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Moms PH celebrates Filipina entrepreneurial spirit at 1st Gawad Madiskarte
February 16, 2022 12:30 p.m.
Unsung heroes. In the past two years of the pandemic, that’s what our moms have proven to be. Despite bearing the brunt of COVID-19’s impact in the labor sector (many of whom lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts), these women made sure their family needs are taken care of by finding alternative ways of providing for their households.
For many, this meant going out of their comfort zones and starting their own online businesses. Based on data from Investing in Women, one in four micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines is owned by a woman. And this number has only risen during the pandemic with more than 88,000 new e-commerce businesses registered just in 2020.
Recognizing their immense contribution to their families as well as the potential of online home businesses in pushing for economic recovery, PLDT Home and a group of Filipino mompreneurs launched Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)last September 2020.
MMPH is an online community where moms can get a head start on their own online home businesses or get tips and know-how to grow and expand their side hustles. Now with more than 98,000 members from all over the Philippines, MMPH has become a safe space where moms could exchange best practices, share experiences, and motivate each other to pursue their passions while also becoming financially independent. The community provides members with a 24/7 virtual venue of relevant information and networking opportunities to help mompreneurs kickstart their own online home businesses.
Gawad Madiskarte 2022: Pagkilala sa Tagumpay ng Madiskarteng Pinay
To recognize the hard work of Filipino mompreneurs and celebrate their success, MMPH is holding its first ever annual awards – Gawad Madiskarte 2022: Pagkilala sa Tagumpay ng Madiskarteng Pinay – this coming March 2022.
Powered by PLDT Home Biz, the annual awards ceremony is a tribute to the Filipina entrepreneurial spirit. Inviting moms of smarts and style to a big virtual gathering, Gawad Madiskarte salutes the achievements of mompreneurs who have created and grown their online businesses amid an economically challenging pandemic — armed only with their drive and personal diskarte. The special awarding ceremony fittingly happens on March 8, 2022, which is International Women’s Day, hoping to inspire other moms and women to start their own businesses from home as well.
Gawad Madiskarte introduces two main award categories: The Start Up Division, which honors mompreneurs who have bravely started their online side hustles (at least six months operation) despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, and The Scale Up Division, which recognizes those who successfully started and maintained their businesses for at least 13 months.
Awards in the Start Up category include Diskarteng Solid(Strongest Start-Up Business Model) for those who have developed a business model that reflects their vision and gives exceptional customer value; Diskarteng Malikhain (Most Innovative Product) for those whose creative minds have brought forth fresh and unique products and services; and Diskarteng Eco-Friendly (Most Green Business) for those who have made conscious efforts to be socially responsible and environmentally friendly in their business.
Meanwhile, the Scale Up division includes awards for Diskarteng Angat (Fastest-Growing Business) for those who have achieved exceptional growth with their robust vision and strategy; Diskarteng Digital (Best Multi-Channel Business), for businesses that have capitalized on the benefits of a multi-channel approach; and Diskarteng May Puso (Best Social Enterprise), for those whose goal meant giving back and empowering communities through their businesses. (The Scale Up Division entrants are required to have either a physical or e-commerce shop, and supporting documents including a DTI Permit and Barangay Certificate.)
A special award, the Diskarteng HomeBiz(Mompreneur’s Choice Award), will be given to the exceptional mompreneur whose business success story has greatly inspired others to do the same.
Gawad Madiskarte will award each winning mompreneur a P100,000 cash prize, a one-year PLDT Home Biz Plan, and a laptop to help them go further in their side hustle.
To add prestige to the event, Gawad Madiskarte has commissioned award-winning sculptor and contemporary artist Glenn Cagandahan for customized trophies as part of the major prizes. Cagandahan is known for his expressionist works featuring farmers, their family on carabaos, and other rural images that bring to mind the Filipino’s unwavering sense of hard work.
For more information on Gawad Madiskarte 2022, join the Madiskarte Moms PH group at https://bit.ly/JoinMMPH2.
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Smart launches revamped Online Store, rolls out Postpaid Plan 799
9:43 p.m. July 7, 2025
Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is making it simpler and faster for more Filipinos to elevate their digital lifestyle with the launch of its revamped Smart Online Store (https://store.smart.com.ph/), a portal where new and existing customers can conveniently explore and securely avail of the latest prepaid and postpaid offers with just a few taps on their smartphone or computer.
As a special introductory offer, the revamped Smart Online Store is the launch platform for Smart Postpaid Plan 799, a SIM-Only Plan that comes with 15 GB open-access data for all sites and apps, 100 GB of 5G data for six months for use in Smart 5G-covered areas, Unlimited Calls and Texts with Landline Calls, and a complimentary Netflix Mobile subscription.
As an added perk for subscribers who will subscribe to the new Smart Postpaid Plan 799, applications made through the Smart Online Store will receive 50% more open access data (7.5 GB) for the first six months.
Easily sign up for a Smart Postpaid Plan 799
New and existing subscribers can conveniently sign up for Smart Postpaid Plan 799 by simply going to https://store.smart.com.ph/ (https://store.smart.com.ph/), selecting “SIM-Only Plans,” and then choosing “Plan 799.”
Customers must then fill out the required personal information to complete their online application.
Initially available only on the Smart Online Store, Smart Postpaid Plan 799 will also be offered to all Smart Stores nationwide soon.
Value-packed offers at your fingertips
Aside from enabling subscribers to avail of Smart Postpaid Plan 799 with just a few clicks, the Smart Online Store also allows customers to bundle a device with their SIM-Only Plan.
Moreover, Smart Online Store’s intuitively designed portal makes it so much easier for customers to discover other value-packed products and services that suit their lifestyle – from data, call, and text offers, SIMs and eSIMs, to the latest smartphones.
The portal also allows users to reload for credits, avail of limited promos, purchase phones bundled with Smart and TNT SIM cards, buy devices under Smart Bro 5G promos, and order Smart and TNT SIM packages.
Lastly, customers can enjoy a wide range of payment options with priority handling for select credit cards.
The revamped Smart Online Store is just one of the many ways that make Smart simply reliable for Filipino mobile users looking to level up their digital lifestyle and enjoy the many benefits of technology.
Visit the Smart Online Store and sign up for a Smart Postpaid Plan 799 now at https://store.smart.com.ph/.#
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Mega Sardines: 50 years of serving nutrient-rich meals, primed to go global
10:22 a.m. June 20, 2025
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Mega Prime Foods Inc. reflects on a remarkable journey—one that began with a simple mission to provide affordable, nutritious food to Filipino families.
What started as a humble fishing company has now become one of the most innovative and socially driven food manufacturers in Southeast Asia, producing over 3 million cans of sardines daily from its advanced facilities in Batangas and Zamboanga.
Sardines, long a staple in Filipino households, are among the most nutritionally dense foods in the world—rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health, vitamin B12 for metabolic support, and a host of other essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and selenium. Mega Sardines ensures these health benefits are preserved through its industry-leading “catch to can in 12 hours” process—setting it apart in freshness, quality, and care.
For Chairman and Founder William Tiu Lim, the journey has not been easy. From natural disasters like the devastating 1970s typhoon that destroyed much of their fishing fleet, to political and economic crises, Mega has endured and grown stronger. Through it all, Tiu Lim held fast to three core values: Quality, Innovation, and Malasakit—a uniquely Filipino term meaning selfless concern for others.
“We’ve always aimed for the best possible quality,” said Tiu Lim. “Our fish go from sea to can in just 12 hours, compared to the industry’s usual 1–3 days. That freshness is our edge.”
This commitment to innovation and excellence recently culminated in a global milestone: Mega Sardines was designated a “Superfood” by the Medical Wellness Association (MWA), becoming the first seafood product ever to receive the distinction. The recognition was awarded during Mega’s 50th anniversary celebration by MWA Board Member and faculty member James Michael Lafferty, underscoring the brand’s role in promoting global wellness.
“I was honored to announce Mega Sardines as the world’s first seafood Superfood,” said Lafferty. “It’s a testament to their quality, innovation, and mission to improve health outcomes.”
As the company transitions into its second generation of leadership under President and CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, the vision for global expansion is clear—but rooted in the same human values that built the brand.
“We are people-first,” said Lim-Chan. “We serve our customers, support our employees, and provide opportunities to improve lives. Growth is not just about geography—it’s about purpose.”
Mega Prime Foods is already expanding its product lines, offering not only sardines but also tuna, mackerel, fruit cocktails, coconut gel, Primo non-alcoholic sparkling juices, and the Jimm’s Coffee functional beverage line.
“Our proudest achievement is our ability to turn compassion into tangible, quality products,” Lim-Chan added. “We are not done yet. The next 50 years will be even more exciting.”
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Jollibee partners with Natalie Dau’s Project 1000, with run to culminate at brand’s milestone BGC store
5:45 p.m. April 29, 2025
Jollibee is a proud partner of ultramarathon runner and Guinness World Record holder Natalie Dau as she sets another record and travels 1000 km across the Philippines by foot, passing by iconic landmarks, interacting with communities, and doing charity activities along the way.
Project 1000 in the Philippines is Natalie’s second 1000 km ultramarathon, following her successful run throughout Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore last year. More than just an athletic feat, the project aims to raise awareness and support for various charities dedicated to empowering women and girls, making it not just a test of endurance, but also a run for a cause.
Everyone’s best friend Jollibee joined Natalie as she kicked off the run last April 21 in Santa Ana, Cagayan. Several branches across North Luzon have also served as quick stops for Natalie and her team, who all enjoyed their jolly favorites. On Day 5, the Project 1000 team had a heartwarming stop at Jollibee Narvacan in Ilocos Norte, as students from Ta-yac Elementary School experienced a special Jollibee Kids Party.
“I want you to experience a fun party that only Jollibee can offer. I hope you enjoy all the great food and have a fun day,” Natalie shared with the children during the celebration.
This special Jollibee Kids Party included fun games and a special performance from Jollibee and Hetty, which got Natalie and the kids very excited about. Loot bags and exciting prizes were also given away, bringing ultimate joy to students that participated.
“We’re delighted to partner with Natalie for Project 1000, as we have always sought to support initiatives that align with our values. This partnership allows us not only to continue bringing joy to underserved communities, but also celebrate resilience and determination, and the power of working together to create a positive impact in the community,” shared Dorothy Dee-Ching, VP-Marketing of Jollibee Philippines.
Over the next few days, Natalie will continue her journey through Zambales and Bulacan, with her final stop being Jollibee’s 1000th milestone store in Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Just like Natalie, Jollibee is committed to spreading joy and inspiration to communities across the country. Through this meaningful partnership, every kilometer of Natalie’s run becomes a celebration of resilience, purpose, and joy.
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