TikTok Shop highlights key strategies and collaborative efforts to support Filipino MSMEs in navigating the digital economy

TikTok Shop Philippines recently participated in GoNegosyo’s Online Selling Summit, reaffirming its dedication to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. Organized by GoNegosyo, this event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and MSMEs to explore innovative ways to accelerate the growth of small businesses through digital tools and strategies.

Themed “Digital Economy: Fueling Growth, Empowering E-Commerce,” the summit emphasized the crucial role of digital platforms in enabling MSMEs to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy. It provided a venue for Filipino entrepreneurs to learn about the latest digital trends, tools, and strategies that help them transition from survival to success.

“Digital technology is key for our MSMEs to succeed in today’s evolving business landscape. Platforms like TikTok Shop, and the likes of it, create new opportunities for small entrepreneurs, allowing them to access markets that were previously out of reach,” said Joey Concepcion, Founder of GoNegosyo. “Together with TikTok Shop and the rest of the digital alliance community, we aim to equip MSMEs with the skills, tools, and resources they need to grow their businesses and contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive digital economy in the Philippines.”

Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead for TikTok Shop Philippines, joined industry experts in the panel titled “Level Up with Online Ecosystems and Platforms”, where he discussed how MSMEs can leverage TikTok Shop’s dynamic platform to enhance their reach, optimize engagement, and achieve sustainable growth.

“TikTok Shop’s mission is to empower Filipino MSMEs through social commerce,” said Aligaen. “Our platform integrates content with commerce, allowing small businesses to engage customers in a more compelling way. By turning content into revenue, we aim to create a meaningful impact on the growth of local enterprises.”

Empowering MSMEs through Digitalization
TikTok Shop empowers MSMEs by providing a dynamic, integrated platform for both marketing and selling, fostering business growth and community support. By utilizing features such as livestream selling and affiliate marketing, MSMEs can enhance their visibility and interact directly with a nationwide audience. These tools are crucial in helping small businesses overcome barriers, such as limited financial resources and access to markets.

Through its ACE Framework—Assortment, Content, and Empowerment—TikTok Shop helps businesses optimize their product offerings, create engaging content, and ultimately convert interactions into sales. This approach allows MSMEs to seamlessly combine marketing and sales, driving both customer engagement and revenue growth.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

To empower MSMEs beyond just digital tools, TikTok Shop collaborates with strategic partners such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and GoNegosyo, providing essential training and resources.  These initiatives ensure that Filipino MSMEs have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

Building on its success at the National MSME Summit 2024, TikTok Shop continues to work closely with GoNegosyo to promote the growth of small businesses through digital innovation. At the MSME Summit, TikTok Shop showcased its “Shoppertainment” approach, which integrates engaging content with seamless commerce and has become an important strategy for MSMEs looking to reach a nationwide audience and drive business growth.

Addressing Barriers and Enabling Growth

TikTok Shop strives to make e-commerce accessible and effective for all, providing a comprehensive ecosystem that supports seamless interaction between businesses and customers.

“Our goal is to be a catalyst for small businesses to succeed by creating a supportive ecosystem where MSMEs can grow and prosper. By combining digital tools with strong partnerships, we believe that MSMEs can lead the way in driving economic progress in the Philippines,” added Aligaen.

TikTok Shop remains committed to providing the tools, technology, and training needed to support MSMEs in their journey toward sustainable growth. Through social commerce, mentorship, and community engagement, TikTok Shop is helping create an inclusive and dynamic digital economy for all Filipino entrepreneurs.

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From Bills to Budget Goals: Top 20 GCash Features that Make Finances a Breeze

What started as a simple SMS money transfer has exploded into the financial super app that Filipinos can’t live without! For 20 years, GCash has been rolling out feature after feature, making life easier, faster, and more inclusive for everyone.

From sending money in seconds to paying bills, shopping, and even investing, GCash has completely transformed how we handle money. And guess what? These 20 game-changing features are just a taste of what GCash has to offer! There’s a whole world of services in the app waiting to be explored. Ready to dive into some of the crowd favorites? Let’s begin!

1. SMS Money Transfer
   This is where it all began! Picture this: it’s 2004, flip phones are the hottest gadgets, and texting is the way to stay connected. Then GCash swoops in and changes the game, letting people send and receive money with a simple SMS/text! GCash made moving money as easy as texting a friend, opening the door to financial freedom for millions. Who knew sending cash could be as easy as sending “LOL”?
2. Buy Load
   By 2012, smartphones were everywhere, and GCash was right there, keeping up with the times. Enter Buy Load. Now you can reload your prepaid credits anytime, anywhere, straight from your phone! No more rushing to the sari-sari store for load. Today, more than prepaid load, you can also top up mobile data, promos, and other prepaid services like Cignal TV, Konsulta MD, and more. Life just got a whole lot more convenient!
3. Pay Bills
   Long lines at payment centers? Not here! In 2012, GCash’s Pay Bills feature turned your phone into a personal cashier, letting you pay for everything from electric bills to tuition without leaving home. Missed deadlines? Never again! Just a few taps, and you’re all set. With over 1,900+ billers all in the app to date, how is that for leveling up your money game?
4. Scan-to-Pay QR
   Remember when cashless payments felt like something out of the future? GCash brought it to life in 2017 with Scan-to-Pay QR, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It made its debut when Globe Telecom’s President and CEO, Ernest Cu, used it for the first-ever payment at Mini Stop (now Uncle John’s). No more scrambling for change, just scan, pay, and go. GCash was at the forefront of the cashless revolution, making shopping faster, easier, and way more fun.
5. eKYC (Electronic Know-Your-Customer)
   Remember when verifying your identity (KYC) meant standing in line at a store? Well, not anymore! Launched in 2018, GCash’s eKYC feature made getting verified quick, safe, and fully digital. What once required a face-to-face meeting with your ID is now as easy as opening the GCash app, scanning your ID, snapping a selfie, and hitting submit. GCash handles the rest, and boom! You’re verified in no time!
6. GCredit
   By 2018, GCash wasn’t just about sending money anymore, it was about borrowing it, too! With GCredit, in partnership with CIMB, you could get instant cash when you needed it, with no bank hoops to jump through. Whether it was for an emergency or to pay bills, GCredit had your back!
7. GScore
   Also, in 2018, GCash launched GScore, and suddenly, your financial world was all about leveling up! The higher your GScore, the more perks you could unlock in your GCash app, like access to more lending products. It’s like your personal power up in the GCash universe, opening doors for more financial freedom! Today, there are 5.4 million unique borrowers, with 1 in 3 borrowers being small business owners and 2 in 3 borrowers being women.
8. GSave
   In 2018, GSave made saving money a breeze. No paperwork, no bank lines, and with just a few taps, you were saving like a pro. Finally, everyday Filipinos had easy access to banking and financial security at their fingertips. Today, GSave has evolved into a savings marketplace where you can open accounts with BPI, Unobank, CIMB, and Maybank, all within the app. Oh, and did we mention? There are now 10.9 million registered GSave users earning up to 15% interest on savings!
9. GForest
   What if you could help save the planet while using GCash? In 2019, GForest made that possible! Every transaction earned you points to plant virtual trees that were later turned into real ones. So far, GCash, through its credible local and international partners, has planted 2.8 million trees! With 17 million Green Heroes and 138,000 tons of carbon dioxide reduced, GCash is helping the planet while helping you manage your money.
10. GInsure
    When the world turned upside down in 2020, GInsure was born to give users access to affordable health and life insurance. With just a few taps, getting insured wasn’t intimidating anymore. It was quick, easy, and right in your pocket. Today, GInsure is your one-stop shop for all insurance needs. From life and health to cars, travel, accidents, and even pets — yes, really, among others! And with premiums starting at just PHP 10 a month, it’s one of the most affordable options out there. With over 28.3 million GInsure policies sold and 7.8 million registered users, GCash is making protection accessible for all.
11. GLife
    Since its launch in 2020, GLife has grown into more than a lifestyle mini-program, it is now a full-blown super app within GCash! What started with shopping and food delivery has expanded into a one-stop shop for everything from travel bookings and entertainment to essential services like bill payment, health, and even insurance. With GLife, you can access a world of services without leaving the GCash app. It’s bigger, better, and more convenient than ever!
12. GGives & GLoan
    In 2021, GCash took borrowing to the next level with GGives and GLoan. Need that new gadget but don’t want to pay for it all at once? GGives lets you split your payments into easy installments, with select merchants even offering 0% interest! And if you need quick cash, GLoan has you covered with loans up to PHP 125,000. Just a few taps, and boom! Borrowing made simple, straight to your GCash ewallet!
13. GInvest Funds
    Ever wanted to invest in the world’s biggest companies but thought it was out of your reach? Not with GInvest! Launched in 2021, GInvest, now called GFunds, allows you to participate in the growth of both local and global companies for as low as PHP 50. Whether you’re eyeing top local corporations or global giants, GInvest makes it easy to start investing with just a few taps. Now anyone can build their investment portfolio without leaving the GCash app!
14. GJobs
    What started as a simple job search feature in 2021 has evolved into a comprehensive platform connecting users with employment opportunities. Now, GJobs, powered by PasaJob, helps job seekers by searching for jobs within the GCash app, offering tailored job listings and resources that streamline the hiring process. Now you can even refer friends and family to jobs and earn a referral fee once successfully placed. This feature facilitates employment and supports the growing gig economy, helping Filipinos find work that fits their skills and lifestyle.
15. Global Pay
    GCash did not stop at local payments. In 2022, Global Pay took things international! With GCash and Alipay+, cross-border payments became a breeze. Whether you’re shopping online or traveling abroad, GCash turned your phone into a global wallet, accepted worldwide! Keeping things easy no matter where you are.
16. Send Money Protect (Scam Insurance)
    With digital threats on the rise, GCash teamed up with Chubb to launch Send Money Protect in 2023. This cyber insurance adds an extra layer of security to every GCash Express Send transfer of up to PHP 15,000 for 30 days, shielding you from scams like social engineering, account takeovers, or online shopping fraud. Now, you can send money with total peace of mind!
17. GStocks PH
    Ever thought investing was too complicated? Not with GStocks PH, it isn’t! Launched in 2023 in partnership with AB Capital, GCash brought the stock market to your smartphone. Now, anyone can invest in Philippine stocks straight from the app, no brokers required. With 692,000 users and a minimum investment as low as PHP 1,000, it’s investing, simplified, and accessible to all.
18. GCrypto
    Also, in 2023, GCash dove into the world of cryptocurrency. Buying, selling, and trading crypto became as easy as managing your e-wallet with GCrypto, in partnership with PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange). The world of digital currencies was now open to everyone, and GCash made it happen, all from your phone.
19. GCash Visa Card
    GCash didn’t just stop at e-wallets. In 2023, the GCash Visa Card bridged the gap between digital payments and the real world. Whether shopping online or in physical stores, you can tap into your GCash balance wherever Visa is accepted. No hidden charges, the best forex rates, and accepted in over 200 countries and territories, this card has you covered wherever you go!
20. GCash Overseas
    For Filipinos abroad, GCash Overseas was a total game-changer in 2023. Now, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants can use GCash even with a non-Philippine SIM. From sending money to paying bills in real-time, GCash keeps you connected to your financial responsibilities back home. Want more control over your money? You can send funds to your family instantly, without service fees, or pay for bills in the Philippines, all from wherever you are in the world.

For 20 years, GCash has been pushing boundaries, but one thing has stayed the same: its mission is to make financial services accessible to every Filipino. From a humble SMS transfer service? to a super app that revolutionized money management, GCash has transformed the way we handle finances — and it’s only the beginning.

These 20 features are just the tip of the iceberg. GCash has even more to offer, with tons of tools and services making life easier every day. As we celebrate two decades with GCash, we can’t wait to see how it will continue shaping the future of finance for the next 20 years and beyond!

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In a remarkable prelude to the much-anticipated Golden Celebration of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this year, a ceremonial contract signing took place in City of Dreams Manila, signifying an important step in the partnership between Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). This event not only highlights a significant milestone for both organizations but also sets the tone for what is expected to be a groundbreaking year for the Philippine entertainment industry.

As part of the programs, projects, and activities in celebration of its 50^th year, the Metro Manila Film Festival named City of Dreams Manila as its Official Event Partner for the Golden Gala on Nov. 11, 2024. This prestigious partnership with one of the country’s premier luxury destinations underscores the importance of the occasion, promising an unforgettable evening of glamour, entertainment, and philanthropy. The Golden Gala, hosted at City of Dreams Manila, will bring together a distinguished audience of celebrities, industry leaders, and influential personalities to honor the best of Philippine cinema, while also reinforcing its ties to the global film community.

A notable presence during the ceremonial signing was the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND), a nonprofit organization that has been championing the welfare of marginalized workers in the Philippine film industry for 50 years. MOWELFUND’s dedication to social welfare, education, and the preservation of film heritage was proudly represented by Chairwoman Boots Anson Roa, along with Board Member Gina Alajar and Welfare Director Joey Roa, further cementing the importance of this event.

The event brought together distinguished figures from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), and their initial group of brand and media partners. Among the notable attendees were Chairman Romando S. Artes from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona, Executive Director of MMFF; Charisse Chuidian, Vice-President for Public Relations of City of Dreams Manila; Raul Putong, Chief Operating Officer of MIFF; Jim Baltazar, Director for CMB Film Services; along with Cherry Ann Carrera, CEO of Media Puzzle Holdings Corp.; and Bing Viray, Project Director for Media Puzzle Holdings Corp. The MMFF and MIFF also recognized their esteemed brand partners, including Shantal’s Beauty & Wellness Products, represented by CEO and Founder Rossel “Shantal” Dimayuga; Brenan Global, represented by CEO Brenda So; Wow Glow, owned by Mariz Villanueva and Vlad Villanueva; and Gluta Skin, represented by CEO Lira Lacsamana. Additionally, gratitude was extended to media partners such as PhilStar, Philippine Daily Inquirer, MBC Media Group, Manila Times, and Manila Standard.

This ceremonial signing ignites a transformative chapter for the Philippine entertainment industry. As we count down to the 50^th edition of MMFF, we stand on the brink of a historic moment that will not only celebrate the rich heritage of Filipino cinema but also catapult it into the international spotlight. The MMFF 50^th Golden Gala on Nov. 11 at City of Dreams Manila promises to be more than just an event — it will be a defining moment for the industry, filled with glamour, prestige, and the power of Filipino artistry. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of Philippine cinema on the global stage.

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Globe, the leading telecommunications and digital solutions provider in the Philippines, has been recognized for having the Best Network Reliability Solution at the 5G Core Summit Awards, hosted by leading tech market insight firm Informa Tech.

The award recognizes the mobile operator that “has achieved exceptional stability and reliability in its network infrastructure” and “demonstrates excellence in maintaining high performance across diverse regions, understanding and meeting user expectations, and minimizing downtime,” according to the awards website.

The recognition is a nod to Globe’s pioneering efforts to build up its 5G network, with its outdoor coverage reaching 98.45% in its capital region and 94.19% in key cities across its two other major island groups, Visayas and Mindanao, as of June 2024.

Earlier this year, Globe became the first Philippine telco to deploy End-to-End (E2E) Network Slicing Function of 5G Standalone (SA), the most advanced 5G technology, paving the way for a range of applications, including high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming, virtual reality, and Internet of Things (IoT).

“This recognition affirms our efforts to invest in 5G technology and make it more accessible to our customers. 5G holds great promise as digital adoption in the Philippines continues to accelerate, and our goal is to have our network ready for when the market is ready to fully utilize the benefits of 5G,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Head of Service Planning and Engineering.

The awards were held during the 5G Core Summit (5GCS) in Dubai, where Globe announced its groundbreaking advancements in building a highly stable and resilient 5G core network, ensuring unparalleled service continuity for its customers.

As a pioneer in the Philippines’ 5G rollout, Globe has consistently invested in cutting-edge technologies and continues to expand its 5G network coverage across major cities.

Globe understands the unique challenges of the Philippines, a nation prone to natural disasters. To ensure uninterrupted service for its customers, the company has built a core network architecture designed for exceptional stability and resilience. Globe has embraced a four-layer architecture for high-stability, a journey that began in 2013 and continues to evolve with the ever-changing demands of their networks, so that each layer will contribute to the overall stability of the network.

“We face many challenges in the Philippines, owing to our geography and weather. Our goal is to fortify the resilience of our network and ensure zero service disruption, zero user data loss and minimize human intervention,” said Gerard Ortines, Globe Vice President for Core Network Planning and Engineering.

As for the infrastructure layer, Globe’s network of distributed data centers across multiple locations provides geographically diverse redundancy, ensuring seamless service continuity even during storage failures.

This network is built upon three pillars– NF high-reliability, network high-reliability, and data high-availability– helping it withstand significant signaling load increases and seamlessly transition operations between data centers. Globe’s core network is also built for resilience in the face of extreme scenarios such as disasters, ensuring service availability even in the event of multiple failures.

Globe is now exploring new ways to improve network stability by anticipating and preventing potential issues before they happen. This includes predicting problems in real-time and automatically identifying the causes to reduce service disruptions. The first step is introducing digital twin technology, which gives real-time insights into the network’s condition. This will allow for proactive monitoring, early problem detection, and faster resolution of any faults.

By using innovative technology and building a strong, resilient network, Globe aims to ensure best-in-class customer experience. Globe will continue to work closely with industry partners and global leaders to set and implement reliability standards for the telecommunications industry.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

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Getting hold of the much-anticipated iPhone 16 Series is sweeter with mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), as it unveils its amazing deals and data perks for Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid customers.

FREE 16 GB 5G data per month for 16 weeks with Smart Postpaid

New Smart Postpaid customers can avail of the iPhone 16 Series starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 with a low down payment of PHP 21,000 and a monthly amortization of only PHP 1,300 under a 24-month contract.

Meanwhile, re-contracting Smart Postpaid subscribers can get an iPhone 16 (128GB) with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 for only PHP2,121 per month for 24 months — without cashout. The device is also available for an even lower monthly amortization of PHP1,697 (subject to credit approval) on a 30-month contract.

Under this plan, customers can enjoy UNLI 5G for 12 months, 20GB of open access data, Netflix mobile subscription, Unlimited Texts, Calls to Mobile and Landline, and exclusive Smart Perks from select restaurants, shopping, beauty and travel partners.

Moreover, subscribers who successfully pre-order their new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max during the pre-order period from Oct. 10, 12:01 a.m. to Oct. 13, 11:59 p.m. shall enjoy FREE 16GB 5G data per month for 16 weeks, empowering them to make the most of their new device.

Get the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max with Smart Infinity

On the other hand, Smart Infinity members may get the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max with their Infinity Plans, which comes with Unlimited Data, Texts & Calls, Data Roaming Packs, and Monthly Consumable Allocation plus  a suite of exclusive privileges tailored to their premium lifestyle.

Smart Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy access to an Infinity Relationship Manager that handles all their account-related concerns, as well as 24/7 access to an Infinity Concierge, a dedicated hotline for round-the-clock mobile assistance and access to exclusive lifestyle events.

FREE 16GB for 16 days with Smart Prepaid

Meanwhile, Smart Prepaid customers who only  wish to purchase a device  can get the iPhone 16 for as low as PHP 2,313 per month for 24 months at 0% interest installment.

Smart Prepaid subscribers who successfully sign up during the preorder period can get their new iPhone 16  with a Smart Prepaid bundle, which comes with a FREE Smart Prepaid eSIM, 1.6GB data per week for 16 weeks, plus FREE 16GB data valid for 16 days.

Easier and more affordable payment terms for  the latest iPhones

To make it easier for customers to upgrade to the latest iPhones, Smart also offers wide range of payment options through partner banks and financing institutions.

BDO and BPI credit card users can conveniently enjoy up to 12 months installment, while RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank credit card users can enjoy 12-month or 24-month installment options on their iPhone purchase with Smart.

On the other hand, Home Credit users may pay for up to 15, 18, and 24 months for as low as P2,345 per month to get the latest iPhone from Smart.

 Most advanced iPhones ever

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip with industry-leading CPU performance, feature larger display sizes, Camera Control, innovative pro camera features, and a huge leap in battery life.

The latest iPhones are powered by Smart’s superior 5G mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal.

Smart’s amazing offers complement the most advanced iPhones ever,  ensuring that our customers  can enjoy the new iPhone 16 Series and maximize  its groundbreaking features  powered by our superior mobile network,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice-President for Wireless Consumer Business at Smart.

Smart customers may gear up to preorder the latest iPhones to avail of Smart’s amazing deals and data perks by visiting https://smart.com.ph/Pages/iPhone16Soon.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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