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Building Success Together: How Three Entrepreneurs Grew with Powerhouse Tools

For Filipino entrepreneurs, finding the right business partner can mean the difference between modest success and remarkable growth. That’s exactly what Powerhouse Tools offers its franchisees: a partnership built on quality products, reliable support, and a proven system that has grown into a nationwide network. Three entrepreneurs exemplify what's possible when ambition meets the right partnership: Lester Yee, who saw potential in provincial hardware markets; Katrina Cambe, who learned that success is built on relationships, and lastly, Anabel Hilario who pioneered the opening of Powerhouse's first store in 2021. Scaling Powerhouse across provincial markets Lester Yee brought serious credentials to Powerhouse Tools when he joined three years ago. As president of the Esprutingkle Group of Companies, he oversees more than 100 businesses spanning multiple franchise brands. His portfolio includes 7-Eleven, Shakey's, Caltex stations, Max's Restaurant, and investments in hotels and reso

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Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Leads the NFIS 2025 with PUP, PASUC, and LCF to Champion Financial Inclusion Through Dducation

A resounding call for inclusive growth filled Novotel Manila, Quezon City as Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) led the National Financial Inclusion Summit 2025 (NFIS 2025), co-presented by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). The landmark event brought together the country’s leading educators, policymakers, and industry partners under the theme #LahatKasama: Strengthening Financial Inclusion through Education, a collective movement to make financial literacy a national life skill. Education has long been recognized as the cornerstone of financial inclusion. In a country where nearly half of adults remain unbanked and only 27 percent of youth aged 15 to 19 hold a formal financial account (BSP, 2021), CLFI emphasized that inclusion must begin in the classroom. Teachers, administrators, and learning institutions serve as powerful gateways to equip youn

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Discovery Capital Finance Corp. and Kredit Hero, Inc. Forge Nationwide Alliance to Propel SME Growth

In a major move aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and boosting economic development across the country, Discovery Capital Finance Corporation (DCFC) and innovative fintech leader Kredit Hero, Inc. have officially announced a strategic partnership. The alliance is designed to dramatically increase the availability of financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and amplify the market visibility of both organizations. The collaboration fuses the established lending experience of Discovery Capital with the cutting-edge technological agility and extensive reach of Kredit Hero, Inc., promising a streamlined and more accessible financing journey for entrepreneurs nationwide. A Shared Vision for Nation-Building This partnership transcends traditional business agreements; it is fundamentally geared towards nation-building. By pooling resources and leveraging distinct strengths, DCFC and Kredit Hero, Inc. aim to empower the SME sector, often referred to as the backbone of the Ph

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GoTyme Bank Celebrates its Third Anniversary, 7.8 million Customers Strong

GoTyme Bank, the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines, marks its third anniversary by celebrating its rapid success and deep commitment to inclusive, human-centric financial services. Since its launch, GoTyme Bank has redefined the retail banking landscape, attracting over 7.8 million customers who trust the bank to handle their everyday financial needs. The milestone is themed “Beautiful and Beyond,” spotlighting three core pillars that have made GoTyme Bank a success: people, shared experiences, and a clear vision and plan for the future.  Beyond banking, GoTyme Bank celebrates people GoTyme Bank’s growth is anchored in strong community and partnership building. The bank attributes its success to its network of retail allies, including Robinsons Retail and SM Retail, along with key merchant partners like Foodpanda, PayMongo, and TikTok Shop, which have expanded the bank’s reach and utility. In terms of community building, a core focus has been supporting Filipino talent through

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EastWest Empowers SMEs with BizAccess Visa Debit, A Banking Solution Designed for Businesses

EastWest, in partnership with Visa, has launched BizAccess Visa Debit, a new business solution that comes with a checking account, digital tools, and other practical features designed to give entrepreneurs ease, efficiency, and control in managing their finances. With 99% of businesses in the Philippines classified as SMEs, EastWest recognizes that entrepreneurs juggle multiple responsibilities every day. BizAccess Visa Debit simplifies money management by helping SME owners separate business from personal funds, track transactions in real time, and access essential tools to keep their operations running smoothly. The EastWest BizAccess Visa Debit Card is at the center of the BizAccess experience. It gives entrepreneurs a secure and convenient way to manage everyday business transactions, from purchases and supplier payments to other business-related expenses. Business owners may issue up to ten cards to their staff, making it easier to manage expenses and monitor transactions in on

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Judy Ann Santos Finds a Reliable Partner in Kyowa

When multi-awarded actress Judy Ann Santos steps into the kitchen, it’s not just about cooking—it’s about creating moments. Whether she’s preparing breakfast before school, whipping up snacks for her kids, or hosting family dinners on weekends, every meal is an act of love. For someone who pours her heart into every dish, trust in the tools she uses matters just as much as the ingredients themselves. Now, Judy Ann has found a partner that shares her passion for home, family, and good food in Kyowa, the well-loved and trusted Filipino brand known for reliable, high-quality kitchen and home appliances. Kyowa and Judy Ann’s Shared Love For Home For more than 38 years, Kyowa has been part of countless Filipino homes, known for appliances that combine function, durability, and affordability. From its iconic rice cooker seen in so many kitchens to the innovative airfryer, the iconic rice cooker, electric kettle, gas stove, and electric oven, Kyowa has quietly become the brand families dep

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Epson’s Accessible Technology: Enabling Businesses to Work Smarter

As businesses adapt to new ways of working, many seek dependable and practical tools to improve productivity. Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) responds to this need through technology that is simple, reliable, and accessible. With SMEs making up most businesses in the country, their success is vital to the economy. Epson supports their digital journey by removing barriers, which offers smart, seamless solutions that help them grow and compete. Rooted in a heritage of precision engineering and driven by a commitment to sustainability, Epson empowers businesses with tools that not only enhance productivity but also reduce environmental impact. “Epson has always believed that technology should make work simpler and more meaningful,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation. “By creating products that are easy to use, sustainable, and accessible to many, we help more Filipinos benefit from innovation and take part in growing their businesses.” Maki

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HONOR and BYD Partner to Power the Future of AI-Driven Intelligent Mobility

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced a strategic partnership with BYD, the world's leading new-energy vehicle manufacturer. The collaboration integrates HONOR’s vehicle connectivity solution with BYD’s next-generation DiLink smart ecosystem to deliver human-centric, AI-powered mobility experiences for consumers. The agreement was signed at a ceremony witnessed by James Li, CEO of HONOR, and Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group. Fang Fei, President of Products at HONOR, and Yang Dongsheng, Senior Vice President of BYD and President of the Automotive New Technology Research Institute, signed on behalf of their companies, marking the start of deeper cooperation in intelligent mobility. This strategic partnership is not only a deep collaboration in technology and ecosystem between two industry leaders, but also a forward-looking commitment to the future of intelligent mobility. The partnership will progress along three pillars: Core technology and fea

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YouTube #1 in Marketing ROI, Beats Other Platforms in SEA

The numbers are in: in 2025, viewers rank YouTube as the number one platform for streaming video content, reaching more consumers on a daily basis than all competitors including TikTok and Meta, according to new Kantar research shared at YouTube’s annual YouTube Works Awards. The awards served as a powerful showcase of the platform's unparalleled reach and its growing ecosystem of creators and communities. The winning campaigns from this year’s Southeast Asia YouTube Works Awards highlighted how brands are leveraging YouTube to achieve real, measurable business impact and high return on investment (ROI). When it comes to business results, YouTube consistently delivers. According to the consulting firm Analytic Edge, across markets like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, YouTube drives more than 2X the ROI of linear TV – specifically 4.1X in Indonesia, 2.9X in Thailand and 2.3X in Vietnam. It also outperforms other social platforms like TikTok and Meta – delivering 1.5X in Indonesia, 1.

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AUB, Singlife Launch Digital Insurance

Asia United Bank (AUB) has partnered with leading digital insurer Singlife Philippines to enable its e-wallet applications to bring the benefits of microinsurance to millions of Filipinos. Called the Singlife Insurance Microsite, the fully digital insurance platform allows customers to explore, purchase, and manage life insurance products directly through AUB’s e-wallet ecosystem, HelloMoney and Hello Pag-IBIG. Designed to simplify processes and provide a seamless customer experience, this innovation makes it easier for HelloMoney users to get insurance coverage without the need for tedious paperwork and face-to-face transactions. “Our mission has always been to empower Filipinos with innovative and accessible financial solutions,” said AUB president Manuel A. Gomez. “By partnering with Singlife Philippines, we are expanding the value we deliver to customers, helping them not only spend, save, and pay conveniently, but also secure their future through affordable and easy-to-access pr

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