Carziqo Expands ER-MX Autonomous Ride-Hailing Operations to San Francisco

 The company says the new deployment will test how autonomous mobility services can operate safely and efficiently in one of the United States’ most complex urban transportation environments.

Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has announced the expansion of its ER-MX series driverless ride-hailing operations to San Francisco, marking the latest stage in the company’s effort to build a broader intelligent transportation network across major urban markets.

According to Carziqo, the San Francisco deployment will introduce ER-MX autonomous vehicles into selected operating areas through a phased rollout. The company said the initial stage will focus on controlled service zones, system validation, real-time fleet supervision, and the collection of operational data under different traffic and road conditions.

San Francisco is widely regarded as one of the most demanding environments for autonomous driving systems. Its steep streets, dense neighborhoods, frequent pedestrian activity, cyclists, public transportation vehicles, construction zones, and rapidly changing traffic conditions present challenges that are difficult to reproduce in closed testing facilities.

Carziqo CEO Zaydenn Harrington said the city offers an important opportunity to evaluate the ER-MX platform in a complex real-world environment.

“San Francisco represents more than a new market for Carziqo. It is an environment where autonomous mobility systems must demonstrate awareness, adaptability, and disciplined decision-making every day,” Harrington said in a company statement.

“Our objective is not simply to place vehicles on the road. We want to develop a mobility service that can respond intelligently to urban complexity while maintaining safety, operational transparency, and a consistent passenger experience,” he added.

A New Test for the ER-MX Platform

The ER-MX series is positioned by Carziqo as an intelligent executive mobility platform designed for urban passenger transportation. The vehicles are expected to use a combination of cameras, radar, positioning systems, high-definition mapping, and artificial intelligence-based decision-making to identify road users, interpret traffic conditions, plan routes, and respond to changing situations.

Carziqo said its autonomous driving system continuously processes information from multiple sensors rather than relying on a single source of data. This sensor-fusion approach is intended to help the vehicle compare environmental signals, identify potential hazards, and make more reliable driving decisions.

The company also said the vehicles will be connected to a centralized fleet management system capable of monitoring vehicle status, route progress, system alerts, and service performance. Remote operations personnel may review unusual situations and provide operational support when necessary, although the company emphasized that the autonomous driving system remains responsible for routine navigation and driving decisions within approved operating conditions.

The San Francisco operation is expected to begin gradually. Carziqo said it intends to assess vehicle performance before expanding service coverage or increasing the number of vehicles available to passengers.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

As autonomous ride-hailing services become more visible in American cities, questions surrounding road safety, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, passenger protection, and responsibility during unexpected incidents remain central to public discussion.

Carziqo said its San Francisco operations will follow applicable transportation and autonomous vehicle requirements. The company added that the ER-MX deployment will use predefined operational boundaries covering factors such as geography, road type, weather conditions, vehicle speed, and system capability.

Harrington said expansion would be based on demonstrated performance rather than aggressive deployment targets.

“Autonomous mobility must earn public confidence through measurable performance,” he said. “Every expansion decision should be supported by operational evidence, safety reviews, and a clear understanding of the environment in which the vehicles will operate.”

The company said it will monitor disengagement events, route interruptions, passenger feedback, system warnings, and interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles, and conventional drivers. Findings from the San Francisco deployment are expected to contribute to future software updates and operating policies for the wider ER-MX fleet.

Carziqo did not immediately disclose the size of the initial fleet, the complete service area, or the date when the service would become broadly available to the public.

Potential Impact on Urban Mobility

The launch comes as cities continue to explore alternatives to conventional private vehicle ownership and traditional ride-hailing operations. Autonomous mobility companies argue that centrally managed driverless fleets could eventually improve vehicle utilization, reduce service inconsistencies, and support more data-driven transportation planning.

However, autonomous vehicles must still prove that they can operate safely and predictably alongside human drivers and vulnerable road users. San Francisco’s traffic environment is expected to provide Carziqo with a substantial test of the ER-MX system’s ability to interpret complex street activity and respond to situations that may not follow standard traffic patterns.

Carziqo said the service is being developed as part of a connected mobility ecosystem rather than as a standalone vehicle program. Through centralized scheduling and fleet coordination, the company expects the ER-MX platform to analyze demand patterns, assign vehicles more efficiently, optimize routes, and reduce unnecessary vehicle movement.

The company also believes that information generated by autonomous fleets could eventually help operators better understand congestion, service demand, vehicle maintenance requirements, and transportation accessibility.

Building Public Trust

Public acceptance remains one of the most significant challenges facing autonomous transportation. Beyond technical performance, passengers must understand how a driverless service works, what protections are in place, and how assistance can be requested during a journey.

Carziqo said the ER-MX passenger experience will include trip information, vehicle identification, service-status updates, and access to customer support. The company also plans to provide clearer public communication regarding vehicle capabilities and operational limitations as the rollout progresses.

“Trust cannot be created through technology alone,” Harrington said. “It requires transparency, responsible operations, and a willingness to communicate openly with passengers, regulators, communities, and other road users.”

The company said community feedback will be considered as it evaluates potential changes to service areas and operating schedules.

Part of a Wider Expansion Strategy

The San Francisco launch forms part of Carziqo’s wider strategy to deploy autonomous mobility services in cities with different transportation patterns and operating conditions. By comparing performance across multiple markets, the company aims to develop a more adaptable system capable of responding to different road designs, passenger behaviors, traffic rules, and local mobility requirements.

For Carziqo, operating in San Francisco could serve as an important technical and commercial milestone. Success in the city would not only demonstrate the ER-MX platform’s ability to navigate a demanding urban environment, but could also provide operational insights for future expansion.

The company said further details concerning passenger access, operating zones, service schedules, and fleet availability will be released through its official channels.

As the autonomous mobility sector moves from controlled trials toward real passenger services, Carziqo’s San Francisco deployment will be closely watched as another test of whether driverless ride-hailing technology can deliver safe, practical, and scalable transportation in complex cities.

Corebilt and Häfele Strengthen Collaboration to Elevate Office and Commercial Spaces in the Philippines

 Corebilt has strengthened its collaboration with Häfele Philippines, a local subsidiary of the Germany-based Häfele Group, to further enhance the delivery, functionality, and quality of office and commercial spaces across the country.

The unique collaboration brings together the leading general contractor’s expertise in design and build, IT integration, and workplace transformation with Häfele’s globally recognized solutions in architectural hardware, fittings, lighting systems, and smart space innovations.

“We want to deliver our services in the best possible way,” Corebilt President Angela Manese said during the contract signing event held Tuesday, May 12. “This partnership enables us to elevate the whole fit-out landscape, delivering fit-out solutions to clients better, faster, and more cost-efficient.”

“Our goal is to have our products in every room,” Häfele Philippines Managing Director Stan Hug stated. “And it’s only possible with the right partners, and that’s where Corebilt comes in.”

Corebilt and Häfele Philippines will work together to improve the process of delivering modern workspaces that meet the changing needs of businesses, while maintaining high standards in craftsmanship and operational performance.

“These are two organizations that are very good with what they do,” Häfele Philippines National Sales Manager Richard Garcia said. “Our good products deserve a good partner.”

The collaboration also reinforces both companies’ shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and client-focused solutions. With a growing demand for efficient and future-ready commercial interiors in the Philippines, Corebilt and Häfele’s partnership paves the way for a better approach in contractor-supplier relationships and coordination.

“This partnership started because we wanted better-delivered, high quality builds,” Fulcrum Point’s Faren Panopio shared. “We’ve always used Häfele products in our projects and this collaboration allows us to have a deeper understanding and capabilities, given their products are aligned with our clients’ visions.”

“Having worked with a lot of commercial clients and businesses, we’ve seen how board rooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms are the biggest investments when it comes to fit-outs,” Corebilt Quantity Surveying Head David Vidad said. “We believe that Häfele’s innovative take on this crucial material is the perfect solution for improved project delivery for Corebilt.”

“Our operable systems are reliable and tested. My intention is to partner with similar partners,” Häfele Movable Walls and Technical Specs Project Division Head Benhur Imbang noted. “And without a doubt, Corebilt passes the intent and the expertise. Their vision is very much aligned with what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Häfele’s movable wall systems bring versatility to offices, homes, hotels and restaurants, allowing spaces to be reconfigured with ease. These solutions, together with other Häfele offerings such as architectural hardware represent key areas of collaboration between Corebilt and Häfele.

As both companies move forward with this strengthened collaboration, Corebilt and Häfele aim to set a new benchmark for office and commercial fit-outs in the Philippines, one that combines world-class technology, expert craftsmanship, and building with intention. Through a shared commitment to quality, precision, and long-term partnerships, this partnership reflects a shared vision of transforming vision into inspired spaces.

78% of Filipinos Use AI at Work Daily — Only 35% Are Trained For It, Sprout Study Finds

 Close to 500 HR leaders and executives filled Dusit Thani Manila on July 8, 2026 for the State of HR Summit 2026, Sprout Solutions' flagship event on the future of work. Held to full capacity under the theme Leading a People-First AI Transformation, the summit explored how organizations can use AI to accelerate performance while keeping people at the center of change.

AI Is Operational, Not Experimental

Sprout Chief Operating Officer Kislay Chandra opened with the reframing that ran through the day: "The question is no longer whether AI will reshape work, it's how leaders choose to shape that transformation," he said. "The organizations that win will be the ones that combine human capability and AI well."

The State of HR 2026 Report: AI & the Filipino Workforce, a nationwide study of 3,500+ employees across 13 industries, backed him up: 78% of Filipino employees now use AI daily, with higher use associated with more output, less stress, and greater recognition. Yet only 35% receive role-specific AI training: a clear gap between AI adoption and enablement.

Reframing the Human Side of AI

In the opening keynote, Cliff Eala, CEO of BS Works, argued that a people-first approach prioritizes augmentation over automation. "AI skills on their own are useful," he said, "but it becomes far more valuable when you pair it with real domain expertise." Leaders, he added, must actively redesign jobs around the moving line between what should be automated and what should be augmented, and make upskilling and reskilling role-specific rather than generic.

His sharpest point was complementarity: AI skill matters most when paired with genuine domain expertise. He also warned that outsourcing too much thinking to AI can erode the human judgment that experience builds. "We often don’t have complete, accurate, and timely information. This absence breeds uncertainty, which begs for judgment. And this is exactly where the human is needed.”

From Strategy to Adoption

In Five Shifts Defining the AI-Native Workplace, moderated by Maria Lourdes Ann Cruz of Lufthansa Technik Philippines with Dannah Majarocon of Jobstreet by SEEK, Alvanson So, former Regional People Lead for Canva, and Marvin Zoilo of Tech Mahindra, panelists named a familiar Philippine tension: many workers are fluent in mobile and social media but still underuse AI for real work, making AI adoption less about access and more about demonstrating practical value.

That thread continued in Operationalizing AI: Aligning People, Process, and Performance, moderated by Firdausi Ismail II Abbas of Acquire Intelligence with panelists from CIMB Bank, Booth, and MindYou. Their core message: employee buy-in is the real bottleneck. Leaders can set direction, but adoption fails if people cannot see how AI helps in their own work.

Making Adoption Stick

In Your Team Has AI. Now What?, Mia Cuenco, Director for Human Resources at Smartsourcing, argued that people create value while AI amplifies capacity. She framed transformation as the alignment of leadership, people, process, platforms, and AI around a clear purpose, stressed that work should be redesigned before it is automated, and challenged the room to ask not how AI can replace work, but how it can enrich people.

Sprout's Francis Peña, Commercial Director, then led the roadmap session, Building an AI-Ready Workplace for 2026 and Beyond. Anchoring the demo in the question "What is your why?", Peña showed how Sprout's people-first AI platform connects payroll, compliance, performance, and people data, including Sidekick, Sprout HR's AI assistant built to answer employee questions on payslips, compliance, and products, and the Command Center that lets HR admins orchestrate multiple functions in one place; Foresight, Sprout's new AI-powered predictive and prescriptive HR analytics solution; and Comply, its compliance solution built to keep pace with evolving Philippine labor and tax regulations.

Peña also walked through Sprout's two performance management solutions: Sprout Perform, an add-on to Sprout HR that digitizes the full appraisal cycle from KPI scoring to digital signatures; and Perform Pro, powered by Peoplebox.ai, which adds AI-supported reviews, OKR alignment, and 360 feedback.

What Leaders Must Do Differently

The leadership panels sharpened the human angle. In Leading Human Performance in an AI-Driven Workplace, moderated by Eli Harell of EmergePH with May Manaog of IQ-EQ, Julian Mengual of Medicard Philippines, and Airon Caraullo of KMC, speakers agreed the old expectation for leaders to know everything is obsolete; judgment, curiosity, accountability, and the ability to bring people together now matter more.

In Mission-critical Skills, Roles, and Teams for the Next Era, moderated by Atty. Arlene De Castro with Cliff Eala, Fleire Castro of DashoContent, and Dr. Raymond Sarmiento of mWell, the panel noted that AI can compress teams but must not lower the bar for quality, and that competitive edge comes from orchestrating AI well. Sustained upskilling and reskilling, they added, is what keeps the Filipino workforce competitive as roles are redesigned.

Recognizing People-First Workplaces

The summit debuted the inaugural Sprout Foresight Awards, powered by Foresight, Sprout's new AI-powered predictive and prescriptive HR analytics solution. Headlined by the Great Employer Awards, the recognition honored organizations demonstrating workforce health and people-first workplace practices in the Philippines. Closing the day, Sprout’s Chief Marketing Officer, Renzo Belardo, returned to the summit's core conviction: technology may change how work gets done, but people shape what comes next. “The challenge isn't adopting AI, it's helping people adopt a new way of working: every organization will eventually have similar AI capabilities, so the real differentiator will be leadership, the willingness to learn, and the courage to bring people along,” he concluded.

Powered by Partners

The State of HR Summit 2026 was powered by Sprout Solutions and BS Works, with support from platinum sponsors mWell and Singlife; gold sponsors Hubstaff, MetroMart, Xoxoday, and Medicard; and silver sponsor Hive Health. Strategic partners included the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD), MindYou, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), Plan International, World Vision, IHRI, and RCBC x DiskarTech.

About Sprout Solutions Phil Inc

Sprout Solutions is the People-First AI platform for payroll, compliance, and work, serving businesses across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Founded in 2015, Sprout combines AI-powered payroll, HR, recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, and financial wellness solutions into one intelligent platform designed to help organizations operate more efficiently while supporting their people at scale. Trusted by more than 2,000 companies and 350,000 users, Sprout complements its technology with managed services, implementation expertise, and dedicated customer success teams. Sprout exists to impact the lives of employees by improving businesses in the communities it serves.

Casino Plus Drives Digital Media Innovation with Multi-Week Vertical Drama 'Bathala’

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 13 JULY 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), continues to lead innovation as it debuts Bathala, a premium vertical short-form drama series based on one of its leading games of the same name.

The first episode, launched on July 9, 2026, already has nearly 80,000 views on social media, positioning the gaming platform at the forefront of the region's digital media evolution. Casino Plus also converted the traditional Filipino teleserye (television soap opera) format into the trend of AI micro-content built specifically for mobile-first consumers.

Following its initial premiere, the platform confirmed that Bathala will execute a continuous three-week broadcast run throughout July 2026. This fast-paced digital rollout features a second installment this week and a final sequel chapter dropping in consecutive weeks, ensuring a highly engaged audience throughout the month.

The series modernizes ancient Tagalog mythology, following the reincarnation of the Moon Goddess Mayari. In a narrative twist that connects traditional folklore with modern digital ecosystems, the plot follows her journey to adapt the supreme deity Bathala's legendary "Great Formation" into a digital game format.

For decades, teleseryes or telenovelas dominated primetime Filipino households. However, shifting consumer habits and rapid mobile penetration have driven a massive migration toward ultra-short, premium vertical video. Audiences now demand high-quality storytelling accessible directly on their smartphones.

With the digital series launch, Casino Plus bridges the gap between cultural storytelling and digital entertainment, creating a new commercial model for regional content deployment.

"The local entertainment market is evolving rapidly from long-form television toward premium, short-form vertical reels," said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. "With Bathala, we are driving this transition by pairing cinema-grade production with mobile-first distribution. This approach delivers culturally relevant storytelling that aligns with how modern audiences consume media."

The digital series features actors Zonia Mejia as Mayari, Gary Guarino as Dumangan, and Lea Macapagal as one of the deities. 

The next episode will drop on Thursday, July 16.  

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Gyukatsu まつ村 Expands to BGC After Building a Loyal Following in Boracay

Gyukatsu まつ村, the Boracay-based Japanese restaurant known for its premium deep-fried beef cutlet, is expanding to BGC's Park Triangle Mall. The move follows years of demand from Manila-based customers who discovered the brand during trips to Boracay.

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines. Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay is opening its second restaurant, Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC, at Park Triangle Mall this September. The expansion marks the second restaurant under Ikigai International Restaurant OPC, the company behind the Boracay-based Japanese dining concept.

According to founder Kevin Tan, the decision to open in Bonifacio Global City was driven by consistent demand from Manila-based diners rather than a broader expansion strategy.

“We kept hearing the same question from guests: ‘When are you coming to Manila?’” Tan said. "It eventually became something we felt we had to answer."

Since opening in Boracay, Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay has built a loyal following among tourists and local diners, many of whom first discovered the restaurant while visiting the island before continuing to follow the brand online.

Gyukatsu is a lightly breaded, deep-fried beef cutlet served rare to medium-rare, with each slice finished to the diner's preference on a hot stone at the table. While pork tonkatsu is well established in the Philippines through restaurants specializing in tonkatsu are common in the Philippines, but restaurants dedicated to gyukatsu remain relatively uncommon, making Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay one of the few dedicated concepts of its kind in the country.

According to Ikigai International Restaurant OPC much of the restaurant’s growth has been driven by customer recommendations and user-generated content shared on social media rather than traditional advertising. Data from more than 10,000 guest responses collected through digital and in-store surveys over the past two years shows that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are the primary channels through which new diners discover Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay.

Ikigai International Restaurant OPC selected Park Triangle Mall for its mix of office workers, residents and visitors, an audience the company considers comparable to the diverse customer base that supported the Boracay restaurant.

Recruitment for Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC has been completed, with management and restaurant teams preparing for an opening scheduled for early September 2026.A 

"Boracay allowed us to build something people genuinely connected with," Tan said. "We're glad to bring that same experience to guests in Metro Manila."

Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC is scheduled to open at Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in early September 2026.

About Gyukatsu BGC

Ikigai International Restaurant OPC is a Philippine-based restaurant company founded by entrepreneur Kevin Tan. The company operates Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay and will open Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC in Bonifacio Global City in September 2026. Its name is inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, which refers to living with purpose.

Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange Empowers OFWs to Maximize Hard-Earned Earnings

Every remittance sent by an overseas Filipino worker represents countless hours of hard work, personal sacrifice, and time spent away from loved ones. While these earnings help cover daily expenses, fund education, and support long-term goals, the value families ultimately receive can be influenced by how and where foreign currency is exchanged.

Recognizing the importance of maximizing every remittance, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange helps OFWs and their families get more from their hard-earned foreign currency through favorable exchange rates, convenient access via its extensive nationwide network, and digital solutions that make foreign exchange more accessible. As a BSP-regulated financial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier also provides a secure and reliable environment for foreign exchange transactions, giving customers greater confidence and peace of mind.

"OFW remittances remain one of the strongest drivers of household financial stability and economic growth in the Philippines. That's why it's important that families are able to maximize the full value of every hard-earned dollar, euro, yen, or other foreign currency they receive," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "Through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange, we are making foreign exchange more accessible and efficient, helping Filipinos convert opportunity into greater financial value for both their immediate needs and future aspirations."

For Lani and Derek, whose daughter has been working in Canada for six years, competitive exchange rates help them manage household expenses more effectively while setting aside funds for future needs.

"We choose Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange because of its reliable rates and the convenience of having a branch near us. We know we're getting good value for every remittance, and even the additional pesos we receive help us stretch our budget, manage rising expenses, and prepare for unexpected costs."

For Kevin, a university student whose parents work in the Middle East, getting more value from every remittance helps ease the financial demands of higher education.

"My parents always remind me that every dollar they send comes from years of hard work and sacrifice," he shared. "By exchanging their remittances through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange, we're able to maximize what they earn overseas. The additional amount helps cover my tuition, books, and other school expenses. What also makes it convenient is Cebuana Lhuillier's Click & Connect service, which allows us to start the transaction online and complete it at our preferred branch. It saves time, makes the process easier, and helps us access better value without added hassle."

Money XChange also complements Cebuana Lhuillier's cross-border remittance services. While OFWs can send money home through Cebuana Lhuillier's global remittance partners, Money XChange provides a convenient way to exchange major foreign currencies for international travel, overseas transactions, and other financial needs. Together, these services simplify cross-border money movement, making it easier for OFWs and their families to manage their finances.

"Our goal is to make foreign exchange simple, accessible, and rewarding for Filipino families," said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. "Through favorable rates, our nationwide network, and services like Click & Connect, we help customers access better value, greater convenience, and more flexibility in managing their finances. As part of Cebuana Lhuillier's integrated financial ecosystem, Money XChange supports the seamless movement of money between OFWs and their families back home."

Whether for everyday needs, education, savings, or future plans, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange helps families make the most of every remittance by combining better value, secure and reliable service, and convenient access through a trusted financial ecosystem. 

MOLD Manila Introduces U.S. FDA-Cleared SkinPen Precision Microneedling in Quezon City

Now available at MOLD Manila, SkinPen Precision uses controlled microneedling to support the skin’s natural remodeling process and improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and older.

MOLD Manila has introduced SkinPen Precision microneedling at its Quezon City clinics, expanding its range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments with a device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

SkinPen Precision was the first microneedling device to receive U.S. FDA clearance. The device uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges to create controlled microchannels in the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response and supporting collagen remodeling.

The device is U.S. FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and older. SkinPen Precision has also received U.S. FDA clearance for the improvement of neck wrinkles, expanding its applications in aesthetic skin treatments.

Unlike energy-based procedures that use heat, SkinPen Precision relies on mechanical microneedling to initiate the skin’s natural remodeling process. Treatment protocols may vary depending on the patient’s skin condition, treatment area, and individual aesthetic goals.

“At MOLD Manila, we are intentional about the technologies and treatments we introduce to our clients,” said Adrielle Costales, Founder and CEO of MOLD Manila. “Adding SkinPen Precision allows us to offer another clinically supported option for clients looking to address specific skin concerns through a personalized treatment plan.”

Each SkinPen Precision treatment at MOLD Manila begins with an assessment to determine whether microneedling is appropriate for the client’s skin concerns and goals. Treatment plans and the recommended number of sessions are determined individually.

The introduction of SkinPen Precision is part of MOLD Manila’s continued expansion of its non-surgical aesthetic services, which include facial sculpting, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring treatments.

SkinPen Precision microneedling is available at MOLD Manila’s White Plains and Baesa branches in Quezon City. Clients interested in the treatment may schedule a consultation to discuss their concerns and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

For more information or appointment inquiries, visit MOLD Manila’s official website or contact the clinic through its official social media channels.

About MOLD Manila

MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in Quezon City, Philippines. Known for its technology-driven, non-surgical treatments and personalized care, the clinic specializes in skin rejuvenation, non-invasive contouring, laser treatments, and IV wellness therapies. MOLD Manila is committed to education-first, results-driven aesthetics designed for real Filipino skin.

Why Philippine Businesses Need an AI-powered Business Growth System

 

MANILA, Philippines — Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most discussed topics in business. Yet many organizations continue to experience slow growth, inconsistent customer experiences, and operational inefficiencies despite investing in new software.

According to Emerge, the issue is rarely the absence of technology. More often, businesses operate with disconnected marketing, sales, customer service, operations, and data systems that make it difficult to execute consistently.

Emerge refers to this integrated approach as an AI-powered Business Growth System. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for people, the company believes AI should strengthen human decision-making, automate repetitive work, and help teams focus on higher-value activities.

The framework, known as HUGS or Humans Using Growth Systems, combines people, processes, technology, and data into a connected operating model designed to support long-term business growth.

The company encourages business owners to evaluate their customer journey from first inquiry to repeat purchase and identify where delays, duplicated work, or disconnected systems create unnecessary friction.

Emerge has also introduced the HUGS Growth Score, a practical assessment designed to help organizations understand opportunities to improve their overall growth system.

The company plans to continue publishing educational content and original research to help Philippine businesses make informed technology decisions.

“Business owners do not need more software for the sake of software. They need connected systems that help people work better together and serve customers more effectively. AI should amplify people, not replace them.” — Carissa Noromor, CEO, Emerge

 

About EmergeLocal, Inc.

Emerge is a Philippine company focused on helping businesses build AI-powered Business Growth Systems through its HUGS (Humans Using Growth Systems) methodology. The company combines strategy, technology, marketing, AI, and business systems to help organizations improve customer experience and sustainable growth.

 

IntouchCX Expands Philippine Operations with GH Tower Campus: Creating 4,000 new jobs by Q1 2027

 IntouchCX is officially opening its new 5-floor GH Tower Campus in Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines, marking its 10th anniversary in the country. The announcement, dated July 9, 2026, highlights an expansion that will accommodate roughly 2,500 seats and is expected to create nearly 4,000 new jobs by Q1 2027. This strategic investment reflects the company's ongoing confidence in the Philippines as a premier destination for customer management, AI services, and back-office operations. The information is being prepared as an official Press Release (PR) to be distributed across the Philippines and various websites.

IntouchCX, a global leader in customer experience (CX) management, AI services, trust and safety, and back office operations, today announced the opening of its newest operational campus at the GH Tower in Greenhills, San Juan City, strengthening its presence in the Philippines as it celebrates 10 years of operations in the country. .

The 5-floor campus provides capacity for approximately  2,500 seats and supports IntouchCX's continued growth in the Philippines. The expansion is expected to create nearly 4,000 new jobs in phases through the first quarter of 2027, with hiring across customer experience, digital operations, trust and safety, AI services, technology and corporate support functions.

The investment reflects IntouchCX's continued confidence in the Philippines as one of the world's leading destinations for customer experience, business process services, and AI-enabled operations. Over the past decade, the company has steadily expanded its local footprint while supporting global brands through technology-enabled customer experience solutions.

“The opening of our GH Tower campus marks the next chapter of IntouchCX's growth in the Philippines,” said Ken Layug, Executive Vice President, Operations & Campus (Philippines & Malaysia). “As we celebrate 10 years in the country, we're not just building for today's customer experience industry; we're future-proofing our campuses for what's next. From AI-powered copilots and innovation hubs to collaborative workspaces and continuous learning, we're creating an environment where technology empowers our people to deliver higher-value work and evolve alongside our clients’ needs. This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Filipino talent and reinforces our commitment to helping position the Philippines as a global leader in AI-enabled customer experience and digital services. ”

Since launching operations in the Philippines in 2016, IntouchCX has grown into a strategic delivery market, supporting clients across industries through digital customer experience management, trust and safety, back-office processing, and AI-powered solutions. The opening of the GH Tower campus marks the company's latest investment to strengthen its long-term presence in the country.

"Our growth in the Philippines has always been driven by the strength, dedication, and expertise of our people," added Layug. "This new campus positions us for the future while reinforcing our commitment to our employees, our clients, and the communities where we operate."

IntouchCX continues to recruit across a range of customer experience, operations, AI, technology, trust and safety, and corporate roles to support its ongoing expansion. Professionals interested in career opportunities can learn more and apply at https://www.intouchcx.com/careers/.

About IntouchCX (24-7 Intouch)

IntouchCX is a global leader in digital customer experience management, back office processing, trust and safety, and AI services. Founded in Canada, IntouchCX operates in 12 countries and 25 campuses. We immerse ourselves in your world with curiosity, creativity, and innovation to deliver exceptional results. For over 25 years, we have scaled with soul to become a disruptive industry leader by building trusted long-term relationships with our brand partners and empowering our people to drive positive change. To learn more, visit intouchcx.com.

 

 

Ushering in a Smarter, More Connected Philippines with Smart City Convention 2026

 

Smart City 2026 brought together government leaders, urban planners, and technological developers in an effort to usher in a smarter era for Philippine cities. By Zuriel Tan, Business Development Associate

Smart City Convention Philippines 2026, held last June 1-2, ushered in a new era of technological advancements within the Philippines. The event brought together government leaders, city planners, policymakers, and technology providers to discuss the future of smarter, more connected, and more sustainable Philippine cities. Notably, Kyle Delos Santos, Keepital Philippines’ Business Development Executive, delivered a talk detailing the importance of online visibility in the B2B industry within the constantly evolving technological landscape of the modern day. 

Held at SMX SM Aura, Smart City Convention Philippines 2026 served as a platform to share fresh, innovative, and unique ideas to contribute to a more sustainable future within the country. As the world undergoes rapid advancements in technology, the Philippines faces both opportunities and challenges in keeping pace with global trends in urban development. The convention’s inaugural iteration was designed to create a space wherein important stakeholders could gather to discuss the country's adaptation of smart city solutions through digital governance, data-driven urban planning, clean energy, and intelligent transportation.

Mr. Kyle Delos Santos delivered a keynote presentation going in-depth about the importance of a strong digital presence as our future becomes more data-driven and transitions to a predominantly digital landscape. Moreover, he showcased how GEO and SEO, based data-driven strategies are essential in cultivating a smart visibility that transform how businesses digitally grow in today’s connected cities.

The convention also featured other notable speakers such as Honorable Benjamin Banez Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, and Arch. Felino Palafox Jr, Founder of Palafox Associates, discussing how urban planning and government policy go hand-in-hand when trying to build a smarter and more connected future for the country collectively.

Smart City 2026 showed that a smarter, more sustainable future for our country’s urban landscape is closer than we think. With the rise of innovative technological advancements and a combination of global insights with local priorities, the convention played a vital role in making sure that a brighter, smarter future for the Philippines is possible.                                    

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About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.