These six innovators are keeping Filipinos connected in the digital world

A man of sports and innovation, Al Panlilio is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the country’s sports industry. 

Under Panlilio’s helm as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the Philippines men’s national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas reached the FIBA World Cup anew in 2023, while the women’s team Gilas Women captured their first-ever gold in the Southeast Asian Games. Panlilio now sits on the influential Central Board of the International Basketball Federation following the country’s successful FIBA World Cup hosting last year. 

Panlilio also dons many sports hats as the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, the president of the MVP Sports Foundation and chairman of the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Outside the sports world, Panlilio led the charge in driving developments in the telecommunications sector as former president and CEO of PLDT and Smart Communications, both of which he guided through economic challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, as evidenced by his recognition as the CEO of the Year from the London-based Asia Communication Awards.

See also: Al Panlilio on Leadership and Celebrating 94 Years of PLDT
 

During the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippines was mostly dependent on cash payments when the rest of the world was told to limit physical interactions. Martha Sazon, who at the time was appointed as president and CEO of GCash, quickly turned the mobile e-wallet app into a lifeline for many Filipinos.

Under Sazon’s helm, GCash has soared to become a household name, achieving the remarkable milestone of being the Philippines’ first and only “duacorn”. It has at least 66 million registered users—a three-fold increase over its user base before the pandemic. GCash is also currently considered the leading finance app in the country as evidenced by its name becoming synonymous with digital transactions.

Read more: GCash CEO Martha Sazon on democratising financial services and aiming for a cashless Philippines

With an understanding of consumer needs and emerging technologies, Sazon continues to steer GCash to significant heights in promoting financial inclusion in the country. Today, it offers various financial services, including remittances, investments, loans, trading features and more.

In the past decade, Globe Telecom has gone beyond just a telecommunications company and into a financial technology firm, internet provider and much more–thanks to Ernest Cu. As president and CEO, his forward-thinking ingenuity as an innovator has taken Globe to secure its position as the top telecom firm in the country.

Around 80 per cent of the Filipino population use GCash, its flagship fintech product, cementing its reputation as a phenomenal mobile wallet. Its corporate incubator, 917Ventures, has pioneered tech solutions firms like Konsulta MD, HealthNow, KodeGo, while Kroma is changing the face of the local entertainment space.

Cu’s vision to dominate the digital landscape is far from over. He is determined to continue proving that change is necessary, more so when it comes to creating solutions to unique problems.

More from Tatler: Ernest Cu on what true innovation looks like
 

In the dynamic landscape of social media and entertainment, Roland Ros stands as a visionary figure having pioneered Kumu, which has been fostering a vibrant “kumunity” of users and content creators alike.

The Filipino-made online platform offers an array of features from live streaming and virtual events to interactive games and e-commerce, which has attracted tens of millions of users across over 50 countries. This success is all thanks to Ros’ commitment to revolutionising the way people engage in the digital realm.

With this ethos at its core, Kumu blossomed into a thriving community that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, authentic expression and a driver of meaningful change. With the aim to uplift the country’s technological ecosystem,

Ros has since invested in various entertainment firms such as Podcast Network Asia, Lista PH and AcadArena. This innovator is also looking forward to creating an inclusive online space for overseas Filipino workers to look for job opportunities.

Read more: Roland Ros on sustainable business executions and building Kumu

Her path to success is deeply rooted in her family values. As the driving force behind Care.com, Sheila Lirio Marcelo transformed the caregiving landscape by introducing a marketplace that offers comprehensive care services, such as childcare, eldercare, special needs support, housekeeping and more. She is also the first Asian American woman to have founded and taken a company public in the United States, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers along the way.

Read more: Techpreneur Sheila Lirio Marcelo Opens New Doors Into the Metaverse

Her game-changing spirit as an innovator extends beyond Care.com. In 2021, she co-founded Proof of Learn, a company focused on utilising next-generation technologies to democratise access to high-calibre education globally. She also initiated Ohai.ai, a cutting-edge technology startup leveraging AI to improve the lives of families.

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