From number one foreign bank, Citi now aims to be leading digital bank in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

Apply online and get a digitized reward too!

With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. 

 “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.

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

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

Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers

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

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

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

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

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

15% off at POBox.ph (until March 31, 2017) and Shipping Cart (for air and shipping fees until July 31) 

12% off at Zalora year long 

10% off at Galleon.ph until July 31 

Island Rose extends 10% off year long 

Banking on a Digital Future

“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton said.

He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago. 

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

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

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

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

CALLE BISTRO: Everscapes unveils the latest lifestyle strip at Ever Commonwealth

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(L-R) Engr Ramil Aburquez (Topway Builders Inc), Arch. Gabriel Vitales (DQA Design and Planning Inc), Cynthia T Dizon (Everscapes AVP Controller), Joel T Go (Everscapes President), QC Councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo, Arch. Barnaby Kaw (Topway Builders Inc VP for Operations), Diana T Huang (Everscapes AVP for Corporate Planning), Maura F Guiron (Everscapes Leasing Manager), Ronelo M Alvarez (Asst. Mall Operations Manager for Ever Commonwealth).

Everscapes, a subsidiary group of Ever Gotesco Group of Companies develops Calle Bistro, the latest lifestyle strip in the area that aims to provide ideal and distinct dining options poised to cater family and friends residing just minutes away from Ever Commonwealth mall.

The Groundbreaking ceremony was held last March 17, 2017 headed by Mr Joel T. Go, Ever Malls President with other Ever Malls Executives like Ms Cynthia T. Dizon, AVP Controlle, Mr. Ronelo M. Alvarez, Ever Malls AMOM, Ms Maura F Guiron , Ever Malls Leasing Manager, Ms Diana T. Huang, Ever Malls VP for Corporate Planning and other special guests. The community will soon feel the flavors at Calle Bistro as it soft opens in the last quarter of 2017. 

Calle Bistro: Great Eats this way

A scene of a new stretch of choices; spices that soothe your senses; a sweet gathering for all ages; Great moments deserve great experiences. Indulge to Great Eats, this way to Calle Bistro. 

Ever gives more dining and feast selections as we launch a mid-scale family dining zone that will captivate the heart of North Quezon City. The latest lifestyle strip in the area – Calle Bistro, is a vast panorama of classy food and beverage choices that will soon rise adjacent to the Ever Gotesco Commonwealth Center.

EVER COMMONWEALTH: The community’s second Home.

For 23 years, Ever Commonwealth Center has been a provider of family’s needs. It was part of the long-term vision of the company, which is to develop, conduct, and maintain affordable and accessible commercial shopping centers for the Filipino. 

Ever Commonwealth Center resides in the midst of neighborhood, rightly serving as the community’s second home. With its concept of a comfort venue within minutes from home - family and friends come together for relaxation and recreation. The theme-park, castle-like architectural design evokes the feeling of fun and leisure, a kind of airiness ideal for pleasurable entertainment, shopping and dining experience. ;;p

“The Filipino lifestyles evolve and change. There will be new and exciting things beyond us, our loyal and most faithful neighbors will be offered options where they would pledge their loyalty anew,” says Joel T. Go, Ever Malls President, who continues the legacy of the GO family- who pioneered the first one stop shop concept in the industry. 

With this concept, Everscapes group was formed to make basic essentials and quality services accessible; enhancing the lives of everyone in the community and envision to become a prime mover in community innovation. 

Go also added, “Some give in, but a generous number stays. Why? Because EVER is not just a shopping mall or a structure. We are a landscape of vibrant and growing community - employees and customers – that are engaged to provide great moments together, and to offer something better than ever. EVER is your home.”

Be a Hero with McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys DC Girls and Justice League

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Be ready kids ! Here's an action-packed playtime with McDonald’s new DC Girls and Justice League Happy Meal toys. 

The set features iconic characters from the world-famous superhero franchises, including Superman, Batman, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl. Plus, gear up with exciting accessories like the Hawkman Mask, Wonder Woman Tiara, and Supergirl Headband.

Collect all eight DC Girls/Justice League toys, free with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal! Customers can choose from a Cheesy Eggdesal or 1-pc Chicken McDo during breakfast hours and 1-pc Chicken McDo, 4pc Chicken McNuggets, Burger McDo or McSpaghetti during regular hours. Happy Meals come with a choice of fries or corn and orange juice for a delicious treat!

Bring out the hero in you or your kids with the latest McDonald’s Happy Meal collection. Share your superhero bonding experience on McDonald’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/McDo.ph, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

Aiko Melendez In Her Acting Best in Wildflower

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Award winning actress Aiko Melendez now plays as the villain, the politically powerful, cruel character Emilia Ardiente-Torillo in the ABS-CBN revenge drama Wildflower, directed by Onat Diaz, starring Maja Salvador.

Aiko prays that her character, the politically powerful Emilia Ardiente-Torillo, who doesn’t mind committing bloody murder to protect the family reputation, stays on the set.

Aiko Melendez

Aiko who is a mother of two beautiful kids, Andrei and Marthena says, she snaps out of her character the moment the director shouts "cut."

She prays before and after facing the camera? 

“I am Christian, so I always pray, ‘Lord, role lang po ito. Make me effective without sacrificing my real being and attitude,” she says.

And because she knows the lead character is just as good as the villain, Aiko not only gives her all. She loves getting “meaner” by the day.

She also knows that Maja Salvador’s (the lead female protagonist/antagonist Lily Cruz) fans are cursing her on Twitter. 

“As the villain, I’m expecting the worst,” she laughs. And she loves getting meaner by the day. 

That means Aiko is playing her cruel character very well.

Aiko knows her character inside out. What she discovered about Emilia moved her to pity.

Emilia according to Aiko is a victim of circumstances, a woman pushed to the wall because of things beyond her control.

“I understand where her attitude is coming from,” Aiko says.

"I love my Wildflower team." Aiko is all praises for her co-actors. She admires how Maja attacks her role and her dedication to her job.

“Working with her makes me so excited. She’s the best in her generation. Maja delivers, and her acting nuances are great!” gushes Aiko.

She shared to us that they are doing the production, shootings everyday to offer the daily episode of the Wildflower series. 

Wildflower airs right after Minute to Win It on ABS CBN.

SCG elevates its expertise in building materials through innovative technology, creating world-class products for better living

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SCG, the ASEAN business leader with an expertise in building materials and sustainability for construction products and services, launched the SCG Smartwood and SCG Portland Cement to the Philippine market in a press conference held during the WORLDBEX 2017 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Philippines. 

WORLDBEX is the venue for the most talented architects, interior designers, exporters, and students to learn about the latest trends and innovations for the construction and building sector. 

This year, SCG showcased how an innovative and sustainable home can be both stylish and durable.

“At SCG, we create and deliver world-class building materials that truly serve our customers’ needs. SCG Smartwood, a superior brand of fiber cement wood substitute, offers a variety of designs and applications while at the same time extending the lifespan of a house for up to 30-50 years. SCG Portland Cement, on the other hand, uses innovative technology to boost its compressive strength, increasing its resistance to everyday wear and tear,” said Mr. Phaskorn Buranawit, Country Director of SCG Cement-Building Materials Philippines.

Apart from its durability, SCG Smartwood and SCG Portland Cement also respectively contributes to the well-being of the environment. SCG Smartwood lessens the number of trees cut for lumber, planks, timber, and other wood products. The production of SCG Portland Cement on the other hand, involves the rehabilitation of its quarrying sites.

The company gives importance to research and development of products, which aimed at creating more value for customers and promoting environmental conservation. SCG’s ultimate goal is to respond to consumers’ lifestyle both in the present and in the future.

“SCG Smartwood and SCG Portland Cement are produced through environmentally-friendly processes. SCG Smartwood is asbestos-free so the material is non-hazardous for our respiratory systems. It can also reduce the use of natural wood for over 90% of construction needs. SCG Portland Cement is innovative because it uses the waste heat power generator system in its production process. With these innovations, we hope to continue what we started in providing green and sustainable products to our clients in the construction industry.” added Buranawit. 

With growing concerns over environmental issues, it has been forecasted that there will be an increasing demand for spatial buildings and building information modelling which account for environmental impact before construction even begins. There will also be a rise in demand for sustainable cement and rustic wood aesthetic, creating opportunities for better and stronger properties for the future.

SCG has been an innovative leader in developing green products and services. In a sustainability report released in 2016, SCG identified how it is able to maintain its position as a leader in building and providing a better future for everyone by implementing green practices in its processes, producing world-class and sustainable products and services. 

“We have always envisioned an urbanized future for the world without damaging the environment. SCG Smartwood and SCG Portland Cement are materials for stronger and more sustainable homes and buildings,” concluded Buranawit.

SCG Cement-Building Materials is the official core business that supplies SCG Smartwood and SCG Portland Cement. It operates with full commitment to environmental friendliness and optimum use of natural resources in line with its sustainability framework.

About SCG

SCG is a leading ASEAN business conglomerate with regional focus, and established commitments towards business conducts that are in line with good corporate governance and sustainable development principles. Established in 1913, following the royal decree of His Majesty King Rama VI, SCG’s cement products were the essential materials for the construction of Thailand’s infrastructure projects during that period, which have contributed greatly towards the country’s modernization. Since its inception, SCG has grown continuously and has earned widespread recognition as a role model for other businesses, both locally and internationally.

Today, SCG is comprised of three core business units, namely: SCG Cement-Building Materials, SCG Chemicals, and SCG Packaging. With more than 200 companies under its umbrella and approximately 53,000 employees, SCG creates and distributes innovative products and services that respond to the current and future needs of the consumers.

SCG has been present in the Philippines since 1993 with more than 1,400 employees through its seven subsidiaries: United Pulp & Paper Co. (UPPC), Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. (MSCI), SCG Roofing Philippines, Inc. (SCGR), SCG Trading Philippines, Inc. (SCGT), SCG Marketing Philippines, Inc. (SCGM), Green Siam Resources, Inc. (GSRC), and Green Alternative Technology Specialist, Inc. (GATSI).

In the Philippines, the available products under the SCG brand are the following: SCG Smartboard, SCG Smartwood, SCG Concrete Roof, SCG Thermal and Acoustic Insulations, and SCG Cement.

One of its CSR initiatives in the Philippines include the Sharing The Dream program. Now on its 10th year, it is SCG’s way of giving back to the community by providing educational assistance to underprivileged Filipino high school students.

About Mariwasa Siam Ceramics

Prior to SCG’s presence in the Philippines, its subsidiary Mariwasa Siam Ceramics has already been established. In 2016, Mariwasa celebrated its 50th anniversary in the Philippines and is continuously pioneered the manufacturing processes such as: production of vitrified floor tiles, big size wall tiles and 3rd fired ceramic tiles.