Globe-ZAMCELCO partnership creates local income opportunities and customer convenience

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Globe, in partnership with the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO), responds to the challenges and uncertainties of these times by providing communities opportunities to earn more, and offering safe and convenient ways of paying bills. This is made possible through the country’s leading payment platforms: GCash and ECPay.

With this partnership, Globe continues to bring digital services closer to Zamboanga City. The city only has four payment centers, which serve more than 120,000 households. Through GCash and ECPay, customers of the power supplier no longer need to go to a payment center where they have to queue. They just need to access the GCash app or go to an ECPay retailer within their neighborhood to pay their bills.

“We make things easier for customers and local communities through our digital services like buying of load and paying bills -- changing the way businesses transact and helping them grow their earnings,” said Bernard Llamzon, Globe Head of Channel Management Group.

One of Globe’s dominant loading channels is its AMAX retailers who are now enabled with ECPay. More than 700 retailers now use the ECPay app, which enables them to offer more services to customers such as selling of electronic load and processing of ZAMCELCO payments. This expansion of services gives them an opportunity to increase earnings. So far, more than half of ECPay retailers in the city are already actively accepting payments for ZAMCELCO bills.

“Over the past year, we have witnessed how the use of digital channels has helped us get through challenging times. We will continue to introduce digital experiences to more Filipinos to support their livelihood and change their lives for the better,” said Rebecca Eclipse, Globe’s Chief Customer Experience Officer.

ZAMCELCO customers may pay their bills anytime by downloading the GCash app at http://glbe.co/GCashApp then go to Pay Bills, select ‘Electric Utilities’ and ZAMCELCO, fill out the necessary details, and choose ‘Confirm’. Those who prefer to pay in cash may go to an ECPay retailer, usually in a nearby sari-sari store, and provide the details of their ZAMCELCO bill.

GCash is one of the portfolio companies under 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate incubator owned by Globe. Globe has also acquired majority equity interest in ECPay in 2019.

Globe’s aggressive builds and network expansion since last year have made it possible for customers to elevate their call, SMS and data browsing experience.

According to Ookla®’s Q1 2021 data[1], the telco’s nationwide consistency score is now more than 70 percent. Metro Manila registered the best score with more than 76 percent while high marks were also noted in Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu City and Davao City.

Consistency Score measures what percentage of a provider's samples equals or exceeds both a download and upload threshold.

Globe likewise registered improved latency with an average of 33ms for the first quarter which is well below the 50ms winning standard set by gamers.[2]

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) particularly UN SDG No. 9 that highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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[1] Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® Mobile Consistency Score in the Philippines for Q1 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

[2] Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® Mobile Consistency Score in the Philippines for Q1 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

FWD Insurance partners with Cebuana Lhuillier for nationwide financial and protection inclusion

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FWD Insurance has partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier to bridge the financial and protection gap covering a wider socioeconomic segment of the Philippine market. In an agreement signed in April 2021, affordable FWD insurance plans and digital solutions will be made accessible to Cebuana Lhuillier’s close to 30M Filipino customers spread across 2,500 branches nationwide. 

Combining their strengths in product innovation and market reach, both organizations aim to change the landscape of insurance protection in the country. The expanded market share plus the diverse array of financial and insurance solutions are projected to stimulate revenue growth and financial health for both organizations.

The plan will be implemented through pawnassurance, digital channels and solutions, fully digitized team of advisors, and a brand-new sachet insurance concept that will cater to specific needs of more Filipino households. 

“We’re always searching for innovative channels so we can reach more untapped customer segments. This partnership with the country’s leading micro financial services institution strengthens our thrust toward financial and protection inclusion on a national scale. Cebuana Lhuillier can help us provide the right protection that fits the specific needs and budget of more Filipinos and empowers them to celebrate living,” says Li Hao Zhuang, President and CEO of FWD Insurance. 

“In our venture to bring our business to digital space, building a strategic partnership with one of the fastest growing insurers in the Philippines supports our commitment to make every Filipino financially included anytime, anywhere. The strength of both our organizations allows us to seamlessly deliver quality products and services to our markets,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier, Inc.  

Affordable life insurance-focused products and packaged solutions involving health, life and investment products will be introduced to give more Filipinos from all walks of life the chance to get covered according to their protection needs and budget. They will also be given optimum buying options for their convenience using either technology aided platforms for remote interaction, or through face-to-face engagement with a highly trained sales team.

Both FWD Insurance and Cebuana Lhuillier will be sharing best practices in the implementation of plans under the partnership. Aside from training employees and salespeople for additional knowledge and skills in financial planning, team collaboration and reward system for top performers will also be enforced. 

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About Cebuana Lhuillier

P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI) is the proud parent company of Cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippines’ largest micro financial services provider that offers pawning, remittance, micro insurance, bills payment, e-load, business-to-business solutions services, and micro savings and other banking services through their banking arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank. For more than 30 years, Cebuana Lhuillier continuously provides fast, easy, secure, and convenient micro financial products and services to more than 30 million customers through over 2,500 branches nationwide. The company has also expanded its services into the digital space through the eCebuana App, a product of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, and a host of other financial platforms such as Cebuana From Home, ProtectNow.com and the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry website. 

Cebuana Lhuillier is committed to its purpose of bringing financial inclusion to the majority of Filipinos and has remained at the forefront of its industry through its many product innovations and leadership in customer service. Its commitment to excellence has given rise to many countless accolades and recognitions here and abroad.

About FWD Insurance 

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2020, FWD Insurance ranks 2nd and 4th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and New Business Annual Premium Equivalent2, respectively.

FWD Group spans 10 markets in Asia including Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and family takaful products across a number of its markets. In the Philippines, FWD has 17 business hubs located in key cities nationwide, with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Established in Asia in 2013 with a trailblazer mentality, FWD is the primary insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group.  FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences and making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer by changing the way people feel about insurance. 

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph. 

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent

Just click, then eat! Kenny Rogers Roasters launches online delivery website

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It’s a dilemma as old as time – you’re just going about your day, scrolling leisurely on social media when you feel the cravings start to hit. You catch yourself daydreaming about warm, inviting muffins, delicious side dishes and the mouthwatering, savory roasted chicken that Kenny Rogers Roasters is best known for. You want your Kenny Rogers Roasters favorites, and you want it now. But how?

Worry no more about the hows and the whens – Kenny Rogers Roasters is taking food delivery to a whole new level. Bringing their menu straight to your devices, and your orders fresh and deliciously healthy right at your doorstep with just a few clicks, Kenny Rogers is launching their brand-new website! It’s simple, straightforward, and easy to navigate. What’s more, you can access it on any device, whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, tablet or even your mobile phone, which means you can order from Kenny Rogers anytime, anywhere!

Focused on your customer experience and satisfaction, the website is packed with awesome features. If you’re worried about delivery delays, or you want to know where your orders are coming from, you can locate any Kenny Rogers store near you! Skip queues and waiting times by placing your order days in advance, perfect for planning special occasions at home. The website also offers a wide range of payment options – pay with online wallets like PayMaya or Gcash, with your credit or debit card, or wait for your order to arrive and pay upon delivery!

As the website launches on May 17, special treats await those who will order online. Remember those crowd-favorite Kenny’s Corn Muffins you wanted so much? You can satisfy those cravings and have more for later with their BUY 1 TAKE 1 Half-Dozen Promo, exclusively available for online orders from May 17 to 23! There will also be other surprises in store, so make sure to follow Kenny Rogers Roasters on Facebook and Instagram to be notified.

Sounds tempting? Visit https://kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph and give in to the feeling! Order online from Kenny Rogers now – just click, then eat!

Need more convincing? Check out this video for more information on the website launch!

Saying "Yes" to Beauty Inclusivity: Inspiring Stories of Women who Embraced their Individuality through Livestreaming

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Coming to terms with yourself, flaws and all—and in the age of social media, no less—can be difficult. When unrealistic beauty standards are reinforced everywhere you look, self-acceptance doesn’t always come easy.

As a top beauty and personal care company in the country, Unilever acknowledges its role in championing a new era of beauty. Through projects such as Dove My Hair, My Say and Real Beauty, Unilever resolves to make beauty a positive and inclusive experience for all. As its next step towards celebrating the beauty in diversity, Unilever launches Yes to Positive Beauty on Shopee this May 17-19. The campaign aims to encourage Filipinos to embrace their unique beauty, support inclusivity, and say “Yes” to Positive Beauty. 

Need a little inspiration saying “Yes” to Positive Beauty yourself? Follow two Shopee livestreamers’ journeys to self-love below:

Bianca Umali

Bianca Umali calls her foray into livestreaming ‘a leap of faith.’ A year later after taking the plunge, however, Bianca shares that pushing the boundaries of her capabilities was one of the best things she’s ever done for herself. “Embracing yourself, I've realized, is not about staying in one place. It's also about branching out to the different facets of your being.”

Bianca admits that she used to hate her chinita eyes and longed for double eyelid surgery. Now that she recognizes that she does not have to follow unrealistic beauty standards, Bianca is determined to create authentic content as a public figure. She frequently goes live sans makeup. “My viewers can see me raw and unedited, and in turn, they get to see me as a real human being. They’ve seen me with dark circles, blemishes, and puffiness.”

One simple step towards embracing yourself, according to Bianca, is to filter your media consumption. “Our self-image only gets shattered when we are made to believe we do not measure up. Fight this belief by being in command of what you take in, and you will always see yourself as beautiful.”

Mary Grace Khu

Mary Grace Khu used to believe that only people with model-esque features could land jobs as on-cam talents. She eventually realized that her shape, size, and skin tone shouldn’t hinder her from going after her dreams, and thereafter snagged a job in the industry.

As a public figure, MG still feels self-conscious from time to time about strangers’ opinions, but for the most part she has found a supportive community in her viewers. She credits this to her authenticity and drive to advocate self-love online. “I am taking this as an opportunity to share my experiences and stories. I will always be real about it, as it would be hard to sustain if you're trying to pretend or be like someone else.”

MG also believes that beauty isn’t one dimensional. “I see beauty in a holistic manner: being healthy, having a positive mindset, and being confident in my own skin.” She adds that it is through one’s personality that true beauty radiates, and so she endeavors to bring sunshine to others by spreading positivity through her content. 

Yes to Positive Beauty Sale on Shopee

For beauty and personal care products catering to all kinds of beauty, visit the Yes to Positive Beauty Sale on Shopee this May 17-19. Enjoy discounts up to 70% off on Dove, TRESemmé, Cream Silk, Pond’s, St. Ives, Love Beauty & Planet, and more. Get additional 15% off with the code POSITIVEBEAUTY. Buy five or more items from the sale to receive the products in sustainable paper eco-wrap packaging. As part of Unilever’s goal to provide equal opportunities to all, a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting small businesses in partnership with Mano Amiga. 

Say yes to a new era of beauty and join Unilever in saying Yes to Positive Beauty. Add to cart and check out at https://shopee.ph/m/unilever-super-brand-day/. 

Don’t forget to top up your ShopeePay for more deals on skincare! Use ShopeePay at checkout to enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199 and 8% cashback sitewide with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

BRIA Homes adapts to millennials’ growing demand for affordable housing

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Millennials, that generation born roughly between 1980 and 1995, used to be stereotyped as young adults that dislike roots, are constantly on the move, like to job-hop, and blow their savings on travel, gadgets, and other trappings of the good life.

You may now banish these labels. More recent studies and considerable anecdotal evidence suggest that millennials are adapting well to the exigencies of the times. With restrictive quarantines and travel bans in place, go-getting millennials are putting their money where their smarts are—the thriving local property market. 

And now real estate industry experts assert that because—not in spite of—the pandemic, this goal-driven, ambitious young generation is liking what they see. Lured by the affordable housing options and innovative features offered by Philippine property developers, millennials are earnestly looking into purchasing their dream homes—now rather than later.

Quite expectedly, leading real estate developer BRIA Homes is right up there offering their superior-quality, affordable house and lot units and condominiums as homes of choice for this generation of property seekers. 

BRIA Homes’ residential units have features designed to suit millennials’ lifestyles: layouts that optimize living spaces and easy access to essential establishments such as hospitals, government agencies, offices and workplaces, transport centers, and retail hubs. BRIA has likewise been quick to respond to this market’s demands for optimized residential spaces that encourage flexible work arrangements.

Because of the proximity of BRIA projects to major roads and highways, these also perfectly serve young professionals or entrepreneurs whose work or business compel them to commute or drive every day. 

All BRIA communities are kept safe and secure by gated entrances and exits, 24/7 CCTV coverage, solar lighting at night, and perimeter fences. A competent property management staff sees to residents’ property-related needs and ensures everyone’s adherence to the current health and safety protocols. BRIA’s 24/7 digital customer relations management is likewise on hand to assist homeowners. 

To fulfill the millennials’ much-vaunted need for work-life balance, BRIA communities across the country offer recreational facilities such as basketball courts, multi-purpose halls, and lush landscaped spaces for casual strolls. 

As for residents’ and homeowners' utmost productivity and remote learning needs, BRIA Homes has set up reliable Internet connections across all its fifty-plus projects nationwide. Thus, BRIA homeowners are spurred to use digital options in processing local and international transactions through BRIA’s partner banks. To help keep themselves safe and stress-free, they can also do cashless payments for online shopping and food deliveries with All Easy, GCash, and PayMaya.

To sustain the momentum, BRIA Homes has come up with more options to meet millennials’ growing demand for affordable housing. For instance, BRIA’s newest condominium brand, Astra Vertical Villages, is ideal for hardworking and ambitious millennials who wish to invest in properties. Located in vibrant suburban cities such as General Trias in Cavite, and Calamba in Laguna, Astra condominiums are bright alternatives to dreary residential tower blocks seen in big cities. 

Featuring BRIA trademarks such as stylish design, strategic location, and modern amenities, units in Astra Vertical Villages come with a ‘starter pack’ price tag—perfect for aspirational young Filipinos with big dreams and busy schedules. 

To check out BRIA projects, prospective residents can simply head to BRIA’s website for 360 virtual tours or inquire online through the BRIA Facebook page. They can also make online reservations for a BRIA house or Astra condominium unit.

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN MV Holdings, Inc., one of the largest real estate companies in the country. BRIA Homes is primed to bring quality and affordable house and lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into BRIA’s homes.

To know more, visit their website at www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber Community, Telegram Channel, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp, or call 0939-887-9637.