Category: Business Mirror

SELL on TikTok, promote the Philippines?

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with the popular social media company to improve the promotion of services for micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises (MSMEs). On Tuesday, the government agency and TikTok Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a project called, ‘Content Camp: Level Up with TikTok,’ which is designed to equip these tourism MSMEs with digital skills and tools.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told reporters that among the key performance indicators to measure the success of the partnership, ‘as far as we are concerned.it will include, number one, the increase in revenue; number two, increase in market penetration because their reach is now global; and number three, the conversion. So in other words, it is our goal that it will convert into actual arrivals, actual revenues, and actual expansions in businesses.’

For his part, Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for TikTok Philippines, said in a mix of Filipino and English that workshops will be held for interested tourism SMEs. ‘Those who still don’t know how to use [TikTok], we will teach them how to use it, while those who already know, we will teach them to level up. We will teach them how to do content creation, effective use of the live feature, as well as advertising. So it’s about really empowering them with digital skills to allow them to level up.’

He added there will be 50 MSME-participants for each training batch, to initially be carried out for an entire day, and accessible via in person or online.

Frasco explained that as the agency has a registry of tourism MSMEs, DOT regional offices can identify and target specific businesses which may be interested in the project and help expand their enterprises. The project will be rolled out nationwide starting November, although pilot areas will be in the National Capital Region and Cebu.

Close to 98 percent of tourism businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs. TikTok has some 2 billion subscribers globally, with over 62 million active users in the Philippines.

The beauty of this partnership is that it aligns with the objectives of TikTok, which has a global reach, and the objectives of Philippine tourism, which seeks to benefit the entire nation. And with that, the execution can be immediately seen in terms of impact, especially with those destinations that need it the most at this time,’ she added, citing Cebu, whose tourism businesses have been affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

‘Considering the vast reach of ancillary services that tourism benefits, we will try to be as diverse as possible.[and] the priority [businesses] are those which already have viable products to sell,’ she noted, be it delicacies, souvenirs, T-shirts, and other tourism-related products.

The DOT chief expressed hope that the Department of Trade and Industry can help support the selling of these tourism products overseas. ‘We do have a convergence program with the DTI,’ said Frasco, citing the Turismo Asenso loan program as an example.

DOT data showed 4.3 million international travelers arrived from January to September 2025, some 2.4 percent less than the same period last year. Of total arrivals, there were only 3.9 million foreign nationals, 3.5 percent less than last year’s 4.08 million, while overseas Filipinos reached 392,317, up 10.3 percent from the same period last year.

The DOT aims to attract 6.7 million inbound tourists in 2026.

TRUST, the commercial brand of DKT Health, Inc., celebrated over three decades of empowering Filipinos with a transformative brand repositioning event at Monarch Manila last September 25, 2025.

The gathering introduced a reimagined brand identity and TRUST’s latest mass media campaign that underscores the brand’s evolution into a more progressive, inclusive, and socially driven brand.

The program opened with remarks from Denise R. van Dijk, President and CEO of DKT Health, Inc., who spoke about TRUST’s journey over the last three decades and its bold step into this new chapter. ‘For over thirty years, TRUST has been at the forefront of helping Filipinos take charge of their sexual health. Today, we renew that promise with a vision that goes further. Our new identity shows not just a change in look, but a deeper commitment to normalize conversations and ensure that every choice is respected,’ van Dijk said.

‘Ang Normal Mo, Normal ‘Yan!’ Campaign Takes Center Stage

Anchored on the idea ‘Ang Normal Mo, Normal ‘Yan!,’ this campaign confronts taboos and empowers individuals to embrace their own choices, whether it means pursuing a fulfilling sex life, choosing parenthood on their own terms, or exploring non-traditional relationships. The campaign aims to normalize diverse experiences and break cycles of silence and shame.

To amplify this message, TRUST has also rolled out its nationwide billboards, print, and train ads, as well as radio and TV commercials, now airing and available on the brand’s official YouTube and other social media channels.

During the event, the refreshed logo, social enterprise seal, and brand manifesto were also unveiled. The manifesto serves as a declaration of TRUST’s vision for the future, affirming the brand and every Filipino’s desire to want more – more freedom, more knowledge, more security, and more care when it comes to sexual health choices.

The program also celebrated creativity and inclusivity with a spirited performance by Maxie Andreison, brand ambassador and winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 3. She performed her song ‘Halika Na Lika Na,’ which also served as the main track of TRUST’s latest TV commercial, followed by a toast and photo opportunity with executives and guests.

TRUST and DKT as a Social Enterprise

Afterwards, a casual fireside chat and Q and A session was held, which spotlighted insights from Denise R. van Dijk, Maxie Andreison, and Gil Cadiz, Director of Marketing at DKT Health, Inc. Cadiz highlighted TRUST’s role as a social enterprise, explaining how each purchase not only provides protection but also funds free reproductive health products and services for underserved communities. ‘Our goal is to bring light to these sexual and reproductive discussions and make them part of everyday life. With TRUST as a social enterprise, we go beyond being a commercial brand and carry out our advocacy by extending resources and services to fellow Filipinos who need them most,’ Cadiz shared.

Guests were invited to take part in an interactive photowall where they wrote down what sexual and reproductive health choices they believe should be normalized in society. This activity, kicked off by Denise R. van Dijk and Maxie Andreison, reinforced the campaign’s message and created space for shared expression.

A Collective Call to Normalize Sexual and Reproductive Health Conversations

As the event closed, TRUST reaffirmed its mission to provide access, education, and protection for all. The brand invites Filipinos to join this shared movement and normalize conversations on sexual and reproductive health.

To learn more about TRUST’s mission, explore product guides, and find clinics near you, visit TRUST.ph. Stay up to date with the latest campaigns, health tips, and initiatives by following TRUST on Facebook.

Artworks by big-name Filipino contemporary artists can easily fetch a seven-figure price tag. Through the latest collection of for-purpose brand Looking for Juan, these pieces can be had at a fraction of the cost, reimagined as jigsaw puzzles, while serving as ‘a quiet act of community work that nurtures both creativity and literacy.’

Looking for Juan is an online store of art-based books and gifts that hopes to improve literacy in the Philippines by merging art and purpose with every purchase. For its latest Haraya Art Puzzle collection, the group partnered with some of the country’s most celebrated contemporary artists today, namely, Elmer Borlongan, June Digan, Jericho Moral, Jim Orencio, and Rodel Tapaya.

‘This project is really about bringing art into everyday spaces,’ says Larissa Chavez, head of Looking for Juan.

‘We want people to experience the power of art not just on walls or in galleries, but through play and storytelling. And with each puzzle supporting book donations, it’s also a quiet act of community work that nurtures both creativity and literacy.’

While designed to invite players to slow down, reflect, and engage with Filipino art in a tactile and meditative way, the puzzles are more than objects of play. They also act as functional art that retell the artist’s vision through an interactive experience between the artist, artwork, and the player.

Each puzzle box comes with a full-image poster for an easier and more enjoyable solve. The pieces come in counts of 300 to 500, crafted from 2mm premium cardboard for less dust. Once completed, the puzzles measure between 45.7 cm x 45.7 cm and 55.45 cm x 74 cm, with dimensions varying per design, perfect for transforming into striking wall art when framed and hung.

For the Haraya Art Puzzle collection, Elmer Borlongan presents his work titled Mobile Record Shop, inspired by Filipino underground culture, a hodgepodge of nostalgia, music and everyday resilience. The scene shows a fleeting encounter, where a man is selling bootleg cassette tapes of 1960s and 1970s music from his Volkswagen Beetle parked at the back of Folk Arts Theater. Music plays from a cassette deck on the roof, inviting passersby to drift into another era.

Meanwhile, Ang Naglalakbay na Karinderya by June Digan follows a child’s adventure into a magical forest, showcasing in full the artist’s renowned whimsical characters and imaginative landscapes. The enchantment deepens with special glow-in-the-dark elements in the puzzle, bringing the scene to life even after the lights go out.

In Jericho Moral’s The Broken Clock, a surreal landscape blends chaos, time and memory, pulling players into a dreamlike world. In this realm, fantastical creatures take over amid precarious architecture and overlapping narratives, as time itself seems to be fractured. The artwork acts as a meditation on disarray, imagination, and dissolution of structure.

In Jim Orencio’s Fern Path (Pinto Arboretum), order prevails. It offers a quiet reflection on nature through a lush passageway that invites serenity and calm, featuring a tranquil trail in Pinto Arboretum, a place of deep inspiration for the artist. The piece evokes the quiet thrill of wandering, not in search of adventure but for the simple joy of moving forward, open to whatever lies ahead.

Lastly, Rodel Tapaya offers his signature fantastical dreamscape in a work titled Mahiwagang Mundo. Drawn from his children’s book Ang Batang Maraming Bawal, the artwork visually narrates the story of a sickly child who finds strength and adventure in his dreams.

Further upholding Looking for Juan’s commitment to children’s literacy and creative advocacy, every puzzle sold supports the ‘One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children’ campaign, which helps fund the creation and distribution of books to public schools and underserved communities across the country.

This is implemented in partnership with a non-profit, the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development, or CANVAS.

The Haraya Art Puzzles are available online at www.lookingforjuan.com and at select partner stores. Prices range from P2,200 to P3,000.

The festive season in Bali is unlike anywhere else – sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliffside views, and long summer nights under the stars. Once a quiet surfer’s enclave, Uluwatu has emerged as Bali’s most coveted destination, offering a perfect blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design, and world-class dining. Trendier and more exclusive than Ubud or Canggu, it’s where the island’s creative crowd now gathers for sunsets, slow living, and unforgettable celebrations. For those looking to swap snow for surf this Christmas and New Year, Uluwatu is the ultimate holiday escape – here’s where to stay, relax, and indulge.

Stay – Lyvin Melasti

Perched high above Bali’s iconic Melasti Beach, Lyvin Melasti is the newest name in barefoot luxury. The boutique resort offers a collection of cliff-top villas (each with private pools) and upcoming suites (Dec 2025), all designed to merge with the dramatic limestone terrain.

The architecture is striking yet serene: green rooftops that double as terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows framing endless ocean views, and infinity pools that seem to spill into the horizon. Inside, the palette is textural and calm – marble floors, teak furnishings, and soft neutral tones that invite stillness. Select villas even come with private workspaces, perfect for longer ‘work-from-paradise’ escapes. Families are welcomed with thoughtful services, while couples will find the kind of uninterrupted sunsets Bali is famous for.

As co-founder Victoria Sokovykh puts it: ‘We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive – a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection.’ This is not just a stay; it’s a chance to reset for the year ahead, suspended between cliff, sky, and sea.

Eat – A Taste of Uluwatu

Uluwatu’s dining scene is thriving, with both newcomers and cult favourites serving up some of Bali’s most exciting food and drink.

MASONRY. Uluwatu – A modern restaurant by Chef Ben Cross, celebrating Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with local produce. Expect house-made charcuterie, wood-fired breads, curated wines, and handcrafted cocktails – all guided by the mantra: ‘Made by hand, from scratch.’

KALA Uluwatu – Minimalist and stylish, this modern Greek-Mediterranean restaurant pairs speakeasy-level cocktails with a lively, good-time spirit. Think wood-fired dishes, coastal flavours, and laid-back sophistication – where long lunches drift into sunset drinks and late-night energy.

YUKI Uluwatu – A modern Japanese restaurant with Balinese roots, led by Chef Yudha Permana. The menu blends Japanese techniques with local ingredients – from wood-fired yakimono and inventive sushi to bold, share-style plates – all served in a refined, coastal setting.

Osteria Luna Uluwatu – From the team behind YUKI, this coastal Italian restaurant celebrates handmade pasta, sourdough pizza, and grilled seafood over open flame. A vibrant space for long lunches and golden-hour dinners, paired with natural wines and warm island hospitality.

Relax – Atmos Spa

The holidays are also a time to recharge, and Atmos Spa offers a sanctuary away from the festive buzz. Treatments combine Balinese healing traditions with modern wellness rituals – from restorative massages to holistic therapies.

TO make it more convenient for motorists to access expressways in Luzon, President Marcos on Tuesday launched the Toll Collection System Interoperability Project or the ‘One Radio Frequency Identification [RFID], All Tollways’ system.

Prior to the new system, motorists need to use the Autosweep system when Group-operated Nlex and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex).

‘This reform of the RFID system is part of our broader goal to make our infrastructure more modern, connected, and focused on the needs of every Filipino,’ Marcos said in Filipino in his speech during the launch of the new system at the Slex Toll Operation Building in Calamba City, Laguna.

The President explained the One RFID will be optional for motorists, who may opt to continue using the two-card scheme, but for those, who want to use the new system, they can do so for free once they register for it.

The One RFID can be used to access the Skyway, Slex, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (Tplex), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAx), Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), Nlex, Nlex Connector, Sctex, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), and C5 Southlink.

By next year, he said the coverage of the new system will also be extended to public utility vehicles, which make use of fleet accounts.

‘For now, we are prioritizing our private commuters. So we will just follow the fleet accounts, which I am reliably informed comprise a very small minority of the total traffic that we are trying to ease,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

He congratulated the Department of Transportation, Toll Regulatory Board, as well as the San Miguel and Metro Pacific Investments Corporations, which operate the Slex and Nlex, respectively for developing the interoperability system.

‘This project has been made possible because of the continued trust, commitment, and flexibility of our partner concessionaires, the operators, and ETC (electronic toll collection)/RFID providers,’ Marcos said.

SIARGAO Island transforms anew as the epicenter of one of the most engaging watersports as the World Surfing League (WSL) stages the Siargao International Cup-a Qualifying Series (QS) 6000 event-for eight days starting Thursday.

‘We expect a lot of elite surfing action with the all the athletes chasing as many points as possible in the Qualifying Series,’ said Ty Sorati, Tour Director of the WSL Asia Pacific (APAC) region. ‘For eight days, the world surfing community will be glued on Siargao, one of three elite surfing destinations in this part of the globe.

With 128 competing in the men’s category and 64 in the women’s section, Siargao, known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, will be a fitting kick off for three other WSL QS events set in the next three months.

‘This is the highest-ranking WSL Qualifying Series ever in the Philippines, which is fast becoming a premier destination for professional surf events. It is open to global participants beyond Asia Pacific,’ said John Carby, Sports Technical Director of SDMI Sports, the official Philippine license holder and event operator.

Presidential son William Vincent Araneta Marcos heads the local organizing committee that includes Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Patò’ Gregorio, Isabela 5th District and House Committee on Youth and Sports chairman Rep. Mike Dy and Aurora Lone District Rep. Rommel Angara.

World No. 3 and longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel and Nildie Blancada of the Siargao Surf Association are two of the Philippine bets in Siargao, which forms part of the PSC’s sports tourism advocacy that puts premium on the country hosting major international competitions.

After Siargao, the WSL goes to Baler from November 17 to 23 and La Union from January 11 to 16 and 20 to 26.

Phoenix Super LPG tries to score a follow-up win when it goes up against NLEX on Wednesday in Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Inspired by their huge 109-103 win over defending champion San Miguel Beer last week, the Fuel Masters through their run and gun game shoot for second win after three games against the Road Warrior at 7:30 p.m.

‘It only means that we can beat big teams like champion San Miguel Beer. You get into that rut about what is the terrible thing that can happen next. So it is really for the players to actually know that this team is capable and that is big team.’

Ricci Rivero posted 16 points along with seven rebounds and three assists while Kai Ballungay and Tyler Tio racked up 14 points each in that huge victory that put Phoenix in a 1-1 slate.

But the Road Warriors, who are also holding the same 1-1 record, are expecting the return of combo guard Robert Bolick who mourned the passing of his father last week to bounce back from a frustrating 91-97 defeat to Terrafirma last Sunday.

‘It is difficult for sure because they proved that they could beat anybody after their win against SMB. We must give our best and play defense as well. So, we need to play better than we did the last game,’ NLEX coach Jong Uichico told BusinessMirror through a text message.

Meanwhile, Terrafirma, after that 97-91 upset win against NLEX, appears to be in high spirit when it takes on Converge at 5:15 p.m.

The Dyip, who gave first timer head coach Ronald Tubid, hope to upset a heavily-favored Converge who are coming from 103-110 loss to TNT Tropang 5G last Saturday.

Both Terrafirma and Converge are sporting a 1-1 win-loss record.

With American import Marlee Smith steadily finding her rhythm, Choco Mucho shook off a roller-coaster start in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, subduing Nxled in a hard-fought 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 sweep at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night.

The Flying Titans needed to grind out every set against a hungry yet winless Nxled side, but with Smith slowly rediscovering her offensive groove and the team responding collectively under pressure, Choco Mucho stayed on track for a Top 3 finish in Pool A with a 2-1 record.

The win came as a crucial rebound after the Titans suffered a straight-sets loss to the unbeaten powerhouse PLDT High Speed Hitters, which briefly disrupted the momentum they had built from an inspiring opening win against Cignal – a match they won even without Smith.

With Farm Fresh (3-0) and PLDT (2-0 at presstime) occupying the top two spots in Pool A, Choco Mucho’s second win gives them a grip on provisional third, inching closer to qualification for the next phase, where the top three teams will face off against the bottom three from Pool B.

In just her second game back after missing the opener, Smith once again led Choco Mucho with 20 points, matching her debut output. While she failed to surpass that mark as she had hoped, her growing presence and poise under pressure provided the spark the Titans needed – particularly in the tight third set.

‘I know I need to be resilient. It’s not gonna go perfect every time,’ said Smith, reflecting on her performance. ‘But I’m always fighting for my team. Win or lose, we stay together.’

Smith admitted to a shaky start, as she struggled to find her timing early in the match. But she methodically worked her way into form, reading the defense better, adjusting to sets with more precision and finishing with a flourish.

Her biggest moments came when it mattered most. With Nxled holding a 20-18 lead late in Set 3, the Chameleons looked poised to extend the match. But Smith, reinserted after a short rest, took over. She nailed two consecutive points – one off a high-flying crosscourt and another through the seam of the block – to hand Choco Mucho a 22-21 lead, its first of the set.

From there, she kept her foot on the gas, adding another point to bring the team to match point before Nxled’s final challenge on a potential block touch went unrewarded, handing Choco Mucho the straight-sets victory.

‘It was a good game. We’re still adjusting with the setter and Smith, pero unti-unti na kaming nagkaka-rhythm at nakuha rin namin yung panalo,’ said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

While Smith was the focal point, the rest of the Flying Titans provided solid support. Isa Molde contributed 11 points despite a late service error, while setter Tia Andaya had a standout all-around performance with 15 excellent sets, eight points, and three of the team’s 12 blocks – highlighting Choco Mucho’s 12-4 advantage at the net.

Middle blockers Lorraine Pecaña and Cherry Nunag chipped in five points each, helping the team match Nxled’s 40-attack output while dominating the defensive and transition battles.

‘Everybody contributed and did our job. We work hard every day in practice and it showed on the court,’ said Smith.

Despite another strong effort from Spanish import Paola Martinez, who also tallied 20 points, Nxled dropped to 0-3. Martinez had flashes of brilliance, but once again lacked consistent support.

Lyann de Guzman stepped up with nine points and showed glimpses of her PVL On Tour form, while Chiara Permentilla added eight points, though marred by several unforced errors. Krich Macaslang chipped in four markers.

Setter Jaja Maraguinot tried to keep the offense running with 15 excellent sets but struggled to create clean opportunities against Choco Mucho’s tight block and disciplined coverage.

Foundever® in the Philippines recently hosted a two-part career development bootcamp for students at Jose Rizal University (JRU) titled ‘JRU Bootcamp Career Development Talk.’ With more than 300 students present, the event is designed to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills needed for success in today’s workforce.

The career development bootcamp focused on two valuable seminars, ‘From Campus to Corporate: Transitioning to Corporate Life’ and ‘Resume Writing,’ that delivered practical insights and key strategies to help students successfully enter the job market. This initiative highlights Foundever and its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional demands, and building a job-ready Filipino workforce.

‘We are incredibly proud to partner with Jose Rizal University to empower the next generation of professionals,’ said Jephte Moneda, Director for Recruitment Marketing and Sourcing of Foundever in the Philippines.

‘These seminars are an investment in the future of the Filipino workforce. By equipping students with the tools and skills that they need to succeed, we’re helping them confidently take charge of their career paths and contribute to a stronger, more dynamic economy,’ Moneda added.

The two-year partnership between Foundever and JRU is more than developing students – the partnership also extends to members of Foundever, with JRU offering customized educational programs for employees who want to advance their studies. This dual-focus approach highlights Foundever and its commitment to promoting both personal and professional development for its employees and the broader community.

Manila, Philippines, October 16, 2025 – HONOR just teased the new HONOR ROBOT PHONE at the HONOR Magic8 series launch in Beijing – a new species of AI device that merges multi-modal AI, robotic capabilities and advanced handheld imaging, marking a key milestone in HONOR’s ALPHA PLAN and its push toward becoming a global AI device ecosystem leader.

The HONOR ROBOT PHONE is set to combine robotics and advanced imaging. More details will be revealed at MWC 2026 in Barcelona according to HONOR.

Initial details are here: https://www.honor.com/global/events/honor-robot-phone/. Stay updated on all HONOR news by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.