Empowering Pinay Mompreneurs: How Google's AI Tools Address Modern Business Challenges

 According to the Department of Trade and Industry, as of 2024, 60 percent of the Philippines' registered MSMEs are owned and run by women. It’s important that everyone recognizes that women are the heart of our homes — and indeed, the very heartbeat of our nation.

And for these women who run their own businesses, it may be challenging to juggle everything that needs doing, from work to maintaining a whole household. 

Fortunately, AI is here to rescue in that regard. Google’s AI tools offer a suite of benefits that directly address the pain points of modern Pinay mompreneurs. 

Need stunning visuals? Google’s Whisk and ImageFX simplify image creation—Whisk uses existing images as prompts, while ImageFX generates new images from text prompts. For everything else, Gemini is your personal AI assistant, helping you plan, create, and manage tasks effortlessly with just a few prompts.

For those who are only about to explore the possibilities of Gemini, here are the top five uses and benefits of the AI:

1. Your brainstorming and creative partner: Ever hit a creative block? Gemini acts as a dynamic brainstorming partner, generating fresh ideas for marketing campaigns, product development, and business strategies. It’s like having a marketing consultant on call 24/7.

Try this prompt: “Act as a social media manager. Generate a creative brief for an upcoming campaign featuring a launch of skincare products. I am targeting Gen Zs who are new to skincare. I want to do something innovative and creative to drive brand preference. Format your response with headers and bullet points.”

2. Effortless copywriting and editorial assistance: Crafting compelling content is essential for building a strong brand. Gemini can assist with everything from writing engaging social media posts and website copy to drafting persuasive email campaigns. Say goodbye to writer's block and hello to consistent, high-quality content.

Try this prompt: “I need to write a compelling social media post announcing a flash sale for my [product/service]. I want to convey a sense of urgency and excitement while also highlighting the benefits for busy moms. Can you draft a few options with different tones, and also create a short catchy email to my current customers about the same sale.”

3. Instant access to crucial information: In the fast-paced world of business, information is power. Gemini can rapidly sift through vast datasets, providing you with real-time market insights and thorough competitive analysis. Understand your competitors' strategies, identify market trends, and make informed decisions, all in a matter of seconds.

Try this prompt: “I need to quickly research the latest trends in [your industry]. Specifically, I'm looking for information on [topic]. Please summarize the key takeaways and provide links to reputable sources.”

4. Explore new avenues for business growth: AI can help you identify untapped opportunities. Gemini can analyze your business data and suggest innovative ways to expand your reach, optimize your operations, and diversify your offerings. Don’t just react to the market; anticipate it.

Try this prompt: “I'm thinking about expanding my business by offering [new product/service, e.g., online parenting workshops]. Can you help me explore potential avenues for growth? Analyze the market for similar offerings, identify potential competitors, and suggest innovative ways to differentiate my brand while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Also, provide some ideas of how to automate as much of this new branch of my business as possible.”

5. Efficient document summarization and idea extraction:Time is a precious commodity in business, especially for busy moms. Gemini can quickly summarize lengthy documents, extract key insights, and generate new ideas from existing materials. This allows you to stay informed and make strategic decisions without getting bogged down in endless reading.

Try this prompt: “I have a lengthy PDF document containing research on [topic, e.g., digital marketing trends]. I need to quickly extract the key findings and actionable insights related to time management and automation for small business owners. Please summarize the document into bullet points, highlighting the most relevant information and suggest ways I can implement those ideas in my daily work flow.”

To better learn how mompreneurs can use Gemini, as well as Whisk and ImageFX, to aid them with both work and life, Google held a Gemini Academy workshop for moms last March 5. This session saw Google experts teaching mompreneurs the best ways and practices in using AI to improve balance as they juggle work, home life, and personal passions.

 

“Balancing many responsibilities is a reality for mompreneurs. Google's generative AI tools – Gemini, Whisk, and ImageFX – are designed to reclaim valuable time. With Gemini acting as a powerful assistant and Whisk and ImageFX enabling stunning visual creation, we hope to empower more people to achieve greater efficiency, both personally and professionally,” said Prep Palacios, Head of Industry at Google Philippines.

 

“With so many things you have to think about and accomplish in a day, with the time you have for your business you have to be efficient. AI can really help us improve our systems and be more efficient,” said Princess Alvarez, owner of ISLA Everything Accessories. “Currently I’m working on a system on how to see the profitability of my business, as well as one for scheduling content at the same time. I use AI to help me out, and it also helps me save money on my business.”

 

“AI is super helpful not only for our business, but also for our personal needs,” said Ricca del Rosario, owner of HTP Clothing. “Right now I use it to help me at home with important tasks, especially with my children, allowing me to get back some time for myself.” 

 

Whether you’re a mompreneur or someone simply looking for ways to make life better and more efficient, you can try these prompts with Gemini and generate stunning and attention-grabbing images with Whisk and ImageFX today.

Google is ringing in the Lunar New Year with a nostalgic twist

 Google is ringing in the Lunar New Year with a nostalgic twist. To celebrate the Year of the Snake, the search engine has launched an animated Google Doodle that features a modern take on the classic Snake game.

 

Clicking on the Doodle transports people back in time, but this isn't simply the old Snake game that we know. Google has revamped the beloved game with updated gameplay, unique challenges, and daily objectives that go beyond simply eating and growing. Players can personalize their snake, customize the look of its snacks, and enjoy a fresh "daily challenge" each day.

 

This interactive Doodle provides a fun and engaging way to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Enjoy the game while also spending time with loved ones, feasting on traditional foods, and welcoming the new year with reunions and festivities.

 

Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year. Share the fun with your friends and family, and check out the Doodle now on Google Search: http://www.google.com/doodles/lunar-new-year-2025

Google Philippines Teams Up with Commune Café for a Perfect Blend of Tech and Coffee!

 Showcasing the transformative potential of human-AI partnership, Google and Commune Cafe have teamed up to brew something that’s absolutely delicious and uniquely Pinoy at the same time.

From September 12 to 26, 2024, Commune will be serving the Filipino-flavored Special Bibingka Latte, a limited-edition coffee blend that’s created in collaboration with Gemini, Google’s generative AI.

The Special Bibingka Latte is heavily inspired by the flavors of the iconic Filipino delicacy, which is popular during the country’s extended Christmas season which anecdotally starts in September, the year’s first -ber month. The drink is comprised of Commune’s espresso and steamed milk, topped by savory shreds of salted egg and queso de bola to evoke the familiar feels of the holiday kakanin. Finally, the Latte is then rounded out by a torched banana leaf to complete the Pinoy experience.

To craft this unique drink, Commune used the power of Google's Gemini, a helpful generative AI designed to enhance people’s capabilities to think, create, and work. Gemini presented an array of innovative drink concepts, serving as a springboard for Commune's talented baristas to develop their own masterpiece.

As part of the partnership, Google provided training on generative AI and Gemini to Commune Cafe staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively harness Gemini. Following the training, the staff participated in a mini-workshop, where they were divided into groups and competed to put their knowledge into practice and explore the creative possibilities of Gemini within the cafe setting.

"Using Gemini for experimenting with concoctions was a lot of fun! It felt like having an extra brain in the room, ready to toss ideas around. It also streamlined our creative process significantly. Having access to Gemini’s vast knowledge made the whole process enjoyable and collaborative." said Rosario “Ros” Juan, Chief Extractor of Coffee at Commune Cafe.

“We're so excited to partner with Commune and bring the Special Bibingka Latte to coffee lovers across the city! This project is a celebration of the delicious possibilities that arise when human creativity and AI blend together. It's also a tribute to the spirit of Filipino Christmas and the unique flavors of our local delicacies, like Bibingka, which we’re immensely proud to share with the world,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Philippines.

Located at the bustling neighborhood of Poblacion, Makati, Commune is renowned for its high-quality coffee that’s fully sourced from the Philippines and inviting cafe atmosphere. The Gemini-inspired Special Bibingka Latte will be available for a very limited time only, so if you’re a coffee enthusiast, visit the cafe and experience this delicious creation from September 12 to 26, 2024.

For every other creative and productive endeavor, Gemini is here to help with its impressive capabilities. Try it out now and see what it can help you come up with at gemini.google.com.

 

Enjoy the Olympics experience online with Google

Got the Olympics fever? With nearly two more weeks’ worth of games and festivities to happen in Paris, there’s still a lot to catch. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the most prestigious athletic competition in the world, you can live and breathe the games thanks to Google’s different tools bringing more than just the action.

 

Here’s how to enjoy the full scope of the Olympics using Google tools:

 

●      Stay updated anytime with Google Search: When you Google Search for a specific country, sport, athlete or the Games in general, you’ll see up-to-the-minute schedules, results, medal counts, top video highlights and daily recaps, as well as the latest top stories and social media perspectives. All of this info will be in Manila time, as well as performance updates and trending events in the Philippines.

●      Explore Paris at home with Maps: Just because you’re not in France, doesn’t mean you can’t go around Paris. Google Maps’ features help you navigate the city with ease, explore attractions, and find the best local spots — and Street View makes it feel like you’re walking its storied streets.

●      Stream all the action and more on YouTube: There’s no more scrambling to find broadcasts. Enjoy live streams and highlights from the games, as well as special exclusive Team Philippines content on the One Sports and Smart Sports YouTube channels. 

●      Learn more about anything and everything Olympics with Gemini: For all fans, especially new followers, it’s easier than ever to learn everything you need to know about the games. Get AI-powered answers to Olympic questions, from athletes to history to more niche sports. Also need ideas for Olympics parties and occasions? Gemini can help you brainstorm plans, too.

●      Get the official Olympics app and more on Google Play: Did you know that there’s an official Olympics app? Download it to get all the latest updates in one place. You can also download the Smart LiveStream app for another place to stream the games live for free.

●      Make it easier to watch the Olympics with Google TV: If you’ve got Google TV, then it’s even easier to stay updated with the games. Google TV has a dedicated Olympics hub for seamless viewing, which is active until August 11 on the “For You” tab.

 

The best time to start catching the 2024 Paris Olympics is now — immerse yourself in the action with Google today.

Google reveals the top ten destinations for Pinoy travelers

Google has compiled the top ten destinations that travelers in the Philippines are heading to based on Google Flights. These destinations saw the highest query volume for the months of June to August 2024:

 

Top 10 destinations on Google Flight Searches
Manila Caticlan Tokyo Cebu Hong Kong	Bangkok Singapore Taipei Seoul Del Carmen

 

The Philippines hottest travel activity trends:

Forget cookie-cutter vacations, this year Pinoy travelers are rewriting the rulebook on holiday adventures. Google Search trends reveal a fascinating evolution in how Filipino travelers are exploring the world, with a focus on experiences that nourish the soul, indulge the senses, and leave a lasting legacy. 

Here's what's making waves in 2024:

 

1. Immersive Cultural Experiences: 

Travelers are looking to build deeper connections with the destinations they visit, by seeking opportunities for more enriching cultural exchanges. Exploration of local cuisines is an emerging trend. Local food tours are popular in Asia-Pacific with 7 out of the top 10 countries coming from the region, with the Philippines not far behind.

 

2. Nature-based travel and sustainability:
Interest in tree planting and travel is booming globally — with the Philippines amongst the top 10 most-interested countries — which shows a desire to give back as part of peoples’ stays.

3. AI upgrading travel:
Travelers are turning to AI to help plan their trips and get help while they’re on-the-go. AI searches related to travel are also at a near all-time high globally and the same is true in the Philippines.

The shift toward more diverse tourism in the Philippines is likely fueled by factors like rising costs, a post-pandemic desire for authentic connection, and a growing awareness of sustainability. It will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve, but it’s great to see Filipinos exploring new ways of traveling.

 

Google is sharing more insights and internet safety practices

The Philippines is among the top in the world searching for the keywords “malinformation” (top 1), “cybercrime” (top 4),“phishing” (top 7), “malware” (top 5), “fraud” (reached a 13-year high in search volume), “scam” (up by 40% vs. 2022, a 17-year high), “one-time password” (top 10), and “password strength” (top 8).

 

These trends are a reflection of the evolving internet landscape and the netizens' rising interest in cybersecurity. This Safer Internet Day and beyond, Google is sharing more insights and internet safety practices to help you stay protected online: 

● Install the latest OS and updates. Turn on auto-updates for your device and web browser and don’t ignore the warnings or notifications. Aside from performance improvements, it's crucial to run the latest updates for security enhancements and protection against new threats. If you’re using an Android device, make sure your Google Play Protect is also automatically turned on to protect your phone and data from malicious apps and harmful behavior. 

● Use Password Manager. Google Password Manager is a free, built-in tool that helps you create, store, and manage secure passwords for all your online accounts. In addition to the convenience of logging into websites and apps faster and easier with autofill, it analyzes your saved passwords for weaknesses (like reuse across accounts) or if they've been exposed in data breaches so you can take the right action. 

● Secure your accounts with passkeys. Passkeys, like fingerprints or face ID, offer a simple but secure alternative or another layer to passwords. They can keep your accounts safe against phishing since they are stored on your device. 

● Run regular Security Checkups. Google Security Checkup is a simple, step-by-step tool within your Google Account that helps you review and improve your online security. This helps you identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities across your digital properties from connected devices to third party apps access before problems arise. 

● Review your data settings: Run a deeper checkup to see whether all your apps and accounts are above-board. Make sure you’re not sharing any data you’re not really comfortable giving away, and look through each app and site to see if you’re okay with their terms and conditions, and settings.

● Avoid suspicious links. Take a moment before clicking any online or SMS links. Double-check their legitimacy, and if anything seems off, report them immediately.

● Don’t give in to pressure: Scams and frauds, whether they’re online, over the phone, or in person, rely on you getting pressured, nervous, and careless to work. When you feel like you’re being rushed to make a decision, if it seems unusual, stop, take a moment, and assess the situation. You don’t have to do anything just yet—and if you’re not allowed to pause, something may not be right.

● Check the facts. Before posting or sharing, verify first the information you see online and ensure it’s from a trusted source. Using Google Search, check the way it’s written or said, who shared it, and other details about the post. 

 

Check out safety.google for more information, tools, and resources about internet safety.

Bard: Your Culinary Companion - Google AI Joins You in the Kitchen!

When it’s raining and gloomy outside, you just want to cuddle in bed and remain in your pajamas. It’s also the perfect weather to indulge in comfort food to warm us.

 

But what to cook? Well, just as AI can boost your productivity at work, it can also bring new ideas to your home life — particularly the kitchen. Meet Bard, Google’s AI. Available in over 40 languages, Bard can supercharge your imagination, boost your productivity, and help you bring new ideas into your daily life—whether you want help planning a party and drafting the invitation, or understanding really complex topics.

 

As for the kitchen, Bard can make recommendations and actual recipes because it has the ability to digest vast amounts of data, including food trends and ingredient combinations. Then the algorithms analyze this information to develop an understanding of flavor profiles and popular dishes.

 

AI does not replace humans in creating recipes, of course. But haven’t you ever been undecided on what to cook? Especially for parents or guardians cooking for their families, trying to come up with a menu can be time-consuming and a challenge, especially with picky kids. Well, Bard is here to complement your kitchen adventures and spark inspiration.

 

So we tested Bard — and you can too! — and asked Bard what to come up with 30-minute recipes for rainy days. We’re impressed with the diverse dishes it returned, more so that these can be whipped up in half an hour. All you have to do on your end is to simply ask it; prompts like “What healthy recipes can I cook on a rainy day?” will be enough.

  

Will Bard get it right? Well, the proof is in the pudding — or in this case, in four dishes. To give you an idea of what it can come up with, here are some of Bard’s rainy-day suggestions:

 

●      Chicken Noodle Soup: This classic comfort food is perfect and unbeatable for a rainy day. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

●      Beef Stroganoff: While not on everyone’s common rainy-day comfort food checklist, this hearty beef dish is sure to warm you up on a rainy day. It’s also easy to make and can be served over rice or noodles.

●      Pasta with Pesto Sauce: Got some leftover pesto sauce, as well as some pasta lying around? This quick and easy dish is also a great way to use up leftover pesto in a pinch, as all you have to do is boil the noodles and top it with the delicious sauce.

●      Veggie Omelette: Or maybe you’re feeling like eggs. You can go healthy with this particular recipe that uses veggies as a filler in a hot and fluffy omelette, which is ideal for colder days.

●      Grilled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables: There’s nothing like fish, too. If you’ve got some salmon in your freezer, thaw it out and throw it in the pan with some vegetables for a scrumptious and fishy rainy-day treat.

 

There are so many more recipes waiting for you when you ask Bard—you just have to know what to ask. It doesn’t even have to be for rainy days; you can ask for recipes and suggestions for all occasions. 

 

Want to see what Bard has to show you? Try it yourself by clicking here.