Holiday Escapes: How Filipinos Travel, Shop, and Pay During the Season

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Survey by Visa shows Filipinos' shift toward contactless payments, experience-driven travel; Singapore and Japan preferred holiday destinations

It’s the holiday season—at least for Filipinos—and with it comes a surge in holiday shopping, travel, get-togethers, and festive activities. With the season being a peak time for getaways, Filipinos prioritize experience-driven travel, with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan being top destinations. Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar survey[1] reveals a significant shift in how Filipinos plan and pay for their travels, showing a growing preference for contactless payments alongside the continued use of cash.

Travelling for new experiences, shopping

For Filipino travelers, the holiday season is an opportunity to explore new experiences and create lasting memories as travel peaks in December, with 32% of surveyed respondents planning domestic trips and 23% choosing international destinations.

The survey found that most Filipinos travel to relax (80%) and seek new experiences (43%). While sightseeing remains the top activity (82%), experiencing local cuisine and dining (67%) and shopping (67%) are also key priorities. This shows that Filipinos are looking for destinations that offer a blend of leisure, entertainment, and adventure.

Singapore, a long-time favorite, emerged as the top destination for Filipino travelers over the past 12 months, with 38% of respondents visiting the city-state. Singapore continues to draw Filipino tourists with its vibrant blend of urban attractions and rich cultural experiences. Its close proximity to the Philippines, ease of access, and wide range of activities makes it an ideal choice, especially during the holiday season.

Hong Kong remains a favorite at 31%, particularly for travelers who enjoy combining shopping with festive celebrations. Its expansive retail scene and diverse culinary offerings make it appealing to Filipino families seeking both luxury and bargain shopping experiences.

Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes, festive markets and shopping districts alongside its deep cultural heritage, is another popular destination, with 30% of Filipinos visiting to experience the Land of the Rising Sun.

As Filipinos head overseas, many are also drawn to the Philippines as a tourist destination. Inbound travel to the Philippines is also on the rise, with the country welcoming 3.66 million international visitors from January to August 2024—a 10.14% increase from the same period last year, according to the Department of Tourism.[2] Additionally, data from the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts that international and domestic tourism spending will reach P715.6 billion and P3.7 trillion, respectively, surpassing 2019 figures by 5.7% and 1.8%.[3]

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: “At Visa, we are committed to ensuring a seamless, secure, and convenient experience for Filipino travelers heading abroad and for inbound visitors to the Philippines. We recognize that tourism plays a vital role in the economy, contributing to job creation and overall growth. We’re working to support the Filipino government's efforts to enhance tourism by improving digital payment methods and providing tourists with an enjoyable experience, which will help to further drive economic development and strengthen the tourism industry.”

Visa helps drive the growth of tourism in the Philippines by leveraging its global network and collaborating with local markets to promote the acceptance of Visa cards, creating a more enjoyable payments experience for tourists. In the Philippines, Visa supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by providing tools and knowledge for cashless transactions such as the SME Online Toolkit. Post-COVID, Visa launched the POSM Visibility Initiative to enhance marketing materials in tourist hotspots. Additionally, Visa partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association to conduct finance and digital skills workshops for tourism SMEs and Department of Tourism officials, benefiting 120 participants across Southeast Asia including Laguna in the Philippines.

Shift in Payment Preferences: Contactless and Cash

A key trend emerging in Filipino travel habits is the shift toward contactless payments. In a survey commissioned by Visa done by YouGov[4] in Aug 2024 reveals that 66% of Filipino travelers now prefer using contactless methods like mobile wallets and tap-to-pay cards, while 67% said they will likely get cards with contactless features.

"As cross-border travel continues to grow, Visa sees a tremendous opportunity to remain a key part of the traveler’s journey. The convenience and security of digital payment options give travelers greater confidence when making transactions abroad—whether they are booking accommodation, dining, or shopping. Our goal is to continue supporting travelers at every stage, from planning and booking to the entirety of their trip, by encouraging the use of Visa for a seamless, secure, and hassle-free payment experience," Navarro added.

Despite the rise in contactless payments, 71% of holiday travelers still carry cash as a backup, particularly in areas where digital payment infrastructure may not be as widely available. The continued use of cash illustrates that there is some way to go towards full contactless payments, especially for holiday destinations that have not fully shifted to cashless payments.

As the holiday season approaches, the preference for more experience-driven travel, combined with evolving payment methods, reflects the changing dynamics of how Filipinos shop, pay, and explore the world. Whether through cash or contactless payments, the essence of Filipino travel remains centered around creating memories and sharing moments with loved ones—values that are as enduring as the destinations themselves.

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[1]Green Shoots Radar survey survey with 9,900 respondents across 17 markets in Asia Pacific, including 500 Filipinos, survey period in Jun 2024.

[2] Department of Tourism. (2024). VISITOR ARRIVALS RANKING BY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE. In Department of Tourism. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/files/2024/tourism_demand/09/09-04/JAN-AUG.pdf

[3] World Travel & Tourism Council. (2024, February 2). news-article. https://wttc.org/news-article/philippines-travel-and-tourism-sector-set-for-historic-year

[4] Visa’s AP Consumer Payment Preferences Survey conducted by YouGov surveying 16,308 from 14 markets (1,045 from the Philippines), survey period Aug-Sept 2024

Single largest contribution to date: SMAC donates Php 14.93M to Globe’s Hapag Movement

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Multi-year partnership contributes to uplifting Filipino lives

Reaffirming its commitment to addressing involuntary hunger, SMAC has donated Php 14.93 million to Globe’s Hapag Movement, marking a significant milestone in Globe’s drive to beat involuntary hunger and uplift communities across the country in time for World Food Day.

This is the largest single corporate donation to date for the Globe-led hunger alleviation program, which supports the supplemental feeding and livelihood training of 100,000 Filipino families.

Unite for Hapag this World Food Day. Globe and SMAC celebrate their joint effort that raised Php 14.93M to be donated to the Hapag Movement. IN PHOTO (L-R): Hapag Movement mobilization partners David Jo, Head of Partnerships, Communications and Reports, UN World Food Programme; Eduardo Jimenez, Vice Chairperson, World Vision Philippines; Jun Godornes, Director for Resource Development, World Vision Philippines; Cel Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications, Ayala Foundation; Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe; Kevin Hartigan Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC; and Yara Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

The funds were raised in the second round of SMAC’s partnership with the Hapag Movement, focusing on SMAC kits sold and members’ points donation through eligible purchases from SM Store and other SM retail partners from December 2023 to January 2024. The donation will be distributed to key mobilization and program implementation partners of the Hapag Movement, among them the Ayala Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, the United Nations World Food Programme, and World Vision.

The Hapag Movement has provided meals to over 154,000 family members, with 2,784 heads of households receiving livelihood training. Impressively, 2,361 of these individuals have successfully continued running their small businesses, highlighting the program’s role in fostering sustainable community growth.

"We are deeply grateful to our partners for closely working with us on this life-changing initiative. Together, we are creating a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, where Filipino shoppers are inspired to consider not only their personal needs but also the collective well-being,” said Yaracel S. Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing, SMAC.

The growing success of the partnership also reflects the importance of corporate collaboration in addressing social issues.

“Our partnership with SMAC is a testament to the power of collective action. Seeing the impact of the Hapag Movement firsthand among families we have supported so far is truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for this substantial donation from SMAC, which will help us expand our reach and provide vital support to families whose lives we have yet to touch,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

has created valuable opportunities for our members to engage in meaningful contributions. It enables them to actively give back to their communities and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. This collaboration empowers members to be part of something greater, fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility," said Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Advantage Corp (DAC).

“This partnership goes beyond seasonal efforts, providing sustainable support to families. By helping stave off involuntary hunger and enabling households to improve their livelihood, we’re building a foundation for lasting change. We are excited to continue this work and invite other organizations to collaborate with us so that together, we can make a difference,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.

Looking ahead to their third fundraising round in December, SMAC and the Hapag Movement are creating more opportunities for Filipino shoppers to transform their purchases into acts of kindness and community support.

SMAC’s first partnership with the Hapag Movement in 2022 raised Php 5.5 million, benefiting 55,000 individuals and counting. Year 2 received a boost from the participation of 13 different brands apart from SMAC: SM Appliance Center, SM Beauty, SM Fashion, The Body Shop, Crate & Barrel, ECCO, Forever 21, Kultura, Levi's, Our Home, Simply Shoes, Sports Central, and Surplus. This alongside the doubled online engagement for last holiday’s campaign significantly increased the funds gathered for the cause.

Globe and SMAC encourage more companies to #UniteForHapag and work together to deliver impactful, long-term solutions for Filipino families in need, helping to create sustainable change that uplifts communities across the country. As it nears its multi-year target, the program will ramp up with expanded livelihood training initiatives and support for nutritious feeding in public schools through its partners to prevent child stunting.

Visit the Hapag Movement page on the Globe website to learn how to help.

EastWest Honored as Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024

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EastWest has been recognized as the Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines by The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024. This internationally recognized and highly prestigious award further highlights EastWest’s focus on providing exceptional wealth management services and its continuing efforts to innovate and enhance its offerings in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

From L to R: Richie Tamayo, SVP and Head, Wealth Management; Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head, Financial Markets and Wealth Management; Daniel Yu, Editor-In-Chief of the Asset; Raul Victor De Guzman, FVP and Trust Officer; and Bayani Cruz, Executive Editor of the Asset

EastWest Priority: A Segment Focused on Elevating Affluent Clients

EastWest’s dedication to serving affluent clients is especially evident through its EastWest Priority segment. This segment, which has seen a 20% increase in AUM and a 17% growth in client count, offers a suite of bespoke services designed to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. The bank’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine traditional, high-touch banking with cutting-edge digital solutions.

“Our affluent banking services are unmatched in the market,” said Jerry G. Ngo, CEO of EastWest. “From economic briefings with top economists to personalized investment advice, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service, tailored to their specific financial goals.”

Going Further for You

“Ultimately, this award is a symbol of EastWest’s promise of excellence in wealth management and our dedication to going ‘Further for You.’ As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition reinforces the strength of our ‘East meets West’ philosophy—blending the best of both worlds to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly meet the needs of our affluent clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and ensuring that our clients always receive the exceptional service they deserve as we continue our journey of growth and transformation into the next 30 years,” Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management concluded.

The Asset launched the Triple A Private Capital Awards for Private Banks, Wealth & Investment Bank Advisers, Solutions and Index Providers mainly to shine the spotlight and showcase the change agents among high net worth individuals and the private banks, wealth managers, bank solution advisers and index providers that partner with them. These awards cover the Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Australia.

For more information on EastWest’s wealth management services and digital initiatives, you may visit https://priority.eastwestbanker.com.

Just Like A Splendid Love Song: Linya-Linya and Orange & Lemons Collaborate for 25th Anniversary Concert

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Iconic Filipino brands join forces to celebrate music and arts

Filipino clothing brand and content creator Linya-Linya is proud to announce a special collaboration with the legendary Filipino rock band Orange & Lemons for their highly anticipated 25th Anniversary concert, NOW AND THEN: Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary Concert. The event will be held on October 18, 2024, at 8:00 PM, at the Metrotent Convention Center, Pasig City.

To commemorate this milestone, Linya-Linya has designed two exclusive limited-edition shirts featuring the band's iconic branding. Loyal fans are bound to love the Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons greatest hits shirt, showcasing a compilation of their hit albums throughout the fruitful 25-year journey. A timeless classic, the Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons: Hanggang Kailan shirt features the iconic lyric, “Umuwi ka na baby” that has since resurfaced in popularity on TikTok among new and younger listeners.

"Orange & Lemons' music has touched the hearts of countless Filipinos, from generations of Millennials to Gen Zs and beyond," said Ali Sangalang, Creative Director at Linya-Linya.”

"We are honored to collaborate with them on this special occasion and create something that fans will cherish for years."

“‘Di kami hype band. We’re a listening band,” said Clem Castro, lead vocalist of Orange & Lemons as they shared about how they focus on the band’s longevity and producing music during their podcast guest appearance at The Linya-Linya Show. “When we reformed [the band], what are we going to do? Do we repeat ourselves? Do we ride the times, or ano bang uso ngayon? We did the opposite.” Castro added as they shared their process on making their concept album, La Bulaqueña (You may listen to The Linya-Linya Show podcast episode here).

The limited-edition shirts are now available exclusively at www.linyalinya.ph and will be sold at the Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary concert. Shirts are priced at ₱849 each alongside other merchandise from this collaboration such as a limited-edition Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons mug coaster and sticker pack.

Tickets for the concert are available at https://orangeandlemons.helixpay.ph/.

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About Linya-Linya

Linya-Linya is a Filipino clothing brand and content creator known for its witty and relatable designs that capture the Filipino spirit. Founded in 2012, the brand has become a cultural icon in the Philippines. For more updates, follow them on their social media pages on Facebook at facebook.com/linyalinyaph or Instagram and X at @linyalinya.

About Orange & Lemons

Orange & Lemons is a Filipino rock band formed in 1999. Known for their unique blend of Britpop and OPM, the band has produced numerous hit songs and albums over their 25-year career. Stay in the loop with the bands’ latest releases and hits on facebook.com/orangeandlemons or visit their website at www.orangeandlemons.co

Charge, Play, and Dominate: Professional gamers react to the brand new realme 13 Series 5G

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When it comes to gaming, every second counts. From perfectly timed headshots to executing complex moves in the heat of battle, gamers know that all-around performance is key. And it’s not just about one’s skills, the device of choice plays a huge factor in racking up all those victories.

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The latest lineup from realme focuses on benefits that will help gamers get 

“Limitless Speed to Victory”

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The brand new realme 13 Series 5G, launching on October 24, is poised to redefine mobile gaming with its promise of "Limitless Speed to Victory." Already making waves as the Official Gaming Smartphone for this year's international Esports tournament for Honor of Kings, the 2024 Honor of Kings Championship, the realme 13 Series is proving its dominance with unmatched performance and gaming prowess.

Featuring the realme 13+ 5G and realme 13 5G, this series is set to impress with its exceptional gaming performance, advanced cooling systems, and unrivaled charging speed. To further win over Filipino consumers, top names in the local gaming scene like Falcons AP Bren and the iconic duo OhmyV33nus and Wise Gaming are already praising the realme 13 Series 5G for its game-changing capabilities.

MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy

Gamers, particularly competitive players, will appreciate the exceptional performance of the realme 13+ 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor. This advanced processor effortlessly handles the most demanding games while supporting high frame rates at 90FPS or higher, depending on the game.

It balances power with efficiency to boost overall gaming performance while conserving energy, running graphics-rich games, and helping reduce overheating.

Paired with realme’s software, this processor supports other flagship features, including Geek Power Tuning. This feature lets players customize CPU and GPU speeds to match their gaming needs, ensuring they can push their performance to the limit and unleash their true potential. Whether aiming for maximum speed or optimizing battery life, the realme 13+ 5G gives users the power to game on their terms.

“Ang galing kasi ang bilis makakeep-up ni realme sa needs ng mga mobile gamers kagaya ko. Pag naglalaro ng mobile games, sobrang importante na smooth yung experience. Malaking bagay yung nakakasunod sa pace ng laro yung device. Kaya swak talaga yung realme 13+ 5G (realme is impressive because it quickly keeps up with the needs of mobile gamers like me. When playing mobile games, having a smooth experience is really important. It makes a big difference when the device can keep up with the pace of the game. That's why the realme 13+ 5G is a perfect fit),” Falcons AP Bren member Pheww said.

80W SUPERVOOC Charge

Power and charging are crucial for gamers. They need a device that can keep pace with their relentless training schedules and the high demands of professional Esports. A smartphone that never runs out of battery and charges at lightning speed is essential to staying in the game and maintaining peak performance.

“Sobrang importante ng battery life kasi sa isang araw ilang games ang nilalaro namin. Pag madali malowbat ang phone, hassle para samin lalo na during training. Yung scrims namin inaabot ng ilang oras. Pag matagal mag charge yung phone tapos kailangan na gamitin, nakakaabala sa routine (Battery life is extremely important because we play several games in a day. If the phone quickly runs out of battery, it hinders our training. Our scrims can last for hours so if the phone takes too long to charge when we need to use it, it disrupts our routine)," Pando from AP Bren said.

With the realme 13+ 5G’s 80W SUPERVOOC Charge, the battery can charge to 50% in 19 minutes and 100% in 44 minutes, wherein one full charge allows up to hours of gaming for significant game titles even at high settings.

“Pinakacommon na problema sa phones ngayon yung madali malowbat pag ginagamit tapos ang tagal pa mag charge kaya na-appreciate ko yung mabilis mag-charge at di madaling malowbat na feature ni realme 13+ 5G (The most common problem with phones today is that they run out of battery quickly when in use, and they take a long time to charge. That’s why I really appreciate the fast charging and long-lasting battery feature of the realme 13+ 5G),” AP Bren’s Owgwen added.

The charging optimization also retains 80% of its battery health even after 1,000 charging cycles, ensuring the device’s battery will perform at its best and last long. And with 38 Safety Protections in place, including the charging interface, adapter and cable in the box, overvoltage protection, and fireproof design, the realme 13+ 5G ensures that fast charging isn’t just efficient but safe.

GT Mode and Vapor Chamber Cooling System

Both phones in the series are equipped with realme’s flagship GT Mode, designed to optimize gaming performance. When activated, GT Mode directs the device’s resources toward delivering smooth, high-quality gameplay, with stable high frame rates at 90fps or higher on the realme 13+ 5G and 60fps or higher on the realme 13 5G, depending on the game. This feature enhances overall gaming performance, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

For professional Esports players OhmyV33nus and Wise, the realme 13 Series 5G ensures smooth gameplay during training or even friendly matches outside of tournaments.

“Ngayon na lang ulit ako gumamit ng Android phone for gaming and I could say na sobrang advance na talaga ng realme phones now, especially the realme 13+ 5G. Sobrang smooth niya for MOBA games, as in. I’ve tried the maximum settings for those MOBAs and talagang kayang kaya niya (This is the first time in a while that I’ve used an Android phone for gaming, and I can say that realme phones have really advanced, especially the realme 13+ 5G. It’s incredibly smooth for MOBA games. I’ve tried the maximum settings for those MOBAs, and it handles them effortlessly),” said OhmyV33nus.

It’s not just the frame rates that get an upgrade. The realme 13 Series 5G also features a Vapor Chamber Cooling System that maintains optimal device temperatures, even during intense gaming sessions.

OhmyV33nus and Wise noted how the realme 13 Series 5G stayed noticeably cooler than other phones, even during marathon gaming sessions.

“Less overheat yung realme 13+ 5G which is yung pinaka-nagustuhan ko sa kanya. Yan kasi problem ko now with the current phone na ginagamit ko especially during long gaming sessions (The realme 13+ 5G overheats less, which is what I like most about it. That’s the problem I have with the phone I’m currently using, [it overheats] especially during long gaming sessions),” shared Wise.

Lower temperatures help keep frame rates stable during long gaming sessions and ensure the device does not overheat even when performing at its peak.

The realme 13 Series 5G features a Victory Speed Design, crafted with bold colors and sleek curves that evokes a sense of speed and performance. The realme 13 5G comes in Speed Green and Dark Purple, while the realme 13+ 5G is available in Victory Gold and Dark Purple.

Gamers can trust the realme 13 Series 5G to bring unmatched power to their fingertips, with extraordinary performance, an advanced cooling system, and lightning-fast charging to keep them ahead of the competition. Whether climbing the ranks in competitive play or enjoying a casual match, the realme 13 Series 5G delivers on all fronts, delivering Limitless Speed to Victory every time.

To stay updated on the realme 13 Series 5G and other announcements, head to the official realme Facebook page and website.