Top self-service payment kiosk provider in the Philippines bullish on outlook in 2024

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eTap Inc., the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the country with 70% of the market share is bullish on its outlook in 2024.

The people behind the wholly-Filipino owned company noted that innovations and its passionate commitment to reach out and tap the unbanked segment of the PH population propelled the company to be the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the Philippines today.

(R-L) Mr. Percy Hernandez, President and CEO of eTap, Inc. with Mr. Marlon Portugal eTap, Inc. COO shared about the plans of the country’s leading self-service kiosk provider in the country, at the launch held in Mandaluyong City.

Leveraging on eight years of groundbreaking solutions, eTap Inc. has consistently stood as the number one choice by leading brands providing accessible and convenient financial services in the country.

"At eTap, we believe in the transformative power of technology to uplift communities. Our self-service payment kiosk system is more than a convenience; it's a gateway to financial independence for the unbanked. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to ensure that every individual feels supported on their financial journey," shares Percy Hernandez, CEO of eTap Inc.

Founded in 2015, eTap Inc. has been guided by a dedicated team of visionaries committed to shaping the future of financial accessibility. The faces behind eTap are passionate advocates for financial inclusivity and innovation zeroing in on the unbanked sector of the PH population.

eTap is passionate about creating solutions that cater to the unbanked lower sector, ensuring financial services are within reach for all. eTap Inc.'s self-service payment kiosk system offers a wide range of services, from bill payments to ticketing, providing users with an intuitive and efficient way to conduct transactions. The user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience, making it accessible to all demographics.

It is dedicated to shaping the future of seamless transactions with its state-of-the-art self-service payment kiosk system. Leveraging innovative technology, eTap Inc. aims to simplify and enhance the customer payment experience across various sectors. In 2024, eTap will further expand to reach out to the unbanked from far flung communities.

To complement its wide range of self-service payment kiosk system, eTap Inc. formed its subsidiary, eTap Solutions; which is dedicated to deploying and operating its own machines for the retail, food, services, and transport industries to fast-urbanizing cities nationwide. eTap Solutions is poised to set a new benchmark for reliability and functionality in the industry.

For more information about eTap Inc., please visit etapmo.com.

Daryl Hall Files Restraining Order on John Oates

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - News broke out several hours ago that Daryl Hall filed a restraining order on John Oates, his partner in the famed pop and soul duo, Hall and Oates. Details are unavailable as all court documents are sealed as per Hall’s request. The only matter that is known is that it is filed in court as a “contract/debt” dispute.

In a podcast interview with Bill Maher in 2022, Hall revealed to the comedian that both him and Oates “are Brothers and not creative partners”. “You think John Oates is my partner? … He’s my business partner. He’s not my creative partner.”

Added Hall, "We made records called Hall & Oates together, but we’ve always been very separate, and that’s a really important thing for me." Hall then went on to diminish the collaborative aspect of Hall & Oates, using the duo’s 1980 No. 1 hit “Kiss on My List” as an example of their apparent creative separation. “I did all those [harmonies],” Hall said. “That’s all me.” Oates is not credited as a songwriter on “Kiss on My List,” but is listed as a co-producer with Hall.

This dashes any hopes of Filipino music fans seeing, at least, in the foreseeable future any partnership or live shows by Hall & Oates the duo that produced 29 hit singles from the 1970s to the 1980s including six number one songs such as “Rich Girl”, “Kiss On My List”, “Private Eyes”, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”, “Maneater”, and “Out of Touch”.

Daryl Hall (left) and John Oates

Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band would be the best possible chance to experience the chart-topping catalogue of this Rock and Roll and Songwriter Hall of Famer on November 27, 2023 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band with special guest Todd Rundgren is brought to you by Ovation Productions along with Blast TV and Tap Digital Media Ventures Corporation. Tickets at smtickets.com and priced at 15,750 (SVIP) / 14,750 (VIP) / 12,750 (Patron) / 10,750 (Lower Box A) / 9,750 (Lower Box B) / 5,750 (Upper Box) / and 2,750 (Gen. Ad). 

For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at

https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/

#OvationProductions

#DarylHallMNL

FACEBOOK: @ovationproductions

TWITTER: @ovationprod

INSTAGRAM: @ovationprod

Larga Ta Cebu! PAL opens more local destinations from Cebu

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Cebu, Philippines – The national flag carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines (PAL), officially expanded its Cebu hub to offer more flights and destinations around the country. PAL now offers a new route from Cebu to Laoag and resumes flights from Cebu to parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

PAL’s Cebu hub is mounting flights to Laoag as the gateway to Ilocos Norte, which is home to unique natural rock formations, sand dunes, and centuries-old stone churches that preserve the province’s rich history. Through this newly opened direct route, travelers will now also have easier and faster access to cultural heritage sites and local flavors in the entire Ilocos region – all starting from the vibrant heart of Cebu.

“Through our “Larga Ta, Cebu!” campaign, Philippine Airlines is providing more ways to reach every part of the Philippines and the world. The true beauty of our diversity and culture is best seen through the eyes of explorers, and we want more people to experience the unparalleled beauty of our land,” shares Philippine Airlines President Captain Stanley Ng. "PAL is eager to serve more leisure and business travelers and thus we are expanding our network of flights to and from the Queen City of the South, as Cebu is an ideal and convenient travel gateway," he added.

Its strategic location in the center of the Philippines has long made Cebu a commerce, culture, and connection hub. PAL’s expansion of its Mactan-Cebu hub to include a historic new route to Laoag provides more opportunities for travelers and encourages cultural exchange as passengers traverse diverse regions. Additionally, PAL enhances travel convenience with shorter direct routes to enable tourists to explore various destinations not just in the north but also across the Philippines.

Larga Ta!

Beyond the pioneering new route to Laoag, PAL will also restore flights going to General Santos, Legazpi (Daraga), and Ozamiz from Cebu. PAL’s comeback on these three prime routes offers travelers a gateway to unforgettable adventures and the chance to uncover the Philippines’ hidden gems.

General Santos, the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," lures you with its bountiful aquatic treasures and rich seafood experiences. PAL's direct Cebu-GenSan flights make it easy to explore waterfalls, relax on pristine beaches, and dive into nearby South Cotabato’s serene surroundings and rich culture.

In Legazpi, the iconic Mayon Volcano is the star attraction, accompanied by historic landmarks and Bicol Express, a culinary gem that exemplifies the bold and spicy flavors of the Bicol Region. Beyond culinary delights, PAL offers efficiency and an enjoyable travel experience through its nonstop flights from Cebu to Legazpi, via the new Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay.

Rounding up the list of new gateways, Ozamiz City is home to abundant natural parks, diverse cuisines, and an extensive colonial heritage. Indulge and explore the gateway of Misamis Occidental through PAL’s direct flights from Mactan-Cebu, offering travelers a seamless and enriching journey to these remarkable attractions, enhancing their travel experience with accessibility and awesome choices.

"Philippine Airlines welcomes all to explore new destinations around our country, all accessible from our hub airport in Cebu. Let's discover the uncharted wonders and embrace the diverse beauty of our beautiful Philippines," Captain Ng said.

Travelers can book their next journey from Cebu to Laoag, General Santos, Legazpi (Daraga), and Ozamiz for the travel period beginning December 15, 2023. Book your next flight from Cebu and visit the Philippine Airlines website www.philippineairlines.com.

COMCO recognized in MarCom awards in USA, ICCO Global Awards in UK, and Campaign Asia-Pacific Awards in HK

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COMCO Southeast Asia, the New PR and Smart Social agency of global award-winning and powerhouse communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, and its partner brand Century Tuna, the leading canned tuna product in the Philippines, continue to garner recognition from various international award-giving organizations including MarCom Awards in USA, International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) Global Awards in the United Kingdom and Campaign Asia-Pacific Awards in Hong Kong.

Campaign Asia-Pacific Awards 2023

COMCO Southeast Asia is shortlisted for PR Agency of the Year in the Philippines in the prestigious and most-coveted Campaign Asia-Pacific Awards 2023, an annual ceremony participated by media, advertising, creative, digital, PR, independent, and specialist agencies from across the Asia Pacific region and the United Kingdom. The Campaign Asia-Pacific Awards' PR Agency of the Year is given to agencies and consultancies that champion and inspire leadership, excellence in management, and outstanding business performance in PR consultancy.

The voice of the media, marketing, and advertising community, Campaign Asia-Pacific delves into compelling information in the communication market globally. Campaign Asia-Pacific also focuses on the ideas, works, and personalities that shape the communications and events industry.

Celebrating outstanding achievements and milestones, COMCO Southeast Asia championed meaningful storytelling through igniting brand love, social change, talent growth, and inter-regional collaboration. With its strategy to invest in creating specialist units to create an integrated multi-channel campaign and strengthen its team care program and workplace community culture, COMCO SEA championed strategic integrated communications under the leadership of its Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder Ferdinand L. Bondoy.

COMCO SEA forges towards the fast-changing PR landscape by offering New PR – a strategy-based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic, and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

MarCom Awards 2023

Meanwhile, COMCO Southeast Asia together with its brand partner Century Tuna marks another feat as the globally acclaimed MarCom Awards 2023 in USA confers the Platinum Award for Strategic Communications for the “Saving Our Seas” initiative.

The MarCom Awards underscores excellence in marketing and communication by recognizing the creativity, hard work, and generosity of professionals in the industry. This award-giving body acknowledges companies and agencies that also champion service to the community. Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the MarCom Awards receive about 6,500 entries annually. The AMCP is composed of marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital, and web professionals worldwide.

Anchored on the goal to protect the marine biodiversity in the Philippines, Century Tuna launched the “Saving Our Seas” Initiative to address the threat of the growing problem of plastic pollution. The Saving Our Seas initiative also became an avenue to empower Filipinos to join the battle against plastic waste and reinforce the idea of Plastic Circular Economy. COMCO Southeast Asia is the official PR and Communications partner of Century Tuna, for its "Saving Our Seas" initiative.

Aside from the Platinum recognition by MarCom Awards 2023, the “Saving Our Seas” initiative was shortlisted for Best Purpose Campaign at the ICCO Global Awards 2023 making Century Tuna and COMCO Southeast Asia the lone brand and PR agency from the Philippines to be shortlisted in the aforementioned award-giving body.

With the annual awards programme that recognizes the excellence and effectiveness of public relations around the world, the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is an avenue for the best PR consultancies around the world to promote quality, address ethical issues, harmonize professional PR consultancy practice, and share knowledge.

“We are extremely honored that our works have been noticed by these internationally acclaimed award-giving bodies. We really look up to these organizations and with our works being recognized across the world, we know that together with our brand partners, we are able to reach communities, not only in the Philippines but on a global scale through Meaningful Storytelling,” said COMCO Mundo’s Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy.

The awarding ceremony for the ICCO Global Awards will be held on November 29 at The Waldorf Hotel in London, United Kingdom while the Awards Presentation Event for Campaign Asia Agency of the Year Award for Asia-Pacific will be held on December 7 at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia in Singapore.

To learn more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: fb.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter. Stay updated with COMCO Mundo by visiting www.comcomundo.com or following fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn, and @comcomundo on Instagram.

Republic Cement Wins Presidential Awards for Environmental Preservation Excellence and Best Mining Forest

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BAGUIO CITY – Republic Cement & Building Materials (RCBM) once again won big at the recently held 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) last November 17, 2023 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

Representatives from Republic Cement receive Presidential Awards for Environmental Performance and Best Mining Forest at the recently concluded 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC).

The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in cooperation and partnership with Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines & Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recognized RCBM for its achievements and best practices in Quarry Operations, Safety, and excellence in Mining Forestry and quarry rehabilitation.

Republic Cement is proud to have received the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for Quarry Operations for its Batangas and Teresa plant, the highest honor awarded in the industry, while its Bulacan plant received the Platinum Award in the same category. The PMIEA recognizes companies who are distinguished for superior performance in health and safety, environmental management, reforestation, and social development and management.

Republic Cement Bulacan plant was also recognized with the Best Mining Forest – Non-Metallic Category while its Teresa Plant received the 3rd Runner-up commendation in the same category. Its Batangas Plant was also recognized as a runner up for Safest Quarry Operations.

“While this serves as a testament to our best practices, more importantly, it is a recognition of our commitment to the shared growth we endeavor for with our communities and the environments we operate within,” shared RCBM President Lloyd Vicente. “We look forward to rising to the challenge of doing even more moving forward to push the responsible management of environmental and natural resources even further,” he added.

Republic Cement thanks PMSEA and government partners DENR and MGB for the prestigious awards and also extends its’ congratulations to other industry peers and awardees.

Through this recognition, Republic Cement’s continues its unceasing commitment to the safe and sustainable operation of our quarries, the continued growth and development of its partner communities; and the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the environment towards building a greener, Stronger Republic.

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About Republic Cement

Republic Cement is a leading local cement manufacturing and distribution company in the Philippines with a nationwide footprint. Together with its subsidiaries, it focuses on being the trusted solutions partner for building a greener, stronger Republic. It is backed by the global expertise of CRH, a leading building materials company headquartered in Ireland, and Aboitiz, a diversified Filipino business conglomerate recognized as one of the best-managed companies in Asia. For more information, visit www.republiccement.com