Coca-Cola Philippines Supports Makati City’s Celebration of Earth Hour 2023

Tweet

Coca-Cola Philippines proudly supported the City Government of Makati’s celebration of Earth Hour 2023, held last March 25 at Circuit Event Grounds. The event emphasized the importance of energy conservation and mindful consumption of natural resources, while encouraging Filipinos to participate in the global effort.

(from L to R) Augusto De los Santos, Head of Department of Environmental Services (DES) of Makati City; Councilor Edralyn Marquez, Chairperson of Environmental Protection Committee of Makati City; Monique Lagdameo, Vice Mayor of Makati City; Makati Councilor Carmina Ortega; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region

In addition to supporting Earth Hour, Coca-Cola Philippines also provided support for the event, including refreshments for participants. Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region, signed the commitment wall together with Makati City officials, City Hall employees, residents, and students.

Coca-Cola Philippines is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and is proud to be a part of initiatives that promote efforts towards a sustainable environment. The company believes that by working together with government, communities, and civil society, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

Earth Hour is a global event that has been held annually since 2007. It aims to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and encourage individuals and organizations to take action to protect the environment.

Your New Gym for Your New Year Fitness Goals : Stark Fitness’ first ever fitness club in San Antonio, Makati City

Tweet

As we recover from the pandemic and restrictions are being lifted, it is time that we also prioritize our health and wellness this coming new year. It means having  Go-to fitness clubs have become a necessity for people who want to achieve being fit and healthy. 

Stark Fitness, one of the fastest-growing health and fitness brands, expands its service to provide a healthy fitness lifestyle for every Filipino. Now, they want to continue redefining people’s perception that fitness is not difficult and attainable by opening Stark Fitness’ first-ever fitness center.

Megaworld welcomes Stark Fitness

(From Left to Right: Mr Mark Sta. Ana, Ms. Isa Lim, Ms. Ms. Camille Elviña and Ms. Gigi Dela Vega)

As a Cluster General Manager for Makati CBD Properties of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Mr. Mark Sta. Ana, with Ms. Camille Elviña (General Manager Makati CBD Properties), Ms. Gigi Dela Vega (Deputy General Manager Makati CBD) and his Megaworld Lifestyle Mall management team were on hand to welcome Stark Fitness Gym to one of its lifestyle mall in San Antonio Residence located at Malugay St. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City.

Stark Fitness Gym grand opening

The brand new gym, which is situated on the 2nd Floor of San Antonio Mall along Buendia Ave, opened its door last January 27, 2023. This grand opening event attended by some of the well-known celebrities such as Max Collins, Jameson Blake, Winwyn Marquez, Michelle Vito, Pat Sugui, Tyronne Tan, Kim Rodriguez, model Kirst Viray and fitness influencers like Princess Legazpi, Dan of Fitness, Coach Legran, Coach Anton and with them some of the media both online and traditional joined to the event. As the gym showcases its own premium and quality equipment, the guests also enjoy the amenities that the gym can offer like the bungee fitness class and infra-red sauna to relax after their workout.

Getting into a workout routine doesn’t have to be boring.

The luxurious club will be offering personal training sessions and some of the most unique fitness classes such as the Bungee Fitness/Fly Class, currently the only one open in the Philippines, where people can experience a low-intensity workout jumping and flying while suspended on a rope. Everyone can also enjoy the Pound, an exercise class with a rock-star flair that consists of drumming, cardio, and strength training. Enjoy access to elite personal trainers, Zumba, yoga, or HIIT STEP classes. And when signing up, a free training assessment is included to develop your action plan and attack fitness head-on.

From Passion to Career.

Ms. Isabelle Lim, being a fitness enthusiast wanted to share her passion by opening its first brick and mortar store at SM Megamall and now by opening a fitness gym for Filipino people. As she shares on the gym grand opening event “ after opening up our first showroom in megamall, we wanted to expand into a fitness center to truly encapsulate that our fitness equipment is premium and high quality, meant also for commercial gyms. We plan to create a community where “being fit” means being able to provide one's own life and well being. Stark Fitness gym will not only focus on fitness but also wellbeing and mental health. Supporting all sizes and gender. On the business side, We plan to open up more fitness centers in the coming months and open up for franchising in the future.”

Pre-selling continues …

Stark Fitness Gym at San Antonio Residences continues its pre-selling promo of Php 2199/month for the first 3 months* inclusive of all the perks and classes that the gym offers until the end of february.

**Php 2199 for the first 3 months and Php 2500 for the following months.Applicable for 1 yr contract. Save Php 9,303 for one year. And a one-time payment of Php 1500 for the access key

For updates about the brand, visit Stark Fitness Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok accounts. The complete list of products is available on STARK Fitness website, Lazada and Shopee pages.

For updates about the brand, visit Stark Fitness San Antonio Gym Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts. More information on memberships is available on STARK Fitness website.

----------------------------------

About STARK FITNESS

Stark Fitness is a fitness and wellness brand that offers premium and quality home and commercial fitness equipment, fitness accessories, and memberships in our fitness centers that plan to create a space and platform where fitness and health enthusiasts are connected to benefit the lifestyle of every Filipino.

For inquiries about STARK Fitness, please contact:

09989980258 or email us at

starkfitnessph@gmail.com

Experience International Grocery Shopping at Shopwise Makati

Tweet

Shopwise announces the relaunch of Shopwise Makati on October 11, 2022. Featuring a new facade and chic interiors, you will find all your favorite global brands and selections in one store for a seamless and hassle-free international grocery shopping experience unlike any other. No membership required!

Ribbon Cutting from left to right: Mr. Rey Co (President and CEO of Hightower Inc.), Mr. Benjie Yap (CEO of Unilever Philippines), Ms. Evelyn Yap (CEO and Founder of Benby Enterprises Inc.), Ms. Minsu Chu (Managing Director of Samsung Electronics Philippines), Mr. Cirilo Noel (Independent Director of Robinson’s Retail Holdings Inc.) Mr. Oscar Villamora Jr. (Managing Director of Beverages BCFG, Universal Robina Corp.), Ms. Angie Flaminiano (President and CEO of Nutriasia Inc.)

Located in Pablo Ocampo Sr. Extension Corner Chino Roces Avenue, the new and improved store carries an impressive selection of international products from all over the world.

There is also a well-stocked deli section filled with cheeses, charcuterie needs, and imported wines for all occasions. Shopwise Grab & Go offers ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, sushi for the on-the-go shopper. The famous Shopwise rotisserie chicken and pork belly roast got you covered. Not to be missed are crowd favorites Project Pie and Krispy Kreme.

Shopwise also offers a complete range of appliances, kitchen essentials and tools, home products, and fine linens from leading global brands.

“All these improvements are a testament to Shopwise's dedication to go beyond the needs of its customers. We want to give our shoppers the best experience whenever they visit a Shopwise store, and an opportunity for shoppers to experience international grocery shopping,” shared Stanley Co, Managing Director of the Supermarket Segment of Robinsons Retails Holdings, Inc., the company that owns and operates Shopwise.

Shopwise first opened its doors more than 20 years ago pioneering the hypermarket concept in the Philippines. Over the years, the brand has evolved and innovated to stay ahead while always prioritizing customer satisfaction.

Shoppers may also visit the Shopwise website at shopwise.com.ph or shop online through the Shopwise store on GoCart.ph.

With BDO Foundation and Go Negosyo, Makati pooled PCR testing this month

Tweet

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion announces that the city of Makati led by Mayor Abigail Binay will pilot the Go Negosyo’s pooled PCR testing this month. ARK PCR Chief Private Implementor Cong. Janette Garin, Tessie Sy-Coson, Chairwoman of BDO Unibank, Philippine Children’s Medical Center’s Dr. Julius Lecciones, and Dr. Raymond Lo were also present during the virtual MOA signing.

“The private sector will fund a pooled PCR testing pilot for 16 cities and one municipality in NCR this month. That represents about P160,000 pooled PCR tests that will be done for this part of the research. This will be a game-changer for our country. It could speed up testing, increase the capacity, and make it cheaper. Testing will create greater visibility,” said Concepcion.

Concepcion also highlighted the significance of the partnership between the private sector and the local government units in winning the war against COVID-19 and thanked both BDO and Makati for their participation.

“We are making the best out of this two-weeks. The challenge is how to co-exist with COVID-19. The objective is to save lives, jobs, and livelihoods. I’d like to thank Tessie for her untiring support. They have been supportive of every effort that is needed to help the health situation which is needed to help the economy. We cannot have a vibrant economy if we cannot control the health situation.”

“I’d like to thank PCE Go Negosyo, PSP, BDO Foundation, and PCMC. It is an honor that you chose Makati to do pooled testing. We are very honored to pilot pooled testing. Until we are able to get a vaccine, we will have to live with the virus,” Mayor Abby Binay said. 

“Pooled testing will be helpful not just to our constituents but also to our business community who are unable to afford the P3500 PCR test. Hopefully, this will encourage our companies to open up, our employees will be assured that they are not spreading the virus as well. Hopefully eto na po ang sagot na hinihintay nating lahat so we can all move forward, living with COVID.”

As the country’s business capital, Makati is one of the cities in NCR to pilot Go Negosyo’s pooled PCR testing for 10,000 individuals. The pilot will focus on public market vendors as well as tricycle, jeepney, and pedicab drivers, in addition to a community near Makati Coliseum. The city also pledges to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through massive targeted testing. The data and results that will be gathered during the tests will then be used as a guide in policy-making, program formulation in line with the LGU’s COVID-19 response.

One of the staunch supporters of Go Negosyo programs and big brother BDO Foundation led by Tessie Sy-Coson expressed her belief in the pooled testing program, “We always believe in this pooled testing program which is initiated by Go Negosyo under Joey Concepcion and Cong. Janette Garin. As a matter of fact, Nestor and I have been talking about it. When we learn that Mayor Abby Binay is going to start this program, we were excited to involve BDO to work along in this worthy program and I’m happy to know that we will be working together.”

“It’s very difficult to be in a pandemic. But what inspires everybody, especially the health workers, is that when the private sector and government come together… Pooled testing does not only deal with a drastically reduced price, but it also deals with protecting our healthcare workers, hastening the turn around time and making our laboratories the windows that can open and guide us where these viruses are. Go Negosyo and the partnership with BDO has made possible for us the circle with the entry of the city of Makati,” said Garin.

She also added that the desire of the city of Makati, BDO Foundation and Go Negosyo is not only to make testing affordable, “Basically it boils down to how we can put back confidence in the workplaces. We look forward that the outcome of this pilot implementation of pooled testing will be the replica that will be cascaded to all other LGUs where government, private sector, and LGU will become enlightened in crushing COVID and allowing us to co-exist with it.”

Pooled PCR testing is expected to optimize the availability of test kits, reduce the workload of laboratory staff, eliminates large groups of negative cases, makes PCR testing more affordable and available, provides LGUs and businesses with a better and clearer direction, and restores confidence in returning to work while sustaining the gains of the initial lockdown.

Garin explained that a proposed costing mechanism has already been developed which will bring down the cost of testing to PHP450 per person in pools of 5s; PHP350 per person in pools of 10s, and PHP250 per person in pools of 20s, inclusive of PHP150 swabbing fee with VTM. If the study is approved by the Department of Health, pooled testing can be piloted in 21 implementation sites namely 11 Go Negosyo supported laboratories and 5 each from San Miguel Foundation and Ayala Foundation.   

“I’m glad that we will be able to sign this MOA today. This will pave the way and accelerate all the things that we were talking about. The real challenge is how to put that into action. Today we will be doing that. Tomorrow and the next days to come, we commit to ourselves to show to everyone that this is the way to go. Our commitment and our dedication to this enterprise is something …. [that] you can be proud of,” Dr. Lecciones shared.

Dr. Lo, who is leading the PCMC COVID-19 Laboratory, also shared, “Our research is proceeding as we speak. Now, we’re beginning to test them with the pooling method. Initially, we will be testing them individually to establish a baseline and then we will do pooling so we can see… which pools of 5, 10, or 20 [is most effective]. That will be a function of the prevalence of the virus. We are going to be testing asymptomatic. We don't expect that many [asymptomatics] in the community but we do hope to catch them before they can spread the virus.”

Lo added that the first phase of the research shows promise for pools of 5 and 10 and that the second phase is ongoing. The second phase will focus on cascading further protocols that other labs, especially those under the Go Negosyo mantle, can adapt.

ARK Project Lead Josephine Romero,  Philippine Society of Pathologists, Inc. President Dr. Roberto Padua Jr., President, and CEO of BDO Unibank and trustee of BDO Foundation, Nestor V. Tan, BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito were among the attendees.

GCash-Makati partnership inspires Makatizen to pursue microbusiness

Tweet

As local governments implement initiatives to alleviate the financial situation of their constituents, GCash willingly lent a helping hand to serve as a distribution platform for cash assistance. Makati is the first city in Metro Manila to implement contactless financial assistance through GCash and the Makatizen Card. Under the Makatizen Economic Relief Program, now called the MAKA-tulong 5K for 500K+ Makatizens, the local government provides its individual qualified citizens with P5,000 in financial assistance.

“The P5K financial assistance we are giving to all Makatizens aims to help them alleviate the burden of paying their bills at this time when income for most is hard to come by. I was happy to hear stories on how Makatizens have put this help to good use by also investing in alternative sources of livelihood. I'm proud to say, maabilidad, masipag at maaasahan talaga ang mga Makatizens”, said Makati Mayor Abby Binay. 

One of those who were able to benefit from this partnership is Diana Oblino, a resident of Barangay Olympia. She and five other members of her household were able to receive P25,000 in cash, which they used to pay the pile of electricity and water bills which accumulated during the quarantine.

Not only that, they were also able to open a small sari-sari store to keep their money growing instead of spending it all in one go. 

“Because of the MAKA-tulong Program, we were able to build another source of income that would help us get through these trying times,” Oblino said. 

Oblino said the process of receiving was easy, because they only needed to wait until GCash sent them a notification saying that P5,000 was deposited to their e-wallets. 

“What a relief really, that in our ‘new normal’ – the time of social distancing and quarantine, Makati was able to lessen human-to-human contact and distribute cash through online platforms because of a project launched years ago,” she added.

The MAKA-tulong Program also helped Joeffrey Furo, who is among the first batch of beneficiaries, to use the financial aid as fresh capital for his e-loading business, small sari-sari store and computer repair shop. For Furo, the money came as a beacon of hope amid the crisis, since he was a person with disability (PWD) who had a wife and a child to support. His leg was amputated after he figured in a hit-and-run accident. 

Needless to say, the cash aid inspired many Makatizens to join the community of online food sellers. Rinalyn Binongo of Barangay West Rembo shared on Facebook how she used the money as added capital to expand her online food selling business. 

“We’re very happy to have inspired a significant number of Makatizens to pursue businesses to grow their money amid the pandemic. GCash hopes to extend this kind of assistance to other local governments to help lift the burden of Filipinos who have been greatly impacted by COVID-19, economic or otherwise,” said GCash Vice President for Enterprise Luigi Reyes. 

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/.

Makati Skyscrapers now known as Makati Super Crunch

Tweet

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) team launches its new name -  from Makati Skyscrapers, they will now be known as the Makati Super Crunch. The PriFood company with new product Super Crunch supports Makati MPBL team.

Super Crunch owner Enrico Yap Jr.  

Team owner Paolo Orbeta recently announce its partnership with Super Crunch, a leading product of PriFood, owned by Enrico Yap Jr.

"We are happy with the support of Super Crunch and we are grateful to Mr. Yap for the trust in the Makati team," Orbeta says.

"We promise to work harder and play better games so we can make Super Crunch proud of us," says co team owner Paolo Pineda.

Makati team Manager Martin Arenas said that Super Crunch has plans to enter the PBA in the coming years and if given the chance "would like to be of help also to our national team and other sports as well."

There will be fun activities with Super Crunch team,  and will bring more exciting games with FREE Super Crunch products to be given to basketball fans and Makati Super Crunch supporters.  

Watch out for more as Super Crunch supports a super MPBL Makati team.

UnionBank Launches The ARK , the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines

Tweet

UnionBank officially launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines last November 27. UnionBank, consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country,  continues enhancing digital banking.

Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.

“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.

Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space.  It could also be used as a 3^rd space for different communities to get together.

The ARK, as a concept branch/ “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking. 

Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.

For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.

“The ARK provides a service unlike any other.  There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.

At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction.  The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction. The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet.  Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests.

UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.

“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.

UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards. 

Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector. 

BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years. 

“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.

The ARK is located at the Insular Life Building at Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas in the Makati Central Business District. 

OPPO's newest A-series - A57 offers the best value and performance in a budget

Tweet

Right size, performance, style and price for everyone

OPPO announces the A57, the newest A-series device that brings users a flagship-level 16 MP selfie front camera, bokeh enabled selfies, lightning-fast solid-state fingerprint scanner, a long-lasting battery with a perfect 5.2” body size that perfectly holds grip at a price of Php 11,990. 

Eason de Guzman Jr,, PR Manager of OPPO , presents OPPO's newest members during the A57 and F3 launch held at IM Hotel Makati City, June 13, 2017. 

Brilliant photography, front and back

The A57 sports a 16MP front camera similar to that of the F1s, with a new bokeh feature. It has a f/2.0 aperture lens, Beautify 4.0, palm shutter gesture and OPPO’s Screen Flash featurefor amazing selfies even at dim lighting conditions.

The A57’s rear camera pairs a Sony IMX258 sensor with a large f/2.2 aperture. 

The rear camera of the A57 uses a Sony IMX258 sensor paired with a large F2.2 aperture that provides high light sensitivity and clarity that works even in night setup. It also has Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) that delivers an auto focus time of as little as 0.1 seconds, and Ultra-HD mode allows users to capture stunningly detailed 52 MP images. 

Flagship-level Touch Access

The A57’s sports a flagship-level solid-state fingerprint scanner that is very responsive and reliable. The reader uses a hydrophobic zirconium surface, which operates on the same principle as a naturally water-resistant lotus leaf, giving the the fingerprint scanner a boosted success rate even when finger is moist. 

The A57’s triple-slot card tray means users can enjoy the flexibility of two 4G SIM cards, while still expanding storage by up to an additional 256 GB. One of the few smartphones in its price range to feature this. 

Strong, seamless, long-lasting performance

The A57 cruises on a new 1.4GHz Snapdragon 435 Octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM, ensuring snappy performance and seamless multi-tasking for today’s generation.

Even in its attractively slight 5.2-inch unibody with 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 screen. The A57 manages to pack a powerful 2900 mAh battery, providing just the right weight in the hand and offering excellent battery life performance. Leveraging smart power optimizations in ColorOS 3.0 (based on Android 6.0), the A57 clocks in at 11 hours of continuous video watching, 23 hours on the phone, or about 13.5 hours in a scenario of varied continued use.

"Filipinos love taking selfies. With the spectacular success of F1s, we thought of bringing the same experience to a broader market. said Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager. “The A57 brings consumers premium photography and advanced features, the best that is offered in its price range.” Cheng added.

OPPO A57 Specifications

Dimensions/Weight

Height                              149.1 mm

Width                               72.9 mm

Thickness                         7.65 mm

Weight                              About 147g

Basic Parameters

Color                                   Gold, Black

OS                                       ColorOS3.0, based on Android 6.0

Processor                            Qualcomm MSM8940 Octa-core

GPU                                    Adreno 505

RAM                                   3GB

Storage                               32GB (Dedicated microSD card slot up to128GB)

Battery                               2900mAhNon-Removable Battery

Charger                              5V 2A

Display

Size                                      5.2 inches

Type                                    IPS TFT

Resolution                          HD (1280 by 720 pixels)

Colors                                16 Million Colors

Glass                                   Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4

Camera

Rear Camera                    13-megapixel | f/2.2

Front Camera                   16-megapixel | f/2.0

Rear Flash                         LEDFlash

Connectivity

SIM Card Type                 Dual Nano-SIM, 4G

GPS                                    Supported

Bluetooth                           4.1

Wi-Fi                                  802.11 a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz

NFC                                   No

OTG                                  Supported

Sensors Distance               Fingerprint Sensor, Light Sensor,G-sensor, E-compass

In the Box

Unit                                     OPPO A57

Cable                                  Micro USB

Charger                             Up to 2A

Audio                                 Earphones

Others                                Soft Case, Sim Ejector Tool, Documentation, Warranty

The A57 will be available in colors Gold and Black, in all OPPO concept and dealer stores nationwide starting June 16, 2017 for Php11,990.

For more details about the OPPO A57, please visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.

Visit Social Media Channels

facebook.com/OPPOPH

Instagram.com/OPPOPhilippines

twitter.com/OPPOPhilippines

Makati City Government, Globe, GCash, and iBayad introduce Makatizen Card

Tweet

Makati to become Country’s First Connected City

The city government of Makati City, in collaboration with Globe Telecom, its subsidiary G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), and iBayad Online Ventures Inc., recently launched the Makatizen Card which will be made available to Makati’s residents and employees.

The Makatizen Card will allow the city’s 500,000 residents to access city government services and transact with the city government. They can receive cash allowances, stipends, and other cash benefits using their Makatizen Card. They can also use their cards to pay fees and taxes, as well as for personal remittances and other financial transactions. City government employees, on the other hand, can use their Makatizen Card to receive salaries and allowances. The Makatizen Card also functions as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Card and is a valid government ID card.

Some 1,000 functioning sample cards were launched and tested at Makati City Hall this morning and Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said the Makatizen Card collaboration with Globe, GCash, and iBayad “takes us a step nearer to achieving our goal of empowering everyone, including those in the marginalized sectors of society, to enjoy a better quality of life.”

Mayor Binay noted that the Makatizen Card goes beyond providing Makati citizens with instant access to essential services of the city government, which in itself is a major leap forward for the city. She adds that “the wide range of digital and mobile services offers the people of Makati more convenient and cost-effective ways of meeting their day-to-day needs and obligations,” she said.

The mayor said the city government will extend its full support for Globe Telecom’s initiatives “geared towards strengthening its telecommunications network to promote a digitally-connected Philippines.”

“With confidence and optimism, we view this unsolicited project proposal from Globe, GCash, and iBayad as the springboard for the rapid transformation of Makati into the country’s first digital city, where citizens and civil servants are able to experience the optimum benefits of the latest innovations in information technology,” she added.

“For the Philippines to truly become a digital nation, we need to fully take advantage of new digital opportunities and innovations to enable growth in every corner of our country. We laud the vision of the Makati City government whose support of this initiative is critical to build the city-wide digital ecosystem, a step towards the realization of our dream for the Philippines to become an admired nation,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

Globe has been ramping up network investments in a bid to amplify benefits of its new spectrum assets and enhance mobile services particularly for data. The company has announced a capital spend of $750 million for the year in an effort to continuously improve mobile and data services. Globe is also aggressively building on its fiber broadband services, aiming to create an internet super highway nationwide. The company aims to deploy fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020 which will provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide.

Globe Business, the enterprise information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe, is leading the way in encouraging local government units like Makati City to adopt the integration of ICT and governance as a means of improving the delivery of government services and exchange of information. The said initiative supports Globe's drive to transform the Philippines into a digital nation by instilling the importance of eGovernance to offices ranging from the local government units up to the national government.

One of the capabilities derived from an improved mobile and broadband infrastructure is the creation of a city-wide cashless ecosystem wherein e-payment methods such as e-money and debit/credit cards are utilized instead of physical cash. This will benefit not only the residents but also schools, hospitals, government offices, transportation facilities, and other micro, small, and medium-size enterprises.

GXI will serve as the financial service provider for the Makatizen Card while iBayad will deploy the mPOS terminals and build the merchant network where the cards will be accepted.

The Makatizen Card is a valid government-issued ID that comes with a Near-Field Communication (NFC) feature that allows city offices equipped with iBayad machine readers to verify the identity of residents and Makati City employees in a single tap. It stores the information which easily identifies the card holder availing of various city government services without the need to present additional documents.

“Each Makatizen Card carries the features of the GCash mobile wallet but is also customized to be used in the city-wide local merchant network. All services that they will get in Makati City, whether it is payment of taxes, cash allowances for health and other benefits, etc. will be directly credited to this GCash wallet that is linked to the card. They don’t have to carry anything except this ID and their mobile phone,” said Albert Tinio, President of GXI which operates GCash mobile money service.

On the other hand, iBayad Founder and CEO Paolo G. Saycon said: "For us, the Makatizen Card Project is as much a social endeavour, as it is a business venture. This undertaking is aligned with iBayad’s purpose of developing socially relevant and meaningful financial innovations that will transform the way people pay. Our objective is to accelerate the adoption and transformation of every consumer’s traditional spending behaviour from cash-centric to electronic payments.”

Makatizen Card holders can take advantage of the different financial services of GCash through the merchant network of iBayad to pay government institutions, hospitals, merchants and even transact with Jollijeeps, sari-sari stores, and ambulant vendors for easier and safer transactions.

As an additional benefit for Makati City residents and employees, iBayad will be implementing the “Makatizen Loyalty and Rewards Program” to promote continued use of the card and for them earn loyalty reward points that can used to purchase items. The card will also be used for direct and real-time crediting of salaries and benefits to the GCash wallets of employees, health beneficiaries, senior citizens, and students to improve operational efficiency and tracking of cash flow.

Let's Celebrate Mother’s Day for a Cause at City Garden Grand Hotel

Tweet

The journeys through motherhood, whether it be struggles, triumphs, or anything in-between,  is the most difficult, but rewarding and wonderful gift of life.  From all walks of life, we always think how we become - it's because of our mother. 

Making it extra special and memorable, City Garden Grand Hotel invites you the grandest celebration honouring all the moms this coming Mother’s Day. Treat your mother only with the best gastronomic varieties in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Spice Café.

On May 27, 2017, City Garden Grand Hotel will be having Mother’s Day Buffet Dinner for a Cause at Spice Café, guests will enjoy a buffet dinner with relaxing jazz entertainment in the background for only PhP1,500 per person. A short program will be held honouring the “super moms”, and to make it sweeter and memorable, a balladeer will be performing to serenade during the night, not to mention the goodies and giveaways that will be given for the mothers. 

The Mother’s Day event proceeds will be given to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Incorporated, to help the women, especially mothers, who are fighting from breast cancer. 

Guest can also enjoy the month long offer of Spice Café’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea and experience delightful merienda treats for only Php 250 per person, wherein guests can enjoy a choice of brewed coffee or tea and a selection of pastry sets and sandwiches available from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM only. 

In addition, treat the whole family to a sumptuous brunch buffet at Spice Café for the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Special on May 14, 2017 for Php 1,100 per person. There will be selections of luscious continental, eastern and local cuisines.

For more information or to book a table on the Mother’s Day Buffet Dinner for a Cause, visit Spice Café located at the 7th floor of City Garden Grand Hotel or call at +632 554-3428. reservations@citygardengrandhotel.com.

PLDT opens premier VITRO Data Center in Makati

Tweet

Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has opened the country’s biggest data center at Makati City, the country’s premier business district, to serve a wide range of organizations, particularly those handling vital data such as banks, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, IT and content providers and government institutions.

VITRO, set up by PLDT subsidiary ePLDT,  is a network of world-class data centers, guaranteeing continuous business operations for enterprise organizations. Highly robust, secure and scalable infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and 24×7 technical support capabilities, allowing you to focus on your core competencies.

(L-R) Opening of VITRO Data Center Makati with Jovy Hernandez, FVP; Eric Alberto, PLDT EVP & ePLDT President and CEO; Nerrisa Ramos, Chief Operating Officer; and David Simon, Chief Technology Officer & Service Delivery & Operations Group Head.

The newest VITRO Data Center sits on a nearly two-hectare property with 3,600-rack capacity. It is equipped with systems and facilities to guarantee continuous operations, ensuring that businesses can utilize robust and scalable digital infrastructure, as well as world-class 24/7 technical support capabilities.

“PLDT is investing heavily in our VITRO data centers as we believe that these facilities are one of the basic building blocks of the country’s digital economy. This data center will be a vital resource for companies as they ramp up their own digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The new earthquake-resistant, purpose-built data center in Makati is built on solid ground without seismic faults within its proximity. In addition, special architectural techniques and materials planning were implemented to provide the data center with fire-rated concrete walls and flood-protected design.

VITRO Makati is rated to withstand earthquakes up to intensity eight in the Richter scale. The data center is also compliant with global design standards.

“PLDT recognizes how vital it is for enterprises to ensure stable operations despite changes in the external environment. The need for scalable and secure hosting facilities to house and manage critical platforms is also growing in importance as the enterprise becomes more data-driven as a result of continuous digital transformation initiatives,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.

VITRO Makati offers one of the most secure and impenetrable structures in the Philippines with an eight-layer security design, guaranteeing that data and applications will always be protected and secured 

Each major component of the facility is configured with redundant counterparts in place that seamlessly operate to anticipate adverse events, including power generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units, among others. 

As part of the VITRO network of data centers, VITRO Makati also serves as a carrier-neutral Internet Exchange facility that provides numerous IP peering services, enabling access to local and international content.

VITRO Makati is also a Nexcenter-certified facility, allowing its clients to use globally standardized Nexcenter services of world leader NTT Com at some 140 locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal One private-network service, which is already available in the Philippines and which is largely used by the country’s BPO industry.

“As the world becomes even more digitally connected, Filipino enterprises must leverage on new technologies to ensure the security and resilience of their operations. PLDT’s digital platforms can enable enterprises to take advantage of disruptive technologies, secure their operations, and promote growth in their businesses,” said Alberto.

The PLDT Group now operates seven data centers all over the country with a total rack capacity of nearly 7,000 to serve the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises across various industries, including banking, financial services, outsourcing, telecoms, and gaming.