Elevate Your Brand With New Bold University's 'Visionary NXT' Masterclass

Aiming to empower the next generation of brand leaders, New Bold University (NBU) hosted the “Visionary NXT: Branding Masterclass for the Next Big Brands” last May 10-11 at The Astbury in Makati City. The two-day masterclass featured entrepreneurs, startup founders, and marketing professionals exploring advanced marketing strategies and brand development.

With AI and new technologies lowering branding costs, Visionary NXT aimed to help participants build enduring, mission-driven brands adaptable to the fast-changing market. The event brought 50 founders from across the country together to provide insights and help equip future brand leaders with the necessary skills to create socially impactful brands.

Emphasizing the critical need for strategic foresight and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving business landscape, NBU Founder Ralph Layco led the masterclass with insightful sessions on “Masterminding Your Next Big Brand” and “Building Your Brand’s DNA for Success.”

Other notable speakers include Rolling Media Founder Jozelle Tech and Colourette Cosmetics CEO Nina Dizon, who shared their stories and journeys toward success.

On the second day, there were engaging workshops and interactive discussions led by industry experts like Tala by Kyla Founder Janet Kyla’s “Community Building,” Good Diva Marketing Founder Marielle Tiano’s “TikTok Marketing,” and more.

Unboxing videos have become a popular trend among YouTube vloggers and influencers, perfectly capturing the excitement of seeing a new purchase for the first time. It's like watching kids open gifts during Christmas. But this trend has evolved from content fodder to a necessity for online shoppers with these seemingly simple videos acting as evidence in case the item they’ve received is damaged.

But in case you don't know, requiring such videos is against Republic Act No. 7394. Also known as the Consumer Act, the law protects consumers from online shopping scams and faulty goods, irrespective of whether an unboxing video has been recorded.

On Feb. 17, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles clarified that the “no video, no refund” policy is against RA 7394, GMA News Online reported. This falls under the general provisions of Article 2, Section 2 or “protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices.”

Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also took to Instagram to clarify that the “no video, no refund” policy is considered illegal.

The penalties encompass a fine between P500 to P10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year following the court’s decision. Further details regarding the penalties can be found in Article 19.

Concerns

The "No Video, No Refund" policy in the Philippines has stirred concerns among sellers and online platforms as the unboxing video was introduced to protect themselves against bogus buyers and deceitful claims. Yet, several customers assert that recording a video of them while opening their package is an invasion of privacy, while others argue that not everyone has access to smartphones or the technical proficiency to provide such recordings.

Nograles added that even the “no return, no exchange” policy breaches the Consumer Act as it undermines the consumer's right to return defective items. Consumers have the right to ask for a replacement, a full refund, or have the item repaired. This regulation applies when the customer can provide the receipt, warranty card, or any proof of purchase of the product.

“For the warrantor of a consumer product to meet the minimum standards for warranty, he shall permit the consumer to elect whether to ask for a refund or replacement without charge of such product or part, as the case may be, where after reasonable number of attempts to remedy the defect or malfunction, the product continues to have the defect or to malfunction,” the law states.

Conversely, sellers can only apply the “no return, no exchange” policy when the item remains in good condition, has not expired, the customer has had a change of mind, or when damage results from the buyer's own actions.

Alternative Approach

While the government understands sellers’ perspectives, the Consumer Act also seeks to improve transparency and communication within the e-commerce industry. A proposed alternative is to establish a framework with detailed product descriptions, efficient return and refund policies, and excellent customer support to foster trust and loyalty between sellers and consumers through transparent and accountable measures.

Moreover, sellers or business owners are encouraged to invest in quality control procedures to minimize potential defective items or misplaced goods.

From simply being a social media platform, TikTok has evolved to be a platform for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and that is what the recent TikTok Shop “Summit Pilipinas 2024" highlighted: the growth of the platform and its partners since its launch.

With the theme "One-Stop Shop Empowering Sustainable Business Growth,” the event was attended by over 700 brands, businesses, sellers, content creators, and partners, all of whom utilized TikTok Shop and how it helped them grow their businesses in the past years.

During the summit, the platform presented how its solutions, including Shop Tab, TikTok Shop Mall, and Super Brand Day, have boosted livestream and short video views by 1.5x vs. Q1 of 2023, which helped with the increase in the total value of goods (GMV) through the Shop Tab by 9x vs. Q2 2023, while Super Brand Day recorded a whopping 250% increase in GMV in 2024 vs. non-Super Brand Days, and TikTok Shop Mall saw a 120% increase in onboarded sellers vs. November 2023.

The data presented during the event was also backed up by sellers who graced the event, bringing their own stories to further inspire other aspiring sellers on how to utilize TikTok Shop in terms of growing their business, no matter how big or small it is.

The summit was also attended by TikTok Shop's Category Lead for Fashion, Jonah Ople, Director of E-commerce Bureau Regional Operations Group at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II, who instills the agency’s initiatives to support digital commerce, and TikTok Shop’s latest brand ambassador, Ivana Alawi.

Through the event, TikTok Shop reaffirmed its commitment to empower Filipino businesses through its initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development in the Philippines.

The hustle never stops, and neither should your professional growth! If you're looking to boost your career and expand your network, you're in luck. We've handpicked a selection of top-notch business events happening this month that promise to deliver unparalleled insights, practical knowledge, and valuable connections.

From thought-provoking seminars led by industry experts to practical masterclasses that delve into the latest trends and strategies, these events offer a wealth of opportunities to equip you with the knowledge and connections to thrive.

1. Techno Summit 2024

Experience the future of technology at Techno Summit 2024 on May 6 at Adamson University Theatre. Engage with experts in Blockchain, AI, and more. Expect keynote speeches, panel discussions, and startup showcases. Register today to explore innovative tech landscapes and connect with industry leaders.

2. 15th Mansmith Market Masters Conference

Don't miss the 15th Mansmith Market Masters Conference on May 8 at The Fifth at Rockwell. Learn the 5 Skills of Master Strategists directly from 15 CEO thought leaders like Unilab President & CEO Backy Baquiran, UnionBank President & CEO Edwin Bautista, and Penshoppe President Alice Liu, among others. Perfect for those ready to elevate their marketing and strategic skills. Reserve your spot today!

3. Responsible Enterprise Management for SMEs

Enhance your business strategy with sustainability at the Responsible Enterprise Management training for SMEs on May 9 at Yuchengco Centre, RCBC Plaza Makati. Learn about SDGs, ESG, and sustainability reporting to drive long-term growth. Rates for members and non-members are available. Register now!

4. 2nd Philippine ESG Investors Summit

Engage with top executives at the 2nd Philippine ESG Investors Summit on May 14 at Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Discuss challenges and trends in sustainable finance, and explore collaboration opportunities. Register now to gain valuable insights and network with industry leaders.

5. Philippine Sustainability Now Forum

Explore sustainable business practices at the "Philippine Sustainability Now Forum" on May 16 at Dusit Thani Manila. Engage with top industry experts on sustainability compliance and modern business challenges. This event is presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and San Miguel Corporation. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with business professionals and more. Registration is now open!

6. Moodlemoot Philippines 2024

Join Moodlemoot Philippines 2024 at Century Park Hotel, Manila from May 22-24. Themed "AI in Moodle: Transformative Teaching Technologies," the event brings together the Moodle community to share innovative developments. Engage with experts in workshops and discussions on AI-enhanced learning in this premier event. Secure your seats now.

7. LeaderShift: Navigating the Transition from Team Member to Supervisor

Join the "LeaderShift" workshop on May 30 at Astoria Plaza Ortigas to master the transition from a team member to a supervisor. This course offers key insights into effective leadership and management. Available in-person and via live stream. Ideal for professionals who aspire to take on supervisory roles and enhance their influence within their companies! Register now!

In celebration of Labor Day on May 1, the city government of Manila has launched the “Labor Day Job Fair” happening at San Andres Sports Complex in Malate.

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Public Employment Service Office of Manila presents the job fair, with 65 local employers joining and offering almost 9,000 job vacancies for Manileños.

The fair will also feature KADIWA ng Pangulo, TESDA Skills Demonstration, and a one-stop shop for government offices including SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR, MPD, NBI, OWWA, DTI, PSA, and more.

Interested job seekers must have at least 10 copies of their updated resume or biodata, as well as their own pen for an easier process of filling up documents. Moreover, everyone should bring their own drinking water, fan, and umbrella, given the hot weather the country is currently experiencing.

Follow the Manila Public Information Office’s Facebook page for more information.

Aside from its existing tuition-free system, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) also offers an Open University System (OUS) which caters to parents, adult learners, and individuals who live in rural areas to finish and get their college degree and diploma.

The PUPOUS is equipped with caliber practitioners delivering distance education that is highly structured and classroom-oriented traditional approach.

The OUS is open to applicants who are college undergraduates, have completed a 2-to-3-year diploma course or attended a technical school, and are TESDA graduates or undergraduates.

All applicants must undergo the College Admission Evaluation of PUP for the Open University System (CAEPUPOUS). Visit their official website, complete the application form, and submit all the necessary requirements by April 30.

The OUS offers eight programs. See the list as follows:

• Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)
• Bachelor of Public Administration major in Public Fiscal Administration (BPAFA)
• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BABR)
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management (BSBAMM)
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resource Management (BSBAHRM)
• Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSENTREP)
• Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA)
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM)

Applicants will be notified of their evaluation results through iApply and email.

For further details, check out PUPOUS’ website, or you can also follow them on Facebook for announcements.