LG Electronics partners with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 for Dengue Hospitalization Pledge campaign

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LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) takes the fight against dengue in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s child-care program Bantay Bata 163 for Dengue Hospitalization Pledge campaign, where organizations will issue pledges to cover a certain amount for the treatment of each dengue-afflicted child confined in Bantay Bata 163’s partner hospitals. 

Fifty pledges will be allotted for each of the eight offices of Bantay Bata 163 covering Manila, Laguna, Bicol, Negros, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Northern Mindanao, amounting to a total of 400 pledges nationwide. A tropical disease, Dengue has become one of the leading diseases which tremendously affect Filipinos, especially children, from all walks of life.

The company’s pledges will be supplemented by a customer engagement program where buyers of LG’s Mosquito Away Residential Air Conditioner (RAC) are encouraged to contribute to the campaign. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of LG’s Mosquito Away RAC from March 15 to May 30, 2017 will go to the campaign. 

LGEPH’s Managing Director Inkwun Heo said, “LG has always believed in putting technology to good use. This is why we came up with innovative products like the LG Mosquito Away RAC to help families protect themselves from the fatal dengue disease.”

Launched in the Philippines early last year, LG’s revolutionary Mosquito Away RAC repels mosquitoes, especially the dengue-causing ones, allowing a healthy, comfortable and mosquito-free haven in homes, schools and establishments. It utilizes a speaker that makes inaudible ultrasound wave at a specific frequency of over 30kH, completely harmless to humans and probably the easiest way to keep mosquitoes away.

Results of tests conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Los Baños Research Professor Dr. Pio Javier showed that the LG Mosquito Away RAC is capable of repelling indigenous mosquitoes, the dengue-causing Aedes aegypti, at a very high success rate of 82.71 percent. Aside from its Mosquito Away feature, RAC operates at low voltage for higher energy-efficiency, and its jet cooling feature results in quick cooling.

To learn more about the LG Mosquito Away RAC, visit www.lg.com/ph, like LG’s official Facebook page “LG Philippines” or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter or Instagram.

Create your own Epic Experiences with Visa

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Visa cardholders can now create their own unforgettable experiences as the global payments firm launches Epic Experiences by Visa, an ever-expanding universe of exclusive privileges for Visa cardholders.

In its fourth year, Visa’s homegrown privilege platform is broadening its offerings beyond dining to cater to the different interests of cardholders. Over 80 dining, retail and travel partners nationwide have been added to the list of partner merchants this year. Simply present your Visa card at partner establishments to experience Visa’s signature VIP treatment and exclusive offers. Through this program, Visa gives its members the power to tailor-make their own lifestyle experiences: you can try out the most popular restaurants, keep up with the latest trends, and travel to exclusive vacation spots around the country.

Epic Experiences by Visa - Stuart Tomlinson

“Our vision is to give our cardholders an opportunity to curate their unforgettable life moments through Epic Experiences. Our wide range of partnerships and offers will enable our members to enjoy exclusive privileges that can build on their interests and enhance their lives,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

Epic Experiences by Visa - Sugar Factory

Partner establishments and offers

All Visa Credit, Debit, Prepaid and Commercial cards issued locally and abroad are eligible to enjoy the unique perks of Epic Experiences by Visa. 

Use your Visa card at any of the partner establishments to avail of exclusive promos. Offers are available from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please visit www.visa.com.ph

AirAsia launches “Red Talks with Daphne” web series

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“Red Talks with Daphne,” was formally launched today (March 20) by AirAsia, with TV host and producer, Daphne Oseña-Paez.

AirAsia, voted the world's best low cost carrier for eight consecutive years by Skytrax, launched a 6-part web series featuring some of Asia’s best-kept attractions, rich cultural heritage, and inside stories about people and the airline that broke travel norms and made flying possible for everyone across Asia and beyond.

“Red Talks with Daphne,” is hosted by award-winning TV host and producer, Daphne Oseña-Paez. She takes viewers to different places and talks about traveling, flying, helping and inspiring communities.

Philippines AirAsia Brand Manager David Viray said, “AirAsia was established with a dream of making flying affordable and accessible to all and this success story has inspired so many people and communities across the region. The Red Talks team led by Daphne traveled far and beyond to search for places and meet people who share the same dream and story.” 

The Red Talks with Daphne web series:

• Destination: Dream (The Man with the Red Cap). It takes viewers to AirAsia’s massive headquarters in Kuala Lumpur where Daphne and AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes talk about the airline’s humble beginning and the exciting times for air travelers in the future.
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• Destination: Fly is an inside look on what it takes to be an AirAsia cabin crew and how their journeys and training earned them the distinct recognition of being world-class in a highly demanding job and environment.

• Destination: Good (The Silversmiths of Arkomjogja), meanwhile, tells the story of architects and silversmiths in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. This third episode highlights the work of the AirAsia Foundation in keeping these ancient traditions alive. 

• Destination: Unity. It talks about ASEAN as a single market destination and how AirAsia is making it more convenient, more affordable, more fun and more exciting to travel around thousands of islands and the challenges of connecting people, places, and empowering communities.

• Destination: Harmony (The role of business in environmental protection) goes to Palawan. In this fifth episode, Daphne talks about pearl production and delves into the ongoing campaign to protect Palawan’s marine biodiversity through responsible eco-tourism.

• Destination: Freedom (A tribute to travelers from all walks of life), brings viewers to Shanghai, China in a story of adventure, thrill, and excitement. 

Red Talks with Daphne was made possible by the AirAsia Foundation, the AA BIG Loyalty Programme, Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, Flower Island Resort Palawan and Jewelmer. 

AirAsia BIG Loyalty Program makes it even easier and faster to fly. AirAsia’s award-winning loyalty programme, AirAsia BIG Loyalty allows members to earn AirAsia BIG Points to redeem free AirAsia flights, hotel stays and more. With over 100 partners worldwide, there are plenty of ways to earn points. And every month during the member-exclusive Final Call Sale, flights can be redeemed from only 500 BIG Points!

Red Talks with Daphne will premiere on AirAsia Philippines’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/airasiaph on March 25, 2017.

WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano becomes fundraiser for a day

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WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano became a fundraiser for a day! Last March 16, held in Glorietta 4, Makati, this project aimed to spread awareness on pressing environmental issues and introduce the Individual Donor Programme (IDP) to the public.

Everyone can now directly contribute in the ecological-sustainability initiatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines thru participating in the Individual Donor Programme which encourages people to funnel their finances in vital and urgent causes such as conservation.

People can join the IDP through visiting WWF booths in selected malls all over the country or by simply going to the WWF-Philippines website. Each can do a one-time donation of their choice or they can possibly engage in monthly donations which can make them environmental advocates in a more convenient way.

These donations are directed in good use as it can support conservation projects in key sites across the Philippines, promote clean sources of renewable energy, prepare seaborne communities in facing worsening climate change impacts, and educate the youth through environmental education drives.

A long-time diver and certified lover of seas, Luis Manzano champions the organization's Marine Conservation Program that includes initiatives on sustainable fisheries plus food security, community-based ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation.

Founded in 1997, WWF-Philippines spearheads campaigns and solutions to help the country combat the worsening climate change, secure food sources to alleviate poverty, conserve endangered species, secure fresh water sources, and, recently, transform lives by providing sustainable livelihood programs in communities.

As of now it has 13 project sites including Tubbataha Reefs and Cagayancillo in Palawan, Donsol in Sorsogon, Mt. Iglit-Baco Mountain Range in Mindoro, Ipo Watershed in Bulacan and the Hamilo Coast in Batangas. WWF-Philippines also conducts climate studies in 16 key cities around the country.

If you wish to learn more about IDP and other programs of WWF-Philippines you may log on to wwf.org.ph.

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.