The Rise of Cashless Payments with PESONet

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The rise of cashless payments is here with PESONet, a new electronic funds transfer service that enables customers of participating banks, e-money issuers or mobile money operators to transfer funds in Philippine Peso currency to another customer of other participating banks. 

PESONet,  seen as a catalyst to spur the rise of cash-less payments in the country, is the best payment method for bulk disbursements or payments.  It is the most convenient and efficient alternative to checks!

To encourage people and businesses to conduct their financial transactions digitally, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the payments industry launched PESONet late last year as the country’s first Automated Clearing House (ACH) under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). 

PesoNet — an inter-bank Electronic Fund Transfer platform that can benefit companies that still transact using traditional cash or check payment systems to go electronic. 

With PesoNet, businesses can pay their suppliers, their bills, and even their employees electronically even across different banks and financial institutions. It also allows transfer of funds and other volume or bulk transactions among participating banks. 

Users can simply log on to the participating bank’s online or mobile banking platform, choose “PesoNet,” or Transfer to Other Bank, enter payment details, press send, and payment is sent to beneficiary’s account within the same day at full value.

Since its launch, response among financial institutions was encouraging. By end of July 2018, there were already 58 financial institutions that signed up as participants with 43 of them already receiving PESONet transactions. On the other hand, 22 institutions have already made PESONet available in their online and mobile phone channels.

So why switch to PESONet? 

There are many benefits that digitizing payments can bring to both businesses and individuals. According to a study by Better Than Cash Alliance entitled “The Future of Supply Chains: Why Companies Are Digitizing Payments,” real benefits “can be accrued not just by companies but also their employees, suppliers, distributors, and in many instances, the communities they work in,” by going digital with their payments. Among these are improved efficiency, increased revenue, greater transparency and security, and stronger business relationships. Specifically for the payees, they receive payments due them within the same day with no fees nor deductions. 

In the McKinsey Global Institute’s study “Digital Finance for All: Powering Inclusive Growth in Emerging Economies”, the Philippines’ share of digital payments is 2% of all payments. With PESONet now in place in the Philippines, the BSP hopes this will improve eyeing an increase to 20% in total electronic payment transactions by year 2020.

“PESONet remains part of the BSP’s commitment to harness the power and reach of the digital space to push the agenda of greater financial inclusion. The digital revolution underscores the importance of innovation and technology to ensure the delivery of financial products and services to a wider segment of society,” says BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. 

So far, the response from the financial sector such as the banks, a vital component for PESONet, is overwhelming. Not only was there an increase in the number of financial institutions that signed up with PESONet (total of 58 participants), the volume of transactions likewise increased. The Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) reported that by end July  2018, a daily average of 39,000 PESONet transactions are processed. In terms of value, these transactions would be approximately PhP 3 billion per day. Compared to the same period last year, these grew by 27% in volume and 26% in value.

 “These figures show a vast improvement from batch or bulk funds transfer prior to PESONet, which is already very encouraging. We hope to see more financial institutions to start using PESONet, particularly thrift and rural banks, the non-bank electronic money issuers, and government corporations as PESONet customers and businesses using PESONet for disbursements as well as collections,” explains PPMI Chairman Justo A. Ortiz.

Among participating PESONet financial institutions include ANZ Bank, Bank of America, Bank of China, Citibank, CTBC Bank, Deutsche Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Eastwest Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Maybank, MUFG Bank, Ltd, Mizuho Bank, PNB, PSBank, Robinsons Bank, Shinhan Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, UCPB, Unionbank and Yuanta Savings Bank.. 

After PESONet, the BSP and the payments industry offered more options for the consumers to shift to e-payments with the InstaPay. Compared to PESONet, which normally handles volume/bulk financial transactions, InstaPay transactions are done real time 24/7 through the internet and/or mobile banking channels of participating financial institutions limited to P50,000 per transaction and without limit on the number of transactions. Funds transferred through PESONet and InstaPay are received without deductions.

For more details about PESONet,  visit PESONet participating banks’ websites, www.pesonet.info or visit www.bsp.gov.ph.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes are back together in rare reunion concert “Twofus…Reunion of Friends” September 1 at The Theatre at Solaire

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"Twofus…Reunion of Friends” will bring you back to memories of special moments of your life. 

It will be the 70’s all over again on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at the Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino when Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes get together for a one-night rare reunion in “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”

Today’s audiences instantly recognize Ronnie Henares as a mainstay in the popular comedy series “Pepito Manaloto” where he surprised people with his comic flair. Ronnie is also widely recognized as the manager in tandem with wife Ida, responsible for transforming steel-throated “Ang Bagong Kampeon” champ Chona Velasquez into the classy musical superstar Regine Velasquez. Others developed under their Primeline Management & Production, Inc., were Lani Misalucha, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, Tux, Gino Padilla and the list goes on.

Jojit, on the other hand, has since opted for a quieter life in the States.

But in the 70’s, Ronnie and Jojit were the musical heartthrobs of the day. They were, in a manner of speaking, the equivalent of Leif Garrett and Rex Smith in the Philippines, with throngs of screaming and swooning fans.

How it started

Close buddies from their La Salle grade school days, Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes together with Jim Paredes became lead vocalists of “Les Violents,” a high school band formed by the Paredes cousins. The band was formed to enter a "Battle of the Bands" competition sponsored by De La Salle High School. They won Second Prize. “The high school band was the start of my musical partnership with Ronnie,” recalls Jojit. “We were invited to perform at all sorts of parties and gatherings.”

One of those gatherings was a weekend at the Laurel beach house in Matabungkay, Batangas upon the invitation of Lynnie Laurel. In the midst of the merriment, Ronnie and Jojit grabbed their acoustic guitars and started singing for the guests who were impressed by the two’s harmonious vocal blending.

The Twofus (pronounced as “Two of Us”) was born. 

With boyish good looks and (social) class-transcending appeal, the Twofus would become a big hit among college and university campuses, the invites coming initially from exclusive private schools and later from public schools as well.

Soon, Ronnie and Jojit would invade radio, print, and television. They shuttled back and forth gigs on prime time TV, musicals, live shows, road tours, concerts, and radio shows. When the Twofus was introduced to Tower Productions, they turned composers for the first time, writing the movie theme for the fan flick starring Tina Revilla “Funny Girl.” 

Ronnie and Jojit then became part of the highest rating prime time show that time, “D’ Sensations” which featured Vilma Santos and Boboy Mortiz. “One afternoon after a radio interview at the program of Ike Lozada in ABS-CBN, he brought us to meet Tony Santos, the famous director of the ‘D’ Sensations,’ the no. 1 primetime TV show at that time,” remembers Jojit. “Direk Tony Santos asked us if we could do an impromptu song and he’d put us on live. We took a deep breath and went for it. At first the audience fell silent as acoustic guitars were not yet amplified and the boom mike was picking up peripheral noise. When we finished the song, the audience went wild demanding more.”

For a couple of years, Sunday evenings televiewers were enthralled by the Twofus. In record time, Ronnie and Jojit cemented their status as national teen idols.

But the time to pursue different paths eventually came. Ronnie Henares went into hosting, singing, dancing, acting, directing, producing, and managing the careers of future superstars. Jojit Paredes enjoyed a solo caeer as an actor, singer, and recording arist until he decide to explore new adventures in America. 

The road back

Some good teams, however, never lose their appeal.

Ronnie and Jojit got together last year and recalled how successful the US reunion of Twofus was. “It was heartwarming seeing familiar faces that we haven't seen in ages plus fans from our youth that packed the afternoon matinee and evening shows, and how much fun we had performing for them and watching them participate in the show,” says Ronnie who suggested that he and Jojit reunite in Manila with their artist friends and the Manila crowd that loves 70's music.

“These days we need a dose of yesteryears when love songs were tender, lengthy laugh trips were highly contagious and dancing expressed the soul’s joy and rhythm...more importantly when friendships lasted lifetimes,” adds Ronnie wistfully.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes will prove just that in their reunion concert on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino. “Music lovers are going to love this concert,” Ronnie and Jojit or the Twofus, say in chorus, “The audience can expect to hear the hits of the times which aren't performed anymore in any of the entertainment venues in the country.”

Take a wonderful trip down memory lane with Ronnie and Jojit to an era when love songs were beautiful, tender, and had well thought-out lyrics and upbeat tunes made it impossible for you not to groove to the music.

The Twofus will captivate old and new audiences alike with hits from Chad and Jeremy, Mamas and the Papas, Everly Brothers, Beatles, Lettermen, Lovin Spoonfuls, Cascades and more.

Joining in on the fun are long time friends of Ronnie and Jojit like music icons Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the APO Hiking Society, funny lady Mitch Valdes, and the 70’s top dancing duo, the AldeguerSisters. “No stone is being left unturned to ensure we give the audience a fun-filled night of music, laughter and dance while celebrating long lasting friendship and the good old days,” says Ida R. Henares of Primeline Management & Production, Inc.

"Twofus…Reunion of Friends” gathered together the best production team that includes director and writer Floy Quintos, musical director Roy del Valle, art director Christian Henares, the team of Sisa Hernandez Kalson for production, Francis Libiran for the wardrobe, and the very best session back up singers and musicians.

Making this major throwback party for friends and music lovers of the 70’s possible are presenters Solaire Resort & Casino, PrimelineManagement & Production, Inc., and University of Perpetual Help, sponsors KARADA, PLDT 90 and Smart, M&Co cosmetics, donor HCB Institute, and media partners RJ FM 100.3, 91.5 WIN Radio, and The Philippine STAR.

Relive the good old days with friends and family at “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”

Playtime just got super with Jollibee Kiddie Meal’s new Teen Titans Go! To the Movies collectibles

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Awesome superhero adventures await young children with the new Jollibee Kiddie Meal toys – Teen Titans Go! To the Movies. Jolly kids can join forces with Robin, Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg, and Starfire to fight crime and save the day.

These cute collectibles of the entire superhero squad are just in time for the newly released animated film, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies.

This August, grab your Teen Titans Go! To the Movies collectibles with every purchase of a Jollibee Kiddie Meal.

Once sidekicks to better-known heroes, the Teen Titans have emerged as a young superhero team out to wage their own war against the forces of evil. Now, kids can enjoy an action-packed playtime of battling evil villains with cool toys that feature the heroes’ signature moves.

Get ready to shoot discs at enemies alongside Teen Titans leader, Robin. Just put Robin in position, insert the discs, and press the button to shoot.

Watch the shapeshifter, Beast Boy, transform into a pterodactyl by attaching his mask and wings. Afterwards, just press a button to flap his wings and take flight for battle.

Choose from Cyborg’s cool weapons which can be interchanged when assembled. Using a knob at the back, you can also move Cyborg’s arms to use his weapons at full force.

Cast mystical spells with Raven with just the switch of a button to make her eyes glow. Then, move the knob up and down to watch her levitate.

Jump off into outer space with Starfire with the press of a button and flip the switch to see her eyes glow as she releases powerful starbolts.

Collect all Teen Titans Go! To the Movies heroes with every purchase of a Yumburger (P80), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P100), Jolly Spaghetti (P95), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Burger Steak (P95), 1-piece Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Chickenjoy with rice (P120), or 1-piece Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (P130), each with its own Jolly Joy Box. 

Get started on your superhero adventures with the Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, available from August 1 until August 31, 2018. Visit your nearest Jollibee branch to collect the whole team!

SEAOIL Philippines’, Oh my GAS! SeaOil Lifetime Free Gas promo is back!

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SEAOIL, the largest independent fuel provider in the Philippines, will award another four lucky motorists with a lifetime supply of free gas. 

For the second year in a row, the “Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo, still the only one of its kind in the world. 

“Last year’s ‘Lifetime Free Gas’ promo was so successful, and was received so well that we decided to run it again this year. This is not just to thank our loyal customers, but also to celebrate the successes of SEAOIL over the past years,” said SEAOIL CEO Glenn Yu. 

SEAOIL is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Aside from a lifetime supply of gas, SEAOIL customers can expect to win over 100,000 instant prizes through peel-off cards. Thirty (30) P10,000 worth of SEAOIL gift cards will also be raffled off in the monthly draws.

How to join “Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo

• To join the “Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo, a customer must gas up at least P500 worth of Extreme 97, Extreme 95, Extreme U, Extreme Diesel fuels and/or Seaoil Lubricants at any Seaoil stations nationwide. 

• Seaoil customers may either register their promo codes at www.lifetimefreegas.com or drop their raffle coupons at the dropbox registration of Seaoil stations where they gas up.

• They can also register the raffle code first before dropping the coupon at dropboxes provided, which grants them double chances of winning.

  

This year, the company also announced new brand influencers, true SEAOIL believers who bring credibility and recall to the brand. They are international car racer Marlon Stockinger, TV host and radio DJ Joyce Pring, and Atoy Llave, founder and owner of A-Toy Customs, the leading car customizer in the Philippines.

SEAOIL has also forged a strategic partnership with independent fuel company, Caltex Australia (CAL). The partnership will support the company’s plans for growth in the next five years. CAL is a 100% publicly-owned company in Australia and does not share any ownership with the local Caltex.

The “Oh My Gas” promo runs from August 18 to November 18, 2018. Winners of this year’s promo will be determined via three monthly draws on September 19, October 19 and November 29.

Pinoy cyclist dons Barong Tagalog in Prudential RideLondon 2018

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Filipino cyclist Tetsuya “Jun” Minagawa recently completed the Prudential RideLondon Brompton World Championship Final in London, United Kingdom. Donning a traditional Barong Tagalog as his official cycling attire, Minagawa cycled a 1.3-mile circuit around the world-famous St. James’ Park in the capital. 

Jun Minagawa tastes victory as he bites into his finisher’s medal wearing the Barong Tagalog

Minagawa joined more than 500 smartly-dressed cyclists from around the world who went through a Le Mans-style dash to unfold their bikes before they set off on an eight lap circuit. 

This is the fourth time that the Brompton World Championships was featured in Prudential RideLondon, dubbed as the world’s greatest festival of cycling. Cyclists dressed unconventionally, wearing tuxedos, pants, and unconventional footwear--no Lycra or the choice fabric used in cycling uniforms is allowed in the category.

Minagawa represented the Pru Life UK in Prudential RideLondon 2018 after winning the Brompton Philippine Championships in PRUride PH 2018 in January at McKinley West in Taguig City.

He also completed the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, a day after the Brompton championship.

Other cyclists who represented the Philippines in Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 category are Philippine National Road Race Champion Jermyn Prado, John Kenneth Cruz, Ryan Lamayo, and Bertrand Dominique Teplitxky. Representatives to the Surrey-46 category are  Philippine National Road Race Champion (Under-23) Ismael Grospe, Jr., along with Genesis Maraña and Aidan James Mendoza.