Eastern Communications Spearheads Digital Transformation Through ICT Enablement Sessions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Aiming to elevate the Philippines' below-average rank of 60% in the UN ICT Development Index Eastern Communications Product Manager Jovee Gecha discusses ICT trends at the 2024 Access Eastern run in Clark Pampanga.

Digitalization has become the cornerstone of growth for businesses in the Philippines. According to the International Data Corp. (IDC), Information Communication Technology (ICT) services spending in Asia-Pacific reached $1.3 trillion in 2023. Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ first telecommunications provider, is now leading the integration of ICT solutions in the country to fuel economic growth and entrepreneurship in the digital era.

While the IDC also reports a growing regional dependence on emerging technologies, with an average projected growth of 4.6% until 2027, the Philippines faces challenges. The United Nations' ICT Development Index shows the country scoring 65 out of 100, which falls below the global average (72.8) and ranks third lowest in Southeast Asia.

This data underscores the critical need for Eastern Communications to address these gaps by enhancing ICT literacy and expanding its network reach to bridge the digital divide for Filipinos.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs

Eastern Communications understands that businesses in the Philippines vary significantly in size, scope, and requirements. Therefore, it has developed a range of ICT solutions that cater to the unique needs of each enterprise. From small startups to large corporations, Eastern provides comprehensive services designed to optimize operations through boosting efficiency and innovation.

“Empowering businesses beyond internet connectivity, we're elevating Eastern Communications' role to a managed services provider across various industries. This year, we're committed to delivering comprehensive ICT solutions that streamline operations and empower Filipino entrepreneurs to thrive in today's digital era," said Eastern Communications' AVP & Head of Marketing Jed Estanislao.

Eastern's Network Solutions offers seamless access points that are adaptable to any business setting. By having network tools equipped with cutting-edge security features like the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Security Service Edge (SSE), Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), and Managed Endpoints, businesses can operate confidently, knowing their networks are safeguarded against evolving threats. 

The company was recently recognized by Cisco as its Top SMB Partner, highlighting its dedication and expertise in delivering innovative Cisco solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. 

With cyber threats rising, Eastern's Cyber Defense Suite provides innovative security solutions integrated into connectivity solutions, such as its DDoS Protected IDS & Zero Trust Network Access, and offers more advanced security options through Point Solutions and Eastern as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).

Eastern Communications was recently granted Sophos’ Platinum Partnership status, becoming the first telco provider in the Philippines to receive this honor in May 2024. This achievement highlights its pivotal role in driving sales for Sophos' hero products, including XGS Firewalls and Endpoint Security, underscoring its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies to safeguard businesses against evolving cyber threats.

Eastern Cloud services cater to the varying needs of remote work environments. Innovations include cloud-hosted infrastructures, development platforms and testing environments, business continuity, and backup solutions, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly and securely from anywhere. 

Continuing its vision to position the Philippines as a regional hyperscale hub, Eastern has enhanced its Data Center Services. Offering hyperconverged infrastructure, hyperscale colocation, and partnerships with industry leaders like Huawei and Asus, Eastern ensures optimal performance and reliability. Multi-tenancy options further maximize resource utilization, making Eastern's Data Center Services a cornerstone for businesses' digital infrastructure. 

Access Eastern: Bridging the Digital Divide Across the Islands

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in the digital age, Eastern Communications extends its reach to regional cities through its “Access Eastern” thought leadership runs. Starting in May 2024, these initiatives will cover key locations such as Clark, Laguna, Cavite, Baguio, Dumaguete, and more areas to follow. By engaging with businesses in regional hubs, Eastern Communications aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all enterprises, regardless of location, have access to transformative ICT solutions.

Through its tailored ICT solutions, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sharing its valuable expertise, Eastern Communications is not only fuelling the growth of businesses but is also building a culture of digital empowerment for Filipinos. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the digital era, Eastern Communications remains a trusted “Partner in Progress,” empowering them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Empowering Filipinos Through Education and Thought Leadership

Beyond offering cutting-edge ICT solutions, Eastern Communications recognizes the importance of knowledge democratization in driving digital adoption among businesses. In line with this vision, Eastern Communications is set to launch pocket ICT Enablement Sessions and its biggest thought leadership event of the year entitled, “Transcend Technology Summit: Forging the Future of Business."

Eastern's ICT Enablement Sessions, featuring industry leaders from Huawei, Fortinet, and Cisco, aim to equip businesses with crucial digital transformation knowledge about Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, 

Cloud Solutions, and Connectivity.

Scheduled for launch in the second half of the year, these initiatives represent Eastern Communications' most significant thought leadership events to watch out for. By partnering with tech industry leaders and experts, Eastern aims to empower Filipino businesses nationwide, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in their respective industries and regions.

Get ready to dive into the most flavorful edition of MAFBEX!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Manila Foods and Beverages Expo 2024 (MAFBEX) is aiming to be bigger than ever before, delivering more flavors and tasty treats to keep its visitors coming back for more. Its organizer, Worldbex Services International, has always dedicated its time to make sure that each year, it will deliver the busiest and most satisfying food event in the country

On its most flavorful 18th edition, MAFBEX will feature different zones, events, and activities to satisfy your cravings for unique taste bud treats. A huge part of MAFBEX is the establishment of zones and areas covering hundreds of exhibitors, from local and international, related to culinary arts. The different zones include Food & Beverage, Condiments, Packaging, Equipment, Franchise and The Brew District. Each zone will surely transport your senses into the next level of culinary experience, showcasing the industry to its fullest and providing you with tons of options to inquire about.

Another MAFBEX highlight is the Chefs of the World, a live cooking demo featuring the country’s top chefs and culinary influencers that will present simple-to-do recipes that are worthy of the 5-star treatment. The Chefs of the World Stage, located in the main lobby, will feature some of the best Chefs in the country today: Chef Ylyt Frixiah Manaig (@cheflyt_tv) a food vlogger and content creator; Chef Gerick Manalo (@gerickmanalo) a Cornerstone artist, celebrity chef and content creator; and Chef Irish Manrique of Lets Eat Pare, Executive Chef, COO and Food Influencer. These three are to just name a few of extraordinary Chefs and newsmakers that made an impact in the industry.

As you enter the culinary halls of MAFBEX, you will be welcomed by our pavilions that will feature the local industries in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Association of Laguna Food Processors Inc. Explore food and beverage options from across the globe when you visit

MAFBEX 2024! The most flavorful culinary journey awaits you as our international exhibitors from Hong Kong, China, Russia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea showcase their sumptuous innovations to Filipino consumers!

MAFBEX will also host a series of competitions to further give visitors a sense of food excitement. Its main competition is the MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Witness the grand kitchen showdown of our TOP 8 finalists LIVE at the MAFBEX Kitchen and be prepared for a gastronomic journey as they go head-to-head for the most coveted title of

“Home Chef 2024”!

There are loads of other activities and booths that are in MAFBEX 2024 that will satisfy your cravings and leave you full, both with food and memories. Make the most out of this culinary journey when you visit MAFBEX 2024, happening from June 12 to 16 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila! You may get your tickets now at https://mafbex.com/

This event is organized by Worldbex Services International and for the benefit of ABS CBNFoundation Inc. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach us at (02)8656-96-39, or email us at

inquire@worldbexevents.com.

Instituto Cervantes brings renowned Spanish writer García Jambrina to discuss with Filipino Novelist Alfar at the International Literary Festival Benengeli 2024

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



On June 11, at 2 p.m., at UP Vargas Museum, renowned Spanish author Luis García Jambrina will meet Filipino novelist Dean Francis Alfar to explore how the fusion of genres like science fiction, fantasy, and history can craft literature that captivates readers and delves into the human condition. Titled "Genres to Depict Chaos," this discussion will serve as the Philippine contribution to BENENGELI 2024, a literature festival spanning 12 cities worldwide.

Organized by the Instituto Cervantes, Benengeli 2024-International Week of Literature in Spanish stands as the sole literary festival spanning five continents. From June 10 to 14, over a hundred writers from 30 countries will convene across 12 Instituto Cervantes centers globally: Sydney, Manila, Budapest, Utrecht, Brussels, Toulouse, Manchester, Madrid, Casablanca, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte.

The Manila leg's discussion, "Genres to Depict Chaos," will feature insights from Luis García Jambrina and Dean Francis Alfar, moderated by editor Andrea Pasion-Flores. Free registration here: https://forms.office.com/e/QFAXyqrFsh

Luis García Jambrina was born in Zamora (Spain) in 1960 and studied Hispanic literature. He now works as a literary critic and professor at the University of Salamanca. He has written short stories, novels, essays and plays. His debut work was El manuscrito de piedra, for which he won the Zaragoza City International Prize for Historic Novel in 2009. His other works include En tierra de lobos, La corte de los engaños, Así en la guerra como en la paz and El primer caso de Unamuno, plays such as Una noche en la picota and Noche oscura del alma and essays including De la ebriedad a la leyenda and La vuelta al Logos (Introducción a la narrativa de Miguel Espinosa).

Playwright and novelist Dean Francis Alfar is the President of the Manila Critics Circle and defender of Philippine speculative fiction. His books include the novel Salamanca; the short fiction collections The Kite of Stars and Other Stories, How to Traverse Terra Incognita, A Field Guide to the Roads of Manila and Other Stories, and Stars in Jars; and the children's book How Rosang Taba Won A Race. His literary accolades include 10 Don Carlos Palanca Literature Awards - including the Grand Prize for Novels for Salamanca - as well as the National Book Awards, the Philippines Free Press Literary Award and the Gintong Aklat Award.

Luis García Jambrina will have a second activity in Manila. As part of the collateral activities of the exhibition "Nebrija en Filipinas", on June 13, at Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish writer will give a talk on his novel “El manuscrito de niebla”, a work that traces the steps of the humanist Antonio de Nebrija, fighter against barbarism. Free registration here: https://forms.office.com/e/e1qCrctaCW

These events are organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and the University of the Philippines, with the support of PTC-Philippine Transmarine Carriers. Admission to them is on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis. For more information about these events, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website ( http://manila.cervantes.es) or its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.