New Bold University Concludes Visionary NXT Masterclass, Equipping Future Brand Leaders to Create Socially Impactful Brands

May 2024, Manila, Philippines — New Bold University (NBU) has successfully wrapped up its "Visionary NXT: Branding Masterclass for the Next Big Brands," a pioneering event that brought together over 50 founders from across the Philippines. Held from May 10 to 11, 2024 at The Astbury in Makati City, this masterclass marked a significant step in empowering the next generation of brand leaders with the skills and insights needed to create socially impactful brands.

The two-day event featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs, startup founders, and marketing professionals who delved into advanced marketing strategies and brand development. With the rise of AI and new technologies, the cost of creating a brand has decreased, making it accessible to more people. Visionary NXT aimed to help participants build more enduring and mission-driven brands that can adapt to the fast-changing market landscape.

NBU Founder Ralph Layco led the masterclass, offering sessions on "Masterminding Your Next Big Brand" and "Building Your Brand’s DNA for Success" during its first day. Layco emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and preparedness for the evolving business environment.

"We believe that by investing in today's brand founders, we can create a stronger future with well-intentioned and strategic brand owners prepared for changing times. This year's masterclass exceeded our expectations, showing us that the next wave of brand leaders is ready to make a meaningful impact," said Layco.

The masterclass featured several notable speakers, including Rolling Media Founder Jozelle Tech, who discussed "The Brand Hero: Unleashing the Founder’s Inner Powers and Story," and Colourette Cosmetics CEO Nina Dizon, who shared her journey in "How I Built a ‘Cult’ Brand: The Colourette Magic & Mission."

On the second day, participants engaged in workshops and discussions led by industry experts. Sessions included "Community Building" by Tala by Kyla Founder Janet Kyla, and a panel discussion featuring Pam Chan and Layco that addressed audience questions. Good Diva Marketing Founder Mariella Tiano shared insights on "TikTok Marketing," while Layco explored "Future Meetings: Talking to Your Future Self." Layco and Agyle Brands Founder Guita Gopalan also examined "Building the Next Big Brand in the Philippines."

By cultivating this community, NBU aims to inspire participants to go beyond conventional approaches and create brands that thrive in the market while making a positive societal impact.

"Our vision is to cultivate a community of visionary brand builders who will drive innovation and create disruptive brands that make a meaningful impact in the country. Entrepreneurship is not exclusive, it is for anyone with the dream, vision, and determination to adapt and succeed. If we have more founders with the right mindset, we can solve more local problems, and we can contribute to a brighter future for the Philippines." said Layco.

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes Signs Partnership Deal with Mansion Sports

MANILA, May 2023 - Mansion Sports, a leading private equity firm based in the UK, specializing in investments across sports facilities, sports news portals, and sports entertainment, has announced its partnership with billiards icon Efren 'Bata' Reyes, coinciding with the launch of Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce platform catering to global billiards enthusiasts.

This strategic move underscores Mansion Sports' commitment to elevating the billiards experience worldwide.

The partnership encompasses a series of events and tournaments showcasing high-level billiards play, as well as projects aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the sport's enthusiasts. With Reyes's involvement, these initiatives are poised to deliver thrilling matches and dynamic gameplay, leaving a lasting impact on the billiards community.

To kick off the partnership, Mansion Sports unveiled Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce site offering premium billiard products globally. Featuring high-quality cues, stylish tables, and top-notch accessories, the platform aims to enhance enthusiasts' playing experience. Initially rolling out in Vietnam, Mansion Sports Billiards plans for global expansion.

Reyes, renowned for his exceptional skill and long-standing dominance in billiards, joins Mansion Sports as Brand Ambassador. This partnership will leverage Reyes's stature in the billiards community to bolster Mansion Sports' presence through various events and initiatives.

"We are honored to have Efren 'Bata' Reyes as a Mansion Sports Brand Ambassador and are excited to work together to bring the sport of billiards to new heights," said Denis Keet, Managing Director of Mansion Sports.

“We believe that Reyes brings decades of experience and a storied career to the partnership. His achievements have not only earned him numerous titles and awards but also a substantial fan base and respect within the sports community,” Keet added.

For more information, please visit mansionsports.com or follow Mansion Sports on social media for the latest updates.

Telco Operators Group Alerts Public on Dangers of Spoofed SMS, Calls for Heightened Vigilance

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) warns the public about the increasing threat of spoofed SMS, urging mobile phone users to exercise heightened vigilance to combat this sophisticated scam.

Spoofing is a technique where fraudsters impersonate SMS channels to deceive recipients. The practice has seen a marked rise, especially in Metro Manila, with the strict implementation of SIM registration last year to combat SMS fraud.

For instance, customers have reported incidents in which messages, imitating sender IDs of telcos and banks, entice them with fraudulent links to redeem non-existent rewards, including mobile devices. Those who fall for spoofed SMS and engage with senders may unwittingly give away personal and sensitive information, giving fraudsters access to their online accounts such as social media profiles, e-wallets, and banking accounts.

Telcos, banks, and financial institutions have taken proactive steps against spoofing, issuing public warnings and collaborating with partners and law enforcement agencies to apprehend the scammers.

 

The PCTO supports these measures and is actively working with all members to enhance the security and reliability of telco services across the country.

 

"Spoofing is a form of cybercrime that is increasingly difficult to detect. We’re urging everyone to be extra cautious with any SMS that asks for personal information or prompts to click on a link. Verify the authenticity of such messages by contacting the official customer service channels,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, PCTO President, and Globe General Counsel.

 

Spoofing is not unique to the Philippines but is a global concern. It is facilitated using illegal equipment such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers or fake cell towers.

 

These devices, which can be transported by foot or vehicle, simulate cell towers to intercept mobile communications within a certain radius, enabling them to connect to and send messages to phones within the covered area with sender IDs that imitate official accounts. This method bypasses telco networks’ spam filters, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.

 

The PCTO urges the public to report any suspicious message to their respective service providers and to follow best practices for digital security. This includes avoiding clicking on links from unknown sources, never sharing personal information via SMS, and regularly updating their knowledge on the latest scam tactics.

 

By raising awareness and promoting collective vigilance, the PCTO aims to safeguard the public against these deceptive and harmful practices.

 

For further information and updates, please visit https://www.facebook.com/letsgophtelco/.

Smart Warns Customers Against Fake ‘Rewards’ Scam on SMS

Smart, the wireless unit of PLDT, warns the public about a new SMS modus urging customers to redeem their ‘points’ for ‘premium rewards’ before they expire by clicking the attached link that leads to a payment site. Smart denies ownership of the ‘smart-com-ph’ site mentioned in these fraudulent SMS. Smart has since reported the URL and blocked it from its network.

“We remind our customers to double-check the text messages that they receive. As a rule, Smart does not include clickable links in SMS sent to our customers. We urge our customers to report suspicious messages to official Smart platforms,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

As part of its #CyberSmart awareness campaign, Smart reminds customers to be vigilant against scams:

Do not reply to unverified text messages.

Block or delete suspicious messages with links. Never open these links.

Scams often lure customers with too-good-to-be-true, attention-grabbing offers. These include winning the ‘grand prize’ of a raffle you don’t recall joining.

Be wary of entities asking for personal or contact details, or any form of payment to redeem prizes or gifts.

Since Smart intensified efforts against criminal activities facilitated over wireless services, it has blacklisted nearly 200,000 mobile numbers involved in these scams in the first quarter of the year. It has also blacklisted close to five million malicious URLs tied to phishing, spams, and hoaxes.

If you receive suspicious messages or calls, please report them to cybersecurityincidents@smart.com.ph or to our verified social media pages - Smart Communications on Facebook and @SmartCares on X - or call our hotline at *888.

Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Returns for Season Two

 May 2024 — Attendees at Amazon’s inaugural upfront presentation this morning in New York City were transported back to Middle-earth as Prime Video unveiled a first look at the upcoming second season of the hit series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series’ first season was an unprecedented global success and one of the top original series for Prime Video, viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide and driving more Prime sign-ups worldwide during its launch window than any other previous content to date.

Prime Video also announced that Season Two will debut globally on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories in multiple languages.

Stunning new Season Two key art was also revealed today, featuring the return of Charlie Vickers in the role of Sauron, one of the world’s greatest literary villains, appearing in a new form - one that will aid him in deceiving the denizens of Middle-earth.

The debut teaser trailer takes viewers on an action-packed journey back to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age and shows the ascending evil presence of Sauron as he continues his vengeful quest for complete power. Showcasing the cinematic splendor that the series is known for, and heralding the return of many fan-favorite characters, including Galadriel, Elrond, Prince Durin IV, Arondir, and Celebrimbor, this first look also reveals the much-anticipated creation of more Rings.

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

 

To view and download The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season Two teaser trailer and key art assets, as well as additional series information, please visit the Amazon MGM Studios press site.