TZ APAC and BitPinas Successfully Organize First NFT-Minting Contest in the Philippines

BitPinas, a local crypto news publication, and TZ APAC, the leading adoption entity for the Tezos ecosystem in Asia, successfully organized #tezmasPH, the first ever NFT-minting contest in the Philippines. Twenty five Filipino artists submitted their entries all depicting how Filipinos celebrate its longest holiday - the Christmas season. BitPinas and TZ APAC, together with visual artist Jopet Arias and community partners Crypto Art Philippines and NFT Philippines, are thrilled to announce the winners of this inaugural NFT competition:

UnionBank acquires Citigroup’s consumer banking business in the Philippines

UnionBank of the Philippines announced today that it has entered into a  Share and Business Transfer Agreement with various subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc. (Citi) to acquire Citi’s  consumer banking business in the Philippines. 

The transaction includes Citi’s credit card, personal loans, wealth management, and retail deposit  businesses. The acquisition also includes Citi’s real estate interests in relation to Citibank Square in  Eastwood, 3 full service bank branches, 5 wealth centers, and 2 bank branch lites. 

Make gift-giving easier this holiday season with the EastWest Visa Gift Card

It’s the perfect and convenient Aguinaldo this Christmas

The Christmas season is already just around the corner, and you may be feeling the stress of coming up with a gift list and thinking of what to give your loved ones.

It’s time to get rid of your worries this holiday season with a present that’s truly convenient—the EastWest Visa Gift Card!

Business owners can get exclusive perks on their corporate account with EastWest’s easyBiz promo

Deposit at least P500,000 in your EastWest corporate account and enjoy these benefits

Business owners know this—when running your own business, every little bit of help and assistance can go a long way.

That’s because there are a lot of uncertainties involved with an enterprise of your own. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, or where it’s from; the right kind of help can result in survival and success, and it can help you reclaim control of your business’ finances.

CitySavings wins Digital Banking Award for Chatbot Talk to Maria

DIGITAL BANKING AWARD: City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) receives the “Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Digital - Banking” in the recently concluded Philippines Technology Excellence Awards 2021 for its chatbot Talk to Maria.

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) received the “Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Digital - Banking” in the recently concluded Philippines Technology Excellence Awards 2021. 

CitySavings continues to create innovative solutions for customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank focuses on addressing the urgent need of customers for financial services through its relevant products and digital channels including its chatbot Talk to Maria.

Launched in August 2019, Talk to Maria had the initial ability to answer product inquiries through Facebook Messenger 24/7. The chatbot also provides users with a map to the nearest CitySavings branch or ATM terminal.

Visa and AIG introduce travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage

With travel on the verge of revival in many parts of the world, safety is a key consideration for Filipinos selecting destinations to visit

 Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, and global insurer AIG Philippines Insurance Inc, announced the launch of a new travel insurance featuring Covid-19 protection, exclusive to Visa Infinite cardholders in the Philippines.

The travel insurance, which will be provided by AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., includes coverage for trip cancellations, travel inconveniences and medical expenses including Covid-19 medical expenses and allowances. The complimentary coverage is automatic for all for domestic and international trips between 4 December 2021 to 3 December 2022 paid for using Visa Infinite credit cards issued by Citibank, EastWest, Maybank, and RCBC Bankard. Terms and conditions apply.

Here are the best Christmas deals and perks you can get with your EastWest credit card

Get exclusive December offers from Lazada, Shopee, and MetroMart

We may be well into December, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get any holiday shopping done!

In fact, it’s the opposite—there are a lot of December deals and sales on your favorite ecommerce platforms, and you can reclaim smart holiday spending by taking advantage of some exclusive perks and discounts when you shop with your EastWest credit card.

Here are three exclusive promos you can enjoy this month:

Get a SENDali remittance experience with Smart Padala with these easy-to-follow steps!

Talagang mapapasayaw ka sa dali!    

Sending and receiving remittances is now more convenient and accessible – especially with trusted Smart Padala agents ready to give you a SENDali padala experience, only 6 minutes away from wherever you are!    

To show just how easy it is to send and receive money through its widest agent network, Smart Padala by PayMaya launched its new SENDali video. This TV commercial features a fun new jingle to the tune of the 2000s hit song, Shalala Lala by the Vengaboys and easy-to-follow dance steps that you’ll surely enjoy! Check out the video here: SENDali lang with Smart Padala!  

UnionBank UPAY for MSME: Helping level the playing field for the country’s growing number of MSMEs

Filipinos are now utilizing digital payments more than ever. Last month, the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that digital payments made up 20.1 percent of all transactions in 2020, more than double the figure from two years ago of 10 percent. This strong momentum is creating opportunities particularly for enterprising Filipinos who engage in e-commerce.

To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country capitalize on this growing trend, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), the region’s digital trailblazer and the country’s foremost bank for MSMEs, has launched a groundbreaking feature that will make e-payments easier and secure not only for customers but also for MSMEs—the new UPAY for MSME.

Maple at Verdánt Towers hailed at the Philippine Property Awards 2021

Premier property developer Ortigas Land was recently awarded the Best Upper Mid-End Condo in Metro Manila at the ninth annual Philippines Property Awards for its residential tower Maple at Verdánt Towers located at Ortigas East in Pasig City. 

Maple at Verdánt Towers is the first of Verdánt’s three residential towers that is designed for the progressive young urban professionals and families who value accessibility, and long-term eco-sustainability benefits within their community. Once completed, the property will rise at 42-storeys, boasting 692 units with offerings for studio, 1-bedroom, or 2-bedroom units, with the option of bi-level units with private gardens or a townhouse unit. 

Pru Life UK rewards customers with free coverage for select infectious diseases

Pru Life UK is celebrating its 25th year anniversary by giving back to its loyal customers. In conjunction with its We Do More for our Customers campaign, 25,000 customers will receive a complimentary plan that protects against infectious diseases called PRUMedCare - Select Infectious Diseases.    

It is the first and only product that provides a one-year coverage on four common infectious diseases namely Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria. Eligible customers can sign up for PRUMedCare - Select Infectious Diseases on the Pulse app until November 23, 2021. Pulse is Pru Life UK’s all-in health and wealth app that can be downloaded for free both on Apple App Store and Google Play.

ChatGenie launches free MSME Booster Program for MSMEs

Booster Program supports MSMEs with business tools for online selling

Under ChatGenie’s MSME Booster Program, 100 Filipino MSMEs get six months

free online stores on Messenger, Instagram, Viber, GCash, and other business tools to help them get their businesses online.

ChatGenie, a mini-app development startup company, introduces MSME Booster Program which aims to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) six months of free online store on Messenger, Instagram, Viber, GCash, and other business tools. 

Turn your good buys into best buys with PayMaya this PayDay

#PayMayaPayDaySave is back and with it comes more savings to help you stretch your sweldo so you can pay for both your wants and needs! From November 8-17, you can save up to P1,500 by simply completing your everyday transactions with your PayMaya app.   

Earning savings is as easy as 1-2-3 with your PayMaya in hand. Your everyday transactions such us paying bills, shopping online, sending money, or even buying load are turned into PayDay Missions which you can complete to earn extra savings.   

We know it’s a good feeling to save on your utility bills such as Meralco, even a better feeling when you are able to shop what you want on Lazada. But the best feeling is when you get extra savings of as much as P1,500 on PayDay with PayMaya.  

With PayMaya, it's easy to turn your good buys into best buys with savings to boot. To take advantage of these offers, here are three missions you should complete:  

Get great deals when you shop online this November with your EastWest credit card

Enjoy exclusive discounts and perks in this month’s special sales

The Christmas season is in full swing as the calendar turns to November, and that means one great thing: sales are everywhere, especially online.

It’s also easy to reclaim some convenience in your holiday gift-shopping in all the sales happening this month, all thanks to your EastWest credit card. That’s because you get to enjoy exclusive discounts, deals, and perks when you use it to purchase everything you want and need this season!

EastWest Mastercard cardholders can avail of a special 15% discount, up to P500, on their purchases at Lazada’s 11.11 sale. All you have to do is make a minimum spend of P3,000 and use the promo code EWMCLAZ11 at checkout on the Lazada mobile app on November 11.

GCash Kicks Off 11.11 Mega Deals with Alipay+ Rewards

Bringing attractive deals from leading entertainment, retail, F&B and lifestyle brands to its 40 million users

Get the best voucher deals and grab the chance to win a brand new iPhone 13 in Alipay+ Rewards 11.11 Mega Deals

GCash kicked off 11.11 Mega Deals with Alipay+ Rewards, bringing GCash users the access to participating brands including iQiyi, Viu, Google Play, Lazada, foodpanda and many more, with offers and deals designed to further enrich local users’ lifestyle and bring more convenience in their daily lives.

First introduced to GCash as an in-app feature in April this year, Alipay+ Rewards brings global and local brands to hundreds of millions of mobile wallet users across different markets. With Alipay+ Rewards, mobile wallet users are able to instantly claim or purchase vouchers from mega-brand merchants to small and medium enterprises.

Pru Life UK announces new President and CEO

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK announces its new President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong, effective November 1, 2021. 

Putting customers at the heart of everything with its We DO commitment, Eng Teng will lead the continued transformation of the Pru Life UK business to help customers get the most out of life.

Previously the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Officer Ecosystem Implementation of Prudential Services Asia, Eng Teng led the launch of the AI-powered app Pulse by Prudential in many countries across Asia and Africa to empower millions of consumers particularly customers of Prudential to become healthier and wealthier.

“Since two years ago, I have been working very closely with Pru Life UK to implement and launch Pulse in the Philippines with a clear vision to empower Filipinos with useful health and wellness information as well as customer-centric solutions to help them become healthier and wealthier. I am blessed with so many talented, committed, and passionate people of Pru Life UK, including our PRULifers who form one of the largest, strongest, and youngest agency sales force in the country plus existing distribution and new digital partners.,” shared Eng Teng.

Robinsons Supermarket group offer more ways to cash in to PayMaya for FREE

Enjoy free cash in plus up to P450 cashback on your purchases! 

There are now more ways to cash in to your PayMaya account for FREE as PayMaya and Robinsons Retail team up to allow free cash in at your go-to grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores under the Robinsons Supermarket group.    

Going cashless is so much more convenient and hassle-free because you can easily cash in to your PayMaya account without additional charges at your go-to stores like Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, No Brand, and Southstar Drug branches.  

UBX leads in Crypto: Becomes first in world to run a public stake pool

UBX, the fintech venture studio and fund spun out of UnionBank of the Philippines, is opening its own public stake pool featuring Cardano. UBX becomes first in the world to run a public stake pool as a regulated institution. UBX Staking provides Filipinos a reputable and trustworthy source to earn rewards on their ada for helping to secure and operate the Cardano blockchain. 

John Januszczak, President and CEO of UBX said, “The Philippines' adoption of cryptocurrency is opening opportunities for financial institutions to create reliable platforms that will guide and support Filipinos with their finances. UBX is fully committed to maximizing blockchain technology such as that of Bitcoin, Ethereum and Hyperledger. To further excel and maximize the potential of blockchain, we’re looking at emerging protocols like Cardano to connect traditional financial markets to the world’s most innovative Financial Operating System.”

Credit 101: TALA shares four factors to consider when looking for lending services

Looking for lending applications and services may be tedious given the many options on the table. To ensure you find a responsible partner that meets your spending habits and goals, TALA shares four factors to consider: 

● Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Make sure to only include authorized lenders in your options when borrowing to keep yourself safe from unfair collection practices. TALA is an SEC-registered online lender that ensures safe and accessible lending through its mobile application. 

GT Capital Auto seeks to boost PH secondhand car sector with Premium Warranty

Premium Warranty Services Philippines, Inc. (PWSPI) starts commercial operations in the country, bringing to the Philippines Japan’s number one automotive warranty provider and aiming to be a first-mover in providing vehicle warranty for used cars in the country.

Premium Group Co., Ltd. is Japan's leading automobile warranty provider with 14 years of expertise in used vehicles.

PWSPI is a joint venture between GT Mobility Ventures, Inc. (GTMV), itself a partnership between GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings, Inc. (GTCAD) and Mitsui & Co, Japan, and Premium Group Co. Ltd. (PGC), Japan’s number one automotive warranty provider. 

Forging strategic partnerships in the Philippines

GTCAD, a wholly owned subsidiary of GT Capital Holdings, Inc., was established in 2016 to manage and grow the portfolio of the GT Group in the automotive sector. Seeing the strong prospects in the country’s automotive  sector, the company hopes to strengthen its presence not only in the auto manufacturing and retail sectors but also in the rapidly growing mobility sector. GTCAD continues to seek strategic partners that can bring leading and world-class expertise to the field.

FedEx Express Philippines Rewards Customers with “Ship-to-Win” E-Raffle

FedEx Express celebrates 37 Years of delivering the “Purple Promise” with the Ship-to-Win Promo  in the Philippines 

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world's largest express transportation companies, is celebrating its 37th anniversary in the Philippines with a new “Ship-to-Win” E-raffle promo where 37 lucky customers will be selected to win Samsung Galaxy S21 5G smartphones and Php5,000.00 worth of digital gift vouchers from September 20 to December 31, 2021. 

To win these exciting prizes, simply ship with FedEx and register online at FedEx Express Ship-to-Win. From there, select “Yes” for FedEx account holders and “No” for walk-in customers. To earn an e-raffle entry, FedEx account holders can use their account number while walk-in customers can enter their shipment’s air waybill to join. 

You Can Now Access 24/7 Teleconsultations and Mental Health Consultations Through The GCash App

Get yourself or your loved ones the necessary healthcare anytime, anywhere with affordable plans that fit your needs and your budget with KonsultaMD on GLife!

Almost two years into the pandemic and health – both physical and mental – remains to be a top priority. But while we’ve all done our best to adjust and adapt our routines and habits to take better care of ourselves and our loved ones, when it comes to actual medical concerns, it still gets challenging because the risk of being exposed in a hospital or clinic to get the needed healthcare sometimes feels greater than the benefit of getting help – not to mention the pricey cost of consultations and conflicts in our daily schedules when trying to book appointments. And so as much as possible, we want to avoid having to attend face-to-face sessions especially for non-emergency cases.

We the North: SMDC’s Trees Residences offers accessibility, amenities in Novaliches

Metro Manila is a sprawling metropolis that has long been the center of activity in the Philippines. Comprised of several cities and municipalities, it is no exaggeration to say that the heartbeat of the country emanates from Metro Manila. 

As bustling as Metro Manila is, there is one part of the metropolis that is quietly in the process of major transport development and possessing its own hub of activity. That area is Novaliches.

Pru Life UK culminates silver anniversary and welcomes its 26th year with a grand raffle celebration

Pru Life UK, the country’s leading life insurer, recently culminated its 25th year anniversary with a grand raffle draw and also its Give Back campaign for customers as part of the celebration.

Wrapping up a milestone year with a bang, Pru Life UK’s We DO Health & Wealth: 25th Anniversary Celebration promo ran from March to September through Pulse, its all-in-one AI-powered health app. From the start of the 25-week long bonanza up to the grand draw, the leading life insurer gave out Php 2.5 million pesos, 25 iPhone 12 mini (64GB), and over 600 electronic gift certificates worth P2,500 each.

Stay fit and healthy on your way to P2.5 million with Pru Life UK’s raffle draw

Taking care of one’s health by carefully watching food intake, diet, and exercise has become a top priority especially as Filipinos continue to live in the middle of the pandemic and with stricter quarantine protocols being implemented again.

For some, making sure that the body and mind are at their healthiest state at all times can be a challenge. Thankfully with Pulse, an all-in-one AI-powered health monitoring app by leading life insurer Pru Life UK, staying in tip-top shape gets easier and even rewarding. Users can even earn a chance to win exciting weekly prizes such as e-gift certificates worth 2,500 pesos and iPhone 12 mini 64GB, and 2.5 million pesos in the grand raffle this September as the company culminates their 25th anniversary in the Philippines.

Converge inks loan package with LANDBANK

Leading Philippine fiber broadband provider Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) has inked a P3 billion term loan agreement with state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to fund the completion of its terrestrial and subsea domestic fiber backbone network, as well as support the working capital requirements of the internet service provider.

“This loan financing brings us one step closer to our goal of connecting the unserved and underserved areas in the country. The available funds will help us reach into untapped markets, and really ‘Go Deep’ into existing ones,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy.

Pru Life UK adds two general agency offices in Metro Manila

(From left to right) Red Lion Summit Life Insurance Agency Inc.
Unit Manager Tine Quijano, General Agency President Marco
 Quijano, and Unit Manager Felipe Nabong

 With the continuing efforts to make life insurance more accessible to Filipinos and bring its comprehensive portfolio of protection and investment-linked products within reach of customers in Metro Manila, leading life insurer Pru Life UK has added two general agency (GA) offices in Makati and Pasig City.

Red Lion Summit Life Insurance Agency Inc., headed by General Agency President Marco Quijano, opens its doors anew for Pru Life UK customers in KDC Plaza, 2212 Don Chino Roces Ave., Brgy Pio del Pilar, Makati City, while Infinity Ace Summit Life Insurance Agency Inc., headed by General Agency President Joanne Sardona, opens in Unit 2005-06 Pacific Center Building, 33 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City. Both offices are under Alexandrite II District headed by District Manager Jonash Go.

5 Easy Ways to Become A Smart Shopper on Shopee

Shopee Cares PH shares how you can enjoy a seamless, rewarding, and safe shopping experience on Shopee

Most of us discovered the joy and convenience of shopping online during the past year. But are you truly maximizing your online shopping experience? Online shopping is now an indispensable part of our daily lives, and we owe it to ourselves to develop a better understanding of online shopping platforms and services. Our hard-earned money is at stake, after all!

However, navigating e-commerce platforms and services can get overwhelming. To guide you on your journey to becoming a smarter shopper, Shopee Cares PH, Shopee’s new dedicated customer service platform, shares tips regarding common issues online shoppers deal with, in areas such as logistics, safety, and authenticity: 

A convenient loan product lets you borrow up to Php2M using your OR/CR

We have often heard of “pivot” or “pivoting” in business. But how do we pivot our lives to fit the protocols and restrictions that come with these uncertain times? Plans are on hold. Activities have changed. More than a year into the pandemic, long-term financial impact continues to weigh heavily on many of us.

Several segments of the population are hit harder than others. Some get by but some continue to worry about the uncertainties of the future. No matter where you are on that spectrum, SB Finance’s flagship product, Car4Cash, may help you pivot with ease.

Get the extra cash you need to expand your business or pay for planned expenses such as tuition, travel, home repairs, and more. 

Meet Tala, the safer and trusted financial partner of unbanked Filipinos

In the 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced that 51.2 million Filipinos, or 71% of the total adult population, remain unbanked. In the report, Filipinos shared that they do not have enough money (45%), that they do not need an account (27%), or that they do not have the documentary requirements (26%). 

This is not a situation unique to the Philippines. More than 1.6 billion adults around the world are unbanked, excluding them from financial products such as insurance, loans, or mortgages, and protection for their money.

Tala, the leading personal finance app, is helping unbanked Filipinos use, protect, and grow their money by making loans easier to apply right from your smartphone. By tapping on the far-reaching presence of technology, more Filipinos can apply for loans and build their digital credit history, increasing their loan limits over time.

“More than 5.2 billion Filipinos own mobile phones and more than 4.6 billion are connected to the internet. And yet only 12% of mobile phone owners use their devices to perform financial transactions. We believe that everyone needs access to financial systems and for them to be in control of their money. By making loans simpler and more accessible, we can promote financial agency and autonomy for more Filipinos,” says Angelo Madrid, Managing Director of Tala PH.

Applying for a loan using the Tala app can be done anytime, with no paperwork or visits to the bank. All they need is an Android smartphone and a valid ID. Candidates will know if their application is approved in minutes. Loans are  personalized, with flexible sizes and dynamic credit limits. Moreover, users don’t need to have credit history, collateral, guarantors, or a bank account to apply.

Applicants must simply answer some questions and upload a government-issued ID for verification. Once their ID is verified, and load application approved, they can cash out and repay their loan in over 40,000 locations across the country. Applicants can receive the amount via remittance centers, bank transfer, or through their Coins.ph wallet within 24 hours.

Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Joins Mastercard’s City Possible Program to Address Urban Challenges

The Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mastercard to join the company’s City Possible™ program. Connecting with a network of more than 300 member and candidate cities around the world, the partnership aims to drive greater infrastructural efficiencies, economic growth, digital and financial inclusion in the Subic-Clark corridor.

The SCAD council ensures an integrated approach to the development of the Subic-Clark corridor located in Luzon, marking it as a strategic geographical zone that is experiencing both extensive growth and significant urbanization-related challenges. With excellent air, sea and land connectivity, the area is primed to be the premiere gateway to a range of international and local connections. 

This partnership will see Mastercard and SCAD leverage technology and data to develop and implement solutions for the Alliance’s pressing urban challenges such as digitization of local government units and enhancement of the agricultural supply chain. The collaboration aims to elevate SCAD’s ambitions to be a digital innovation leader and to connect with regional and global partners to co-create and develop sustainable solutions that will benefit residents. 

Staycation safely with these exclusive hotel discounts

Rates and perks to use on your next staycation with your EastWest credit card

With the halfway point of 2021 fast approaching, we see the country steadily making progress towards economic recovery. Quarantine protocols are modified, and enjoyable facilities are reopening with maximum caution such as restaurants, gyms, spas, and even hotels. 

Universal bank EastWest makes the staycation experience more worthwhile for its credit cardholders through exclusive discounts and perks with its hotel partners. “We care about the wellbeing of our customers, so if there is something we can do to help carve out valuable moments for them especially amid taxing times, we will do it,” EastWest FVP & Head of Credit Cards and Business Governance Mia P. Tamayo said.

Globe Business to boost online sales of businesses through Saludo SMEs Digistore

With more shoppers increasingly drawn to the digital sphere for the speed, convenience, and the vastness of options it offers, businesses are starting to ride the livestreaming wave to let their brands tap into the bigger pool of customers online and engage them more intimately beyond the brick-and-mortar stores. 

To provide a more accessible platform for micro, small, and medium businesses to sell more, Globe Business is giving local MSMEs an opportunity to adapt to the popular retail trend and bring their products to where customers are shopping now through its Digistore, which will stage another live shopping event as a sequel to the successful pilot last year.  

Get up to P4.00/L off when you gas up at Unioil with your EastWest card

Paying with your EastWest card just got more rewarding

There’s no denying that the pandemic has caused a lot of challenges on Filipinos, such as rising prices on just about everything. For motorists, increasing fuel prices are a cause for concern, and it would be great if they could find a way to save what they can on their fuel expenses and get greater value for their money.

Fortunately, there is a bank ready to help and ease the burden when it comes to rising fuel prices. EastWest has partnered with fuel company Unioil to provide exclusive discounts to both EastWest debit and credit cardholders gassing up at participating Unioil stations.

Generali Philippines taps Globe Business Cloud to scale digital services

Facing a heightened demand for its insurance services, Generali Life Assurance Philippines Inc. (GLAPI) tapped into the power of Cloud through Globe Business to prime its business capabilities for rapid growth amidst the increasing consumer appetite for digital services.

GLAPI engaged Globe Business and Cascadeo, Globe’s Cloud Professional and Managed Services delivery arm, to help migrate its digital business operations to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and maximize the Cloud architecture that would enable the company to ramp up the services available on its website.

Globe Business to Filipino SMEs: Tuloy Tayo!

Empowering businesses to forge ahead fearlessly into the digital future

Every business that has survived and beaten the pandemic odds carries an inspiring story of creativity, grit, and resilience worthy of recognition.

By capturing and telling these stories, Globe Business honors the local micro, small and medium business owners through this year’s Saludo SMEs campaign, cheering them on with the message “Through The Changing Times, Tuloy Tayo!”, and supporting them as a trusted partner does so that they can confidently move their business forward.

Experience safe, secure, and convenient shopping with EastWest Visa Cards’ contactless feature

As the banking needs of consumers continue to evolve amid this digital, contactless era, universal bank EastWest and American multinational financial services corporation VISA, constantly look for ways to provide safe and convenient payment methods for their customers. As advocates of cybersecurity, EastWest and VISA aim to protect customers from scams like cloning and skimming, as well as COVID-19 and other viruses transmissible from exchanges of high-contact items like ballpens, money, and credit cards.

With the EastWest Visa credit and debit cards’ contactless feature, Cardholders experience fast, easy, and secure way to pay for everyday purchases.  Cardholders can also be assured of safety from some card scams. Contactless payments are protected by multiple layers of security and accepted by merchants across the country. For every transaction, a one-time code is created which secures the cardholder’s payment information. And since it is transaction-specific, the code cannot be re-used by fraudsters if they are somehow able to get ahold of it.

Instant Reloading of Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs is Now Available via PSBank Mobile!

PSBank made the instant and hassle-free reloading of Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs available via the PSBank Mobile App.

With the PSBank Mobile Toll RFID reload facility, PSBank customers will now be able to save time and breeze through tolls as with just a few taps, their Autosweep or Easytrip account will be reloaded immediately.

A fee of PhP10 will be deducted from the customer’s PSBank account when they make an Autosweep reload. For Easytrip reloads, the fee will be deducted from their Easytrip account.

Reloading Autosweep and Easytrip Toll RFIDs via PSBank Mobile is simple and easy.  Here’s how:

For more information on Toll RFIDs Reload via PSBank Mobile, visit www.psbank.com.ph

Pru Life UK and British government co-funds 4th Chevening scholarship

Leading life insurer, Pru Life UK co-funds its 4th Filipino Chevening scholar with British Embassy Manila, on its 4th year of partnership for the Chevening Scholarship Program. 

Chevening is a scholarship and fellowship program under the UK government which aims to develop global leaders and has long been enabling Filipino scholars to study in the UK. 

Marielle Bordado, a Communications Officer at Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), who has been in the development sector for almost 10 years, is the latest Pru Life UK Chevening Scholar. This was announced during the virtual send-off party organized by the British Embassy Manila attended by Marielle and other scholars, as well as representatives of Pru Life UK and the British government in the Philippines.

Eight in 10 Filipinos Are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services - Visa Study

Filipinos also demonstrating increased awareness of biometric payments

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released new findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study[1], that show over eight in 10 Filipinos (83%) are aware and interested (81%) in using digital banking services. However, only 32 percent of respondents are currently using services offered by a digital bank. Top interest drivers for Filipinos to use digital banking services include access to banking services anytime of the day (68%), time saved from not having to queue at bank branches (68%) and convenience (67%).

The study also showed that Filipinos are most keen to work with a financial services brand for digital banking services (93%) and traditional banks (92%), followed by new start-ups with digital banking services (72%).

Filipinos interested in banking with digital banks are keen to use services such as paying bills (84%), transferring money locally (78%), making deposits and withdrawals (76%), and making payments for purchases at local retail locations (71%). However, the preference of using digital banking for traditional bank services such as investments (52%), international transfers (48%) and loans (46%) is lower.

RDB Welcomes Most Sought After Industry Security For Asia Pacific As Its Newest Strategic Director Ricky Santillan

“The only limits are the ones you set for yourself. Dream big.” 

True to form, Ricky has managed to go beyond his limits and stretched his legs as far as they could take him in the Advertising & Marketing industry. Six countries, over ten years and countless pitches later, Ricky is sharper than ever and his hunger for more has led him back to the Philippines, where the magical journey began, back home and now with a new agency to call home - Robin des Bois (RDB). 

“I had heard of RDB and was excited to be called in to be a part of the team. Knowing that with this opportunity I would take a key role in active sustainability for brands, I did not hesitate and immediately said ‘yes!’” -Rick Santillan, RDB APAC Strategic Director

Mastercard Appoints Industry Veteran Simon Calasanz as Philippines Country Manager

Mastercard today announced the appointment of Simon Calasanz as its Country Manager for the Philippines, bringing nearly two decades of local experience in the banking and finance industry to the organization’s local leadership team.

As Country Manager, Calasanz will be focused on accelerating acceptance and usage of digital payments, especially for smaller merchants and businesses, while also expanding on Mastercard’s ongoing digital and financial inclusion initiatives in the country. Calasanz’s ‘digital-first’ business acumen and two-decades long career in the Philippines payments industry will support Mastercard to double down on work with partners in different industries. Calasanz will also focus on accelerating the uptake of contactless card payments and strengthening Mastercard’s proposition as a multi-rail payments technology company. 

“Simon is an invaluable addition to Mastercard’s leadership team in the Philippines. He brings with him unrivalled experience in the Philippines’ finance and banking sector and a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights about the intricacies of the market and consumers. Simon will support Mastercard in doubling down on efforts to build an inclusive and digitalized economy in Philippines, while enabling customers and partners to better prepare for economic recovery and growth,” said Ari Sarker, Co-President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.

The three P’s that help Christopher de Leon power through the pandemic

Here are the three Ps that have helped Christopher de Leon obtain physical, mental and financial well-being.

Prayers. Going through some of the toughest challenges in life can be a spiritual as well as physical experience for De Leon.  While confined in the hospital due to COVID-19, he said that he prayed deeply and fervently, drawing strength from Bible passages and from his family members who were praying just as intently at home.

De Leon, along with his wife Sandy, has always believed in the power of prayer. They believe that prayer is not only a source of comfort, it is also a source of strength. Praying has made their family closer, and has helped them overcome the most difficult of times.

Pru Life UK underscores women’s health with breast cancer protection

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK has launched its latest health protection product designed for the independent and empowered women in our lives, the PRUHealth Prime - Select Breast Cancer, through Pulse, the company’s all-in-one health and wellness app.

“This protection product, designed for the women in our lives, be it our mother, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, or grandmother, goes a long way for less than Php 2 a day. With it Pru Life UK underscores women’s health by giving hardworking and caring Filipinas financial protection from breast cancer, currently the most common cancer among women in the Philippines and worldwide1,” shared Pru Life UK Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga.

DiskarTech inks deal with Asialink for loans marketplace

Lending institution Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC) is now the pioneer partner of the DiskarTech financial super app for the Philippines’ first loans marketplace offered by a local universal bank.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has signed a memorandum of agreement with AFC, one of the country’s premier lenders, to forge this historic loan service partnership.

"Asialink Finance Corporation is here to provide its expertise on financing solutions for the mobile Filipino entrepreneurs and individuals who need assistance in achieving their dreams during these uncertain times through RCBC's DiskarTech app," Robert B. Jordan, AFC Chief Executive Officer, said.

Nook expands online mortgage services to Southern Luzon with Calmar Land

IN PHOTO (L-R): Arvin Chester Abreu - Head of Partnerships (Nook),
 Chris Elder - CEO (Nook), Mary Bel Calayan - President (Calmar Land),
Francis Albert Florido - COO (Calmar Land)

Online mortgage broker Nook signs a deal with developer Calmar Land to expand services in South Luzon 

Nook, the Philippines’ first online mortgage broker, has forged a partnership with Calmar Land, expanding its seamless digital solutions and services to the bustling Southern Luzon area. 

Recognizing the Filipinos’ need to explore better ways to apply for a housing loan and pay amortizations online amid the lockdown, Nook has continued to expand its services and partners outside Metro Manila. With Calmar Land, one of the leading developers based in the Quezon Province, Batangas, and Laguna, Nook is able to tap the Southern Tagalog market and offer seamless and convenient ways to get home loan approvals.  

Under the partnership, Calmar Land gains access to Nook’s partner banks, expanding their banking and loan options for their customers. At the same time, Nook will also assist over 2,000 Calmar Land clients in getting their home loan financing approved fast. 

Traveling safely and wisely with UnionBank CEG GetGo Debit Card

The relaxed quarantine restrictions have given us more room to navigate through the new normal. Travel bans are slowly being lifted but there is still a great need to stay careful, take precautions, and follow protocols. Here are some tips for traveling in the new normal.

Travel by land

Ready for a road trip? Here are some things you’ll need to know:

Consider the size of your car

The IATF ruling on passengers states that a privately-owned car can seat one passenger in the front and two passengers per row of front-facing seats. This means that if you and your barkada want to travel together, you may need a car with a bigger capacity.