With the rise of influencers online and constant change in trends, it is hard to always stay relevant in the viewers' eyes. In this B-Side episode, Patty of ‘Masarap Ba?’ reveals her secret to mastering algorithm changes and other techniques to succeed in content creation.

Flooding seems to have become a part of life for many of our fellow citizens in various areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Despite the country having spent trillions on numerous flood management projects, Filipinos still suffer the seemingly endless flooding problem, as pointed out by several senators during a hearing after the devastation caused by Typhoon Carina. With this pressing issue, I will be speaking with Mr. Felino “Jun” A. Palafox, Jr., a renowned Filipino urban planner and architect. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Palafox explains the primary factors behind Metro Manila’s flooding problem and his recommendations to resolve it. Interview by Edg Adrian A. Eva Audio editing by Jayson John D. Mariñas

How is the Philippines solving its healthcare issues through innovation? How are healthcare workers being upskilled to keep up with these technological advancements? Are we putting too much premium on technology? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld discusses robotics, artificial intelligence, and electronic medical records with Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, the medical director of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

A La Niña watch alert was issued by the state weather bureau in March, indicating that the phenomenon is likely to occur this year. Recently, there has been growing concern about whether La Niña has arrived in the Philippines due to the continuous heavy rains caused by several tropical cyclones, such as Enteng and Carina, along with the enhanced effects of the Southwest Monsoon. In this B-side episode, we spoke with Ana Liza Solis the assistant weather services chief and the chief of the climate monitoring and prediction section of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as she discusses how the La Niña phenomenon occurs and its effects, and how to prepare for La Niña.

What is it like being a doctor to the barrio? What innovations are making the greatest impact in rural communities? What role does the local government play in all of this? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks about these topics with Francine Nicole M. Araneta, who works as a rural doctor under the Department of Health's Doctor to the Barrios program. Recorded remotely on August 22, 2024. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

Obesity is now a rising health problem in the Philippines, with a staggering 27 million Filipinos considered overweight or obese, according to a 2019 survey by the DOST-FNRI. To combat obesity, the government imposed an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages under the TRAIN Law, which was signed in December 2017. Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III, a coordinator of Action for Economic Reforms and a columnist for BusinessWorld discusses the importance of protecting the value of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax amid sustained inflation.

How does the Filipino-Chinese community drive growth in the Philippine economy? What policies do they advocate the government to practice? What do they think of the West Philippine Sea issue? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld converses with Cecilio K. Pedro, the president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., about government policies, investment generation, and social responsibility. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

Alcohol drinking has been a vital part of various Filipino celebrations and festivals, creating camaraderie and a celebratory spirit. Some Filipinos turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, as it slows down brain function and can induce feelings of relaxation and calmness. During the pandemic in 2021, more Filipinos became alcohol drinkers, with the Department of Health (DOH) reporting that 40%, or 4 out of 10 Filipinos, were alcohol drinkers. The DOH warns the public that any amount of alcohol, whether in small or large quantities, is not considered safe for health. Addressing this concern, Paul Filomeno, a medical doctor and representative of the Philippine Addiction Specialists Society, has discussed the risks of alcohol drinking. He will also discuss the Sin Tax Coalition's initiatives to make alcohol products less accessible and marketable among Filipinos.

In 2023, the Philippine attrition rate and voluntary turnover increased to 15.9% from 14.2% the previous year, according to a study from a multinational insurance company. This means that more employees are leaving their companies for better salaries and growth opportunities. From a company perspective, this is a potential indicator of dysfunctionality, which could lead to further problems. To address this issue, Kshitij Kohli, Head of Operations at SunLife Global Solutions, has shared his insights about the reasons and impacts of high attrition rates for companies. He also discussed strategies that companies can use to control their attrition rates and how they can adjust to the shifting workplace demographics.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. asserted the country’s position on disputes over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stating that “the West Philippine Sea is not a figment of our imagination; it is ours,” in his SONA 2024. This marks the first time that President Marcos Jr. has clearly stated his stance on the WPS dispute in his SONA, potentially influenced by ongoing public pressure following the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggression against Filipino troops last June.On this issue, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, the Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and Pacific, and an opinion columnist for BusinessWorld, has shared his insights on the approaches that the Philippines can take regarding its maritime disputes with China.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City this Monday, July 22, at 4 p.m. Filipinos from various sectors are anticipating that the SONA will address their concerns and are expecting to see progress with President Marcos's previous promises. In this concern, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and the Pacific and an opinion columnist for BusinessWorld, has shared his insights on the accomplishments and progress made by the Marcos administration during its term. He also discussed issues from various sectors that remain unaddressed or are still pending, which the Marcos administration could further address.

Since 1997, there have been multiple attempts to amend and revise the 1987 Constitution in response to various challenges the country has faced over the years. Recently, an economic charter change was approved on the third and final reading by Congress, which seeks to amend the 1987 constitution to lift foreign ownership to some vital industries in the country. To address this concern, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, the Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and Pacific, and opinions columnist for BusinessWorld shared his insights on the initiative to amend and revise the 1987 Constitution, particularly its economic provisions.

The Philippines is one of two countries in the world that does not allow divorce for married couples. On June 10, 2024, however, the Philippine House of Representatives transmitted House Bill No. 9349 – or the approved bill for absolute divorce – to the Senate. What are the implications of this bill? If passed into law, how will it affect Filipino society? In this episode, BusinessWorld discusses some of these possibilities with Jemy I. Gatdula, the dean of the University of Asia and the Pacific's Institute of Law. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

The Philippines outlined renewable energy targets in its National Renewable Energy Program for 2020 to 2040, but what factors need to be in place for the Philippines to reach these targets? Why is flexibility in power generation important? In this episode, BusinessWorld discuss renewable energy in the Philippine and global contexts with Kari Punnonen, head of energy business of Wärtsilä, a power solutions provider for the marine and energy markets.

E-cigarette and tobacco products use in the Philippines is steadily increasing, particularly among the youth, according to the study of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey in 2019. Consequently, flavors and esteemed novelty contribute to the initiation and sustained use of e-cigarettes and tobacco use. With this concern, Dr. Maria Encarnita Blanco-Limpin of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians/ Philippine Medical Association explained the risk factors of using Tobacco and E-cigarettes. Furthermore, she explained ways to improve its regulation and how users can stop using it.

According to the World Health Organization, despite an alarming number of cases, road traffic injuries are often neglected public health issues. With this concerning issue, Mr. John Alison Uy of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) elaborated on the importance of road safety and road-worthy vehicles to avoid road crashes and deaths.

Marketing is a tool that businesses can employ to increase brand awareness, acquire customers, and improve engagement. But is there a right way to do marketing? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld asks what businesses should prioritize in their marketing campaigns with Ashish Goel, product marketing manager of Zoho Corporation's Campaigns, Marketing Automation, and Sites divisions.

What advantage does the Philippines have when it comes to national defense? How should the Philippines approach the West Philippine Sea issue? Should the country prepare for war? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks to Norberto B. Gonzales, who twice served as Secretary of National Defense, on defense strategies, military aid, and the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines has a wet season and a dry season, or so the saying goes. Given the predictability of summer, in particular, what measures can Filipinos take to protect themselves from the heat? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, the Department of Health spokesperson, on how to both spot the symptoms of - and prevent - heat-related illnesses. Interview by Patricia Mirasol. Editing by Jino Nicolas and Arjale Queral.

Is it costly to hire with persons with disabilities, or PWDs? Are PWDs only limited to certain roles? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Grant Javier, executive director of Project Inclusion Network, about the most common misconceptions surrounding PWD employees, as well as the benefits of hiring them. Recorded remotely on March 21, 2024. Produced by Arjale Jayrie G. Queral.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not only the lack of funding that spells doom among startup teams. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Martin Gonzalez, creator of Google's Effective Founders Project, about co-founder conflicts, quality disagreements, and the necessity of having difficult conversations very early in a partnership.

Online gambling has evolved, thanks to advancements in technology and innovations within the industry. With this evolution, however, also comes the rise of sophisticated gambling fraud. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Frederic Ho, Jumio Corporation's vice president of Asia Pacific, on how online gambling has evolved, and how both consumers and the authorities can protect themselves against fraudsters in this digital space. Recorded on March 21, 2024. Produced by Earl Lagundino.

More than giving us answers and ideas in seconds after typing in our prompts, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is increasingly appreciated as a tool that can positively impact businesses. According to the latest study by the IBM Institute for Business Value entitled, “Forging the future of AI: Women can take the lead” genAI, alongside disrupting workflows, gives women "a once-in-a-career opportunity to gain equal footing.” In this special edition of BusinessWorld B-Side, in partnership with IBM Philippines, Commercial Territory Sales Leader Christine Llanto-Ravelo explores the unique opportunities genAI opens to women in workplaces and boardrooms.

To cap off 2023, the BBC released its 100 Women list, naming women who have inspired and influenced people worldwide. Among those on the list are former US First Lady Michelle Obama and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and a 25-year-old Filipina farmer and entrepreneur named Louise Mabulo. Ms. Mabulo, the daughter of San Fernando Camarines Sur mayor Fermin Mabulo, joins 27 other Climate Pioneers in the list. She was lauded for her efforts in setting up The Cacao Project, which according to the BBC "aims to revolutionize local food systems through sustainable agroforestry." In this B-side interview, the 100 Women-lister extols the virtues of cacao as a crop, changing the face of farming in the Philippines, and how growing up Filipino can make one sensitive to climate change.

The Philippines is so close to Taiwan that, as the old joke suggests, one could swim across the Bashi Channel to get there. Their connection goes beyond that, with the future of their geopolitical fates in question. In this B-Side episode, Girard Mariano L. Lopez, a Filipino student in Taiwan and representative of the Asian pro-democracy group Milk Tea Alliance, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz how activists from the Philippines and Taiwan see the tensions with China.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cyberattack risks due to their less advanced technologies, making them susceptible to breaches. Many of these businesses are not aware that cyberattacks could have severe consequences, according to a cybersecurity expert. In this B-Side episode, Daniel Bernard, chief business officer of cybersecurity technology company Crowdstrike, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Jomel R. Paguian the looming threat of cyberattacks against SMEs and explores strategies to combat them.

The constant pursuit of innovation is a testament to human’s inherent curiosity and creativity. With the advancement of technology, people are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and productivity. In this regard, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies, which complements human capabilities, augments creativity, and drives progress in various fields. In this B-Side episode, David Hardoon, chief data and AI officer at Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, discusses with BusinessWorld Multimedia Editor Arjay L. Balinbin the capabilities of Generative AI.

Breaking down the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health challenges is crucial, especially in workplaces where employees might be hesitant to share their struggles, fearing judgment regarding their professional capabilities, a mental health expert said. In this B-Side episode, Gia Sison, national adviser of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Jomel R. Paguian the potential benefits of addressing mental health in the workplace for both employers and employees.

Home gardening has benefits beyond the purpose of serving as a diversion from the pandemic. In this B-Side episode, multimedia producer Patricia Mirasol speaks with Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, executive director of East-West Seed Foundation, about home gardening, the types of vegetables to grow in tropical countries, and tips for budding urban gardeners. East-West Seed Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of East-West Seed Philippines, which breeds tropical vegetable seed varieties.

Elections in the Philippines have evolved into brutal political competitions over the years, with the persistent claims of general peace and safety often overshadowing the reality of election-related incidents (ERIs). In this B-side episode, Rona Ann V. Caritos, executive director for the Legal Network of Truthful Elections (LENTE), discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the prevailing history and implications of election-related violence for Philippine democracy.

Fake and low-quality medicines have become more common and are being sold at lower prices through online platforms. In this B-Side episode, Monash University professor Michelle McIntosh discusses the effects of subpar medication on the overall health of people with BusinessWorld reporter Adrian H. Halili.

As household savings were depleted during the pandemic, more Filipinos relied on credit to manage their daily expenses. Now, with the rising cost of living due to inflation and higher interest rates for borrowing money, consumers are struggling to repay their debts. This reality is reflected in Collectius’ own internal data, which shows a slowdown in debt repayment rates in the first half of this year compared to 2022, Marie Alexise Charisse Arboleda, head of operations at Collectius, tells BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.

Manila Bay has been exposed to rapid urbanization over the years and is now in need of rehabilitation. In this B-Side episode, Jerwin Baure, a marine science researcher, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Sheldeen Talavera how Manila Bay has changed over the years and how it can be restored.

The Philippine education sector must maintain the strides it has made in technology adoption to upgrade teaching methods and prepare students for future jobs that require a deep understanding of technology, an expert said. Modern digital education platforms offer educators data that can help address students' needs. In this B-Side episode, Ryan Lufkin, vice president of Global Strategy at Instructure, a New York-listed education technology innovator, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordoñez how modern technology can be used to ensure that Philippine education remains relevant.

Divorce is quite a taboo topic in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. Lobbying for divorce has mapped its way into Filipinos’ understanding of the State, religion, family, abuse, principle, and love. In this B-side episode, Athena Charanne R. Presto, a sociologist and policy consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the challenges and sociocultural implications of enacting divorce in the Philippines. Recorded remotely on Oct. 9, 2023.

Loan sharks, or informal lenders, exploit small businesses with exorbitant interest rates. In this B-Side episode, Baasandorj Davaasuren, chief business development officer of fintech solution company AND Global, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy some learnings from Mongolia’s experience with loan sharks, aiming to guide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. AND Systems, the R&D subsidiary of AND Global, is based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Good design offers numerous benefits, including its potential to enhance daily life, boost business efficiency, empower marginalized groups, and improve public spaces, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Nina Santamaria, principal designer of interior design firm Grupo Santamaria, talks to BusinessWorld senior reporter Joseph L. Garcia about the benefits of good design for business, how lives can be transformed through well-planned spaces, and designing for marginalized communities.

For the longest time, the Philippines has maintained a modest relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors. Recurring tensions in the South China Sea have left the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seeking clarity on how to navigate potential conflicts with China, even with the involvement of the United States. In this B-Side episode, Herman Joseph S. Kraft, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz the ways in which ASEAN can leverage its already strong ties to protect peace within its waters.

Industrial engineering, or IE, is an often-overlooked field of engineering that deals with cutting costs, increasing savings, and making improvements to systems. In the Philippines, industrial engineers have been responsible for many such improvements, like streamlining product lines to make them more efficient and adjusting vaccination queues to accommodate more people. In this B-Side episode, Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) Founder Rodel “Audi” E.C. Adiviso and current president Jerry A. Lim talk to BusinessWorld reporter Bronte H. Lacsamana about how IE can fix modern-day systems and develop in the age of digital transformation.

Ghost Month, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has fascinated financial analysts for years. In this B-Side episode, Carlos A. Temporal, a senior equity research analyst at Unicapital Securities, Inc., discusses the impact of Ghost Month on the stock market with BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish DP. Tabile.

Parallel, garden party, and kitchen table — these are just some of the many ways to practice ethical non-monogamy. In this B-Side episode, Drew O’Bannon, founder of sex education platform Now Open PH, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson about ENM in the Philippines.

A significant portion of what has traditionally been taught in tertiary education has lost its relevance in the present, according to Hyper Island Institute of Higher Education, a digital creative business school. In this episode of B-Side, Peachy Pacquing, managing director at Hyper Island Singapore, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Ashley Erika O. Jose about the need for transformative education, characterized by meta-learning, or learning how to learn.

China's increased aggression in the South China Sea has made it more challenging for the Philippines, now regarded as an Asian middle power, to ignore the situation, an analyst said. On Aug. 5, the Chinese Coast Guard, backed by its maritime militia and People’s Liberation Army ships, fired water cannons to block a resupply mission to a Philippine military outpost on Second Thomas Shoal. The shoal is located about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) needs to be properly prepared to deploy central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as these virtual currencies might pose risks to banks, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Tommaso Mancini-Griffoli, deputy division chief in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the IMF, said in an interview during the IMF Spring Meetings in April that if consumers find a more convenient payment method, such as using CBDCs, they might opt not to deposit money in banks. “If there is an alternative that allows us to make payments perhaps even more easily, and that is perhaps even safer as a store of value, we might switch to that. CBDC might well be that form of money that is just as liquid and convenient for me to make payments, perhaps more so,” Mr. Mancini-Griffoli told BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.

How are Philippine hospitals evolving after the pandemic? What important lessons have they learned from the crisis? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol speaks with Eugenio F. Ramos, president and chief executive officer of The Medical City (TMC), about the importance of public-private partnerships, embracing technology, and addressing staff-related difficulties.

The local demand for coffee outpaces its production in the Philippines, according to an industry expert. This unmet need bodes well for farmers seeking credit from typically risk-averse financial institutions. In this B-Side episode, TJ Ryan, chief of the party of Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE), talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about post-harvest handling, agricultural lending, and leveraging public-private partnerships in the Philippine coffee industry. PhilCAFE is a project focused on Philippine coffee and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Given their higher yield and early bearing characteristics, coconut hybrids offer Filipino coconut farmers a means to improve production, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Leilani D. Pelegrina, director at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DoST-PCAARRD), discusses the impact of coconut hybridization on coconut farming with BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol.

Japan is planning to release 1.3 million tons of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, which covers more than one-third of the planet. The power plant's regulators, and even the government of Japan, say that the release will not cause any harm to the world's oceans, but fisherfolk and activists from different countries surrounding the Pacific, including the Philippines, say otherwise. In this B-Side episode, Gregg Yan, founder and executive director of the environmental group Best Alternatives, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz why Japan's planned release of treated water from its nuclear power plants should matter to Filipinos. This podcast episode was recorded remotely on June 22, 2023.

The Philippines needs to work on ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists to report reliable developments on national issues, despite its improved world press freedom ranking in six years, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said. In this B-Side episode, NUJP Chairperson Jonathan de Santos discusses the current roadblocks to a free press in the Philippines and its potential impact on investors and the economy with BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordoñez.

In various cities and barangays (villages) without proper road infrastructure, sari-sari stores, or small neighbourhood shops, have emerged as a crucial lifeline, supporting both the local economy and the daily needs of residents, according to sari-sari store startup Packworks. In this B-Side episode, Andres Montiel, Packworks' chief data officer, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave the significant role sari-sari stores play in communities and the national economy. This podcast episode was recorded remotely on May 27, 2023.

The Philippines' mobile network operators (MNOs) are now using shared towers to accelerate and lower the cost of digital transformation in the country as a result of the government's common tower policy. In this B-Side episode, Suresh Sidhu, chief executive officer and founder of EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn. Bhd., speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola how telecommunications infrastructure companies support the Philippines' digital transformation. Recorded remotely on June 5, 2023.

The Philippine government needs to invest more in the local semiconductor industry to boost its competitiveness globally, according to RS Group PLC, an electronics and industrial products distributor.  In this B-Side episode, Sean Fredericks, the President of RS Asia-Pacific, discusses with reporter Sheldeen Joy Talavera the potential of the Philippines to become a key player in the industry. "The Philippines itself is a critical player in the global semiconductor industry... The country's strategic location provides crucial access to the Southeast Asian market through international shipping and air routes,” he said. He also said that the country's English-proficient population and strict adherence to intellectual property protection and international labor laws make it an attractive investment destination. The B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 23, 2023.

Banks are now actively working to make their operations digital. They want to reduce the reliance on physical cash and move towards a cash-lite economy. This means finding ways to automate their processes and make them available online. By doing so, they hope to provide customers with convenient and secure digital banking experiences. In this B-Side episode, Kissflow's chief executive officer, Suresh Sambandam, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy how banks can accelerate digital adoption.  Recorded remotely on May 22, 2023.

Philippine institutions have expressed concerns and optimism regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as both a potential challenge and an opportunity, according to plagiarism checker Turnitin. In this B-Side episode, Jack Brazel, regional director and spokesperson at Turnitin Southeast Asia, speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the current state of AI in Philippine academia. Recorded on May 11, 2023.

Advertising has come a long way from traditional paper and ink, and with today’s boom in social commerce and artificial intelligence, the space continues to witness rapid changes, associations, and niches that push the boundaries of product consumption. A battle for brand reach, attribution, performance, and transparency is rapidly evolving, according to Entravision. Finding, engaging, and retaining customers has become more challenging with the increasing host of strategies to tell a story and sell a product effectively. In this B-Side episode, Juan Salvidar, chief digital, strategy and accountability officer at Entravision, talks to reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the fundamental aspects of advertising, as well as the disruptions in the field that are turning into new beginnings. Recorded physically on May 4, 2023.

At a time when the US Congress is not keen on any kind of free trade agreement (FTA) with the country, the Philippine Embassy in the United States is working on alternative measures to expand the country's economic ties with the world's biggest economy. In this B-Side episode, Jose Manuel “Babes” D. Romualdez, Philippine ambassador to the United States, explains to BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan how crucial it is to renew the country's participation in the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trading scheme. Recorded physically on April 14, 2023.

Shoppertainment is seen as a more authentic form of advertising, as it provides a personal touch and allows businesses to interact with consumers in real time, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Pierre Faucher, country manager of Intrepid Philippines, talks to reporter Patricia Mirasol about the opportunities in shoppertainment. Recorded remotely on April 18, 2023.

Nuclear power plants are “cancer factories,” and the Philippines is better off growing its renewable energy industry, according to Helen Mary Caldicott, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament.    In this B-Side episode, she talks to reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan about the health risks and financial costs of pursuing nuclear energy.

Filipinos love their pets, and demand for vet services did not wane all throughout the pandemic, said Richard P. Encomienda, a veterinarian from the Vets in Practice hospital.     In this B-Side episode, he talks to reporter Patricia Mirasol about his life as a vet, and imparts advice for people considering getting a pet.    It is important to consider both your lifestyle and financial situation when deciding to become a pet owner, Mr. Encomienda said.    “As long as the pet is alive, it’s your responsibility, your commitment, to keep it healthy and happy,” he said. “Research on the breed. Some breeds need to be outside more often, like Labradors or retrievers. If you get a smaller breed, they can be let out once a day.”    A dog’s lifespan is anywhere between 10-13 years, although there is variability among breeds and sizes. A cat’s lifespan, meanwhile, is typically 16 years.    Dogs are five times more popular than cats in the Philippines.    Big dogs require two 20-kilogram sacks of dog food a month, with midrange brands costing P6000-10,000 per month for that amount of food.    “That doesn't include yearly vaccines; that would be around P1500. Plus, if you include heartworm prevention, [then you would need to shell out more],” Dr. Encomienda added.    Topics related to animals and pets were among the top five Facebook and Instagram Reels (or short-form videos) in the Philippines for the first three quarters of 2022, according to Meta.   Despite the costs of being a fur parent, demand for vet services did not abate during the first series of lockdowns in 2020, Dr. Encomienda told BusinessWorld.     “Business was stable,” he said. “People just walked in [pre-COVID-19], but the pandemic forced us to set up appointments.”    Recorded remotely on January 11, 2023.

Filipino consumers are seen to be 'cautiously optimistic' this year as they face persistently high inflation and a looming global recession, but are also banking on higher incomes due to eased mobility restrictions. In this B-Side episode, Amrita Mitra, chief operating officer of TransUnion Philippines, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson about consumer sentiment in the Philippines amid the reopening of the economy and high inflation. “There is a dichotomy in the consumer sentiment in the Philippines. On one side, there is an element of being able to spend, getting higher incomes with the entire phase of the lockdown being lifted, so there’s kind of a bullish positive sentiment. However, with rising interest rates and inflation, there is also a cautiousness to this optimism,” Ms. Mitra said. Ms. Mitra said Filipinos are excited to spend but conscious that the economy may falter later in the year. Nearly 80% of Filipinos anticipate an increase in their incomes this year, and around 60% expect that they will able to settle their bills, debts, and other obligations, according to TransUnion’s recent consumer sentiment report. Almost half or 42% of consumers expect the Philippines to go into a recession. “But the experience or what they're seeing in terms of raised income and increased spending is leading to the mixed sentiment,” Ms. Mitra said. Sticky inflation and rising interest rates have also become a top concern for Filipino consumers. “This has been a consistent concern. Around 82% claim they are concerned about rising inflation. This is closely followed by rising interest rates, how it impacts their ability to save, pick up new loans, pay off existing loans, and how easy or difficult it will be to for non-financial sectors to access credit,” Ms. Mitra said. Ms. Mitra also discussed the importance of instilling financial awareness and literacy in Filipinos. “What’s your spending capacity? How much do you need to save? These points become important as Filipinos go about their daily to avoid the pitfall of spending or borrowing more than they can afford,” she said. Recorded remotely on Feb. 24, 2023.

Many digital platforms today lack inclusive features, such as live captioning, screen reader access, and contrast themes, which would benefit persons with disabilities (PWDs). In this B-Side episode, Pauline B. Malabanan and Hazel Joy Borja from the Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation, Inc., who respectively serve as an administration and human resources officer and executive director and programs manager, discuss with BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish D. Tabile the need to ensure that digital platforms are accessible for persons with disabilities. “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the socio-economic impacts are really massive,” Ms. Borja said. “Most of the digital platforms, especially during the height of COVID-19 pandemic, were used mainly by the mass population, but the accessibility features of these digital platforms make it challenging for persons with disabilities for them to access these online platforms,” Ms. Malabanan said. Ms. Malabanan also emphasized the importance of providing capacity building within the community of individuals with disabilities, so they can learn how to use these digital platforms and increase their participation. “If there's an increased awareness, there will be an increased participation for persons with disabilities, especially right now that most of our processes are being digitalized. it's very important that no one will be left behind,” she said.  Persons with disabilities continue to advocate for an inclusive world that provides equal opportunities to ensure their meaningful participation. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Earl R. Lagundino, and Patricia B. Mirasol

Mark M. Ocampo, Auro Chocolate’s managing director and one of its co-founders, tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana that craft chocolate lets the inherent flavor characteristics of directly sourced cacao come through in the final product. This allows local chocolates to reflect the Filipino identity. “The whole point of craft is having a more responsible and direct relationship with the farmers, communities, raw materials, and ingredients,” he said. “We want to have this closer connection so we have more control in terms of the quality that we produce.” Auro Chocolate, which takes pride in being locally sourced and locally made, is on a mission to prove that the Philippines has a lot more to offer in terms of chocolate.

Jennifer Lee-Bonto, executive director of Artists’ Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI), speaks to BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz about pursuing your passion while paying attention to the practicalities of life. AWPI was founded in 2007 as a help desk for artists who, prior to the founding of AWPI, had to pass the hat every time the aches and pains of performing would catch up with them.  “We just need to stop the notion that we are ... ‘starving artists,’" says Ms. Bonto. “Give them [artists] a proper contract and pay them on time.” Recorded remotely in January 2023. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

Hailed by the Duterte and Marcos administrations as the country’s new heroes—mga bagong bayani—nurses bore the brunt of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic along with doctors and other frontliners.  In this B-Side episode, Monina A. Hernandez, a clinical nurse specialist who left the Philippines, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about why Filipino nurses leave and what the government might do to make them stay. “We are human beings. We have needs. Raise the salary of nurses [so it can] address the need for commodities and housing,” said Ms. Hernandez. Recorded remotely in Dec. 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

The current version of House Bill (HB) No. 6608, or the bill seeking to establish the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), still raises red flags, says Enrico P. Villanueva, a chief risk consultant and a senior lecturer of economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. In this B-Side episode, he tells BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan that the MIF will weaken the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other government banks. “BSP is not supposed to dabble in private enterprises … BSP cannot invest in development financing,” Mr. Villanueva says, adding that the MIF resurrects the ghost of what happened to the Central Bank, which had to be dissolved after being bankrupted. “Haven’t we learned from the experience?”  Recorded remotely in December 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

Nancy Siy, founder of Manila Vegans, explains to BusinessWorld reporter Ashley Erika O. Jose that veganism is not a plant-based lifestyle but a social justice movement grounded in morality and ethics. In this B-Side episode, she talks about the philosophy behind veganism: "We are beginning to acknowledge that animals are not machines or property. They are sentient beings."  Recorded remotely in December 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The Maharlika Investment Fund is plagued by problems including bad timing, unfulfilled requirements, and governance red flags, according to economist and Action for Economic Reform convener Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III. “Right now, there’s a lot of volatility, so even if we have some level of comfort with our foreign exchange reserves, we must still build our reserves,” he tells BusinessWorld report Brontë H. Lacsamana in this B-Side episode. Recorded remotely on Dec. 8, 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) benefited from the rise of remote work over the pandemic, according to ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired), an organization that helps PWDs find tech-oriented jobs. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish D. Tabile talks to ATRIEV executive director Antonio D. Llanes, Jr., and ATRIEV chief of operations Carolina C. Catacutan-Sam about the impact of online jobs on the stigma faced by PWDs in the job market.  “Persons with disabilities are not asking for special treatment, what we want is accommodation that is reasonable,” says Ms. Catacutan-Sam, who is totally blind. Recorded remotely in November 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.  

Businesses regardless of size have to beef up their cybersecurity, says Angel T. Redoble, founder and chairman of the Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professionals (PICSPros) and first vice-president and group chief information security officer of the PLDT Group. “Everyone is a probable target. We all have something cyberattackers want," Mr. Redoble tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol in this B-Side episode. Recorded onsite in Pasay City on Oct. 6, 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Earl R. Lagundino, and Sam L. Marcelo.

This B-Side episode on cybersecurity was recorded on Oct. 6, 2022, four days before the SIM Card Registration Act was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Oct. 10. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo, president of Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professionals, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about data privacy, data protection, and data breaches.  Recorded onsite at the GSIS Building on Oct. 6. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Earl R. Lagundino, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Money Talks is a series on personal finance sponsored by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank).  Ruben L. Zamora, head of the Institutional Investors Coverage Division at Metrobank, explains how high-net worth individuals (HNWIs) can protect and perhaps grow their assets in the face of rising inflation, a weak peso, and a dimming global outlook.  Previous crises have taught us that the best time to buy risk assets is when "there is blood on the street," he says in this B-Side episode. “You need advisors and wealth managers to help you understand when there is blood on the street. You don't actually wait for that to happen.” Recorded remotely in October 2022. Interview by Santiago J. Arnaiz, former digital platform editor at BusinessWorld. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be rehabilitated after 53 years. Opened on Sept. 8, 1969, the CCP, a brainchild of former first lady Imelda Marcos, in its first year mounted 195 performances, 35 of which were foreign. Long due for an overhaul, the brutalist building will embark on a rehabilitation that is expected to run for three years, beginning 2023. In this episode of B-Side, Department Manager Administrative Services Teresa “Tess” S. Rances tells BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman, about the P950 million project.  Recorded remotely in October 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.   

Digital transformation is a long, complex process. It’s like a marriage: you have to find the right partner because there’s no easy way back once you start and, as you’ll hear, you have to make it work. This sponsored B-Side episode, a collaboration between BusinessWorld and information technology company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), features Ulysses Naguit, chief information officer of telco service provider Converge ICT Solutions and Rajat Garg, partner at TCS HOBS, the digital business platform of TCS, in conversation with Santiago J. Arnaiz, multimedia journalist, tech startup founder, and former digital platform editor of BusinessWorld. Recorded remotely in October 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Privatizing the EDSA Carousel busway will help address the sorry state of public transportation as well as overcome the fiscal and procurement constraints faced by the government in building the required infrastructure, according to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). “Commuters are suffering,” said MAP Infrastructure Committee Chair Eduardo H. Yap in this B-Side episode. “We believe that a privatized busway system can give the Filipino riding public a system that is up to global standard.”  Recorded onsite in Makati City in September 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

Kylie Jenner has a face that launched a thousand luscious lips and her sister Kim Kardashian has a behind that launched a thousand Brazilian butt lifts. In this B-Side episode, Dr. Patrick Hsu, the plastic surgeon responsible for Filipino actress Michelle Madrigal’s breast implant removal, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about the evolving standards of beauty in the age of Instagram. Recorded remotely in August 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

In this B-Side episode, Gordon Gn, an award-winning architect and the office director of architecture firm HKS Singapore, explains what computational design is, and how it can benefit all stakeholders before, during, and after the construction of a building. “To put it simply, computational design is really the workflow that enables us to enhance project design outcomes and performance through the use of digital models,” Mr. Gn tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana. Recorded remotely in September 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

In the future, esports players with handles like “Eric Eruption” and “Hypebits” could be as big as sports stars like Steph Curry, Rafael Nadal, or  Lionel Messi. And esports itself, an empire that touches fashion, music, and lifestyle. In this B-Side episode, Ferdinand M. Gutierrez, chief executive officer of esports company Ampverse, talks about mobile gaming and how it has democratized esports in Southeast Asia.  "We understand how to take players and everybody around the teams to become marketing tools for the next generation of audience," said Mr. Gutierrez. "We’re trying to build a culture around gaming." He tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol why esports is an ideal avenue for brands that want to market to Gen Zs and Gen Alpha and how Ampverse fits in this budding ecosystem. Recorded remotely in September 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

How do we build the bank of the future? In this B-Side episode, Raghav Gupta, managing director of Coursera India and Asia Pacific, talks about the increased demand for digitalization in the banking sector and compares deep-skilling with “learning in the flow of work.”  "We've seen a general focus on skills around digitalization, skills around data, and skills around working remotely,” Mr. Gupta tells BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan. “We've seen that many banking companies have adopted a digital first strategy because the customer is digitally savvy.” There are close to 1.7 million Filipinos who use Coursera, an online learning platform. It counts among its clients Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), which Mr. Gupta uses as an example to illustrate the importance of digital transformation in financial services. Recorded remotely September 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Nuclear energy has a bad reputation in the Philippines. That the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is unfit and unsafe is what Carlo A. Arcilla, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), calls "the greatest piece of fake news in the history of the Philippines." In this B-Side episode, Dr. Arcilla tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana that nuclear technology is a "mature and old technology" contrary to Hollywood's dire depictions. "A jet plane is more complicated than a nuclear power plant," he said. Aside from elaborating on its advantages, Dr. Arcilla explains the state of nuclear power in the Philippines — from its rocky history in the 1970s to its potential role in helping safeguard the country’s energy security in light of the depletion of the Malampaya gas field and the threat to coal exports because of the Russia Ukraine war. Recorded at PNRI in August 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Earl R. Lagundino, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Antonio G. M. La Viña, a constitutional law professor at the University of the Philippines, thinks that the Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986 made a mistake in giving Congress the power to decide on the prohibition of political dynasties instead of imposing limitations right then and there. “Congress cannot be trusted to change the Constitution," he said. “We have all of these husbands and wives and daughters and sons in multiple positions. It’s scandalous.” In this B-Side episode, Mr. La Viña talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about family dynasties, federalism, and structural change.  This is third and final episode in an Explainer series that previously featured Bernardo M. Villegas, an economist and one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, and Norberto B. Gonzales, a former National Defense Secretary and National Security Adviser who ran for president in the 2022 elections.  This episode was recorded in September 2022 at the Manila Observatory in Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

How do you know when it’s time to change careers and quit the rat race?  In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordonez speaks with Lance S. Cham and Matthew R. Yu, the founders and hosts of the Project Offbeat podcast, where two corporate 9-to-5 professionals interview non-corporate guests with unique careers.  Included in this episode is an excerpt of Project Offbeat's conversation with Stephen G. Tan, a former analyst at consultancy firm Deloitte who became a pastor. Recorded remotely in August 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

In this B-Side episode, former presidential candidate Norberto B. Gonzales talks to Businessworld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about charter change, federalism, and social democracy. “Every region [must be able to] economically survive ... Let’s go with regional autonomy first, and then, later on, let the people decide if they want to become a state,” said Mr. Gonzales, a former defense secretary and national security adviser who co-founded and chairs the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas. He also floated the idea of making the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) a federal state in order to withstand potential conflict between the twin superpowers of the United States and China. “The small guys should get together because neutrality is no longer an option,” he said. Recorded in the BusinessWorld Studio in New Manila, Quezon City, in August 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Sam L. Marcelo, and Jino D. Nicolas.

In this B-Side episode, playwright, historian, and educator Dr. Paul A. Dumol talks about the birth of the Filipino nation, a relatively new concept that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. In this conversation with BusinessWorld reporter Diego C. Robles, Dr. Dumol touches on the writing of National Hero Jose P. Rizal, author Nicomedes "Nick" M. Joaquin, and historian Teodoro A. Agoncillo to answer the questions: Who was the Filipino then? Who is the Filipino now? Where are we, the Filipinos of today, headed as a nation? "What does 'being Filipino' mean," Dr. Dumol said in the vernacular. "I think it means, at the very least, love for everybody else." Recorded remotely August 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia, Earl R. Lagundino, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Teleperformance Philippines (TP) received its fifth consecutive “Great Place to Work” certification this year, based on responses from a 2022 trust index survey conducted by Great Place to Work, an international institute that does research on company culture. In this B-Side episode, TP senior vice president for human capital resource management Jeffrey Johnson tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how companies can keep a human touch in the hybrid workplace.  “It’s really important that you listen to employees because the employees will tell you what it is they want when it comes to engaging from a digital perspective,” said Mr. Johnson. “As long as you’re listening and then actively applying solutions for that, I think that’s a key success factor to making sure that you’re able to drive the right engagement.”  Recorded remotely in August 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

In this B-Side episode, Alice G. Laborte, a senior scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), explains to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how satellite imagery can make the farming industry more resilient, especially in the face of climate change. Recorded remotely in July 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo. 

With every change of administration comes the question of what needs to change and what needs to be retained. B-Side takes a look back at how the 1987 Philippine Constitution was drafted with Bernardo M. Villegas, an economist and one of its framers, who speaks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about foreign ownership liberalization, the additional factors driving foreign direct investments, and the key area the next administration needs to focus on. “Except for vital issues like the right to life and the family as a foundation of society, all other issues are debatable and should not be enshrined in the constitution,” Mr. Villegas said in response to possible drawbacks to the recent constitutional amendments pertaining to foreign ownership and liberalization. Recorded remotely in April 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

(This B-Side episode is sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services Philippines.) Data analytics and consulting company GlobalData recently projected that the Philippine cloud market will reach $2.8 billion by 2025 from $1.8 billion in 2020, as more enterprises migrate their workload online. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Philippines Country Head Shiju Varghese and Eastern Communications Product and Innovation Head Edsel Paglinawan speak with BusinessWorld contributor Santiago J. Arnaiz about ICT (information and communications technology) solutions and the consequences of falling behind the competition.   “Digital transformation is not just a matter of capital investment. It’s also about developing strategies, executing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with it,” said Mr. Varghese. Recorded remotely in June 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

The mainstream adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to gain traction after the previous Congress passed a law that seeks to develop the Philippines’ EV industry. The law facilitates a shift to e-vehicles by imposing a 5% EV fleet quota for industries that operate vehicles such as cargo logistics, food delivery companies, tour agencies, and utilities providers, among others, within a timeline that will be set by regulators. In this B-Side episode, Terry L. Ridon, an investment analyst and convener of InfraWatchPH, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza about the adoption of EV vehicles and whether or not the country is capable of developing its own EV industry. Recorded remotely June 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Philippines improved its ranking in the Global Peace Index (GPI) which ranks 163 independent states and territories and 99.7% of the world’s population using qualitative and quantitative indicators. The country showed the fifth largest improvement in peacefulness in this year’s edition of the index, increasing by 4.6% from last year. This despite the average level of global peace deteriorating by 0.3%.  In this B-Side episode, Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) — an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank — speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan about the strategic ways the Philippines can manage future instabilities culminating from unexpected global events such as pandemics or civil unrest. Recorded remotely in July 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD) recently announced that the Philippines improved four spots in its 2022 World Competitiveness Yearbook. Based on the 2022 version of the report, the country ranked 48th out of 63 economies, higher than the 52nd place out of 64 economies in 2021. IMD looked at the competitiveness of the Philippines via 333 indicators categorized under four factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The Philippines ranked higher in economic performance (53rd) and in infrastructure (57th), but went down in government efficiency (48th), and business efficiency (39th).    In this B-Side episode, IMD World Competitiveness Center Chief Economist Christos Cabolis tells BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave the economic challenges faced by the Marcos administration in the short- and long-term.  Recorded remotely in June 2022. Produced by Joseph Emmanuel L. Garcia and Sam L. Marcelo.

Hrish Lotlikar, co-founder and chief executive officer of SuperWorld, explains how an alternative imagined world inspired by the mobile game Pokémon GO allows individuals to own a piece of the virtual world, the metaverse, through the blockchain technology. They can sell and trade their virtual plots of land, with each plot represented as a non-fungible token or NFT.  People are “excited and galvanized about the opportunity to create, discover, and monetize anything anywhere in the real world,”  Mr. Lotlikar told BusinessWorld senior reporter Arjay L. Balinbin on the sidelines of the South Summit 2022, a global business summit in Madrid co-organized by the IE University.  Live-to-earn is the idea behind SuperWorld, a virtual world in augmented reality, digitally mapped over the Earth. When a person buys an NFT in SuperWorld, it is converted into real life utility, paving the way for a new business model. “We've sold NFTs that when you buy an NFT, you get access to a luxury club in New York and Miami. “Instead of selling luxury lifetime memberships in the normal way, they sell it as an NFT, and buyers have the ability to resell this digital asset. The club gets money every time that's resold so they created a new business model for themselves,” Mr. Lotlikar said. Virtual real estate matters today because people’s lives are going much more digital. “You are definitely doing more Zoom calls. You are probably watching more movies on Netflix. You are doing more online activities. Maybe you’ve started getting into crypto. People have become more digital,” Mr. Lotlikar said. Related story: https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2022/06/30/458407/superworld-sees-opportunities-for-virtual-real-estate-in-phl/

The Filipino workforce is gradually adapting to a work environment that has been changed forever due to the pandemic. Career fairs and upskilling programs have emerged to address accelerated digitalization and automation.   In this B-Side episode, JobStreet Philippines country manager Philip A. Gioca talks to BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana about how adapting to the ever-evolving employment landscape is a race against time that threatens to leave many behind. “Early movers and fast movers are becoming the real deal nowadays,” he said. Recorded remotely on June 21, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

The metaverse, a virtual world that relies on technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, is seen as the next big thing by companies like Meta, as it is seen to change the way we work and connect with each other. “It’s the virtual equivalent of being together. It’s going to be as close as possible to that,” John Rubio, country director of Meta Philippines, said at the BusinessWorld Virtual Economic Forum on May 26. “Imagine a world where you could go back to a different place in a different time and actually experience that. Imagine how immersive that could be.” Carrying the theme “Revolutions 2022: Navigating the Changed World,” the two-day event highlighted the changes shaping the world after the pandemic. This B-Side episode features the audio recording of Mr. Rubio’s fireside chat. Read the related story: “Metaverse touted as means to democratize access to technology.” Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Chris B. Millado joined the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) after the People Power revolution in 1986 toppled the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. The CCP was the pet project of first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos whose ideas of “the good, the true, and the beautiful” were reflected in the center’s projects and productions. Mr. Millado joined the center as it was reorienting itself and democratizing access. “The CCP believes in freedom of expression,” he said. “[It] allows for the free flow of ideas, engagement of ideas, conversations however difficult they may be.” And after three decades of serving at the institution, Mr. Millado, CCP’s vice president and artistic director, retires this June just as Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assumes the presidency of the Philippines. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Millado talks to BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman about good art and what separates it from bad art. Recorded remotely in June 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo

Reagan, a recovering gambling addict who has been sober for 11 years, has been jailed, institutionalized, kidnapped, and held at gunpoint.  In this B-Side episode, he tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about addiction, support systems, and the lifelong journey to recovery. “I can’t say I’m cured because every day is a struggle. Every day I can relapse,” he said. “By saying I’m a recovering addict, there’s a humility. That’s step one: to admit that we are powerless over gambling and that our lives have become unmanageable.” Recorded remotely in May 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

This year’s Philippine Pavilion at the 59th Venice Art Biennale features a collaborative project titled Andi taku e sana, Amung taku di sana (All of us present, This is our gathering) by visual artist Gerardo Tan, ethnomusicologist Felicidad A. Prudente, and Ifugao weaver Sammy N. Buhle. In this B-Side episode, Philippine Pavilion curators Yael Buencamino Borromeo and Arvin Flores explain to BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman the process of translating sound into painting and textile design; and the value of participating in the Biennale, a cultural institution established in 1895. “It's really important for us to participate in exhibitions like this, because they provide artists and curators with a platform to engage with the international community. And it does provide people with a glimpse of what's going on in contemporary art,” Ms. Borromeo said.   Recorded remotely on April 28, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

The use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube during the 2022 elections in the Philippines has exacerbated polarization and personality-oriented politics. In this B-Side episode, Jonathan C. Ong, associate professor of global digital media at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explains to BusinessWorld senior reporter Arjay L. Balinbin how disinformation strategists took advantage of social media to add to the political noise.  The 2022 national elections demonstrated the diversification of the disinformation industry, as shown by the emergence of political campaigning on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, among others; the increased use of social media influencers and celebrities to amplify political messages; and the acceleration of investment in social media due to the health crisis. Philippine presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., has benefited the most from social media disinformation or misinformation. According to Mr. Ong, the use of social media played a major role in rehabilitating the Marcos brand. Recorded remotely on May 6, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

The story of the "bayani" — the local term for "hero" — is the story of the Filipino people.  "You cannot separate Jose Rizal from Philippine society, or Andres Bonifacio from the Katipuneros. ... You cannot remove them from their context," said John Ray B. Ramos, historian and author of Bayani Biographies: Jose Rizal and the coauthor of Bayani Biographies: Andres Bonifacio, published by Kahel Press. "They are not much different from us. That's what makes the stories of our bayanis inspiring." In this B-Side episode, Mr. Ramos tells BusinessWorld reporter Tobias Jared Tomas about the lesser known side of celebrated heroes and heroes who may have been forgotten: "Our history is not a history of defeat, it is not a history of being weak, but rather it is a history of  struggle. Our heroes died and fought for the values and ideals we uphold today."  Recorded remotely on April 27, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

In this B-Side episode, Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, explains the valuable lessons the Philippines and the region should take away from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. “It is important for countries to seek diplomacy, but also to seek readiness to respond to contingency — in this case, a credible military for both big and small states alike,” Mr. Koh tells BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy T. Noble.  The next Commander-in-Chief of the Philippines, he added, will have to balance the defense of territorial sovereignty and internal security. In recent years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has had to address insurgencies following the Marawi Siege, and the emergence of ISIS-related groups on the local front; and, on the external front, the maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea. “Would it be possible for the AFP to relegate some of these roles to other agencies to focus on its traditional role of external defense? ... Will this change the country’s posture in the West Philippine Sea?” Mr. Koh said. Recorded remotely on April 28, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Government officials have assured Filipinos that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war will be minimal given the Philippines’ limited trade and banking exposure with either country. Remittances from the conflict zones are also small compared to inflows from the rest of Europe and the world.   Still, the fact remains that Russia is a major exporter of oil and metals, while Ukraine is among the biggest sources of wheat.  Amid faster inflation, jeepney drivers have called for transport fare hikes; labor groups, for higher wages.   In this B-Side episode, Chester B. Cabalza, International Development and Security Cooperation president and founder, tells BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy T. Noble why Filipinos should care about what happens to Russia and Ukraine, and examines the fallout from three angles: energy, warfare, and diplomatic impact.  He compares and contrasts the hybrid war in Europe to what’s happening in the Asia-Pacific, with China flexing its muscles. Closer to home, Mr. Cabalza, who is also a security anthropologist at the University of the Philippines, draws parallels between the hybrid war waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the conflict in Marawi. Recorded remotely on April 27, 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Femtech, or technology focused on women’s health, is an unexplored space in the Philippines, where the startup ecosystem is mostly male. “We need more investors to see that femtech presents a viable investment opportunity. And that can be explained by an ongoing trend in diversity and recognition of the importance of preventive health, not just sick care,” said Maria Jessica J. de Mesa, co-founder and chief executive officer of Kindred, a femtech startup. In this B-Side episode, she tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana what needs to be done in order to translate policy into programs when it comes to women’s health. “Women have waited long enough for the reproductive health services and information we deserve,” she said. Recorded remotely in April 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Creating a compassionate workplace starts with its leaders. In this B-Side episode, Vidya Srinivasan, vice president for Procter and Gamble’s Manila Global Business Services and Global External Reporting, explains how the multinational corporation embraces diversity and inclusion. “The leadership sets the tone... The tone at the top will tremendously help push programs,” Ms. Srinivasan tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol. Their conversation covers gender bias; work-life balance; and how to turn compassion into a measurable quantity. Recorded remotely in March 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the form of both digital art and play-to-earn gaming assets have come under fire for their price volatility and vulnerability to frauds and scams. This March, hackers stole around $600 million from the Ronin blockchain network that supports Axie Infinity, a play-to-earn game with 3 million daily active players, 35% of whom are Filipinos. Given the game’s large, Philippine-based demographic, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cautioned the public against dealing hastily with digital tokens. “If you look at the space right now, it’s still very raw. Nobody has a full grasp of [how play-to-earn] really works,” said Renz Carlo Chong, chief executive officer and co-founder of digital asset production factory BreederDAO.  In this B-Side episode, Mr. Chong talks to BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana about the opportunities for NFT asset production in the Philippines amid increasing risks. “It’s really interesting because nobody knows where the space will head towards or how it will develop over the next few years,” he said. Recorded remotely in March 2022. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Earl R. Lagundino, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The social media hive mind is as fast as it is vicious. Say or do something triggering and you could find yourself going viral and getting canceled online. “The common definition of cancel culture is that it’s a form of public shaming. Sociologically, it’s society’s way of regulating itself. When we cancel somebody, you’re making a moral judgment,” says Nicole C. Curato, a Professor of Political Sociology at Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the University of Canberra. “The key to understanding cancel culture is that there’s an element of unmet expectation.” In this B-Side episode, Ms. Curato tells former BusinessWorld reporter Marielle C. Lucenio what it means to get canceled and whether businesses should risk taking a political stand knowing that they could face backlash. Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera, founder and chief executive officer of Colourette Cosmetics, also shares what it was like when Twitter tried to cancel her in November 2020, after she used the hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo. Recorded remotely in February 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino and Sam L. Marcelo.

Each year, the Philippines is hit by an average of 20 typhoons, which are growing progressively more destructive. A report released by Fitch Ratings in November 2021 said that this country is one of the most exposed to climate change physical risks, particularly floods and storms. In addition, the Department of Finance reported that climate-related hazards have cost the country $10 billion dollars in losses and damage over the past decade.  In this B-Side episode, Rick Holland, Grundfos senior regional sales director for the Asia Pacific, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan about key solutions to mitigate flooding caused by extreme weather events amid worsening climate change. Headquartered in Denmark, Grundfos manufactures pumps for flood control, irrigation, and sewage, among others. “You cannot just take one approach to everything,” said Mr. Holland, noting that a community’s geography, economic status, and density should be considered when thinking of long-term solutions.   Recorded remotely in February 2022. Produced by Earl R. Lagundino, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo.

In the spirit of a good meal that lasts several hours because the talking is just as satisfying as the eating, this B-Side episode continues on the social role of food. “Filipinos won’t be the same without our food ... When we leave the country, we think, oh, when I want to feel more Filipino, I will cook, I will prepare, or I will eat Filipino food. It helps me get in touch with my Filipino identity,” said Maria Angelica B. America, an advocate of sustainable development who also teaches economics to senior high school and university students. Ms. America tells BusinessWorld reporter Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan how food builds community: “It might be simple food, but if it’s shared with great company, prepared with great company, you will always go back to that memory. That’s beautiful. That’s the power of food.” Recorded remotely February 2022. Produced by Jino D. Nicolas and Sam L. Marcelo. 

You know that cliche, that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. It’s especially true here, in the Philippines, where food is central to gatherings and “kumain ka na ba” or “have you eaten” is a common greeting. When the pandemic struck, the simple act of breaking bread in the presence of friends and family was taken away from us. In this B-Side episode, John Paolo C. Dalupang, a research associate at the Institute of Philippine Culture and lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, tells BusinessWorld reporter Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan about the social role of food.  Mr. Dalupang, who has done research on feeding programs, public health, and disaster resilience, shares what he’s learned about what we lost when we were deprived of social gatherings and how our relationship to food has changed because of the pandemic. Recorded remotely on Feb. 16, 2022. Produced by Jino D. Nicolas and Sam L. Marcelo.

Teenage pregnancy, abortion, birth control, and HIV/AIDs testing are topics considered taboo by Filipino society. For the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), providing better access to sexual and reproductive services is an uphill battle because the country is predominantly Catholic. “Our conservatives, they bend towards pro-life policies, which are, most of the time, at odds with pro-choice advocacies,” said Mona S. Diones, FPOP Iloilo Chapter Manager. “The stigma and discrimination is still there. But advocacies like ours are getting louder.” In this B-Side episode, Ms. Diones tells BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson what’s at stake, in terms of reproductive health policies, with the change in administration. “Our government has been so lax with the implementation of the law. Although we have these laws, they are not fully exercised.” Recorded remotely on Feb. 11, 2022. Produced by Jino D. Nicolas and Sam L. Marcelo.

The local music industry has had to say goodbye to significant gig spots that just couldn’t survive the pandemic, no matter how well-loved they were. As the country prepares to ease restrictions, B-Side takes stock of what it’s been like for local and independent musicians to collaborate and perform in a socially distanced world.  “Collaborating online has taught us how to streamline our music creation process which we believe is a lesson we can take with us after the pandemic,” said Renzo R. Lumanog, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the local alternative pop band Any Name’s Okay. The band has performed in famed venues such as Route 196 on Katipunan Avenue, as well as in international music festivals in Taiwan. “A lot of musicians right now have either stopped making music, and there are some who have released more music than they ever have, there is a scale there.”  In this B-Side episode, Mr. Lumanog talks to BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordoñez about venues closing down, people losing jobs, and musicians pursuing their passion.  Recorded remotely on Jan. 28, 2022. Produced by John Victor D. Ordoñez, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo. Music used with permission from John’s Dirty Old Sneakers. 

In this B-Side episode, Froilan C. Calilung, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, talks about the legalities and loopholes that have allowed vote buying to become part of the Philippine political system, with structures built by those with power and money. “We could simply say that poverty is one of the contentious issues why we have vote buying, and why it is still very much prevalent in our society nowadays,” he tells BusinessWorld reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan. “Many Filipinos actually see election time as a frivolous event, more like a carnival of sorts if I may say.” Recorded remotely in December 2021. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

It’s campaign season and election fever is on the rise. Comedian Red Ollero has been interviewing political candidates of all stripes on his show Bago Matulog with Red Ollero, a casual conversation that’s more approachable than the debates aired on television. While platforms are still discussed, Mr. Ollero also grills his guests and gently roasts them. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Ollero tells BusinessWorld reporter Joseph L. Garcia what he finds funny about politics. They talk about the role of entertainers and influencers in the elections and why it’s good to poke fun at yourself when you are in the serious business of running an entire country.  Recorded remotely in December 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dominated the headlines, other issues such as mental health concerns, tuberculosis, and cancer still need to be addressed. “There are a lot of patients who are not able to get treatment because of COVID-19, and access to treatment is an issue,” said Dr. Erwin G. Benedicto, head of medical affairs at Johnson & Johnson Philippines. In this B-Side episode, the second on strengthening the country’s health system, he tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how the public and private sector can work together to provide better healthcare and protect the country from multiple health-related threats.  “Moving forward… we will have to enhance the private and public partnership because I know that the government cannot do it alone, and private cannot do it alone,” Dr. Benedicto said. Recorded remotely in December 2021. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The days of zero-COVID policies are long past, and learning to live with the coronavirus will require major adjustments to how things were done in the first year of the pandemic. “Coping with it, living with it, adjusting our policies and the way we live with the COVID threat (is) a matter of reducing risk,” said Dr. Regina P. Berba, head of infection control at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). In this B-Side episode — the first of two parts on the future of healthcare — Dr. Berba speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana about a wide range of topics, including how to take care of the medical frontliners who are taking care of us, how civic spaces have to transform themselves just as hospitals have, and how the universal healthcare law can expand access to quality and affordable health services if implemented properly. Recorded remotely in December 2021. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Digital infrastructure may not be a campaign talking point but it will be important for the next administration and the Philippines’ post-pandemic future. “Whether you’re talking about agriculture or housing, all these will ultimately be driven by a broadband connection,” said Mario R. Domingo, founder of deep learning solutions company Neural Mechanics, Inc. and director of the Ateneo Institute for the Digital Enterprise. “In no uncertain terms, I want to make it clear that a national broadband network is the project of the national government because the moment you privatize it, it becomes a profitability play.”   In this B-Side episode, Mr. Domingo tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about the relationship between the internet and nation-building. Recorded remotely on Dec. 15, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Omicron surge doesn’t dampen expectations that the Philippine internet economy will hit $40 billion in terms of value by 2025. “We don’t look at our estimates from an event point of view because we can’t forecast individual events like Omicron and who knows what’s going to happen next,” says Willy Chang, associate partner at Bain & Company. “It’s based on foundational views. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Chang explains the e-Conomy SEA Report released in November 2021 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company to BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave. He identifies “pockets of opportunity” for small and medium enterprises and how they can become part of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economy. “The headroom for growth is tremendous.”  Recorded remotely on Nov. 30, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

It’s 2022 and as we head into year three of this pandemic, Omicron, the latest coronavirus variant of concern, continues to surge. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, digital wallets have become the primary mode of sending and receiving money. Because of the large number of overseas Filipino workers, fintech or financial technology plays a key role in financial inclusion in the Philippines.  “You can see that the market is shifting towards digital receive methods,” said  Earl Allan E. Melivo, country director of cross-border digital payments service WorldRemit. “We’re already seeing that as evidence of ... a more efficient industry.” In this B-side episode, Mr. Melivo explains to BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how the pandemic is spurring the rise of digital financial services, and how internet penetration is hobbling it. Recorded remotely on Dec. 16, 2021. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

With the holiday season in full swing, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for online fraud during e-commerce transactions.  “Merchants are so focused on growing as quickly as possible, that they forget to put the right fraud tool,” said James L. Melon, country manager of fraud prevention services company Vesta. “The need is [only] realized when they get exposed from fraud attacks. Merchants make up for this by selling more volume, but it’s like pouring more water into a leaky bucket.” In this B-Side episode, Mr. Melon tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about reputational risks and red flags that online merchants should watch out for.  Recorded remotely on Nov. 9. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

A percentage of those who recover from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still suffer from long COVID, a condition characterized by symptoms such as chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction.  Initiatives such as the global AFTERCOR study, a two-year research program on the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 ICU (intensive care unit) survivors, are gathering data from its partner institutions to gain a better understanding of the medical condition’s mechanism.    “What’s quite peculiar with COVID-19 is that it’s such a chameleon,” says Dr. Karin Wildi, an Australia-based ICU specialist and principal investigator of the AFTERCOR study. In this B-Side episode, Dr. Wildi tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how the virus attacks every organ in the body. Recorded remotely before the Omicron variant (first reported to the World Health Organization from South Africa on Nov. 24) was classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Nov. 26. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Money Talks is a series on personal finance sponsored by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank). Money is on the mind of many people, particularly amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Debt is a top concern, with 70% of Filipinos citing it as a challenge in financial management, according to a recent study titled “State of Banking and Financial Wellness” by US-headquartered research firm Forrester commissioned by fintech company Backbase.  In this B-Side episode, Chorie R. Chan, vice president and head of the trust retail products division at Metrobank, explains how the pandemic changed how we think about money and saving. “Before we seemed to have that confidence in stability. Stability of where we are if we have businesses, if we are employed,” Ms. Chan said. “But lo and behold, the pandemic happened, and none of us are as certain as before that this could persist in the years or months to come.”  Recorded remotely Nov. 4. Interview by Santiago J. Arnaiz, BusinessWorld contributor and chief operating officer of health startup Day3 Innovations. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the design community used digital fabrication laboratories to 3D-print face shields for emergency health workers. “The urgency to providing solutions created this kind of a design sprint to create new systems of logistics as well as new products that were not being done before,” said Maria Rita “Rhea” O. Matute, executive director of the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP).  Designers are now thinking about big problems like climate change and plastic pollution. “What we wanted them [designers] to really take into account is, our future is made by the actions that are done today,” she said. In this B-Side episode, Ms. Matute talks to BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana about design thinking and innovation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and how, in the long run, design can help small businesses contribute even more to the Philippine development agenda. “The health emergency has made people bolder,” she said.   Recorded remotely September 2021. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Money Talks is a series on personal finance sponsored by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank). Before investing, neophytes should first know why they’re getting into it. “You have to take a step back before you dive into the investing world,” said Sharon W. Zulueta, vice president and division head of trust retail products at Metrobank. “You have to know yourself and know what type of investor you are.” In this B-Side episode, she elaborates on how Metrobank guides first-time investors based on their purpose, their appetite for risk, their time horizon, and their hurdles. She also offers one piece of advice that applies regardless of where investors are in their journey: look beyond the local. “Diversifying your portfolio does not just mean diversifying your asset classes, it's really diversifying in terms of geography,” she said, pointing to the US, Europe, and more developed Asian countries. Recorded remotely on Oct. 15, 2021. Interview by Santiago J. Arnaiz, BusinessWorld contributor and chief operating officer of health startup Day3 Innovations. Research by BusinessWorld special features writer Bjorn Biel “JB” M. Beltran. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The pandemic has pushed businesses into investing in cloud software and services as evidenced by a study released early this year by Alibaba Cloud, which found that 74% of local businesses see hybrid cloud solutions as key to their disaster recovery and business continuity efforts. In this B-Side episode, Shiju Varghese, president and country head of Tata Consultancy Services Philippines, explains what separates a successful cloud migration from a failed one. “There’s a common mistake that enterprises make: that is wanting to take the journey with their existing skillset and existing team that are not possibly ready or experienced enough to make them successful,” Mr. Varghese tells Adrian Paul B. Conoza, BusinessWorld special features assistant editor.  Arnel “Bon” de Vera, chief information officer at Sky Cable Corporation, also shares how the provider grew its business by shifting to the cloud. Sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services, this B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Oct. 14, 2021.

Money Talks is a series on personal finance sponsored by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank). The pandemic has brought with it a newfound interest among Filipinos to participate in the stock market. Data from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) showed that the average daily number of trades in 2020 soared by 33.7%, while retail participation surged by 47.8%. This follows an increase in online accounts by 19.7% to 936,000, while non-online accounts grew by 3.3% to 460,553.  In this B-Side episode, Ruben L. Zamora, Metrobank first vice president and head of the institutional investors coverage division, discusses with Santiago J. Arnaiz, BusinessWorld contributor and chief operating officer of health startup Day3 Innovations, why more Filipinos are more willing to “let their money work for them,” as well as how the beginner investor can sift through their options to start their financial journey.  Recorded remotely on Oct. 13. Research by BusinessWorld special features writer Bjorn Biel "JB" M. Beltran. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Why do we need coins, which can hardly buy anything, when experts say that digitalization is pushing us toward a cash-lite society? In this B-Side episode, Eloisa T. Glindro, Director at the Currency Policy and Integrity Department of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, explains to BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy T. Noble the role of small change in our financial system and why we should stop hoarding coins. “The journey towards a cash-lite society will be governed by broadening the payment choices available to Filipinos and that is by maintaining a healthy mix of safe and wider array of digital payment options alongside consistently good quality, physical currency,” she said.  Recorded remotely on Oct. 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Thrice-a-week Zoom meetings birthed Winning Still: Essays from the Philippine Sports Landscape during the Pandemic, an anthology of essays written by accomplished Filipino sports stakeholders and personalities.  In this B-Side episode, Ateneo de Davao University athletics director and Winning Still project coordinator Emmanuel Rene "Noli" S. Ayo tells BusinessWorld senior reporter Michael Angelo S. Murillo the lessons he learned from wrangling a group of alpha individuals — including Olympic gold medalist and weightlifter Hidilyn F. Diaz — into achieving a "compelling common goal."  "We like gathering people but sometimes we operate in silos. We have to work together. It is easier if you have someone with you on this journey," Mr. Ayo said. Recorded remotely on Sept. 17. Produced by Brontë H. Lacsamana, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Hybrid working arrangements won't kill the traditional office, said Balder Tol, general manager for Australia and Southeast Asia of WeWork, a co-working spaces firm. "There is an absolute need for a physical space to inspire and engage employees and to drive collaboration as well," said Mr. Tol. "There is nothing more powerful than a meeting room and a whiteboard when you want to think about innovation." To transform the office into a place that people want to go to, organizations should focus on design, health, and flexibility.  In this B-Side episode, Mr. Tol and BusinessWorld senior reporter Arjay L. Balinbin talk about the future of work and the fate of the workplace. Recorded remotely on Oct. 8. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The pandemic changed the way we eat, said Christian Wiegele, president of the Fresh Produce Group of Dole Sunshine Company. In this B-Side episode, he tells BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave about the future of food and how Dole is meeting the increased demand for fruits despite the logistical challenges caused by the pandemic.  Mr. Wiegele, who spent 18 years with Coca-Cola, also talks about moving to an industry where the product is highly dependent on the whims of the weather. "Agriculture is exposed to natural disasters... You need long-term thinking and the ability to adjust your commercial strategy depending on the volume you have available," he said. And unlike a bottle of Coke, he added, "it takes 18 months to grow a pineapple and nine months to grow a banana." This B-Side episode was recorded remotely in July. Like a pineapple, it took several months to ripen. Produced by Sam L. Marcelo and Paolo L. Lopez.

The entire consumer journey now happens online, according to the third iteration of SYNC Southeast Asia, an annual report by Facebook and management consulting firm Bain & Company.  “Before, for example, you’d be walking in the mall and maybe you’d hit a makeup stand and you’d say ‘yeah, I like that’ and try it out,” said Facebook Philippines country director John Rubio. “What’s happened is a massive shift where that now happens online.”  In this B-Side episode, Mr. Rubio tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how brands can build an offline-to-online strategy with the help of six Rs (rewrite, rewire, reimagine, refresh, re-envision, and realign).  Recorded remotely on Sept. 14. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Despite saying that the pandemic response is a priority, the executive department of the Duterte administration slashed the P50.4 billion allotted for healthcare workers’ allowances and other benefits from the proposed 2022 budget. "It's so important for us to know exactly what the government wants to do — and what it really wants to do is reflected in the national budget. It's not really in the public statements that officials make day in and day out during their press conferences," said Zy-za Nadine Suzara, executive director of think tank Institute for Leadership, Empowerment, and Democracy (iLead). In this B-Side episode, Ms. Suzara tells BusinessWorld reporter Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza why broader civil society should pay attention to the ongoing budget deliberations. Recorded remotely on Sept. 11. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Personal data can be misused and repurposed in the lead-up to the national elections next year. The National Privacy Commission earlier flagged an election-related survey website that was collecting excessive data. Companies and government institutions should be accountable, compliant, and ethical in using personal data, in accordance with the Data Privacy Law.  “Practice privacy by design. We do that by taking full cognizance of the potential risks that processing involves, and try to mitigate and address these risks,” said National Privacy Commissioner Raymund E. Liboro, in a conversation on data privacy with BusinessWorld reporter Jenina P. Ibañez. This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Aug. 27, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

You are what you listen to. By analyzing the songs that are on heavy rotation on your playlist, music solutions agency Homonym can give brands a picture of who you are: from the shampoo that you use on your head to the shoes that you wear on your feet.  “To us, sonic branding, or the sound part of your branding, is very important because that’s the only way you can make [people] feel. ... Audio makes you feel,” said Mike L. Constantino, founder of Homonym. In this B-Side episode, he explains to BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how audio data can help brands reach their target market using as an example Nissan’s 2020 X-Trail ad campaign.  Based on Homonym’s research, the marketing push for the X-Trail, described on the Nissan website as “an SUV with muscular styling,” used “Money For Food” by petite singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis in its spots.  This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Aug. 19, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Children are getting ready for another round of virtual classes as the Department of Education (DepEd) announced Sept. 13 as the opening date for School Year 2021–2022.  The mental health of children has been discussed by experts, who are worried about the long-term effects of lockdowns. In this B-Side episode, Jean L. Goulbourn, founder of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF Mindstrong), talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about resilience among kids and Ang Katatagan, the foundation’s program with DepEd aimed at giving teachers the tools to help their students cope with the stress of remote learning. “The pandemic has changed the whole world of a child. They’re isolated. It’s not healthy,” said Ms. Goulbourn.   Recorded remotely on Aug. 17.  NGF Mindstrong’s crisis hotline numbers are 8804-4673, 0918-8734673, and 0917 558 4673. Individuals can donate to the foundation through BPI Makati Atrium (peso savings: 3123-7249-59) and BDO SM Makati (peso savings: 000040491889). 

Coronavirus cases are surging. Our nurses are not getting paid and hospitals are filling up. We’ve been locked down since the beginning of August. And our economy probably won’t recover until the end of 2022 or 2023.  In this episode of B-Side, Joey Francis Hernandez, treasurer of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians, speaks with BusinessWorld’s Russell Louis C. Ku about the Philippine pandemic response and holding our leaders accountable. This episode was recorded remotely on Aug. 14. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Wealthy countries have cornered the world’s vaccine supplies. As a result, the Philippines has, as of this writing, vaccinated only 10% to 12% of its population. To punish the unvaccinated by barring them from leaving their homes — when vaccine inequity has yet to be addressed — aggravates an already inequitable public health crisis. In this B-Side episode, Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon explains the Siracusa Principles — guidelines on the legitimacy, ethics, necessity, and proportionality of a state’s restrictions on human rights during an emergency — to BusinessWorld reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan. “We cannot create a two-tier system where one class of people, vaccinated, are allowed every opportunity, while another set of people are denied certain rights,” he said. Recorded remotely on Aug. 13. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Where should you put your money? NFTs (non-fungible tokens)? REITs (real estate investment trusts)? VUL (variable universal life insurance)? Mutual funds? Stocks?  In this episode of B-Side, Rex A. Mendoza, president and chief executive officer of Rampver Financials, a distributor of investment funds in the Philippines, shares financial advice and his picks for winning investment vehicles with BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol. “A lot of people think that getting into a millionaire status means needing to earn more and save more. No. The real issue here is consistency,”  he said. “It’s always a balancing act ... That’s why we recommend a robust portfolio that is diversified so that, through hell or high water, a part will do well, and the other part will recover when the time comes.”  Recorded remotely on Aug. 5, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have applications beyond crypto art and blockchain games. They can also be used in business-to-business transactions such as licensing, supply chain management, and invoicing.   Marissa Trew, marketing manager of TZ APAC, a Singapore-based blockchain consultancy firm speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman about the potential for NFTs as a tool for conducting business, an investment instrument, or a revenue stream.  "NFTs have utility far beyond being a digital asset. There's a large enterprise use case that's being developed," said Ms. Trew. "There's a lot of actual B2B use cases that NFTs are able to provide well beyond the creator economy in the digital space, in terms of music, art, and collectibles." 

For every athlete whose Olympic dreams came true in Tokyo — like weightlifter Hidilyn F. Diaz and boxer Nesthy A. Petecio — there are so many others whose dreams were either dashed or delayed because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Tokyo 2020 was supposed to be part of the redemption arc of Mary Joy R. Tabal, who was looking to make up for Rio 2016, where she crossed the finish line well off her personal best. But canceled race after canceled race forced her to adjust her goals. She shares the lessons she learned with BusinessWorld senior reporter Michael Angelo S. Murillo: "The future is so uncertain; it keeps on changing. What's important is to live one day at a time. You just have to focus on bettering yourself today and focus on doing something today. ... Life is like a marathon." Recorded remotely on July 16, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Weightlifter Hidilyn F. Diaz, 30, is one of 19 Filipinos competing in this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo after the event was canceled last year amid a coronavirus pandemic. In this episode of B-Side, Ms. Diaz speaks with BusinessWorld senior reporter Michael Angelo S. Murillo about going for gold, and training through a pandemic away from home, away from friends, and away from family.  By the time you listen to this, she might be a two-time Olympic medalist, giving the Philippines its first-ever gold medal, adding to the silver that she won in Rio 2016. But as of this recording, we don’t know. What we do know right now is that the hope of a nation rides on her strong and capable shoulders and that her Olympic dreams burn bright. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

With the Delta variant of the coronavirus spreading, remote work looks like it will continue throughout 2021. Data privacy and data protection are big concerns since hackers have become more aggressive, prompting stricter regulations around the world. "A lot of companies are still in infancy stages of implementing their data protection management programs. They still have to come up with a lot of policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to govern their management of personal information," said Edwin A. Concepcion, Straits Interactive country manager for the Philippines.  In this B-Side episode, Mr. Concepcion tells BusinessWorld reporter Bianca Angelica D. Añago the outlook of data privacy and protection in the Philippines during the pandemic. "Privacy and data protection would definitely become an integral part of negotiating for international trade and business," he said. This episode was recorded remotely on July 2. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk are in the news for competing with each other in a space tourism race. Like these billionaires, the Philippines also has ambitions of exploring the final frontier — but for much more practical reasons, such as detecting illegal mining activities and measuring environmental parameters like air quality and soil moisture.  The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), an attached agency of the Office of the President, is in charge of handling national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications.  In this episode of B-Side, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Deputy Director General Gay Jane P. Perez speak with BusinessWorld reporter Angelica Y. Yang about why a developing economy like ours should set its sights on the stars.  This episode was recorded remotely on June 25, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The “play-to-earn” movement is an emerging phenomenon in gaming, wherein players collect rewards in the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) within a game and later convert them to real cash. Guilds have also cropped up to invest in in-game assets, loan these out to a player community, and educate others who may want to join in.  “We do not only serve players themselves but it could actually be those who think like investors, who would like to own these gaming assets,” said Beryl C. Li, co-founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG), which has more than 2,000 scholars all over the world, including Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil. As of July 1, these gaming scholars have earned around 19 million in-game tokens known as Small Love Potions, equivalent to around $2.5 million. NFT gaming is a gateway to the larger world of decentralized finance and cryptocurrency. “It’s a very good way to really learn,” said Ms. Li. “They’re able to make decisions (on) what to do with their rewards.”    In this B-Side episode, YGG’s Ms. Li tells BusinessWorld reporter Brontë H. Lacsamana how play-to-earn works, the economics behind it, and how NFT gaming got a boost over the pandemic. This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on June 25. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

More than 60,000 book titles will be available at steep discounts in the online edition of Big Bad Wolf, a book fair that has, in the past, attracted half a million visitors over a single run.   In this episode of B-Side, Big Bad Wolf (BBW) founders Jacqueline Ng and Andrew Yap tell BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how two years of planning went out the window because of the pandemic.   The rising cost of logistics will leave a mark on the book industry, they said, and traditional booksellers will have to go beyond the printed page and embrace digital events, e-books, and audiobooks. Post-pandemic brick-and-mortar bookstores, they added, will have a community aspect.  The Big Bad Wolf founders also share how they grew from a tiny operation into a traveling book empire that visits more than 34 cities around the world.  The online edition of the Big Bad Wolf book sale runs from June 30 to July 7. Visit signup-ph.bbwbooks.com. Recorded remotely on June 23. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Philippines isn't sleeping well. The anxiety-inducing pandemic has done no favors to a country that has a robust business process outsourcing industry that operates in a different time zone. "We have a lot of shift workers that usually go against their internal clock," said Dr. Jimmy V. Chang, head of the Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City, and chair of the Philippine Academy of Sleep Surgery. In this B-Side episode, Dr. Chang speaks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about "coronasomnia," sleep issues and their corresponding remedies, as well as the restorative nature of sleep.  Recorded remotely on June 14. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) — which are among the most vulnerable to economic disruptions brought about by the pandemic — have had to accept digitalization or lose business entirely.  "There are a lot of benefits for MSMEs to adopt digital solutions, including increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving profit margins," said Dr. Denis Hew, director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Policy Support Unit, in a fireside chat that was part of the special edition of the BusinessWorld Virtual Economic Forum, a two-day event held on May 26 and May 27 tackling the digital economy and its role in the country's economic recovery. Titled "Helping SMEs survive and thrive through digital tools: an APEC perspective," the fireside chat between Mr. Hew and BusinessWorld multimedia editor Sam L. Marcelo streamed on May 27. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Recreate, a new TV show hosted by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Daphne Oseña-Paez, documents the ways artists, local businesses, and cultural institutions are persevering despite the pandemic.  "There's a lot of innovation in technology, there's a lot of new businesses coming out … but it's still a creative thought process that is driving all of these changes," said Ms. Oseña-Paez. "People have the power to dig deep into themselves and use expression as a way to move forward." In this B-Side episode she talks to BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman about the creative process and the importance of sharing human interest stories.

The Philippines, often hailed as one the most gender-equal countries in the world, placed 17th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines came in second only to New Zealand, which ranked fourth globally.  The report doesn't paint the whole picture, said Nathalie Africa-Verceles, director of the Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of the Philippines. "There are still many laws that need to be enacted and still many provisions of existing laws that need to be revised because there are provisions in existing laws that are discriminatory to women. But when we talk about gender, we don’t only refer to women," she said, emphasizing that gender equality includes the rights of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) community. Congress, she added, should prioritize passing the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill. "I'm very disappointed it's taking so long." In this B-Side episode, Ms. Africa-Verceles speaks with Gillian M. Cortez (who was a reporter for BusinessWorld at the time of the interview) about contradictions between Philippine culture and Philippine laws, in terms of gender equality.  This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Philippine government went on a borrowing spree to support its pandemic response and make up for the plummeting revenues at the height of the coronavirus crisis. For 2020 alone, its gross borrowings — which does not include all the payments made during the period — hit P2.74 trillion, matching the P2.757 trillion debt incurred from 2017 to 2019.  In this B-Side episode, Alvin P. Ang, a professor at the economics department of the Ateneo de Manila University, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Beatrice M. Laforga about the government’s rising debt and its impact on the economy.  "I think the next government will still have to borrow because this is not a usual crisis. What they need is to spend as much as possible on health, on building our capacities and increase confidence once again," Mr. Ang said. "The government is the only entity that can really help the private sector and the consumers to get back into their groove of what they're supposed to do." This episode was recorded remotely on May 13. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Investment pledges approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) dropped by nearly a fifth last year after lockdown restrictions dented investor confidence.   In this B-Side episode, PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza tells BusinessWorld reporter Jenina P. Ibañez how the investment promotion agency is planning a comeback over the next few years. PEZA is eyeing pharmaceutical companies, agro-industrial firms, and manufacturers of military equipment. Recorded remotely on May 4. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Companies might be spending on the wrong things when it comes to employee health. "We found that businesses were losing P100 billion annually due to poor employee health. That's in spite of companies already spending roughly P150 billion taking care of their employees," said Santiago J. Arnaiz, co-founder and chief operating officer of Project Fort, a health data consultancy. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Arnaiz (formerly of BusinessWorld) and Project Fort co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Erika M. Modina tell BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how the private sector can contribute to public health with the help of data. "If [companies] are given the right tools to collect data, then they can make evidence-based health strategies that save money and engage employees," said Ms. Modina. "This is the perfect time to rebuild the health system because people understand its importance." Recorded remotely on May 5. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Art Fair Philippines is moving out of The Link car park in Makati City for its 2021 edition: it's going online and entering the world of crypto art and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). An NFT is a digital asset (a drawing, an image, a meme, an animated GIF, a video, even a tweet) and it uses the blockchain, the same technology behind bitcoin, to keep track of who owns the file. In March, a digital collage by an artist named Beeple fetched almost $70 million at a Christie's auction, making the JPG file the most expensive NFT thus far.  In this episode of B-Side, the three co-founders of Art Fair Philippines, Geraldine "Dindin" B. Araneta, Trickie C. Lopa, and Lisa O. Periquet, tell BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman how they transported the art fair from the car park into the world of crypto art. This episode was recorded remotely on April 30. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Alorica, a provider of customer management outsourcing solutions, has a young workforce: 30% are from Gen Z, and around 61% are millennials. "Freedom of thought is very important for them," said Irene L. Tan, vice-president for learning and development at Alorica Philippines, Inc., who added that the company has benefited from the "brilliant ideas" originating from these generational cohorts. In this episode of B-Side, she tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how intentional communication and creating a culture of care are keys to retaining young talent when most of them are working from home because of the pandemic. This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on April 15. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The endemic tawilis—loved as deep fried, salted, smoked, or bottled in oil—is facing the possibility of extinction. The scientific community hatched an emergency plan to save the freshwater sardine to protect the livelihood of fishermen and to ensure that future generations will get to savor the fish. In this B-Side episode, Dr. Ma. Vivian DC. Camacho, station manager of the University of the Philippines–Los Banos (UPLB) Limnological Station, discusses the tawilis and the economics of conservation with BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy T. Noble.  Recorded remotely on April 8. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been called democratizers of wealth, allowing small investors to invest in big real estate projects. The Philippines has two REIT listings on the market, with the second listing holding the record for the most number of small investors. Officials from the exchange have expressed hope that more real estate developers will consider offering REITs.  In this B-Side episode, Christopher John J. Mangun, research head of AAA Southeast Equities, Inc., introduces BusinessWorld reporter Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte to REITs and their advantages. This B-Side was recorded remotely on March 25, a day after the REIT of DoubleDragon Properties Corp., DDMP REIT Inc., debuted at the Philippine Stock Exchange, making it only the second listing after Ayala Land's REIT offering in 2020.

Economic growth can and should be inclusive, and the way to get there is to connect small businesses and individuals with the networks that drive the modern economy. In this B-Side episode, Alison L. Eskesen, vice-president at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how helping people gain access to these essential networks "can set in motion a virtuous cycle of equitable growth and sustained poverty reduction." Recorded remotely on March 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Live theater is a collective experience: the audience is as much a part of the performance as the actors on stage.  "Social distancing is the antithesis of what we do," said Maribel A. Legarda, artistic director of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), which has been closed since March 2020. In this episode of B-Side, Ms. Legarda and Leloi T. Arcete, PETA head of public relations, tell BusinessWorld reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman, how theater is surviving by migrating digitally and what "life after live" looks like. Recorded remotely on March 5. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

Not a Daydream, a women-led social enterprise, creates bags made out of native fabric. More important, it gives women in vulnerable communities in Tondo, Manila, a sustainable means of earning a living. In this episode of B-Side, BusinessWorld reporter Joseph L. Garcia speaks with Martine de Leeuw, co-owner of Not a Daydream, about running a social enterprise during the pandemic and the impact of female labor force participation on development. "Our daily business is driven by our mission, which is 'empowered women empower women.'" said Ms. de Leeuw.  "If you learn a skill, you can work on it. And I think that's the way we can change poverty." This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on March 3. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Vaccine hesitancy threatens the rollout of coronavirus vaccines in the Philippines. In a Pulse Asia survey released in January, 47% of the 2,400 Filipinos polled said they were not willing to be vaccinated while 21% were undecided. BusinessWorld reporter Vann Marlo M. Villegas spoke with Dr. Lulu C. Bravo, executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, about addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Myanmar is in the middle of a bloody coup, where, as of this episode's recording, at least 50 people have been killed since it began in February. Pro-democracy activists are taking to the streets, protesting the military’s attempt to reverse the victory of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League of Democracy.  In this episode of B-Side, Atty. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza talks about the fragility of democracy and draws parallels between the mass demonstrations in Myanmar and the 1986 People Power Revolution. This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on February 26. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The outsourcing industry was one of the few sectors that continued to operate throughout the entirety of the lockdown designed to contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Much of the industry moved their operations to work from home, creating new challenges when it comes to mental health. Professional isolation is the bane of telecommuters, while those who have to show up on-site—to address cybersecurity needs that aren’t supported by home-based work—have to deal with the anxiety of possibly getting infected with the COVID-19 virus. Mirei G. Magallona, country vice-president of Telus International Philippines, tells BusinessWorld reporter Jenina P. Ibañez how the outsourcing industry is dealing with these challenges and what the firm is doing to help its workforce. This B-Side was recorded remotely on Feb. 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez and Sam L. Marcelo.

The tourism and hospitality industry is focusing on the domestic market since pandemic-related restrictions have hamstrung international travel. While the Philippines waits for vaccines, hotel operators—and other stakeholders—are finding ways to assure people that it's safe to venture out. "We're still hopeful that we can rely on local travel but it will take time. We need to get people back on their feet," Cinty R. Yniguez, director of sales and marketing at Seda Vertis North, tells former BusinessWorld senior reporter Zsarlene B. Chua. "A lot of destinations have been successful at reeling in travelers and [helping them] surpass their anxiety and paranoia." This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Feb. 2, 2021. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The pandemic is changing the way we design our world and the way we move around in it. "If you're creating a journey from home to destination, then obviously everything you touch and interact with is design," said Paul D. Priestman, founder and chair of PriestmanGoode, a design consultancy out of the United Kingdom that counts Airbus SE, Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway, and Transport for London as its clients.  "Good design is not an add-on but a crucial part of what makes a business successful," he tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol. "When used effectively, it can make a massive difference to any business." Recorded remotely on Jan. 13. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Because of GameStop Corp.'s wild roller coaster ride on the New York Stock Exchange, people have been talking about retail investing and how social media is changing the game.  The video game retailer's stock price hit a high of $483 in what has been framed as a battle between "the little guys" of Reddit against the suits of Wall Street who had heavily shorted GameStop shares.  "Whatever it is you are doing, you have to know the rules of the game—how it should really be done," said Edward K. Lee, chairman and founder of COL Financial Group, Inc., who warned against "the madness of the crowd." In this episode of B-Side, Mr. Lee speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave about short selling, GameStop shares, and the Philippine stock market.  This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Feb. 2. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Carvey Ehren R. Maigue, an electrical engineering student at Mapua University, invented a plastic-like material that makes renewable energy from rotting fruits and vegetables. His invention won the first James Dyson Award for Sustainability in 2020, beating a record 1,800 entries from around the world. And now he’s fielding inquiries from electric car manufacturers who are interested in his technology. Mr. Maigue’s story is about persistence. He first joined the James Dyson Award in 2018 and didn’t even make it past the national level.  In this episode B-Side, he talks to BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about his company, AuREUS System Technology, and the commercial applications of his invention.  “You can think small and come up with something big,” said Mr. Maigue. “You do not need to solve a problem for the world. [Your solution] can be for a person that, for you, means the world.”

Charter change (cha-cha) is once again alive in Congress. Although business groups support the initiative to liberalize the economy, they say that amending the Constitution 15 months before the national elections will only be “divisive.” Lawmakers, they added, should instead focus on passing pending measures reforming the country’s existing economic policies while the country is in the middle of a pandemic. In this episode of B-Side, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr.,—chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments—speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza about the resolution filed by House Speaker Lord Allan Q. Velasco in 2019, which seeks to amend the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution that bar foreign investors from owning more than 40% of certain industries. 

Only 3% of invested dollars went to female-only founders in 2019. That percentage hasn’t changed since 2010, according to a Crunchbase report on gender disparity in startup funding. In 2010, female-only founded companies raised a billion dollars; their male-only counterparts raised $31 billion. In 2019, female-only founded companies raised $6 billion dollars; their male counterparts, $195 billion. In this episode of B-Side, Nicole Denholder, founder and CEO of Next Chapter Raise, tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol why gender disparity in funding exists and what women entrepreneurs—and the business community at large—can do about it. Next Chapter Raise is a funding ecosystem based in Asia with one mission: to get female founders funded faster.  This B-Side episode was recorded remotely on Dec. 16, 2021.

Everybody loves a comeback story, where the underdog—beaten and bruised—wins it all despite the odds. The sports industry has to recover from a year that saw tournaments canceled and stadiums silent and empty. In this B-Side episode, Rely San Agustin, a sports marketing professional who has been in the industry for more than 20 years, tells BusinessWorld reporter Michael Angelo S. Murillo how sports stakeholders are dealing with the harsh reality that getting fans back into the stands will take time. “A bubble setup makes sense,” said Mr. San Agustin. “Seclusion is needed. You really have to control movement in and out of the venues.”

Jeremy Meltzer, founder of cause marketing platform i=Change, tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how brands and consumers can make a difference, a dollar a time. "Cause marketing" is a term coined in 1983 by American Express to describe its campaign to raise money for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. American Express donated one cent toward restoring the statue every time someone used its charge card. As a result, the Restoration Fund raised over $1.7 million. Businesses on i=Change give back a dollar to a specific cause with every sale they make. "Customers understand what a dollar is," Mr. Meltzer said. "It's more understandable than "'we give back 1% of our profit to charity.'"  He added: "Don't think about how clever you can be. Think about how authentic you can impart your message to your customers." Recorded remotely on October 30. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic to global supply chains were unexpected.   “This has really been one of the most challenging times … in all walks of life,” said Chris Buono, managing director of UPS Philippines, who has been in the industry for 18 years. UPS is one of several logistics groups tasked with delivering billions of coronavirus vaccine doses to the world. On top of that, it’s the holiday season and packages have to be delivered.  For the logistics industry, the new normal means operating in a peak-like environment for the entire year. In this episode of B-Side, Mr. Buono speaks with BusinessWorld senior reporter Arjay L. Balinbin, and takes stock of this year against the backdrop of the ongoing health crisis.

"The plastic pandemic is only getting worse during COVID-19," the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned in July. As people continue to stay home to avoid getting the coronavirus, we have also become more dependent on courier services. Unfortunately, more food delivery and e-commerce shopping also mean more plastic packaging. In this episode of B-Side, Inna Serafin and Nikki Sevilla of EcoNest Philippines tell Mariel L. Aguinaldo about biodegradable packaging alternatives that work just as well as plastic. Quoting the WEF report, Ms. Serafin said: "If we are not are careful, short-term thinking during the pandemic could lead to an even larger environmental and public calamity in the future."  This episode was recorded remotely on November 18. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Typhoon season isn’t over. Before 2020 finally says goodbye, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says that two to three more storms could make landfall and wreak havoc on a country that’s already been battered by storm after storm after storm.  According to the latest damage estimate from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the farming sector incurred losses worth P6.72 billion from Typhoon Ulysses alone. Raul Q. Montemayor, national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers, talks about the impact of these natural calamities on Filipino farmers and how to protect them. Mr. Montemayor gives BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave a crash course on the effects of the Rice Tariffication Law and what the agriculture sector will look like, moving forward.

On November 25 and 26, BusinessWorld held a two-day virtual economic forum with the forward-looking theme “Forecast 2021: ReBoot. ReThink. ReShape.”  The event gathered over 40 local and international speakers who discussed the great economic reset as well as the future in a post-COVID era. B-Side is sharing excerpts from the forum, beginning with this fireside chat between Satish Shankar, regional managing partner for Bain and Company, Asia-Pacific, and Sam L. Marcelo, BusinessWorld multimedia editor. Over the course of this public health crisis, we’ve witnessed changes in consumption, specifically further shifts to essential goods and digital services.  Nevertheless, consumption will contribute to growth in Southeast Asia, as Bain & Company estimates that the region will generate a total of US$4 trillion in terms of consumption in the next decade.  In order to unlock the region’s full potential, it is encouraged that stakeholders ensure efficient and effective recovery from COVID-19, focus on talent development and socio-economic inclusion, upgrade infrastructure to support urbanization and resource management, and push for open and integrated regulation, with a hyper-local approach. This episode was recorded remotely on November 26. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Fake COVID-19 cures and preventive measures are proliferating online, in chat groups and social media. Bananas, saltwater, and onions have all made the rounds as coronavirus remedies (which they aren't). As the world waits for an effective vaccine against the virus, netizens may fall prey to these fake stories and forward them. Fortunately, there are groups stepping up in the fight against these untruths. One of these is FlipScience, a Filipino science news and features website that has made headway in contributing to the "COVID-19 fake fact debunking" movement in the country. FlipScience co-founder Mikael Angelo Francisco tells BusinessWorld reporter Angelica Yang how citizens can identify and debunk fake news about the virus.

Anchanto, a Singapore-based automation and logistics platform, projects that cross-border e-commerce in the Asia-Pacific region will grow to US$ 1.5 trillion by 2023. The Southeast Asian market—which has the highest number of young people with Internet access—is expected to account for 40% of this trajectory. Vaibhav Dabhade, founder and CEO of Anchanto, tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol how local micro, small, and medium enterprises or (MSMEs) can compete against established brands in the online marketplace. “You are one product out of millions,” Mr. Dabhade said. “Unless and until you optimize your catalog, unless and until you create specific marketing campaigns, your chances of getting visible without effort is almost zero.” Recorded remotely on October 16.  Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The eight-month lockdown, one of the longest in the world, has kept much of the country’s workforce at home. Separation from colleagues, coupled with fears of the virus, has raised the level of anxiety among the working population.  Nikki Vergara, co-founder and chief well-being officer of Positive Workplaces, a training and consultancy organization, tells BusinessWorld reporter Jenina P. Ibañez what individuals and companies can do to promote psychological well-being in the workplace (whether that means the office or the home).  Recorded remotely on October 22. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

It is a mistake for the Duterte administration to think that it can separate its sea dispute with China from issues like trade, investment, and official development assistance, said International Studies Professor Renato Cruz De Castro, a trustee and convenor of the National Security and East Asian Affairs Program of the Stratbase ADR Institute. After delivering his most forceful defense of the 2016 ruling on the South China Sea at the United Nations General Assembly in September, President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated in October that the Philippines wants to strike a government-to-government deal with China for COVID-19 vaccines. This compartmentalizing strategy, which Mr. De Castro calls the "dual-track approach," won't work. "China doesn’t play that game," he tells BusinessWorld reporter Gillian M. Cortez. "China is a traditional big power; it will act like any big power. It will never deal with us [the Philippines] in an equitable manner." Recorded remotely on October 14. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out 80% of the revenue of Bambike, a socio-ecological enterprise that handcrafts bamboo bicycles. Prior to the lockdowns, Bambike was renting out thousands of bikes a month for its ecobike tours, which won the company a Tripadvisor award in March.  Bambike founder Bryan Benitez McClelland tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia Mirasol how the company is bouncing back. "Be resilient like the bamboo," he said. Recorded remotely on October 1. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is a crime that often happens at home, at the hands of family, the very people who are trusted the most by the victims of this horrible crime. Cases have increased because of the lockdowns. Reynaldo Bicol of the International Justice Mission tells BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy T. Noble why the Philippines is a global hotspot for this crime, how the pandemic is making it worse, and what we can do about it. Recorded remotely on October 2. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Patrick "Patch" Dulay,  co-founder of local crowdfunding platform The Spark Project, is turning a series of webinars into a book titled Respark, which collects tips on restarting a business amid uncertain times. Mr. Dulay gives BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol a summary of the lessons he's learned from seven entrepreneurs: ECHOstore founder Pacita "Chit" Juan,  life coach Kitty Ferreria,  SM Supermalls vice-president of strategy and development Gino Borromeo, ATBP Co. partners Pinky Poe and Vini Salonga, Limitless Lab Chief Executive Officer Joie Cruz, and Shirt.ly co-founder James Fernando. Recorded remotely on September 25. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The COVID-19 pandemic has stripped away a lot of what we expect from weddings: the pageantry, the ceremony, the large number of guests. Bridal designer Patricia "Patty" Pascual talks about love in the time of corona.  There are two kinds of brides, she said: the practical ones who get married via Zoom and take advantage of all the discounts offered by suppliers;  and the optimistic ones, who believe in their hearts that they’ll have the wedding of their dreams in 2021.   In this episode, Ms. Pascual gives BusinessWorld reporter Joseph L. Garcia tips on how to celebrate love and weddings in a grand but safe manner—think minimalist gowns and Swarovski-studded face masks—as well as insights on how the bridal industry is keeping afloat during the pandemic.  Recorded remotely on September 25. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Former Health Secretary Manuel M. Dayrit explains to BusinessWorld reporter Vann M. Villegas how the Department of Transportation (DOTr) came up with the Seven Commandments for public transportation and how these health measures are supposed to work together to make up for reducing the one-meter-apart rule.  DOTr suspended reduced physical distancing after President Rodrigo R. Duterte, on September 19, decided to stick to conventional wisdom, which says that people need to keep a distance of at least one meter from each other to limit the potential spread of coronavirus. Recorded remotely on September 18. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Thanks to e-commerce and changing consumer habits, the logistics and warehousing sector expects to grow by 8% in the next three years. This is a bright spot in an otherwise battered economy that dropped by 16.5% in the second quarter. Sheila G. Lobien, CEO of property consultancy firm Lobien Realty Group, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Denise A. Valdez about the real estate industry, and its prospects for logistics and warehousing. They talk about the impact of new consumer patterns on the future of the industry, and how the Philippines compares with the rest of Southeast Asia—8% growth is good, but that rate is slower when compared to the likes of Vietnam. Ms. Lobien shares insights on what the country has to do to get a bigger slice of the warehousing pie. Recorded remotely on September 3.

A million-and-a-half Filipinos could fall into poverty because of the pandemic, according to a discussion paper titled "Poverty, the Middle Class, and Income Distribution amid COVID-19," co-authored by Dr. Jose Ramon Albert, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.  In this study, a million-and-a-half Filipinos creating a new kind of poor is neither the best- nor worst-case scenario. It’s midway, where income declines by 10%.  Mr. Albert explains the simulations and scenarios he and his co-authors ran to arrive at their numbers. He tells BusinessWorld reporter Beatrice Laforga that the government’s emergency subsidy programs minimized the pandemic’s impact on poverty. Without financial aid, he said, 5.5 million Filipinos could have been pushed into poverty. Recorded remotely on September 1. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Duterte administration deserves a failing grade for its preparations for the upcoming academic year, says student leader Raoul Manuel. In this episode, Mr. Manuel, president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, lists the union’s primary demands for the safe reopening of classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Naging insensitive at para bang nagde-daydream ang ating gobyerno — pinagpipilitan niya through its press conference at iba-ibang mga briefings na siya ay handa. Hindi niya nire-represent ang hinaing at pangamba ng mga guro at mga estudyante at kanilang mga magulang sa pagsisimula ng school year,” Mr. Manuel tells BusinessWorld reporter Adam J. Ang. ("Our insensitive government has been daydreaming — it insists through its press conferences and briefings that it's ready for the start of the school year. It doesn't represent the fears and anxieties of the teachers, students, and parents.") Recorded remotely on August 15. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

When public transportation was suspended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, people turned to biking as a means of getting from one place to another. Thousands of bikes were donated to frontliners and essential workers who initially were walking to work. This June, bike lanes popped up along EDSA, the busiest highway in Metro Manila. Bike commuters like Karen Sison hope that this is the beginning of a bike revolution. Ms. Sison is a member of Cycling Matters, a group that describes itself as “a happy collective of cyclists who have gotten tired of just waiting and ranting about how unhappy our local biking conditions can be.” Ms. Sison tells BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol what kind of infrastructure Metro Manila needs to become a bike-friendly city. Bikes are "the most accessible, sustainable, and responsible mode of transportation," she added, making a case for integrating bikes with buses, jeeps, and trains in a bi-modal transportation system. This episode was recorded remotely on August 13. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

After several months, the coronavirus pandemic is still wreaking havoc on supply chains. Rosemarie P. Rafael, chair and president of express courier company Airspeed Philippines, tells reporter Arjay L. Balinbin that the price war sparked by the growing number of players in the last-mile delivery space is unsustainable. "It will not last," she said, "Operational excellence... cannot be supported if we do not price our service right." A veteran with more than 30 years of experience in moving goods, Ms. Rafael talks about what kind of commodities are moving, and what kind of technological innovations are changing the logistics industry.  Recorded remotely on August 13. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The latest official labor data showed that the jobless rate shot up to double-digits, as millions of Filipinos became unemployed. The Philippine Statistics Agency reported that as of April 2020, there were around 7.3 million jobless Filipinos.  Jobstreet, an online platform that has around 42,000 listings, saw two million visitors checking out their website from April to June. If you’re looking for a job, forget those numbers. Career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine says that the only numbers you should be concerned about are your own, whether in a pandemic or not. That means, tracking the number of applications you’ve sent out, the number of interviews you’ve landed, the number of callbacks you’ve gotten. Now those numbers are important to you as a job seeker. In this episode, Ms. Ceniza-Levine tells multimedia reporter Patricia B. Mirasol that the coronavirus is not the end of your career. She gives practical advice, from tips on how to handle online interviews to the two main skills that you have to be thinking about if you’re looking for a job. Recorded remotely on July 29. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Political analyst Dr. Robin Michael Garcia talks about the issues affecting Philippine attitudes toward China, among them the coronavirus pandemic and the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea.  Because of this maritime dispute, the Duterte administration suspended the termination of the country’s visiting forces agreement with the United States. On top of this, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the Philippine claim to disputed waters was “non-negotiable.” The Philippine claim was rejected by China, but was reaffirmed by the United States when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared most of China’s claims as “unlawful.” Philippine sentiment toward China is ambivalent, with an April survey finding that 54% of Filipinos think of China as a good ally to the Philippines. But attitudes and sentiment can shift quickly. Mr. Garcia, chief executive officer of WR Numero Research and an assistant professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, explains to BusinessWorld reporter Charmaine A. Tadalan what he thinks of Duterte’s foreign policy and how China could become the President's Achilles' heel. Recorded remotely on July 15. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The academic year is about to start. Universities and colleges are shifting to remote learning as physical classrooms all across the world have shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his address, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said that face-to-face classes would be allowed only when a vaccine becomes available. We don’t really know when that is.  Raymundo D. Rovillos, chancellor of the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio, tells BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhail Ochave how the UP System is playing catch-up with the likes of Mapua Institute of Technology and Far Eastern University—schools that embraced remote learning long before the coronavirus hit because of Manila’s notorious traffic jams.  Recorded remotely July 4. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

We’ve been consuming a lot more content since the pandemic left us housebound. Filmmakers are streaming their films on YouTube and similar platforms, giving us hours of entertainment.  But how is the entertainment industry itself doing? Adolfo Alix Jr., the award-winning film director behind films like Mater Dolorosa and Circa, says that the virus has left entertainment workers vulnerable. Many of them work on a per-project basis, with none of the usual benefits regular employees have. In this episode, the director tells reporter Zsarlene B. Chua how COVID-19 is changing the way films and shows are shot. He also pays tribute to actor Anita Linda, who passed away this June at the age of 95.  Recorded remotely on June 20.

According to James Lette, executive director of Manila Angel Investors Network, much of the Philippine startup ecosystem is close to the point of bankruptcy or closure.  "A collapse in consumer demand, an inability to provide services during the Extended Community Quarantine period, and soaring corporate late payment rates as cash flows tighten have significantly affected startup revenues and compressed their runways. A generation of Filipino startups could be wiped out without further specialized liquidity support," he wrote in a column for SparkUp, BusinessWorld’s news and knowledge-sharing hub for Philippine startups.   In this episode of B-Side, Mr. Lette expands on his piece and speaks with SparkUp editor Santiago J. Arnaiz about why and how the Philippine startup ecosystem must be saved. "Without action, the Philippines will be left behind, and startups domiciled in other ASEAN countries will capture our home market," Mr. Lette said, as he called for the "establishment of a blended finance facility to issue bridging finance, alongside private sector funds, in the form of convertible loans, to technology startups impacted by COVID-19."     Recorded remotely on June 15. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The local fitness industry was booming before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, with international chains and small fitness studios popping up to satisfy the demand for health and wellness.  When the country was placed under lockdown to contain the pandemic, the industry — which relies on foot traffic —  ground to a halt.  In this episode, Gab Pangalangan, marketing manager of UFC Gym Philippines, fitness coach and founder of combat sports website Dojo Drifter, talks to BusinessWorld sports reporter Mike Murillo about the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry, how gyms are dealing with it, and what lies ahead for them in the “new normal.” They discuss why gyms see themselves as essential businesses and how digital is the way to go — even for a “high-touch” industry like physical fitness. Recorded remotely on May 15. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Without a sentinel surveillance system, tech entrepreneurs Paul Rivera and Danny Castonguay believe that the country is flying blind when it comes to the coronavirus outbreak. "We're just guessing. And guessing is a dangerous game when people's lives are at stake," said Mr. Castonguay. Those who are tasked with protecting us need reliable numbers and a way to process those numbers in order to identify trends and get ahead of the virus. According to the World Health Organization, a sentinel surveillance system is used when high-quality data are needed about a particular disease. It can be used to monitor and detect when and where an outbreak starts, and, in the context of COVID-19, provide information that can be used as the basis for targeted lockdowns. Mr. Rivera and Mr. Castonguay are behind COVID Sentinel AI, a platform that can help policymakers and business leaders make informed decisions using self-reported data. Available in Tagalog, with several other dialects on the way, COVID Sentinel AI is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on any device; it also provides an easy way for system administrators to follow up.  Compared to e-mail and spreadsheets (the tools that many companies are relying on to monitor the health of their employees), COVID Sentinel AI is more secure and robust. "It's the easiest and most critical way to get population data on how our employees are doing, how they are feeling, and whether or not we need to isolate individual populations in individual groups and individual teams that may be showing symptoms of COVID,"  said Mr. Rivera, who added that the sentinel platform gives companies the means to process data they are already collecting (think of temperature checks — where does that information go and how is it aggregated?).  In this episode, recorded remotely on April 28, the founders of COVID Sentinel AI explain the advantages of using a sentinel surveillance system to BusinessWorld reporter Gillian Cortez.  Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Bain & Company, a management consulting firm based in the United States, said that the Philippines might benefit in global efforts to diversify supply chains and focus on business process outsourcing to cope with the economic decline brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year was a challenging year for private equity firms in Southeast Asia, with deal value slipping to $12 billion from $14 billion a year ago. Alessandro Cannarsi, a partner at Bain, said the pandemic may turn the tide in favor of countries like the Philippines. In this episode, Mr. Cannarsi speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Denise Valdez about the country’s prospects in tech-driven sectors. He reminds us that in the past five years, private equity firms that generated the best returns were those that kept investing during the down cycle. To attract private-equity firms into the country, the Bain partner recommended enhancing corporate governance standards, on the company level, and increasing transparency on deal flows, on the country level. Recorded remotely on May 4. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the key to helping the Philippine economy get back on its feet. Without sufficient technology and automation in place, high-touch human operations are paralyzed. As the world recovers, it will require a re-imagination of human and business processes to future-proof against the next crisis. In this episode, BusinessWorld reporter Jenina Ibanez speaks with Dong Shou, co-founder and chief operating officer of  ADVANCE.AI, an artificial intelligence and big-data company headquartered in Singapore. They talk about optical character recognition (OCR), facial recognition, natural language processing, along with big data analysis, and how these AI technologies can help businesses thrive in a post-pandemic world.  Instead of fearing digital transformation, businesses must embrace it. "Digital transformation is a process. It takes time. You don’t have to go from the beginning to the end in one big step. You can take small steps along the way to your big goal," says Mr. Shou. And reaching that goal requires infrastructure, government support, and increased data security. It also calls for the upskilling of human beings, who can leave rote tasks to machines in favor of endeavors that need more creativity and critical thinking. Recorded remotely on April 20. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Health experts are still learning how the coronavirus attacks the human body. What they do know is that COVID-19 is a serious infectious disease that hits multiple organs, most commonly the lungs — which are called “ground zero” of the disease. From there, the virus can spread to a patient's heart, kidneys, and brain. In areas of the world where there is a lack of adequate access to testing, imaging techniques — such as a chest X-ray — can help in diagnosing the disease. Lifetrack Medical Systems, a health-tech startup that replaces legacy software and allows radiologists to remotely view and medical diagnoses, partnered with Antique’s local government and offered its technology for free to hospitals and clinics serving as COVID-19 triaging and referral centers. Carl Nicholas Ng, COO of Lifetrack, explains to BusinessWorld reporter Charmaine Tadalan how this service is vital in the Philippines, where there are only about 1,000 radiologists in a country of more than a hundred million people. Recorded remotely on April 29. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

COVID-19 has exposed how fragile the agriculture sector is. Local farmers are among the hardest hit by the pandemic and the protracted crisis is putting a strain on the country's food supply chains. Magsasaka Party-List Representative Argel Joseph T. Cabatbat and BusinessWorld reporter Genshen L. Espedido talk about the consequences of the delays in modernizing our rice farms and why we should aim for food sovereignty in the long-term. Recorded remotely on April 28. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The COVID-19 pandemic ended a 21-year growth streak in the Philippine economy as strict lockdown measures aimed at containing the coronavirus outbreak brought economic activity to a near standstill.  Shortly after Q1 GDP data was released in early May, Research Head Leo Uy asked Geoffrey Ducanes, an Associate Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Economics, and Sarah Lynne Salvador Daway-Ducanes, an Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, to break down the data to see how the first two weeks of lockdown affected the Philippine economy. After parsing the numbers, they also shared their outlook for the second quarter and beyond. Both agree that it’s going to be a long, tough road to recovery: Q2 is probably going to be worse than Q1, as the numbers will reflect the brunt of the lockdown.  Recorded remotely on May 14. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

After two months in lockdown, Philippine cities are slowly opening up to a new reality,  Management consulting firm McKinsey and Company recently released a report titled “Beyond coronavirus: The path to the next normal” that defined this “new reality,” this “next normal” as a time when “we will witness a dramatic restructuring of the economic and social order in which business and society have traditionally operated.”  In this episode, Kristine Romano, managing partner of McKinsey Philippines elaborates on this report and applies it to the Philippine context. She tells BusinessWorld reporter Jenina Ibanez how the country’s business leaders might navigate the COVID-19 crisis and find an economically and socially viable path to the next normal.  Recorded remotely on April 28. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

According to 2017 data from the World Bank, only 34% of Filipinos have bank accounts. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas wants to bring this figure up to 70% by 2023. Because of the pandemic and the resulting lockdown, the need for financial inclusion and access to banking services has become more urgent.  BusinessWorld reporter Luz Wendy Noble speaks with Pia Roman Tayag, managing director of the Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. They talk about initiatives to bring more Filipinos into the formal financial system, how the enhanced community quarantine has driven consumer behavior—causing a shift to e-money and online banking, and how financial inclusion plays out in the distribution of the social amelioration program. Recorded remotely on April 27. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The enhanced community quarantine is set to be lifted. And with the lifting of the lockdown comes the potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases—the dreaded second wave we keep hearing about.  How ready are our hospitals to deal with the probable influx of patients needing urgent care?  In this episode, SparkUp multimedia reporter Patricia Mirasol speaks to Equilife Medical founder Abetina Valenzuela about the allocation and management of life-saving equipment—such as ventilators—during a pandemic. There’s a lot of room to grow and improve medical services, and make care accessible. The pandemic has only accelerated the pace at which innovation must take place. Recorded remotely on April 23. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The Philippine stock market is trying to recover from its worst drop in eight years. Due to COVID-19, the outlook of the economy is dim and the future is uncertain. According to Philstocks Financial senior research analyst Japhet Tantiangco, there is a silver lining to this volatile situation. In this episode, Mr. Tantiangco takes BusinessWorld reporter Denise A. Valdez through the basics of the stock market and explains how the right strategy will reward neophyte investors who can stomach risk.  Recorded remotely on April 20. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The symptoms of COVID-19 differ from patient to patient. Some people get sicker than others. Some die. Some live. PH 377 lived.  PH 377, who spoke to BusinessWorld reporter Vann Villegas on the condition of anonymity, shares his brush with death and the epiphany he had while confined in the hospital.  This episode was recorded remotely on April 17, more than two weeks after PH 377 tested negative for COVID-19 and was able to return home to his family. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The work-from-home era has begun. Straits Interactive Philippines Country Manager Edwin A. Concepcion tells BusinessWorld reporter Arjay L. Balinbin how an increase in telecommuting entails an even greater need to adhere to data protection regulations.  In this episode, Mr. Concepcion sheds light on emerging data privacy challenges in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and how innovators can potentially use big data to help the government tackle the crisis. To learn more about Straits Interactive and how the company delivers end-to-end data protection and governance as-a-service, visit straitsinteractive.com. This episode was recorded remotely on April 10. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The people who are supposed to be taking care of us are falling sick and dying from COVID-19. Anna Adora, a cardiologist at Philippine Heart Center and National Kidney and Transplant Institute, describes the situation in these two government hospitals and reminds us that social distancing is still the best way to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.   This episode was recorded on April 2, before the Enhanced Community Quarantine was extended, in our respective homes, where we are sheltering in place. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Mental health is this generation's battle—even more so now, while the country is on lockdown, and people are either self-isolating or self-quarantining as the world tries to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Awareness of mental health issues has reduced the stigma of seeking help and treatment. However, it is still an issue that a hundred-odd million Filipinos have only 600 psychiatrists in the country to meet their needs.  The good news is that technology is making mental health treatment more accessible and acceptable.  In this episode, BusinessWorld's Joseph L. Garcia talks to Mindcare Club’s Brian Tenorio and Dr. Jeremie de Guzman, about telemental health, a service that aims to bring mental healthcare to you through a screen in the security of your own home.  Recorded on February 24 at the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

While Luzon is on lockdown, let WanderManila head tour guide Benjamin Canapi tell you about his love affair with the City of Manila. This historical city has been a venue for international trade for 400 years. It bore witness to Spanish colonial rule, the Japanese regime, and the Second World War.  Mr. "B. Canapi," who has done walking tours since 2012, chats with Arts and Leisure reporter Michelle Anne P. Soliman about the city's history beyond classroom lectures and history books. He also remembers the late Intramuros tour guide, activist, performance artist Carlos Celdran; and considers the future of walking tours in Manila.  This episode was recorded on February 24, before Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine, at the BusinessWorld Studio in New Manila, Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Recorded before Luzon was locked down, this episode picks apart data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. BusinessWorld Research Head Leo Uy and economist Dr. Raul Fabella talk about the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, the Labor Force Survey, and the importance of the manufacturing sector to the country’s long-term growth.    They also talk about the possible effects of COVID-19 on the labor situation and whether the country can return to the “new normal” — defined by faster growth in the manufacturing sector than in the service sector, and 6.5% GDP growth — despite the bleak and volatile situation.  Recorded on March 11 at the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is ready to investigate price-fixing cartels and anti-competitive behavior by inspecting company premises uninvited. Now, they want to take on these surprise visits without the required court order. PCC’s Orlando P. Polinar tells BusinessWorld reporter Jenina Ibañez about the importance of surprising companies, and defends the commission’s access to private documents.  Recorded on February 21 at the PCC office in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair and CEO Mary Liza Diño addresses the issues faced by the movie industry, including developing audiences via local film festivals, and safeguarding film workers following the death of actor Eddie Garcia in 2019. Ms. Diño also tells  Zsarlene B. Chua, Arts and Leisure reporter, her plans for the final three years of her term.  This episode was recorded at the FDCP Office in Ermita, Manila, on February 18. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

Has the Philippines played its cards well with China halfway into the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte? What's to be done in his remaining two-and-a-half years? Editor-in-chief Wilfredo G. Reyes chats with CNN's former Beijing bureau chief, Jaime A. FlorCruz, who witnessed China's dramatic changes since the closing years of Mao's tumultuous Cultural Revolution.  Recorded on February 13 at the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo. 

The emergence of the art fair as a validating institution and its effects on art-making deserve a conversation beyond how much was sold and how many people went. Artist Lyra Garcellano, whose practice spans about 20 years, remembers a time when artists had to eke out their own spaces. The “exhibition economy,” as she calls it, looked different: there were no art fairs and galleries paid scant attention to fresh graduates, favoring established masters instead.  Contemporary art in the Philippines wasn’t the sexy thing that it is today. The art fair as a prevailing form of distribution, circulation, and education has “its own harsh effects” said Ms. Garcellano, who knows of what she speaks since she has participated in Metro Manila's two major art fairs: ALT Philippines and Art Fair Philippines.  In this episode, Ms. Garcellano and BusinessWorld associate editor Sam L. Marcelo hash out the consequences of a market-driven approach to art-making.  Recorded on Jan. 8 and 14 at the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.

How a hashtag became a  movement. BusinessWorld sports reporter and columnist Mike Murillo talks to Mandy Reyes of #NowhereToGoButUP. Recorded on February 7 in the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.