PLDT Bozz Awards: The Awarding Ceremony for 5 of the Top Technopreneurs in the Country's digital arena

2 weeks ago, I was invited by Ms. Millet Liberato of DDB PR to attend one of the biggest award ceremonies this month: the PLDT Bozz Awards Ceremony held in the Palace Pool Club, Bonifacio Global City. Together with Rappler, Voyager, Ideaspace, Bloomberg Philippines, Uber, Takatack and Airbnb, PLDT has been in the forefront of recognizing and incentivizing the contributions of a new generation of technopreneurs who have heavily utilized digital media to grow and improve their businesses. The Bozz Awards is a social media crowdsourcing search for these remarkable people. 

According to FVP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Kat Luna-Abelarde, the search was a success. Nominations for the Bozz have reached more than 150 percent. Also, the stories that surrounded these people were one for the books. They embodied the characteristics of a innovative digital entrepreneur.

The nominees were then reduced to 15, with three nominees for each of the five categories—Boss for Mobile Readiness, Boss for E-commerce, Boss for Social Responsibility, Boss for Social Media and Boss for Customer Service.

MobKard’s Carlo Calimon won the title as the Boss for Mobile Readiness for creating a product that increases accessibility to goods and services. MobKard is a mobile application  that incentivizes customers to spend by offering promos and discounts in restaurants or establishments that are at a close proximity to the customer. It doubles as a privilege card for loyal customers as well. 

Kimstore’s Kim Lato won the title as the Boss for E-commerce. Through the use of the internet, she created a venture that has become one of the most ubiquitous tech and gadget stores online.  Her store is known for its commitment to high quality, safe, and trustworthy online shopping of electronic consumer devices.

Kristine Reyes Lopez won as the Boss for Social Responsibility. This person is the one who effectively harnesses the power of technology for a notable cause. Her Messy Bessy Cleaners, Inc. produces and sells cleaning and personal care items made from biodegradable, non-toxic and all-natural materials. She does this in conjunction with project HOUSE—Helping Ourselves through Sustainable Enterprises which employs and educates formerly abused, jailed and trafficked young adults for more productive and legal purposes.

Jason Magbanua, on the other hand, won as the Boss for Social Media. The title is for a person who utilizes social media platforms to create meaningful connections with customers and grow an online community of brand advocates. Mr. Magbanua made his mark as a wedding videographer who has become so in-demand in the country. He pioneered the “same-day-edit” videos, and his creations are popular on social media sites.

Chito Atilano, or more known as the Boss for Customer Service, uses digital platforms to provide better service and improve their business processes. His TimeFree Innovations is a virtual queuing solutions company which allows users to get an e-ticket through their smartphone. They then receive SMS alerts regarding their position in the queue so users don’t have to waste time waiting in line. This innovation helps companies improve their customer service and build brand loyalty.

They were chosen by means of public voting and a panel decision. The rating was divided into several categories: the promising entrepreneurial journey (20%), market/brand affinity (20%), integration of technology to business (30%), and product/service innovation (30%).

The winners won a Smart Enterprise Biz Kit which consists of business-enhancing tools and gadgets, including year-long data subscription, to boost their customer base and improve operations. They will also be given an opportunity to see the world’s melting pot of technology via a Silicon Valley tour. As a final twist, PLDT Smart SME Nation announced that the other 10 finalists will also join the exclusive tour.

According to Abelarde, SMEs need to explore mobile and online opportunities to cater to a market that demands so much from technology. It is up to PLDT Smart SME Nation to provide entrepreneurs with tools and solutions to enable them to flourish online and reach markets they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach offline. She hopes that PLDT's efforts will encourage more Filipino SMEs to embrace digital platforms and inspire other SMEs to embrace technology driven platforms.

The story in pictures:

Celebrating the next generation of Bossings (from left): Boss for Customer Service Chino Atilano of Timefree Innovations, Boss for Social Media Jason Magbanua of Jason Magbanua, Mobkard Chair of the Board Jay Bernardo representing Boss for Mobile Readiness Carlo Calimon of Mobkard, Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of Kimstore, President and CEO of PLDT Group Manuel V. Pangilinan, Boss for Social Responsibility Kristine Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, EVP and Head of PLDT Enterprise Eric R. Alberto, and FVP and Head of PLDT Smart SME Nation Kat Luna-Abelarde.

Kimstore's Kim Lato thanking PLDT and loyal consumers for the win.

Messy Bessy's Kristine Reyes-Lopez giving her speech.

Acknowledgement:

Ms. Millet Liberato of DDB PR for the invite and pictures.

Event Post: PLDT Digital Campus Suite Launch at Shangri-La Makati brought by PLDT SME Nation, Microsoft Philippines, Samsung Philippines, and Smart

Last August 26, 2015, I was invited by Millet Liberato of DDB to the launch of an innovative tech program of PLDT called Digital Campus Suite. The venue was at Shangri-La Makati at 10 am. The initial gathering was a press conference aimed at promoting this brand new venture while the second part was a grand celebration complete with a speech from Br. Jun Erguiza of COCOPEA and the stunning performances of the UP and NU Pep Squads. The bigger ceremony was kicked off by drum medleys by the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and the La Salle Animo Squad. Apart from these offerings, the event also hosted a short skit performed by Improv Manila as regards the practical application of this new project. 

We got to know about the idea, aims, and capabilities of the Digital Campus Suite. It is a package partnership deal offered by PLDT SME, in cooperation with Microsoft Philippines and SMART Communications Inc. to primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions all over the country. The target of this program is the digitization of the learning experience in schools to simply the process and make it more stimulating and interactive for a generation that relies so heavily on technology. In this sense, the program takes advantage of the fast growing trend of technological utilization to create a generation that is more adept to the changing whims of today's world. 

Before we move on, let's check the statistics. The year 2015 has seen a sharp spike of over 50% in jobs that require basic to advanced technology skills. The number will shoot up to 77% in the next decade. Worldwide, over 14 million jobs will be created on the IT industry. Thus, there is an imperative need for tech savvy college graduates to fill this burgeoning demand in the job market and thus end the 50% unemployment rate of the country's employable youth. The Digital Campus Suite aims to just do that. With its emphasis on the use of Microsoft Office and other business software, it stands to create a well-rounded college graduate that doesn't lack the rudiments of a technologically literate employable graduate.

The Digital Campus Suite equips the schools with high-speed internet to cater to population of hundreds, if not thousands, of student in a particular, institution. In turn, the students can use the powerful tools supplied by the Microsoft IT Academy program to learn basic and advanced technological skills and courses that prepare students to become competent professionals. The Microsoft IT Academy program is a highly advanced software programs that makes the most out of cloud technology to connect the students to their teachers without the limitations of distance. Through this platform, the students will be able to use Microsoft Office 365 to draft, edit, and collaborate their reports, homework,  and other school requirements through the ease of the electronic and virtual world. Gone are the days when students would use the good old fashioned manila paper, snowflake correction fluid, the type writer, or the once ubiquitous Dewey Decimal System to create their output. Furthermore, students and teachers can meet using the Skype for Business Application without the limits of distance. Thus, teachers who are not physically present in school can still give their lessons and transmit their ideas through the electronic media. Lastly, the distractions of Facebook will not be able to bother students who need the advantage of group forums or pages to disseminate information. Yammer meets this need. The app is a social networking platform where the members can connect in group discussions and manage information pertaining to their classes. It is a highly secure and controlled online environment where the discussions can be highly moderated and tempered.

Software is not the only benefit of this package. Hardware is another integral benefit. Under the program, these schools will receive a generous supply of tablets and computers installed with the aforementioned software packages complete with legitimate licenses. Furthermore, the schools will be given wi-fi-equipment that will be able to give high-speed hotspots for a thorough and complete e-learning experience.

Availing the program will provide even more benefits aside from hardware and software. Students under this program will be able to avail of certification programs to formalize their learning experience for Microsoft software. This will enable them to avail of even more career opportunities in the tech industry. Also, preset curriculum modules will help assist students in learning skills that will enable them to succeed in life. Apart from these two, the schools will also be provided marketing resources for business programs. Lastly, the specialized Dreamspark software will be given for students to learn web development and design.

Through this program, PLDT SME Nation hopes to empower a new generation that can master an ICT System - a system that has solidly become the mainstay for rapid economic growth in today's world.

The story in pictures:

Br. Jun Erguiza delivering his keynote speech

The PLDT SME Logo

The true application of collaboration: the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and the DLSU Animo Squad

The UP Pep Squad strutting their stuff

The Digital Campus presscon

A shot of the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion

The NU Pep Squad

The Lunch Menu - a la carte

The NU Pep Squad

The Juicy Lapu-Lapu Fillet

The Bloggers

Ms. Millet

Special Thanks to:

Mars Callo of http://mizzmars.tumblr.com/ for the pictures

Millet Liberato of DDB for the Invite

PLDT #BeTheBoss Campaign powered by Rappler, PLDT SME Nation, and Smart Enterprise Launch Event (August 5, 2015)

In the month of August, blog events are a plenty. To cap off my participation and attendance as a blogger, I went to the PLDT SME Nation #BeTheBoss launch event. This was possible through the generosity of Ms. Millet Liberato of DDB. The event was held at the newly opened Brewery at the Palace located in the Fort Bonifacio, Global City. PLDT SME Nation pampered its attendees with a lot of fun games and surprises. More than 5 Samsung Galaxy Tablets were given away to lucky bloggers via raffle, while almost everyone got a powerbank. Add to that the fact that the goodie bags were filled with high quality peripherals such as European designed water bottles, soft laptop covers, USB Flash Disks, and Cellphone accessories.

Another special mention was the food. It truly catered to the tastes of the guests. There was sisig pizza which boasted of a cheesy overload, a selection of German sausages which had a variety of tastes, mini-cheeseburgers with a helping of beef patties, and the obligatory buffet which was for meat lovers. There was beer-cooked beef, chicken terriyaki, baked potato, salad, and the tangy pasta.

The establishment, though, was famous for its freshly brewed varieties of foreign craft beers. Up to 5 varieties of fresh beer was served to the guests. I did try the Indian Pale Ale at 5% alcohol. I'd say that the combination of sweet and bitter tastes did a lot to make my day. Now on to the business side of things!

Last August 5, 2015, PLDT SME Nation, one of the subsidiaries of the Telecom Giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company Inc.,  revealed its latest pet project - the Bozz Awards. This initiative consists of a crowdsourcing program for a select group of budding tech entrepreneurs. These people must be known for heavily utilizing technology to accomplish their business objectives and building their commercial platforms. Also, they must be the creators of revolutionary innovations in the way they conduct their enterprises.

For this campaign, PLDT SME specially partners with Rappler.com, an online media giant with an extensive social media presence. Through this approach, the program hopes to disseminate the event and further inspire Filipino business people in creating and replicating the success stories of those who have gone before them. The initiative also desires to empower Filipinos in embracing the challenges and risks of the digital era. For this purpose, Rappler becomes the main promoter of the Bozz Awards and handles the crowd-sourcing aspect.

According to PLDT First Vice President and Head of SME Business Kat Luna Abelarde, PLDT SME Nation has consistently been at the forefront of celebrating success stories in business as well as promoting a new breed of entrepreneurs. While the MVP Bossing awards has always been there to champion the cause of business giants, the Bozz Awards, on the other hand, promotes up-and-coming startups. Talk about a way of equalizing the playing field!

The Bozz Awards event is merely the start of PLDT's Small Business Month program that seeks to give more opportunities to small players and help them achieve success. Do expect to see more activities in store for SME's in the coming weeks!

For those interested, the qualification for joining this elite program are as follows:

Entrepreneurs must be:

1. at most 45 years old.

2. based in the Philippines

3. business owners for at least 2 years

4. falls under the categories of

       a. The Boss for Mobile Readiness

       b. The Boss for E-commerce

       c. The Boss for Social Media

       d. The Boss for Customer Service

       e. The Boss for Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship

The public can nominate an entrepreneur who fulfills these categories through the official  site developed by Rappler. The nominations will start on August 10, 2015. 15 nominees will be chosen. The nominees will have to be under the 5 aforementioned categories. Also, a maximum of three 3 persons per category will be chosen in the initial selection. The scoring to be given by the panel is divided into 5 aspects, namely: Promising Entrepreneurial Journey at 20%, Market/Brand Affinity at 20%, Integration of Tech to Business at 30%, and Product Service Innovation at 30%. The public vote will comprise 40% of the score while the panel vote will comprise 60% of the rating. After a public voting campaign and panel deliberations, only 5 people (1 per catgeory) will be chosen in the awards events. The winners will be announced in the culminating celebration of the first ever Bozz Awards campaign.

The winners of this competition will be given a Smart Enterprise Biz Kit comprising hardware essential for their business, as well as SMART's data subscription package. This way, these enterprises can ensure that their online presence will be bolstered. This package can also help them streamline their operations. As an added bonus, the winners will be given a chance to go to Silicon Valley, California, to inspire them to improve their tech startups.

#BeTheBoss now! Visit rappler.com/betheboss to know more about this campaign. Also, know more about the Brewery at the Palace at https://www.facebook.com/TheBreweryAtThePalace.

Special Thanks to:

Ms. Millet Liberato of DDB PR for the invite

Rappler.com for the pictures.