Conglomerate-Backed EV Moto-Taxis Move Toward Commercial-Scale Deployment in the Philippines

 

 Electric moto-taxis in the Philippines are moving from pilot programs to commercial-scale deployment, led by Xpress Super App’s integration of VOLTAI electric motorcycles under the Aboitiz Group, with Cebuana Lhuillier enabling broader adoption through financial access. The move signals that two-wheel electrification—backed by platform demand, conglomerate support, and fintech rails—is emerging as the fastest, most commercially viable path to mass EV adoption in the country.

Manila, Philippines — A major signal is emerging in Philippine mobility: electric two-wheel transport is shifting from isolated pilots to commercially scalable deployment, led by Xpress Super App’s integration of VOLTAI electric motorcycles—an EV brand under the Aboitiz Group—into a moto-taxi operating model designed for daily, high-frequency use.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most two-wheel-reliant markets. Moto-taxis and motorcycles serve as essential last-mile mobility in dense urban corridors and tourism zones. Yet electrification has historically concentrated on four-wheel fleets and private ownership. This move targets the highest-volume, most economically sensitive segment first.

“This is not a concept launch. This is deployment economics finally making sense at two-wheel scale,” an Xpress representative said.

Why two-wheel electrification is the fastest adoption path

Industry watchers point to three structural advantages that make two-wheel EVs a more immediate scaling category than four-wheel EVs:

Lower unit economics per deployment, enabling faster replication

High trip frequency, accelerating payback cycles through daily utilization

Operational simplicity, with fewer moving parts and predictable maintenance needs

Commercial readiness, not “pilot theater”

What makes this development notable is the convergence of platform distribution + vehicle readiness + institutional backing:

Xpress provides on-demand utilization and ride volume channels

VOLTAI provides vehicles designed for local road realities

Aboitiz Group backing adds credibility, discipline, and long-term infrastructure alignment

“When a high-volume mobility platform aligns with a conglomerate-backed EV brand, the market stops debating ‘if’ and starts asking ‘how fast,’” the Xpress team added.

A blueprint for Southeast Asia’s high-volume mobility lanes

This development positions electric moto-taxis as a practical route to lowering transport emissions while improving passenger experience and driver operating stability—without relying on ideal conditions.

What to watch next: broader rollout signals, driver participation models, and replication across additional Philippine hubs where two-wheel mobility is already dominant.

About Xpress Super App
Xpress Super App is a Philippine mobility platform integrating ride-hailing and digital services for dense urban and tourism markets. Built around high-frequency transport—especially two-wheel mobility—Xpress is designed for real-world local conditions. By aligning platform demand, financial access, and clean mobility partners, Xpress advances electric vehicle adoption as a practical, scalable advantage, shaping a more modern and efficient way to move across the Philippines and Asia.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Umasenso Launches Growth Operating System for Philippine Service Businesses

 

Umasenso has launched a Growth Operating System designed for Philippine service businesses. Founded by Richard Noromor, Umasenso brings together marketing, sales, and retention into one integrated platform. The system helps businesses get found online, capture every inquiry, and drive repeat customers through automation. Built from over ten years of digital marketing experience through Emerge, Umasenso addresses common growth problems such as missed leads, slow responses, and disconnected tools. The platform is designed for clinics and appointment driven businesses seeking predictable, system based growth.

Umasenso has officially launched a Growth Operating System designed to help Philippine service businesses simplify how they attract customers, capture inquiries, and drive repeat business within one integrated system.

Built specifically for appointment driven businesses such as clinics, wellness centers, and professional services, Umasenso brings together marketing, sales, and retention into a single platform. Unlike traditional CRMs that focus only on storing data, Umasenso focuses on helping businesses turn inquiries into bookings and bookings into long term customers.

Many Philippine service businesses continue to rely on disconnected tools such as social media inboxes, spreadsheets, and manual follow ups to manage growth. This often leads to missed leads, delayed responses, and lost revenue. Umasenso was created to address these gaps by automating the full customer journey from first inquiry to repeat visit.

“After more than a decade of working closely with service businesses through Emerge, we kept seeing the same pattern,” said Mr. Richard Noromor, Founder of Umasenso. “Businesses were able to generate interest, but growth would break down after the inquiry stage. Umasenso was built to solve that exact problem by giving owners a system that works even when they are busy.”

Umasenso is structured around three proven systems:

Marketing, which helps businesses get found online through optimized funnels and targeted visibility

Sell, which captures every inquiry using online bookings, instant responses, and automated follow ups

Grow, which drives repeat business through reminders, reactivation flows, loyalty journeys, and personalization

The platform integrates key components including CRM and pipelines, online appointment systems, reporting and insights, workflow automation, retention tools, and a built in website and funnel builder.

By consolidating these capabilities into one Growth Operating System, Umasenso aims to help Philippine service businesses reduce manual work, gain clearer performance visibility, and build more predictable growth.

Umasenso is now available to service businesses across the Philippines.

About EmergeLocal, Inc. / Emerge

Umasenso is a Growth Operating System built for Philippine service businesses. It combines marketing, sales, and retention into one automated platform designed to help businesses grow with clarity and control. Umasenso was developed based on real operational challenges observed over more than ten years of digital marketing work through Emerge.

Contact

Carissa Coles - Noromor

09499939045

info@umasenso.com

Orient Star Launches M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding Model to Commemorate its 75th Anniversary

Orient Star has released a 75th anniversary M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding model, limited to 430 pieces, as part of its Contemporary Collection M34. The dial design, inspired by the Perseid meteor shower and featuring a cutting-edge skeleton movement with new meteorite-like finish, awakens a romantic fascination and intellectual curiosity about the universe.

Established in 1951 with a desire to create mechanical timepieces worthy of being called “shining stars”, Orient Star now draws inspiration from the universe - the origin of time itself – to present M Collections, designed on the theme of nebulae and star clusters. The M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding, launched in 2022 as the first skeleton model in the Contemporary Collection, expresses the profound universe through unique designs. The 75th anniversary limited-edition model takes this worldview to greater depths.

The defining characteristic of the commemorative 75th anniversary M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding model is its distinctive two-tone design. The ring-shaped openwork dial with Roman numerals and indices features a new black and grey gradation with matte finish. The middle case made of high-quality stainless steel (SUS316L), and short-pitched metal bracelet, are finished with black plating. These black elements expressing the darkness of outer space provide a point of contrast to the bright steel-coloured bezel, caseback and crown, further accentuating the watch’s design.

The in-house movement powering these new models also incorporates special specifications. Based on hand winding calibre F8B61 – which features a silicon escape wheel with state-of-the-art MEMS technology, high accuracy of +15 to –5 seconds per day, and power reserve of 70 hours – the new calibre F8B65 builds on this foundation with a new meteorite-like finish on the dial and caseback, achieved through advanced laser processing technology, to create an intricate crystalline pattern that gives the impression of an actual meteorite being integrated into the watch. Other intricately designed details, such as the comet-shaped balance bridge with two characteristic tails, silicon escape wheel reminiscent of the Milky Way galaxy’s spiral, and movement with meteorite-like finish, further spark intellectual curiosity.

The limited-edition M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding model, which explores the imagery of outer space in greater depth, is engraved with the words “Orient Star 75th Anniversary” and serial number on the caseback, and comes with a black cordovan leather strap and deployant buckle with push button. The limited-edition model with special specifications is a masterpiece that is sure to intrigue collectors and enthusiasts alike.

■Movement with meteorite-like finish can be viewed through the sapphire crystal glass. (RE-AZ0105N)

■See-through caseback with Orient Star 75th Anniversary, limited edition and serial number engravings.

About M Collections (design collection)

M Collections draws on Greek mythology themes as well as nebulae and star clusters. While retaining the lineup of Classic, Contemporary and Sports, the M Collections offers higher quality timepieces not only for watch enthusiasts but also for those seeking finer things in life.

The Classic Collection M45 named after the Pleiades is composed with designs expressing the eternal flow of time and consists of universal iconic Orient Star models. The Contemporary Collection M34, inspired by the cluster of stars of Perseus, known for its annual Perseid meteor shower, is a collection with sharp, powerful, cutting-edge designs that are ahead of their time and consists of models that can be worn for a wide range of occasions. Meanwhile, high performance divers’ watches backed by advanced technology and history take centre stage in the Sports Collection M42, named after Orion, who is said to be the son of Poseidon, ancient Greek god of the sea. This collection is characterised by functionality and wearing comfort, making it suited for active lifestyles.

About Orient Star

For 75 years since its establishment in 1951, Orient Star has embodied an unwavering spirit of exploration and a desire to create watches that are like shining stars. Drawing on traditional craftsmanship applied to mechanical watches, original designs, refined and elegant colour expressions, and in-house mechanical movements, Orient Star continues to deliver unique, made-in-Japan watches to the world.

JOY OF DISCOVERY – Orient Star unearths new discoveries in creativity, technology, and beauty.

A Short History

1951 Orient Star is created.

1957 Orient Star Dynamic* is launched with hour, minute, and second hands on the central axis of the watch.

1971 The 46 series movement is created, combining both practicality and high accuracy. This formed the base movement of the Orient Star and Orient brand for 50 years.

1991 Mon Bijou* is launched, a skeleton model of high-quality and aesthetic appeal.

1996 The power reserve indicator, now an iconic feature of the brand, is integrated into the design.

2017 Orient Watch Co. Ltd. merges with Seiko Epson Corporation, a company with a strong watchmaking heritage and focus on precision engineering. Both organisations share a vision for innovation and high-quality design and craftsmanship creating a strong foundation for the future growth of Orient Star.

2017 Mechanical Moon Phase, a cosmic timekeeper is launched as a symbol of this new collaboration. This marks a new era of watchmaking for Orient Star brand.

2021 The Skeleton is launched mounted with an in-house developed silicon escape wheel for longer power reserve and beauty, incorporating design inspired by the vast universe.

2026 Orient Star celebrates its 75th anniversary. A limited edition M34 F8 Date with a meteorite dial is launched bringing the profound mysteries of the universe closer.

*Currently not for sale.

Discover more at our website, social media channel, and online store.

On February 4th, 2026, Orient Star issued a total of six press releases announcing its latest product launches.

Further details are available at the URL below.
https://orient-watch.com/en/news/

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Join PetroSync ASME Training for Industry Professionals

 

 Stay ahead of competitors with PetroSync ASME Training. Improve productivity, operational efficiency, and compliance for your industry team.

In today’s highly regulated industrial landscape, speed and compliance decide who wins the next contract—and who gets left behind. As a business leader, you already know this uncomfortable truth: your competitors are not waiting. They are investing in people, systems, and certified expertise while others hesitate.

If your team lacks up-to-date ASME competency, the risk is not theoretical. It is operational, financial, and reputational. This is where PetroSync ASME Training becomes a strategic decision—not just another technical course.

When Your Competitors Move Faster Than Your Team

You may have experienced this scenario before. A tender comes in. The scope is clear, but the requirements are strict—ASME compliance, certified understanding, documented best practices. Meanwhile, your competitor responds confidently, supported by a team trained under recognized ASME standards.

That confidence does not come from experience alone. It comes from structured learning and standardization.

Companies that invest in professional training consistently report higher team productivity, as employees make faster, more accurate decisions with fewer revisions and rework. Industry studies show that structured technical training can improve task efficiency by up to 20–30%, particularly in regulated engineering environments.

When your team understands the standard, they stop guessing—and start executing.

The Hidden Cost of Delaying ASME Competency in Your Organization

Delaying training often feels harmless. In reality, it quietly drains your resources.

Without proper ASME knowledge, organizations face:

Longer approval cycles

Increased inspection findings

Higher risk of non-compliance

Costly rework and project delays

Operational inefficiency is rarely visible on day one, but it compounds over time. According to operational excellence benchmarks, inefficient workflows can increase project costs by 15–25% due to misalignment between engineering, inspection, and execution teams.

This is why programs such as ASME Section I Training are critical for professionals involved in power boilers and high-pressure systems. The training helps your team interpret requirements correctly the first time—reducing errors before they become expenses.

How Industry Leaders Use ASME Training to Protect Market Position

Industry leaders do not wait for compliance issues to appear. They prevent them.

Many forward-thinking organizations combine technical training with digital tools, including AI-powered chatbots, to support daily operations. AI chatbots are increasingly used to:

Provide instant access to standards-related guidance

Reduce repetitive internal queries

Support engineers with quick reference checks

Research shows that AI-driven support tools can save up to 30–40% of administrative and support time, translating directly into cost savings and improved operational focus. When paired with formal training like ASME PCC-2 Training, teams become both knowledgeable and efficient—able to act fast without compromising compliance.

This combination allows leaders to scale expertise across the organization, not just rely on a few senior specialists.

Staying Relevant in a Regulated Industry: A Decision You Can’t Postpone

Regulated industries do not reward hesitation. Clients, regulators, and partners expect clarity, confidence, and compliance—every time.

Whether your team handles process piping or pressure vessel design, structured learning remains essential. Programs like ASME B31.3 Training and ASME Section VIII Training are designed to help professionals translate complex codes into practical, defensible engineering decisions.

When your engineers speak the same technical language as inspectors and clients, trust increases. Projects move faster. Risks go down.

And perhaps most importantly—you stop losing opportunities to competitors who are simply better prepared.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Solving the Philippine Education's Greatest Problems

 

Initiatives such as CVIF’s DOST-backed science education programs and the NPO DEAR ME coxco Lab Fashion School’s free, sustainability-focused vocational training show how cross-sector collaboration can translate reform goals into lasting community impact. Deivid Rioferio, APR of CSR INSIGHTS shares this story on aligning aspirations for the greater good.

By Deivid Rioferio, APR

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) final report titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms" emphasizes the need to invest in early childhood and primary education, improve learning outcomes by Grade 3 to build a foundation for future learning and skill development, and reform teacher workload and school staffing structures.

The goals of EDCOM 2 can be achieved through the combined efforts of local and international partners, where contributions, big or small, collectively drive reform.

From the Ionosphere to the Cosmos

With a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through DOST–Bohol, the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) will establish the Philippines’ first Radio JOVE–based radio astronomy observation station. The facility will enable the detection of radio emissions from the Sun and Jupiter, supporting studies on space weather and its impact on communications, navigation, and disaster preparedness. The project will be complemented by access to the SkyNet Robotic Telescope Network.

DOST underscores the project’s education and outreach component, with CVIF developing freely accessible Learning Activity Sheets, workshops, and telescope demonstrations under its Dynamic Learning Program.

The initiative builds on CVIF’s science education legacy, whose proponents are 2010 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher C. Bernido and the late Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido. The Research Center for Theoretical Physics, CVIF and the Philippine Space Agency conducted this month the 2nd Jagna Space Encounters, From the Ionosphere to the Cosmos held in Jagna, Bohol, with support from DOST Region VII and the Samahang Pisika ng Visayas at Mindanao.

Learn more about their other initiatives. Visit https://www.cvifbohol.com/.

Solving Social Issues Through Fashion

Years back, I shared this, when the coxco Lab Fashion School was just beginning to take shape.

The vision was clear: funded by Japan-based fashion brand coxco, the coxco Lab Fashion School in Quezon City, Metro Manila, was established as a vocational training school in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Its first offering was a fashion craft course rooted in sustainable fashion, with plans to expand into clothing design and pattern-making, as well as total beauty courses.

The Lab opened its doors to men and women aged 16 and above, offering free vocational training led by certified teachers. Beyond technical skills, the goal was always bigger, nurturing self-reliance and independence by integrating education on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financial literacy, and reproductive health.

Student-made products were envisioned to be marketed primarily through the coxco group brand, with additional promotion and sales support from partner companies and crowdfunding initiatives, all in service of creating long-term education and employment opportunities.

Looking back today, I am genuinely happy and grateful to see that the organization is still continuing this advocacy. The seed of hope has endured as a living commitment to sustainability, to skills-building, and to empowering communities through education and dignified work.

Collaborate with NPO DEAR ME and coxco. Visit website https://npodearme.com/.

About CSR INSIGHTS

About CSR INSIGHTS

CSR INSIGHTS advocates for individuals and organizations engaged in corporate social responsibility, development and humanitarian works. Established in 2021 by seasoned public relations and corporate social responsibility practitioner Deivid Rioferio, APR, CSR INSIGHTS showcases good matters that inspire others to do good. For partnerships, visit: https://csrinsightsph.wordpress.com/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

BesCost’s Express Print and Instant Quote System Earns Strong Approval From Local Business Owners

 

Metro Manila, Philippines — BesCost, a leading all-in-one printing company in Metro Manila, is gaining strong approval from local business owners after launching its Express Print and Instant Quote system—the first of its kind in the Philippine printing industry.

Since its rollout, over 300 local business owners across retail, food, services, events, and corporate sectors have already used the new system, praising it for being fast, clear, and easy to use.

Solving a Common Problem for Business Owners

For many entrepreneurs, getting prints done has always been stressful. Long back-and-forth messages, unclear pricing, delayed quotations, and slow turnaround times often delay store openings, promos, and events.

BesCost built its Express Print and Instant Quote system to fix exactly that.

With the new system, business owners can:

● Get instant price estimates

● Choose print types and materials faster

● Reduce waiting time for quotations

● Move from inquiry to production more smoothly

For busy entrepreneurs, this means less guessing, fewer delays, and better planning.

First in the Philippines to Offer Express Quoting at This Scale

While online shopping platforms offer instant pricing for basic products, the Philippine printing industry has long relied on manual quotations—especially for large format and custom projects.

BesCost changed this.

By introducing an express quoting system built specifically for Philippine businesses, BesCost became the first local printing company to offer:

● Instant estimates for multiple print needs

● Express print options for urgent projects

● A clearer and more transparent quoting experience

This system supports different business types—from startups ordering banners to growing brands needing fast signage solutions.

Strong Approval From Over 300 Local Business Owners

Since its launch, more than 300 business owners have already used BesCost’s Express Print and Instant Quote system. Many of them shared the same feedback:

● “Mas mabilis na mag-decide.”

● “Hindi na kailangan maghintay ng matagal sa presyo.”

● “Mas kampante kami magpa-print kasi malinaw agad.”

For business owners, trust starts with clarity. Knowing the cost upfront and getting prints done faster helps them move forward with confidence.

Built for Speed, Backed by Experience

While the system is new, BesCost’s experience is not.

With 11 years in the industry and over 8,000 completed projects, BesCost designed the Express Print system based on real client needs—not theory. Every option, material, and workflow reflects years of hands-on printing, fabrication, and installation experience.

The result is a system that feels modern but still understands how Filipino businesses operate.

More Than Technology—A Better Customer Experience

BesCost’s goal was never just to launch new technology. The real goal was to improve the customer experience.

By combining:

● Express quoting

● Fast replies

● Reliable production

● On-time delivery and installation

BesCost strengthens its position as a trusted printing partner, not just a supplier.

Raising the Standard for Philippine Printing

The positive response from hundreds of local business owners shows that Philippine businesses are ready for faster, smarter systems.

With its Express Print and Instant Quote platform, BesCost is helping raise industry standards—proving that printing in the Philippines can be fast, transparent, and reliable.

As more businesses adopt the system, BesCost continues to refine and expand it—keeping one promise clear: printing should help businesses move forward, not slow them down.

About Bescost Printing

BesCost is a Metro Manila–based large format and all-in-one printing company offering digital printing, signage fabrication, express print services, and professional installation. With 11 years of experience and over 8,000 successful projects, BesCost continues to innovate to better serve Filipino businesses.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Join PetroSync Reliability and Maintenance Training Trusted by Industry Leaders

 

Boost your team’s efficiency & cut costs with PetroSync Reliability & Maintenance Training trusted by industry leaders.

Don’t Let Your Competitors Outperform You

Imagine this: your competitors operate more smoothly, with minimal downtime and teams always prepared to tackle challenges. Meanwhile, your team still struggles with conventional maintenance processes, increasing operational risks and delaying opportunities for new projects.

This is a reality many companies face: organizations that invest in reliability & maintenance training adapt faster, reduce operational failures, and outperform competitors. Don’t let this opportunity pass by. By joining programs like CMRP Training, you give your team a strategic edge over the competition.

Boost Team Productivity and Operational Efficiency

One of the biggest challenges for senior managers is ensuring teams work productively without compromising quality. Studies show that teams receiving professional training in maintenance & reliability can increase productivity by up to 25% and significantly improve operational efficiency.

Through CRE Training and ARCM Training, your team learns proactive maintenance strategies, risk analysis, and modern techniques that allow tasks to be completed faster and more accurately. This isn’t just theory — every step taught can be applied immediately in the field, saving time and resources.

Cut Costs While Staying Ahead

Smart businesses know that cost savings don’t have to come at the expense of quality. Implementing technology, including AI chatbots to support maintenance teams, has proven to reduce human errors, accelerate response times, and cut operational costs by significant margins.

Trainings like RCA Training provide in-depth understanding on how to identify root causes and prevent recurring failures. The result? Reduced downtime, optimized equipment usage, and maintained profit margins.

Invest in Expertise That Pays Off

Training is an investment, not an expense. Every session your team attends is a strategic step to keep your company competitive, efficient, and adaptive to industry changes. By joining CMRP, CRE, ARCM, and RCA Training, you not only enhance team skills but also build a foundation for sustainable long-term growth.

Don’t wait until your competitors seize the best opportunities. Give your team real advantages and become the industry leader that stays one step ahead.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

 

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES