BIZ BUZZ: Ho steers the ship

Some say businesswoman and philanthropist Doris Magsaysay Ho has already achieved so much in her decades of leadership in A. Magsaysay Inc.

But the president and CEO of the human resource and logistics firm is not done just yet.

Recently, Ho, as the first female chair of Steamship Mutual (Club), hosted the company’s Manila board meeting to introduce the world to the signature Filipino hospitality while recognizing the vital role of the country’s workforce in international maritime labor.

Steamship, a global provider of protection and indemnity insurance, is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year.

Apart from a tour in Old Manila, delegates also met with President Marcos. “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano also serenaded them with a few songs to cap off the Steamship club board meeting.

READ: Doris Magsaysay Ho: Hardworking visionary

According to Steamship, it is customary to hold meetings around major shipping centers where it does business.

“For 2024, Manila was chosen, recognizing the Philippines as a leading source of maritime labor and the Filipino seafarers as contributors to the club members’ operations,” Steamship said in a statement, also recognizing Ho’s crucial role as its first female chair of the board.

“With the support of its members, the club is one of the strongest in the P&I market in terms of its financial position and tonnage growth,” it added. —Meg J. Adonis

MVP with the stars

The Metro Pacific group’s digital health care arm, mWell, continues to provide innovation that enhances its customers’ fitness journey with the launch of its smart ring product. It can track heart rate, sleep patterns and oxygen saturation. These smart rings—which cost about P9,000–glisten in shiny silver, black and bronze variants.

“Our platform is sustainable, future-proof, and fully integrated—allowing us to bring health care closer to all Filipinos,” Metro Pacific chair Manuel Pangilinan said.

These wearable devices are just as shiny as the event launch held at Grand Hyatt, Bonifacio Global City this week. The star-studded event was hosted by veteran actress Iza Calzado and theater actor Markki Stroem.

A number of performances—very much like a segment at your favorite Sunday variety show—was witnessed by celebrity guests, Metro Pacific officials, businessmen, and the media, among others. Seasoned entertainers Bituin Escalante, Jona, Klarisse de Guzman and Aicelle Santos performed a jaw-dropping quartet. Veteran singers Jed Madela and Mark Bautista serenaded the crowd as well.

But Billboard Philippines’ Powerhouse Awardee Regine Velasquez had the biggest moment that afternoon, belting a classic song from the hit movie musical The Greatest Showman. The event concluded with the performance by OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and Martin Nievera. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Hello, Top Bank

Country Builders Bank Inc.—a rural bank serving clients across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan areas—is putting on a new brand in hopes of becoming the “top-of-mind” lender.

The bank will now be known as Top Bank Philippines, Inc. (A Rural Bank), with the company keeping an eye out for expansion opportunities through mergers or acquisitions, or organic growth to meet the needs of its customers.

Ismael Sandig, company president and CEO, said the rebranded bank plans to introduce more offerings such as mobile banking and an expanded ATM network.

“Our vision is clear: to be the top-of-mind and trusted banking institution that transforms the lives of our customers by constantly providing easy, personal, and secure banking solutions while adapting to their changing needs through traditional and secured digital platforms,” Sandig said.

“As part of this initiative, we’re acquiring an ATM Switch & Card Management system to facilitate the launch of products like debit cards and more,” he added.

Indeed, it’s a new era for the company. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral INQ