GCash in 2020 Catalyzing Growth of the New Digital Economy

“GCash has played an integral role in keeping not only the economy going this year but keeping Filipinos safe and sane during the pandemic. We’ve seen not only heads of households and young adults use the GCash app for their financial lifestyle, but even consumers that advocate a greener Philippines, in maximizing what our platform has to offer. Aside from regular financial transactions such as money transfer and bill payments, we’ve noticed shifting behaviors on how money and digital money is being used, namely on entertainment, savings, donations, and online shopping.” ~Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash

GCash's year-ender stories, hitting PHP 1 trillion transactions and catalyzing growth last year..

2020 has been a year full of challenges, with the world still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 economically. In the Philippines, consumers have adjusted to the new normal by adopting, among others, fintech services to make their financial lifestyles more convenient and themselves safe against the pandemic.

Dedicated in its commitment to democratizing payments, GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, shares how Filipinos have embraced digital finance through a snapshot of its performance this year.

Over PHP 1 trillion in transactions have passed through the GCash app during 2020, peaking at a PHP 7.5 billion daily gross transaction value, and with more than 6 million transactions in a day. The mobile wallet company also grew its users to 33 million, a 65% growth versus last year.

GCash Forest, the mobile wallet’s multi-awarded, gamified solution in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint, has now over 6.7 million users actively collecting carbon points, which in turn can secure the users an actual tree to be planted in select forest sheds in the country. 

Crediting the mobile wallet’s quick pivot on user needs to further expand financial inclusion in the country through digital transformation.

GCash is also revolutionizing the way Filipinos handle their money. As of November 2020, 3 million GSave accounts have been opened, demonstrating how banking behavior is shifting from traditional physical branch visits, to simply transferring to a digital savings account. Lending is another example: Over PHP 8 billion have been extended to more than 900,000 Filipinos in need of funds through the app’s GCredit service, disrupting existing processes for loans in the country. 

As a force for good, GCash users have donated more than PHP 40 million in 2020 alone as a relief to those who have been affected by COVID-19 and the typhoons near the end of the year through the mobile wallet’s CSR initiative GCash for Good. Gone are the days where donations are only done through banks, with donors scanning deposit slips as proof of transactions. Once again, the behavior has shifted from traditional to digital. 

Shopping is another use case consumers have applied GCash to: this year alone, Filipinos spent over PHP 16 billion on popular online shopping sites such as Lazada and Shopee. Meanwhile, more than 600,000 merchants and social online sellers opened up shop during the pandemic with GCash as the primary mode of payment.

GCash is so pervasive in society that it’s becoming a verb: A Filipino on average mentions the word “GCash” on social media every second of every day in the country, not yet including other communication media such as personal conversations, texts, and emails. Memes have also popped up this holiday season, asking ninongs and ninangs to just send their aguinaldos using GCash.

The outlook of fintech indeed is bright in the country, especially now that the new normal is here. This year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced their Digital Transformation Roadmap, where the agency aims to shift at least 50 percent of retail payment transactions to digital and to have at least 70 percent of Filipinos have their own e-wallet by 2023. GCash fully supports this endeavor and is confident that it will be able to accelerate meeting this goal, as 1 in 3 Filipinos already has a GCash account. 

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

Tanduay Rum Awarded Medals in Spirits Awards Belgium

“There are many fine spirits around the world, and we are honored that our products have been chosen as two of the best. We accept this recognition with both pride and humility, and we thank all our people for their hard work and dedication in continuous-ly crafting quality products that are proudly Philippine-made.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing

Tanduay products continue to gain recognition from prestigious spirits competitions abroad. As part of the latest international honor received by the brand,  its Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Tanduay Asian Rum Silver were both awarded silver medals at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial in Brussels, Belgium.

Dubbed “The United Nations of Fine Spirits”, the international competition rewards spirits from across the globe. It has a panel of internationally renowned experts assessing and classifying whiskies, cognacs, brandies, rums, vodkas, and gins, among others.

The Tanduay Asian Rum Gold is one of the company’s most-awarded products. Aged in used Bourbon barrels for seven years, it is silky smooth with elegant flavors:

• Almonds
• Dried dark fruits
• Island spices

The Tanduay Asian Rum Silver has also received several recognitions throughout the years. It is aged in used Bourbon barrels for five years and had hints of:

• Dried tropical fruits
• Vanilla
• Toasted coconut

This year, Tanduay continued to expand its international presence when it inked deals with top wines and spirits distributors from several U.S. states. Its U.S. presence now encompasses:

• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• Wisconsin
• Florida
• New York
• New Jersey
• Illinois
• California
• Tennessee
• Michigan
• Guam

Tanduay has also expanded its market in China and entered Singapore. The company is likewise working on its distribution in Europe.

Tanduay has always been committed to creating quality products and promoting Filipino craftsmanship worldwide.

About Tanduay 

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for three consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world.

Looking back and looking forward: How Mekeni powered through the COVID-19 crisis with Bayanihan and malasakit

“Wading through uncharted waters over the past few months has been extremely difficult, but we have remained steadfast and resilient because of our people and communities that we serve. We have established programs and implemented agile operations to keep the business afloat while we prioritize our people’s welfare in the face of the crisis. We wanted to ensure that our customers will have access to quality food from the safety of their homes so we launched our online delivery service. Also, we ought to find viable ways for our aspiring micropreneurs to continue earning their livelihood that’s why we strengthened our reseller program and diversified our product lines to cater to them. Our path to recovery is clear: we will continue prioritizing our people and our community’s welfare with malasakit and Bayanihan engraved in our services.” ~Prudencio Garcia, Mekeni President

Mekeni Food Corporation is no stranger to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the food manufacturing brand was able to turn these challenges into opportunities to uplift communities and innovate their services.

Looking back: Embracing the new normal in business

At the onset of the pandemic, changes in the supply chain and consumer behavior have knocked many companies off balance. Mekeni, however, was able to navigate through the challenges and make these difficulties into a meaningful change that benefited everyone in and beyond their circle.   

This 2020, Mekeni has become one of the beacons of hope. The company came up with several long-term solutions to augment the livelihood of those who have been displaced and crippled by the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. Among these programs include the Mekeni Home2Home Delivery, reseller programs for distributors and employees, and the Bayani product line.

Mekeni is among the first companies that made the delivery of frozen processed goods possible. The reseller program, on the other hand, is a manifestation of the company’s commitment to empowering its communities. Mekeni was able to embrace the new normal in business by enabling micropreneurs, which eventually helped revive the country’s MSMEs.

Leave no one behind: Helping Filipinos get through the pandemic

Apart from keeping the business afloat, Mekeni has always been keen on extending help to its communities may it be through donation drives or outreach activities.

The company has continued to deliver donations to select beneficiaries through various non-government organizations (NGOs) since mid-March when the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon was implemented. Mekeni has donated to several organizations all over Luzon. They’ve assisted frontliners in Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) Quezon City, Saint St. Luke’s Medical Center BGC in Taguig City, and Lugud Balen, a movement initiated by Kapampangan chefs, restaurant owners, and private individuals.

Mekeni also helped non-medical frontliners in Pampanga and has partnered with Caritas Manila and pledged food donations to over 700 families until year-end through its program Mekeni Bayanihan Pack.

Aside from helping their nearby communities during the pandemic, the company extended its efforts to far-flung areas devastated by natural disasters. Mekeni employees have spearheaded donation drives and turned over boxes of essential items to the displaced communities across the country.

Looking forward: The path to recovery continues

Despite the negative impact of the pandemic, Mekeni continues to adopt a bullish attitude in doing business in the new and better normal. Their commitment to innovation allows the company to continue changing the game for the food manufacturing industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking forward, Mekeni hopes to continue being every household’s partner in earning money by delivering quality products and services. The company promises to be the steady hands behind every aspiring entrepreneur, guiding and supporting them to fulfill their dreams.

4 kitchen safety tips when using LPG

Always place your LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area

As everyone continues to stay at home, people have been spending a lot of their time in the kitchen lately – from preparing daily meals and trying out new recipes, to cooking with the kids and of course, enjoying homecooked meals with the entire family. With this, kitchen safety is more important than ever, and it starts with securing all the tools and equipment, including making sure your LPG cylinders are safe and professionally installed.

Solane, a leading LPG provider in the country, offers these safety tips on the use of LPG to make cooking at home a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Place the LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area

When choosing a spot for your LPG cylinder, make sure that there is an opening, such as a window or a door, to ensure adequate ventilation. Make sure that LPG cylinders are also far away from other heat sources, electric outlets, and hazard-prone areas in the house to avoid ignition. Lastly, make sure that your LPG cylinder is in a secure and upright position.

• Inspect the LPG cylinder

Upon delivery, carefully inspect your LPG tank to make sure that it is in good physical condition. First, check the cylinder for dents, cracks, corrosions, or other damages. Then, make sure that the safety cap and security seal are in place. If there seems to be a problem with any of the components, turn off the gas supply and have it replaced or repaired immediately. To make it easier, Solane offers customers a free 7-Point Safety Check. Through this extra precautionary step, Solane's well-trained riders help ensure that the tanks are safe and secure.

• Use the correct equipment and accessories

With LPG cylinders, ensure that you are using the correct hose by checking for the mark, "LPG Hose." Branded regulators,  such as RECA and TPA, are recommended because these are manufactured according to specific standards. When attaching the regulator, ensure that it is securely connected to the cylinder valve. The regulator knob should also be open to allow the outflow of gas from the holes. It’s also important to regularly check the condition of these two and replace them as needed. The hose should be replaced every 2 years while the regulator should be replaced every 5 years upon the date of manufacture. 

• Practice caution

Whether you are installing, using, or disconnecting your LPG cylinders, caution is a must. To avoid mishaps and injuries, you should also never attempt to fix, refill, or replace your cylinders without the help of authorized personnel. Don’t forget to turn off the cylinder valve or regulator and gas appliance when not in use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your gas appliance. In case of an emergency, try to eliminate all sources of ignition and turn off the gas supply of the cylinder. If the leak is on the cylinder, cover the leaking portion with a wet rag. 

• Make sure your LPG is authentic

To help ensure the safety of your family, buy your LPG cylinders from authorized dealers only. In addition, when buying gas tanks, be sure to check for quality markings on the cylinders, such as the registered brand name and trademark of the manufacturer, the standard used and test dates, the serial or code number, expiry date, tare weight, and LPG content, and the “Made in the Philippines” mark. 

For more information, visit https://www.solane.com.ph or follow on Facebook. To order Solane LPG, call 8887-5555 (Metro Manila) or text (0918) 887-5555 (nationwide).

Top holiday health tips amid the pandemic

While the holidays may be different for many of us this year, one thing should remain constant: staying healthy in the midst of celebrations with family and friends. Allow a little holiday indulgence, but be sure to stay on track with your health goals by following these tips from AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers:

 

• Keep celebrations intimate but meaningful

The pandemic has been a stressful and isolating time for all of us, and the holidays will be the perfect opportunity for us to reconnect with our loved ones. If you’re planning the festivities, consider making gatherings small to allow enough room for social distancing. Try to avoid guests who have traveled and have not observed the 14-day quarantine period. Also, keep in mind guests who are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 like older adults and people with certain medical conditions. 

 

• Strictly implement COVID-19 safety protocols

Even as you enjoy the company of your loved ones or friends, do not forget to practice safety protocols to help keep everyone safe from the virus. Have guests disinfect as soon as they enter your home and ask them to thoroughly wash their hands, especially before eating. Encourage everyone to wear their face masks at all times and only remove them while eating, and to strictly observe physical distancing of at least one meter away from the person next to you.

 

• Drink responsibly

Holiday celebrations are a time when people are most likely drinking beyond their limits. Some might feel adverse effects like erratic heartbeat due to alcohol intoxication or a terrible hangover. Alcoholic drinks are also usually empty calories and may lead you to make poor food choices. To avoid these, remember to drink in moderation and choose your drinks wisely. Also, opt for water and fresh fruit juices as often as you can.

 

• Avoid overindulging

There is nothing wrong with trying all the holiday dishes that are served, but just remember to eat in moderation and eat slowly. Studies show that eating slowly can aid in better digestion, and will give your stomach enough time to process and signal to the brain that it is full which will stop you from accidentally overeating.

 

• Don’t forego exercise

The holidays are usually high-risk for weight gain. To prevent this, try to sneak in at least 20 to 30 minutes a day to break a sweat. Not only is this good for your physical health, but it can also relieve stress that is common during the holidays.

 

• Stay prepared for holiday emergencies

With all the celebrations and non-stop eating and drinking, the holiday season is also prime for medical-related emergencies. These days, however, easy access to quality health care services may be challenging. Upholding its commitment to be a health partner, AXA Philippines has allied with MyPocketDoctor to bring teleconsultation to health policyholders (Health Max, Health Start, and Global Health Access) and non-AXA customers alike. By downloading the MyPocketDoctor app from Google Play or App Store and registering with an e-mail address and mobile number, AXA health policyholders can have 24/7 access to medical consultations anywhere. Non-AXA customers can also avail of a one-time free teleconsultation as part of an ongoing campaign if they register here: https://cloud.mkt.axa.com.ph/teleconsultation-pr1.

 

Make the Christmas season a safe and meaningful one for you and your loved ones, especially amid these unprecedented times by trying out these tips suggested by AXA Philippines. To know more about AXA as a health partner, visit https://axa.com.ph/multimedia/articles/axa-as-a-health-partner.

Hotel DreamWorld provides food packs to typhoon victims in Marikina City

Hotel DreamWorld together with Marikina Government Officials, with the support of the Marikina City Vice Mayor Marion Andres and Marikina District 1 Councilor Rommel Acuña visited six barangays at Marikina District 1 to provide immediate help to the victims of typhoon Ulysses last November 26, 2020, Thursday.

Hotel DreamWorld succeeded in giving more than 2,000 food packs to the affected areas of typhoon Ulysses in Marikina District 1 in the following barangays; Brgy. Sto. Niño Pearl St. Emerald Village, Brgy. Tañong, Brgy. Malanday Purok 5 and 6, Road 3 Paradise Lower Malanday Hoa, Brgy. Dela Peña Zamora St., and Brgy. Industrial Valley Complex. More than 500 families were benefited from the said activity.

For more information about Hotel DreamWorld kindly visit their website at http://hoteldreamworld.ph/ or you may call (8) 7900-900.

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

“As part of the EuroReach’s initiatives, Eurotel’s corporate social responsibility program, we would like to extend our help to more indigent communities in the country. Also, I would like to thank our media partners and the LGUs who helped us; this donation drive wouldn’t be successful without you”. ~Mr. Edmundo Las, Board of Director

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Helping during the calamity and amidst pandemic is indeed a good deed. ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME. 

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal last November 29, 2020. A total of 300 relief goods such as clothing, food packs, toys, and vitamins were given to the affected residents. 

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

For inquiries and other concerns, call Central Reservations every MONDAY - SUNDAY at 6:00am - 6:00pm. 

Landline: (02) 353-6000 

Mobile: 09175486000 / 0999888387

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

Eurotel Hotel volunteers reached forward to the typhoon-stricken community of Sitio Kayrupa, Barangay San Rafael, Rizal

For more announcements and updates, please refer to the Eurotel Hotel Official Facebook Page and Instagram.