Filipino innovation took center stage at The Astbury, Makati’s premier private members’ club, as XPRESS Super App hosted an exclusive press event to celebrate its inclusion in Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” 2025 list. Selected from thousands of entries across the Asia-Pacific region, XPRESS’s recognition affirms its status as one of the region’s most dynamic and promising tech platforms.
The evening brought together XPRESS’s top leadership—President Cliff Cabungcal, CEO Nathan Taylor, Chief of Staff Alyssa Mae Duldulao, and Head of Expansion Robert Belda—to reflect on the milestone and share the company’s forward-looking vision. But rather than marking a finish line, the event was framed as a checkpoint on a journey guided by a powerful purpose.
“Recognition was never the goal. Our North Star has always been to create livelihood for drivers and build a multiplier effect—where a single driver can grow into an entrepreneur, hiring and mentoring others,” said President Cliff Cabungcal.
From Startup to Super App: A Rapid Rise
Founded in 2023, XPRESS Super App has quickly evolved from a bold mobility startup into a multi-vertical platform connecting Filipinos across transport, lifestyle, and fintech. In just over a year, it has achieved key milestones:
- Mobility Expansion: Operating 2-wheel and 4-wheel ride-hailing in Metro Manila and Bataan, with e-trike loops in Boracay, and upcoming expansion into Palawan
- Green Innovation: Launching the country’s first electric taxi pilots, advancing clean mobility in line with global sustainability goals
- New Services on the Horizon: Preparing to roll out XPRESS Eats & Mart, XPAY (a digital wallet in partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier), and XPRESS Activities, a lifestyle marketplace tied to tourism
XPRESS’s growth reflects more than market success—it’s a story of cultural relevance, as the app becomes embedded in the daily lives of Filipinos while creating inclusive opportunities for drivers, partners, and local businesses.
Looking Ahead: Building a Platform Filipinos Can Own
The September 1 event also teased an upcoming Metro Manila feature that will further solidify XPRESS’s presence on the road. While details remain under wraps, leadership emphasized that every innovation is rooted in the same guiding principle: accessibility, reliability, and Filipino pride.
“We’re not just building an app,” said CEO Nathan Taylor. “We’re building a platform Filipinos can own and trust—one that reflects their needs and amplifies their pride.”
Forbes Recognition: A Milestone, Not the Destination
Being named to Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” is a powerful validation of XPRESS’s trajectory—but the team made it clear that the journey is far from over. With strategic partners like Cebuana Lhuillier, XPRESS is poised for scale, longevity, and sustained impact.
Cabungcal closed the evening with a message of momentum and purpose:
“Being on this list is a milestone, but our journey continues. Guided by our North Star, XPRESS Super App will keep building—bigger, smarter, and always Filipino-first.”