April 5, 2022

Multi-party senatoriables gather in the Angkas Safety Fiesta, to push for the welfare and protection of 18-M bikers


ANGKAS is back!

Angkas, with its continued goal of providing safe, fast and affordable ride for our commuters, is welcoming back its partner-riders for the 2022 Angkas Safety Fiesta, to serve as refresher safety training for the company’s 23,000 biker fleet, and to reaffirm Angkas’ commitment to only the highest standards of motorcycle safety.

Angkas CEO George Royeca and the bikers preparing to serve the public again. 

Angkas bikers and senatorial candidates from a wide range of political parties gathered in the Angkas Safety Fiesta to jointly push for the welfare and protection of the 18-million-strong biker community.

Last Sunday, April 3, the Cainta-based event, which was packed by 3,000 bikers, also signaled the trailblazing ride-hailing service provider’s preparation to provide alternative transport due to the imminent return of pre-pandemic traffic in Metro Manila following the lowering of COVID-19 restrictions.

Senatoriables, leaders, and the biker community support Angkas’ return to the streets in the recent Angkas Safety Fiesta. 

Upper row, from L: former Ifugao governor Teddy Baguilat; Sen. Risa Hontiveros; free legal service counsel Chel Diokno; and Sen. Sonny Trillanes. 
Middle row, from L: Actor Robin Padilla; former senator JV Ejercito; Atty. Greco Belgica, former head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission; and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque. 
Lowest row, from L: Health advocate Dr. Minguita Padilla; former PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar; civic leader and women’s right advocate Samira Gutoc; and John Castriciones, former Secretary of Agrarian Reform. 

“An estimated 99% of motorcycle owners are low-income breadwinners. Motorcycles are at the center of their road to economic freedom and financial independence,” explained Angkas CEO George Royeca. “It is for this reason that we have invited candidates from every party. The welfare and livelihoods of 18 million Filipinos---and the families they support---are issues that cut through party divisions and affect all of us. Whatever your political inclinations are, we hope that 18 million kagulongs are part of the national agenda,” he added.
An estimated 3,000 bikers came out in support.

Angkas pioneered the motorcycle taxi industry in 2016 and gave the beginnings of legitimacy and professional regulation to tens and thousands of habal-habal riders who were previously criminalized by the government. Many challenges still face motorcycle bikers on a daily basis from lack of bike-friendly infrastructure, livelihood benefits, and the proper system to protect them from being regarded and treated as second-class citizens on the road. “There are 18 million bikers in the country, three times the number of cars. Unfortunately, roads are not optimized for bikers,” pointed out Royeca.
Free legal service counsel and senatoriable Chel Diokno

Free legal service counsel and senatoriable Chel Diokno supported this, saying that “...the transport policy of the government should be about moving people, not cars. The government has prioritized building more highways for cars, while we should be focusing more on how to move people to get where they need to get, in the shortest possible time. … Motorcycles are really suited to that role. But of course, we need to develop our mass transit system as well.”

Former presidential spokesman and senatorial candidate Harry Roque pointed out that Angkas can help revitalize the economy similar to the way that its bike counterpart in Thailand has been key to its thriving tourism industry: “Napakadaming beses akong nakarating ng Bangkok … Dahil sa Bangkok ‘yung kanilang counterpart na Angkas ang dahilan kung bakit sumigla ang turismo at ekonomiya ng Thailand.” (I’ve visited Bangkok many times … In Bangkok, Angkas’ counterpart was the reason for the revitalization of Thailand’s economy and tourism.”)

Seeking a return to the Senate this year, JV Ejercito, a longtime supporter of Angkas and a biker himself, confirmed Angkas’ contributions to the economy, addressing them directly: “\...Kung wala kayo... malamang lalo nang bumagsak ang ating ekonomiya. Kayo ang bumuhay sa ekonomiya habang tayo ay ni-lockdown...at may-pandemiya.” (If you weren’t around … the economy could have further deteriorated. You are the ones who kept the economy alive especially during the lockdowns and the pandemic.”)

Among Angkas’ first hurdles to wide acceptance was the common perception that motorcycles are inherently unsafe. To overcome this, Angkas provided free training for over 150,000 applicant bikers, 70% of whom actually failed. As a result of its uncompromising standards, the company has maintained a safety rating of 99.997% even after millions of rides. This convinced the government to take a second look at the motorcycle-riding sector and consider legitimizing the motorcycle taxi industry.

The success of the Angkas business model complemented by its strict safety training protocol has led to tens of thousands of new biker entrepreneurs who make at least PHP 1,500-2,000 a day or PHP 45k-60k monthly which is up to three times the minimum wage. Best of all, because they are entrepreneurs, these bikers control their working hours and have time for other important things such as family time.

“Today, there are an estimated 18-million motorcycle owners, 99% of whom are low-income earners and breadwinners,” shared Royeca. “Should they be given legitimacy as a sector, they will certainly be a formidable economic force that will provide adequately for their families, as well as help revive the economy by providing incomparably energy and time-efficient mobility and logistics services,.”

Bikers’ roles remain as vital as the country moves past COVID-19 and on to the challenge of rebuilding. Hopeful returnee Senator Sonny Trillanes explained: “We will be more and more dependent on motorcycles for logistics. It’s very convenient, and people have discovered that convenience. You cannot put the paste back into the tube. It’s for the betterment of society because it's less costly.”
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar 

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar acknowledged Angkas’ accomplishment: “...’Yung presence ninyo, naiba ang landscape ng transportation sa Metro Manila pati na sa buong Pilipinas.” (“Your presence changed the transportation landscape of Metro Manila, and the whole country’).

Seeking re-election, Senator Risa Hontiveros cited the need to constantly dialog with the motorcycle entrepreneur sector to learn their needs, and address these in the form of appropriate legislation: “Napakahalaga ng inyong boses para matukoy natiin ano ang mga pangangailangan at problema. At paano ito matutugunan ng mga maayos na batas.”

In the time of COVID-19, motorcycle entrepreneurs proved invaluable to the economy in general, and in the day-to-day lives of people in particular. Motorcycles have been the very engine that has been driving commerce even in the strictest lockdowns. Former Ifugao governor and senatorial candidate Teddy Baguilat of the Liberal Party pointed out: “They kept us afloat during the lockdowns.”

Angkas bikers in particular have stepped up and become heroes providing critical services to those who need them, supporting and partnering with different government agencies, and ensuring that our frontliners get fast and safe to the hospitals and back to their homes, often at great personal risk.

Senatorial candidate Dr. Minguita Padilla suggested potentially life-saving applications for motorcycle entrepreneurs: “Sa medical emergencies. nakikita niyo ang mga ambulansya na stuck sa traffic pero ang motorcycles pwedeng dumaan sa traffic. At sa ibang bansa ay ginagamit na sila, pang first-aid, pang mga emergency med vehicles.” (In medical emergencies we often see ambulances stuck in traffic, but motorbikes can easily get through traffic. In other countries, motorcycles are already used as emergency medical vehicles.)

Baguilat noted from conversations with tricycle drivers that spare part shortages for their motorbikes have become a problem: “We have to look into how we can manufacture locally made spare parts kung kakayanin (if possible).”
Senatoriable and actor Robin Padilla 

Senatoriable and actor Robin Padilla who is running for Uniteam and who is also an avid biker, pointed out that fuel prices are bikers’ biggest problem. He vowed to do something about it: “Mga ‘tol, isa lang ang ipapangako ko sa inyo. ‘Pag ako pinagkatiwalaan ninyo na mailuklok niyo na maging senador niyo at maging boses niyo, isa lang ‘tol. Gagawa tayo ng pambansang gasolinahan. Ibig sabihin hindi na dapat ‘yan i-tax ng gobyerno.” (Brothers, I have only one promise to you. If you trust me and elect me as your Senator, and allow me to act as your voice, we will establish a nationalized fuel company. This means fuel will not be taxed by the government.)

“While our primary concern today is the welfare of 18 million motorcycle riders, we are by no means suggesting that they be given a handout,” emphasized Royeca. “For many logistical and mobility-related tasks, there is absolutely no substitute for motorcycles. They have always been and have become even more vital to commerce in the country. Yet to this day, bikers are second-class citizens, both on the road and legally. Their livelihoods don’t enjoy protection from the law despite their significant economic contribution.”

“To the 18 million people that are depending on two wheels for their livelihoods, we want you to have the proper representation and good champions who will really look at what you’re doing, how you can thrive, how you can be better, and also fight for your rights,” said Royeca, addressing the motorcycle-riding public. “At the end of the day yun lang po (that’s all we want), sana po hindi na po sila (that they no longer be) second-class citizens. Sana po hindi na po sila tignan bilang mga criminal (it would be good if they were no longer regarded as criminals). This is something that we will always be fighting for until we are able to establish that,” he concluded.

Other noteworthy candidates who addressed the crowd were Senator Win Gatchalian represented by Jerry Esplana; Congresswoman Cristal Bagatsing of Manila City’s 5th District; Senatorial hopefuls John Castriciones, Samira Gutoc, Alex Lacson represented by wife Pia Lacson, Greco Belgica, Ariel Lim; and the Abante Pilipinas Party List. Senatorial Jopet Sison was also in attendance. Senatoriables Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva sent messages of support.


April 4, 2022

Exciting deals and discounts up to 56% off at the OPPO Super Brand Day Sale starts today!

This is no joke! Celebrate the start of a new week with the OPPO 4.4 Super Brand Day Sale, where you can get huge discounts, awesome freebies and more! From April 4-8, add your dream smartphone to your Lazada or Shopee cart and take home even more than you wished for!

Running throughout the work week, OPPO is offering up to 56% off on bestselling devices like Reno5 4G, A94, and A16 3GB when you shop through the OPPO Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Be one of the first to complete your purchase and take home freebies galore! Customers who purchase any OPPO mobile phone from 12:00am to 1:00am on April 4 will also receive a free pair of G25 earphones.

If you’re the type to review before you buy, don’t worry about it because OPPO will be giving free vouchers and accessories all week long. Take home a free pair of Bluetooth G25 earphones when you buy the all new Reno7 Series or the A94, and a free SD Card with every purchase of A16 3GB.

Shoppers can also collect storewide vouchers throughout the sale period, with Lazada giving Php200 vouchers for a minimum spend of Php9,999 and Shopee giving Php400 for minimum spend of Php14,999. Wherever you choose to check out, have fun redeeming your free shipping vouchers - that’s Php50 off for Shopee and Php55 off for Lazada - with a minimum spend of Php500.

Lazada shoppers can also collect and redeem added Lazada Bonus vouchers amounting to Php100 off for every Php1000 spend, plus a guaranteed 10% coins cashback on every purchase.

No pranks allowed, only huge discounts and more this 4.4 Super Brand Day Sale with OPPO!

For more updates and detailed promotion mechanics about the sale, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines. Or visit OPPO official stores on Shopee and Lazada

April 3, 2022

Get ready for summer with The SM Store and PayMaya

Up to P1,000 cashback rewards when you pay with PayMaya


After two years of pandemic travel restrictions, summer vacations are officially back with a vengeance. We are all ready to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, or perhaps, go on a trip to somewhere cooler in the mountains for a chiller vibe.

Wherever your summer destination is, you can get everything you need for the season when you shop at The SM Store. What's best about it is that you can get up to P1,000 in cashback rewards when you shop and pay using your PayMaya app.

Getting these rewards is easy. For new users, register for a PayMaya account and use the special invite code PAYMAYASM to qualify for cashback rewards. Until June 30, 2022, you can get a 10% cashback or up to P500 when you make your first cash in at The SM Store. You can get another 10% cashback or up to P500 when you scan to pay with PayMaya QR for the first time. Check out the full promo details here: http://pymy.co/paymayasmregistrationpromo

For everything you want and need this summer, The SM Store and PayMaya can make your shopping more convenient and more rewarding. Here are just some of the must-haves you can get there:

1. Resort wear

You're ready to go in the water, but don't hit the beach without some stylish and comfortable resort wear. You want your summer OOTDs to look good, and The SM Store has a great selection of swimsuits, casual wear, loungewear, and summer accessories - for all genders and sizes.

2. Travel gear

Your summer travel look won't be complete without a good set of luggage or travel bag and other accessories. Invest in good quality pieces that can last several summers over. From overnight bags and backpacks to heavier duty pieces, The SM Store carries various brands that can suit your budget. Don't also forget your first aid kit and health accessories like masks and sanitizers.

3. Skin essentials

You love basking in the sun, but take care of your skin! The best summer look starts with a healthy complexion. Invest in a good skincare line, and don't forget to use sunblock. Check out the local and global skincare brands available at SM Beauty sections of The SM Store.

4. Summer Toys

Summer vacations and getaways are also a great time to bond with your family and friends. Beyond taking a dip in the water, you'll also need some fun activities and games. Stock up on toys like balls and inflatables to play with on your trips.

5. Gadgets and accessories

Experience the sounds and sights of the summer of 2022 and remember all the reasons to celebrate family, friends, and life. The SM Store carries mobile phones and electronic items such as power banks, portable chargers, and portable speakers.

So what are you waiting for—get your summer must-haves today at The SM Store and get the rewards you deserve when you download PayMaya for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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. As of end-December 2021, PayMaya provides more than 44 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 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.

Human-centered, tech-driven strategy define FWD’s future of work


FWD Life Insurance
is equipping its employees with an app built in-house complemented by a new human-centered office design in its head office in BGC, Taguig. This is the latest FWD Anywhere initiative, which embraces different styles of working and is aligned with FWD’s global Group Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy of harnessing value in its people’s talents.

“Our people are what make us a vibrant and dynamic workplace. The pandemic gave us an opportunity to further our efforts on celebrating their unique strengths and explore innovative solutions to create an environment where everyone can do their best work while boosting their health and wellbeing,” says FWD Life Insurance President and CEO Li Hao Zhuang.

Workspace Plus

FWD’s exclusive work management app called Workspace+ was the result of an evaluation of the employees’ needs as the world moves toward the next normal. The Insurer’s hybrid work arrangement is the future of work that offers its employees greater flexibility.


FWD employees have the choice to work from the office 50% of the time, and they are given the freedom to work from anywhere for the remaining half. Employees use the app to agree with their managers and teams in advance of their work schedule, reserve work desks and parking spaces at the office building. They confirm their reservation simply by scanning the QR code in the app to check in – all to provide a positive experience in the tech-enabled hybrid work setup.

Vita Marie Guillen, FWD’s Chief People and Culture Officer, says that FWD’s key priority is the wellbeing of its employees. “We care about our employees’ overall health. It’s part of our DNA and it defines how we work. By giving them these tools, we enable them to efficiently plan their schedule in the office, balance quality time at home, and afford them the opportunity of sustainable behavioral change,” Vita affirms.

FWD has been implementing a “work from anywhere” policy since 2018. Initially designed to help ease employees’ daily traffic and commuting woes when the pandemic lockdowns and quarantine protocols were implemented by the government, all FWD needed to do was enhance its hybrid work plan and fully enforce it into the future of work.


Human-centered workplace

FWD refurbished its BGC head office in a way that enhances employee experience, focusing on building a collaborative, supportive and respectful environment, and giving priority to employees’ physical, mental and social wellbeing.

They are given the best seats right by the floor-to-ceiling windows and corner spots where natural light streams and a spectacular view of the bustling city can be seen.

The new office is generous with space to promote social distancing, at the same time encouraging employees to move around freely and be physically active, including the option of standing work desks. The pantry is big enough to double as a huddle area. Collaborative areas are conducive not just for brainstorming sessions but socializing as well.

Creativity and innovation pervade the atmosphere. The state-of-the art media studio is designed to allow FWD creators to produce valuable, quality content for its customers. The orange brand color dominates the entire office to fuel passion, vibrance and dynamism among the employees. Greenery and trellises in the Innovation area add to the inspiring work atmosphere. Meeting rooms have been assigned names after popular Filipino festivals such as ‘Ati-atihan’, ‘Sinulog’ and ‘Dinagyang’ not only to promote local culture but to also reaffirm the company’s tagline: Celebrate living.

“We intend to celebrate diversity and innovation in the way we work toward the next normal with a motivated workforce who will continue changing the way people feel about insurance,” concludes Li Hao.

Learn how FWD talents nurture career and self-growth and check out available careers and job openings to join the team’s future of work.




About FWD Life Insurance

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

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with approximately 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest growing insurance markets in the world. In the Philippines, FWD has 17 business hubs located in key cities nationwide, with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Established in 2013, FWD is focused on 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 is committed to 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

GCash Digital Excellence Awards Recognizes 40 key pioneers in the Enterprise and MSME sector


The pandemic has forced both consumers and businesses to change how they conduct their transactions. Business owners have had to adapt and innovate their services to cater to the growing needs of the “new normal.” This is why GCash has been committed to improving its digital products to cater to both the needs of Filipino customers and local businesses and enterprises who need future-ready solutions.

The GCash Digital Excellence Awards is an opportunity to highlight real-time and real-life innovation in the Philippine market. GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country, wants to recognize the institutions that have taken significant steps towards revolutionizing digital solutions and implemented programs that help protect transactions and the delivery of their services.

Beginning last year, GCash has started recognizing partners in the public sector along with key individuals who have made impactful contributions in building a financially inclusive country. This year’s GCash Digital Excellence Awards extended the honors to innovators in the enterprise and MSME sectors for their various programs and initiatives promoting digital excellence.

The GCash Digital Excellence Awards was held last March 31, 2022, through an exclusive virtual event. The evening’s festivities were hosted by Gelli Victor, a seasoned host and fitness enthusiast, and Chito Maniago, VP for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs of GCash. Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO, Winsley Bangit, G-Xchange President and CEO, along with Luigi Reyes, GCash VP & Commercials Sales and Operations Head also graced the occasion and addressed the awardees their special messages. 

Rico Blanco also dropped by to celebrate the winners with iconic anthems Pinoy Tayo, Antukin, and Your Universe


Three main awards were given this year to a total of 40 GCash partners. These awards include the Industry Pioneer Award, the Innovation & Growth Award, and the Transformative Ecosystem Award.

The Industry Pioneer Award was given to partners who embraced digitization, and changed the game with GCash in the early stages of its journey. The Industry Pioneers that were acknowledged believed in what GCash could be right from the beginning and have proven to pave the way in democratizing financial services for Filipinos.
Institutions recognized as industry pioneers include Max's Group Inc, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc, ACADOPS (Academy of Operations Excellence and Services Inc), National Book Store Inc, Lalamove, Villarica Pawnshop, Inc., NCCC, Mega Q Mart, Farmers Market Araneta City, Puregold Price Club, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, REGCRIS GROUP OF COMPANIES, Tulay sa Pag-Unlad, Inc (TSPI), and Paynamics Technologies, Inc.

The Innovation & Growth Award recognizes organizations that have established revolutionary programs together with GCash. These programs have successfully delivered best-in-class solutions for GCash users. Companies who were given this award are institutions that have stood strong amidst challenges and continued to contribute to the exponential growth of Filipinos that utilize digital products services.
For this award, McDonald's Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation), DMCI Holdings, Inc. (Semirara, DMCI Constructions & DMCI Homes), Robinsons Supermarket Corporation, Nestlé, Philippines Inc., Chris Marr Corporation, Suyen Corporation, Angkas (DBDOYC Inc.), Pay&Go (BTI Payments Philippines, Inc.), New Las Pinas Market (New Las Piñas City Public Market), Ministop, Appboxo Pte Ltd, Concentrix Daksh Services Philippines Corporation, and BDO Unibank Inc. were recognized by GCash because of the specific initiatives and programs they spearheaded that stood the test of time.


Lastly, the prestigious Transformative Ecosystem Award was given to companies who have fully imbibed the digital lifestyle by integrating the various solutions of GCash into their ecosystem. These companies have quickly responded to changing needs of customers and are proven advocates of digital transformation. From MSMEs to Enterprise partners, the Transformative Ecosystem Awardees have revolutionized the way of life for millions of Filipinos together with GCash. Through this award, GCash recognizes the pioneering efforts in the use of digital financial products. Puregold Price Club, Inc., Classic Savory, Ayala Corporation, Unilever Philippines, Inc, Cebu, People's Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC), The SM Store, foodpanda, Direct Agent 5, Inc (DA5), Star Market, Generika (Actimed Inc), Booky, and ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PAYMENTS (EC PAY) INC. were given the Transformative Ecosystem Award in this year’s GCash Digital Excellence Awards.

Congratulations to all the awardees for successfully innovating their services to help uplift the lives of more and more Filipinos and inspire other institutions to follow suit.


LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
enjoying wonderful world