Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) reported elevated business confidence in holiday-season sales, driven by sustained growth in cross-border e-commerce and major online shopping festivals across Asia Pacific and Europe.
The survey, conducted in September 2025, covered 850 small and medium-sized enterprises and 850 consumers in 13 Asia Pacific markets and more than 1,200 SMEs across nine European markets, measuring expectations, consumer behavior, and operational readiness for the year-end peak.
More than 70 percent of Asia Pacific businesses and over 80 percent of European firms expect stronger holiday sales year over year, reflecting accelerating cross-border demand, particularly shipments from Europe into Asia Pacific. Many Asia Pacific sellers began seasonal preparations as early as September to support higher volumes.
Online demand is structurally rising. Eighty-eight percent of Asia Pacific consumers plan to conduct at least a quarter of their holiday shopping online, while 53 percent expect to increase online spending versus last year.
Events such as Singles’ Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are now central to purchase timing, with 83 percent of Asian consumers planning around these promotions. Ninety-one percent of Asia Pacific businesses and 83 percent of European firms view these festivals as critical revenue windows.
Operational risk remains concentrated in speed and cost. Nearly 90 percent of Asia Pacific shoppers cite efficient shipping as decisive. Delayed deliveries and elevated shipping costs remain the top friction points, cited by 55 percent and 45 percent of consumers, respectively.
Over half of Asia Pacific buyers indicate they would increase purchases from European sellers with lower delivery costs or faster transit times.
Businesses are reallocating investment toward execution. Twenty-nine percent of Asia Pacific and 33 percent of European companies are upgrading fulfillment and delivery capabilities, while over 30 percent in both regions are expanding customer service capacity.
Despite execution pressure, 85 percent of firms across both regions report confidence in meeting holiday delivery deadlines, signaling improved logistics resilience.
FedEx is positioning its digital and logistics stack to capture peak demand. The company has integrated its Ship Manager platform with major e-commerce platforms including Shopify and BigCommerce to compress order-to-ship cycles.
Its International Connect Plus service targets one-to-three day cross-border delivery to Asia Pacific, the United States, and Europe, aligning with rising consumer expectations.
Last-mile infrastructure is now a competitive lever. FedEx has deployed roughly 260,000 smart lockers across Asia Pacific and expanded proof-of-delivery and tracking tools to reduce failed deliveries and customer disputes, tightening control over the highest-risk segment of the holiday logistics chain.
Strategic implications are clear: sellers facing cross-border demand must prioritize shipping speed, cost discipline, and last-mile reliability to defend conversion rates, while carriers that can compress delivery windows without margin erosion are positioned to capture holiday season share.
Payoneer reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $271 million, up 9% year over year, driven by SMB and cross-border transaction growth while lower interest rates reduced interest income.
Asia-Pacific revenue rose 21% to about $57 million, making the region the fastest-growing market and a primary contributor to expansion, supported by rising digital commerce activity in Southeast Asia.
Operating income reached $36 million and net income totaled $14 million, signaling improved operating leverage despite pressure from lower rate-driven income.
Total transaction volume climbed 9% to more than $22 billion, led by enterprise payouts which rose 19% to $6.5 billion and B2B payments which increased 11% to $3.1 billion, while marketplace SMB volume grew 4% to $12.5 billion and Checkout volume surged 46% to $223 million, indicating faster adoption in higher-take-rate segments.
Customer funds held increased 17% to approximately $7.1 billion, reflecting higher platform trust and balance growth.
Active customers approached 2 million, with 548,000 classified as ideal customer profiles, while ICP count declined 2% as the company deliberately shifted toward larger, more complex clients to improve unit economics.
ARPU excluding interest income grew 22% year over year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of 20%+ growth and confirming pricing power and successful product bundling as Payoneer moves upmarket.
Card spend reached a record $1.6 billion, up 19% year over year, supported by higher usage intensity per customer.
The company raised full-year 2025 guidance on Nov. 5, signaling management confidence in sustained growth and product-market differentiation.
Payoneer accelerated capital returns, repurchasing $45 million of shares in the quarter at an average price of $6.73 and bringing year-to-date buybacks to $94 million, reinforcing a shareholder return strategy alongside growth investments.
Strategically, the results show Payoneer offsetting rate exposure through fee-based revenue expansion, while its APAC momentum and upmarket pivot reduce reliance on interest income but increase execution risk tied to enterprise client retention and competitive fintech pricing.
Lenovo Philippines launched the “AI Ready. Future Ready with Lenovo Yoga” campaign to accelerate consumer awareness and hands-on use of AI-integrated PCs, positioning its Yoga Copilot+ devices as differentiated offerings beyond traditional laptops.
The campaign centers on experiential marketing rather than product specifications, using an online “What’s Your AI-dentity?” microsite to profile user AI readiness through interactive prompts such as voice recognition and eye tracking, then converting results into shareable social content.
Physical activations were deployed to shorten the path from awareness to trial, with in-store AI-Ready Zones installed at Lenovo Experience Store in SM Megamall to drive device interaction and capture intent from high-footfall retail traffic.
Lenovo extended off-mall reach through the Yoga Street Challenge at The Pop Up Katipunan, using creator-led engagement to attract student and young professional segments and linking participation directly to store-level conversion via exclusive coupons redeemable at SM Marikina and SM North EDSA locations.
Host-led challenges and merchandise incentives were used as low-cost customer acquisition levers, trading branded giveaways for social amplification and foot traffic, while collecting behavioral signals on AI feature interest.
Strategically, the campaign reflects Lenovo’s effort to establish early consumer mindshare in AI-native PCs as Microsoft’s Copilot+ ecosystem gains traction, ahead of intensified competition from global PC vendors targeting the same AI-driven upgrade cycle.
The primary risk lies in translating interactive interest into sustained device demand, as consumer understanding of practical AI value remains uneven and price sensitivity in the Philippine market could limit near-term conversion despite strong engagement mechanics.
It’s December once more, and as 2025 comes to an end, Google releases its annual Year In Search lists, rounding up the trends, personalities, and events that captured the interest of Pinoy netizens.
This year’s overall top trending list showcases a great amount of diversity when it comes to topics and interests. The #1 keyword is Gemini AI, which is not only representative of Google’s AI tool, but also of the larger increase in Filipinos’ reliance on AI for many daily tasks and projects.
Beyond AI, three search terms on the list are news items, proving that Filipinos still rely on Google Search to give them more information and context on current events.
Halalan 2025 is #2, thanks to the all-important national midterm elections that took place last summer, while the concerning amount of earthquakes that defined the latter parts of the year drove people to turn to not only Search, but also Google’s safety alerts.
At #6 overall, Netflix’s Squid Game remains a powerful trend after its comeback and series finale earlier this year, highlighting the grip the show continues to have over global pop culture.
Roblox also remains one of the most popular video games in the world, with its in-game variant Grow a Garden ranking at top three overall thanks to its popularity among the Filipino youth.
Filipino pride is also the order of the year, with homegrown pro tennis player Alex Eala ranking at both #1 in Female Personalities and #4 in Sports.
She joins boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who is back on the list at #2 in Sports. Local singer Dionela is the top Male Filipino Personality that people search for, with his hit “Marilag” beating even 2025’s unofficial hit song of the year “Golden” from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters (#2 and #3 in Music, respectively).
Meanwhile, the Shows and Series list is being composed entirely of titles that are exclusively on online streaming platforms, mainly Netflix, which is evidence of its sheer dominance in Filipinos’ entertainment habits.
This is in line with the findings from this year’s e-Conomy Report, which shows that the Philippines has the fastest-growing online media sector in the region at a rate of 16% year-on-year from 2024, along with Indonesia and Vietnam.
Here’s the full list of top search trends in the Philippines this year:
HUAWEI has released the nova 14 series smartphones and the MatePad 12 X (2026) tablet in the Philippines, aiming to strengthen its position in the consumer electronics market ahead of the holiday season.
The nova 14 series starts at PHP 22,999, while the MatePad 12 X (2026) is priced at PHP 37,999.
The nova 14 series emphasizes camera performance, featuring dual front AI portrait cameras and an Ultra Chroma rear camera.
AI-driven features such as Best Expression, AI Beauty Effect, and AI Remove enhance image quality, while Ultra Speed Snapshot and a 0.8x–5x front zoom enable high-speed, flexible shooting. A 5,500mAh battery with 100W SuperCharge Turbo supports extended use.
The MatePad 12 X (2026) targets productivity with PC-level WPS Office 3.0 compatibility, a Smart Magnetic Keyboard, Bluetooth mouse, and HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro for a workstation-like experience.
Its 12-inch 3rd Gen Ultra-Clear PaperMatte Display offers 2.8K resolution, eye protection, and an immersive viewing experience. AI handwriting enhancement and customizable stylus tips improve note-taking and creative workflows.
HUAWEI is also promoting limited-time offers to boost early adoption, including free accessories and exclusive DBTK collaboration merchandise with nova 14 purchases.
Both devices are available through HUAWEI Experience Stores, online platforms, and major e-commerce channels, with installment options up to 24 months.
The launches signal HUAWEI’s continued push to capture holiday demand, combining hardware performance with AI-enhanced user experiences to differentiate in a competitive Philippine market.
Bitskwela launched BitDev, a blockchain-enabled developer microlearning platform, to accelerate the supply of Web3-capable software engineers in the Philippines amid a documented shortage of local blockchain developers.
The platform targets a structural skills gap highlighted by a 2023 global developer report showing only 203 of roughly 190,000 Filipino software developers currently specialize in blockchain, positioning BitDev as a domestic talent pipeline for emerging Web3 infrastructure.
BitDev provides an integrated development environment designed to reduce technical friction in building, testing, and deploying blockchain applications, focusing on lowering the learning curve for core Web3 concepts, smart contract development, and on-chain cost management.
The product includes live coding tools and multi-language support for JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Python, Solidity, and Move, allowing developers to build smart contracts, decentralized applications, wallets, and exchanges in a controlled training environment.
Bitskwela has partnered with Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. and Philippine Women’s University to embed BitDev into IT programs, extending distribution through formal academic channels and aligning the platform with workforce development pipelines.
The academic partnerships signal an effort to institutionalize blockchain skills training and create standardized curricula linked to industry-relevant certifications, reducing onboarding and reskilling costs for employers.
Strategically, the launch positions Bitskwela to capture early-mover advantage in blockchain education infrastructure in the Philippines, while addressing enterprise hiring risk tied to scarce Web3 talent and supporting the country’s competitiveness in regional digital asset and decentralized application markets.
Pricing and platform access are positioned as student-accessible, indicating a volume-driven adoption strategy aimed at scaling developer participation rather than premium enterprise monetization.
Manila-based electric vehicle logistics firm Mober secured recognition at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards 2025 for its workplace and human capital strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the Philippines’ electric commercial logistics market.
The company was named under the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category and was honored during the ACES Awards gala in Bali on Nov. 27, 2025, marking a reputational milestone as it accelerates fleet electrification and regional expansion.
The recognition follows a series of operational moves in 2025, including the launch of the country’s largest commercial EV charging hub, deployment of the Philippines’ first fully electric tractor head, and market entry into Thailand, signaling a shift toward scale-driven consolidation in Southeast Asia’s green logistics sector.
The award highlights Mober’s workforce-centric operating model as a strategic asset, particularly its focus on driver specialization and internal capability-building to support rapid electrification and service reliability as competition intensifies.
Mober currently employs more than 400 staff, including over 200 specialized EV drivers, positioning labor structure as a key lever for maintaining uptime, safety, and asset utilization in capital-intensive electric fleets.
Its Green Warriors Program functions as an internal training and standards framework, designed to reduce operational risk, improve safety performance, and ensure consistency as cross-border operations expand.
The firm’s MoveHer initiative targets higher female participation in logistics roles, addressing labor supply constraints in a traditionally male-dominated sector while aligning with growing ESG scrutiny from corporate clients and institutional partners.
From a strategic perspective, the ACES recognition strengthens Mober’s credibility with enterprise customers and potential investors as the regional EV logistics market moves toward tighter margins, higher infrastructure spend, and increased regulatory attention on emissions and workplace standards.
The company’s expansion into Thailand positions it against both local incumbents and regional players racing to secure first-mover advantages in electric-first commercial delivery networks, heightening competitive and execution risk as capital requirements rise.
Mober’s trajectory reflects broader market dynamics in Southeast Asia, where electrification of last-mile and heavy commercial logistics is shifting from pilot phase to infrastructure-heavy scaling, making workforce quality, asset discipline, and regional execution key differentiators.
Canon Marketing Philippines, Inc. brought together filmmakers, content creators, and visual storytellers for “The Next Big Scene” – Canon EOS C50 Launch, held on December 3, 2025, at Baked Studios, Makati City.
The event celebrated the EOS C50, Canon’s smallest and lightest cinema camera, designed for filmmakers and creators who demand both mobility and professional-grade quality.
The EOS C50 introduces features designed for today’s multi-platform storytelling landscape. It delivers up to 7K 60p internal RAW recording in a form factor that fits comfortably in the hand.
As the first camera in the Cinema EOS lineup with 3:2 Open Gate recording, it captures the full width and height of its 7K sensor, giving filmmakers maximum flexibility in post-production.
The Simultaneous Crop Recording feature allows creators to capture full 4K footage alongside cropped 2K vertical or square versions in a single take—ideal for producing multi-platform content.
The Canon EOS C50 Body Only with XLR Handle is priced at ₱189,998.
Through hands-on experiences and interactive demonstrations, guests explored how the camera makes professional-grade cinematic storytelling more accessible, whether filming documentaries, creating social media content, or capturing large-scale productions.
The event also featured insights from industry professionals who shared their perspectives on the future of Filipino filmmaking. During a fireside chat, Paolo Ruiz, Advertising Filmmaker; Ian Celis, Commercial and Wedding Videographer; Gabby Cantero, Food and Lifestyle Director; and Carlo Obispo, Film Director and Screenwriter discussed emerging opportunities in vertical-format content.
They also shared insights on camera ergonomics, technical workflows, and features—like simultaneous crop recording—that enhance creative freedom.
“Filipino filmmakers and content creators continue to push boundaries of creative storytelling,” said Jian Liu, Consumer Information and Imaging (CII) Director of Canon Marketing Philippines.
“Regardless of format, their stories deserve cinema-quality production. We’ve packed cinema-grade technology into a camera built for versatility, so technical limitations don’t dictate what stories get told.”
“Our mission is to empower every creator in the Philippines to tell their stories without compromise,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines. “With the EOS C50, Canon continues to deliver professional tools that match the ambition and creativity of our local filmmaking community.”
The Philippines’ expanding creative community demands versatile, professional tools. With the EOS C50, Canon empowers creators to tell their stories across every screen and platform.
With the holiday rush picking up and people filling out their wish lists early, now is the time to start searching for gifts that elevates the spirit of giving.
This Christmas, Logitech is introducing a thoughtfully curated lineup of high-performance gear for every kind of gamer.
Whether it’s an esports hopeful aiming for their next win or a casual player looking to unwind, there’s something for everyone.
Take a look at this selection and find the perfect gaming companion to make every holiday session more exciting and festive.
Gaming Loadouts For Aspiring Pros
For players looking for precision and performance, these quality picks are built for gamers who compete seriously, but still want to enjoy every victory.
Be esports-ready this Christmas with the PRO X TKL Rapid. It features magnetic analog switches and adjustable actuation points for tournament-grade responsiveness and customizable control, giving every keystroke a better chance at securing your next win.
The PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset is specifically designed for players who love rich and powerful audio. The PRO-G Graphene Audio Driver delivers immersive soundscapes, perfect for both enjoying in-game soundtracks and discerning object location through audio cues more quickly.
Weighing only 60 grams, the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX boasts an asymmetrical, right-hand design with programmable side buttons for an ergonomic and comfortable grip for all-day gaming.
For a compact and lightweight option that maintains peak performance, the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2c is a reliable choice. It delivers fast, accurate, and effortless control powered by the HERO 2 sensor, LIGHTSPEED wireless, and LIGHTFORCE Hybrid Switches.
Core Gear for PC Gamers
For those who spend hours at their setup, these essentials make gaming more enjoyable and efficient. This lineup focuses on comfort, responsiveness, and visual quality, helping gamers focus on what they love most.
Give the gift of precise control and lasting performance with the G502 X Plus. It uses LIGHTFORCE hybrid switches for fast and consistent clicks, paired with tournament-tested LIGHTSPEED wireless for reliable responsiveness. Personalize each click with LIGHTSYNC RGB via G HUB to match your gaming space and holiday mood.
Keep up the pace during intense gaming with the G515 Rapid. Achieve exceptional responsiveness and pixel-perfect precision with every tap of the customizable analog switches for any play style. Fine tune settings, program key assignments, and LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting all in G HUB to personalize your gaming experience.
Make your audio and voice stand out with the G522. It delivers layered, immersive sound along with Blue VO!CE and equalizer options in G HUB for clearer, more personalized audio output. The headset also features LIGHTSPEED wireless and LIGHTSYNC RGB to complete a festive, synchronized setup.
Track-Ready Finds for Racing Fanatics
Make holiday gaming more exciting with gear built for players who live for speed. These picks add weight, control, and responsiveness to every race so drivers can enjoy realistic handling and heart-pounding action right at home.
Give racing fans a thrill with the G923 Racing Wheel. TRUEFORCE feedback connects directly to in-game engines for precise, high-fidelity sensations that feel true to the track. Dual Clutch Launch Controls offer smoother starts and maximum traction, while the brushed metal wheel, polished pedals, and leather-wrapped finish bring a blend of comfort and modern style to every lap.
Turn any racing setup into a thrilling holiday gift with the G29 Driving Force. It uses dual-motor force feedback to help players feel every tire slip, terrain change, and turn in realistic detail. Stainless steel paddle shifters and a hand-stitched leather wheel add comfort and durability, while helical gears and an anti-backlash system keep steering smooth, quiet, and firmly controlled during every race.
Light up holiday game nights with the G560. These speakers pair rich, room-filling audio with reactive LIGHTSYNC lighting that mirrors on-screen action. Gamers can freely customize up to 16.8 million colors, adjust bass levels, and fine-tune the subwoofer through G HUB to match their playstyle, making every session a vibrant and immersive experience.
Find more ways to complete your gift list by browsing Logitech G’s catalogue of game-changing peripherals at www.logitechg.com today. For the latest updates, product highlights, and holiday surprises, follow Logitech G PH on Facebook.
The Report reveals that as longevity rises across the region, people aspire to live independently and healthily in retirement, but many still face challenges in achieving lasting financial resilience.
The Report, which focuses on Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, builds on Manulife’s established commitment to longevity preparedness and is exemplified by the recent launch of Manulife’s Longevity Institute, a global platform that seeks to drive action to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
Calvin Chiu, Head of Asia Retirement, Manulife and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investment Management Hong Kong said, “Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about retirement. We’re seeing people rethink what retirement means—not simply living longer, but living better. Financial independence, health, and well-being now define success in this new era of longevity.”
Irina Maltseva, Growth lead at @Aura_Protects , a company helping families safeguard themselves against identity theft, scams, and online threats, paints a sobering picture of how digital threats are evolving and what organizations can do to stay ahead.https://t.co/Samtsikfes
The report shows that most Asians prioritize quality of life over longevity itself. Fewer than 1 in 10 respondents said they wanted to live longer regardless of circumstances, while half said they value living a meaningful life, and over one-third expressed a desire not to be a burden on others.
When envisioning later life, people overwhelmingly said they hope to be financially independent, stay physically and mentally active, and age gracefully while maintaining their desired standard of living.
These findings highlight a strong desire for autonomy and wellbeing, with many viewing health and financial stability as deeply connected.
Across all four markets, three-quarters of respondents believe that their financial wellbeing affects their physical and mental health, while 85% said financial wellbeing influences their mental state during retirement.
“People across Asia want to enjoy their extended lifespans with dignity, purpose, and freedom,” added Chiu. “That requires a shift in mindset—from saving for retirement to planning for longevity.”
Asia’s Financial Readiness Gap
Despite this awareness, less than half of respondents across Asia believe they will have enough funds to retire comfortably. Confidence varies widely across markets, from just 48% in Hong Kong to 77% in Indonesia.
Mid-career individuals aged between 45 and 54 are the least optimistic about their preparedness, underscoring a need for more proactive financial planning.
Cash continues to dominate the average Asian portfolio, representing roughly half of non-property investments, reflecting ongoing caution toward risk. Many respondents cited fear of capital loss and lack of investment knowledge as reasons for avoiding higher-yielding assets.
Property, once the cornerstone of Asian retirement planning, is losing its dominance. While most still regard it as important, only 3 in 10 now see it as less of a priority than before.
“Holding too much cash and relying solely on property can leave people vulnerable to inflation and income shortfalls,” said Chiu. “Building financial resilience means diversifying across income-generating and inflation-protected assets—and doing so early.”
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
Advice Matters: Professional Guidance Drives Confidence
The Report found a clear link between financial advice and confidence. Across all four markets, people who work with a financial planner are significantly more likely to feel ready for the future.
In Indonesia, for example, 89% of those with a financial planner said they expect to have sufficient funds for retirement, compared to 63% of those without one. In Hong Kong, that gap widens further, with 62% of people who work with a planner feel confident versus only 29% without.
Insurance agents and financial planners from insurance companies remain the most common sources of advice across Asia, followed by bank relationship managers and independent advisors.
“Professional advice can make all the difference,” Chiuadded. “With the right guidance, people can move from simply saving to actively investing, giving them greater control over their future income and lifestyle.”
Generational and Market Insights Across Asia
Regional patterns reveal both progress and disparity. In Hong Kong, less than half (48%) of respondents believe they will have sufficient funds for retirement. However, many are taking action—around two-thirds (65%) plan to shift part of their cash into higher-return investments.
In Malaysia, confidence is moderate, with 58% expecting to be financially ready. Many Malaysians expressed strong interest in pension solutions that provide steady retirement income and protection against inflation.
In contrast, Indonesia emerged as the most financially confident market, with 77% of respondents believing they will have enough savings for the future. Indonesians also show the willingness to diversify, with 69% saying they are now more open to investing for income rather than holding property.
Meanwhile, the Philippines reflects both optimism and transition: while just over half (52%) of respondents feel financially prepared for the future, 73% now prefer income-generating investments over property (71%), signaling a generational shift in retirement thinking.
These market insights collectively underscore a growing recognition that living longer requires new investment habits, diversified portfolios, and a stronger focus on financial literacy.
The Report also highlights a common insight across generations. Younger, mid-life and older groups consistently ranked a work-free new chapter as their top priority when it comes to retirement outlook.
This desire is strongest among the younger group (25-34) at 55% and the older group (60+) at 58%, while mid-life groups (45–59) show a more balance view with many leaning toward balancing work and life with continued employment at the same time.
A Call to Action: Building Longevity Confidence
As life expectancy continues to rise, the Report urges individuals, employers, and financial planners to rethink traditional retirement strategies. Manulife WAM advocates a more holistic approach to longevity—one that combines early financial planning, diversified investments, and continuous professional guidance to help people thrive through longer retirements.
“Longevity should be a source of optimism, not anxiety,” Chiu concluded. “With the right financial habits and guidance, people can turn longer lives into better lives—and that’s the vision driving our work at Manulife.”
