1CISP AMONG TOP 10 FASTEST GROWING COOP INSURERS IN THE WORLD

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The 1Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines (1CISP), the largest cooperative insurance organization in the country, is one of the 10 fastest-growing insurance cooperatives in the world, based on the prestigious International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation’s (ICMIF) 2018 rankings.

1CISP President and CEO Roy S. Miclat revealed this achievement during a press briefing held at the Romulo Cafe in Makati City last December 4.

Published last November 20, ICMIF’s Key Statistics Report surveyed its largest and fastest-growing members across product and regional lines, with 1CISP among the top performers, placing 8th for fastest-growing life insurers, and 17th overall for emerging markets, at a 23.8% premium growth from 2016-2017.

Out of ICMIF’s network comprised of 197 members worldwide, 1CISP is among only a handful of Asia-based members with growth stacking up against the international rankings.

“ICMIF is one of the industry benchmarks we hold ourselves to, as the only global representative body of the cooperative and mutual insurance sector,” Miclat shared. “And their 2018 report validates the sustained momentum 1CISP has achieved,” he added.

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Miclat also announced that 1CISP breached the 2-billion-peso mark in terms of total assets in the third quarter of the year. The insurance cooperative registered total assets of Php2.04 billion as of end-September 2018, a huge 50% growth from the Php1.36-billion asset level in the same period last year.
With this asset surge, 1CISP has outpaced the 18-20% overall growth of the local insurance industry, according to Miclat.

“1CISP, in comparison to corporate insurance counterparts, is growing at a remarkable rate, and believe it or not, this is not an isolated phenomenon in the country. It is a lot more common across the world than previously thought, with a precedent since 2007,” said Miclat, citing the ICMIF outline of industry trends.

Based on ICMIF analysis over a ten-year period (2007-2017), ICMIF members not only experienced exponential growth, but also outperformed the overall insurance industry average, including non-cooperative insurers. The Key Statistics Report outlines, “ICMIF members have grown at a significantly faster aggregate rate than the global insurance market as a whole. During this 10-year period, ICMIF members increased their collective premium volume by 39.3%, considerably greater than the total market average, which grew by a total of 16.8%.”

“These numbers speak for themselves and support 1CISP’s mission—a prosperous Philippines is a cooperative Philippines,” Miclat stressed. “While we take pride in reaching greater heights together with our peers in cooperative insurance, we are even happier that cooperatives are getting the credit they deserve,” he added. Miclat also gave an overview of 1CISP’s 2019 business forecast, projecting an upward trajectory in the wake of their 2-billion asset milestone. “Cooperatives have been succeeding away from the limelight all this time, but our time to shine is now. We want to show everyone that Philippine cooperatives are making their mark both here and on the world stage, as globally-competitive organizations,” he concluded.

This comes as 1CISP is injecting new vigor into the local cooperative movement through initiatives such as the 1Koop Leaders Academy, an upskilling training program for future cooperative leaders; and the Coop Kicks, a contest for young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas on cooperative ventures. Launched at the 14th National Cooperative Summit in Davao City last October 3-5, these programs were officially kicked off, with 1CISP set to host in 2019 a tri-city HR Summit to modernize the cooperative enterprise, and a youth pitch fest, respectively.

1CISP is also sending a delegation to the biennial ICMIF Asia and Oceania Association (AOS) Seminar 2018 on December 6-7, in Hong Kong. Slated to speak and interact with the youth, Miclat, with other cooperative insurance heads, will lead the Morning Meeting by CEOs and Young Attendees.

Tackling the theme “Impact of Digital Innovation,” the AOS is a forum for exchanging invaluable insights, with 1CISP representing the Philippines as the champion for tech-adoption among coops and engaging the youth.

Join Shopee in Giving Back this 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

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In line with Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, together with its Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, invites everyone to join in giving back this Christmas season.

From November 29 to December 11, users can do their part for charity by purchasing Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album via the JMC Music Official Store on Shopee. All proceeds from the album sale will go towards funding the renovation and educational programs of the San Juan Nepomuceno School. In addition, as a token of appreciation for users’ contribution, those who purchase the album will also be in the running to win two roundtrip tickets to Macau, Brunei, or Cambodia.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer, Shopee, said, “Youth are key drivers of the Philippines’ digital economy, and it is important that we do our part to improve the quality of education they receive in the Philippines. In line with our Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, and together with our Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, we hope to be able to make a difference and to give back to the community this festive season. We invite our users to join us in this meaningful cause.”

“I am thrilled to partner Shopee to raise funds for the San Juan Nepomuceno School which holds a special place in my heart. Christmas is a time for us to not only celebrate and spend time with our friends and family but to also give back to our fellow Filipinos. I hope that everyone will enjoy the brand-new Going Home to Christmas album and will join Shopee and I in doing something special this year-end holiday,” said Jose Mari Chan.

Ongoing till December 12, the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale features deals up to 99% off from leading brands including P&G, Maybelline, Vivo, SM Store, Silverworks, Unilever, Lactum, and Platinum Karaoke. Users can enjoy daily free shipping promotions, flash sales as low as ₱12, Shopee Shake worth 12 million, and the launch of a brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz. Leading industry players including Smart, Viber, and Mini Stop, will also be joining in the celebrations with exciting promotions this Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.

Purchase Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album from the JMC Music Official Store at https://shopee.ph/jmcmusic
For more information on the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit http://shopee.ph/12-12

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Gumtect for a Maginhawa Food Trip This Holiday Season

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Filipinos love to eat, and the holidays are definitely no exception! With Christmas get-togethers and parties dotting our calendars, are our teeth and gums ready to take on the challenge of non-stop eating and drinking?

At a fun-filled Food Crawl called the Gumtect Food Trek: A Mouth-full Adventure, Doug and Chesca Kramer posed the same question as they enjoyed exciting food challenges and tasted delicious dishes from the different restaurants in Maginhawa.

As oral healthcare advocates for Gumtect, Doug and Chesca Kramer shared how important it is that they take care of their teeth and gums so they don’t miss out on any foodie moments when they celebrate the holidays with their friends and family.

“Despite our busy schedules, we enjoy the gatherings and reunions to relax and catch up over food,” shared Doug. “I have a really sweet tooth, and I enjoy having conversations over dessert, but for me to be able to just enjoy the food, I also ensure to make these -ber months care months for my gums and teeth so there’s no hassle of gum problems”.

Doug advocates oral care with the use of Gumtect Gum Care toothpaste, which works to promote healthy gums, protects against harmful mouth bacteria, and moisturizes and strengthens the gums.

As for Chesca, her already hectic schedule as a mom can only get busier with holiday activities with her kids on the horizon. She shared that with her sensitive teeth, she needs to take care of her gums so pangingilo doesn’t get in the way of her indulging in her favorite holiday dishes with her loved ones.

According to a study in 2011 by the National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey, 48% of Filipinos suffer from some form of gum disease. Receding gums are often accompanied with tooth sensitivity.

Commonly caused by wearing of the thin outer covering of the tooth (enamel), over-brushing, acidic food, and gum receding, pangingilo or dental hypersensitivity begins when the inner part of the tooth is uncovered. This results to an oh-so-familiar brief yet sharp sensation of tooth sensitivity.

“I want to maximize my bonding moments with my family, especially enjoying food together like ice cream and buko salad. I want to be able to indulge in my favorite holiday dishes without having to think about pangingilo,” Chesca said.

For Chesca, she recommends using Gumtect Sensitive toothpaste and Gumtect Sensitive mouthwash as they are specially formulated with Dynamic Desensitizing System to be able to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

Dr. JV Jaurigue, External Vice President of the Philippine Society of Periodontology, talked about the connection of gum health with overall health and stressed the importance of proper oral care. “Oral care is essential to our health. Rather than dealing with complications and difficulties of gum diseases, it is better to prevent them from happening,” he shared.

Gumtect Brand Marketing Manager, Atria Casidsid also talked about how Gumtect Gumcare and Gumtect Sensitive are especially formulated to help promote healthy gums so that gum problems won’t get in the way of holiday fun.

Gumtect Gumcare is the only gum care toothpaste with GUMSHIELD+ which contains Allantoin, which improves the condition of the gums, Vitamin E, which moisturizes gums and Triclean, which reduces the formation of plaque and shields against harmful mouth bacteria while Gumtect Sensitive has a Dynamic Desensitizing System that helps relieve sensitive teeth. Both Gumtect Sensitive and Gumtect Gumcare also have Active Anti-Cavity Protection that ensures fresh breath and strong teeth enamel.

As guests at the Food Crawl enjoyed hot bowls of ramen, desserts like lemon squares and keylime pie, sipped coffee and competed in food challenges like the Mais Con Hielo relay and Sip the Noodle challenge, the Kramers reminded them to “make the ‘Ber months Care months for our oral health, especially for our teeth and gums. With the help of Gumtect, we won’t miss out on a single foodie moment this holiday season!”

To know more about gum health care tips, visit www.facebook.com/Gumtect.

Holiday Seasons with King Sue Ham

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With the Season of Giving and Sharing, we celebrate are longest and extra-special. It’s a part of the Filipino culture and tradition. Filipinos are known for having close family ties and being super hospitable. Every celebration is always extra-special for them.

Once the calendar hit the “BER” months, Christmas spirit can be heard and felt in just every corner. Christmas carols are being played in the radio, tv commercials and in malls, hotels and restaurants. Christmas lightings and shows are everywhere. Visitors from other countries could only wonder in amazement how locals are able to allot the entire latter third part of the calendar year to celebrating Christmas. That’s Pinoy spirit!

Part of our tradition is to fill our dining tables with bountiful mix of foods, 1) during the “noche Buena” salo-salo, and 2) on special gatherings with friends on several batches… last year I attended more or less 6 Christmas parties! J

And in all these occasions, one particular food is always present… the Christmas HAM, a tradition King Sue Ham &Sausage Co. Inc. understands very well. King sue ham believes in delivering Premium Quality and variety process meats packed with the latest food technology for the consumption of the Filipino family.

King Sue has a wide variety of Premium Christmas Hams that are sure to suit every palate, budget, and preference from the popular Chinese Ham Bone-In, Pina Ham, Sweet Ham, Hawaiian Ham, to its Pear-Shaped Ham. “There’s a ham for everyone regardless of age, gender, and lifestlye. It can also be enjoyed not just during the Christmas season but all year round as well,” says Romana Go, Marketing Manager for King Sue.

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It is no surprise then that Filipinos who wish to make a lasting impression to special people in their lives choose to either serve these during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and most often give these as gifts during the season.

Indeed, King Sue is a part of Filipino Christmas tradition as the quezo de bola and the various lucky round fruits and its quest to satisfy the Filipino taste and their ever-changing lifestyle will always be at its core values.

If you want to delight your guests with “A Taste Fit for a King,” get a King Sue Ham on your dining tables this Christmas season!!!

For more information about King Sue Hams and this season’s promo, follow them on FB, https://www.facebook.com/KingSueHam/

Their Humble Beginnings

Its founder, Mr. Cu Un Kay, came to Manila from China as a 12-year-old on board a vessel. Even at a young age, he knew the importance of hard work and was employed as a cook by his uncle who owned a cold storage facility in Echague. There, he met a German who later taught him to manufacture hams and cold cuts.

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Using this knowledge, Mr. Cu Un Kay started his own business and sought to perfect the meat production process using only aluminum cauldron over three adobe stones. He concentrated on producing hams, especially the Bone-in-Chinese Ham, which his business became known for.

At the end of World War II, the brand “King Sue” was born. “KING”, the family surname, implies royalty and enormity while “SUE”, means small in Fookien. The two names, while seemingly contradicting, actually tells the story of how Mr. Cu Un Kay may have had modest beginnings, but his dreams and ambition are big.

Pru Life UK launches PRUride PH 2019

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British life insurer Pru Life UK launched PRUride PH 2019, the country’s largest cycling festival, following the success of the 2016 and 2018 events.

PRUride PH 2019 promises to be bigger and more exciting as the festival is once again set to gather the strongest and most competitive cyclists from the Philippines and across Asia. To be held in Filinvest City, Alabang in April and Subic, Zambales in May, more than 2,500 cyclists are expected to participate in 18 challenging categories of all expertise levels. There will also be fun activities for the whole family, such as the Strider Cup, a no-pedal balance bike competition.

Kicking off the excitement on April 7, 2019 are the high-octane races of the PRUride Criterium, which will be held at Filinvest City in Alabang. In this event, local talents will compete in different categories, including fixed gear, road bike, mountain bike, and folding bike races, among others.
The second leg of the festivities will be held at Subic Freeport Zone from May 24 to 26, 2019. Highlights of the weekend will be the PRUride UCI 2.2. Stage Race, a three-day stage race which will see 20 top teams from the country and across Asia compete for individual, team, and stage honors. Recognized with a 2.2-accreditation by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – the world’s governing body for cycling – PRUride PH 2019 is included in the UCI World Calendar and will allow professionals to chalk up UCI points required for entry into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Amateur cyclists will also have the chance to join in the fun with the new masters single stage race as well as the non-competitive Gran Fondo in 30, 60, or 100 kilometers.

Registration opens soon at www.pruride.ph. There are early-bird discount rate and limited-edition freebies for registered participants until December 31. All participants will receive a PRUride PH 2019 jersey and all finishers will take home a finisher medal. More than PhP 2 million worth of cash prizes will be up for grabs.

PRUride PH was first staged in 2016 by Pru Life UK to engage the growing cycling community in the Philippines, raise awareness on cycling as a sustainable alternative mode of transport, as well as promote health and wellness through the sport.

 
About Pru Life UK

A subsidiary of Prudential plc, Pru Life UK was established in 1996 when the Insurance Commission granted the Company the license to operate and sell life insurance products in the country. Since then, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 130 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of more than 20,000 licensed agents, and has emerged as one of the top five life insurers. Pru Life UK holds headquarters in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans. Prudential plc is a United Kingdom-registered company. Its regional headquarters, Prudential Corporation Asia, is based in Hong Kong. Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a US-registered company), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies).

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

GAOC opens newest clinic at Vertis North

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Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), the leading dental clinic in the Philippines and one of the best in Southeast Asia, is unrelenting in its growth and expansion as it opens its newest clinic to date at the Ayala Malls Vertis North.

Upholding GAOC’s philosophy of excellence and personalized service, GAOC Vertis North, their 10th clinic, aims to serve people from the North, the Camanava area, and even as far as Pampanga.

This state-of-the art clinic further affirms GAOC’s status as a leader in oral health and dentistry in the country. Boasting of an expansive 130 sqm., it comes equipped with the latest digital dental technology, featuring three treatment rooms, an operating room, a consultation room, and a sterilization room.

With focus on implant dentistry, prosthodontic and cosmetic procedures such as bridges, crowns, and veneers, patients can expect only superior dental services from a team of highly skilled and experienced dental practitioners who have completed their training in top-notch hospitals, universities and global institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia.

“The year 2018 is truly an exceptional year for GAOC,” says Dr. Steve Mark Gan, GAOC President and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only are we expanding across unserved areas, but we are growing our roster of satisfied clients and highly regarded endorsers.”

To experience GAOC’s first-rate brand of dentistry, schedule an appointment and visit a branch near you. GAOC’s Vertis North branch is located at Level 3 Ayala Malls Vertis North, Mindanao Ave., Quezon City with tel. nos. +632 ‎‎292-4262, +632 ‎‎368-1838 , +63 917-157-4262 and e-mail vertis@gaocdental.com.

For more details and information, like and follow GAOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @gaocdental or visit www.gaocdental.com.

Top ranking seed company East-West Seed hosts Vegetable Field Day at Villar Sipag Farm

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As part of its participation to the 25th Asian Seed Congress 2018, East-West Seed (EWS) organized a demo field in Villar SIPAG Farm in Bacoor, Cavite. Formally opened through a Field Day November 16, 2018, the EWS Demo Field showcases over 100 vegetable varieties in a unique ‘Pinoy Fiesta’ set-up.

Asian Seed Congress delegates and media guests were greeted by Sen. Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. “We are glad that East-West Seed has chosen this as the venue for the East-West Seed Field Day 2018.”

She also thanked EWS for partnering with Villar SIPAG in the training programs and its generosity in sharing expertise in vegetable farming.

“East-West Seed developed these vegetable varieties with the aim to improve the lives and incomes of smallholder farmers around the world and to help give better nutrition to consumers,” said Mike Dela Paz, Product Manager of East-West Seed.

#1 in South and Southeast Asia

This commitment was recently highlighted in a recognition received by East-West Seed at the Asian Seed Congress 2018. The independent organization Access to Seeds revealed EWS to be number 1 out of 24 companies in in serving smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia.

The Access to Seeds Index is measuring and ranking seed companies according to their efforts to improve access to quality seeds of improved varieties to support smallholder farmer productivity.

For over three decades, East-West Seed has served over 18 million smallholder farmers worldwide to increase their productivity and incomes. Part of their efforts have been to provide and breed specific needs of their clients, selling seeds in small packages, and providing training to farmers. It is this business model that proves and supports the goal of the Access to Seed Index which is to bridge the gap between the world’s leading seed companies and the smallholder farmer.

“We are deeply proud of this achievement as it reflects our continued mission to improve the lives of farmers one seed at a time,” said Henk Hermans, EWS General Manager in the Philippines.

“Better Seeds for a Better World”

With the theme, “Better Seeds for a Better World,” the field demo features a wide range of vegetable varieties that produce better yield, thrive in changing conditions, and have traits that are attractive to vegetable consumers.

It also boasts unique varieties including rounded eggplant, butternut pumpkin, purple waxy-sweet corn, and purple yardlong bean.

This event also has an interactive component with East-West Seed’s catalog app CropWiki which was launched last 2017. CropWiki contains detailed information on over 900 of East-West Seed’s vegetable varieties. Filled with physical and genetic crop information, the app can help increase farmers’ income because it provides knowledge needed to make informed decisions in farming.

East-West Seed will also hold Field Days for the public on November 21 to 23 in their demo fields in Villar SIPAG Farm and in the University of the Philippines – Los Banos. Urban gardening workshops, cooking demos, learning sessions with farmers, and a career day for students will be held during these field days and will be offered for FREE to everyone.

MOTOLITE RES-Q General App Story

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Life has a away of coming at the most unexpected moments. Imagine driving by yourself and suddenly you experience car trouble — whether it’s a flat tire, the battery dies, or the gas runs out, it’s always difficult when you don’t have someone to come to you aid.

Most local motorists have come to ely on Motolite’s Express Hatid when it comes to car battery problems Just a call Motolite’s hotline number and a knowledgeable mechanic-on-wheels will be at your location in no time.

But what if it’s than just battery problems? Enter the Motolite RES-Q app. Free to download from the App Store and Google Play, the MOtolite RES-Q app s Motolite’s way of giving motorists the peace of mind hat when it comes to car troubles, someone always has their back.

Launch the app and with ust a few clicks, help is on the way. It’s that easy. What’s more, the motolite Res-Q app allows you to see the profile of the RES-Q rider coming o you, track xacty where he is real time, and rate them based on the services rendered.

“It is at the heart of Motolite’s branding to guarantee a worry-free driving experience to our clients especially in Metro Manila, “Motolit Vice-President Ricky Chan said. ” And to do this means addressing the more common problems they may face on the road and the Motolite RES-Q app is ne way to achieve that ojective of giving our customers that ‘peace of mind’ while on the road

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Motolite’s partnership with the Ateneo Lady Eagles Valleyball TEam is a perfect match as it aligns with the brand’s vision of helping Philippine sports. It has been well documented that Motolite has been a staunch backer of moto sports, billiards, basketball and of course boxing.

With one game left to play in the eliminations of the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference, the Motolite-Ateneo Lady Eagles find themselves on top with a 10-3 record and a solid footing in the best of three semifinals.

This is proof that the Philippines’ undisputed leader in automotive, motorcycle, and industrial batteries has every Filipino’s good at the heart of MOtolite’s branding.

For the longest time, Motolite has been the name motorists rely on when aces wih unexpected car battery problems on the road. Its Motolite Express Hatid has helped countless local motorists from the hassle of being stuck on theroad due to car battery failure.

With the Moltolite RES-Q app, motorists ad passengers alike will no longer have to worry about car troubls disrupting their schedules especially hen they are rushing to work, school, attending an important meeting, or even driving out of town.

PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF WITH THE NEW AIRASIA CREDIT CARD!

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AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Airline for 10 years (according to Skytrax World Airline Awards, July 2018) has sparked a revolution in air travel with more and more people in the Philippines choosing AirAsia as the preferred choice of airline. Aiming to create excitement among Filipinos, the airline company, in partnership with RCBC Bankard and Visa has launched the new AirAsia Credit Card in the Philippines that will make more people travel to their dream destinations faster with the airline. Along with their loyalty program, AirAsia BIG Loyalty will enable AirAsia Credit Cardholders to enjoy the lowest flight fares across AirAsia’s extensive network.

AirAsia Credit cardholders get to enjoy exciting perks and privileges every time they spend with their AirAsia Credit Card. Starting with a fantastic Welcome bonus gift of up to 8,000 BIG Points that will start them earning free flights when booking during the Final Call Sales; instant upgrade to the BIG Platinum membership status and Free Priority check in, boarding and baggage every time they fly with AirAsia; and, don’t forget a brilliant low spend per point conversion at Php 22.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “This dynamic collaboration between RCBC and AirAsia Berhad represents an exciting step forward in our on-going journey towards providing modern travel experiences for our guests. With AirAsia credit card, we are providing amazing opportunities and exclusive privileges for every guest to create memorable travel experiences whether they are on ground shopping, dining or flying to AirAsia destinations in the Philippines connecting across all ASEAN countries including Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Middle East and Hawaii in United States. “

“We believe that the AirAsia Credit Card embodies the wanderlust spirit and the adventurous lifestyle of Filipinos. As such, it is also essential that the AirAsia Credit Card will be able to help Filipinos get access to financial services anywhere in the world. Adding to the travel benefits, AirAsia Credit cardholders will receive real-time SMS alerts service that lets cardholders have security and control over their spending; conversion of straight purchases to zero percent at three months with Unli 0 to up to 36 months installment term with UNLI Installment; access to cash anywhere in the world; free travel insurance and purchase protection; and, a worry-free and rewarding bills payment process.” RCBC Bankard Services Corp. President & CEO Simon Javier A. Calasanz said during the AirAsia Credit Card launching event held last November 14 at Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City.

“The partnership that we have with AirAsia and RCBC Bankard enables us to create a credit card product that encompasses all the exciting travel benefits for Filipinos. Travel is one of the top categories of spend amongst Filipino cardholders. Based on Visa’s data, close to 10 per cent of Visa total spend is on air tickets. With this credit card product, Filipinos can enjoy flight fares at competitive prices and the travel benefits that come along with it, while earning additional rewards when they spend using their cards. It is our commitment to work closely with our partners to create products and services that are relevant to our cardholders, so they continue to enjoy the perks of using digital payments in the country,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines & Guam.

Filipinos can already start applying for the new AirAsia Credit Card. Just log on to www.rcbcbankard.com/airasia, www.airasiacards.com/ph or www.airasiabig.com/ph/en and complete the application form.

About AirAsia Group
AirAsia, the world’s leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia by passengers, services an extensive network of over 130 destinations. Since starting operations in 2001, AirAsia has carried more than 500 million guests and has grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 200. The airline is proud to be a truly ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines as well as India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across Asia, Australia and New Zealand and the Middle East. AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards ten times in a row from 2009 to 2018. AirAsia was also awarded World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fifth consecutive year at the 2017 World Travel Awards, where it also beat a field of full-service carriers to become the first ever low-cost carrier to win World’s Leading Inflight Service.

About AirAsia BIG Loyalty
AirAsia BIG Loyalty was established in November 2011 and is owned and operated by Think BIG Digital Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of AirAsia Bhd in collaboration with Aimia Inc. As the loyalty programme for AirAsia, AirAsia BIG Loyalty enables its members to enjoy the lowest flight fares across AirAsia’s extensive network. More than 18 million AirAsia BIG Loyalty Members can earn AirAsia BIG Points on AirAsia flights to over 130 destinations across Asia, Australia and New Zealand and the Middle East, participating hotels as well as retail, e-commerce, travel and lifestyle partners within the region. The loyalty programme makes all seats redeemable by utilising AirAsia BIG Points. Other member-exclusive privileges include 24-hour priority booking for selected AirAsia sales.

AirAsia BIG Loyalty was named the Loyalty Programme of the Year in 2016, and won gold for Best Regional Loyalty Marketing Campaign, Best Use of Direct Marketing, and Best Use of Social at The Loyalty & Engagement Awards 2016. In 2018, it received the Best Use of Technology Award at the 10th Annual Loyalty Conference and Awards. It also took home a gold for Best Loyalty Programme – Travel/Hospitality at Loyalty & Engagement Awards 2018. The AirAsia BIG Loyalty app is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information on the mobile app plus other updates, log on to airasiabig.com or follow AirAsia BIG on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About RCBC and RCBC Bankard
RCBC Bankard Services Corporation (RBSC) is the Card Servicing entity of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the Philippines’ largest private universal banks. RCBC and RCBC Bankard Services Corporation are members of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC). RCBC Bankard provides unique and world-class credit card products, versatile add-on services, and an innovative rewards program to its various cardholders.

About Visa
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network – enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit www.visa.com.ph

GLOBAL SEED EXPERTS GATHER FOR THE 25TH ASIAN SEED CONGRESS IN THE PH Millions worth of business expected to be generated

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Hundreds of seed experts, traders and buyers from all over the world are now in the Philippines for the 25th Asian Seed Congress (ASC), the biggest gathering of seed industry players in the world. The ASC is jointly organized by the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA). This is the third time that Philippines is hosting this prestigious seed conference.

APSA is the biggest regional seed trade association with more than 600 members from 50 countries, accounting for more than one third of the global seed trade. Since it’s inauguration in 1994 in Chang Mai, Thailand, this exclusive event has attracted close to 2,000 delegates annually, including key executives, officials, legislators and scientists who all share a common stake in the development, production, distribution, regulation, and trade of quality seeds.

Anchored on the concept, “Seed the Future,” the Congress also hopes to reinforce the significant role that the largely ignored tiny seed play in our daily lives, as the main source of our food, clothes, fuel, among other things.

“The Philippines is proud to once again host this year’s Asian Seed Congress, especially as it celebrates its 25th year. Our annual gathering is something that all of us in the seed industry look forward to because it is the time where, together, we learn new seed technologies, exchange views on regulatory trends, network for seed trading, reconnect with colleagues in the industry, experience, explore opportunities for farmers to further grow their businesses, and jointly discuss strategies on how to better promote and protect the industry. We are also excited on the business that will be generated in the trading tables knowing that our regional seed industry is the strongest around the world,” PSIA President Mary Ann Sayoc adds.

APSA President Brenda Dossey for her part said that the organization’s growth to become the largest regional seed association in the world is through the cooperation of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Danish International Development Agency aimed at promoting quality seed production and marketing in the Asia and Pacific Region. Dossey adds that APSA has already established strong linkages with international organizations for economic cooperation and development.

For her part, APSA Secretariat Acting Director May Chodchoey said that “the Asian Seed Congress facilitates a prime opportunity for stakeholders to get together in one place where delegates can network, grow their business and get updates on the latest industry developments and technologies, to gain an edge in the most populous and lucrative region in the world.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, said that while the Philippines may be regarded as one of the emerging leaders, there is still a necessity to explore additional growth in this sector and ensure that is protected by the right regulatory framework. Villar filed Senate Bill 322, which seeks to set up a continuing national program for hybrid and other quality seeds production which hopes to complement the existing SEED Industry Development Act (SIDA).

The two-decade old SIDA is up for amendment and the seed industry is excited looking forward to additional measures that will improve, safeguard and strengthen the country’s seed industry.