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Caitlin Clark sets rookie scoring mark; Fever edge Wings

CAITLIN CLARK — WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

CAITLIN CLARK dazzled with a career-high 35 points and set the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) single-season rookie scoring record, leading the Indiana Fever to a thrilling 110-109 victory over the visiting Dallas Wings on Sunday afternoon.

Clark, who set the single-season assist record on Friday, broke Seimone Augustus’ rookie scoring mark of 744 points set in 2006 with Minnesota.

Clark achieved the feat with 2:54 to play in the third, drilling a 3-pointer that knotted the game at 78-all.

Kelsey Mitchell also excelled for the Fever (20-19), scoring 30 points while Aliyah Boston added 15 in the team’s regular-season home finale. Boston made two free throws with 1.1 seconds left to ice the game.

With the score tied at 86-all in the fourth, Clark drove to the hoop twice and connected, nudging Indiana in front 90-86 with 6:35 remaining. Clark then knocked down consecutive 3-pointers that stretched the Fever’s lead to 96-88 at the 4:19 mark.

Indiana made 16 3-pointers in all, including three in the final two minutes — two coming from Damiris Dantas — as it snapped a two-game losing streak. Clark made six of her 14 attempts from beyond the arc and dished out a game-high eight assists.

Wings all-time leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale nearly rallied Dallas, hitting a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds to play that cut Indiana’s lead to 108-106.

Ogunbowale scored 27 and became the fastest in WNBA history to 4,000 career points when she buried a 3-pointer with 5:30 to play in the third. The historic shot tied the game 70-all.

Satou Sabally added 27 points, including a last-second 3-pointer, and Natasha Howard finished with 26 for Dallas (9-30). Howard also pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds while Teaira McCowan chipped in 14 points.

The Wings have lost 16 consecutive road games and their last eight games overall, including two against the Fever this month.

Dallas made four of its five 3-point attempts and shot 68.4 percent overall from the field as it led 34-26 at the end of the first quarter.

Clark and Mitch each scored 12 points in the second quarter as Indiana trimmed Dallas’ lead to 59-57 at the half. — Reuters

Lynx take down Liberty in battle of WNBA’s No. 1 vs 2

THE visiting Minnesota Lynx continued their dominance of the New York Liberty this season with an 88-79 win Sunday.

Five Lynx players finished in double figures in scoring, led by Bridget Carleton with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Napheesa Collier had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Lynx.

Breanna Stewart had a season-high 38 points and a career-high-tying 18 rebounds for the Liberty.

In the final two regular-season games, New York (31-7) needs just one win or one Lynx loss to clinch the top seed in the WNBA playoffs. The Lynx (29-9) are holding on to the second seed by two games over the Connecticut Sun, who lost 84-71 to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night.

Though the Liberty have been the best team in the WNBA most of the season, they have struggled against the Lynx, losing three of four meetings, including the Commissioner’s Cup championship game.

Minnesota built the lead to 26 points — the largest lead any team has had on the Liberty this season — but had to sweat out the fourth quarter as the Liberty made a strong charge.

New York cut the lead to 80-72 on a Stewart triple with 4:39 left. Kayla McBride answered with a long 3 from the wing for the Lynx with 3:25 left. Sabrinia Ionescu made a free throw with 56.1 seconds left to make it 85-77, but Minnesota closed it out from there.

The Lynx are the only team to win the season series against the Liberty this season.

Minnesota took it to the Liberty early, racing out to a 16-6 lead in the first five minutes with Carleton hitting the first of her four 3-pointers in the first half. — Reuters

Chiefs hit game-ending FG, beat Bengals in back-and-forth game

KANSAS CITY — Harrison Butker converted a 51-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Kansas City Chiefs past the visiting Cincinnati Bengals 26-25 on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 25 passes for just 151 yards. He tossed two touchdowns, including a 44-yarder to Rashee Rice, but added two interceptions.

With his team down two, Mahomes received one final chance after rookie safety Daijahn Anthony was called for pass interference with 38 seconds remaining as the Chiefs faced fourth-and-16 from their own 35.

Joe Burrow was 23-of-36 for 258 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Andrei Iosivas.

The game was another installment of one of the NFL’s most riveting rivalries of the last four years. Burrow is 3-2 lifetime against Mahomes.

After Evan McPherson’s 33-yard field goal gave the Bengals a 13-10 lead in the second quarter, Cincinnati’s Sheldon Rankins punched the ball loose from running back Carson Steele at midfield and Germaine Pratt recovered. The Bengals converted with McPherson’s third field goal of the day, a 48-yarder.

Trey Hendrickson, who beat rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia for two sacks, provided a key spark to the defense with a sack of Mahomes on Kansas City’s final drive before the half.

The Chiefs drove 70 yards on the opening possession of the second half and took their first lead of the game, 17-16, on a 1-yard tackle-eligible pass to Wanya Morris.

Burrow answered with a long drive, capped by a fourth-down touchdown pass of 3 yards to Iosivas. The extra point was missed and the Bengals led, 22-17. — Reuters

SM Supermalls kicks off 100 Days of Christmas as a Santa to their community

SM Supermalls is ringing in the holiday spirit with its 100 Days of Joy countdown, spreading cheer and generosity all over the Philippines. Every day from Sept. 16 to Dec. 25, SM will be giving back to the shoppers and communities that have made the malls a joyful place all year round.

With 86 malls nationwide, SM is proud to serve as community hubs and the setting of countless memories, cultural celebrations, and everyday delights. Every day until Christmas, SM will be sharing a video showcasing how each mall has found new ways to make the merriest season of all shine even brighter for their local communities.

Bringing Joy to Communities

To kick off 100 Days of Joy, SM Mall of Asia treated over 100 students from the Philippine National School for the Deaf to an extraordinary early Christmas experience. With the help of the SM Store, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen, these students were treated to an early Christmas treat like no other!

To find out what surprises were in store, watch the video here:

Bears of Joy 2024: Huggable Gifts for Children in Need

SM will also continue its beloved Bears of Joy initiative; but this time, with a more cuddly, fluffy look! For every bear purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading warmth and comfort to those craving the magic of Christmas. This year, SM is introducing Hug-A-Mood, a collection of huggable expressions that reflect the wide range of emotions children experience.

Be a Santa This Christmas

Starting Sept. 16, SM will spread joy nationwide through a series of heartwarming surprises and festive activities. Shoppers can expect to be greeted by enchanting light projections across its malls, each displaying a cheerful “100 Days to Christmas” greeting alongside vibrant decorations. This dazzling display will set the tone for the holiday excitement, signaling that the season of joy has officially begun.

For Filipinos, Christmas is more than just a holiday — it’s a time of bonding, celebration, and community, often centered on spending time with loved ones in the malls. Through these festive sights and sounds, SM Supermalls ensures that the Christmas spirit is felt far and wide, bringing joy to every corner and making the malls a vibrant hub for holiday memories.

As we countdown to Christmas, SM calls  on everyone to embrace their communities and spread the joy of the season. Whether through the Bears of Joy initiative, nominating communities for special recognition, or simply enjoying the holiday atmosphere at SM malls, there are countless ways to share the Christmas spirit.

Let’s make this Christmas season the most meaningful one yet by embracing the communities that make our families and lives so much bigger.

Let the countdown begin!

 

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Thai baht is too strong and impacting exports, minister says

PERESLAVL FROM PIXABAY

BANGKOK — Thailand’s baht is too strong and is affecting exports, which are expected to post only small growth this year, and the central bank should take action on the currency, the commerce minister said on Monday.

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) should also cut interest rates to increase liquidity, Pichai Naripthaphan said, continuing a months-long disagreement between the government and the central bank over the setting of rates.

One Monday, the baht traded at its strongest level in more than 18 months against the US dollar.

The ministry last month maintained its export growth target for the full year at 1% to 2%. For the January-July period, exports were up 3.8% from the same period in 2023.

In August, the central bank held key rates at 2.5% for a fifth straight meeting, saying policy settings were at neutral levels as it resisted the government’s call for a rate cut.

The next rate review is on Oct. 16.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said earlier this year, before she became prime minister, that central bank independence was an obstacle to solving economic problems.

The government, led by the populist Pheu Thai party, has repeatedly called for a rate cut to align with its planned fiscal stimulus as it looks to jump start Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

The government will launch the first phase of its signature “digital wallet” program later this month when it distributes 145 billion baht ($4.4 billion) to vulnerable groups. The entire 450-billion-baht stimulus measure aims to give 10,000 baht each to 50 million Thais to be spent in their local communities.

The scheme has been criticized by economists, including two former central bank governors, as fiscally irresponsible. The government rejects that but has struggled to find sources of funding.

It insists the policy is necessary to energize the economy, which the central bank expects to grow just 2.6% this year, up from 1.9% in 2023 and far adrift of most regional peers.

Growth was below potential, however, because of structural problems, central bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has said. — Reuters

Typhoon Yagi costs Vietnam $1.6 billion, may lower growth, Planning ministry estimates

A MAN puts on waterproof clothing amid the impact of Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sept. 7, 2024. — REUTERS/THINH NGUYEN

HANOI — Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, cost Vietnam roughly $1.6 billion and may cut into the country’s growth rate, according to preliminary estimates from the investment ministry.

Vietnam’s economic growth in 2024 may slow by 0.15% compared with the previous forecast due to the impacts of the typhoon, a report from the ministry said. It had previously forecast a 6.8%-7% expansion this year.

Among the hardest hit sectors are agriculture, forestry and fishery, where growth may decrease by 0.33%, the ministry said, whereas industry and construction may see a smaller impact of 5 basis points.

However, highly industrialized areas, such as the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Haiphong, may grow slower by 0.5% as they bore the brunt of the typhoon, the ministry said.

The typhoon, which made landfall on Sept. 7, killed at least 292 people and left 38 missing as of Monday morning, according to data from Vietnam’s disaster agency.

“GDP (gross domestic product) growth in the third quarter and fourth quarter could decrease by 0.35% and 0.22% respectively compared to the scenario without Typhoon Yagi,” according to the ministry report.

Floods have also inundated 190,000 hectares (469,500 acres) of rice fields, 48,000 hectares of cash crops such as corn and cassava and damaged nearly 232,000 houses in northern Vietnam, according to the disaster agency.

Haiphong City, home to several industrial parks, recorded about 11 trillion dong ($448.43 million) of losses and damage from the typhoon, the city said.

In a separate statement released by the government, Vietnam said it strived to control inflation and reach gross domestic product growth of about 7% this year despite the hit from Typhoon Yagi. — Reuters

One dead from Nipah virus in India’s Kerala, second death this year

A WORKER folds an Indian flag at a workshop in India, Aug. 11, 2005. — REUTERS

KOCHI, India — A 24-year-old student has died from the Nipah virus in the southern Indian state of Kerala, a local medical official said on Monday, and 151 people who came into contact with the victim are under observation to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

This is the second death caused by Nipah in Kerala since July. Nipah is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its potential to trigger an epidemic. There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no treatment to cure it.

Parts of Kerala are among those most at risk globally for outbreaks of the virus, a Reuters investigation showed last year. Nipah, which comes from fruit bats and animals such as pigs, can cause a lethal, brain-swelling fever in humans.

The student starting showing fever symptoms on Sept. 4 and died five days later, said R. Renuka, a district medical officer in the town of Malappuram, located in northern Kerala.

The testing of a blood sample from the victim sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed a Nipah infection on Sept. 9, Renuka said.

Five other people who have developed primary symptoms of a Nipah infection have had blood samples drawn and they were sent for tests, she said, without saying if they were primary contacts of the dead person.

Nearly 151 people are being monitored for any symptoms after they were found to be on the primary contact list of the victim, who had come from Bengaluru, she said.

This is the second death from a Nipah infection in Malappuram this year after a 14-year-old boy succumbed in July.

Nipah has been linked to the deaths of dozens of people in Kerala since its first appearance in the state in 2018. — Reuters

[B-SIDE Podcast] Technology’s healing potential: discussing the promise of medical innovations

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

How is the Philippines solving its healthcare issues through innovation? How are healthcare workers being upskilled to keep up with these technological advancements? Are we putting too much premium on technology?

In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld discusses robotics, artificial intelligence, and electronic medical records with Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, the medical director of the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital.

Read: https://www.bworldonline.com/special-reports/2024/09/09/619446/data-integration-is-the-game-changer-for-philippine-healthcare/ .

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Editing by Jayson Mariñas

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

BingoPlus Foundation champions digital empowerment for PWDs through partnership with DSWD

The BingoPlus Foundation team leads PWDs to the newly established PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood, paving the way for their digital empowerment and skills development.

In a significant stride toward promoting inclusivity and digital empowerment, the BingoPlus Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), officially turned over the PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood to the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s ongoing mission to uplift communities and create opportunities for a brighter, more inclusive future for all Filipinos.

The PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood, under the FutureSmart Program, received a donation of state-of-the-art equipment from the BingoPlus Foundation, including 20 desktop computers for its vocational training rooms and knowledge library and a set of industrial large-format tarpaulin printer and heat press machine for its Commercial Arts room — all valued at P1.5 million. These resources aim to enhance the digital skills and creative potential of AVRC II trainees, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and those seeking social rehabilitation.

Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice-President for Investor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation COO, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Today, as we gather for the turnover of the PLUS Centers for Technology and Livelihood to the DSWD, we are not just handing over equipment; we are handing over opportunities that can change the course of many lives. Our partnership is rooted in a shared vision of a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive in the digital economy.”

PWD trainees at the PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood are able to access digital literacy and design courses at the DSWD AVRC through audio software and speech-to-text technology.

The donated equipment addresses the AVRC’s expressed needs, particularly in enhancing its capacity to deliver vocational training in digital literacy, graphic design, and printing — skills crucial for employability in today’s digital economy. The tarpaulin printer and heat press machine, for example, provide tools for those in the Commercial Arts track to develop skills for potential careers in creative industries. Desktop computers equipped with audio software and speech-to-text technology make learning basic and advanced IT skills within reach of the PWD clients of AVRC. Graduates of courses may continue to use the equipment to jumpstart job applications, remote work opportunities or even to launch their own small businesses

Dr. Jera D. Armendarez of AVRC II expressed her gratitude, noting, “Our trainees will find this equipment immensely useful as they seek employment in creative industries or consider venturing into businesses of their own. This collaboration is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in creating meaningful change.”

A commitment to social impact and resilient futures

The BingoPlus Foundation, as the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., is committed to empowering communities through strategic partnerships and innovative programs. The Foundation’s FutureSmart E-Plus Center Program aligns with the DSWD’s “Adopt-A-Center” project under its Partnerships and Building Resource Mobilization Office. By integrating efforts, both organizations are enhancing skills development programs for PWDs, enabling them to unlock their full potential and achieve greater independence.

DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero highlighted the impact of this partnership: “With this new equipment, we are not only expanding our capacity to serve our clients, but we are also opening new pathways for them to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. We are grateful to the BingoPlus Foundation for their support and shared commitment to our mission.”

Expanding horizons and digital futures

BingoPlus Foundation team, led by Chief Operations Officer Celeste Jovenir and Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke, officially turns over essential digital equipment and supplies to DSWD for the PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood, marking a milestone in their shared mission of inclusivity and empowerment.

The PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood is just one of the many initiatives under the BingoPlus Foundation’s broad portfolio of social responsibility programs. From educational scholarships to disaster relief efforts, the Foundation has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive support to communities in need. Recently, the Foundation allocated P10 million to aid families affected by Super Typhoon Carina and pledged millions more to various causes, including digital literacy and vocational training.

“Our goal is to break down barriers and open new career paths for PWDs,” added Jovenir. “These tools are not just machines; they are gateways to independence, creativity, and self-sufficiency.”

Beneficiaries of the PLUS Center for Technology and Livelihood try out the newly donated equipment from BingoPlus Foundation, enhancing their skills and employability in today’s competitive digital economy.

For more information about the BingoPlus Foundation, visit https://digiplus.com.ph/bingoplus-foundation/.

 

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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Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024: Celebrating the Best in Real Estate Excellence

The Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024 took place at the luxurious Okada Manila, bringing together the top real estate developers and agencies from across the country. Known as the most anticipated celebration of real estate excellence in the Philippines, the event highlighted the hard work, innovation, and achievements that are shaping the country’s property landscape.

With over 30 awards handed out, two of the night’s most significant accolades went to RLC Residences, crowned Developer of the Year; and The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao by Grand Land, Inc., which earned the People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year, a recognition voted by the public.

The evening’s celebration also spotlighted developers whose projects have demonstrated impressive returns for investors across different regions:

●  My Enso Lofts by PH1 World Developers won Best Investment Property — Metro Manila. Strategically located in the heart of the city, this development offers modern, sustainable living spaces that have attracted considerable attention from investors seeking growth potential in the dynamic Metro Manila market.

●  Arcoe Residences by R Land Development, Inc. was awarded Best Investment Property — South Luzon. Known for its luxury, high-quality construction, and proximity to key infrastructure, the project presents an excellent investment opportunity.

●  The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao by Grand Land, Inc., winner of Best Investment Property — Davao, was recognized for its elegant design and prime location in Davao’s thriving business district, offering an ideal investment for those seeking high returns in this fast-growing region.

Best Office Development: Mega Tower by SM Offices by SM Prime

The event also gave special recognition to standout developers and projects, including:

● Golden Topper, winner of Best Breakthrough Developer, continues to make waves in the industry by expanding its portfolio across the prime cities of the Philippines. Their commitment to creating “Better Cities and Better Lives” has solidified their position as one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate companies.

● PHirst Park Homes, Inc., recognized as Best Townhome Developer, has established itself as a leading first-home brand, born out of the partnership between Century Properties Group and Mitsubishi Corp. Their focus on providing quality homes for every Filipino family has earned them a spot among the country’s most respected developers.

● PH1 World Developers, taking home awards for both Best Innovative Housing Design and Best Investment Property — Metro Manila, is known for engineering innovation. By incorporating advanced technology into their developments, they continue to set new standards for the industry.

On the agency side, Luxe Realty and Development Corp. was awarded the Agency Excellence Award. Their broad scope of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, combined with their client-focused approach, makes them a leader in the real estate brokerage industry.

Additionally, Ayala Property Management Corp., a subsidiary of Ayala Land, was awarded Best Real Estate Property Management for their impressive portfolio and expertise in managing a wide range of properties across the Philippines.

“This year’s Dot Property Philippines Awards recognize the trailblazers who continue to raise the bar for the real estate industry. The winners have not only excelled in delivering top-tier projects but have also demonstrated a deep understanding of the evolving needs of property buyers and investors in the Philippines. Their innovation, commitment, and excellence inspire the entire sector,” said Tanya Yu, Country Manager of Dot Property Philippines.

The event saw a diverse range of developers and projects recognized across categories that included design, innovation, and sustainability, among others. This year’s awards showcased the strength and resilience of the Philippine real estate industry, especially in adapting to new market trends and customer demands.

See the list of winners below.

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024 Developer Winners

●  Best Developer Metro Manila: Alveo Land

●  Best Developer Luzon: Filinvest Land, Inc.

●  Best Developer Visayas: Grand Land, Inc.

●  Best Developer Mindanao: Filinvest Land, Inc.

●  Best Breakthrough Developer: Golden Topper

●  Best Townhome Developer: PHirst Park Homes, Inc.

●  Best Boutique Developer: Keyland Corp.

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024 Project Winners

Best Industrial Development: TARI Estate by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates

●  Best Investment Property — Metro Manila: My Enso Lofts by PH1 World Developers

●  Best Investment Property — South Luzon: Arcoe Residences by R Land Development, Inc.

●  Best Investment Property — Davao: The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao by Grand Land, Inc.

●  Best Luxury Condominium Development: Mantawi Residences by RLC Residences

●  Best High-End Lifestyle Condominium Development: Grand Hyatt Manila Residences — South Tower by Federal Land, Inc.

●  Best Lifestyle Condominium Development: Park East Place by Alveo Land

●  Best Affordable Condominium Development: I-Land Residences Sucat by I-Land, Inc.

●  Best Starter Home Condominium Development: Quantum Residences by Federal Land, Inc.

●  Best Smart Home Condominium Development: SYNC by RLC Residences

●  Best Serviced Apartment Development: 110 Benavidez by Keyland Corp.

●  Best Mid-Range Housing Development: Bella Vista by Dolmar Land

●  Best Sustainable Development: Le Pont Residences by RLC Residences

●  Best Green Development: LIMA Estate by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates

●  Best LEED Development: Three E-Com Center by SM Offices by SM Prime

●  Best Botanical Community Development: Primehomes Capitol Hills by Primehomes Real Estate Development, Inc.

●  Best Industrial Development: TARI Estate by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates

●  Best Integrated Township Development: Riverpark by Federal Land, Inc.

●  Best Office Development: Mega Tower by SM Offices by SM Prime

●  Best Wellness Community Development: Vermira by Keyland Corp.

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024 Design Winners

●  Best Innovative Housing Design: Northscapes San Jose del Monte by PH1 World Developers

●  Best Condominium Architectural Design: The Residences at Westin Manila by RLC Residences

Special Recognition Award for Corporate Social Responsibility

● Filinvest Land, Inc.

Special Recognition Award for Innovation

● RLC Residences

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2024 Agency Winners

●  Agency Excellence Award: Luxe Realty and Development Corporation

●  Best Real Estate Property Management: Ayala Property Management Corp.

A special acknowledgment of this year’s media partners, Manila Bulletin and BusinessWorld, who contributed to the success and reach of the event.

The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards are set for December in Bangkok. Developers across the region can look forward to another opportunity to showcase their projects and achievements on a regional stage.

For more information on the Dot Property Philippines Awards and how to take part, contact us at event@dotpropertygroup.com.

 

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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Lights, camera, take action: Pioneer turns Real to Reel with Gen Z short film competition

A decade after the successful launch of its first Youth Campaign, Pioneer Insurance proudly presents Real to Reel, a short film competition that captures the Gen Z POV on how to achieve a better future and inspire action on pressing social issues.

Pioneer recognized how Gen Zs remain socially progressive and hopeful despite growing up in the shadow of a climate crisis, pandemic lockdowns, and economic uncertainties. With up to P100,000 worth of prizes at stake, Real to Reel aims to provide a platform for them to offer fresh perspectives on how to solve pressing social issues and influence positive change through their filmmaking creativity.

Pioneer Group Head Lorenzo Chan, Jr. expressed his support and emphasized the importance of spotlighting the youth perspective, “The ‘Real to Reel’ competition is our way of empowering the younger generation to express their opinions creatively through short films. Their vision of the future can help us light the path towards a better Philippines.”

Since 2014, Pioneer has been crafting efforts that promote love for country and the arts to the youth. Real to Reel joins a series of award-winning Youth Campaigns launched by the insurance company, including HeART for Tomorrow Mobile Photography and Art Competition in 2019, Big Heart Shirt Design Competition in 2018, Move On Lang Songwriting Competition in 2017, Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition in 2015, and Stories of Friendship Film Competition in 2014. Through the years, Pioneer has partnered with Samsung, FILSCAP, Team Manila, and Virgin Labfest, and has collected over a thousand entries from students across the Philippines.

More than just a competition, Real to Reel is part of Pioneer’s longstanding advocacy to empower the youth to take control of their future and make every moment count.

Pioneer is a leading insurance company that has been lighting the path forward for Filipinos for over 70 years. Through the decades, it has supported the artistic community through insurance coverages, sponsorships, and competitions. For more information about the competition, visit the website at realtoreel.ph or the Pioneer Insurance Facebook Page at facebook.com/pioneerinsuranceph.

 

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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From startup to scale-up: How RCBC’s Boz App supports digital entrepreneurs

Before the pandemic, only 2% of all Filipinos said that they had purchased food or services online according to the Philippine Institute of Developmental Studies. Now, the country’s digital economy is expected to grow by 13% from $22 billion in 2023 to more than $24 million in 2024. This drastic change in Filipino lifestyle has led to the proliferation of online businesses, which has resulted in the growth of Philippine e-commerce.

However, starting a business, whether online or not, can be difficult especially if prospective business owners do not understand the know-how of their industry. Entrepreneurs, aside from navigating the complexities of digital marketing and e-commerce platforms, must also face the challenge of making sure that their suppliers and employees get their due while keeping track of their goals and transactions.

To help online businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with these problems, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has introduced the RCBC Boz App, an all-in-one tool aimed to help small and new business owners manage their finances, level up their boss moves, and focus on business objectives.

Running a successful business venture can make it challenging to keep track of every transaction and order which is why the app is designed to reduce administrative burdens. This allows business owners to not sweat the small stuff and stay on top of everything while they focus on growing their businesses and achieving their goals.

Available to download for free from the App Store and Play Store, the RCBC Boz App offers a suite of elements that make it easier for businesses to manage their finances and plan for growth.

The app is equipped with various features that make managing a business much easier such as transaction tracking, automated payroll, e-invoices for easier collections, saving up for goals, and keeping track of performance with real-time reports.

Through the Boz App, entrepreneurs can easily create and manage invoices with just a few taps. In the platform’s invoice dashboard, MSMEs are able to issue, monitor, and follow up collections from their clients in the comfort of their phones. Conveniently, it also lets users set due dates as well as add orders or purchased items to the invoice.

RCBC’s all-in-one tool also ensures businesses get their employees paid on time, every time. The Boz App allows small business owners to pay their employees’ salaries with ease and automatically to bank accounts or mobile wallets. As added security, business owners have the option to add payroll confirmation prior to disbursement.

Payment of expenses can also be organized and scheduled through the Boz App. Entrepreneurs may create an expense budget, add expense types, set payment schedules, and even add suppliers.

Furthermore, the app helps business owners achieve their ambitions of expanding or opening new branches through the Business Goals feature. Users of the Boz App can start dreaming of scaling up their businesses by creating goals, determining how they plan to save up, and confirming their commitment.

Moreover, RCBC’s new app also gives entrepreneurs accurate weekly, monthly, or yearly summaries of their collections, expenses, and business earnings provided that they appropriately tag their transactions. This can help in better financial management, enabling users to make informed decisions, track their profitability, and plan for future growth more effectively.

Prospective users of the Boz App simply have to download the app, and sign up using any active retail RCBC checking or savings account with the peso as the currency. For those who have yet to open an account with RCBC may already do so through the app. Aside from having a password for the account, users may also enable biometrics to feel more secure.

Startup businesses and enterprises, no matter how small or big they are, contribute to the country’s growth and help their online and offline communities thrive making them indispensable to the nation’s economic fabric. With tools like RCBC’s Boz App, digital stores, services, and businesses across the country, even up to the most remote and underserved areas, are more empowered to scale up and prosper.

 

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