On October 11, AI took center stage at ProFuture AI for Life.
The event, held at Space at One Ayala, brought together some of the most brilliant minds in tech to talk about the transformative power of AI.
Attendees were treated to a day packed with inspiring talks and lively panel discussions on how AI is shaping our world. Whether you were looking to enhance your business, improve your health, or just get creative, this event had something for everyone.
If you couldn’t make it, here’s your all-access pass to the highlights of this groundbreaking event.
Morning Vibes: Opening the Doors to AI Possibilities
The day started bright and early at 8AM with registration.
By 9AM, the crowd settled in for the opening ceremony.
After the national anthem, we were treated to some inspiring opening remarks that set the stage for what was to come. Then, Lucien C. Dy Tioco, EVP of PhilSTAR Media Group, officially welcomed everyone, fueling the energy in the room.
Up next was a powerful keynote speech from Sec. Ivan John E. Uy, representing the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
He shared some thought-provoking insights on the Status of AI in the Country and the World. It was fascinating to hear about the potential for AI in the Philippines and the exciting ways it’s already being applied globally.
Unlocking Business Potential with AI
After the keynote, we jumped right into our first session, Do Business Better with AI, led by Bianca Cruz Azurin from Metaversity and 10xME.
Azurin broke down how AI can refine business operations and streamline organizational structures. It was eye-opening to see just how much potential there is for AI to reshape the workplace.
Next, Bonnie Factor, the founder of Leading With Success, took the stage for Serve Customers Better with AI.
Factor shared some fascinating examples of AI-powered customer service – think chatbots, personalization, and more. Her stories of businesses using AI to create memorable customer experiences really drove home how valuable this tech can be.
AI in Action with Lazada and Human Resources
Gian Paulo dela Rama from Sprout Solutions gave us a look into Manage Human Resources Better with AI.
He explained how AI is helping HR teams recruit, retain, and engage employees more effectively. It was great to see real-world applications for something that can sometimes feel like a futuristic concept.
Following that, Pauline Castro from Lazada gave us a glimpse into AI in Action by Lazada.
She shared how Lazada is using AI to personalize shopping experiences and make life easier for their customers. It’s incredible to think about how much AI is behind our everyday shopping!
A Mid-Morning Panel
Before we knew it, it was time for our first panel of the day: AI for Business, Customer, and Employee Management.
Moderated by Jayvee Fernandez, PhilSTAR Tech editor, the panel featured industry experts discussing the opportunities and challenges of AI in these essential areas.
Afternoon Kickoff: Creative Inspiration, and Panel for Creatives
After lunch, the program resumed with a second keynote speech from Ralph Vincent Regalado, CEO of Senti AI.
Regalado discussed the Importance of AI Literacy and Education in the Philippines, stressing that AI isn’t just for tech experts; everyone should understand its impact.
Next, Esme Palaganas, a Business Innovation and Design Consultant, took the stage for Create Better with AI.
Palaganas explored how AI is transforming creative industries, inspiring the crowd with new ways technology can push artistic boundaries. Her insights showed that AI has a place in every field – even those traditionally fueled by human creativity.
Immediately after, Esme joined the AI for Creatives panel alongside Niccolo Cosme, the Founder and Creative Director of Project Headshot Clinic and Howwwl Digital Inc.
Together, they discussed how AI tools are opening up new possibilities in the world of art, design, and storytelling. Cosme also showcased his short film created entirely using AI tools. He said that at the end of the day, AI is merely a tool but the stories told are human.
Cosme shared his experiences with AI in visual storytelling, while Esme provided additional insights into how AI can complement the creative process. Cosme teased a controversial new project that involved bringing to life a friend who had recently passed away as he had recordings of the deceased’s voice. He said that this is a challenging project because it pushes the boundaries of ethical use of AI in creativity and respect. This panel sparked a lively discussion and left the audience excited about the future of creativity in the digital age.
Communicating and Building Wealth with AI
Jaemark Tordecilla, a Nieman Fellow from Harvard, brought us Communicate Better with AI.
He shared how AI is changing journalism and storytelling, making it easier to create personalized content and reach audiences in new ways. Tordecilla’s insights were particularly interesting for anyone curious about the future of media.
Josh Aquino from Microsoft presented AI in Action by Microsoft.
He showcased Microsoft’s latest AI projects, demonstrating how they’re using AI to revolutionize the communication industry. It was amazing to see AI’s potential to make our digital interactions more meaningful and efficient.
These two talks led into the Panel Discussion on AI for Communications and Journalism, where Tordecilla and Aquino were joined by Mervin Wenke from Google Philippines.
This panel explored how AI is reshaping news reporting, digital storytelling, and public relations. The discussion offered insights into the ethical considerations and exciting possibilities AI brings to media and communications. It brought to light how journalists are still the gatekeepers of truth whether or not AI is used in the publishing industry.
Late Afternoon Sessions: Health, Wealth, Telecomm, and a Final Panel
As the afternoon rolled on, Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, MD, MSCE took us through Care for Your Health Better with AI.
Dr. Tiangco painted a picture of a future where AI helps doctors make faster, more accurate diagnoses. It was inspiring to think about how AI could improve healthcare for everyone.
Then, we heard from Dr. Adrienne Heinrich of UnionBank on how to Build Wealth Better with AI.
She showed how AI can assist in financial planning, from investment strategies to real-time data analysis. Her talk made it clear that AI isn’t just for tech enthusiasts – it’s for anyone who wants to make smarter money moves.
Jasper Evangelista from DITO Telecommunity then shared their vision with Future-Ready with True 5G. His talk on DITO’s AI-driven telecommunications advancements got everyone thinking about the future of connected homes and smart cities.
Thai Dinh of Maya wrapped up the AI in Action sessions with insights into how Maya uses AI to enhance financial technology. His talk reinforced the idea that AI is transforming not only finance but the way we approach everyday transactions.
And last but definitely not the least, came the final panel of the day, AI for Life, Health, and Wealth.
Panelists discussed AI’s broader impact on personal well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life.
By the time the closing remarks were delivered, you could tell everyone was leaving with a fresh perspective on what AI can do – not just for industries but for individuals and communities.
Parting Insights from ProFuture AI
The ProFuture AI for Life event was a whirlwind of knowledge, inspiration, and networking.
It was amazing to see such a wide range of applications for AI and to hear from so many thought leaders across different fields.
The event had something for everyone, leaving attendees with a powerful reminder to start thinking about how AI might fit into their lives, too.
