AirAsia Philippines soars with Unbreakable Commitment to remain resilient amid crisis

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Airlines world over continue to look at ways to overcome the significant challenges brought by the on-going effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on international and domestic travel caused ripples of setbacks which necessitates collaboration among industry players to enable themselves to bounce back stronger. 

For AirAsia Philippines, their struggles from the pandemic prompted them to renew their unbreakable commitment to serve their guests despite turbulent times. No matter how dark the clouds seem during the flight, there is always a silver lining amid the storm.

“I shall never forget March 19, 2020. There was a total lockdown; all flights were canceled, and the airports were closed. It was tough…We know that it will take us two to three months to get back our commercial flights, thus we have to be agile,” said AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla. 

The company immediately implemented multi-layered approaches to safety, such as enforcing rigorous sanitation processes on the ground, inside the aircraft,  equipping their ground staff, pilots, and cabin crew with protective equipment, thermal screening, and implementing strict social distancing, among others.

“The most important question that our passengers would always challenge us is, is it safe to ride in an aircraft considering that you’re close to your seatmate? But to us, we made sure that there’s proper education regarding our Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filtration process. Because of that, we were able to rebuild immediately the confidence of our passengers to fly…” Isla noted. 

While commercial flights are still recovering, AirAsia shifted to chartered flights for both passengers and cargo. In partnership with various government agencies, AirAsia safely mounted chartered repatriation flights among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to help them return to their provinces to reunite with their families. They also accommodated chartered trips to transport personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies to the country, which are essential for medical front liners in the fight against COVID-19.

The volatile climate did not prevent the business from seeing the silver lining on the horizon. In fact, it opened doors of opportunities for growth and expansion as it launched airasiaSuper App, the fastest growing digital, travel, and lifestyle platform that features not only flights but flights plus hotel bundles under snap, unlimited deals, cargo and logistics venture Teleport and soon more offerings that will cater to the growing eCommerce business in the Philippines.

AirAsia augmented their customer services to better assist the concerns of their guests through an efficient customer interface to address queries on changing traveling requirements effectively.. They also adopted contactless solutions to seamlessly verify passenger information through FACES, a facial recognition technology pioneered, developed and operated by AirAsia which will replace boarding passes and make traveling in the new normal better, convenient and unique. 

This was made possible by having a reliable partner who provided them with the necessary support in embracing technology to adapt to the new normal. PLDT Enterprise, through its ICT arm ePLDT, supported AirAsia in providing exceptional customer experience to their patrons. Through its slew of digital solutions, AirAsia was able to uphold its unbreakable commitment to keeping its customers satisfied despite all the regulations they need to follow.

“During this pandemic, we made sure that PLDT Enterprise was with us the whole time. They provided AirAsia with a very well-managed Emergency Disaster Hotline Service, through ePLDT, which is powered by Curo Teknika,” Isla said.

 Moreover, with the launch of the AirAsia Super App in the Philippines, they expanded their presence in providing a comprehensive travel experience to passengers, as they now also assist other travel necessities, including bookings for hotel and medical requirements, shopping, and activities, among others.

“AirAsia is known to be a disruptor in the industry. With the help of our Malaysian group and all other subsidiaries in Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, we transformed into a digital airline company.; we are now more than just an airline,” Isla added.

“Marami pong salamat sa ePLDT. The service aims to support a full online customer service delivery for AirAsia and it's complete with all the digital platforms which are conducive to our customers to address all their needs even beyond post pandemic. And we will continue to build this up aside from our AVA (Allstar Virtual Assistant); we will make sure that our ePLDT powered by Curo Teknika is with us the whole time,” Isla highlighted.

“We are very happy that we shall be keeping this partnership with PLDT Enterprise as we progress and move forward to a better pandemic-free future.” 

PLDT Enterprise’s Unbreakable Commitment campaign highlights its collaboration with businesses and organizations in the country to demonstrate how creating partnerships has helped companies succeed amid various challenges and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos.

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering organizations through technology.

“PLDT Enterprise is a reliable partner that companies can depend on for technologies that will empower their business to overcome the limitations of face-to-face transactions. During these times, companies are left with no choice but to go digital and it is our unbreakable commitment in PLDT Enterprise to value their trust by delivering solutions that will take their business to greater heights,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise.

PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT have been instrumental to companies including AirAsia Philippines. as it takes off on its journey to business recovery. The times have been turbulent, and the skies have been dark, but with the help of the right partner who catapulted the business to reach its goals, the business found boundless opportunities onboard. 

Watch AirAsia’s interview here: https://youtu.be/cFtMyPLSkuk

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

The Itchyworms release second installment of holiday-themed album, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin

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The continuously expanding record contains two new tracks “Halo-Halo and “Meri Xmas 2 U”

The Itchyworms continue to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the second installment of their holiday-themed album, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin—out today, December 8, 2021 (Wednesday) on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines

Capturing the spirit of Pinoy Christmas with songs that will surely make its way into classic status, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin contains two new tracks, “Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U,” and last year’s “Have A Merry Christmas” and “Maligayang Pasko.” 

Written and produced by drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas, “Halo-Halo” is a festive reinforcement of the classic tradition with characteristically Pinoy sensibilities. It’s an upbeat tune that celebrates the Yuletide season in a way that feels home.

According to Jazz, “Halo-Halo” is a metaphorical reference to the various beliefs and traditions of Filipinos about Christmas. “There are people who believe in God, there are people who just shop, and there are people who consider it as a perfect time for receiving gifts. It all happens during Christmas, and it’s a magical feeling for everyone.”

Another new offering, “Meri Xmas 2 U” is a fun and sparkly reimagining of the Pinoy Christmas carols in one rocking shimmy treat. Complete with kundiman-charged guitars, raw percussions and tambourine sounds, and infectious vocal harmonies, the track pays tribute to the street caroling traditions in the country during the pre-pandemic times. 

“This is an ode to the kids who knock on doors to sing Christmas songs,” lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta shares. “They rarely have real instruments with them, but sometimes when they’re lucky, they bring acoustic guitars or makeshift tools. They use cans with stretched plastic on top for the ‘drums’ and flattened tansan as tambourines. While they don’t sing in perfect tune, the happy Christmas vibe that they bring is what gets you and tugs your heartstrings.”

“Meri Xmas 2 U” is written by Jugs Jugueta, and performed by the alt-rock band with their families and friends who sang and played makeshift instruments: Jug’s wife Andie, Chino’s brother Echo, Jazz’s brother Peavey and his fiancé Antonette, and their road manager Gabs.

The 2021 AWIT Awards Winner for Best Musical Arrangement also plans to add more songs every year to complete the Yuletide-themed album. This well-curated process gives them the opportunity to create music at their own pace while giving casual listeners something to uplift their spirits before the year ends.

As Jugs put it, “It is an ever-growing Christmas album. We released two Christmas songs last year, then we added two more this year, and we plan on releasing more Christmas songs every year! And every time we add songs, we also add elements to the album cover. It’s now streaming on Spotify and other digital platforms, but once we have enough Christmas songs, we hope to release it as a physical album on vinyl.”

Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin is part of the band’s celebration of their 25th year in the Philippine music industry, which follows the release of their original track “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)” and the six-part series, Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast. 

The year-long musical treat commenced with the vinyl pressing of their album, Waiting For The End To Start, which immediately sold out upon its release, the launch of “The Life I Know,” the first of its kind in the Philippine stop-motion animation music video, and the release of “Waiting For The End To Start” music video, which serves as an artistic take on the ‘dystopian future post-pandemic’ life in the Philippines.

The Itchyworms are also set to drop a mockumentary that chronicles their 25 years in the music industry at the end of the year.

“Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U” are out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines. Listen to the partial batch of ‘Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin’ here.

The perfect gift of protection from Lysol during the Shopee 12.12 Sale!

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With Christmas just around the corner, Lysol would like to share a timely Holiday message: that perhaps the best gift you can give this season is protection -- towards the health and wellbeing of your family and loved ones! And to make that happen, Lysol again teams up with Shopee for generous deals up to 50% off on Lysol products during the Lysol 12.12 Shopee Sale!

On December 12, 2021, exclusively, use the voucher LYSOL1212 to enjoy P112 off for a minimum spend of P1299. Meanwhile, via the Co-Sponsored voucher, get P50 off for a P500 minimum spend, this time from December 12 to 15, 2021.

But the generous promotions don’t end there. Other irresistible offers include up to 50% off on Lysol Disinfectant Concentrate 500ml twin pack -- eliminates odor-causing bacteria, viruses, and everyday dirt and grime -- during Flash and Rush Hours, happening at 12AM to 2AM, 12PM to 2PM, and 6PM to 8PM.

Also perfect for gifting, take advantage of up to 22% off on online exclusive bundles such as the Lysol Disinfection Pack (Surface Wipes Lemon 40s & LDS Max Cover Lavender), Lysol All-Around Disinfection Starter Kits in Crisp Linen and Marine and Crisp Linen and Lemon.

As well, enjoy the following gifts with the following purchases:

For a minimum spend of P1,299 from 12mn to 2 am during 12.12; free Scotch Brite Easy Clean Sponge for every order of Multi-Action Cleaner Bundle (900+800ml Refill or 450+400ml Refill) on December 12, 2021, from 1am onwards until December 14, 2021. Plus, get free Lysol Antibacterial Hand Soap during Rush Hours (12-2AM, 12-2PM, 6-8PM).

Truly, with these fabulous deals that you simply cannot miss, Lysol wishes a safe and protected Christmas for one and all!

Become a PayMaya Verified Seller now and let your customers know you're legit!

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Online shopping has definitely become more popular in the Philippines, but online scams - from fake sellers to bogus buyers - are ruining the experience for many Filipinos.

To further boost the growth of e-commerce in the Philippines and protect customers from online scams, PayMaya introduced PayMaya Verified Sellers, a feature that makes transactions safer for both buyers and sellers using the PayMaya app.

With this another first-in-the-market and unique feature, PayMaya is equipping online sellers who utilize the e-wallet to accept payments with a special badge – making it easier for consumers to check if they are paying legitimate businesses on the app.

By registering as a PayMaya Verified Seller, small business owners and people with side hustles can get instant credibility through a verified badge that customers can see, marking the account as "legit."

To get this special badge, PayMaya Verified Sellers will undergo another layer of screening to ensure that they are legitimate online businesses and are on good standing, on top of the standard registration and upgrade process for PayMaya app users. For sellers, this badge from PayMaya is a stamp of approval – a way to let consumers know that they are legitimate and trustworthy businesses that have passed the financial institution's rigorous background check.

Once verified, the badge will appear beside the seller's account name, which the customers can easily spot right before they transfer their payments in-app.

"For digital transactions, trust is key. That's why we have created this unique feature for the millions of PayMaya users who are utilizing the app as sellers and buyers. Through PayMaya Verified Seller, we aim to make our ecosystem safer from online scams. We encourage all online sellers to get verified with PayMaya so you can show your customers that you are 'legit,'" said Pepe Torres, Chief Marketing Officer at PayMaya.

Aside from giving customers an added layer of protection, PayMaya is equipping sellers with tools to help protect them from bogus buyers.

By utilizing PayMaya as a payment method, sellers can track their transaction history in real-time – allowing them to check instantly once a buyer transfers the payment. PayMaya is the only e-wallet offering this feature, addressing seller issues like fake transaction receipt screenshots from bogus buyers.

Being a PayMaya Verified Seller gives access to features that can boost business too. Here are just some of the added perks that online sellers should not miss:

Accept payments from anyone in any way. PayMaya enables sellers to accept payments from all customers seamlessly – whether they are PayMaya users via QR, Send Money, or Request Money; bank account holders via QR PH and Instapay transfers; and even those without any financial account via Smart Padala to PayMaya money transfers.

Reach millions of potential customers. As a PayMaya Verified Seller, you will be featured in PayMaya's social media channels and in-app Maya Mall so you can reach millions of PayMaya users to help boost your business.

Increase your account limit to P1,000,000. Once you are ready to expand your business, PayMaya will also be prepared to support you with an increased account limit – allowing you to grow their business even further.

Get exclusive perks to make the most out of your earnings. You can enjoy exclusive discounts on bills, groceries, deliveries, and waived bank transfers by simply using their PayMaya app for their everyday transactions.

With PayMaya's 99.9% uptime rate, online sellers and buyers can be confident that transactions will go through, especially when they need it most. This high uptime rate and enhanced features have translated to a more reliable and smooth customer experience, making PayMaya the top-rated e-wallet in the Philippines for both Google Play and App Store.

Signing up to be a PayMaya Verified Seller is fast and easy—business owners simply need to fill out the online form at https://www.paymaya.com/survey/verified-seller. Sellers can be verified within five business days.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/.

Ever Bilena unveils a more inclusive approach to beauty, with a new logo, tagline and product refresh

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The new normal has changed so many aspects of our lives. When it comes to beauty, the overall direction has evolved into a more streamlined approach, without sacrificing looks, elegance and drama. We know that makeup and beauty is for everyone, regardless of gender orientation, age, class, and skin tone, or skin type.

Responding to this new concept in beauty, Ever Bilena, the #1 local cosmetics company in the country, unveils a new theme that speaks to a more diverse and dynamic audience. “for every beauty” is the brand’s newest tagline that embodies the concept that beauty is for every individual who aspires to become confident, creative and expressive. Accompanying the tagline is a new logo - clean, streamlined and straightforward.

“This rebranding reflects our goal to make Ever Bilena even more accessible, inclusive and affordable to the individuals who use our extensive range of products. It is our pledge to remain as a beauty brand that supports the dreams and needs  of our cosmetics users,” said  Dioceldo Sy, Ever Bilena CEO.

At the core of these new revelations is the brand’s product refresh, featuring 3 new major categories that have now been added to Ever Bilena’s broad range of quality beauty products:

All Day. This is for Ever Bilena’s all day wearing products. Its signature product is the favorite All Day Liquid Foundation which delivers buildable coverage that helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections while giving hydration without the greasy feel. The existing shades for light to medium skin tones are Porcelain, Silk, and Oriental while the Olive shade is made for those with deeper complexions. If you’re looking for a foundation that is long-wearing but has a lightweight base, consider picking All Day Liquid Foundation for your daily use.

Pro. Product offerings of Ever Bilena now have a pro category. Pro-grade level products are perfect for makeup enthusiasts to professional makeup artists. Ever Bilena makes sure that you get the professional make up level quality that is proudly Filipino-made.

Matte. This is the signature line of Ever Bilena- a line dedicated to the most popular makeup finish with signature products like the Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick and the Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake. The matte lipsticks deliver a full, even color on your lips and are formulated with vitamin E to hydrate and nourish your pout, and keep it looking smooth and plump all day and night. The Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake is a one-step face powder and foundation that can be applied either wet or dry to achieve desired coverage. It is packed with moisturizing ingredients to make your skin smoother and softer while giving it a glowing finish.

With 38 years of beauty expertise, Ever Bilena definitely continues to be a brand for people from different walks of life, helping them express their individuality and enhance their natural beauty. 

To shop for these beauty must-haves, check Ever Bilena on Lazada, Shopee or visit Ever Bilena on Facebook (@everbilenacosmetics) or Instagram (@everbilenaofficial) to know more.