Robinsons Supermarket’s Route to Wellness Campaign

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In time for the back-to-school season, families, especially students, can continue their journey towards healthy living as they discover nutritious and rewarding food choices in “Learn Wellness”, the second promo event in the “Route to Wellness” campaign of Robinsons Supermarket.

Robinsons Supermarket welcomed families to the “Magical World of Wellness” recently at Eastwood Central Plaza. The enchanting set-up was composed of fun wizarding activities from a VTR game, potion-making and a finders-keepers game. Select moms also got a chance to learn and make their own bento-boxes. All games and activities help educate kids and kids-at-heart on the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

From May 1 to June 30, 2017, shoppers will get a PHP 100 OFF coupon for a minimum single receipt purchase of PHP 3,000 at Robinsons Supermarket. Purchases must be inclusive of PHP 500 worth of participating products from Nestle, CDO, Splash, Wyeth, or Purefoods. Loyal shoppers can also earn additional 10 Robinsons Rewards Card points when they buy select Nestle products during this promo.

Robinsons Supermarket’s Route to Wellness campaign banners its commitment to strengthening its “We Love Wellness” advocacy that enables it to provide healthier food options and alternatives to Filipinos.

To stay updated on Robinsons Supermarket’svarious activities and learn more about its “Route to Wellness” campaign, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph.

Shopee Expands Selection of Men’s Products Due to Growing Male Online Shoppers

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While online shopping has traditionally been a female activity, the guys aren’t about to get left behind. More Filipino males are starting to browse online for better deals skipping shopping in traditional brick-and-mortar malls.

Shopee, the leading mobile shopping app in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has recognized this new shopping behavior of male consumers, who are more meticulous than women when it comes to buying online.

Macy Castillo, Shopee’s Head of Commercial Business shares, “Apart from gadgets that are widely popular no matter the age, the shopping behavior of men in the Philippines differ based on age groups. Men aged between 20 and 24 are trend conscious and have lower spending power, but shop more often, buying more Fashion and Accessories. Men between 25 to 30 spend a bit more on Wellness, Hobbies and Sports items; while men between 31-35 who have higher purchasing power, buy from our Toys, Kids and Babies category as well as Men’s Skincare. We see our dads buying baby bottles and face creams — products that they are not usually seen buying in public!”

To cater to the different and discerning needs of male customers, Shopee expands its product selection with more trusted brands like Belo Essentials, HP, SanDisk and Promate,.

Belo Men Brand Manager Mario Garcia says, “With Shopee, we can tap more consumers for Belo Men. It enables us to reach out to our customers and help them with their needs and concerns. We are very happy with our partnership!”

Joharrah Aviles, Promate’s E-Commerce Director of Southeast Asia adds, “Shopee is the perfect shopping app for our brand. Not only is it convenient and hassle-free, but it is also highly social in nature, which helps us a lot in communicating with our customers.”

For men who are hesitant about shopping online, Shopee’s Live Chat allays fears by allowing buyers to easily communicate with the sellers for any questions they may have. Users also enjoy Shopee Guarantee, which protects payments until orders are delivered.

Shopee is available at free download from the App Store and Google Play. For more information about Shopee, or to start your online shopping experience, visit www.shopee.ph

IMMAP Launches Digital Congress 2017, DX: The Culture of Digital Transformation

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Manila, Philippines—The Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) announced last April 6 the first details of this year’s Digital Congress (DigiCon), including programs, speakers, and activities at the annual industry event. Carrying the theme “DX: The Culture of Digital Transformation,” DigiCon 2017 will be held on October 11-13 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

“Over the past years, not only has digital technology changed the way we communicate, interact, work and play as individuals, it has begun transforming entire companies and industries,” shares IMMAP President Margot B. Torres. “Through DigiCon 2017, it is IMMAP’s aim to equip companies with the tools that they need to transform in this age of digital evolution and innovate amidst constant change.”

To help Filipino marketers adapt in this era of digitization, the second year of the congress focuses on fostering a unique culture that thrives in today’s digital age. The largest of its kind in the Philippines, it is expected to draw around 2,500 delegates from various industries across the country. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to content provided by globally acknowledged opinion leaders, among them: Altimeter Group Principal Analyst and award-winning author Brian Solis. His first trip to the Philippines, Solis will impart his expertise to help participants understand the relationship between the evolution of technology and its impact on people.

Other speakers include: Google Director of People DN Prasad, WARC Managing Director for Asia Pacific Edward Pank, TNS APAC Director for Digital Zoe Lawrence, LOWE Global Head Wayne Arnold, McCann Creative Planner for Japan Shun Matsuzaka, Dentsu Aegis Philippine CEO and IMMAP founding President Donald Lim, Deloitte Digital Regional Strategy Director Amer Iqbal, Founder of McCann Millennials Shun Matsuzaka, JWT APAC Director for Digital Josie Brown, Spotify APAC Managing Director Sunita Kaur, EMEA Marketing Lead, Emerging Business for Facebook Ana Bishop Rehrig, Asia-Pacific CEO for iProspect Joanna Catalano, APAC CEO for Havas Media and India & South East Asia for Havas Group Vishnu Mohan, SEA General Manager for Maker Studios, Gautam Talwar, ASEAN President for Cisco Naveen Menon, Brand Manager Mondelez Philippines for Tang PH Lawrence Dominique Lorico, Thinking Machines CEO Stephanie Sy, George Royeca for Team VR, OnOff Group Design Thinking Specialist and founder Phil Smithson, and Deputy Commissioner of the National Privacy Commission Dondi Mapa.

A total of 80 speakers will share their expertise spread over 5 + 1 tracks; this year’s DigiCon will have five main topics (People and Organizations, New Age of Storytelling, Living Streams, Customer Experience, and Pivots and Unicorns) plus one to be introduced this year (Culture). The Culture track is a new addition that will go beyond the breakout sessions; it aims to foster collaboration among participants and to show how digital technology is accessible, fun, and most of all, felt.

Attendees will immerse themselves in understanding innovative tactile experiences such as Virtual and Augmented reality at DigiCon’s Trade Exhibit, which will showcase e-commerce and other impressive technology solutions. In between tracks and exhibits are culture-shaping activities that will push participants to network and have a well-rounded experience.

“A true transformation needs to occur at many levels,” says IMMAP Vice-President and DigiCon Chairman Ed Mapa. “Ultimately, organizations need to constantly re-evaluate and be ready to change how they work—from processes, to organizational teams, and to ways of working. The sooner we adapt, the more benefits we can enjoy.”

For more information on DigiCon 2017, The Culture of Digital Transformation, including how to attend, exhibit or sponsor, visit http://www.digicon.com.ph.

Three new exciting flavors from Wilkins Delight

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Beverage giant, Coca-Cola, brings innovation to a whole new level with the introduction of the first water – flavored with real fruit juice, in the Philippines – Wilkins Delight!

On April 5, the Company officially introduced the newest addition to the growing water portfolio of the Wilkins Brand. Wilkins Delight is an exciting water brand for young adults and anyone who want more than just water. It is just the right kind of light; made from pure drinking water from your most trusted water brand, Wilkins, and infused with fruit flavors from real fruit.

“Young adults hate boredom. They want their lives to be interesting and colorful.”, said Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka. “[They] want to see new places, meet new people and taste new colorful products that are not only healthy and hydrate, but also entertain their taste buds.”

It’s a colorful, fruity twist that hydrates your body naturally, while at the same time excites your palette and teases your vision with fun light colors of amber – for the Apple infused flavor, pink – for that hint sweet taste of Pomelo flavor, and orange – for that fizzy Orange twist. The hydrating burst of flavors in the new Wilkins Delight will surprise Pinoy millenials to break-free from the monotony by adding color to their routinely lives.

“This is why today we create a new generation of water – a unique fusion of all the natural benefits from your no. 1 trusted water brand Wilkins (Pure) and all the joyful goodness and fun extracted from real fruit– great refreshing taste, amazing colors, and an endless option of interesting flavors from fruits!,” added Czypionka.

Media attendees, Coca-Cola partners and some of your favorite millennials in the local scene who graced the event experienced an afternoon of breaking free from their usual ‘everyday’ routines and get to enjoy tons of fun and colorful activities!

That’s not all as more surprises came with the reveal of the official TVC for Wilkins Delight along with the brand’s new powerful set of ambassadors – Kapamilya’s talented star Matteo Guidicelli and the Philippines’ very own Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa!

“As someone who’s from the beauty pageant industry, I need to take good care of my health and my complexion by drinking safe and pure drinking water. With Wilkins Delight, drinking water gets even more fun as it helps rejuvenate me — keeping my skin healthy. The good thing about Wilkins Delight is that it comes in three exciting fruit flavors. All three variants of Wilkins Delight are delicious, although my personal favorite is the apple flavored one. There’s definitely one for everyone!”, Kylie says.

Matteo also shared how important water is in his every day routine especially with his busy schedule as an artist, and a sports enthusiast —

“As an actor, singer and triathlete, water is always a must for me to help me stay focused, refreshed and energized. Wilkins has always been my no. 1 go to water for hydration. Now, drinking water doesn’t have to be boring because of Wilkins Delight! With the benefits of safe and pure drinking water of Wilkins (Pure) combined with the infused flavor from real fruits, my daily water routine just got more colorful with Wilkins Delight!”, Matteo added.

Wilkins Delight comes in three exciting flavors! Pink Pomelo, Apple and Orange. Each rehydrates the body because of the water, and tickles the tongue because it has real fruit juice. Wilkins Delight is now available in 425ml pack at the suggested retail price (SRP) of P15 in your leading supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores; and in 250ml pack for an SRP of P10 in your favorite sari-sari stores nationwide.

Add flavor to your water. Add color to your life. Enjoy new Wilkins Delight.

National Book Store: Read Out Loud For A Better Future.

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Books have their own unique effect on each individual. When we get to hold books in our hands and flip through its pages, words enchant us, opening our minds to new experiences. There are books that inform and educate people, from general facts about life to how to cook exotic dishes. There are also books that take you on exciting adventures, scare you through thrilling feats, and of course, books that make you feel all kinds of love – even the unimaginable. Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a book and adding it to your bookshelf, knowing that you’ve been changed by what you read. While there may be thousands of books published out there, some just stick with us and are worth sharing with the rest of the world.

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Spreading the love for reading among Filipinos is at the core of National Book Store (NBS). This year, the country’s favorite book store is celebrating 75 years of creating a growing nation of readers and being a strong advocate for education.

As part of the festivities, NBS recently launched the Read Out Loud Challenge (ROLC) on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote the love of reading among Filipinos while supporting a good cause. The mechanics are simple. Post a video of yourself reading out loud an excerpt from your favorite book and challenge 3 other people to do it. When you upload to either Facebook or Instagram, add the hashtag #ReadOutLoudChallenge and tag National Book Store (@nbsalert).

For every 75 videos posted, the NBS Foundation will set up a library in a public school, complete with Project Aklat racks that consist of DepEd-approved books. Project Aklat is an initiative started back in 2006 by the NBS Foundation, and 400 libraries have been set up since then. Now, with the ongoing ROLC campaign, NBS aims to set up 100 libraries nationwide.

With such a worthy cause, it’s no surprise that celebrities and authors have taken on the ROLC. Leading them is no less than the founder of NBS and an advocate for literacy, Mrs. Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called.

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While the ROLC will promote and support Project Aklat, the NBS Foundation will also launch the 8th year of Project Aral this April 7,2017 in all NBS branches nationwide. Project Aral aims to visit and help over 150 communities who lack basic school necessities. That’s why in this year’s Project Aral, there will be two different kits: The first kit which costs only 25 pesos contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. The second kit costs 50 pesos and contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pair of slippers – a great gift for children who currently have to make their way to school barefoot. But whatever kit you purchase will surely bring a smile to many Filipino children.

These are just a few of the activities in store for Filipinos as part of National Book Store’s 75th anniversary. There will be more to come, but for now, celebrate with NBS by accepting the Read Out Loud Challenge to spread the love for reading and help set up libraries nationwide. Time to bring your favorite lines to life! Shop online at nationalbookstore.com. Visit the NBS Blog (blog.nationalbookstore.com) and follow them on social media (@nbsalert) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Daiso Japan opens their 60th store at UP Town Center

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Celebrating the ever-growing popularity of Japanese shopping in the Philippines, Daiso Japan
has opened its 60th store in the country to enable more Filipinos to Daisofy their lives with
affordable and high-quality Japanese-inspired office and home items.

Located at the UP Town Center in Quezon City, the newest addition to the local network of
Daiso Japan outlets is also introducing a new design style – one that is reminiscent of its stores
in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“The new store concept for Daiso Japan allows our products to take front and center – bringing
it closer to Filipino consumers. The store was designed with elements that will keep it clean,
bright, airy, and streamlined, making it easier for visitors to maneuver and explore the whole
store,” said Katherine Yu, Daiso Japan general manager. “The new store design is in line with
the mantra of the brand to provide quality, variety, and uniqueness in our product line.”
Some of the design elements include polished stainless, laminate and metal decking floor
pattern that brings to life a sleek and industrial interior.

Aside from showcasing its new and exciting interiors, Daiso Japan also welcomed loyal
customers to its latest store with a flash sale where items were sold for P60, P160, and P260
only! The opening day was also dotted with fun activities and treats, including free ice cream
for everyone.

Media guests were also treated to a journaling session with Cienne Olaes, a watercolor junkie
and journaling expert. The fun activity was done with materials readily available at any Daiso
Japan store nationwide.

As a special treat, customers can avail of the exclusive Robinsons Rewards Card for only P100
when they visit the Daiso Japan UP Town Center outlet during its opening weekend. Points will
immediately be credited for every purchase at the store.

At Daiso Japan, every product—from office knick-knacks, home and kitchen ornaments, beauty
essentials, and practical but curious merchandise— brings utmost value for money! Come visit
any of the 60 Daiso Japan stores today. For more updates, follow Daiso Japan on Facebook
(www.Facebook.com/DaisoJapanPH)

Fuel exciting journeys this summer with Shell

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Summer is all about experiences that will fuel your energy and recharge you from the daily city grind. It’s all about taking that well-deserved break and escaping reality – even for just a weekend. Summer connotes exciting adventures and exploring new places, but the fun and excitement doesn’t need to start when you hit that beach or that mountain trail. It should actually begin the moment you step in your car and get on that road. Be it with a perfect road trip playlist, an ice-cold drink, or even just peace of mind knowing that your car is in tip-top condition to get you through the drive; that comfort and thrill of excitement knowing you’re on your way begins your summer journey.

 

Pilipinas Shell knows what summer is all about as it ushers in the hottest but most exciting season in the country. Through its various refreshing products, reliable service, and summer customer delight offerings, Pilipinas Shell is surely, the perfect partner on the road.

 

Recharge your summer road trip

 

In a summer-themed drive dubbed “Recharge Your Summer Road Trip,” Shell kicked off their summer offerings by taking the media on a relaxing yet exciting whole-day escapade. Throughout the 44-kilometer drive to the Southern parts of the metro in MINI vehicles powered by Shell V-Power Nitro+, media participants took on different challenges and experienced refreshing fare that featured what every summer traveler needed and looked for during their summer road trips.

 

The adventure started off with a scrumptious and hefty breakfast from Deli2Go’s range of dishes at Shell South Luzon Expressway 1 station. Participants were then divided into teams and, in keeping with Shell’s values and commitment to safety and health, were briefed on safety guidelines on the road and for the days’ activities. Featured, were the media’s exclusive Recharge Challenge Passport, which allowed participants to rack up points for every completed pit stop challenge, and Shell’s Summer Journey Card, an instant-prize card available for all customers when they gas-up and shop at any Shell station, were also distributed to the media.

 

Throughout the day, participants faced challenges that most travelers encountered on the road and were tasked to find the most efficient solution for each. From necessity shopping lists, to finding the perfect restroom for nature’s call, to knowing products and services that can ease your drive, and experiencing refreshing food and drinks to fuel your energy, participants experienced it all and came to understand Shell as the perfect stop and best partner anyone can have with them. Knowing there’s a Shell oasis up ahead puts any traveler’s mind at ease as they traverse the long and dusty roads.

 

“As part of Pilipinas Shell’s efforts in making each journey better for every Filipino, we launched a summer campaign that aims to demonstrate the recharging and exciting drive that Shell can offer especially during the summer season. To launch this campaign, we held this drive to encourage motorists to always be prepared on the road by fueling up with quality products and visiting a one-stop-shop that has everything they need for the journey ahead,” said Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail, Anthony Lawrence Yam.

 

Fuel your summer excitement with Shell

 

To make summer road trips better for its customers, Pilipinas Shell has a lot more in store for Filipino motorists throughout the season. Apart from its quality products and services, customers can also enjoy delicious snacks and refreshing beverages from Shell Select & Deli2Go, as well as earn points by using their SM Advantage cards for every purchase at Shell. To fully make the most out of every visit, customers will be issued their own Shell Summer Journey Cards which they can use to collect stamps upon each purchase to win exciting prizes from Shell, such as refreshing drinks or a chance to win a trip to a summer destination.

 

By providing quality fuel products and services to motorists around the world, Shell gained its foothold as a global leader in power and energy that pioneers next generation technology in developing new energy sources for a reliable energy mix, producing smarter products, as well as promoting its smarter use, building smarter infrastructure and providing energy efficient engineering solutions that ultimately promote clean & efficient transport, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and a new energy future to address the energy challenge.

‘Groufie’ era begins with the new OPPO F3 Plus

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Selfies will never be the same now with the whole gang in the picture!

Mobile technology brand OPPO just launched its flagship dual selfie camera phone, the F3 Plus—the first-ever smartphone with a wide-angle dual front camera to easily accommodate ‘groufies’ in a single shot. The new phone will be out in Philippine stores as well as in India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia beginning April 1.

“Since OPPO started the Selfie Revolution in the Philippines with the F1 Series, we’ve gone through incredible growth especially when we became the country’s second bestselling smartphone in 2016,” OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng said. “We are very excited to see the F3 Plus start a new trend in groufies and reinforce our position as the Selfie Expert.”

“The F3 Plus was developed for both selfie lovers and photography buffs who want a smartphone that lets them take stunning shots wherever they are, no matter the time of day. Our newest camera phone packs state-of-the-art hardware and software in a sleek body to deliver outstanding performance and style, perfect for the urban lifestyle,” Cheng added.

Effortless from selfie to groufie

Set to be the ultimate Selfie Expert, the F3 Plus builds upon the technology of the earlier OPPO F1s to deliver outstanding selfie photography. The new smartphone sports a similar 16-megapixel (MP) selfie camera with a 1/3-inch sensor for clear image results even in low light, as well as an f/2.0 aperture for depth-of-field aesthetic.

The difference lies in the additional secondary camera. This 8MP groufie-camera has a wide 120-degree angle—105 percent larger than the regular 80-degree lens field of view— which allows more people to fit inside the frame. The wide-angle shot is also complemented by a 6P lens to minimize distortion.

Ease of use has been carefully designed into the front camera’s functionality to reflect OPPO’s “user-oriented” philosophy. The built-in Smart Facial Recognition, for instance, notifies users to switch to “Groufie” mode when more than three people are detected. This makes the switch from selfie to groufie effortless while keeping image quality stable.

The new smartphone still comes with the brand’s pioneering image editing software, Beautify 4.0, which offers a range of beautification modes for a flawless look in every selfies and groufies.

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Built for professional photography

Significant improvements have also been made for the rear-facing camera. Co-developed by Sony, the 16MP back camera is now powered by a customized 1/2.8-inch IMX398 sensor for fast focusing speed, outstanding noise reduction, and advanced low-light performance—ideal for serious photography.

The sensor has been developed using dual-phase autofocus (DUAL PDAF) technology to double the pixel array area, which is composed of photodiodes that determine the camera’s point of focus. This increases focusing speeds by 40 percent even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Together with a large f/1.7 aperture, the sensor enables the rear camera to capture clear and breathtaking photos.

Flawless inside and out

The F3 Plus is engineered with hardware designed to support its powerful front and rear cameras. The phone’s octa-core processor is backed by a 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM to ensure speed, while OPPO’s ColorOS 3.0 optimizes performance to lower energy consumption.

A built-in 4000mAh battery provides more than 284 hours of standby time for whole-day use. OPPO’s proprietary and industry-leading rapid VOOC Charging Solution also cuts charging duration by four times compared with standard units; even five minutes on the plug is enough for a continuous two-hour call.

Dual SIM users will be glad to know that the F3 Plus includes a double-slot card tray for holding two Nano 4GSIM cards. The second slot can be used for a Micro SD card to expand storage up to 256GB.

Lightning-Fast Touch Access also unlocks the phone in just 0.2 seconds—the fastest in the market. The same scanning technology allows users to assign fingerprints to quickly launch phone numbers and apps. An Avast-based virus scanner further adds protection to keep phone data secure.

Exquisite craftsmanship for an upscale look

At the core of every OPPO phone is the brand’s belief in “design excellence.” Casing the F3 Plus is a sleek metal unibody that gives the phone an elegant form either in luxurious Black or opulent Gold. The back shell also comes with an innovative ultra-fine six-string antenna to exude a more upscale appearance. But beyond aesthetics, the body is sculpted for proper hand grip so users can take selfies with comfort.

To match the polished look is the phone’s durability. The six-inch display screen is made of 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to resist damage. Pre-applied protective coating further makes the screen scratch-proof.

The F3 Plus in Gold is coming to the Philippines this April 1 with the suggested retail price of P23,990. Pre-orders, along with a free Bluetooth headset and a selfie stick, will be available in all OPPO concept stores and selected dealer stores nationwide as well as at the brand’s official online shop in Lazada from March 24 to 31.

Shoppers can get OPPO’s latest Selfie Expert via Home Credit through a nine-month installment plan at zero percent interest. They can also watch out for Globe’s exclusive offer for OPPO F3 Plus, with date and details to be announced soon.

About OPPO

For the last 10 years, OPPO has been focusing on manufacturing camera phones, while innovating mobile photography technology breakthroughs. OPPO started the era of selfie beautification, and was the first brand to launch smartphones with 5MP and 16MP front cameras. OPPO was also the first brand to introduce the motorized rotating camera, the Ultra HD feature and the 5x Dual Camera Zoom technology. OPPO’s Selfie Expert F series launched in 2016 drove a selfie trend in the smartphone industry.

In 2016, OPPO was ranked as the number 4 smartphone brand globally, according to IDC. And today, OPPO provides excellent smartphone photography experience to over 100 million young people around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.

Citi now aims to be leading digital bank in the Philippines

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The country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products and services.

Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.

David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products, briefed members of the media this morning, and said their clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.

“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton. “At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review. With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”

Apply online and get a digitized reward too!

With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.

Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.

From now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband.

Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers

Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com.

On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia. During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.

In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include: Booky, an offline restaurant finder; Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app; Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country; and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.

In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017); Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long); Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017); and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).

Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards.

• 15% off at POBox.ph (until March 31, 2017) and Shipping Cart (for air and shipping fees until July 31)
• 12% off at Zalora year long
• 10% off at Galleon.ph until July 31
• Island Rose extends 10% off year long

Banking on a Digital Future

“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton. He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago.

Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.

“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.

Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.

“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.

Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017 – Enjoy the Summer Skies with Amazing Sights and Sounds

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LUBAO, PAMPANGA – Summer in the Philippines last 2016 heated up with colors and wonders as the biggest hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia was set to light up the skies.

 

The Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016 featured amazing balloon flights from international participants, as well as aerial exhibitions and other exciting activities like land exhibits, car shows and fireworks display. Families and barkadas got to enjoy dynamic music from Ely Buendia, Bamboo, True Faith, Sabado Boys and Mitoy and D’Draybers.

 

Indeed, it was a successful and well-attended event which paved the way for another exciting hot air balloon festival that everyone can surely look forward to. Happening on April 6-9, 2017 at Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga, the most awaited event will be back bigger, bolder, and better!

 

Bigger. More than thirty (30) international balloons will decorate the skies of Pampanga with magnificent designs and beautiful colors. It will surely be a one of a kind spectacle for the viewing pleasure of over 100,000 expected local and foreign guests.

 

Bolder. The festival will not only showcase the majestic display of hot air balloons during the day, but also provide the spectators with the chance to marvel at their grandeur against the night sky during the Night Glow. Furthermore, amazing fireworks display will cap off the day and end it on a high note.

 

Better. Great views are best enjoyed with great music. A first for the event, an international music festival will be held on the last day featuring Alex Aiono and Redfoo and the Party Rock Crew. Local artists will also perform like SpongeCola, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Yeng Constantino and Bamboo.

 

It’s going to be a wonderful experience, so bring your friends and families over to enjoy the summer with amazing sights and sounds at the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017!

 

Buy your tickets now at SM Tickets (https://www.smtickets.com) and at TicketWorld Online (https://www.ticketworld.com.ph). Ticket price is at Php300 for General Admission valid for one day only from April 6-9. A special Gold Ticket worth Php1,500 is available for April 9 which provides a closer view during our International Music Festival.

 

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017 is organized by Lubao International Balloon Festival, Inc. (LIBF) together with Forthinker, Inc., in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from Provincial Government of Pampanga.

 

For more information and inquiries, you may contact Forthinker, Inc. from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm via landline +632 942 0768, mobile 09178210728 or email – lubaoibf@gmail.com.