Visa collaborates with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Cebu and Mandaue City modern jeepneys in first transit project in the Philippines

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Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is collaborating with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer. This collaboration has enabled the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, the second biggest city in Cebu.

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Visa cards can be used to pay on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, creating a seamless transit experience and inclusive acceptance for daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines

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The initiative kicked off today with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) working in partnership with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City. The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments. This initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa's commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.

Jeffrey Navarro Talking: Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines. The pilot signifies Visa’s commitment to promote transit acceptance in the country with plans to expand to more modes of transit in the coming years.

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: "We are thrilled to unveil Visa's inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options. As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have observed a growth in inbound tourism and this partnership will make the transit experience more seamless for tourists. The future of transit, both globally and within the Philippines, is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit, and will be centered around providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.”

Visa Card on Contactless Machine: Visa cards can now be used in select Cebu City and Mandaue City modern jeepneys, providing commuters with more seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.

In February 2024, Cebu experienced a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors, welcoming 104,439 tourists, according to the Department of Tourism[1]. Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular tourist destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022[2]. With such strong tourism growth, the ability to use Visa cards on public transit significantly enhances convenience, as travelers increasingly prefer secure, contactless digital payments. Visa's Global Travel Intentions Study highlights this shift, revealing that 97% of Asia Pacific travelers plan to use card payments (credit, debit, or prepaid) on their trips, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency (cash)[3].

Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), said: “We are proud to partner with Visa and GHL to bring the first-of-its-kind contactless payment solution to the Philippines’ transport sector through our Transport Mobility Solution, the Bus Revenue Tracker System (BRTS). This groundbreaking collaboration not only revolutionizes fare collection with enhanced efficiency and security but also redefines the commuter experience. By leading the way in transport innovation, we are making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a new standard for public transport in the country.”

Ceremonial Tapping: [L-R] Gary Lauriano, BOD, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Randolph Ian Clet, DOTr Project Manager; MS. Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, DOT 7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer; MR. Jeff Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines; Ceasar Michelena, Chairman, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Jay Tirona, CEO of GHL Systems Philippines Inc., at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines in partnership with GTSI and GHL Systems Philippines. The project enables contactless payments in 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu City and 20 in Mandaue City.

Jay Tirona, CEO, GHL Systems Philippines Inc, said: “This partnership is an exciting example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can come together positively for the private and public sectors, and ultimately, for the benefit of Filipinos who ride these jeepneys every day. These efficiencies drive social and economic change and we need to start with a focused approach, which I believe will eventually and inevitably be adapted across public transport systems nationwide.”

Event: Visa Philippines, together with its partners GTSI, GHL, and representatives from the local government at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines that aims to simplify public transit payments by introducing a contactless payment option on select modern jeepneys in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Faster and more seamless travel through a cashless, open-loop system

The rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific, with 120,000 people moving to cities daily, has underscored the need for efficient public transit systems. Governments, including the Philippines, are investing in these systems as part of their strategies to mitigate road congestion, with a focus on simplifying public transit payments and increasing digital payment options.

Visa’s Global Urban Mobility survey found that 58% of commuters favor a unified payment method for all transport modes, as currently half of them use four or more different methods each month[4]. Meanwhile, another Visa survey[5] showed that implementing open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit agencies creates a faster, safer, and more hygienic payment experience. Such a system promotes inclusivity and accessibility in public transit, even for those without access to traditional banking services, with modern payment systems simplifying fare processes for transit agencies, reducing costs and mitigating financial risks.

“With Visa making access to payments more inclusive, we are glad to be moving the needle in embracing innovative systems such as the open-loop payment system which significantly enhances the commuting experience for all,” Navarro added. “This approach not only makes urban mobility more efficient and secure but ensures that everyone, especially those underserved by traditional banking services, has access to seamless and reliable public transportation.”

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[1] Department of Tourism, Feb 2024 Inbound Tourism Update. http://www.tourism.gov.ph/files/2024/tourism_demand/04/Inbound/04-08/February%202024%20arrivals%20(as%20of%2005%20Mar%202024).pdf

[2] “Cebu’s tourist arrivals reach 1.8M in 9 months”, December 2022. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/cebus-tourist-arrivals-reach-18m-in-9-months

[3] “Contactless payments, experiential travel top Asia Pacific travel needs”, November 2023. https://www.visa.com.sg/about-visa/blog/bdp/2023/11/27/contactless-payments-experiential-1701068432525.html

[4] “Choice, Convenience, Contactless: Future of Public Transit in Asia Pacific”, October 2023. https://www.visa.com.sg/about-visa/blog/bdp/2023/10/01/choice-convenience-contactless-1696130103907.html

[5] Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI) and ThoughtLab. “Reimagining ridership: Open-loop payments and the future of urban mobility”, 2023. https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/regional/na/us/sites/documents/veei-reimagining-ridership.pdf

Santé Barley Takes the Lead in Boosting Running and Wellness in the Philippines

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One of a kind running series in the Philippines partners with Santé Barley to promote running as a way to live more, do more

From L-R: Andrea Intalan- General Manager Sante Fitness Lab, Joey Marcelo CEO, Sante, Jonah Rivera and Christian Marcelo- Santé Barley Triteam, Pauline Bulatao - Corporate Communications, Santé

In an exciting move to promote healthier living among Filipinos, Santé Barley, the barley authority in the Philippines, proudly announces its role as a co-presenter and the Official Nutrition Partner of HOKA Trilogy Run Asia 2024.

Since its inception in 2010, HOKA Trilogy Run Asia formerly known as RUNRIO Trilogy, has fueled the nation's passion for running, cultivating an active lifestyle, and nurturing a vibrant community of athletes and enthusiasts alike. Now that more Filipinos are embracing the sport and the running scene has matured, Santé Barley recognizes the significance of this partnership, marking a pivotal moment for the brand as it expands its reach and advocates for an active and healthy lifestyle.

The increase in the number of participants was evident during the opening race on April 8, with 8,000 runners taking part. Subsequently, more people have been registering, and organizers anticipate a turnout of at least 64,000 participants for this year’s HOKA Trilogy Run Asia.

Santé CEO Joey Marcelo expressed his enthusiasm, noting that this partnership represents a significant opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles among Filipinos.

“We are thrilled to partner with HOKA Trilogy Run Asia, not only to expand Santé Barley’s reach but, more importantly, to promote health and fitness across the Philippines. Just as Santé Barley is packed with nutritional benefits, we believe in holistic wellness, and this alliance presents an exciting opportunity to inspire individuals to live more and do more,” said Marcelo.

Marcelo also shared that within the Santé community, more employees and business owners are joining the races, making running a viable, affordable, and accessible choice to stay active.

“The beauty of running is that you can do it whenever and wherever you want. Whether you run solo, with groups, or even if you don’t join races like this and just set your own PRs (personal records), you can still enjoy the sport. So, I am really glad that we get to share this positive outlook on running within the Santé community and, of course, with the general public,” Marcelo added.

The partnership aligns perfectly with HOKA Trilogy Run Asia's mission of promoting inclusivity and encouraging Filipinos to confidently adopt a healthier lifestyle. With a growing number of participants in their races, HOKA Trilogy Run Asia is expanding its reach to locations across the Philippines. Santé Barley’s support will further fuel this enthusiasm, fostering a positive, health-conscious community through running.

The races will take place across six cities in the country, including Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo/Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, with a National Finals in Pasay, featuring a total of 19 races nationwide. Several races have already been completed but interested runners can check out the dates below to participate in the upcoming legs.

Schedule of Races:

●        Bacolod (July 28, 2024)

●        Pasay, Manila (August 4, 2024)

●        Cebu (August 18, 2024)

●        Cagayan De Oro (September 15 and October 27, 2024)

●        Baguio (September 29, 2024)

●        Iloilo (October 13, 2024)

●        Davao (October 20, 2024)

●        National Finals in Pasay (December 8, 2024)

In every race organized by RunRio Inc., Santé Barley sets up a booth where participants can enjoy Santé Barley products and experience the benefits of Santé before and after the race. This addition significantly enhances the overall race experience, providing runners with the necessary nutrition to perform and recover better.

Santé Barley’s digital presence will also play a role in promoting the said races, with the help of its e-branches in Luzon (including Baguio City), Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod), and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro and Davao). Santé Barley is also part of other Run Rio races like Earth Day Run, Clark Marathon, Manila Half Marathon, and Manila Marathon, further solidifying its commitment to promoting running as a way to live healthier lives.

Through this partnership, Santé Barley, RunRio Inc. and HOKA Trilogy Run Asia are not only promoting fitness and athleticism but also championing a lifestyle centered on well-being, vitality, and overall health. Together, they aim to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the journey towards a healthier, more active future.

To learn more about Santé Barley and other Santé products, visit its website at mySanté.com.

J&T Express PH strengthens community service commitment through Brigada Eskwela 2024

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J&T Express, one of the leading delivery service providers in the Philippines, has once again linked up with the Department of Education (DepEd) and various school administrators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year's Brigada Eskwela initiative to assist students, with the theme of "Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan”.

As part of its continued initiative to support local communities, J&T Express Philippines took part once again in DepEd’s annual school supplies distribution and maintenance program. This effort brings together education stakeholders, including its employees, teachers, and parents who volunteer their time and resources to prepare public school facilities for the new academic school year.

"At J&T Express, we strive to demonstrate our commitment beyond delivering packages across the nation. We believe that even simple acts of support for our students can make a meaningful difference in providing them with a conducive learning environment. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to the development of our future leaders," said Joseph Emmanuel Orcine, Branding Department Representative of J&T Express Philippines.

From its kick-off activity in July until August, J&T Express extended its helping hands to public schools in more humble and remote barangays including in Metro Manila, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Lapu-Lapu City, and Agusan Del Norte with its employees also taking an active part in the initiative.

“Partaking in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela is one of our ways to embody our commitment to supporting the programs of our local and national government agencies. We wanted to strengthen our role in serving not only our customers but also the local communities", Orcine concludes.

In this initiative, J&T Express puts forward its passion for service, striving to set its employees as role models when it comes to delivering action and reflecting its core values and social responsibility. As this valuable partnership continues, J&T Express reaffirms its dedication to the Brigada Eskwela program, contributing to the nation's progress by playing an active role in the education sector. Nurturing an environment not just for students who are eager to start the school year, but also for the next generation of Filipinos.

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About J&T Express

J&T Express is a global logistics provider founded in 2015, currently operating in 13 countries worldwide: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt.

Adhering to its “customer-oriented and efficiency-based” mission, J&T Express is committed to providing customers with integrated logistics solutions through intelligent infrastructure and digital logistics network as part of its global strategy to connect the world with greater efficiency and bring logistical benefits to all.

Power Through Your Day with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G

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Balancing a packed workday with your personal and social life can be a challenge. But with the new OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G by your side, you’ll have a much easier time doing so. This smartphone is built to keep up with your hustle, ensuring you stay on top of everything, from powering through meetings to unwinding with your favorite shows, no matter where your day takes you.

Stay Connected Throughout the Day

When you have a jam-packed day full of meetings, errands, a visit to the gym, then an evening out with friends, the last thing you want to worry about is your phone’s battery life. That would be the least of your worries with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. Its massive 5500 mAh battery is designed to last up to 2 days on a single charge, meaning you can confidently head out knowing your phone will be there for you from sunrise to sunset. No matter how long your day is, you still have enough power in your phone to play your favorite games, browse social media, or simply catch up on the series you're binging.

If you do need a quick power-up, the 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging is there to save you some precious time. In just 50 minutes, you can go from 1% to 100%, giving you over 50 hours of playtime. If you’re catching up on emails during your morning commute or enjoying some downtime with your favorite series or vlogs, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G ensures you’re never left hanging.

View a Clear, Bright Screen All Day

When you’re out and about, it can be challenging sometimes to use your phone’s screen under the glaring sun. Worry no more with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2100 nits makes everything crystal clear, even in bright daylight. It’s ideal for checking work emails, messages, and catching up on social media during lunch breaks or field work.

And if the weather takes a turn, your phone’s equipped to handle harsh conditions. The innovative AquaTouch feature means your screen remains responsive, even if it gets wet. Perfect for when you experience a sudden downpour during commutes or just a bit of sweat after an intense workout, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G can still operate hassle-free.

Capture Moments at Work and Beyond

Your phone isn’t just a tool for work; it’s also how you capture life’s moments. With the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s Sony LYT-600 camera with OIS, you’re able to take stunning photos with ease. Imagine snapping a perfect group shot during a night out, or capturing the beautiful details of your surroundings on a weekend hike. The 2X In-sensor zoom lets you focus in on the details, while the Portrait Mode with 2MP Mono Camera produces more professional portraits with a beautifully blurred background and sharp subject.

Work and Play Without Interruption

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G comes with the latest OxygenOS 14 for a more seamless user experience. It is packed with features to make your life easier, from the Smart Cutout tool that lets you quickly edit and share photos to the intuitive screen-off gestures for quick access to your favorite apps.

With the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G by your side, you’re ready to face whatever the day throws at you. From long-lasting battery life to reliable performance, this device is built to keep up with your busy lifestyle, so you can seize every moment while still enjoying your much needed R&R on the side.

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is available at PHP 17,999 and comes in Super Silver and Mega Blue colorways. You may purchase the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G from all authorized OnePlus kiosks and OPPO stores nationwide or via Shopee and Lazada where you can enjoy 0% interest installment via Shopee’s SPay Later and Lazada’s LazPayLater.

For more information on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G, its features, and its availability, visit OnePlus Philippines’ official website or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.

vivo supports UA&P Men’s Futsal Team in 2024 High 5 Men’s Futsal League

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vivo, a leading global technology brand and official partner of UEFA Euro 2024, is proud to announce its support for the University of Asia and Pacific (UA&P) Men’s Futsal Team in the 2024 High 5 Men’s Futsal League.

The nationwide futsal competition, which kicked off on August 24 at the Aquinas School Gym, brings together teams from across the Philippines to compete for glory and a chance to represent the country on the international stage.

The High 5 Men’s Futsal League is an important platform for promoting futsal in the Philippines. Open to teams of all ages, the league also serves as a scouting ground for future national futsal players, helping to build a strong foundation for the sport’s growth and success in international competitions.

vivo’s support for the UA&P Men’s Futsal Team, now competing as UA&P vivo, highlights the brand’s dedication to nurturing local sports talent. By extending its partnership to grassroots futsal, vivo is making a positive impact on the development of the sport in the Philippines.

The UA&P vivo team will compete against seven other dynamic squads, including:

• University of Makati (UMAK)

• Azzurri Sports Club

• Azkals Development Academy (ADA)

• Rizal Technological University (RTU)

• Phenomenal 5 Futsal Team

• Philippine Women’s University

• Gawad Kalinga SipaG FC (GK)

UA&P Men’s Futsal Team Manager, Angelica Ysabelle Ang, shared her excitement about the league, saying, "The High 5 Men’s Futsal League is crucial in raising awareness for futsal in the Philippines. It also provides a great opportunity to scout for talented players who could represent our country in future international futsal competitions."

UA&P Men's Futsal Team players, managers, and coach with vivo Philippines representatives

To bring the excitement of the games to futsal fans everywhere, UA&P will live stream the matches every Saturday on their Men’s Futsal Varsity Facebook page using vivo phones.

With vivo’s superior camera technology, viewers can expect a high-quality live stream experience that captures every thrilling moment on the court. vivo encourages all futsal enthusiasts to tune in and support the future stars of Philippine futsal.

Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "vivo is delighted to partner with UA&P and support the development of futsal in the Philippines. As we continue our global sports partnerships, we are equally committed to empowering local athletes and teams who demonstrate passion, dedication, and excellence. We are excited to see UA&P vivo compete and inspire the next generation of futsal players."

Follow vivo on its website, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates.