MARIKINA CITY, Philippines – December 19, 2025 – Makesense Asia, a leading regional Ecosystem Support Organization (ESO) and incubator focused on just and regenerative solutions, is set to host its highly anticipated Makesense Academy 8 Demo Day on January 22, 2026 at the Philippine Innovation Hub. The event will culminate eight years of expertise by showcasing a hand-picked cohort of growth-ready early-stage social enterprises driving systemic change across the Philippines.
Makesense Academy 8 Demo Day serves as an exclusive platform for the investment community, impact accelerators, corporate leaders, and policymakers to secure direct access to ventures that have successfully completed the rigorous Makesense Academy program. This intensive incubation is designed to de-risk early-stage startups and prepare them for significant investment and large-scale impact.
This year’s cohort features inspiring impact entrepreneurs tackling some of the nation’s most pressing social and environmental challenges in critical sectors, including circular economy, edtech, and sustainable agriculture. These entrepreneurs offer field-tested, scalable solutions that align with and contribute to national development goals and global sustainability mandates.
“This cohort of entrepreneurs has completed a rigorous incubation program focusing specifically on solidifying their internal processes, operations, and strengthening market-critical partnerships,” Ally Malvar, Makesense Asia Incubation Lead, said.
“What is undeniable is their proven capacity to create viable, collaborative, and impactful business models that are addressing everything from upcycling glass waste to sustainable agriculture. This Demo Day is your chance to witness the solutions that allow us to tangibly imagine alternative, regenerative futures. It proves that innovation, circularity, and sustainability are not just about advocacy; they are the most promising avenues for economic growth and national progress. We invite all strategic partners—investors, industry leaders, policymakers and more—to add the essential fuel of investment and support to these impact-driven solutions,” she added.
The Makesense Academy team also curated a selection of top performing social startups and Academy alumni who will also be featured at the January 22 Demo Day, to connect investors with more investment opportunities.
Demo Day is the culminating activity of every batch of Makesense Academy. In recent years, alumni who pitched at Academy Demo Days include Rezbin, one of the recipients of the 2025 Filipinnovation Award, CP Health Innovations, a recipient of the 2024 Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Award, and Capilli Trading, a recognized circular economy innovator turning hair waste into high‑impact products. Alumni of the Makesense Academy have collectively impacted at least 135k+ lives across the Philippines in 3 years.
We invite investors, policy-makers, professionals, and impact advocates to witness these field-tested solutions firsthand. Secure your reserved slot for the Makesense Academy 8 Demo Day by registering at https://luma.com/wdft48tf by January 12, 2025. Be part of this movement that is scaling Filipino innovation for a more regenerative future!
About Makesense Asia
Makesense Asia’s game is systems change. Makesense Asia imagines a just, inclusive, and sustainable world, and enables stakeholders to create new norms toward this vision. Its flagship work is in capacity development and social innovation. Its portfolio includes the award-winning youth employability program RISE For Youth; its social enterprise incubator Makesense Academy, running for 8 years and counting; the just transition campaign The Good Chat, which has reached 20 million people across Southeast Asia; and its green jobs platform Jobsthat_Makesense Asia, connecting 10,000+ impact professionals to employment opportunities every month. Aside from working with enterprises and civil society, Makesense Asia also engages policymakers and duty-bearers to improve public services. Operating around Southeast Asia, Makesense Asia works with partners like UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, EY, SAP, Tara Climate Foundation, and public agencies, to build a regenerative economy.
This Press Release has also been published by VRITIMES
3rd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2026: The Largest Pharma, Medical and Healthcare Event in the Philippines scheduled from 28-30 January 2026 at Manila.
The much-anticipated 3rd edition of the Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2026 is round the corner, the largest pharmaceutical, medical, and healthcare exhibition in the Philippines, is set to take center stage from January 28–30, 2026, at the prestigious SMX Convention Centre, Manila. The Exhibition will also witness exhibitors from IT and IT Solution sector providing software and related solutions to the Pharma and Healthcare Industry. This premier event serves as a vital gateway for the Southeast Asian business community, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and decision-makers across the ASEAN region. The upcoming edition of the Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo will witness exhibitions from 13-14 countries and to name few India, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, South Korea, China, Italy, Singapore and few more.
The Second Edition of the Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2025 witnessed a grand success for Pharma and Healthcare companies in getting good potential leads during the expo.
As the focal point for pharmaceutical and healthcare innovations, the Expo will showcase groundbreaking solutions and foster meaningful connections within one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The event is expected to host a diverse range of participants, including:
• Medical professionals, Pharmacies, Hospitals, Medical Devices, Surgical and Lab Equipment’s
• Health organizations and government bodies.
• Importers, exporters, and key decision-makers in the healthcare industry.
• Exhibitors from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, South Korea, China, Ireland, Italy, Singapore and other nations.
With over 110 exhibitors and more than 4,000 visitors anticipated, the Expo is positioned to be the leading platform for driving collaboration and business growth in the ASEAN pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Organized by Genesis Global Exhibitions and Ace Group, alongside AIEC as co-partner and Vatsala Consultancy as the local partner, the Expo builds on the resounding success of its previous editions. Supported by major pharmaceutical and healthcare associations, it is expected to set new benchmarks for excellence in 2026.
Event Highlights
1. High-Level Conference Industry experts will address pivotal topics, including pharmaceutical advancements, healthcare innovations, technology transfer, medical tourism, and trade opportunities.
2. B2B Networking Opportunities Over 200 scheduled business-to-business (B2B) meetings between exhibitors and visitors, with the presence of 100+ hosted buyers ensuring impactful partnerships.
3. Media Reach and Global Visibility With the support of 12–14 leading media partners from regions such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Macau, the Expo guarantees extensive media coverage and global visibility.
Why Attend?
Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to expand your business, a professional keen on exploring cutting-edge innovations, or an organization seeking collaborations, the Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of the ASEAN region’s most significant pharmaceutical and healthcare platform. Mark your calendars for January 28–30, 2026, and join us at the Function Room- 4, SMX Convention Centre, Manila, Philippines to shape the future of healthcare. For more information and registration details, visit www.philippinespharmahealthcare.com
About Genesis Global Exhibitions
Genesis Global–ACE Group is an India-origin exhibition organizing group operating on a global scale. The group is the organizer of all exhibitions and has successfully delivered more than 10 pharmaceutical and healthcare expos across multiple countries over the past two years. Global marketing operations are managed through Genesis Global, while ACE Group leads exhibition organization and operations worldwide.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
Starting your trading journey can feel overwhelming, especially with fast-moving markets and endless advice online. To help Filipino beginners start with better structure and confidence, TradingPRO shares a simple 7-step checklist to follow before placing a first live trade.
This checklist focuses on preparation, safety, and discipline. Three essentials that can help new traders avoid costly beginner mistakes.
1) Understand What You’re Trading
Before entering a position, know the basics of the instrument—whether it’s a currency pair, commodity, or index.
Checklist: Do you understand what moves the price (news, rates, global events)?
2) Choose a Simple Strategy (Don’t Overcomplicate)
Beginners often jump between strategies and indicators, leading to confusion and inconsistent results.
Checklist: Can you explain your strategy in 1–2 sentences?
3) Set Your Risk Per Trade
A beginner-friendly habit is deciding how much you’re willing to lose before you enter.
Checklist: Do you know your max loss for this trade before clicking “Buy/Sell”?
4) Always Use Stop Loss and Take Profit
Risk control and planned exits prevent emotional trading.
Checklist: Have you set your Stop Loss and Take Profit levels?
5) Check the Market Timing
Different sessions have different volatility. Major news can also cause sudden price spikes.
Checklist: Are you trading during a session you’re prepared for (and not during random volatility)?
6) Start Small and Stay Consistent
The goal of your first trades isn’t “big profit”—it’s building discipline and consistency.
Checklist: Is your position size small enough to stay calm during price movement?
7) Review Your Trade After Closing
Learning comes from reviewing—not guessing.
Checklist: Did you record why you entered, what happened, and what you’ll improve next time?
Start Trading with TradingPRO
Begin your trading journey with structure and discipline.
TradingPRO is a globally recognized Forex broker regulated by the FSCA and FSC, committed to empowering traders with secure access to global markets, institutional-grade tools, and a client-first approach built on transparency and education. The company offers a wide range of instruments including Forex, metals, commodities, indices, and crypto CFDs, combined with ultra-tight spreads, rapid execution, and multilingual support across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, a mobile trading app, and API access for professionals, TradingPRO delivers an intuitive trading experience for both beginners and advanced traders. Its Telegram ecosystem provides real-time signals, education, and market updates, while value-added benefits like deposit bonuses and cashback programs support trader growth. Above all, TradingPRO prioritizes safety and compliance, ensuring a trusted and regulation-backed trading journey.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
The National Youth Commission (NYC), in partnership with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and local partners, celebrated the success of the three-leg DrogAwareness Fun Run last November 15, 2025, in Manila. The fun run spanned across the country’s three major island groups, being held in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Manila. With over 7,251 runners in total, this nationwide initiative echoes the importance of health, wellness, and a drug-free lifestyle among the Filipino youth.
Zumba Session in Manila Leg
Avid runners and anti-drug advocates joined 3km, 5km, and 10km race categories, supported by energetic Zumba warm-up sessions and voluntary counseling booths with partner organizations that offered drug-prevention education, mental health support, and HIV testing. Due to the recent Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the Iloilo and Manila legs expanded into a “Run for a Cause” initiative, which gave runners the opportunity to donate through the Philippine Red Cross to show solidarity with affected communities.
10K runners at the starting line with NYC ED and COO Leah T. Villalon and NYC Chairperson Usec. Joseph Francisco Ortega
Manila Leg 10km Starting Line
The Manila culmination also coincided with the celebration of National Students’ Day and the kickoff of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week, underscoring the role of young people in community leadership and substance-abuse prevention.
3km Youth Finishers After Their Run
To highlight youth empowerment and the importance of sustaining drug-free lifestyles, messages of support were delivered by the NYC Chairperson and CEO, Undersecretary Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega; NYC Executive Director and COO, Leah T. Villalon; DDB Chairperson, Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela; DDB Executive Director, Undersecretary Earl P. Saavedra; and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rolando C. Puno.
Photo of the NYC’s Executive Director and COO Leah Villalon and DDB’s Executive Director Undersecretary Earl P. Saavedra, together with SK Federation President of Manila Hon. Juliana Rae Ibay, Manila Youth Welfare and Development Bureau’s Dir. John Daniel Layno, and Anti-Drug Advocate and Youth Ambassadors
Across all three sites, runners enjoyed post-race cooldown Zumba sessions, free refreshments, access to wellness booths, and the awarding of the top finishers.
The NYC’s DrogAwareness Fun Run showcased the powerful role and influence of the Filipino youth in transforming events into a unifying force toward a healthy and drug-free future.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
MOLD Manila, a leader in aesthetic wellness, is excited to announce its Pre-Holiday Skincare Prep Campaign, a service designed to help clients look radiant and feel confident for the festive season. Featuring rejuvenating treatments, skin boosters, and body contouring options, this campaign ensures clients are ready for reunions, office parties, and holiday photos this month of December.
Quezon City, Philippines — With the holiday season fast approaching, MOLD Manila is offering clients an opportunity to prepare for gatherings, parties, and reunions with confidence through its Holiday Glow campaign.
MOLD Manila | Quezon City
Known as the best non-surgical aesthetic clinic in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City, MOLD Manila provides a range of safe, medically guided treatments that focus on hydration, rejuvenation, and subtle enhancement.
Popular options include skin boosters, facial rejuvenation, laser facials, and contouring procedures — all designed to help clients achieve a natural, camera-ready glow without invasive procedures or downtime.
MOLD Manila | Holiday Glow
“We always remind clients that beautiful results come from consistent, science-backed care,” said the MOLD Manila team. “The holidays are about connection and confidence — and that starts with taking time to care for yourself.”
The Science of Radiance
MOLD Manila’s treatments are anchored in evidence-based practices that focus on restoring balance, promoting hydration, and improving skin texture. With the right preparation, clients can enjoy refreshed, radiant skin just in time for December festivities.
By scheduling treatments in advance, clients can give their skin time to recover naturally — ensuring that results appear healthy, luminous, and effortless by the holidays.
MOLD Manila | Slimming Program
“Our goal is to empower people to look their best in a way that feels natural and authentic,” the clinic added. “Radiance should reflect confidence, not pressure.”
About MOLD Manila
MOLD Manila is a premier non-surgical aesthetic clinic with branches in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City. Specializing in skin boosters, facial rejuvenation, laser facials, and contouring treatments, MOLD Manila is known for its commitment to safety, professionalism, and results that enhance each client’s natural beauty.
Contact
📍 Locations: White Plains & Baesa, Quezon City
🌐 Website: moldmanila.com
📸 Follow: @moldmanila on Instagram and Facebook for updates and bookings
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
Manila / United States — As the U.S. teacher shortage continues to disrupt classrooms nationwide, Filipino educators are stepping into long-vacant teaching roles, particularly in rural and high-need school districts. Since 2022, more than 200 Filipino teachers have been deployed to U.S. K–12 schools through HireFox Staffing, helping restore stability to classrooms that have lacked permanent educators for years. Guided by faith, integrity, and compassion, HireFox focuses on ethical recruitment, long-term placement, and comprehensive support—ensuring both teachers and school districts are prepared not just for hiring, but for lasting success.
Filipino Teachers Answering a Global Call
As the U.S. teacher shortage continues to deepen, Filipino educators are bringing strong academic preparation, adaptability, and a deep sense of service to classrooms once left vacant for five years or more. Since its founding in 2022, HireFox Staffing has placed hundreds of Filipino teachers into K–12 school districts, particularly in rural and high-need communities where recruiting locally has proven difficult.
“There are schools where teaching positions have been vacant for years,” said Tim Lutz, Superintendent of Red Lake Public Schools in Minnesota. “International educators have helped bring stability back to classrooms that students desperately need.”
For many Filipino teachers, the journey to the U.S. is not just professional—it is deeply personal, marked by years of sacrifice, patience, and faith.
Dr. Ofelia Damag, a Special Education teacher in Sweet Home, Oregon, shared her story:
“For more than 15 years, I carried the dream of teaching in the United States while facing financial struggles and self-doubt,” she said. “Today, I am here—not because the journey was easy, but because of perseverance, faith in God, and a passion to serve students with special needs. Every sacrifice—from being away from family to starting over—was worth it.”
Ethical Recruitment Rooted in Faith and Service
HireFox Staffing is accredited by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its Migrant Workers Office in Washington, DC, authorizing the agency to legally and ethically recruit Filipino educators for employment in the United States. Unlike many recruitment models, teachers placed through HireFox are direct hires by U.S. school districts, ensuring full employment benefits, transparency, and long-term stability.
The agency provides end-to-end support, including credential evaluation, visa processing, state licensing assistance, housing coordination, and ongoing post-arrival care—recognizing that teachers leave not only jobs behind, but families, communities, and familiar lives.
Jethro Limson, CEO of HireFox during his courtesy call to Under Secretary Felicitas Bay of Department of Migrant Worker discussing the ethical recruitment.
“As an immigrant myself, I understand how difficult it is to start over without support,” said Jethro Limson, CEO of HireFox Staffing. “Filipino teachers leave their families behind to pursue opportunity. We walk with them every step of the way—not just as recruiters, but as partners. Guided by faith, integrity, and compassion, we believe service must always come before profit. That is HireFox Staffing is what all about”
He added:
“Filipinos are no longer just dreamers of studying abroad—they are now educators shaping classrooms and communities across the United States.”
Strengthening Communities and the Education Industry
Beyond filling vacancies, Filipino educators are helping strengthen entire communities. In rural towns, each new teacher contributes not only to student learning, but also to local growth, cultural exchange, and renewed hope for schools that have struggled to retain staff.
By prioritizing long-term placement, teacher welfare, and ethical recruitment practices, HireFox has built trusted partnerships with school districts while protecting the dignity and future of Filipino educators.
School Principal of Liberal School Distrct in Kansas, USA welcomes the Filipino teachers.
Looking ahead, HireFox expects to deploy more than 100 additional Filipino teachers in 2026 and continues to encourage U.S. school leaders to visit the Philippines to better understand why Filipino educators continue to thrive globally.
About HireFox Staffing
HireFox Staffing is a Filipino-owned, U.S.-based international recruitment agency founded in 2022 to ethically place highly qualified Filipino educators in K–12 school districts across the United States. The company is accredited by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its Migrant Workers Office in Washington, DC as a Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA). HireFox provides end-to-end recruitment and support services, including credential evaluation, immigration processing, state licensing assistance, and post-arrival integration. Guided by its core values of integrity, service, and excellence, HireFox is committed to protecting teacher welfare while supporting long-term staffing solutions for U.S. schools.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
You must be logged in to post a comment.