“We started Wellness Whispers with a vision to offer products that cater to the wellness needs of our customers,” said Dani Barretto, CEO and Owner. “TikTok Shop has been instrumental in turning that vision into reality. The platform’s innovative tools have allowed us to connect with a broader audience and deliver our wellness solutions in a way that resonates deeply with consumers.”
During this time of year, many parts of the world welcome the relief from scorching summer heat. However, in the Philippines, where summer is felt year-round, the rainy season adds to the already stressful elements that trigger a downpour of illnesses, from the common cold to more serious diseases. The change in weather and increased humidity, combined with the heightened activity towards the end of the year, can wreak havoc on anyone’s health.
With 70% of your body’s immunity coming from the gut, this is where probiotics come in – natural defenders in your gut, fortifying your immune system and providing essential support, especially during the rainy season and year-round.
Isla LPG Corporation, makers of Solane, a leading LPG brand in the Philippines, has joined forces with Dunlop International Philippines to explore innovative solutions that aim to reduce carbon emissions and optimize operating costs. This strategic partnership leverages the expertise of both companies to develop sustainable and efficient practices within their respective industry.
Under the partnership, Isla LPG will supply their products and services to Dunlop International Philippines’ for the next ten years, in their manufacturing plant in Mariveles, Bataan.
Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), recently wrapped up its 2024 national promotion Caltex Win-a-Million, Pick-a-Premyo Promo by giving away 12 million Caltex Rewards points to lucky winners.
A total of 150 winners received 1 million Caltex Rewards points and 30 winners received 12 million Caltex Rewards points which can be redeemed for prizes like Caltex fuels, appliances, dining, shopping, and grocery vouchers.
One winner from Metro Manila, Marti Gimenez, expressed his gratitude upon winning the grand prize of 12 million Caltex Rewards points. He mentioned that, although he has been a Caltex customer for 8 years, he only became a Caltex Rewards member late last year, drawn by the convenience of the Caltex Rewards app and its benefits.
Consumers have become increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment. This shift is particularly evident in the fashion industry, where consumers increasingly seek sustainably produced and ethically sourced products. Home-grown Filipino shoe brand, Triloueva, offers trendy and comfortable footwear crafted from materials like vegan leather, locally sourced fabric, and exquisite wooden heels.
Triloueva, a portmanteau of its founder's name, TRIna LOUisse EVAngelista, began its journey in 2014 with a minimal capital of only PHP5,000. Trina was determined to start a business that would solve her personal struggle: the quest for the perfect footwear for her size 10 feet without breaking the bank or compromising on style.
Sole Searching
Trina is very hands-on when it comes to managing all aspects of her business—from design and branding to advertising her products on social media and burning the midnight oil packing orders for delivery to customers. She also faced the challenges of sourcing suppliers willing to accommodate small orders while maintaining stringent quality standards. This led to her collaboration with the skilled artisans of Marikina, a city known best for the craft of shoemaking. Operating solely with the support of her immediate family, Trina launched her own online footwear business, attracting young professionals seeking a blend of sustainable and affordable work and business casual shoes. Her marketing strategy artfully straddled the line, presenting Triloueva shoes as luxurious yet reasonably priced.
The Triloeuva Trademark
What distinguishes Triloueva from other footwear brands is that Trina embodies the customer mindset herself. “I personally test each and every product to make sure I am satisfied enough for them to go into mass production,” Trina proudly shared. “My regular clients are a crucial part of my brand. I am always all ears for any input they have on my products. I even adapt some of their names for various shoe styles. By doing this, I want them to feel that they are a significant part of the brand, which then leads to their continuous support for Triloueva.”
The average lifecycle for Triloueva shoes is 3 to 5 years, a testament to the quintessential craftsmanship of the artisans Trina collaborates with. The brand gained popularity over time thanks to its top-notch quality and fresh designs.
When the pandemic hit, the brand skyrocketed in popularity as Filipino celebrities and influencers rallied behind local labels like Triloueva. Today, Triloueva products are not just sold online but are also available at major shopping malls in Manila and Alabang.
Going Global
With the ascent of Triloueva's popularity, they started receiving orders from abroad. This made Trina realize the importance of collaborating with a reliable logistics provider that would prove vital to the success of her company’s operations. “For the past years, I’ve received requests from customers asking me to ship abroad but I had a hard time figuring out the logistics of doing it. When I turned to FedEx for support, I was pleasantly surprised how they were able to activate my corporate account within 24 hours. Since then, FedEx has helped elevate my brand to the next level by opening up more opportunities to ship our products to customers worldwide with utmost convenience,” Trina said.
As a strong supporter of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the Philippines, FedEx takes pride in offering a robust platform for local entrepreneurs to venture into international markets. With a vast network serving over 220 countries and territories, FedEx empowers SMEs like Triloueva to amplify their global presence. Trina lauds FedEx for its convenient booking, pickup, tracking, and payment processes. “Since I am constantly juggling time between my side hustle and a day job, the convenience and flexibility of using FedEx services has provided great relief for me when needed to manage tedious tasks, giving me more time to focus on my work and business,” added Trina.
The Future of Fashion
Having built a solid name in the fashion world, Trina is even more motivated to expand her business beyond shoes. She envisions a boutique featuring diverse accessories and apparel and dreams of innovating Triloueva’s product line, contemplating the inclusion of unique heel designs through international collaborations with renowned fashion designers. Moreover, Trina is determined to expand her brand’s e-commerce presence and eventually conquer the Asian market.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Trina’s advice is, “Do not force yourself to keep up with trends.” Amidst competitors shifting their manufacturing hubs for quick sales, she champions quality over fleeting trends.
Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports SMEs at FedEx Business Insights.
Personal Collection (PC), a proudly Filipino-owned direct-selling company, recently hosted its Manila-Vietnam Dealers’ Summit at the Conrad Hotel, gathering over 500 participants. This event underscores the company's commitment to its vision of providing a Great Life to Every Family, particularly its dealers.
The event kicked off with a short, meaningful performance, reinforcing PC’s primary CSR initiative, the #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement. Comprehensive demonstrations of newly launched products were also conducted by the Research and Development and brand team. The event concluded with an awards night, recognizing the top performers of PC’s Prestige Club.
The certification solidifies Knauf Gypsum Philippines as the employer of choice in the construction industry
Knauf Gypsum Philippines, the leading brand of gypsum boards in the country, has earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® Certification, solidifying the company’s leadership in the construction and infrastructure sector, and strengthening its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture that values its employees and promotes their growth and well-being.
Knauf Gypsum Philippines has long been renowned for its high-quality gypsum boards and innovative building solutions. Now, with the Great Place to Work® Certification, the company further solidifies its reputation as an employer of choice in the construction industry. This certification is based on rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback, reflecting a workplace environment where trust, pride, and camaraderie are paramount.
