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Filipino Brand Strategist wins 2025 ASEAN Award for fighting poverty through entrepreneurship

December 4, 2025 6:46 PM
PST

The ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) has recognized Dr. Catherine "Karen" De Asis as its 2025 Awardee representing the Philippines, honoring her work in lifting Filipino families out of poverty through entrepreneurship.

Organizers formally awarded Dr. De Asis on November 21, 2025, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeetra in Cambodia during the Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum 2025. 

The ceremony honored her alongside awardees from nine other ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Dr. De Asis, founding board member and chief brand strategist of MKS Marketing Consulting, advocates for a business-driven approach to poverty alleviation that she believes surpasses traditional charity models.

"While NGOs and charity groups have mission statements that claim to uplift the lives of impoverished families, often assistance is restricted by donations and charity funds raised from soliciting events and challenged by sustainability," the company states in its advocacy platform.

MKS argues that enabling Filipino family businesses to compete successfully in local and global markets creates sustainable employment opportunities across decades and generations. The company says this approach raises living standards for both business owners and their growing number of employees.

MKS Marketing Consulting specializes in brand strategy for Filipino family-owned businesses. The company presented three case studies during the AWEN evaluation that demonstrate this impact.

The first case involved a retail brand that operated 47 branches when it became an MKS client. The company expanded to 350 company-owned branches nationwide over 15 years and now leads its market category, creating thousands of job opportunities.

The second case featured a home appliances company that initially sold only air conditioners. After 10 years, the company expanded its product range to include refrigerators, freezers, televisions, and washing machines, which it now distributes through more than 1,000 dealer outlets nationwide, fueling employment and trade opportunities for dealerships.

The third client, a drugstore retail brand with low initial brand awareness, became a strong competitor in the healthcare drugstore retail category after four years, offering more affordable options for consumers.

MKS recently pioneered the use of AI-generated imagery in Philippine advertising, incorporating it into a brand campaign across television commercials, online platforms, social media, and print.

Dr. De Asis holds a Doctor of Education degree in education leadership and corporate social responsibility with highest distinction from De La Salle University. 

She earned her Master in Business Administration with distinction from Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She completed post-doctoral executive education programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2014, and two programs at Oxford University's Said Business School—Strategic Leadership Executive Education in May 2015 and Strategic Marketing Executive Education in 2016.

She has received three major recognitions: the 2003 Agora Award for Excellence in Marketing Education, the 2008 Outstanding Faculty Award from De La Salle University, and the 2018 Philippines Women Leadership Excellence recognition from the World Women Leadership Congress.

Dr. De Asis has taught at De La Salle Graduate School of Business, Asian Institute of Management, and the MBA Health program at Ateneo Graduate School of Business. 

She participated as a speaker alongside marketing expert Al Ries, author of "Positioning," at the Asian Brand Strategy Conference in Manila. She authored "Color Folders in the Mind: A Branding Story," the first Philippine guidebook on brand management.

Politics

Filipino Brand Strategist wins 2025 ASEAN Award for fighting poverty through entrepreneurship

December 3, 2025 11:32 PM
PST

The ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) has recognized Dr. Catherine "Karen" De Asis as its 2025 Awardee representing the Philippines, honoring her work in lifting Filipino families out of poverty through entrepreneurship.

Organizers formally awarded Dr. De Asis on November 21, 2025, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeetra in Cambodia during the Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum 2025. 

The ceremony honored her alongside awardees from nine other ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Dr. De Asis, founding board member and chief brand strategist of MKS Marketing Consulting, advocates for a business-driven approach to poverty alleviation that she believes surpasses traditional charity models.

"While NGOs and charity groups have mission statements that claim to uplift the lives of impoverished families, often assistance is restricted by donations and charity funds raised from soliciting events and challenged by sustainability," the company states in its advocacy platform.

MKS argues that enabling Filipino family businesses to compete successfully in local and global markets creates sustainable employment opportunities across decades and generations. The company says this approach raises living standards for both business owners and their growing number of employees.

MKS Marketing Consulting specializes in brand strategy for Filipino family-owned businesses. The company presented three case studies during the AWEN evaluation that demonstrate this impact.

The first case involved a retail brand that operated 47 branches when it became an MKS client. The company expanded to 350 company-owned branches nationwide over 15 years and now leads its market category, creating thousands of job opportunities.

The second case featured a home appliances company that initially sold only air conditioners. After 10 years, the company expanded its product range to include refrigerators, freezers, televisions, and washing machines, which it now distributes through more than 1,000 dealer outlets nationwide, fueling employment and trade opportunities for dealerships.

The third client, a drugstore retail brand with low initial brand awareness, became a strong competitor in the healthcare drugstore retail category after four years, offering more affordable options for consumers.

MKS recently pioneered the use of AI-generated imagery in Philippine advertising, incorporating it into a brand campaign across television commercials, online platforms, social media, and print.

Dr. De Asis holds a Doctor of Education degree in education leadership and corporate social responsibility with highest distinction from De La Salle University. 

She earned her Master in Business Administration with distinction from Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She completed post-doctoral executive education programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2014, and two programs at Oxford University's Said Business School—Strategic Leadership Executive Education in May 2015 and Strategic Marketing Executive Education in 2016.

She has received three major recognitions: the 2003 Agora Award for Excellence in Marketing Education, the 2008 Outstanding Faculty Award from De La Salle University, and the 2018 Philippines Women Leadership Excellence recognition from the World Women Leadership Congress.

Dr. De Asis has taught at De La Salle Graduate School of Business, Asian Institute of Management, and the MBA Health program at Ateneo Graduate School of Business. 

She participated as a speaker alongside marketing expert Al Ries, author of "Positioning," at the Asian Brand Strategy Conference in Manila. She authored "Color Folders in the Mind: A Branding Story," the first Philippine guidebook on brand management.

Entertainment

Wish 107.5 announces nominees for 11th Wish Music Awards

December 1, 2025 4:05 AM
PST

Wish 107.5 revealed the nominees for the 11th Wish Music Awards on Thursday, November 20, at Elements Centris.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Nearly 80 acts will compete across 19 major categories. The awards honor standout artists, songs, and Wish Bus performances from the past year.

The eligibility period runs from September 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

How winners are Chosen

Image from: Wish 107.5 Digital Media

Judges' votes will account for 75% of the decision. Public votes will make up the remaining 25%.

Major categories and nominees

Several artists received multiple nominations across different categories.

SB19 earned nominations in Wishclusive Pop Performance for "DAM" and Wishclusive Ballad Performance for "Time." 

The group also appears in the Wish Group of the Year category and collaborated with Sarah Geronimo on "Umaaligid" for Wish Song Collaboration of the Year.

BINI competes for Wish Group of the Year, and their hit "Blink Twice" is nominated for Wish Pop Song of the Year.

Cup of Joe received nominations in three categories: Wishclusive Pop Performance for "Misteryoso," Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Performance for "Multo," and Wish Group of the Year. Their song "Multo" also appears in the Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year category.

Dionela's "Marilag" is nominated for Wish R&B Song of the Year, while his collaboration "Ikigai" with Loonie competes for Wish Song Collaboration of the Year. Dionela also appears in the Wish Artist of the Year category.

Other notable nominees in the Wish Artist of the Year category include Flow G, Loonie, Maki, and TJ Monterde.

The Wish Group of the Year category features BINI, Cup of Joe, IV of Spades, Lola Amour, and SB19.

Five artists compete for Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Amiel Sol, Earl Agustin, geiko, Jan Roberts, and MATÉO.

Prize details

Winners in all major categories will receive Php25,000. Organizers will also donate Php100,000 to beneficiaries.

The event will award a special recognition called the Wishers' Choice to the nominee who receives the highest number of votes across all categories.

How to vote?

Fans can cast their votes at www.awards.wish1075.com.

For updates, follow Wish 107.5 on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe to their official YouTube channel. 

The 11th Wish Music Awards marks another milestone for the organization as it celebrates excellence in the Filipino music scene. 

1:16:50
Politics
Crime & Investigation
Weather & Environment

UNTV: Ito Ang Balita | November 14, 2025

December 6, 2025 7:59 PM
PST

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Health & Lifestyle

Fight diabetes with HOPE

November 24, 2025 5:45 PM
PST

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. It's a reminder that we can fight diabetes together with HOPE

H - Healthy eating
O - Outdoor activities
P - Positive mindset
E - Exercise daily

Type 2 diabetes is preventable. You don't need big changes. Start with simple steps. 

Take a 20-minute walk today. Drink water instead of soda. Choose fruits over sweets. Eat more vegetables. These simple steps work. 

Studies show that losing just 10-15 pounds can cut your diabetes risk in half. Move your body every day. Sleep 7-8 hours. These habits protect you.

If you have diabetes, don't lose hope. Millions of people with diabetes live happy, full lives. 

They work, play sports, travel, and do everything they love. 

Medicine keeps getting better. New tools make managing diabetes easier. Better treatments come out every year. 

Fighting diabetes is simple. Walk after meals. Choose whole foods. Drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep. Manage your stress. Stay connected with friends. Find activities you enjoy. Movement should be fun, not a chore.

You're not alone. Doctors help you. Family cares for you. Friends stand by you. Every healthy choice counts. Every step matters. Every walk helps. Every good meal makes a difference. 

Small changes lead to big results. 

One less soda today. One more vegetable tomorrow. 

Ten minutes of walking. Fifteen minutes of dancing. 

These add up over time. Start today. 

Walk for 10 minutes. Skip that sugary drink. Add vegetables to your lunch. Choose stairs over the elevator. Stand more. Sit less. These tiny wins build your health day by day.

Diabetes is a challenge, but HOPE is stronger. Your healthy choices today protect your future. A gentle reminder that a healthy lifestyle is your best defense.