Weekly News Brief (March 13-19, 2024)

Recent data from Visa shows that Filipino concertgoers who travel abroad spend more, driven by popular concerts in Southeast Asia. Visa’s analysis reveals these concertgoers spend 58% more than non-concertgoers, with shopping as their top expense. They favor luxury retail, apparel, and department stores.

In the Philippines, concertgoers, concentrated in Metro Manila, spend heavily on international brands and dining out. They are digitally savvy, often shopping online for flights, retail, food delivery, and insurance. Visa aims to enhance the shopping experience for these affluent concertgoers, offering insights to businesses targeting this group for a seamless payment experience.


Meralco, the country’s largest electricity distributor, has partnered with JCCIPI to promote eco-friendly, innovative, and energy-efficient solutions in the Philippine energy sector. Through a joint webinar, Meralco shared its ESG commitments and initiatives, aiming to drive transformative results and foster collaborations with like-minded companies.

Meralco’s expertise in the energy industry and JCCIPI’s technological advancements and investments will create sustainable energy solutions. Meralco’s sustainability programs, including sourcing 1,500 MW of renewable energy and shifting 25% of its vehicles to electric by 2030, demonstrate its commitment to a just and affordable transition to clean energy.

The collaboration will continue to explore avenues for sustainable development, promote energy efficiency, and reduce waste, positively impacting the environment and society. Meralco and JCCIPI pledge to work together in developing ESG training programs, workshops, and initiatives that drive social responsibility among Japanese businesses in the Philippines.


Axelum Resources Corp. (PSE: AXLM), the Philippines’ top coconut product manufacturer, revealed its Q1 2024 financials. Sales hit ₱1.6 billion, up 16% YoY, driven by strong growth in core products like desiccated coconut and coconut water. Gross profit rose to ₱392 million, a 60% increase from Q1 2023, with EBITDA at ₱196 million.

President Henry J. Raperoga sees positive signs despite global challenges. Orders are strong, with a deal renewal with Vita Coco boosting coconut water sales. Online sales surged 42%, with new products targeting health trends planned. Expect accelerated growth in Q2 for the US summer peak.


Bossjob, Southeast Asia’s premier chat-first career platform, hosts the Merged 2024 Job Fair, uniting 120+ companies and government agencies with 4,000+ job seekers at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, on July 13-14, 2024. Collaborating with Philippine Dragon Media Network (PDMN), the event offers 3,000+ vacancies, government assistance, workshops, and networking opportunities, bridging talent and industries for growth and innovation.

Bossjob aims to reach 30 million users in Southeast Asia by 2026, providing free services to expand its global market. PDMN continues its commitment to the Fil-Chi community, offering unparalleled brand exposure and fostering unity post-pandemic.


BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., a microfinance arm of Bank of the Philippine Islands, won the 2024 Change Maker Award for Most Innovative Bank for MSMEs at the Universal Achievement Awards. Recognized for advancing financial inclusion, BanKo topped 13 MSME loan providers with an 89% satisfaction rating.

President Rod Mabiasen, Jr. credited digitalization and new products for the win. In 2023, BanKo disbursed Php14.96 billion in loans to 200,000 clients. Notable for friendly services and innovative products like NegosyoKo Loan and InstaCashKo Credit Line, BanKo expanded to 346 branches and BLUs nationwide. Elizabeth Arocena of Laza Meat Stall praised BanKo’s support in business growth.


Samsung Electronics, the top TV manufacturer globally, kicks off the 2024 Southeast Asia Tech Seminar in Bangkok, unveiling cutting-edge AI-powered technologies for enhanced picture and sound. The event showcases the latest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor and NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, promising immersive viewing experiences.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K boasts the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor with 512 neural networks for superior visuals, while the Samsung OLED TV upscales content to 4K with OLED Glare Free tech.

Music Frame, a frame-shaped speaker, and Samsung Knox for enhanced TV security are also highlighted. Explore Samsung’s 2024 lineup at http://www.samsung.com for more details.


At Huawei’s Product Launch in Dubai, they unveiled the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, MateBook X Pro, and MatePad 11″S. The event showcased their global presence and introduced the GoPaint app.

Huawei also celebrated XMAGE’s photography contributions. The WATCH FIT 3 combines style and health tech, featuring a large AMOLED display, sleek design, and fitness-focused features like Stay Fit app upgrades and Smart Sports suggestions.

Health monitoring includes TruSleep™4.0 and TruSeen™ 5.5 for improved sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. With vibrant colors and lightweight design, the WATCH FIT 3 stands out as a fashionable fitness companion.


TCL Electronics, a top TV brand, launches the TCL C655 Pro QLED TV, promising unparalleled picture quality and redefining home entertainment. With cutting-edge QLED technology, this TV sets new standards with vibrant colors, exceptional contrast, and crystal-clear clarity.

The AiPQ Pro Processor optimizes visuals for a lifelike experience. The T-Screen Pro enhances contrast and eliminates ambient light interference for stunning picture quality. Available in various sizes, this TV is a blend of art and technology, offering seamless streaming and a premium audio-visual experience. Get yours now at TCL authorized dealers nationwide or visit https://www.tcl.com/ph/en for updates.


The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has achieved the highest score across all nine Performance Governance System (PGS) governance elements evaluated by P&A Grant Thornton, its third-party auditor. The successful completion of the audit moves IPOPHL to the Public Revalida for Institutionalization, the final stage of its PGS journey.

IPOPHL’s exceptional performance showcases its commitment to good governance, stakeholder collaboration, and achieving breakthrough results. The Public Revalida for institutionalization is scheduled for May 30, 2024, where IPOPHL will be evaluated on its ability to align the entire office and stakeholders towards a shared goal.


RLC Residences, the residential arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, has launched its first international office in Dubai, UAE, to cater to the after-sales service needs of Middle East-based clients. Located in Business Bay, the office will provide customer support for investors, addressing the challenge of managing Philippine properties from abroad.

This strategic move aligns with RLC Residences’ goal of delivering a delightful customer experience, building on its portfolio of award-winning properties in the Philippines, including Le Pont Residences, The Residences at The Westin Manila, and more. The office aims to support clients throughout their investment journey, solidifying RLC Residences as a reliable investment partner.


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