by | Jul 30, 2024 | Business
VRITIMES, a pioneering press release distribution technology startup, and Wazzup PH, a leading Philippine entertainment and lifestyle news platform, announced today their partnership to widen the reach of press releases distributed through the VRITIMES platform.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both companies, combining VRITIMES’ cutting-edge press release management solution with Wazzup PH’s extensive audience to deliver unparalleled exposure for brands and businesses. By integrating VRITIMES’ platform with Wazzup PH’s digital channels, press releases will now have access to a wider and more engaged audience, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.
“We are thrilled to partner with Wazzup PH, a renowned platform with a strong following in the Philippines,” said Ferry Bayu, CEO at VRITIMES. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to empower businesses and organizations to effectively communicate their stories to the right audience. It undoubtedly benefits the brands we work with and help redefine the press release landscape in the Philippines.”
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 29, 2024 | Business
In today’s world, we’re bombarded with information from the news, social media, and even our friends and family. But how can you tell if what you’re seeing or hearing is true? That’s where media and information literacy come in!
The Problem:
The internet has made it easier than ever to share information, but it’s also made it easier for false information, or misinformation and disinformation, to spread. Misinformation is false but without malicious intent, while disinformation is false and with malicious intent. This “fake news” can be harmful, leading to confusion, bad decisions, and even violence.
Examples:
Imagine you see a post online claiming that eating a certain fruit can cure all diseases. This might be appealing, but without checking the source and verifying the information with reliable sources like medical websites or doctors, you can’t be sure it’s true.
Other online resources:
Many great websites and organizations can help you develop your media and information literacy skills. These resources can teach you how to:
Find reliable sources of information: Look for websites with a good reputation, such as those from government agencies, educational institutions, or reputable news organizations.
Check the facts: Don’t believe everything you read or see online. Use fact-checking websites and tools to verify information before sharing it.
Be aware of bias: Everyone has biases, including news organizations and individuals. Be critical and try to understand the perspective of the information you’re consuming.
Think before sharing information: Before sharing anything with anyone, be sure it makes sense, comes from a trustworthy source, and is supported by proof.
Educational Materials About Media and News Literacy for Students of All Ages:
Many schools are starting to teach media and information literacy as part of their curriculum. This entails becoming knowledgeable about various media platforms, the production and dissemination of information, and how to test information.
Media & “Filter Bubble”:
You may find yourself in a “filter bubble” on social media where you only see content that supports your own opinions. This may make it more difficult to be exposed to other viewpoints and critical thought.
Truth matters:
Developing media and information literacy skills is essential for everyone, regardless of age. It empowers you to be a critical thinker, responsible consumer of information, and informed citizen.
Trust me?:
Don’t rely on one source of information. Always try to find many sources that confirm the information you’re seeing.
Types of Misinformation and Disinformation:
Misinformation and disinformation can come in many forms, including:
Fake news articles: These articles look like real news stories, but they contain false or misleading information.
Social media posts: On social media, false information can be manipulated.
Misleading images or videos: Create a false impression using images and videos.
Out-of-context information: Taking information out of context can change its meaning.
Misinformation vs. Disinformation:
While both are harmful, it’s important to understand the difference:
Misinformation: Spread, often due to lack of knowledge or verification.
Disinformation: spread to deceive people and manipulate their beliefs.
Tell me the meaning of fake news.
“Fake news” is a term often used to describe false information. But, “misinformation” and “disinformation” are more accurate terms as they show both the intentional and unintentional spreading of false information.
Media and Information Literacy Project:
“These videos are produced under the Initiative for Media Freedom (IMF), a five-year program implemented by Internews.
The content of these videos are the sole responsibility of the Department of Journalism, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Internews, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), or the United States Government.”
Tell me the importance of media literacy?
Media literacy is important because it helps you:
Be a critical thinker and problem solver
Make informed decisions
Avoid being misled by false information
Take part in democracy
More definitions:
Media literacy: The ability to understand, test, and create media messages.
Information literacy: The ability to find, check, use, and create information.
Solutions:
Here are some things you can do to improve your media and information literacy skills:
Be skeptical: Don’t believe everything you read or see online.
Check the source: Find out who created the information and what their agenda might be.
Look for evidence: Does the information make sense? Is it backed up by facts?
Think: Consider different perspectives and ask yourself questions before sharing information.
Coach Boost Gio
by | Jul 29, 2024 | Business
Mika Quejayco is currently pursuing her pre-medical course while working as an events organizer and running her small business. Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mika later moved to the Philippines to pursue her college education. Known for her business acumen from a young age, Mika’s journey is a testament to her determination and multifaceted talents.
Mika Quejayco displayed a business-oriented mindset from an early age, a trait that has significantly influenced her career and personal endeavors. To further her education, she moved to the Philippines, where she is currently undertaking her pre-medical studies.
An academic achiever, Mika has excelled in her studies, earning recognition as an OWWA(Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) scholar. Additionally, she is one of her university’s scholars, reflecting her dedication and hard work.
Professional Journey
Mika’s professional journey began when she was hired by a marketing company in the Philippines that specializes in organizing events. She started as a Marketing Associate, where her strong communication skills quickly led to a promotion to Public Relations Specialist. Mika’s talent for negotiation and organization then earned her the role of Logistic Specialist. Her progression within the company highlights her ability to adapt and excel in various roles, contributing to her personal and professional growth.
Talents and Interests
In addition to her marketing skills, Mika is a multi-talented individual. She has a passion for singing, playing musical instruments, and drawing. During her senior high school days, she was also a martial artist, showcasing her discipline and physical abilities. She also had the opportunity to join two benefit concerts held in Mandaluyong. These concerts aimed to raise awareness and funds for important causes, bringing together the community for a night of music and philanthropy. By participating in these events, she not only showcased her musical talent but also contributed to making a positive impact in society.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Balancing her demanding academic and professional life, Mika finds time to indulge in her love for travel. She frequently attends events she is invited to, exploring new places and cultures. This passion for travel complements her dynamic lifestyle, providing her with new experiences and inspiration.
Coach Boost Gio and Kwento Co
by | Jul 29, 2024 | Business
Manila, Philippines – July 29, 2024 – VRITIMES, a leading press release distribution technology startup, and Resorts Travel Leisure, a prominent hub for Pampanga’s travel scene, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the distribution and impact of press releases. This collaboration will significantly expand the reach of news disseminated through the VRITIMES platform, providing businesses with greater visibility and engagement.
VRITIMES offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify the press release creation, distribution, and analysis process. By partnering with Resorts Travel Leisure, the platform gains access to a wider audience of media outlets and consumers within the travel and leisure industry. This strategic alliance will enable businesses to effectively target their press releases to a highly relevant demographic.
“We are thrilled to partner with Resorts Travel Leisure,” said Ferry Bayu, CEO at VRITIMES. “Their extensive reach in Pampanga aligns perfectly with our goal of helping businesses maximize the impact of their press releases. By combining our technology with their industry expertise, we can deliver even greater value to our clients.”
Through this partnership, VRITIMES and Resorts Travel Leisure are committed to providing businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive media landscape. By leveraging the combined strengths of both companies, they will continue to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results for their clients.
by | Jul 29, 2024 | Business
Sunscreen sales in Indonesia saw significant growth in early 2024, with local brands like Azarine leading the market. E-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and Tokopedia played a key role in this increase.
Jakarta, July 24, 2024 – Skincare product sales have shown impressive growth compared to 2022, with a 20% increase projected to achieve USD 2.7 billion in 2024.
This aligns with the fact that 87.3% of consumers use sunscreen, a type of skincare product, daily. This has resulted in an increase of 2.8 million products sold compared to 2022. Online platforms like e-commerce have significantly contributed to this growth in sunscreen sales.
Sunscreen Market Performance Overview
According to research by Magpie E-commerce Intelligence, in the first quarter (January to March 2024), the sunscreen market achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of IDR 318.04 billion with a total of 6.3 million products sold on Shopee, Lazada, and Tokopedia. “The sunscreen products experienced a decrease of 14.2% compared to Q4 of 2023, which generated IDR 370.29 billion. However, the GMV generated during this period consistently increased month over month (MoM),” said Wilhendra Akmam, CEO of Magpie.
Market Share by E-commerce
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/public-108" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share of Sunscreen category” />
For the e-commerce share, Shopee dominated the market from January to March 2024 with 74.9%, placing Lazada in second position with 16.2% and Tokopedia with 8.9%. “Interestingly, Lazada showed significant growth from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 with a GMV increase of 90.3%. Meanwhile, Shopee experienced a decrease of 25.2%,” added Wilhendra.
Market Share by Brand
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/public-109" alt="Picture: Brand market share of Sunscreen” />
The sunscreen market in e-commerce is dominated by local brands. Azarine leads the overall market with 14.3%, followed by Facetology in second place with 12.3%. Skin Aqua is third with 8.3% of overall market sales.
Top-Selling Sunscreen Products
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/public-110" alt="Picture: Product market share of Sunscreen in Shopee” /><img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/public-111" alt="Picture: Product market share of Sunscreen in Lazada” /><img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/public-112" alt="Picture: Product market share of Sunscreen in Tokopedia” />
The popular local brand Azarine leads the best-selling products on Shopee with a GMV of IDR 22.14 billion and 438.9 thousand products sold in Q1 2024. Azarine also leads sales on Tokopedia with a GMV of IDR 1.81 billion and 30.7 thousand products sold. On Lazada, Madame Gie recorded the highest sales with 90.6 thousand products sold in Q1 2024. “These results show that skincare products from local brands are preferred over products from global brands,” stated Wilhendra.
Picture on Thumbnail by: Real Simple on Pinterest
by | Jul 29, 2024 | Business
Jakarta, July 26, 2024 – RevComm Inc., a leading B2B SaaS company specializing in AI-driven communication solutions “MiiTel”, announced the successful completion of a $10 million Pre-Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $32 million.
This round saw continued support from existing investors, including Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, WiL, and ALL STAR SAAS FUND, as well as participation from new investors, Salesforce Ventures and tb Innovations. Additionally, the funding included a loan from the UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund, managed by UPSIDER Capital, and asset financing from Money Forward Kessai.
This marks RevComm’s first funding announcement since October 2020, when the company secured 1.5 billion yen in a Series A round. Over the same period, the company also obtained a 1.7 billion yen loan from financial institutions such as Shoko Chukin Bank, SBI Shinsei Bank, Japan Finance Corporation, Shizuoka Bank, and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. The cumulative capital raised by RevComm now stands at 4.95 billion yen (about US$32 million).
“RevComm has demonstrated significant progress in supporting various forms of communication, including telephone, online meetings, and face-to-face interactions. They have consistently provided in-depth data analysis to meet the demands of the digital society. Since the Series A round, we have been proud to be part of this journey as shareholders, and we are confident that they will continue to leverage the latest AI technology to address their customers’ challenges. We will continue to support them,” said Kazuto Hatano, Representative Director and President of Sony Ventures.
Takeshi Aida, CEO of RevComm Inc., stated, “Since the Series A funding round in 2020, we have operated our business without equity financing, relying solely on operational cash flow and debt. This Pre-Series B funding round was raised through mezzanine financing by CE, similar to the Pre-Series A round in 2019. Moving forward, we will continue to optimize our balance sheet with a focus on our Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) and actively invest to maximize growth while maintaining capital efficiency.”
The funds from this round will be used to enhance the development and sales infrastructure for RevComm’s AI-driven conversation analysis services, “MiiTel.” Additionally, the investment will support research and development for new services, international expansion, and improvements to organizational infrastructure.
In 2020, during the Series A funding round, RevComm offered only one product, MiiTel Phone, which utilized AI to analyze telephone conversations automatically. Since then, RevComm has continued to innovate, introducing new products such as MiiTel Meetings and MiiTel RecPod. These solutions analyze and visualize voice communications in online and offline meetings, enhancing overall corporate productivity. In addition to its advanced analytical capabilities, MiiTel also provides automatic recording, transcription, and generation of meeting minutes.
“Now that generative AI has become widespread, we believe that our mission is to create an environment in which MiiTel user companies can make the most of AI by turning each company’s voice data into an asset as big data. We will use the funds we have raised this time to strengthen our services as an application layer, accelerate our efforts in the data layer, and promote the development of services that utilize new AI technology,” added Takeshi Aida.
RevComm Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has been operating in Indonesia since 2021 and now serves over 78,000 users globally, including in Japan, Indonesia, and the United States. In Indonesia, MiiTel is trusted by many prominent companies, such as Orang Tua Group, Astra International, BPJS Kesehatan, and the Ministry of Manpower of Republic Indonesia.
Investor Statements
Mr. Toshimitsu Namba, Partner at WiLMr. Yamato Sasakawa, Investor
Following our Series A investment, we are pleased to contribute additional funding in this Pre-Series B round.
Previously, the importance of online meetings increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changing the nature of business communication. Now, with the rise of generative AI, enterprise data is gaining attention, and the utilization of voice data, in addition to text and images, is being questioned. We are excited about the vision of Mr. Aida, who has consistently focused on “AI x Voice” since the founding of RevComm, and the daily efforts of the RevComm team to “Reinventing Communication to create a society where people think of others.” We look forward to RevComm updating the way people conduct business. We will also continue to support RevComm as part of the team.
Mr. Masayuki Minato, Senior Partner at ALL STAR SAAS FUND
Following our participation in the Series A round, we are very pleased to join this Pre-Series B round. Online communication with customers has become an indispensable and extremely important element of sales activities. RevComm, as a leading company in voice AI from Japan, has developed various solutions that dramatically improve the productivity of sales organizations by personalizing communication not only through phone and web meetings but also in face-to-face interactions with customers. We sincerely hope for RevComm to lead the world in the voice AI x SaaS field under Mr. Aida’s overwhelming vision and leadership.
Mr. Ken Asada, Executive Officer, Salesforce Ventures Japan
Since meeting Mr. Aida and Yusuke Suzuki from RevComm in early 2020, we are delighted to participate in this round as Salesforce Ventures after more than four years. The collaboration between RevComm and Salesforce began in December 2021 with the release of MiiTel for Salesforce on our AppExchange marketplace. As the utilization of AI becomes a competitive edge in all business activities, the importance of rich data as a foundation will also increase. We look forward to further collaboration with RevComm as they expand their product portfolio centered around AI x Voice.
Mr. Kenji Tak, President of tb innovations (Tokyo Boeki Group CVC)
When I first met President Aida, I was deeply impressed by his strong determination and foresight. The company’s vision of innovating business communication using AI x voice technology holds the potential to bring new value to the industry. Especially noteworthy is their effort to convert voice data, which has not been fully utilized, into big data. I believe this approach will provide a crucial competitive advantage in the era of generative AI.
We will fully support the development of their technology and services that contribute to enhancing corporate productivity. We are confident that RevComm’s challenge will pave the way for the future of communication in the AI era and make a significant impact on society.
Mr. Naoki Ishigami, President of UPSIDER Capital
When I spoke with President Aida, I was impressed by their passion to revolutionize business through “Voice x AI,” leveraging their pioneering strength in voice data analysis and utilization.
With changes in working styles, online sales activities have become the norm. I am honored to support RevComm’s challenge to address the black-box problem of voice communication and dramatically improve productivity, a major issue in Japan.
UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund will fully support RevComm’s mission to “Reinventing Communication to create a society where people think of others,” and we will work together to move forward swiftly and far.
by | Jul 27, 2024 | Business
From Serbia to the Philippines, this star-studded roster enters MPL S14
Metro Manila, Philippines [July 27, 2024] — Serbian esports company Aurora Gaming has officially revealed its Philippine launch this July 2024 on its social media pages, with the organization being joined by mobile esports’ iconic stars OHMYV33NUS and WISE, known in Southeast Asia as a multi-championship winning duo that goes by the name V33Wise. The reveal was accompanied by internationally acclaimed video game publisher Moonton’s announcement that Aurora is joining its Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Season 14 in the Philippines (MPL-PH S14).
“We believe in the immense potential of MLBB as an esports discipline and we eagerly look forward to our roster showcasing their talents as part of Aurora’s hearth and home,” says Aurora Gaming in a statement.
Aurora Gaming was founded in August 2022 and has quickly become a prominent name in the esports industry. With its headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aurora Gaming boasts an impressive roster across various regions and game titles. In the CIS region, Aurora’s teams compete in CS2, Apex Legends, CS2 Academy, and Warcraft. November 2023 was a significant milestone with the launch of Aurora’s Dota 2 team, featuring some of the top players in the region, marking the company’s official entry into the Southeast Asian esports scene.
The latest chapter in Aurora Gaming’s expansion is the launch of its MLBB team based in Metro Manila, Philippines. The company unveiled its MPL-PH S14 roster in a spectacular launch event held on July 27, 2024 in PARQAL Aseana City, Parañaque attended by thousands of fans. The event featured a short film that serves as the official roster reveal of the team.
Aurora’s MPL-PH S14 official roster and their positions are the following:
Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse – Team Captain / Roam-Tank
Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto – Jungler
Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap – EXP Laner
Jan Dominic “Domeng” Del Mundo – Gold Laner
Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo – Mid-Support
Ben Seloe “Benthings” Maglaque – 6th man
Dexter Louise “DexStar” Alaba – Analyst
Aniel “Master The Basics” Jiandani – Head Coach
Elrasec “Rada” Ocampo – General Manager
V33Wise takes on new roles in the Aurora Gaming company.
Jonmar “OHMYV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie James “WISE” Del Rosario will be Aurora Gaming’s Esports & Gaming Content Directors.
V33Wise’s role as Esports & Gaming Content Directors entails working closely with Aurora’s integrated marketing and creative teams to craft compelling narratives that goes beyond typical influencer marketing and ambassadorship. In Aurora, the V33Wise duo plays a critical role in ensuring that Aurora’s brand continues to be bold, authentic, and innovative through the lens of esports pros.
“OHMYV33NUS and WISE hold a pivotal position in Aurora’s management team where their responsibilities convey Aurora’s vision of building an organization that is truly for the players and by the players. They’ve been through everything and they know exactly what they’re doing. We also recognize that their roles are set to expand beyond this as we all continue to grow in the future,” says Aurora Gaming in a statement.
Aurora Gaming Philippines team is set to compete in the MPL-PH Season 14 this August and the MLBB Esports community can expect more of what the team has to offer online and offline, especially with the royal duo V33Wise on their side.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 27, 2024 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 27, 2024 – VRITIMES, a premier press release distribution service, proudly announced its successful participation at the Tech in Asia Kuala Lumpur 2024 Conference. The company’s booth attracted a significant number of attendees, including tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential clients interested in leveraging VRITIMES’ innovative press release solutions.
The Tech in Asia Conference, a key event in the tech industry calendar, provided VRITIMES with an excellent platform to showcase its advanced press release distribution services. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about VRITIMES’ unique capabilities in enhancing media outreach and visibility for businesses across various sectors.
Ferry, co-founder and CEO of VRITIMES, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the visitors who engaged with the VRITIMES booth. “We are thrilled to be part of Tech in Asia Kuala Lumpur 2024. This event has provided us with an invaluable opportunity to connect with an incredible audience and demonstrate the power of our press release distribution services. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Tech in Asia team for organizing such a fantastic conference and to all the visitors who took the time to explore our booth,” said Ferry.
Throughout the conference, the VRITIMES booth was a bustling hub of activity, with visitors exploring how the company’s services can elevate their media engagement and brand presence. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and interest received underscored VRITIMES’ position as a leader in the press release distribution industry, reassuring the audience of our credibility.
As VRITIMES continues to innovate and expand its service offerings, the company remains dedicated to helping clients achieve maximum media exposure and impact. The successful participation in Tech in Asia Kuala Lumpur 2024 marks a significant milestone in VRITIMES’ ongoing mission to revolutionize press release distribution, inspiring the audience with our vision.
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 27, 2024 | Business
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 26, 2024 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – June 2024 – Disruptive Doctors is excited to announce the Healthcare Revolution Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for the 10th & 11th August 2024 in Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. This year’s theme, “Doctors Impacting Healthcare Differently,” focuses on how doctors can transform healthcare through innovative clinical practices and non-clinical careers.
Day 1: Redefining Everyday Practice
On the first day, the conference will explore how doctors can make a significant impact in healthcare through their daily practice and diverse career paths:
Hall 1: Diverse Careers in Healthcare
Sessions will showcase various career opportunities for doctors, demonstrating how they can contribute uniquely and effectively to the healthcare sector.
Hall 2: Beyond Sick Care
This hall will delve into expanding the scope of healthcare, encouraging doctors to provide added value to patients by adopting different approaches beyond traditional sick care.
Day 2: The Future of Healthcare
The second day will focus on the future of healthcare, examining emerging opportunities and innovations:
Hall 1: AI, Technology, and Innovation in Healthcare
This session will empower doctors with the latest knowledge and strategies to harness advancements in AI and technology, ensuring they stay relevant in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Hall 2: Doctors as Entrepreneurs and Investors
Doctors who have transitioned into entrepreneurship will share their experiences, highlighting alternative career paths in healthcare. Additionally, seasoned doctors will learn how to participate in healthcare innovation through angel investing.
Amidst the ongoing contract issues, Disruptive Doctors is committed to showing doctors that they can still impact healthcare differently.
Exhibition Access
The exhibition is open to all healthcare professionals at no cost, providing an opportunity to explore the latest advancements and innovations in healthcare. Attendees can engage with cutting-edge technologies and solutions shaping the future of medicine.
Join Us
The Healthcare Revolution Conference and Exhibition 2024 is more than just an event; it’s a call to action for doctors aspiring to lead the transformation of healthcare. Attendees will join a vibrant community of forward-thinking doctors, united in their mission to redefine healthcare.
For more information and to register, visit Disruptive Doctors Healthcare Revolution.
For exhibition access please email tr***@****************rs.com.
Throughout the conference, the VRITIMES booth was a bustling hub of activity, with visitors exploring how the company’s services can elevate their media engagement and brand presence. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and interest received underscored VRITIMES’ position as a leader in the press release distribution industry, reassuring the audience of our credibility.
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