It's #NowNation as PayMaya empowers the Filipino millennials

Tweet

The Rise of #NowNation. PayMaya launched today its new campaign #NowNation to empower the Filipino millennials to seize the day, pursue their passions and live in the here and now. 

PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart e-Money, Inc), the financial services arm of Smart and PLDT, launches today #NowNation, a campaign that aims to inspire and enable the millennials to seize the day and pursue their passions be it in sports, music, fashion, gaming, and travel.

With the rise of digital, there is no better time for the millennials to be whoever they want to be and do the things they have always wanted. However, the challenge of financial inclusion in the country hinders the unbanked (69% of the population have no bank accounts) and the uncarded (only 7 million Filipinos have credit cards) to access financial and digital services. 

For instance, the lack of a credit card disables potential travellers to book flights every time they spot a seat sale. With PayMaya, by simply downloading the app on Google Play or App Store, users get an instant virtual Visa card that they can use to book flights whenever, wherever they are. 

“We are thrilled to launch PayMaya’s #NowNation campaign to signify our commitment in empowering millennials to pursue their passions and the endless possibilities that come with being part of this generation. Now is the time to travel and get out of your comfort zone, to find new places to eat with people you love, and to game up your style to express yourself and be who you truly are. This is what #NowNation is all about, and it is living in the moment with PayMaya that we can unlock a life brimming with experiences,” said Paolo Azzola, Managing Director and co-COO of PayMaya Philippines.

Joining the #NowNation are PayMaya’s newest brand ambassadors who have persisted in what they love to do every day, in the here and now: Alyssa Valdez, the heart-strong Volleyball player we all love; Camille Co, a young fashion designer and style blogger; Seph Cham, an up-and-coming men’s fashion and lifestyle guru; Chichi Tullao, the food stylist behind the delectable Happy Tummy Travels; DJ Carlo Atendido, the first FIlipino to win the Red Bull Thre3style World DJ Championships in 2015; Jonas Roque, the popular travel with hugot blogger behind Wandering Weekend Warriors; finally, Team Mineski, the professional Philippine DoTA team who most recently represented the Philippines in the international Manila Majors DoTA tournament.

(L-R) Paolo Azzola, Managing Director and co-COO of PayMaya Philippines; Ram Cortez, PayMaya's Student Ambassador; Carlo Atendido, DJ Champion; Seph Cham, Lifestyle Guru; Camille Co, Style Maven; Orlando Vea, President and CEO of Voyager Innovations; Chichi Tullao, Foodie Extraordinaire; Alyssa Valdez, Phenom of Philippine Volleyball; Jonas Roque, Weekend Wandering Warrior; and Benjie Fernandez, co-COO of PayMaya Philippines and COO of Voyager Innovations. 

With the #NowNation ambassadors, PayMaya hopes to inspire young millennials to go beyond dreaming and start living. 

“Aside from discipline, sports has taught me so much about resiliency and I guess this is the best piece of advice I can give. In pursuing your passion, don’t get disappointed with failures in the beginning as the start is always the hardest. You will realize later on that the best decision you ever made is when you told yourself to get up and continue the game during tough times,” said Alyssa Valdez.

She continued, “However, to keep playing the game, it is important to have a balance between work and play. When I am not playing volleyball or training, I spend some time looking for deals online I can surprise my family with. I’m glad that my PayMaya app is so easy and convenient to use that I can shop and pay online without leaving my seat.”

Aside from providing the financial tools needed to enjoy the things they want and gain meaningful experiences, PayMaya also keeps innovating for its users. 

Only with PayMaya

PayMaya is the only payment app and prepaid card accepted on Uber. Recently, PayMaya and Uber entered a unique partnership enabling PayMaya users to link their app or their card to their Uber app to hail a safe and convenient Uber ride. To celebrate this alliance and give users an additional treat, the partnership came with a promo[1] where users who download and use Uber for the first time get 50% off on their first Uber ride until July 10, 2016 by just using the promo code PAYMAYAxUBER. 

In addition to its “Send Money” feature which allows users to send money to anyone with a PayMaya app, they can now also send and pick up funds at any Smart Padala Center, which has more branches than banks and pawnshops combined. Soon, users will also be able to pay their bills and government services like SSS via the app. This way, PayMaya makes payments easy and convenient for living in the now, be it for having fun or for meeting our day-to-day needs. 

The economic power of the millennials

In the next decade, the millennials will be the largest living generation in the Philippines—and their numbers and lifestyle will drive the country’s prosperity. By addressing this frontier market segment, PayMaya helps build an important backbone of the Philippine economy.

The economy is estimated to grow by 7% to 8% within the decade on the back of its young population. Right now, most Filipinos are young and able to work—a favorable demographic where an increase in the number of working adults with bigger purchasing power will mean greater domestic demand and higher economic growth.

The spending habit of the millennial generation bodes well for the Philippines where private consumption accounts for 70% of its gross domestic product (GDP) as per 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)[2]. Retail trade, for instance, grew by 7% from 2014 to 2015; it’s now a half-a-trillion business[3]. 

This growing consumption is driven in part by rising incomes of millennials. For instance, families whose family head is a millennial are earning more than counterparts in the last decade[3]. In 2012, 2.4 million families with a family head aged 25 to 34 had a total of P447.9 billion in income. A decade earlier, 3.3 million families with a family head aged 25-34 earned P375.4 billion in total. 

The top transactions on PayMaya from May 1 to June 13, 2016 based on transaction count are: 

(1) Google

(2) PayPal

(3) iTunes

(4) Uber

(5) Spotify

(6) Valve

(7) Steamgames

(8) Facebook

(9) GrabTaxi, and 

(10) Lazada. 

Filipinos are also splurging on travel and lodging—services that were once exclusive to the banked and carded segments of the society.

Be part of #NowNation! 

For more details, visit www.paymaya.com. Find us on social media: facebook.com/PayMayaOfficial, twitter.com/paymayaofficial, and instagram.com/paymaya_official. 

About PayMaya

PayMaya Philippines, part of the Voyager Group, is the digital financial services unit of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The PayMaya is now the leading over-the-top digital payments app in the Philippine market. Among the company’s innovations include Smart Money, the pioneering mobile money service linked to the Smart SIM and mobile phone and Smart Padala, the leading domestic remittance service brand in the market.

PayMaya is the leading payment app and prepaid card in the Philippines. By downloading the app, users get an instant Virtual Visa card that they can use to pay and shop online, and access digital services such as Uber, Netflix, Zalora, and Foodpanda among others. PayMaya comes with a physical Visa card used for paying and swiping at physical stores such as apparel outlets, restaurants, groceries, bookstores and more -- anywhere Visa is accepted. 

PayMaya users who underwent know-your-customer (KYC) process and upgraded their account can do so much more including sending money to other PayMaya users, and withdrawing their money at any Bancnet-powered ATM. 

2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition at the 2016 Environmental Summit

Tweet

The 2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition - 2016 Environmental Summit held at the Megatrade Hall 1 & 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last June 21-24, 2016, with the theme, “Fostering Shared Responsibility in Integrated Waste Management.”

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Climate Change Commission (CCC), National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the local government units (LGUs), the four-day summit and exhibition showcased the programs and projects aimed to reduce air, land, and water pollution, and the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Senator Loren Legarda, a notable environmental advocate and author/co-author of several environmental laws in the country, graced the event as the keynote speaker.

Other distinguished guests and officials from DENR, selected members of traditional media and online media participated in the opening ceremony. 

“I am sure visitors will find this most instructive, fruitful, and truly worthwhile. I commend the organizers, exhibitors, and sponsors of this exhibition. Let us strengthen our shared responsibility in integrated waste management. Only collaboration and greater public awareness and support can effectively address the challenge posed by improper waste management and environmental pollution,” said DENR Secretary Ramon Paje. 

“Let’s start them young.”

DENR Assistant Secretary, Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna encouraged students from different schools and universities to attend the said summit so that they will become environmentally aware about waste management at a young age. 

Environmental advocates and educators discussed during the summit emerging technologies and new inventions to address and manage today’s important environmental concerns, specifically solid waste, water quality, air quality and hazardous waste and toxic substances. 

“We need to build and strengthen mechanism of partnership and collaborations among government, LGUs, non-government organizations, business and industry, sectoral organizations and organized local communities and raise public awareness on the need to protect our environment, reduce emissions and manage waste at source, and adopt 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) towards mitigating global warming and climate change,” said by the EMB-National Capital Region Director Minda Osorio. 

Highlights of the 2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition - 2016 Environmental Summit

Models walked in the runway wearing the fabulous indigenous and recycled creations of some of the talented fashion designers from the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP). Ms. Digna Rosales, President of FDAP.

The 2016 Environmental Summit was managed by Artistespace, which specializes from planning to executing events and digital marketing solutions. 

For more information about 2016 Environmental Summit, visit their official website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

New Epson Robot Force Sensors Enable Automation of Difficult Tasks

Tweet

- Allow robots to automatically modulate force -

Seiko Epson Corporation has announced the development of its S250 series of high-precision force sensors. The S250 series, which was rolled out worldwide from early June, will be available as an option for the company’s six-axis and SCARA robots. 

Employing Epson’s proprietary piezoelectric quartz sensing technology, the new force sensors are durable and sensitive, allowing them to accurately and consistently sense minimal amounts of force in six directions. This will allow customers to automate complex manufacturing tasks and will improve productivity. Epson also provides robot operation commands with the sensor, allowing customers to easily introduce the system.

Many manufacturers are turning to robots as skilled workers are lessening and aging populations are affecting companies in the world’s leading economies, and the trend to reshoring continues worldwide. 

Epson’s innovative new force sensors answer these needs and are a significant step forward in achieving the company’s mission of using robots to improve the way products are manufactured. The S250 series enables robots to feel force as limited as 0.1 N, allowing the robots to automate complex tasks such as precisely assembling delicate components. 

The sensors can also be used on tasks that formerly relied on human sensory perception such as polishing and deburring, freeing people from repetitive manual work. 

“The new force sensors are a significant development for Epson and for the manufacturing industry in general,” said Yoneharu Fukushima, COO of Epson’s Robotics Solutions Operations Division. 

“As a company dedicated to manufacturing innovation, the new sensors help to expand the applications for robots, and bring us a step further towards achieving our goal of creating a world in which robots support people in a wide variety of situations.”

“There is strong demand for industrial robotics and their applications within the Southeast Asia region, with robotics spending looking to double in Asia Pacific by 2019, according to IDC. The new force sensors will meet the demands of customers within Southeast Asia, to improve their productivity through automation of complex and intricate tasks. At Epson, we are committed to bringing new innovations to our customers to help them achieve their business goals,” said Ng Ngee Khiang, Regional General Manager, Epson Robotics Division.

The robots with new force sensors will be available from June within Southeast Asia, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 puts Philippines on the spotlight

Tweet

The Philippines will once again make its mark in the global entertainment scene as local and international pop icons gather together to perform in one of this year’s biggest music event, the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this event will be on June 24, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

With the theme “Can’t Stop Movin!”, the MTV Music Evolution 2016 presents the amazing evolution of pop music and its dance influences that will definitely keep the fans moving all night long. 

Headlining this year’s MTV Music Evolution is iconic international pop band and prolific hit-maker One Republic, with L.A. grown electric dance trio Far East Movement Billboard Hot 100 Artist, American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha and one of Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female groups Apink. 

Also sharing the stage are iconic local artists headed by Pinoy pop superstar father and son tandem Gary V. featuring Gab Valenciano and Filipino pop darlings and favorite teen love team, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. 

Hosting the event will be MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras.

Now on its 2nd year, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is expected to gather thousands of fans from different parts of the globe in a grand one-night only live celebration of pop music like never before. The Philippines will also be highlighted in a global live telecast reaching an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries under the MTV World Stage global series.

The MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 proves once again that the Philippines is not only a premier global destination for arts, culture, leisure and adventure, but is also one of the world’s top destinations for world-class entertainment. 

To know more, visit www.mtvmusicevo.com or www.tpb.gov.ph.

Budget-friendly tips from Electrolux: Preparing healthy 'baon' for your kids

Tweet

With school opening on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about not only the contents of your kids book bags but also what’s inside their lunch boxes. Creating packed lunches and snacks for your kids is not only a great way to save but the way to make sure they eat nutritious food. 

That is why Electrolux is here to provide some budget-friendly tips for tasty and healthy packed lunches and snacks. Forget the hotdogs or bacon and rice combo— these dish ideas are not only easy to prepare but will go down easy with your kids as well! 

Grains

Did you know the Australian dietary guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of mostly whole grain and/or high fibre varieties of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats? Why? 

Because it is Good-for-your-Grain! 

Grains plays an important role for a healthy diet, providing nutrients and energy for your kids’ growth and development. One of the benefits of eating whole grains is that they are chock-full of fiber. Diets high in fiber have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, constipation and unhealthy weight gain. 

A quick and easy way to incorporate fiber is through sandwiches - try making a simple clubhouse sandwich, which also contains veggies, and replace your ordinary bread with whole wheat bread. You can also replace white rice with brown rice to give your kids that fiber fix. 

Fruits and Vegetables 

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet can be challenging - one way to do it is to involve them in choosing and making their meal. Why not try a homemade trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, & cereal? Bring your children with you when you do the grocery shopping and let them choose a few dried fruits and nuts of their choice. You could combine them with a whole grain cereal for an easy trail mix.

Another way to include veggies into your kid’s lunchbox is by pairing crunchy vegetables like baby carrots or peppers with a tasty dip like hummus, tzatziki or homemade ranch dressing made with fat-free mayonnaise. These make great sides for lunch or even a yummy snack. 

Protein

Found in meat products, protein is required for growth and repair of muscles, as well as iron. For healthier baon, use lean meat or fish like salmon and tuna as your protein source or instead of frying meat, give them cold cuts or tuna in a sandwich. 

Eggs are another source of protein. Try packing a hard-boiled egg with your child’s lunch as one hard-boiled egg could provide 6 grams of protein.

More Healthy Snack Options

A healthy packed lunch should contain all four main food groups.

There are a lot of healthy snack items that you can give your kids besides sugary biscuits or chips. Aside from servings of chopped up fruit, you can include a single-serving pack of reduced fat chips, plain popcorn, apple or banana chips, a slice of fruit cake or unsalted nuts as a minor indulgence for your child at recess or after lunch. 

Making baon for your kids everyday may take up a lot of time, especially when you are in a rush in the morning getting everyone ready for their day. One way to cut down on prep time is to prepare a large portion of food on weekends, then divide them into single portions and keep them in your refrigerator to grab and serve when needed. 

Having a refrigerator with good storage solutions like the New Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator ESE6200PD-PH can be a big help. It has Freezer Space Plus which give you extra freezer room perfect for storing cooked food that you can eat later in the week. It also has wide open spaces and over 20.5 cu ft. capacity to help you store and organize the food your family will eat all week long. 

“At Electrolux, we believe in helping moms and families live healthier lifestyles and one way to do this is through good nutrition. With this goal in mind, Electrolux has thoughtfully designed products that will help families in their journey to eat well, in every sense of the word,” said Andrea Pionilla, Country Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. 

For more ideas on home care and healthy living, please visit electrolux.com.ph.

Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances, based on deep consumer insight and developed in close collaboration with professional users. We offer thoughtfully designed, innovative solutions for households and businesses, with products such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners and small domestic appliances. Under esteemed brands including Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi, Frigidaire and Electrolux Grand Cuisine, the Group sells more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year. In 2014 Electrolux had sales of SEK 112 billion and 60,000 employees. For more information go to www.electroluxgroup.com.