Lazada's Inanc Balci, definitely changing the way Filipinos buy

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While many of us can only dream of changing the world, Inanc Balci is already doing it. At 26, he co-founded South East Asia’s online retail tiger Lazada and now, at age 28, he sits as the Chief Executive Officer for Lazada Philippines. 

Inanc Balci, co-founder and CEO of Lazada Philippines

On Being a young CEO

Balci, a Turkish raised in London, attended Purdue University in the U.S. with a double-degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics. Afterwhich, he worked on mergers and acquisitions for an investment bank in London. While working for the investment bank, Balci saw the eminent potential in e-commerce which led him to join Rocket Internet and eventually co-found Lazada in Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, Balci heads a pool of more than 300 employees, all of which he works very closely with. With an unabashed outlook, agile wit, and a laser-sharp eye for details, Balci perfectly fits the bill to lead a rapidly-growing online company.

Online Shopping in the Philippines

In a country where shopping malls are practically part of the fabric of the society, online shopping is something quite a number of Filipinos are unaccustomed to—there comes the perennial trust issue on using credit cards, the surprise surcharges, and unfortunately, the products not arriving at all. 

The malls in the Philippines, on the otherhand, have creatively articulated themselves to be not just shopping destinations but also as a means of recreation (i.e. be it the cinemas, the gaming zones, the restaurants, or as simple as the airconditioning they offer as a break from the raging tropical weather outdoors)—all of these were the issues that Balci had to dispel—and dispel he and his co-founders did. 

Lazada has made shopping quick, effortless, and risk-free to South East Asia and in the Philippines, this is the same principle that Balci is harping on to the Filipinos. 

How is this so? First, Lazada accommodates all those shoppers without credit cards via its cash-on-delivery payment mode. This is essential given that not everyone has a credit card or is keen on sharing their credit card details to someone—or anyone for that matter. This makes online shopping risk-free for everyone. 

Being an archipelago of 7,100 islands, accessibility is always an issue—a significant portion of consumers doesn’t have time or access to visit the malls but with a minimum of PhP 1,000 purchase, Lazada offers free nationwide delivery, to customers anywhere in the Philippines, just log-in, shop, and the products will be delivered at the customer’s doorstep. Lastly, Lazada offers the flexibility of having the customers return the products within 30 days for free—provided that the products are in mint condition.

In a span of two years of being in the Philippines, Balci has steered Lazada to further heights and now with more than 40,000 SKUs, reaching 90-precent of the online population of the Philippines, and ranking as the 4th top Facebook brand in the country with a direct audience close to 2 Million.

What the dot-com bubble holds for Lazada is still yet to be revealed, but one thing is for certain, Inanc Balci, the 28 year-old co-founder and CEO, is definitely changing the way Filipinos buy.

About Lazada

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime. 

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

DepEd: “No collection policy” in public schools still in effect

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The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded all school authorities that collection of any fees during enrolment and the first days of class is strictly prohibited. 

“We call on all teachers and school officials to see to it that we do not refuse a single student who wants to enrol. We strongly remind them that we do not collect any fees as a requirement for enrolment,” Education Secretary Br.Armin A. Luistro said. 

The education chief added that certain contributions in public schools, while authorized by DepEd, do not mean that they are compulsory. “These contributions remain voluntary,” Luistro stressed.

DepEd re-issued this call to teachers, school officials and parents to encourage the community to bring all school-aged children to school.

“Let me be clear on this: in no case shall non-payment of voluntary school contributions or membership fees be made a basis for non-admission, non-promotion or non-issuance of clearance to a student. And that includes withholding of school cards,“ Luistro emphasized.

The fees which are authorized but not compulsory include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees, Philippine National Red Cross, Anti-TB fund, school publication fee, and Parents Teachers Association fee.

Based on DepEd Order 41 series of 2012, which remains in effect, Luistro has directed all school officals that no fees shall be collected from school children in kindergarten up to Grade 4 anytime during school year. For Grade 5 pupils up to fourth year high school students, there will be no collection from June to July. 

However, starting August this year until the end of school year, the following fees may be collected on a voluntary basis: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees of P50 per learner ; Philippine National Red Cross, P35 per learner; Anti-TB fund drive of P5 per learner; school publication fee of P60 for every elementary pupils and P90 for every high school student. The Parents-Teachers Association fee must be reasonable and is to be determined during the PTA general assembly.

The PTA can only collect contributions starting August and only after presenting to the PTA members and to the school head/principal report on the utilization of previous school year’s collections and the school year proposed budget with program of activities.

“School fees should not intimidate parents into bringing their children to school that is why I urge all school officials to strictly observe these guidelines or face administrative sanctions,” Luistro said, adding that PTA fees, even though approved by a majority of PTA members, still remain voluntary. 

DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo emphasized that the Philippine Government provides basic education free of charge to all citizens. He said, “Schools are not allowed to turn away students. Only in extreme cases of overpopulation can they do it. In such cases, some schools will opt for Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs).”

“Our public assistance station has received as total of 63 queries since Monday, some of them regarding compulsory contributions. In these cases, our team calls the schools and finds out the details. If the schools violate our strict prohibition on collection of fees, our legal department will send them a warning,” Mateo said. 

Mateo encouraged the parents to contact the DepEd public assistance station for any complaints, concerns, and questions at 636-1669, 633-1942, 0919-456-0027, and through action@deped.gov.ph.

Globe myBusiness offers innovative solutions for growing business

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CCTV bundles and Globe Charge

Here's the new offers from Globe myBusiness that would help the growth of microbusiness, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

First is the Globe myBusiness CCTV, which provides security to the business premises at a very affordable price. Business owners can avail any of the CCTV bundles and easily set them up with its “plug-and-play” feature. CCTV recording can also be accessed instantly through video calls and remote viewing via smartphones. Business owners can aso prompt e-mail alerts as well as pair the CCTV with other devices.

“Globe myBusiness understands that entrepreneurs have to monitor and secure multiple fronts in their businesses: from within, in terms of safety and security; as well as their bottom line, pertaining to their sales and profits. That is why we are empowering them with innovative solutions so that we have all theses aspects covered,” said Erli Valdez, head of solutions and portfolio management of Globe myBusiness.

“Now, Globe myBusiness has just made it easier for MSMEs to keep an eye on theor businesses through our affordable CCTV bundles, ideal for those who place a premium in strict operations surveillance. The service solves common challenges our entrepreneurs face on control and operational improvement, in terms of maintaining quality products and services, monitoring performance of manpower and deterring pilferage, among many others,” added Valdez.

Globe launched the Globe Charge for owners of stores, bazaars, and other retail outlets, to boost retail activity and spur easy payment processing. The service integrates a smartphone and an innovative mobile card reader into a convenient mobile point-of-sale (POS) payment device. With the new Globe Charge, entrepreneurs can now sell their products to almost 10 million credit card holders across the entire country with so much convenience.

“Retailer merchants, MSMEs and even some professionals are now embracing the ease and convenience brought about by Globe Charge, as they have higher chances to receive payments instantly, with settlements as the next banking day. Whereas before they ran risk of losing sales, Globe Charge significantly heightens the potential of turning each customer interface into a successful transaction,” said Barbie Dapul, marketing head of Globe myBusiness.

For more information on Globe myBusiness CCTV Bundles, Globe Charge and other solutions from the brand, call (02) 730-1010; visit business.globe.com.ph.

To know more about Globe Charge, visit mybusiness.globe.com.ph/globecharge.

10 things you should be excited about Ballet Philippines

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1. Opening our season is the award winning choreography of Agnes Locsin, LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA, with a libretto by Dennis Marasigan and set to the music of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. This "powerful and poignant" production about Apolinario Mabini will give you another reason to be honored to be born of the Filipino race, especially as this year marks Mabini’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary.

2. Guest Artists from the American Ballet Theater (ABT) essay the roles of Giselle and Albrecht in our Fundraising Gala of GISELLE. Watch out for ABT Soloist Stella Abrera and Principal Dancer James Whiteside as they dance with Ballet Philippines. Did we mention that Ms. Stella Abrera is a Filipina?! More Philippine pride! 

3. THE BLUE MOON GALA and THE HOMECOMING GALA: two "once in a blue moon" gatherings of BP's dance community celebrating its 45 years. 

4. Ballet Philippines will go on a US Tour on October 2014 - Get ready, West Coast! 

5. Alice Reyes' CINDERELLA will bring merriment to families - especially to children - as this happy production's comeback will surely bring fun to the Yuletid0e season!

6. Ballet + superheroes + the music of Eraserheads back when they were in UP all in one production = MANHID: THE PINOY SUPERHERO MUSICAL, which will bring the season to a rocking close. This production was created by Auraeus Solito and will be choreographed by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales and Resident Choreographer Alden Lugnasin, and is co-presented by Tanghalang Pilipino.

7. Two new schools of Ballet Philippines officially opened in the beginning of the season - the Ballet Philippines Dance School in SM Aura and Studio One near Folk Arts Theater. More space, more opportunities for young dance talents! 

8. Ballet Philippines goes to USA International Ballet Competition and Varna International Ballet Competition. Support our dancers who DREAM BIG!

9. MANanayaw, a documentary on the male dancers of Ballet Philippines, will be part of Cine Totoo: the First Philippine International Documentary Film Festival!

10. Ballet Philippines now offers FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTION where you can choose 4-series, 3-series, and 2 -series. Subscribers can get to choose the productions they want this early, choose seats before they are posted publicly, and save up to 25 percent!

WITHOUT YOUR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT, WHERE WOULD WE BE?

THANK YOU FOR A GLORIOUS 45TH YEAR!

JDI seals partnership with Rowers Club Philippines Sea Dragon

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Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) continues its commitment to promote health and wellness through sports by partnering with the Rowers Club Philippines Sea Dragon Inc., a rowing organization that’s been promoting the sport of dragon boat padding for the past 17 years.

The RCP’s dragon boat racing team, called the Sea Dragons, holds training activities at the Manila Ocean Park four times a week. The RCP is active not only in helping its members achieve wellness and fulfillment through their chosen sport but also in projects that benefit others.

JDI and RCP officials signed an agreement on May 14^th which commits JDI to provide rash guard shirts to the Sea Dragon members for their use in training and competition. Rash guards are special athletic wear for water sports; they protect the wearing from rashes caused by abrasion as well as from the sun’s heat.  JDI is providing the rash guard shirts through its brand, Sureseal Elastomeric Sealant.

“Members of the Sea Dragons need proper protection when they are paddling as they are exposed to the risks of chaffing and abrasions when they are on the boat and in the water.  The heat of the sun can also get really intense. Rash guards are very important in keeping our rowers safe and helping them perform at their best during training and races.  The RCP appreciates very much the contribution that JDI is making to our dragon boat athletes,” said RCP President Christian Villar.

As a company, JDI believes in helping people, including its employees, achieve health through a physically active lifestyle. 

“JDI has employee fitness programs that include Zumba, Bowling, and Badminton. We believe that we can all perform better at work and in our personal lives when we are fit. This is why, as part of our partnership with RCP, we have asked them to train our employees, those who are interested, in the sport of dragon boat paddling,” said Mr. Edwin Hernandez, JDI President and General Manager. The JDI-RCP partnership formally kicks off with a 200-meter dragon boat race in Camarines Norte on June 13 and 14, 2014.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. offers Sureseal, an elastomeric sealant with “Iwas-Crack” advantage.  Unlike other brands, it does not crack because of its elastic formulation that moves with the substrate. It is an effective sealant not only for GI roofing but also for gutters and downspouts. For more information on Sureseal and other JDI brands, go to http://jardinedistribution.com