Manila, Philippines – August 26, 2025
The Philippines is once again on the global innovation map. XPRESS Super App, the country’s fast-rising mobility and lifestyle platform, has been officially named to Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” 2025 list, an annual spotlight on emerging companies across the Asia-Pacific region poised to transform industries.
Now in its fifth year, the Forbes Asia “100 to Watch” list highlights 100 companies from 16 countries and territories recognized for creativity, resilience, and potential to scale. In 2025, only three companies from the Philippines made the cut — XPRESS Super App, Enstack, and Netbank — a powerful signal that Filipino ingenuity can compete at a world-class level.
XPRESS Super App was recognized for its pioneering work in electric vehicles (EVs) and its bold expansion into lifestyle and fintech services. In a region racing toward sustainable, inclusive solutions, XPRESS demonstrates how Filipino innovation can thrive not just locally, but across Asia.
“This recognition belongs to our employees, our drivers, and our partners,” said Cliff Cabungcal, President of XPRESS Super App. “From Boracay e-trikes to electric taxis in Metro Manila, and soon nationwide digital payments, we’ve built XPRESS by solving problems that matter to Filipinos.”
Building the Filipino Super App
Founded in 2023, XPRESS Super App has quickly evolved from a ride-hailing startup into a multi-vertical lifestyle platform.
Today, XPRESS powers:
- Mobility: 2-wheel and 4-wheel ride-hailing, including the Philippines’ first electric taxi pilots.
- Sustainable tourism: E-trike fleets in Boracay, in partnership with cooperatives and LGUs, supporting green tourism.
Upcoming expansions include:
- XPRESS Eats & Mart – On-demand food and grocery delivery via dark-store networks and partner retailers.
- XPAY – A digital wallet developed with Cebuana Lhuillier, designed for Visa Direct remittances, EMI-compliant payments, and cash-in/cash-out.
- XPRESS eXperiences – A curated marketplace for tourism and lifestyle, accredited with LGUs, connecting locals and travelers to unique experiences.
With active operations in Metro Manila, Bataan, Boracay, Legazpi, Pampanga, and soon Palawan, XPRESS Super App is scaling rapidly while embedding itself in the fabric of Filipino daily life.
A Win for Filipino Innovation
Recognition from Forbes places XPRESS among the region’s rising stars in fintech, green tech, logistics, and consumer platforms. More importantly, it reinforces a bold truth: Filipino tech can compete on the global stage.
“Being named to this list is not the finish line,” Cabungcal added. “It’s a reminder that Filipino tech can — and must — stand tall worldwide. XPRESS will keep building toward that vision.”
About XPRESS Super App
XPRESS is the Philippines’ first lifestyle super app, offering mobility today and expanding into delivery, digital payments, and lifestyle services. Built around electric mobility and inclusive financial access, XPRESS partners with drivers, local businesses, and LGUs to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable services to Filipinos.