Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts

Customized Hotbox
#theworldisyourdiningroom

Proudly Pinoy made!

Pull the string to heat. That’s the concept of Filipino innovation Hotbox Philippines which promises diners that their food will always be fresh and hot when it is time to eat.

Pinoy Innovation HOTBOX Philippines makes the world your dining room

Food deliveries always strive to bring orders piping hot, but by the time the order is brought to the customer’s doorstep, the temperature may have become tepid, which affects the texture and the flavors.

Food plays a big part in the way Filipinos bond. Having unappetizing meals not only for take-out and deliveries but also for meetings, parties, and outdoor activities take away the enjoyment of savouring that moment. Hotbox Philippines seeks to change the way Pinoys enjoy packaged meals with technology that heats up your food right at the time that you are ready to dig in, anytime and anywhere.

Romeo Joven

Hotbox Philippines partners, Fil-American TV commercial producer Romeo Joven with actors Piolo Pascual and Eric Quizon say that with their innovation, the world can be your dining room. This concept is perfect for hot meals at home when you are too busy to cook, a perfectly packed lunch for when you have that one more meeting to attend, or road trips with family and friends so you can have a hot and appetizing meal by the beach or at the hiking grounds.

“At home or in the office, we may use a microwave oven, to reheat our packed food, but the heat dries up your dish and makes it less appetizing as well as the food getting cold fast. With Hotbox’s steam technology, your food is hot within 5 minutes. There is also no rush to eat as your food continues to heat up to 30 minutes at over 80 degrees Celsius. Because of our technology, the food retains its original quality and texture. Our clients love the product because their food tastes like it is fresh from the stovetop or oven,” says Hotbox CEO Romeo Joven.

“With Hotbox, you no longer have to deal with meals that have gone cold. All you need to do is Pull, Heat, and Eat,” says Piolo. “With Hotbox, I know that even when I am busy with my tapings on location, I will be able to have hot meals to power me through my next scenes.”

Hotbox - Food set (can be customized)

The self-heating boxes are also more earth-friendly because there is less plastic waste and there is no need to use electricity for a microwave. This makes it a perfect on-the-go package for your meals.

Hotbox Philippines offers several Filipino and International cuisine choices in its online menu, and they can also accept orders for customized boxes to be delivered for meetings or special occasions. For more information about Hotbox Philippines, visit www.hotboxph.com or follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts @hotboxphils. #theworldisyourdiningroom

PH Digicon 2020 tackles the IMPACT of digital on the new future of work

The first fully-virtual event gathers global industry leaders

PLDT Enterprise has recently concluded its annual Philippine Digital Convention (PH Digicon), garnering overall positive responses from its delegates across various industries. PH Digicon has been regarded as the country’s premier and most anticipated thought leadership gathering of C-level executives, business owners, and key decision makers from companies of all sizes to discuss the latest and emerging technologies. On its sixth year, convention carried the theme “IMPACT” which is particularly relevant during this time as the convention presented innovative technological solutions to address the challenges enterprises face today in the New Future of Work.

In the convention’s latest iteration, PLDT Enterprise made history as it brought together local and global digital thought leaders and industry pioneers in a fully virtual setting to engage with delegates as they share insights on the latest technologies that can help drive technological enablement among enterprises throughout the region. Also featured were emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT, cyber security, cloud, specific industry solutions, among others, that will pave the way for enterprises to pivot towards success in the new future of work.

Jovy Hernandez
ePLDT’s President & CEO and SVP for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups

Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT’s President & CEO and SVP for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups, officially opened the three-day convention with a visual feast by showcasing the capabilities of the digital venue’s immersive platform as he gave the delegates an executive summary on what this year’s theme is all about. “IMPACT is both a recognition and a call to action. We are living in one of the most pivotal points of human history and every choice we make today will impact the world for generations to come,” said Hernandez.

Manuel V. Pangilinan
PLDT Chairman and CEO

PLDT’s Chairman and CEO, Manuel V. Pangilinan underscored the language of IMPACT as it resonates with contemporary circumstances in his keynote presentation. “This year’s Digicon aims to supply a wider access to global best practices and prepare ourselves for a tougher and difficult future,” Pangilinan said, “but our message is one of hope, that these times call for people of purpose and commitment. We adapt or exit, pivot or perish, and make a positive impact on the lives of people”

MVP and Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems

Headlining Day One’s plenary session was Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, a global leader in ICT and Digital Collaboration solutions. He said that people now work from home en masse, and discussed the interrelation of technology, leadership and impact in a fireside chat with Cathy Yang, PLDT’s FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications and the official host and moderator of PH Digicon 2020. PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan joined the chat, reiterating that the partnership between PLDT and Cisco is further strengthened in these crucial times, and will be expanded as we prepare for a hybrid world.

Gwyneth Paltrow
Academy Award-winning actress and founder & CEO of goop

Concluding the first day plenary session was a fireside chat between Ms. Yang and PH Digicon 2020 celebrity headline speaker Academy Award-winning actress and founder & CEO of goop Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow shared her personal experiences as a business leader and at the same time as a mother and actress, and gave interesting insights on how her company strives to make an IMPACT to its patrons even amid the pandemic. “Now is a very strange moment to be alive,” said Paltrow. “As a person, I always try to find the blessing in everything. From a business perspective, we went back to our content root in goop and focused on being of service.”

PH Digicon 2020 also featured breakout sessions during its three-day run. Breakout Sessions of Day One discussed the available and emerging technologies enterprises may leverage on for their business and explored the following pillars: Powering the Next Workplace Transformation highlighting BEYOND FIBER, Unified Collaboration, and SD-WAN; Industry 5.0 highlighting 5G and IOT; and Centers of Resilience highlighting Data Center, Managed Operations Center, Service Operations Center, and Cloud Applications.

Day Two of PH Digicon 2020 opened with a triad presentation, by PLDT Enterprise’s VP and Head of ICT Business Nico Alcoseba, FVP and Head of Enterprise Core Business Solutions Jojo Gendrano, and VP and Head of Enterprise Digital Solutions John Gonzales, on the degrees of IMPACT in transitioning to e-work thru the emergence of e-industries such as eLearning, eCommerce, eBanking, eGovernment, eHealth, eManufacturing & eLogistics, eTravel & Tourism, and eBPO – topics that were discussed in the breakout sessions for days two and three.

Al Panlilio
President and CEO of Smart Communications Inc. and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT

Al Panlilio, President and CEO of Smart Communications Inc. and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT, Inc., also presented in the convention and juxtaposed the similarities of sports and business. “There is a single-word answer as to the goal of sports: Win. While the methodology might be complex—training, nutrition, memorizing plays, forming a capable team—the usual goal of playing is simply winning. What does winning look like? A satisfied customer. It is simple and true. Customer satisfaction is to our business as winning is to sports.”

“Reimagine Possible. Create Positive Impact for Enterprise” by Sanjay Kaul, President for Asia Pacific and Japan of Cisco Systems followed Panlilio’s talk. He discussed the unprecedented global change that was brought about by the pandemic, mentioning that Cisco in partnership with PLDT is creating a next generation digital network platform enabled by 5G, multi-cloud, and SDN focused on value creation among enterprises.

This was followed by Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark’s “The Rock N’ Roll IMPACT of Industry 4.0,” who said that Nokia always has IMPACT as top of mind. He says that the world has seen significant megatrends, wherein connectivity needs to be dynamic and networks have to be elastic. “One size fits all connectivity is no longer good enough. The most promising applications such as virtual reality, Industrial IoT and so on require more elastic networks in order to give individual users what they want, when they want it."

David Schmaier, Salesforce Industries CEO, discussed “Digital Transformation: a Point of Impact Across Industries,” saying that all industries have now gone online. Home delivery, telehealth, online loan applications have become the norm, and Salesforce recognizes that each industry is different hence the need for digital transformation using Industry Cloud. He highlighted Salesforce’s Industry 360 that delivers tailored, purpose-built cloud solutions according to the different requirements and needs of industries such as media, telecommunications, health, financial services, education, among others.

NTT Research President and CEO Mr. Kazuhiro Gomi closed the Day 2 of Plenary Session and explained “The Impact of Basic Research: Looking Beyond the Horizon.” He reiterates the need for fundamental research, and that NTT is committed to carry out advanced research for impactful technologies such as encryption and data security.

His topic also touched on the topic of upgrading reality - a glimpse into breakthrough technologies that NTT Research is currently working on that could further help speed up digital transformations. “From the connected world, obviously we want to exchange more data among each other, but we have to make sure that security and privacy are maintained. We have to have those things together to get the best out of a connected world," Gomi says.

The three-day event was made possible by PLDT Enterprise’s Keystone sponsors: Cisco, Nokia and Salesforce. Diamond Sponsors were Multisys, Palo Alto Networks and Samsung; Platinum Sponsors were Aruba, Dell Technologies, FiberHome, Fortinet Inc and Microfocus. Checkpoint Philippines, Enghouse Interactive and Fujitsu Philippines were Gold Sponsors, and Commscope, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, NetFoundry and Soprano Design were PH Digicon 2020 Silver Sponsors.

All sponsors were present at the Virtual Exhibit Hall, where delegates had the chance to digitally visit each booth, chat with company representatives for business networking, watch technology use-case videos, and browse or download brochures. Other networking opportunities in the virtual platform also allowed delegates to engage with speakers, sponsors, and fellow delegates.

Over 4,600 international delegates from the Asia Pacific region attended this year’s PH Digicon, 1,200 of which were composed of C-level executives and decision makers. It was also graced by over 2,500 participating companies and headlined by more than 100 thought leaders and industry experts across the region. During its three-day run, it aired virtual plenary and breakout sessions that ran for 27 hours in total.

Delegates also shared some of their positive responses on how the convention allowed them to learn insights on utilizing technology for their businesses. “Despite the pandemic, I'm glad PLDT was able to connect each one of us together with an online conference,” shared Emiliano Romano of Redstar Asia Solutions Inc., one of the delegates of this year’s convention. Valerie Silverio of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Calamba also echoed this statement, saying, “This convention is really the best despite the pandemic. Nothing beats how technology provides and changes our lives in some other way."

Haidee Enriquez of Sitel Philippines Corporation also expressed her awe in the immersive platform used in the convention. “#PHDigicon2020 delivers a great participant experience, even in a fully virtual set-up. Substantial content, engaging format, highly interactive, and fun!” Indeed, PH Digicon 2020 has set the new standard for virtual events in the country, surpassing expectations from its previous iterations during the last five years.

PH Digicon 2020 was organized by the PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the largest and only integrated telecommunications company in the Philippines, PLDT.

For more information on Philippine Digital Convention 2020, visit pldtenterprise.com/phdigicon2020.

#PHDigicon2020 #BraceForImpact

The Sagada Harvest Project

Why Igorots in Metro Manila directly source goods from farmers

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber.

After spending to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest.

A Sad Story for New Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses.

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented.

The Sagada Harvest Project

Trying the Metro Manila Market

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook.

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20.

The Sagada Harvest Project

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo-- as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping.

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.

To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.

“Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!”
Cashless convenience, just a click away

In this photo are executives from PayMaya Philippines (from left to right): Raymund Villanueva, Head of Growth and Brand Marketing; Mitch Padua, Chief Product Officer; Kenneth Palacios, Head of Wallets Business; Paolo Azzola, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director; Orlando B. Vea, Founder and CEO; Shailesh Baidwan, President; Miguel Fernandez, Group Chief Finance Officer; Mar Lazaro, Head of Enterprise Business; and Heidi Garayblas, Head of Brand and Marketing Services as PayMaya ramps up its efforts to increase cashless transactions in the country with the launch of its “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” Campaign, along with a fresh new look, exciting app upgrades and more rewarding promos.

PayMaya accelerates digital payments adoption in the Philippines with launch of new brand campaign

o "Don't Pay Cash. PayMaya!" promotes better than cash benefits with new features and rewards
o Enjoy the best of everyday transactions with the convenience of PayMaya
o Massive brand campaign supports the government's Financial Inclusion Goals

Filipinos now have more reasons to go cashless as PayMaya launches its "Don't Pay Cash, PayMaya!" brand campaign promoting a more convenient and rewarding payment experience for all Filipinos nationwide.

Through the upbeat consumer campaign, the digital financial services leader unveils an enhanced PayMaya mobile app, exciting new features, and more compelling merchant partner promos, as well as the best cashback promos and discounts for an overall more rewarding experience for all users.

PayMaya's new brand campaign features a catchy jingle with lyrics promoting the best perks of going cashless, set against the tune of the song "Ligaya" popularized by the iconic OPM band Eraserheads. Through the campaign, PayMaya encourages all Filipinos to get more joy and value out of daily transactions by opting to use PayMaya instead of cash for all their payments needs.

CUTENESS OVERLOAD
Attendees of the “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” Launch were entertained by PayMaya’s official mascots, Maya, who danced to PayMaya’s newly launched jingle to the tune of the iconic Eraserheads anthem "Ligaya."

"PayMaya is undoubtedly the best way to pay in the Philippines today. Our formula is simple – make digital payments accessible, more convenient, more secure, more rewarding, and more fun. With a newer and smoother app experience, the biggest discounts and cashback promos, and an ever-growing network of merchant and add money partners, it's now better to 'PayMaya' instead of paying with cash," said Paolo Azzola, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of PayMaya.

Better than cash rewards
PayMaya is taking the lead in unlocking the multiple rewards and benefits of going cashless. With the pre-holiday and e-Commerce sales just around the corner, using a PayMaya account for everyday transactions is the best way to get the best discounts and cashback for all your purchases.

Cashless convenience, just a click away: Attendees of the event experienced firsthand the cashless convenience featured in the “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” campaign launch with seamless payments via PayMaya QR available at the Eattogether Food Hall in Capitol Commons.

Just for September alone, PayMaya users can get as much as P5,000 in cashback from the various promos rolled out by the brand. All one has to do is use the PayMaya app for prepaid load and gaming pins, bills payments, sending money, PayMaya QR transactions with partner merchants, and online shopping.

Even getting a PayMaya account gets more rewarding as PayMaya is giving as much as P200 just by registering with a referral code and upgrading their account.

"We're just getting started and this will get more exciting as we gear up towards the holiday shopping season. Our goal is to make every Filipinos embrace digital payments by multiplying the benefits of going cashless," said Azzola.

Better than cash experience

To usher in a next-level experience, PayMaya has updated the mobile app to make it easier and safer to use.

The most popular services such as Sending Money, Buying Load, or Sharing Treats are now easily accessible with just one tap at the home screen of the app. Under the PayMaya Shop, one can also find more variants for digital goods such as telco load, gaming PINs, and treats vouchers - with the best discounts through promos.

Funding one’s PayMaya account is also easier–users can add money from your bank account through InstaPay or by linking their credit* or debit card.

PayMaya places high importance in security. All PayMaya users are encouraged to upgrade their accounts not only for higher transaction limits but also for safer transactions. To facilitate this, PayMaya has introduced a simpler and faster Upgrade process featuring selfie and AI technology. PayMaya also recently unveiled a sexier and safer black card design with the card number and other sensitive information at the back, instead of being displayed at the front.

Better than cash: Influencer Ashley Chan shows off her PayMaya card which sports a new, sleek design, as well as an added layer of security for instagram-savvy Pinoys. With her PayMaya in hand, she can easily hop on the cashless lifestyle and unlock awesome rewards!

The new app design, initially available to Android users and also soon for iOS devices, prominently features the latest promos and perks that account holders can take advantage of, so that they can easily discover ways to make the most of their money with PayMaya.

"Expect more features and services to roll out in the coming months. Our goal is to make the payments experience of every Filipino hassle-free and more secure," explained Azzola.

Don't pay cash. PayMaya!

With all these brand-new features and exciting new promos for users, PayMaya's "Don't Pay Cash. PayMaya!" campaign targets to accelerate digital payments adoption in the Philippines. This is in support of the National Financial Inclusion goals of the country and the aim to increase digital transactions in the country to 20% by 2020 under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS).

PayMaya is the only financial technology company in the Philippines offering integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. It is the first to give millions of Filipinos an e-wallet that allows them to pay cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. It is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the country backed by PLDT, KKR, Tencent, World Bank’s IFC and the IFC Emerging Asia Fund.

Its “universal payments platform” enables the country’s top eCommerce sites, major retail and quick-service restaurants and government institutions, as well as MSMEs to accept multiple kinds of cashless payments.

To know more about how you can maximize your PayMaya account, visit paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Abojeb Group - (Jebsens)Manpower Solutions Inc. For Sea-based and Land-based, inaugurates new office in Paranaque City

Abojeb shareholders, Mr. Endika Aboitiz, IMO Ambassador Carlos Salinas, and Mr. Bjorn Jebsen, share the stage for the inauguration ceremony

Renews commitment to strengthening the maritime and manpower sectors in the Philippines

Abojeb Company, one of the leading maritime and manpower services companies, inaugurated its new office in Paranaque City, Wednesday, November 28.

The recently opened office occupies the 5th and 6th floor of Ri-Rance Corporate Center 1 at Aseana City. With 3,000 square meters, it houses Abojeb's entire workforce and provides a modern welcome to the seafarers.

During the inauguration, Carl Martin Faannessen, Managing Director, Abojeb Company, said that this signifies the company's continued commitment as a major player in the Philippines' maritime industry.

"As we move to our new home, we are excited to serve our customer and seafarers even better. Our company exists to deliver great people and services to meet the demands of our customers all over the world, and we now have the infrastructure to do this even better."

Mr. Faannessen also mentioned that though Abojeb Group will remain focused on recruiting and developing Filipinos seafarers and providing quality and cost-efficient ship management globally, they are also looking at hiring land-based professionals because of the global demand for Filipino talent in the healthcare and education sector.

"More and more countries are opening their doors to Filipino healthcare professionals and teachers. And by taking advantage of this opportunity, we will be able to give more Filipinos a chance to a better life as we extend our services beyond maritime," Faannessen shared.

According to Faannessen, many industries are still in need of skilled and competent Filipino workforce. The Philippines is a top-of-mind choice when it comes to sea-based and land-based talent. Hence, the Abojeb Group continues to see the people of the Philippines as the backbone of its business also in the future.

Daniel Wolbert – Head of Sales, Visa Philippines, Mylene Bico – SVP and Segment Head for Business Development, Sales and Marketing, RCBC Bankard, Simon Javier Calasanz – President and CEO, RCBC Bankard, Capt. Gomer Monreal – Director of Flight Operations, AirAsia Philippines, Sereen Teoh – Acting CEO, AirAsia BIG

The newest AirAsia Credit Card

AirAsia launches its own Credit Card powered by RCBC Bankard and Visa that will make more people travel to their dream destinations faster with the airline held on November 14, 2018, at Marquis Events Place, BGC Taguig City.

AirAsia Credit Card, your ticket to FREE Flights across AirAsia's extensive network and prepare for your take-off comes with more exciting rewards and advantages when it comes to booking your flights.

This is a big news for travelers out there. After you have signed-up with AirAsia Credit Card, these are the following exciting perks and privileges that you can get everytime you spend with your new Visa Card.

1. Welcome bonus of up to 8,000 BIG Points that will start them earning free flights when booking during the Final Call Sales.

2. Instant upgrade to the BIG Platinum membership status.

3. Free Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage every time they fly with AirAsia.

4. A brilliant low spends per point conversion at Php 22.

AirAsia, the World's Best

Low-Cost Airline for 10 years (according to Skytrax World Airline Awards, July 2018) has sparked a revolution in air travel with more and more people in the Philippines choosing AirAsia as the preferred choice of airline choice. Aiming to create excitement among Filipinos, the airline company, in partnership with RCBC Bankard and Visa has launched the new AirAsia Credit Card in the Philippines that will make more people travel to their dream destinations faster with the airline. Along with their loyalty program, AirAsia BIG Loyalty will enable AirAsia Credit Cardholders to enjoy the lowest flight fares across AirAsia's extensive network.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, "This dynamic collaboration between RCBC and AirAsia Berhad represents an exciting step forward in our on-going journey towards providing modern travel experiences for our guests. With AirAsia credit card, we are providing amazing opportunities and exclusive privileges for every guest to create memorable travel experiences whether they are on ground shopping, dining or flying to AirAsia destinations in the Philippines connecting across all ASEAN countries including Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Middle East and Hawaii in United States. "

"We believe that the AirAsia Credit Card embodies the wanderlust spirit and the adventurous lifestyle of Filipinos. As such, it is also essential that the AirAsia Credit Card will be able to help Filipinos get access to financial services anywhere in the world Adding to the travel benefits, AirAsia Credit cardholders will receive real-time SMS alerts service that lets cardholders have security and control over their spending; conversion of straight purchases to zero percent at three months with Unli 0 to up to 36 months installment term with UNLI Installment; access to cash anywhere in the world; free travel insurance and purchase protection; and, a worry-free and rewarding bills payment process." RCBC Bankard Services Corp. President & CEO Simon Javier A. Calasanz said during the AirAsia Credit Card

"The partnership that we have with AirAsia and RCBC Bankard enables us to create a credit card product that encompasses all the exciting travel benefits for Filipinos. Travel is one of the top categories of spend amongst Filipino cardholders. Based on Visa's data, close to 10 per cent of Visa total spend is on air tickets. With this credit card product, Filipinos can enjoy flight fares at competitive prices and the travel benefits that come along with it, while earning additional rewards when they spend using their cards. It is our commitment to work closely with our partners to create products and services that are relevant to our cardholders, so they continue to enjoy the perks of using digital payments in the country," said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines & Guam.

Filipinos can already start applying for the new AirAsia Credit Card. Just log on to www.rcbcbankard.com/airasia, www.alrasiacards com/ph or www.airasiabiq.com/ph/en and complete the application form.

HYPE Transport Systems, Inc Grand Launch and the first ever HYPE FEST 2018 held on October 14, 2018, at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City!

The newest transport network company formally launched!
HYPE Transport Systems, Inc Grand Launch, and HYPE FEST 2018!

When it comes to the alternative way of transportation in Metro Manila, here comes HYPE Transport Systems, Inc. The newest transport network company (TNC) in the Philippines.

HYPE celebrated its Grand Launch and also its first-ever HYPE FEST, wherein the gathering of drivers, operators, and the public as they go on full-swing of their operations to serve the riding public last October 14, 2018, at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

"When we first envisioned HYPE, we had the vision to provide the Filipino riding public a viable choice. We wanted the Filipinos to have the power to choose the most affordable, the safest, the most convenient, and with the most number of transport options possible." - Mr. Nicanor Escalante, President, HYPE Transport Systes, Inc.

Piolo Pascual, Brand Ambassador HYPE Transport System Inc.

HYPE FEST is a gathering that brought together the entire community whether you are a commuter, driver, operator, businessman in an afternoon and early evening of entertainment, fun games, and camaraderie. The highlight or main event of this event is the appearance and performance of HYPE Brand Ambassador, Mr. Piolo Pascual and the raffling off Brand New Toyota Vios to the lucky event -goer.

Piolo Pascual, Brand Ambassador HYPE Transport System Inc.

But before that, here are the important things I learned about attending the event.

I, myself listed down the HYPE Features and why this is unique as compared with other TNC.

1. SMS Booking - Online booking app is dependent on the internet connection which needs data. But not for HYPE. We can now book (as a passenger) a ride via text messaging when the data is not available. How? The system itself will detect automatically if you have an issue or an unstable internet connection on your phone. The app will redirect to SMS feature to start the booking. This is cool, right?

Security Feature

2. Panic Button - One of the concerns as a passenger is our security when booking and riding in a Taxi or Car. Now, HYPE has this Panic Button. This is a very unique feature only available to Hype. In case of emergency for whatever reason, the taxi or car will generate an alarm sending an SOS to your neighbors (like, if you're on the road) and will also send an alert to Hype office.

HYPE personnel will contact the passenger or driver to confirm or validate of the reason why the panic button is used.

High Fee/s during rush hour.

3. Surcharge - Upon hearing this from Sir Nicanor, promising but surely looking forward, it will not change in the future. HYPE surcharge fees apply only or will give you double (2x) your fare out of your regular fare. Meaning, for example, your regular billing when you use Car /Sedan with Ph 100 from and to, during peak or whatever the situation is, surcharge fee will give you Ph 200 pesos only.

So if you're Hype user, better watch out on your fee/s :).

Take Note:

Surcharge usually happen if the demand (booking) is high vs. Available Hype vehicle. Also, it affects the weather condition of the weather and traffic situations in your area.

Customer Feedback

4. Customer service - The Hype has this feature for passenger feedback on using Hype. Always use feedback as this is important to know if they're service is exceptional or needs an improvement not only for the car but also to the driver/operator. In terms of customer satisfaction, feedback is very important.

For Driver / Operator

5. Commission -Applicable to driver and operator. The commission will depend on the number of trips per day. The higher the trips, the higher commission you can get from hype.

Jennifer Sila, HYPE Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Jennifer Sila, HYPE Chief Operating Officer discussed the benefits and commision scheme when joining HYPE. This is for a lifetime (and hopefully not change).

Very Flexible Service

6. On Pickup Point - Hype pickup point or availability of Hype service taxi/car is at a maximum of 2KM only. This is a win/win situation from passenger and driver to avoid cancellation of the booking.

Upcoming Service

7. On Ride Sharing. This is service is currently on a process on Hype but in my opinion, LTFRB will grant this for the benefit of the public interest to lower the booking fee.

8. UV Express Hype Coverage Soon? HYPE got plans to ease down the waiting time for you on taking UV Express Services and still they are working out on it.

9. Service Availability. - Hype is available is nationwide :) Wow! This is great news for commuters out there.

10. Delivery Service - currently they don't it yet. But, they're open to the idea of having a delivery service to incorporate into their systems.

Amidst the festivities, HYPE also gathered thousands of interested drivers and driver-operator applicants who were processed on-site; and was addressed in keynote message by top Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) representatives: Mr. Joel Bolano, Technical Divisions Head; and Atty. Sammy Jardin, Executive Director.

"We are proud to say that as the Filipino riding public has begun to support HYPE, more and more of our driver -- both TNVS and taxi cabs; will continue to enjoy more and more earnings by using the app, and will most definitely enjoy more surprises from us and our partners," Escalate further said.

Grand Winner of Toyota VIOS from Batangas.

Filipina actress, host, dancer, and commercial model Andrea Torres of GMA 7

The event capped off by the performance of sought-after DJ Patty Tiu.

DJ Patty Tiu

Learn more about HYPE Transport Systems, Inc.

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