5 Tricks to avoid overspending this holiday season

Christmas is  here!  You might have just received your bonus this early, and now you’re just too excited to spend it on this and that, go on a shopping spree, or give gifts to your family, friends, or even to random people – sounds good, because you have a lot to spend so you won’t end up broke this season, right?  NOT.  The truth is, you can’t truly spend just enough without a plan.

So, how do you plan it out?  Perhaps you’ve been reading too many budgeting tips since the –ber months started, so you might have noticed by now what they have in common.  If you’re trying to come up with a Christmas spending strategy, but you’re flooded with the hundreds of advices that you don’t know what to follow anymore, go back to basics and keep it simple.  Make your funds work with you with these five straightforward tips.

Amaia Land opens Amaia Scapes Cabuyao—its newest project in Laguna

Steadfastly committed to provide affordable but high-quality homes to Filipino families, top-of-mind real estate provider Amaia Land Corp., the economic housing arm of Ayala Land, opens Amaia Scapes Cabuyao—its third and newest project in the province of Laguna.

Located on the provincial road at Barrio Marinig in Sala, Amaia Scapes Cabuyao is a fully developed community in a sprawling 6.6-hectare land in the first-class municipality of Cabuyao, a key location in the province where lush vegetation promotes a green and peaceful lifestyle.

Tagaytay Highlands: Homes Tucked Amidst the Charms of Nature

Tagaytay Highlands has long proven it is the country’s premier leisure development with its extensive collection of themed residences. The variety of residential communities range from mountaintop log cabins and tropical-inspired homes to countryside suburban enclaves. Tucked between the quiet comforts of nature is a community with a lifestyle one could only dream of.

A Captivating Living Experience at Fairfield

Fairfield is a residential community of contemporary American suburban-inspired homes sitting on an expansive flat terrain. Here, bi-leveled homes on 300 to 719 square meter lots are complemented by wide open spaces, verdant flora, and picture-perfect views of Mt. Makiling and the mountainside. 

PayMaya unleashes Christmas R&R on 12/12 with major rebates, rewards for all

PayMaya is giving all its account holders even more reasons to #ShareTheLove this Christmas as it announced today its Christmas Rebates and Rewards (R&R) promo, giving them a 50% rebate on payments made via PayMaya QR, plus an opportunity to earn P50 for every referral to PayMaya in Facebook Messenger.

“We know a lot of Filipinos are already scrambling to finish their holiday gift lists since it’s only two weeks before Christmas, so we want to give them some early gifts themselves as well as some additional joy to share with friends and family, giving them even more reasons to #ShareTheLove to all,” said Paolo Azzola, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at PayMaya Philippines. "This all makes having a PayMaya account a must-have this Christmas season."

Holistic Living Amidst Nature’s Splendor at Horizon Terraces in Tagaytay Highlands

Busy city life has always been synonymous to a hectic day at work and being stuck within the confines of the urban jungle. But beyond this kind of life that is constantly in demand of people’s time and attention is an endless search for a well-balanced lifestyle. This constant yearning has always been attributed to the good life – not just through the latest gadgets and luxury items – but through well-rounded living that changes you for the better. Horizon Terraces brings you more than that, with holistic living tucked in vibrant luxury and nature’s splendor. 

BPI-Philam improves customer access with Financial Technology

“Digital Transformation” is a buzzword taking over a lot of tech companies in the Philippines and all over the world, but the use of technology to revolutionize how companies reach their customers isn’t unique only to tech giants.

In celebration of Bancassurance month, BPI-Philam shares how fintech shouldn't just be at the fringes of the business and the customer journey, it should lead it.

“Revolutionizing financial security and insurance is not only about improving products – it’s also about improving our customer’s experience every time they interact with us,” said Surendra Menon, BPI-Philam CEO. “People used to have to take ten or twenty steps before they get their hands on the policy that they want. Technology has helped us cut those steps significantly, and it has allowed us to fulfill our mission of making insurance easy to get and easy to have.”

Amaia Land will turn over Steps Capitol Central North Building units to new homeowners

Sustaining its vision of providing superior-standard yet affordable homes to Filipino families all over the country, top-of-mind real estate provider Amaia Land Corporation will welcome the first of batch of homeowners by the end of the year to their brand-new units at Amaia Steps Capitol Central in Bacolod City.

Placed earlier on the selling block, a total of 288 units—or 99 percent of units were already sold to new residents of Amaia Steps Capitol Central’s North Building. As for the South Building, which was launched last April, a total of 276 units—or 50 percent of units sold—will likewise be turned over by 2020. To date, the total projected number of South Building units for turnover is 169 units.

PayMaya gives users a million ways to share the love this Christmas with the Merry Millionaire Promo

It’s back and it’s bigger. Now on its second year, PayMaya’s much-awaited Merry Millionaire promo is once again giving away a million pesos, tax-free, to one lucky customer. This year’s Merry Millionaire promo also extends the holiday cheer to 45 other winners of P10,000 each in the weekly raffle draw.

Starting October 15, PayMaya users automatically earn raffle entries when they do any of the following: 1) Download the PayMaya app and activate their virtual card; 2) Purchase and activate a PayMaya physical card; 3) Use their PayMaya virtual or physical card for minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000; 4) Have their PayMaya account upgraded through the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process; or 5) Pay a utility bill in full through the PayMaya app, minimum receipt of P300.

Entries are cumulative throughout the promo period from October 15 to December 23, 2017.

Five cool new ways to pay

If you think payments can’t be sexy, think again. Imagine this - no more clunky coins, bulky wallets, or struggling to find loose change in your bag, pocket, or car compartment. Here are easier, safer, and more convenient ways to pay that will make you rethink bringing cash everyday.

 1.    Virtual card

Online shopping, Netflix, and Spotify - these are probably a few of internet’s best gifts to mankind. Nowadays, shopping for shoes or watching your favorite series is as easy as tapping and swiping a few times on your phone. While these services used to be exclusive to credit card or debit card holders, apps like PayMaya are changing the game. It automatically gives you a virtual card number which you can use to shop online. All that’s left to do is load up your account and decide whether you want to buy those sexy red stilettos or those classy black pumps.

PayMaya, Dibz pave the way for a smoother parking experience through digital solutions

On-demand parking app startup, Dibz has collaborated with PayMaya, the country’s pioneer and leader in digital financial services, to allow their customers and partners to enjoy the convenience of cashless transactions through PayMaya’s secure and accessible digital payment system.

Dibz is a free mobile app where motorists can search, reserve, pay, and be guaranteed a parking space upon arrival at their destination. With PayMaya, drivers and car owners using Dibz can easily load up their DibzPay e-Wallet to pay for their parking. Meanwhile, residential parking slot owners and establishments who have their parking spaces rented through Dibz can receive their earnings straight to their co-branded Dibz PayMaya card.

Talk2 launches Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya Promo, aims to give a grand homecoming to OFWs this Christmas season

Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines - beginning in September and stretching until January of the next year. But the Filipinos’ fascination with Christmas does not start and end on the delicious smell of puto bungbong on simbang gabi, or the piles of gifts sitting under the Christmas tree. To many Filipino families, this season signifies the homecoming of their loved ones working in other parts of the world.

The promise of a grand homecoming this Christmas awaits our hardworking kababayans  abroad as Talk2, a communication app developed by Voyager Innovations, launches its Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya promo.

PayMaya and Facebook Launch Payment Tools in Messenger

PayMaya, a pioneer and leader in mobile money and digital financial services in the country, in partnership with Facebook, is excited to announce a safe and effective new way for people in the Philippines to send money to friends, pay bills, and buy mobile load and data using Messenger.

PayMaya is a leader in transforming the mobile phone into a virtual wallet and is continually looking for ways to expand its services. PayMaya recognizes that Facebook Messenger's community offers a unique opportunity to make PayMaya services available and accessible to even more users.

Pru Life UK earns Silver Quill for customer relations initiative

Pru Life UK’s 20th Anniversary Customer Engagement Campaign completed its sweep of awards at the global, regional and local level, after receiving a distinction at the Silver Quill Awards. The Silver Quill Awards is presented to outstanding professionals in the region who have proven that their communication programs effectively furthered the goals of their organizations - growing revenues, reducing cost and motivating its intended public to a desired action. The citation, conferred by the Asia Pacific chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators,  was held in Singapore on August 24, 2017. 

Shopee teams up with Facebook to help leading retail brands strengthen their eCommerce presence

As part of its 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day celebrations, Shopee, the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with Facebook for the second time this year in another instalment of its popular Shopee University series. 

Held on 30th August 2017 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the session saw over 100 members from Shopee's Official Shops, including leading retail brands such as Coca-Cola, Oppo, and Sandisk, coming together to learn about how they could leverage on tools and services from both Shopee and Facebook to grow their online businesses.

Quirky couple finds the perfect partner in Home Credit’s new ad campaign

Currently enjoying a successful year that saw them reach the one million-customer mark and undergo a brand refresh, Prague-based fintech company Home Credit is adding another feather to its cap with the launch of its very first digital ad campaign in the country.

Launched through a teaser video last August 22 on Facebook and YouTube, Home Credit Philippines’ maiden campaign follows the modern romantic story of a couple about to discover the perfect partner to their relationship—one that will let them enjoy the things that make life easier and more meaningful.

Pru Life UK district pioneers gather for 20th year milestone

Blue Pearl pioneers. (From left) Blue Pearl District Manager
Henry Gocuan, Pru Life UK Founding President and
former Chairman Bobby Madrid, former Head of Sales
Vic Espanol and Micah 1 Branch Manager Jimmy Barba
during Blue Pearl’s 20th Anniversary Masquerade Ball
 held at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu

Pru Life UK’s Blue Pearl district celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu last August 14, a year after the Head Office marked its own 20th year milestone.

Pru Life UK Founding President and former Chairman Bobby Madrid, as well as former Head of Sales Vic Español -  key leaders in the  founding of Blue Pearl in Cebu - were one of the many notable guests who celebrated during the evening.  Also in attendance were Blue Pearl District Manager Henry Gocuan as well as Micah 1 Branch Manager Jimmy Barba and their teams.

New BPO OOSM Soultions Makes Milestones On Its First Year

New Philippine BPO player, Australia-based OOSM Solutions, recently celebrated their first year of operation and is still growing. Despite the tough competition with large companies.

OOSM Solutions may be a just a year old but it is already planning its expansion for the next few years. Initially their office is located in Makati, and as demands for work is growing, they are now eyeing on making a new office in Cavite.

Among the services offered by OOSM Solutions include Back Office and Secretarial Services, Transcription, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Digital Marketing and Graphic Design, Customer Support and other high-value offerings such as Architectural Consultancy and Research and Studies. The company also preparing itself for more services to be offered for its clients such as social media management.

BPI-Philam helps Filipinos prepare this Disaster Awareness Month

The Philippines isn't new to natural disasters or calamities.

Compared to its other Southeast Asian neighbors, our country experiences a wider range of disasters. From floods to landslides, and typhoons to earthquakes – the most recent of which just happened in Leyte with a magnitude of 6.5 – the Philippines continues to endure and survive. Though the government does its best in preparing for and anticipating these times of emergency through awareness efforts and disaster response drills, self-mitigation is still an area that we can further improve on.

RCBC reveals “We believe in you” philosophy

Rizal Commercial Bank Corporation (RCBC), one of the leading universal banks in the Philippines, today unveils its new corporate logo and tagline “We believe in you,” which signals the start of a new era of providing excellent and trusted banking services for Filipinos.

“This milestone signals the arrival of a more committed, refreshed and re-energized RCBC, that is ready to meet the demands of the ever-changing Philippine banking industry,” said RCBC President and CEO Gil A. Buenaventura.

“We believe in you” is not just a tagline for RCBC, but a battle cry to show our unwavering support and trust to the indomitable Filipino spirit. At the same time, this new corporate thrust is meant to encourage Filipinos not only to dream, but to pursue their passions and dreams, and turn them into reality – whether it’s traveling to your dream destination, venturing into a new business, or purchasing a new home or car,” Buenaventura stressed.

Amaia Skies Avenida welcomes excited new homeowners

Steadfastly committed to providing affordable quality homes in the Amaia Land tradition, the property developer recently welcomed excited new homeowners to their brand-new units in Amaia Skies Avenida in downtown Manila.

The turnover of units in Amaia Skies Avenida started last April 8, 2017 and is expected to be fully accomplished within the next two to three months.

“A large segment of our customers are hardworking Filipinos who aspire to make their hard-earned money work for them,” said Nikie Lingad, Head of Project Development. “With this specific market driving our operations, we commit the organization’s resources and fine work practices to ensure that our homes are built and delivered to their owners while maintaining high standards of quality,” she stated.

Orange Blush Salon’s Grand re-Launch at Franchise Asia Expo

The fast-growing salon chain Orange Blush Salon (OBS)  gears up as it relaunches its brand at the upcoming Franchise Asia Expo set on July 21-23 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

The grand re-launch takes place at Booth 207 of this year’s franchise expo, touted as the biggest in the country. Hundreds of franchising businesses participate in this much-anticipated event, as OBS re-launches with revamped franchise packages that should make it easier to own an outlet of your own thru installment plans in partnership with BDO. 

“We are excited to announce that during the expo, we shall be holding a three-day sale with P50,000 off on our franchise fee,” said the brand’s maker Joby Linsangan-Moreno. “Our main objective is to find suitable and qualified franchisees who could be our partners in expanding Orange Blush.” 

Survey debunks (and confirms) workplace myths on millennials

Home Credit’s HR survey reveals interesting data about tweens—and thirtysomethings, too

Much has been said about millennials, the segment of the population that typically falls in the 18-29 age range. Every aspect of their behavior, from their TV viewing habits and shopping preferences to home and workplace behavior, is constantly being scrutinized. 

With many applicants and new hires coming from this segment, companies are eager to know what makes millennials tick, what motivates them, and perhaps most important of all, what would make them stay with the company. To do this, we need to separate the facts from the myths, the conclusions from the assumptions, and confirm or debunk them as needed. 

This is exactly what Prague-based fintech company Home Credit—itself an employer to more than 4,800 millennials, or 82% of the Home Credit PH workforce—did, as it recently surveyed close to 600 applicants about their career and workplace preferences (you can check out the survey here). 

With close to 80% of the respondents falling under the 18-29 range, it gave plenty of interesting insights about millennials, while shedding some light on the other/older respondents, too—allowing us to determine whether the following are simply myths, or solid facts:

Businessworld Launches Spark Up For The Millennial Entrepreneurs

After three decades of award-winning economic reportage, BusinessWorld, the country’s leading business newspaper, introduces its newest successor in the age of disruptive innovation: SparkUp.

SparkUp is a space for the community of young, passionate, and wildly aspiring go-getters. Its assets include the website sparkup.ph, social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @SparkUpPH, and a quarterly published magazine.

The direction for a digital-first multimedia platform came from Lucien C. Dy Tioco, Executive Vice-President of Philippine Star Media Group, which BusinessWorld is part of. “SparkUp will prove to be a useful platform for business-minded millennials and centennials because it will not only serve as a source of business knowledge, but also a community where they can share ideas and inspire each other to turn business concepts into reality,” he said.

Summer comes to life in Amaia communities Amaia Land homeowners enjoy an active, healthy summer

As summer continues to sizzle, families chill at shopping malls and troop to beaches and mountain hideaways to beat the scorching heat. Still, some people like staying closer to home, enjoying the summer break with people they love and having a healthy, active lifestyle in the comforts of their own community.

This is how summer came to life for the homeowners of Amaia Land, when the latter launched a series of exciting events geared to make the most out of the fun season.

It's Time To Know Your Loans!

Home Credit and CIC share their top tips when getting a loan

If you’ve ever used a credit card for purchases, or availed of a consumer loan for a big expense, or even simply borrowed lunch money from a co-worker, you are not alone—according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, nearly 50% of adult Filipinos have an outstanding debt, while another 33% had borrowed money in the past.

Mediacom Solutions to stage the 4th Philippine Property Expo on May 27-28, 2017 “Find All Things Real Estate under One Roof”

Mediacom Solutions is staging the 4th Philippine Property Expo, to be held on May 27-28, 2017 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila and will be open from 11:00am until 08:00pm. 

With its tagline “Find All Things Real Estate under One Roof”, the Philippine Property Expo will feature over 80 property developments, from condominiums to house and lot, as well as various real estate suppliers, from furniture, kitchen, technology to home accessories.

This 2 day event is also filled with an interactive program where visitors will be able to learn from property industry experts all about real estate, from property market trends, to property investment tips, a guide for first time home buyers, home beatification hacks and more.

Tagaytay Highlands: Your Premier Mountain Resort Investment

Tagaytay Highlands has long been the benchmark of leisure mountain living in the country. What started as a mere weekend getaway for the Filipino elite has evolved into a township – a fusion of Tagaytay’s natural beauty and city conveniences. For over 20 years, Tagaytay Highlands continues to thrive while pioneering a lot of this country’s firsts, from residential communities like the signature log cabins, golf club membership to Swiss cable cars and other recreational amenities, taking mountain-side living up a notch.

Backed by the long-standing credibility of the SM Group, property value in Tagaytay Highlands remains to appreciate as it continues to develop its vast land area of more than one thousand hectares and introduce innovative concepts – like two of its residential communities – Aspenhills and Nob Hill.

Amaia Steps Alabang holds 'topping off ceremony' for its first building as its awaited completion draws near

Excited to welcome its first batch of residents soon, Amaia Steps Alabang recently ‘topped off’ its Blanca building in a ceremony that signified that construction has reached the highest point of the structure. 

Held last January 25 at Amaia Steps Alabang along Alabang-Zapote-Road, Las Piñas, the topping off ceremony was attended by key officials from Amaia Land and Makati Development Corporation (MDC) BuildPlus. 

Among the Amaia VIPs present in the event was Cybill Samillano, Deputy Head for Project Development for South Luzon. 

Jose Mari L. Yupangco of Yamaha at Asia Leaders Forum Davao

On March 30, 2017 from 10AM to 4PM, another Asia Leaders Forum in Real Estate will be launched in Davao this time with the collaboration between Yupangco Electronics Corporation (Distributor of Yamaha Sound and Audio Technology) headed by Jose Mari Laurel Yupangco, the grandson of our former President of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel) and TAG Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (Entrepreneur, Broadcaster, Writer, Public Speaker). 

Just last month, January 31, 2017 at Misono Japanese Restaurant in Makati, the first of its series for this year under Asia Leaders Forum has been launched with speakers that includes Dr. Elton Tan of E-Hotels, Robert Laurel Yupangco of Zoomanity Group, Engr. Ben Co of BSC Construction, Mario Berta of Flyspaces, Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay of Surigao Del Sur, Koo Kwan Kon of Global Morning City Development, Tanya Llana of Victoria Court, LiZan Kuzter of Impact Hub Manila among others. Attended also by representatives from SMDC, ProFriends, DMCI, DibZ and Megaworld.