GCash in 2020 Catalyzing growth of the new digital economy

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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 in 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. 

“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,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

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 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, 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.

“Aside from regular financial transactions such as money transfer and bills payments, we’ve noticed shifting behaviors on how money and digital money is being used, namely on entertainment, savings, donations, and online shopping,” added Sazon, crediting the mobile wallet’s quick pivot on user needs to further expand financial inclusion in the country through digital transformation.

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 have 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/.

 

Smart Padala helps bolster PH economy as leader in mobile remittance industry; Launch of its new campaign with its new brand ambassador Angel Locsin

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PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart eMoney, Inc.) continues to lead the mobile remittance industry with its Smart Padala service on the back of a new consumer brand campaign coupled with strong remittance volumes here and abroad, further bolstering the Philippine economy as investor and consumer confidence likewise continues to expand.

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), in particular, reached $25.8 billion in 2015 and accounted for 9.8% of the country’s economic output last year. But with the brisk growth in mobile-based remittance led by PayMaya Philippines’ Smart Padala remittance service, further expansion is to be expected.

The company expects an overall transaction throughput volume of P200-billion by end-2016. PayMaya Philippines will source the throughput volumes from its PayMaya digital payments wallet app, PayMaya Business and trade payment solutions, Smart Padala mobile money transfer and remittance service.

Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO of PayMaya Philippines and Voyager Innovations.

“Opportunities in this industry remain huge as there is a still vast need to service the gaps for the unbanked and uncarded Filipinos. We are sustaining Smart Padala’s momentum as the leading mobile remittance service in the country through our new brand campaign, more pervasive on-ground presence with our flagship stores, enhanced services, more partnerships and inclusive innovations. Through these efforts, we hope to drive financial inclusion as we also grow our business,” said Orlando B. Vea, president and CEO of PayMaya Philippines and Voyager Innovations.

According to a recent mobile money report by the GSMA, mobile money has immense potential to change lives and livelihoods around the world because of its security, convenience, and instantaneous nature. It is also available in majority of economies with fewer than 20% of the population having access to formal financial institutions, such as the Philippines.

Digital and mobile money services are therefore seen as critical elements in bridging economic growth through financial inclusion. Based on data from the 1st National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last year, 7 out of 10 Filipinos are still unbanked.

It also takes Filipinos an average of 22 minutes to reach the nearest financial services provider. In terms of cost, the average round trip fare to reach a financial access point is P43. Meanwhile, for a country with a 119 million population, mobile phone penetration is at 117%, underscoring the huge role of mobile in enabling financial access.

Angel Locsin,  Smart Padala brand ambassador

Vea reaffirmed this positive outlook during the unveiling today of the new Smart Padala logo and the launch of its new campaign with celebrity Angel Locsin as its brand ambassador. The campaign aims to reinforce the unique selling proposition of Smart Padala as the most accessible, convenient, innovative and relevant mobile money remittance service in the Philippines.

Mobile money as driver for progress

With the most number of touchpoints at 15,000 Padala partner centers and growing, Smart Padala has started rolling out its rebranded flagship stores across the country. Aside from stronger presence and merchandising with the new logo, the flagship stores also offer enhanced services including international remittance, bills payment and as fulfillment center for other upcoming financial technology services.

Smart Padala has also been deploying consumer-oriented promotions such as its Padalang Padalow for lower customer service fees and incentives to Padala partners.

Benjie Fernandez, co-COO of PayMaya Philippines and COO of Voyager Innovations

“Underlying this campaign is our commitment to provide financially inclusive services, a mission that remains unchanged since we launched the brand ten years ago. What has further grown is the increasing use case of mobile as a tool for socio-economic progress. From just being a tool for communications, the use of mobile for financial services is helping individuals, families, businesses and communities," said Benjie Fernandez, co-COO of PayMaya Philippines and COO of Voyager Innovations.

Financial inclusion through innovation

“PayMaya Philippines continues to take an active role in accelerating financial inclusion in the Philippines through inclusive innovations. We have transitioned from a SIM-based, telco-based platform to an app-enabled, over-the-top digital platform to serve more users, with an eye not just in the Philippine market but beyond,” said Paolo Azzola, Managing Director and co-COO of PayMaya Philippines.

To make mobile money more inclusive, PayMaya Philippines introduced the Smart Padala Pick-Up Anywhere enhanced service in December last year, allowing customers to send money to anyone, regardless of mobile network, and to be redeemed at any Smart Padala center nationwide.

PayMaya Philippines, part of the Voyager Group, is the digital financial services unit of PLDT and Smart Communications (Smart). Its services are regulated by the BSP to ensure all user transactions are secure. Aside from being the first non-financial institution in Asia to be granted an issuing and acquiring license by Visa, PayMaya Philippines also counts MasterCard as its partner. 

To know more about Smart Padala, visit www.smartpadala.ph or like their official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SmartPadalaPH.

Fly Singapore Airlines and SilkAir to enjoy a suite of unparalleled travel experience at Exceptional All-In Fares

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“Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have always been focusing on bringing the best travel experience at great value to our customers here in Philippines. The Filipino market is important to us and we remain committed in bringing Philippines to the world and the world to Philippines. These exceptional airfares are a way for us to say thank you to our supportive customers here. ” -  SIA General Manager Carol Ong

As one of the Top 10 Safest airlines in the World for 2015 (airlineratings.com,) Singapore Airlines (SIA) offers travel fair at an exceptional All-In Fares.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir (MI), in partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Ayala Malls, Globe, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group, are launching an exciting and exclusive array of travel opportunities to passengers where they get to enjoy both airlines’ much coveted on-board comfort and impeccable service at exceptional value fares.

Exclusive to BPI Credit Cardholders, Globe Platinum and Globe Blue Customers, Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall Davao Shoppers and KrisFlyer Members, SIA and SilkAir are offering exceptional, all-inclusive fares to Singapore as well as a host of destinations around the world.

These promotional fares are for sale until 28 February 2015 and for travel from 1 February to 31 December 2015.

Customers will get a chance to experience traveling in style at all-in Economy Class fares starting from USD145 to Singapore, USD210 to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, USD690 to India, USD700 to Australia, and USD 899 to Europe. In addition to those mentioned, passengers can also travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Maldives, New Zealand and South Africa. All Economy Class fares come with complimentary 30kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines and KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel.

For elevated comfort, customers can also choose to avail all-in Business Class fares to Singapore and Southeast Asia at USD800, to Australia at USD 2,500, to South Africa at USD 3,200, Europe at USD 3,500, and New Zealand at USD 3,800. In addition to that, there are also special Business Class fares to Maldives and Dubai. All Business Class passengers will enjoy complimentary 40kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines, lounge access and 125% KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel. 

On top of these great fares, customers can also look forward to a series of exciting travel fairs across the country from 6 – 8 February 2015:

Featuring the exclusive Singapore Airlines Suites product, the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive, Makati City while the SilkAir Travel Fair will take place at Ayala Center Cebu. 

There will also be a SilkAir booth at Abreeza Mall Davao. 

At these fairs, customers will be able to book flights at the aforementioned promotional fares. Customers who purchase itineraries beyond Singapore at these travel fairs or at Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices from 6 – 8 February can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher, with no minimum spend required, that can be used at participating shops at Singapore Changi Airport. 

To make payments more convenient, BPI is offering a Real 0% special installment plan of up to six months. Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall shoppers may also avail of the exceptional all-in fares by simply showing proofs of purchase worth P 1,000.00 single or accumulated from 21 January to 28 February. 

Every PHP 1, 000-receipt can purchase one ticket. Globe Platinum and Blue customers can also avail of these fares by showing their cards. 

For more details, visit www.singaporeair.com and www.silkair.com.

Facebook.com/SingaporeAir

Twitter.com/SingaporeAir

plus.google.com/+SingaporeAir

YouTube.com/SingaporeAir

Manila, the 4th most preferred city for surveys in Asia Pacific – ULI and PwC report

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Manila, Philippines is the 4th most preferred city for real estate investors in Asia Pacific.

A new survey by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed real estate  in the capital region is one of the “best bets” for investors to get into this year.

The ULI and PwC report, called “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2014,” Manila ranked fourth out of 23 city clusters in Asia and the Pacific in terms of investment prospects.

John Fitzgerald, chief executive for Asia Pacific at ULI, said “The Philippines is a big mover in terms of sentiment this year, drawing a lot of mention in our surveys for the report and emerging as one of the most preferred among all emerging economies this year.”

Stated at the report, there was “an ongoing willingness to look at emerging markets, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular, as alternatives to other more traditionally favored markets.”

The 'Favored markets', Tokyo topped the list, followed by Shanghai and Jakarta. Sydney rounded out the Top 5. Hong Kong ranked 18th, Ho Chi Minh City at 19th, Bangalore at 20th, New Delhi at 21st, Chennai at 22nd, and Mumbai at 23rd.

For Manila, this ranking is a record eight-notch leap from its 2013 spot.

The ranking under the Emerging Trends City Investment Prospects are as follows:

Tokyo

Shanghai

Jakarta

Manila

Sydney

Guangzhou

Singapore

Beijing

Osaka

Shenzhen

Bangkok

China's secondary cities

Melbourne

Kuala Lumpur

Seoul

Taipei

Auckland

Hong Kong

Ho Chi Minh

Bangalore

New Delhi

Chennai

Mumbai

The report tagged Manila as one of the respondents' “best bet,” putting a “top buy” tag for the residential, office and retail segments.

Cost-Efficient and Durable Fujidenzo's Upright Chiller

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Life nowadays is getting harder and harder specially those in the middle-class, those people earning less. The high cost of living and the basic needs, food, shelter and clothes. What makes it more hard for every household is the high cost of electricity and other utilities.

We always try to find ways to lower our expenses specifically on our monthy eletricity bills without sacrificing the quality of appliances we use at home.

Fujidenzo home and commercial appliances combine style and performance to meet the high demands of fast-paced living. Fujidenzo appliances are designed to give quality performance at the most consumer-friendly prices. With Fujidenzo, you get the latest features and technologies all within the budget of the average Filipino household.

Fujidenzo's innovative range of home and commercial appliances includes refrigerators, beverage coolers, freezers, microwave ovens,washers.

Fujidenzo's latest Upright Chiller can be used as a beverage chiller for juices, soft drinks, beers and others. As a separate place to store vegetables, Upright Chiller will keep out food fresh.  If vegetables are  stored in the refrigerator, sometimes the odors of the other food affect the taste and smell of vegetables.

Stylish, cost-efficient and durable, these world class Fujidenzo brands of appliances have passed international safety standards. A high level of quality control in the manufacturing process is also constantly ensured.

Fujidenzo has 100 service centers nationwide. It has 2 years warranty on parts and 5 years warranty on compressor.

Here are available Fujidenzo Upright Chillers in the following models and capacities.

SUD-220A

SUD-220A

Php 59,950.00

22 cu.ft. Two door Showcase upright or beverage cooler

22.0 cu.ft. Upright Showcase Chiller

7-level Electronic Temperature Control

LCD Temperature Display

Clean Back Design

Double Glass Door

Fan-cooled System

Internal Lamp

Lighted Panel

Drain Pan

6 Adjustable Coated Wire Shelves

Elegant Handle Design

Roller Feet with Locking Mechanism

210W Input Power

SUP-140 AQC

SUP-140 AQC

Php 39,950.00

14 cu.ft. Showcase upright Premium

14 cu.ft.

Super Quick Chill Cooling System

Turbo Fan

Zero Water Drip System

Heated Double Glass Door

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back

Heavy Duty Design

Internal SIde Lamp

Lighted Top Panel

Galvanized Inner Lining

4 Adjustable Heavy Duty Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Adjustable Levelling Feet

Provision for Lock

486W Input Power

SU-110A

SU-110A

Php 22,950.00

11 cu.ft. Showcase upright or beverage cooler

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back Design

Double Glass Door

Fan-cooled System

Internal Lamp

Lighted Panel

Aluminum Inner Lining

3 Adjustable Coated Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Key Lock

Adjustable Levelling Feet

167W Input Power

SU-90A

SU-90A

Php 19,950.00

9.0 cu.ft. Showcase upright or beverage cooler

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back Design

Double Glass Door

Fan-cooled System

Internal Lamp

Lighted Panel

Aluminum Inner Lining

3 Adjustable Coated Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Key Lock

Adjustable Levelling Feet

167W Input Power

SU-40A

SU-40A

Php 14,500.00

4.0 cu.ft. Showcase upright or beverage cooler

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back Design

Double Glass Door

Clear Vegetable Drawer

3 Adjustable Coated Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Front Levelling Feet & Rear Roller Feet

135W Input Power

SU-30A

SU-30A

Php 13,500.00

3.0 cu.ft. Showcase upright or beverage cooler

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back Design

Double Glass Door

3 Adjustable Coated Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Front Levelling Feet & Rear Roller Feet

135W Input Power

SUP-140 AQC

SUP-140 AQC

Php 39,950.00

14 cu.ft. Showcase upright Premium

14 cu.ft.

Super Quick Chill Cooling System

Turbo Fan

Zero Water Drip System

Heated Double Glass Door

7-level Temperature Control

Clean Back

Heavy Duty Design

Internal SIde Lamp

Lighted Top Panel

Galvanized Inner Lining

4 Adjustable Heavy Duty Wire Shelves

Recessed Handle

Adjustable Levelling Feet

Provision for Lock

486W Input Power

Fujidenzo Appliances are distributed by Exellence Appliance Technologies (EXATECH)

 For more information and updates visit Exatech and Fujidenzo websites and Fujidenzo Facebook.

“Galing ng Pinoy” - 11th Filipino Franchise Show , October 12-14, 2012

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The 11^th Filipino Franchising Show sets the backdrop to the spectacle of Filipino talents slated on October 12-14 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Launched by the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the franchise show is geared toward making “Galing ng Pinoy” as the focal point of the exhibit.

The event anticipates over 30, 000 visitors from 300 exhibitors to take part in the featured products and services from various regions of the country.

Franchising investment opportunities in food, retail and services as well as demonstrations, seminars, and training sessions also await the participants.

For more information on the exhibit contact:

AFFI Center for Franchising:

Telefax: (02) 654.0345

Line2: (02) 861.9897

Mobile1: 09228149882

Mobile2: 09062456346

Mobile3: 09062456045

Bringing to the fore AFFI’s commitment to Promote World-class Filipino Entrepreneurs, the franchise show is expected to attract prospective entrepreneurs who would partake to what is now dubbed as the “sunshine industry”.

AFFI: TRIUMPHS IN LEADERSHIP

The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) is the Philippines’ prime trade organization committed to promoting responsible micro small medium enterprise businesses through franchising. It is consist of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen who recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market. Duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the association serves as a governing body that safeguards the interest of its members and innovates ways to further its advocacies.

AFFI’s conception began when entrepreneurs Bob Juan of Labandera Ko, Armando Bartolome of GMB, Tony Cruz of Pancit Malabon, Jorge Wieneke of Potato Corner, Teresa Laurel of Goto King, Pacita Juan of Figaro, and Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato recognized the needs and potentials of the local franchising sector. They decided to form a body that would raise awareness and lend assistance to fellow businessmen. This brainchild was set in motion in 1997 and became known as the First Filipino Franchising Federation (F4).

Resources were scant and the challenges were plenty; but driven by the desire to realize their vision, the group slowly worked toward their goal. The pioneers’ undertakings were not left unnoticed. Since the year it was founded, the group has grown from seven to more than a hundred members. And in the early 2000’s, F4 changed its name to Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI).

AFFI has taken a big leap from its humble beginning. From only a handful of individuals bonded by a common advocacy, AFFI is now a well established institution that inspires the public to take part in the franchising industry offering technical assistance like research and development. It also educates aspiring entrepreneurs of the intricacies of the franchising trade.

Its unwavering commitment to its thrust guides the organization to innovations that render significant marks in the industry. Embarking on new territories, AFFI not only safeguards the public from unscrupulous businesses, aids prospective entrepreneurs, and extends support to those already in the business sector; it also anticipates events that yield favorable effects on the local economy.

VISION

Establish the Association of Filipino Franchisers Incorporated as the Leading and Credible Franchising Association for Filipino Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME's)

MISSION

Promote Excellence and Growth in Responsible Franchising while serving the interest of the members and stakeholders.

GOALS

The core of AFFI’s existence is anchored on its three-pronged objective of professionalizing, standardizing and optimizing the potential of Filipino businesses in general and the local franchise industry, in particular.

Professionalize

• To create a venue by which the advancement of members’ business interests and aspirations can be addressed.
• To establish a code of ethics that will guide and police every member’s franchising and business operations.
• To represent the interests if Filipino businesses, particularly in government fora.

Standardize

• To map out salient components of local franchising operations in various industries that would serve as blueprints/guides for would-be franchisers.
• To establish a quality seal guaranteeing professional franchising methods and operations.

Optimize Filipino Potential

• To mobilize the promotion of Filipino products and services so as to achieve success for local business.
• To advance franchising education programs most relevant to Filipino culture.

Affi Board of Directors 2012 – 2014

Armando O. Bartolome, GMB Franchise Developers

President 2012-2014

Ricardo Z. Cuna, CFE, Fiorgelato

Executive Vice President

Teresa D. Laurel, Goto King

Chairman of the Board

Gilbert C. Jim, Bubbatealicious

Corporate Secretary

Estrellita L. Montanido, Chicharrific

Treasurer

Teresita Ngan Tian,Lot's A Pizza

Auditor

Paulo M. Tibig, VCargo Worldwide

Director for Education

Josie C. See, Peanut World

Director for Membership

Paul Andrew Tan, Aquabest

Director for Public Relations and Marketing

Erlinda S. Bartolome, GMB Franchise Developers

Director for International Trade Affairs

Kamela C. Seen, Plato Wraps

Director for Luzon Chapter

Voltaire B. Magpayo, Sweet Corner

Director for Mindanao Chapter

Victor M. Fernando, Big Apple Express Spa

Director for Government Affairs

The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) is the Philippines’ prime trade organization committed to promoting responsible micro small medium enterprise businesses through franchising. It is consist of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen who recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market. Duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the association serves as a governing body that safeguards the interest of its members and innovates ways to further its advocacies.