Hot Wheels Designer Brendon Vetuskey Rolls in Nostalgia to Kingsford Hotel Manila

“Hotels can be more than places where people stay. We can become part of the destination experience and create spaces where communities, businesses and visitors connect. Partnering with Metrics Ph allows us to support the collector community while exploring new opportunities for events, partnerships and experiences that can bring people to Manila.” ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila

Many people have fond childhood memories of Hot Wheels that begin with their first collection, a favorite car, or a race across the living room floor. Others never really lost that childhood fascination. It simply became a lifelong passion for collecting, trading, and discovering the histories of each diecast.

Hot Wheels diecast designer and Red Line Club design lead Brendon Vetuskey met with local and international collectors and enthusiasts at an exclusive private dinner held in partnership with Metrics Ph, the organizer of the Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention, putting that shared nostalgia front and center at the Kingsford Hotel Manila.

Attendees, including the CEO of Metrics PH, enjoy an intimate dinner presentation with Hot Wheels lead designer Brendon Vetuskey.

It was more than just a get-together for diecast enthusiasts, bringing together collectors, families, business executives, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality representatives. It illustrated how a shared interest can forge strong bonds between communities and generations.

The event gave Kingsford Hotel Manila an opportunity to create an experience that goes beyond a standard hotel stay. The family-friendly hotel provided an ideal setting for an experience that brought together collectors who have been involved in the hobby for years, enthusiasts discovering new pieces, and kids and kids at heart who still love Hot Wheels.

From childhood memories to a collector community

The event gained a global creative perspective thanks to Vetuskey's involvement. Since joining Mattel in 2007, he has contributed to numerous Hot Wheels designs. At the moment, he serves as Red Line Club vehicles' primary diecast designer.

Vetuskey shared insights about Hot Wheels design and the process of creating diecast vehicles at the exclusive dinner, which followed an exclusive presentation and discussion with collectors and invited guests.

For Vetuskey, however, the appeal of collecting goes beyond the cars themselves.

“You might meet someone and start talking about your favorite Hot Wheels from childhood or the first car you ever collected. Those stories and shared memories are what makes collecting special.” ~Brendon Vetuskey, Hot Wheels Diecast Designer and Red Line Club Design Lead

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Brendon Vetuskey connects with the Philippine collecting community, sharing stories from his journey as a Hot Wheels designer.

This sense of connection continues to influence the Philippines' growing collector culture. Collectors and enthusiasts can gather at Metrics Ph to celebrate a cross-generational hobby, share their collections, and tell stories.

Shared passion becomes a hotel experience

The event also offered a glimpse of how specialized communities can create new tourism and hospitality opportunities.

For collectors, a place can become more than just a venue for an event. It can be a place where people meet, form friendships, and exchange stories based on shared interests. For Kingsford, it's an additional opportunity to create experiences that foster community and visitor interaction.

Fans of Hot Wheels are still remarkably familiar with the appeal. Whether they have been collectors for a long time or are just remembering the thrill of opening a brand-new diecast car as children, the excitement is still there.

The nostalgia that brought children and children at heart together at the Kingsford Hotel Manila is proof that some childhood passions never really matured. They simply develop new strategies to bring people together.

Building Skills, Shaping Champions: TESDA, AMA Education System (AMAES) Partner for WorldSkills Philippines 2026

“The Filipino has always had the talent to compete with the best in the world. What our young people need are the right education, training, technology and opportunities to demonstrate what they can do. Our partnership with TESDA and our support for WorldSkills reflect AMA’s commitment to helping prepare a generation of Filipinos who are not simply ready for employment, but ready to compete and lead in a technology-driven global economy. Education cannot afford to wait for technology to change the world before we begin preparing our students for it. We have to anticipate the skills that will matter tomorrow and give young Filipinos the opportunity to master them today.” ~Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES)

Building on a partnership strengthened through successive WorldSkills initiatives, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and AMA Education System (AMAES) continue a shared push to prepare Filipino talent for a future defined by technology, innovation and globally competitive skills.

The road to becoming world-class begins at home in classrooms, labs, training facilities, and competitions where young Filipinos can put their skills to the test.

That journey takes center stage at WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the country's premier national skills competition, which is held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga from September 7 to 11, 2026.

About 350 competitors from TESDA's 18 regional offices—all qualifiers from their respective Regional Skills Olympics—will compete in 30 industry-driven skill areas under the theme "Your Skills, Your Future."

The competition is the latest stage of AMA's continued support for TESDA's skills-development initiative and a logical continuation of the organization's longstanding commitment to technology-driven education.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT FOR WORLD-CLASS SKILLS

AMA Computer University, Inc. officially highlighted AMA's WorldSkills partnership with TESDA in 2025 when it joined more than thirty industry and educational partners to support the Philippines' hosting of the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.

Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, the founder and chairman emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES), established the organization in 1980 when computer education was still relatively new in the Philippines. This vision is embodied in the partnership for AMA.

For Filipino talent to become globally competitive, government, education, and business cooperation are essential. The collaboration between AMA and TESDA has grown from a formal partnership to the regional level and is now the leading national skills competition in the country.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT THROUGH WORLDSKILLS

September 7–11, 2026 — WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026

AMA continues its support for TESDA’s skills-development movement through WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

August 26–28, 2025 — 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition

The Philippines hosted the regional competition in Manila, with AMA Computer University, Inc. among TESDA’s official partners.

July 4, 2025 — Formalizing the AMA–TESDA Partnership

AMA Computer University, Inc. joined TESDA and other industry and education partners in a mass Memorandum of Agreement signing in Pasay City, formalizing its support for WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.

When considered collectively, these accomplishments demonstrate a cooperation that goes beyond a single competition, providing Filipino talent with the opportunity to develop their skills, compete at higher levels, and get closer to the global stage.

30 SKILLS, ONE NATIONAL STAGE

Formerly known as the Philippine National Skills Competition, WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 now carries the official WorldSkills Philippines brand, aligning the national event with the standards and framework of WorldSkills International.

Its 30 skill areas across six major industry sectors reflect the changing nature of skilled work. Information and Communication Technology competitions include Cyber Security, ICT Network Infrastructure, IT Network Systems Administration, Software Applications Development, Web Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, alongside disciplines in manufacturing, engineering, construction, creative industries, hospitality and automotive technology.

As TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez said, WorldSkills brings together the nation’s most skilled youth while inspiring “excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning.”

The competition also serves as a pathway to the global stage, with gold and silver medalists potentially selected to represent the Philippines in WorldSkills International, WorldSkills Asia and WorldSkills ASEAN.

WHERE AMA’S TECHNOLOGY LEGACY MEETS THE SKILLS MOVEMENT

WorldSkills' emphasis on emerging technologies and AMA's identity are very similar. Since its founding in 1980, the institution has placed a high priority on computer and technology education as well as industry readiness.

Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, software development, and web technologies are now more than just academic specializations; young Filipinos can employ these skills both at home and overseas.

For AMA, WorldSkills creates a direct bridge between education, industry expectations and real-world capability.

FROM ASEAN HOST TO THE NEXT FILIPINO CHAMPIONS

The Philippines' historic year is followed by the national competition in 2026. The 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition took place in the country in 2025 with more than 300 competitors from ASEAN Member States. The event, which was the Philippines' first WorldSkills ASEAN host in nearly thirty years, was sponsored by AMA Computer University, Inc., one of TESDA's official partners.

Approximately 350 regional qualifiers compete in 30 different skill areas at Clark these days. More than just medals are at stake: competitors are judged on their problem-solving skills, inventiveness, accuracy, and technical proficiency; top performers may go on to compete abroad.

For AMA, supporting this ecosystem means helping give young Filipinos a clearer pathway from education to professional excellence.

SKILLS AS A NATIONAL ADVANTAGE

WorldSkills Philippines is more than just a competition. In order to promote the development of superior skills and prepare Filipino talent for competition overseas, TESDA is mandated by Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7796, also known as the TESDA Act of 1994, to hold an annual national skills competition. Conversely, international WorldSkills competitions follow their own competition schedules.

That goal has become even more crucial as automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies transform the workplace.

The TESDA-AMA partnership strengthens this pathway: TESDA provides a national platform and an internationally aligned skills framework, while AMA contributes its longstanding emphasis on technology education and industry readiness.

For Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES), the partnership reflects the principle that inspired AMA’s beginnings—preparing Filipinos not only for today’s opportunities, but for those that will define tomorrow.

From WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 to WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the objective remains clear: equip Filipino talent with the skills, technology and opportunities to compete with the best.

Because the road to a global podium begins with investing in Filipino talent at home.

SM Center Sangandaan offers FREE AI Skills Session

SM Center Sangandaan will help community members better understand and navigate the technology as it continues to change how people study, work, and conduct business by offering a free upskilling session focused on practical AI applications.

The educational event, "AI for All," is scheduled for September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 2nd floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is adjacent to KKV.

The session aims to make AI more approachable by focusing on how it can be used in everyday work, business, productivity, and career development rather than technical jargon.

Participants will examine practical uses of AI in business, productivity, and the workplace in addition to learning about prompt engineering and AI principles. Additionally, responsible and ethical AI use will be covered in the lesson, helping students understand both the technology's potential and how it should be used.

The program will also introduce participants to IBM SkillsBuild, which will provide them with additional learning resources as they continue to refine their skills in an increasingly digital workplace.

As part of their continuous efforts to give Filipino communities easily accessible career opportunities and skill development, SM Supermalls is offering a free training session.

As AI becomes more widely used across industries, learning how to use it can help students, job seekers, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate new opportunities.

Because "Your next skill could open your next door," SM Center Sangandaan encourages the community to take that initial step by learning something new, understanding emerging technologies, and becoming more prepared for what lies ahead.

The AI for All session, which brings together business and educational partners to expand community access to digital skills development, is made possible by SM Supermalls, DICT, and IBM SkillsBuild.

For the most recent information about the event, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official SM Center Sangandaan Facebook page. Alternatively, they can scan the QR code found in the official event materials to obtain registration details and additional details.

From IT Partner to Command Center: AMA Education System (AMAES) Takes on Bigger Role in PPCRV’s Historic BARMM Parliamentary Elections

“We are deeply honored to be PPCRV’s information technology partner. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions. As educators, we take pride in providing quality training to our students worldwide. This initiative enables us to extend that commitment to Filipino voters, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices.” ~Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System

AMA Education System, led by Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, moves beyond its role as PPCRV’s IT partner to become home to the command center for the historic BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

FROM PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY TO BECOMING THE NERVE CENTER

For more than four decades, AMA Education System (AMAES) has built its name around technology and education. This September, that expertise takes on a distinctly civic purpose.

As voters take part in the first regular Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), an AMA facility will serve as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Command Center, supporting the independent monitoring of the vote.

Housed at the AMA School of Medicine Annex Building along South Super Highway in Barangay Bangkal, Makati City, the command center marks a significant expansion of AMA’s longstanding partnership with PPCRV.

It also reflects the vision of Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System, who has long championed technology as a practical tool for education, institution-building and national development.

A PARTNERSHIP YEARS IN THE MAKING

AMA’s work with PPCRV is part of an electoral journey that reaches back to the 1986 snap presidential elections.

That year, AMA provided technical support and volunteers for the COMELEC Quick Count at the Philippine International Convention Center. Since then, it has supported 14 national and local polls—1986, 1987, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025—as election technology evolved from manual quick counts to automated voting and independent verification.

Beginning in 2001, AMA also became an election-coverage partner of GMA Network, supporting quick-count and data initiatives alongside institutions such as PLDT-Smart, COMELEC, NAMFREL and PPCRV. In 2007, GMA-7 and AMA jointly conducted an election quick count, with the collaboration continuing through later election coverages, including Eleksyon 2016.

AMA’s formal technology partnership with PPCRV grew alongside the country’s automated elections. As PPCRV’s official IT partner in 2016, AMA provided equipment and technical manpower, then continued its support in 2019 and 2022 with computers, technical assistance, volunteers and online training facilities. The partnership was renewed for the 2025 national and local elections.

In 2025, AMA-provided computers supported PPCRV’s Unofficial Parallel Count, while its online education platform helped power the Tibok Pinoy voter values formation program.

For the BARMM elections, that partnership reaches a new level: the command center itself comes to AMA.

AT THE CENTER OF A HISTORIC ELECTION

The September 14 vote marks the first regular parliamentary election in BARMM, a milestone in the region’s transition toward a fully elected parliamentary government.

Voters will determine the composition of the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament, placing added importance on election credibility and independent verification.

As an accredited citizens’ arm of the Commission on Elections, PPCRV conducts voter education, poll watching and an unofficial parallel count of electronically transmitted election results.

At the command center, volunteers independently encode physical election returns and match them against electronically transmitted results. PPCRV’s double-pass encoding system is designed to strengthen accuracy and flag discrepancies for further scrutiny.

For this historic vote, that verification work will converge at AMA.

TECHNOLOGY WITH A LARGER PURPOSE

The expanded role is especially significant for an institution closely identified with the growth of information technology education in the Philippines.

For Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System, education, technology and responsible citizenship have long been interconnected.

During the BARMM elections, a facility ordinarily dedicated to educating future professionals will become a hub where volunteers, technology and election data come together for independent verification.

PLDT is also supporting the effort by providing connectivity for the PPCRV Command Center at AMA, while its VITRO data centers will house critical servers receiving data transmitted by automated counting machines.

Together, the connectivity, data centers, computers and command-center infrastructure demonstrate how technology can help strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

For AMA, the BARMM elections mark the latest chapter in nearly four decades of supporting Philippine electoral exercises.

From the 1986 COMELEC Quick Count and election collaborations with GMA Network to its sustained technology partnership with PPCRV, AMA has placed its people, infrastructure and IT expertise in the service of credible elections.

Now, that role is expanding. By opening its Makati facility as the PPCRV Command Center, AMA is providing not only the technology that supports the electoral process, but also the space where volunteers and election data will come together for independent verification.

It reflects the vision long championed by Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System: that technology finds its greatest value when it serves people, institutions and the nation.

On September 14, history will be written at polling centers across BARMM. Hundreds of kilometers away in Makati, AMA will play its part in that history as the home of the PPCRV Command Center.

Because beyond the technology, the data and the systems, what matters most is the integrity of every vote, the trust behind every result, and the confidence of every Filipino that their voice truly counts.

XPeng Iron Rolls Off Production Line as Humanoid Robot Manufaturing Facility is Commissioned

“The robot production lines were created from scratch with no precedent to follow. Today's step is small, but XPENG is building the production lines for an entirely new product category. Looking ahead, XPENG will continue to explore faster production rhythms and greater scale in robot manufacturing, charting a new path toward a leading robot manufacturing industry in China and globally. We aim to build a new type of robot with full generalization capabilities that can truly become part of everyday life, create a better life for people, and ultimately become a companion in their lives." ~He Xiaopeng, Chairman & CEO of XPENG

The official commissioning of the company's humanoid robot production lines by XPENG Inc. ("XPENG" or the "Company," NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868), a well-known international Physical AI company, represents a significant step in the company's transition from research and development to scaled manufacturing.

The milestone was reached when the first next-generation XPENG IRON produced on the new lines was finished. By walking off the production floor on its own, the advanced general-purpose humanoid robot brought XPENG closer to volume manufacturing and illustrated the transition from R&D prototyping to production.

According to the company, the facility operates the world's first automated production lines for advanced humanoid robots. It creates precise humanoid machines using automotive-grade quality systems designed for the smart electric vehicle market.

Because the facility was built with scalability in mind, more than 80% of its critical functions are automated. Its intelligent, flexible, and high-precision manufacturing system is designed to enable faster capacity expansion while preserving quality throughout critical phases.

A key element of the company's Physical AI strategy is the next-generation XPENG IRON, which combines AI-driven intelligence with human-like form and movement. It is being developed as a sophisticated general-purpose humanoid platform that complies with stringent safety regulations, supports a range of applications, and continuously improves through self-reinforcement and real-world learning.

IRON's distinctive, fully enclosed flexible lattice structure balances style and safety. With 21 degrees of freedom in each hand and 76 degrees of freedom throughout its body, the robot offers high levels of dexterity and mobility.

Its intelligence is supported by three AI Turing chips with up to 2,250 TOPS of processing power. This allows XPENG to directly implement its Physical AI foundation model on the robot, enabling IRON to perform complex tasks autonomously without remote operation, while also providing low-latency inference and enhanced data security.

He Xiaopeng, Chairman & CEO of XPENG, put on a staff badge on IRON, symbolizing that it has officially become a member of the XPENG team.

XPENG plans to begin mass-producing its robots by the end of 2026, with the first commercial deployment occurring at the company's retail stores and campuses. In 2027, the robots are anticipated to be delivered and formally unveiled to the Chinese and global markets.

The production milestone aligns with the official launch of XPENG in the Philippines on September 25, 2026. The event will introduce the local market to the brand's Physical AI vision in addition to the launch of the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03 in the Philippines.

The X9, XPENG's ultra-intelligent flagship seven-seater, blends excellent comfort, flexible interior space, and intelligent mobility technologies. Its features include an intelligent dual-chamber air suspension system, the Intelligent XOS Cockpit, active rear-wheel steering, and XPILOT ASSIST driver assistance. The model is designed to serve as a high-end family vehicle, an executive lounge, and a flexible travel companion.

It will be joined by the L03, a next-generation AI SUV coupé that blends intelligent technology, distinctive design, everyday versatility, and connected mobility. Combining the two models will demonstrate how XPENG employs AI to build vehicles that can understand, adapt, and respond to their owners.

The launch in the Philippines is part of the company's broader globalization strategy, which aims to bring Physical AI into more markets and facets of daily life. Complete details regarding local costs, variations, warranties, availability, and delivery schedules will be disclosed at the event on September 25.

XPENG is developing three complementary growth pillars: automotive, robotics, and globalization in addition to intelligent vehicles. The introduction of its first production-line-built advanced general-purpose humanoid robot is a significant step in implementing this strategy.

Because of the technical challenges and limited supply of advanced general-purpose humanoid robots, XPENG expects gross margins per unit in the segment to be significantly higher than those of new energy vehicles. As it moves toward scaled manufacturing and commercialization, the company expects its robotics business to become its second major growth engine.

On August 24, XPENG's robotics division raised over US$900 million at a post-money valuation of over US$6.3 billion by signing share purchase agreements with multiple investors. According to the company, this is the largest private capital raise in China's embodied AI industry to date.

The investment reflects capital-market confidence in XPENG Group's technological capabilities, development roadmap, manufacturing scale, and long-term commercial prospects in Physical AI.

By combining intelligent cars, humanoid robots, and scalable production capabilities with a single Physical AI foundation model, XPENG is building an integrated chain from basic technology and product development to industrial deployment. By employing this strategy, the company intends to incorporate artificial intelligence not only into the digital realm but also into cars, robots, and the wider physical world.

For the latest updates, follow @xpengphilippines on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.xpeng.com/ph. For further information on global operations, please visit www.xpeng.com.

About XPENG

Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading Chinese AI-driven mobility company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs, catering to a growing base of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to drive the Smart EV revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility.

To enhance the customer experience, XPENG develops its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-house, along with core vehicle systems such as the powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Munich, and Amsterdam. Its Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX: 9868). For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

2gather, 2gether in September Celebrate Market! Market!’s 22 Years of Journeying Through Life with the Community

“It’s where people come together. It is a familiar place, a part of a lot of people’s childhoods, and it is one of their constants, still serving them now in their adult lives. Market! Market! embraces the community’s diversity – everyone feels at home in the mall.” ~Cristina Ticzon-Locsin, Market! Market! General Manager

In September, go to Bonifacio Global City's (BGC) original community center. Have fun at the market! Market!For 22 years, 2gather, 2gether has been used to keep people's lives connected through a month-long series of games, social media, shared experiences, and anniversary shopping discounts and promotions.

2gather, 2gether at Market! Market!

Anniversary Offer! Sale! Take advantage of up to 70% off at participating merchant stores during every September weekend. Benefit from 22 discounts at participating stores, restaurants, and service providers. Customers with P7,000 worth of receipts from participating retailers will also receive a limited edition anniversary jacket.

Create more memories with your loved ones as a treat from Market! Market! 2+2 together in Hong Kong. Simply show accumulated receipts from participating merchants totaling P1,500 to enter to win a four-day, three-night, all-expense-paid trip to Hong Kong for four people.

Are you willing to take a chance? Take part in the Gaming Library and Market! Market!Visit the three-day High Stakes tabletop gaming event from September 4–6 to discover new games, network with other players, or take on more experienced players. To show off your skills, play board games, trading card games, and miniature games.

Register for the Know It All at the Food Choices Trivia Nite on September 11 to enjoy delectable food and company.

From September 15 to 20, make your way to The Gift Spot for limited edition 22nd anniversary apparels showcasing the people, connections, and communities that continue to shape Market! Market!

Bring your favorite people to Beyond Brews: Coffee & Matcha Festival from September 25 to 27 at the Activity Center and get a taste of different coffee brands, matcha brands and food brands. Perfect for coffee lovers, matcha enthusiasts, makers, creatives and curious minds.

For more details, visit Market! Market! Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MarketMarket

Globe unit m360 wins Gold - Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year Stevie® Award in 2026 International Business Awards®

“This Gold win is a recognition of what our team has built - a platform designed to solve real problems for Filipino businesses. It’s proof that innovation doesn’t have to come from Silicon Valley to compete on the world stage. This belongs to every person at m360 who worked to get us here. The CPaaS industry in the Philippines has historically been dominated by aggregators offering transmission - not intelligence. Businesses could send messages, but couldn't measure engagement, automate follow-up, or optimize campaigns without layering on expensive external tools. m360's 2024–2025 innovations directly address these gaps. Each product was built because the market needed it and no local provider had built it yet.” ~Ramon Hirang, m360 President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The 23rd Annual International Business Awards® are the world's premier business awards competition, recognizing outstanding organizations, executives, entrepreneurs, and teams worldwide.

Globe Telecom's m360 won a Gold Stevie® Award for Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year at The 23rd Annual International Business Awards® (IBAs).

Thanks to its innovation, a wallet-based, omnichannel Customer Engagement Platform, m360, a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider under Brave Connective Holdings, Inc., has grown into one of the most creative tech companies in the world in just five years since its founding in 2021.

The International Business Awards are the world's leading business awards program. All individuals and organizations, whether public or private, for-profit or non-profit, large or small, are welcome to submit nominations. Entries for the 2026 IBAs were submitted by organizations from 82 nations and territories.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala event at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse on Wednesday, 28 October.

m360 also brought home a Silver award at the 2025 International Stevie Awards under the Achievement in Product Innovation category.

World class innovation, made in the Philippines

In 2025, m360 launched two market-first products that addressed an infrastructure gap on how Philippine businesses can automate and monitor engagement in digital marketing campaigns.

Businesses can design and execute multi-step, multi-channel outbound messaging sequences entirely within m360 with Flows, eliminating the need for third-party integration. Previously, only enterprise marketing automation suites—which are significantly more costly than m360 and take months to implement—were capable of doing this.

By natively delivering recipient-level engagement intelligence within the m360 broadcast dashboard, Click Tracking gives businesses real-time visibility into CTR, unique clicks per campaign, peak click timing by hourly intervals, device type breakdown, and geographic engagement down to the city level. Rather than being a one-way broadcast channel, it is now a measurable performance tool.

With clients spanning clinics, cooperatives, government agencies, banks, and retailers, m360 is bringing digital communication intelligence to every corner of the Philippine economy.

The 2026 International Business Awards

Businesses of all sizes and in nearly every industry submitted over 3,400 nominations this year for a range of awards, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year.  

 

The Stevie Award nominations were evaluated by more than 200 international business professionals who served as judges on 9 specialized committees. The Stevie Award winners were chosen based on the judges' average scores from the independent judging process in June and July.

“The 2026 International Business Awards winners represent the very best in business achievement from organizations of all sizes and across virtually every industry. This year's winners have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, resilience, and results in a highly competitive global field. We congratulate every Stevie Award winner and look forward to celebrating their achievements together in Paris on October 28.” ~Maggie Miller, Stevie Awards President

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at http://IBA.Stevieawards.com

About m360

m360 is a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider under Brave Connective Holdings, Inc., a Globe Telecom portfolio company. We help businesses connect with their customers through SMS, Viber, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels - enabling real-time, scalable, and meaningful communication across industries.

At m360, we believe that how we work matters as much as what we build. We are guided by five core values - Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Care - and we are committed to using our platform not just as a business tool, but as a force for genuine social good.

For more information, please visit m360 official website: https://www.m360.com.ph/

 

About the Stevie® Awards

Founded in 2002, the Stevie Awards are widely recognized as the world's premier business awards programs, honoring outstanding achievements in the workplace worldwide. The name "Stevie" is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crowned."

The Stevie Awards include nine international business awards programs:

• Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards
• German Stevie Awards
• Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards
• The American Business Awards®
• The International Business Awards®
• Stevie Awards for Great Employers
• Stevie Awards for Women in Business
• Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence
• Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Each year, the Stevie Awards receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories, recognizing organizations of every size and the professionals behind their success. Learn more at www.StevieAwards.com.