain another important part of her legacy: mentorship.

She has not simply participated in industries. She has helped teach the next generation how those industries work.

Leadership Beyond Retail

Limjoco’s leadership has also extended into the wider Philippine business community.

She has held leadership positions in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), including vice president roles, and has been involved in programs supporting entrepreneurship, membership development, and corporate social responsibility.

Her work has frequently centered on a belief in collaboration.

In a 2018 interview with Manila Bulletin, Limjoco spoke about the importance of working together and sharing what one has learned, describing this stage of her career as an opportunity to give back.

That philosophy is particularly relevant to the PRA.

An industry association becomes powerful not simply because of the companies it represents, but because experienced leaders are willing to share knowledge, advocate for the sector and help create opportunities for others.

Still Serving the PRA

Limjoco’s relationship with the PRA has continued well into its 50th anniversary year.

She was among the incumbent directors re-elected to the PRA Board for 2025-2027, representing Central Books, while concurrently being PRA’s Treasurer.

That continued involvement is perhaps the clearest indication that her contribution to Philippine retail is not merely historical.

She remains part of the industry’s continuing conversation.

And as the PRA celebrates five decades, her story is intertwined with the association’s own evolution—from its beginnings as the Chamber of Philippine Department Stores and Retailers in 1976 to its current role as a national voice for retailers and industry stakeholders.

A Legacy Measured in People

The 2026 PRA President’s Award recognizes Limjoco as a Pillar of Philippine Retail Leadership.

But her legacy can perhaps be understood in another way.

It can be seen in the retailers who benefited from a stronger industry association.

In entrepreneurs who learned how to franchise and scale.

In professionals who received training and mentorship.

In Philippine brands that gained access to international networks.

And in younger business leaders who inherited an industry with stronger institutions than the generation before them.

The PRA’s 50th anniversary publication itself placed Limjoco among the leaders who helped build the organization and shape the industry, alongside Samie Lim and Bobby Claudio.

That is why her 2026 PRA President’s Award recognition carries particular weight.

It is not simply an award for what Bing Limjoco accomplished.

It is recognition of what she helped make possible for others.

From retail leadership to franchising, from entrepreneurship to professional education, her career demonstrates that the most enduring form of leadership is not always about being the person at the top.

Sometimes, it is about opening doors, sharing knowledge, building institutions and helping others become capable of walking through those doors themselves.

For Philippine retail, that is a legacy worth celebrating.

And for the generations of retailers and entrepreneurs who follow, it is a legacy worth continuing.

Via: moneynewsph

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E3 2026 is designed to help event professionals source reliable partners, discover emerging technologies, and access practical solutions that elevate every stage of event planning and execution. From venue and production services to event technology, logistics, creative solutions, and business support, E3 offers a carefully curated marketplace where quality, credibility, and innovation come together.

This year’s edition places a stronger emphasis on delivering measurable value for both exhibitors and buyers by creating an environment where meaningful business conversations lead to lasting partnerships. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with companies that have the expertise, experience, and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the events industry, making E3 a one-stop destination for trusted event solutions.

Leveraging the global network of the prestigious World Trade Centers Association, E3 2026 is also poised to welcome a broader community of international exhibitors, buyers, and industry practitioners from across the region. This expanded global reach creates greater opportunities for cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business development while further positioning the Philippines as an emerging destination for the meetings, incentive travel,  conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

The two-day expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in event technology, production, venue solutions, logistics, infrastructure, creative services, and business solutions. Beyond the exhibition floor, E3 2026 offers a robust B2B experience through curated business matching sessions, pre-arranged buyer meetings, executive networking opportunities, and expert-led masterclasses where participants can gain valuable insights from leading industry practitioners on emerging trends, best practices, and the future of live events.

“The events industry thrives on strong partnerships and trusted solutions,” said Pamela D. Pascual, Chairman and CEO of World Trade Center Metro Manila. “E3 2026 is more than a showcase of products and services—it is a business platform that addresses the strong demand for organizers, suppliers, and decision-makers to come together to build relationships, discover new opportunities, and shape the future of events. By leveraging the strength of the World Trade Center network, we are opening more doors for local and international collaboration while reinforcing the Philippines’ role in the regional events landscape.”

Organized by World Trade Center Metro Manila, E3 builds on the organization’s three decades of experience in mounting international exhibitions and business events. Backed by the global reach of the World Trade Centers Association, which spans nearly 300 World Trade Centers across over 90 countries, the expo continues to strengthen its position as a gateway for international business, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Following a successful inaugural edition, E3 2026 is expected to attract even greater participation from local and international stakeholders, further establishing itself as one of Asia’s leading platforms for event sourcing, business networking, and industry advancement. Exhibitor reservations and visitor registration are now open. For more information, visit www.wtcmanila.com.ph or contact Ms. Lila P Cailles or Ms. Eia Dy at lpcailles@wtcmanila.com.ph or eudy@wtcmanila.com.ph.

Via: moneynewsph

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PASAY CITY, Philippines — A simple act of sharing brought together Copperstone Lending Inc., through Copperstone Cares, 365 Saints Educational Mission Inc., and the Supremus Cavaliers Eagles Club in a recent community feeding program at Pasay City General Hospital.

The initiative provided meals and a gesture of support to patients, families, and members of the hospital community, highlighting the value of partnerships in responding to everyday community needs.

When Care Becomes Action

For Copperstone Lending, community involvement is an important complement to its work in financial services.

Through Copperstone Cares, the company continues to support outreach initiatives that allow it to work alongside organizations and community groups in providing practical assistance to Filipinos.

The feeding activity was an opportunity to put that commitment into action.

For people spending time in a hospital—whether as patients, family members or caregivers—a simple meal can offer a welcome moment of comfort during what may be a difficult experience.

More than the food itself, the activity created an opportunity for volunteers and partner organizations to reach out, connect and serve.

It was a simple gesture, but one grounded in compassion.

Stronger Together

The participation of 365 Saints Educational Mission and Supremus Cavaliers also underscored the importance of collaboration in community initiatives.

Each organization brings its own people, networks and resources. By working toward one shared purpose, those individual contributions can become a stronger collective effort.

For Copperstone Cares, partnerships like this provide an opportunity to reach communities more directly while encouraging more organizations to participate in meaningful outreach.

The initiative also reflects a broader principle behind responsible corporate citizenship: businesses can contribute not only through what they sell or provide, but also through how they engage with the communities around them.

Connecting Business With Community

Copperstone Lending’s core business is focused on financial services and promoting responsible access to formal credit. Through Copperstone Cares, the company extends its community engagement beyond its day-to-day operations.

The feeding program at Pasay City General Hospital is part of that continuing effort.

Rather than viewing community support as a one-time activity, Copperstone Cares aims to build relationships with organizations that share a commitment to helping others and identifying opportunities where collaboration can create meaningful impact.

Continuing the Spirit of Giving

The partnership among Copperstone Cares, 365 Saints Educational Mission and Supremus Cavaliers demonstrates that community service can begin with something simple: seeing a need and choosing to respond.

As Copperstone Cares continues its outreach efforts, the company looks forward to working with more community organizations, civic groups and partners on initiatives that can make a practical difference.

Because sometimes, helping people move forward starts with something as simple as a meal, a helping hand and people willing to show up.

via Money News PH

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That contrast was evident at the 32nd National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) 2026, where the industry gathered at the SMX Convention Center Manila on August 6 and 7 to discuss the forces shaping its next chapter.

With the theme “New. Next. Forward.”, the event brought together retailers, entrepreneurs, suppliers, technology providers, business leaders, and other stakeholders at a time when artificial intelligence, digital commerce, evolving consumer expectations, and new business models are rapidly changing the retail landscape.

The result was more than another industry conference.

NRCE 2026 became a snapshot of an industry preparing for its next era.

Five Decades of Retail, A New Generation of Challenges

The PRA’s 50th anniversary gave this year’s NRCE additional significance.

Over five decades, Philippine retail has experienced major changes in how products are sold, how consumers shop, and how businesses compete.

Today, retailers face a different kind of transformation.

Physical stores now operate alongside digital channels. Customers expect seamless experiences. Data increasingly influences business decisions. Artificial intelligence is entering everyday operations. Sustainability and responsible business practices are gaining greater importance.

The challenge is to absorb these changes without losing the fundamental principles that make retail successful.

The Human Side of Transformation

PRA President Alice Liu emphasized an important principle during NRCE 2026: retail remains a people business.

That message provided a useful counterbalance to the heavy focus on technology.

As businesses adopt AI and automation, leadership, culture, employee development, and customer relationships remain essential.

This was evident in the discussion on succession involving Bryan and Brandon Liu of Golden ABC and Jathniel and Justine Thai of Primer Group of Companies.

For many Philippine family businesses, succession is not simply a question of transferring ownership. It involves preparing the next generation to understand the business, build trust, make decisions, and eventually lead.

The conversation highlighted why developing people remains a critical part of long-term business sustainability.

The Rise of the AI-Enabled Retailer

Technology nevertheless occupied an important place in the NRCE program.

Joseph Phi of Li & Fung discussed how AI can amplify human capabilities, while Dustin Lacap of McDonald’s Philippines encouraged businesses to view technology as an investment.

The practical message from RJ Paculan and Paolo Broma of TBWA\SMP was equally important: start with the problem before choosing the technology.

For retailers, that approach can help prevent digital transformation from becoming an expensive exercise without a clear business outcome.

The best technology investment is ultimately one that solves a real problem.

An Expo Built Around Action

If the conference explored what retail could become, the NRCE Expo demonstrated what businesses can already do.

Hundreds of exhibitors filled the exhibition floor with products, platforms, technologies, and services covering much of the modern retail ecosystem.

AI, payment systems, POS solutions, logistics, warehousing, e-commerce, omnichannel platforms, store design, marketing, financial technology, sustainability, and other business solutions were among the areas represented.

For retailers, the value was practical.

They could meet providers, compare solutions, experience demonstrations, discuss business requirements, and identify potential partners.

The exhibition therefore served as more than a showcase.

It became a marketplace for ideas and business relationships.

Reinvention as a Survival Skill

Retail’s ability to adapt was another major theme.

The conversation featuring Roxanne Farillas of RAFFCO/Plains & Prints, Toby Claudio of Toby’s Sports, and Paolo Misa of PUMA Philippines, moderated by Mary Jade T. Roxas-Divinagracia of PwC Philippines, examined how businesses respond when markets and consumer behavior shift.

Their experiences reinforced the idea that longevity doesn’t necessarily come from doing the same thing for decades.

Sometimes, longevity comes from knowing when to change.

For Filipino brands, that ability to evolve can also create opportunities beyond the domestic market.

Josh Boutwood, Mark Ocampo, and Abi Marquez explored how authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling can help Filipino products compete globally.

The Customer Remains at the Center

Perhaps the most enduring lesson from NRCE 2026 came during the closing conversation between Teresita Sy-Coson and Steven Tan, moderated by Rico Hizon.

Their discussion reflected on the development of Philippine retail and the continuing importance of customer-centric leadership.

That principle may be even more relevant today.

Consumers have more choices than ever. They can move between physical stores and digital platforms, compare prices instantly, discover new brands through social media, and share their experiences publicly.

Retailers therefore need to compete not only on products and price but also on convenience, trust, service, experience, and relevance.

From Industry Gathering to Industry Movement

As the two-day NRCE 2026 program came to a close, the event left the industry with a sense that transformation is no longer something retailers can simply prepare for.

It is already happening.

AI is changing workflows.

Digital platforms are changing customer journeys.

New generations are changing leadership.

Consumers are changing expectations.

And businesses are being challenged to become more resilient.

The role of the PRA, particularly as it celebrates 50 years, is to help create an environment where retailers can navigate these changes together.

Through industry events, collaboration, knowledge sharing, advocacy, and programs such as NRCE, the organization continues to provide a platform for Philippine retailers to learn from one another and prepare for the future.

The Road Ahead

NRCE 2026 ended with no single technology or business model being presented as the answer to everything.

Instead, it offered something more useful: a framework for moving forward.

Stay curious.

Invest in people.

Use technology with purpose.

Listen to customers.

Adapt when necessary.

Collaborate instead of operating alone.

And perhaps most importantly, continue building a Philippine retail industry that can compete while remaining distinctly Filipino.

After 50 years of PRA, the industry’s story is far from finished.

If anything, a new chapter is beginning.

New. Next. Forward.

The post NRCE 2026 Marks a New Era for Philippine Retail as PRA Celebrates 50 Years appeared first on Money News.

Trusted by Consumers Around the World

Since launching the LG InstaView refrigerator in 2016, LG has sold a remarkable 5.3 million units – equivalent to selling roughly one unit every minute. 

LG InstaView refrigerator has seen strong customer demand globally, with North America representing its strongest market and accounting for about 30 percent of cumulative sales to date. In Europe, InstaView refrigerator has also been well received by consumers who place high value on energy efficiency, sustainability and food preservation performance. Sales are also steadily rising in Asia and Latin America, driven by growing demand for premium appliances.

An Innovation That Redefined the Refrigerator

InstaView redefined how consumers interact with their refrigerators by allowing them to see inside without opening the door. This feature allows users to check the fridge’s contents without opening the door and helps reduce unnecessary cold-air loss associated with frequent door opening. Over the past decade, its innovation has been recognized by international media and honored with numerous accolades from major global design and innovation awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, IDEA, and the CES Innovation Award.

From Functional Benefit to Lifestyle Value

LG’s analysis of global customer reviews shows that consumer appreciation for the InstaView refrigerator and its eponymous feature has evolved over time, shifting from an initial focus on the functional benefits to the overall sense of satisfaction that it provides. While early feedback centered on the convenience of knocking twice to see inside and the reduction of cold air loss, more recent reviews increasingly highlight InstaView’s refined design and the enjoyment it brings to everyday kitchen use.

“For a decade now, LG InstaView refrigerator has stood as a testament to our leadership in the home appliance market and to our deep understanding of customers’ lifestyles,” said Baek Seung-tae, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “This milestone reflects our success in creating not just an innovative feature, but a more convenient and enjoyable kitchen experience. Building on our advanced AI, refrigeration and food preservation technologies, we will continue to lead the evolution of the kitchen experience with customer-centric innovations.” 

Via: Money News PH

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HONG KONG — Fosun International has projected a strong rebound in its financial performance for the first half of 2026, forecasting a significant increase in profit as its core businesses continue to deliver resilient growth and improved operational efficiency.

In a positive profit alert issued by the company, Fosun said profit attributable to shareholders for the first six months of 2026 is expected to reach between RMB1.5 billion and RMB1.8 billion, representing a 127% to 172% increase compared with the same period last year. According to the company, the anticipated growth reflects stronger performance across its core industries, higher industrial operating profits, and continued improvements in business quality.

The earnings outlook follows Fosun’s strategic restructuring initiatives implemented over the past year, including the divestment of non-core assets and a renewed focus on businesses with long-term growth potential.

Strategic Transformation Begins to Deliver Results

Market observers believe the company’s latest earnings guidance validates its strategy of streamlining operations, strengthening core businesses, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Following impairment provisions made in 2025 for selected real estate projects and non-core investments, analysts noted that Fosun entered 2026 with a stronger financial foundation, positioning the company for a sustained earnings recovery.

Industry analysts also pointed to Fosun’s disciplined portfolio optimization strategy, saying the company has shifted its focus toward strengthening investment capabilities and improving profitability across its principal business segments, including healthcare, insurance, consumer businesses, and cultural tourism.

Pharmaceutical and Insurance Businesses Remain Growth Pillars

Among Fosun’s major business units, healthcare and insurance continue to serve as the company’s primary earnings drivers.

Fosun Pharma, one of the group’s flagship healthcare companies, reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of RMB10.073 billion, representing a 6.93% year-on-year increase, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB871 million, up 13.87% from the previous year. Excluding non-recurring items, adjusted net profit increased by 21.96% year-on-year.

Beyond financial performance, Fosun’s pharmaceutical business has continued expanding its innovative drug pipeline.

During the first quarter of 2026, the company secured acceptance for four new drug applications while receiving regulatory approval for 14 clinical trial applications across domestic and international markets.

One of the year’s major milestones came in June, when China’s National Medical Products Administration approved a new indication for Henlius’ anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody HANSIZHUANG, making it the world’s first approved perioperative anti-PD-1 treatment for gastric cancer. The therapy subsequently received approval from the European Commission for treating adult patients with unresectable or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Industry observers believe products such as HANSIZHUANG, together with Fosun’s broader innovative drug pipeline, are entering a new commercialization phase that could strengthen future revenue growth while supporting continued investment in research and development.

Insurance also remained a stable contributor to the group’s earnings.

Fosun Insurance Portugal (Fidelidade) posted net profit attributable to shareholders of EUR201 million in 2025, representing more than 15% year-on-year growth, while maintaining double-digit premium growth across both domestic and international markets during the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance reported first-half net profit of RMB786 million, already surpassing its full-year 2025 earnings.

Consumer, Tourism and Intelligent Manufacturing Businesses Build Momentum

Outside healthcare and insurance, Fosun’s consumer, tourism, and intelligent manufacturing businesses also demonstrated encouraging growth.

Consumer-focused subsidiary Yuyuan expects first-half 2026 net profit attributable to shareholders to range between RMB120 million and RMB170 million, representing an increase of 91.04% to 170.64% year-on-year. The company attributed the improvement to ongoing business transformation initiatives, product portfolio optimization, and stronger operational efficiency.

Its jewelry and fashion business has likewise benefited from product innovation, enhanced consumer experiences, and international expansion, positioning the segment for continued recovery.

Fosun Tourism Group also maintained strong operating momentum throughout major holiday periods in China.

During the Labor Day holiday, inbound visitor arrivals at Atlantis Sanya increased by 90% compared with the previous year. Club Med Lijiang Resort welcomed more than 30,000 guests, while revenue across Club Med’s China operations rose 6% year-on-year. Visitor numbers at Alps Snow Live climbed by 30%.

The tourism portfolio also expanded with the groundbreaking of the Haitang Performing Arts Center in Sanya, a key component of Fosun’s ULTRAMED development that will complement Atlantis Sanya as a dual tourism destination. Construction also began on the company’s integrated development project in Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, envisioned as a new mixed-use urban landmark.

In intelligent manufacturing, Hainan Mining forecast first-half net profit of RMB470 million to RMB550 million, representing year-on-year growth of 68% to 96%. The company cited strong demand in its new energy business, including multiple shipments totaling 70,000 tons of lithium concentrate, supporting continued lithium salt production.

Meanwhile, Wansheng expanded its global manufacturing footprint with the launch of its first overseas production facility in Thailand, where phosphate ester flame retardant production has officially commenced.

Market Sees Clearer Path to Long-Term Growth

Analysts believe Fosun’s latest earnings guidance marks an important milestone in the company’s transformation strategy, reflecting a shift from portfolio optimization toward stronger operational performance and sustainable profitability.

The company continues to pursue long-term financial targets that include restoring annual profit to around RMB10 billion, generating RMB60 billion in cash returns, reducing total debt below RMB60 billion, and ultimately achieving an investment-grade credit rating.

Investor confidence has also been supported by Fosun’s continued share repurchase program. Between March 30 and July 10, the company repurchased approximately 53.41 million shares with a total consideration of around HKD216 million, underscoring management’s confidence in the group’s long-term outlook.

With continued progress across healthcare, insurance, consumer businesses, tourism, and intelligent manufacturing, industry observers believe Fosun International is entering a new phase of earnings recovery driven by innovation, globalization, and stronger operational execution.

via ACN Newswire / Money News PH

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To navigate this evolving landscape, sector leaders are prioritizing hyper-personalization, operational efficiency, and digital trust as key pillars of their business strategy. With 87% of Filipino consumers now expecting experiences tailored to their individual preferences, generic service presents a clear business risk. At the same time, industry-targeted cyber threats have risen by 325%, demonstrating that robust cybersecurity is a baseline necessity for guest confidence. Furthermore, implementing automated systems to handle routine processes such as billing and reservation modifications helps businesses mitigate ongoing labor shortages and rising costs, allowing staff to focus on high-value, personal guest interactions.

In response to these shifts, Globe Business believes the answer lies in what it calls Intelligent Transformation, an integrated approach that enables hospitality and food service organizations to harness cloud and data capabilities, supported by secure and reliable connectivity and cybersecurity. This approach reflects Globe Business’s commitment to powering premium guest experiences and more efficient operations.

By combining guest data, AI-enabled systems, and real-time analytics, hospitality and food service businesses can deliver more relevant recommendations and tailored interactions. According to industry benchmarks, executing this level of personalization can increase guest lifetime value by 20% to 30%. This unified digital foundation allows HoReCa organizations to replace fragmented legacy IT systems with a single, secure infrastructure.

“Today, the most successful hospitality businesses rely on how effectively a company integrates every digital touchpoint of the guest journey,” said Marlon Cruz, Head of Consulting and Architecture at Globe Business. “Intelligent Transformation helps organizations establish technology as a strategic asset that supports employees, safeguards guest data, and drives sustainable revenue.”

These operational priorities and digital strategies formed the core of discussions led by Globe Business during MyKar Events, Inc.’s 9th Hospitality Summit and 5th Food and Beverage Summit. Underpinning all these efforts is connectivity. Stable and reliable network infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a critical digital foundation, essential to enabling seamless, hyper-personalized, and secure customer experiences.

As the HoReCa industry continues to evolve, Globe Business remains committed to helping businesses navigate change through solutions that combine connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, and data-driven innovation. By enabling Intelligent Transformation, the company aims to help hospitality and food service organizations create experiences that drive sustainable growth in an increasingly connected world.

Learn more about Globe Business solutions for Hospitality and Food Service industries by visiting www.globe.com.ph/business. 

Via: moneynewsph

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