by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2017 | Business
The country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products, and services.
Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.
David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products
David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products, briefed members of the media this morning, and said their clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.
“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton.
“At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review. With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”
Apply online and get a digitized reward too!
With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.
Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.
From now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband.
Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers
Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com.
On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia. During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.
In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include:
- Booky, an offline restaurant finder;
- Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app;
- Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country;
- and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.
In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including:
- Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017);
- Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long);
- Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017);
- and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).
Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards.
Banking on a Digital Future
“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton.
He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago.
Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.
“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.
Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.
“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.
Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2017 | Business
Lazada’s 5th Birthday Sale is fast approaching and starting March 21, 2017, deals of up to 90% across all product categories will be available. The 3-day sale is a testament to how massive Lazada has expanded to in a span of five years. Now with 6.3 million products and about 35,000 brands supplied by more than 8,500 sellers, it’s no wonder why Lazada is the country’s leading one-stop online selling and shopping destination.
On March 16, Lazada hosted an event in the BGC office for its blogger affiliates. During the 2-hour gathering, the Lazada Affiliate team released 10 great deals which will be available during the sale from March 21 to 23. Here’s the list of 10 deals which you shouldn’t miss!
| Product |
SRP |
Campaign Price |
| Asus ZenFone Selfie 32GB with FREE Back Cover |
P11,995.00 |
*P6,695.00 |
| Ace 32″ Slim LED TV Black LED-808 DN4 |
P7,299.00 |
P4,999.00 |
| Zeus M-110 Lightning Chain Bolt Gaming Mouse |
P899.00 |
*P95.00 |
| Keds Sneakers |
from P999 |
| Jansport Superbreak Backpacks |
from P1,099 |
| 6 LED Solar Power Camping Lantern Light Hiking Flashlight |
P699.00 |
P149.00 |
| Nitecore Extend BMX#20 Folding Steel Bike |
P7,999.00 |
*P2,999.00 |
| Fast Inflatable Camping Banana Bed |
P999.00 |
*P199.00 |
| Delsey 4-wheels Extendo 3 Cabin Slim Trolley Case 55cm |
P11,150.00 |
P3,345.00 |
| Eureka EWA 0.6HP Window Type Air Conditioner |
P7,499.00 |
P5,799.00 |
*Flash sale price:
- Asus Zenfone Selfie – Mar. 21, 8AM
- Zeus Mouse – Mar. 21, 12MN
- Nitecore Bike – Mar. 21, 12 MN
- Inflatable Sofa – Mar. 23, 10AM
Nestle Dolce Gusto Mini-me
Apart from the release of top deals, Lazada has also in display some products going on sale starting March 21. Some highlights include the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mine-Me which comes for free if you purchase 10 boxes of assorted coffee capsules. All 10 boxes plus the free Dolce Gusto Mini-Me will be available for only P4,250.
Another deal presented during the event is the ADATA HD720 1TB Hard Drive which will be on sale for only P2,799. What makes this hard drive perfect, especially for people who are always on the go, is that it’s waterproof, dustproof and also shockproof.
During the event, the ADATA HD720 was presented inside a bowl filled with water and was also subjected to a drop test. This hard drive is tough enough to endure a 1.8-meter drop or to be underwater in 6-feet deep water for 2 hours!
Lazada bestsellers like the ACE 32″ LED TV and the Sparc Vibe P80 Soundbar are also displayed. The ACE 32″ LED TV will be available for only P4,999 during the sale while the Sparc Vibe P80 is scheduled to go on flash sale for only P1,699 on March 23 at 6AM.
Affiliates receive the Box of Joy
Before the event ended, Lazada’s affiliate bloggers are treated to a Box of Joy filled with products coming from brand partners L’Oreal, Nestle, Colgate, Olay, Dove, Pond’s, Palmolive, JBL, ACE, Pantene, Nivea, Tender Care, Tresemme, Maybelline and merchant partners Sophie and Basty and Anything Under The Sun.
The Lazada Birthday Sale runs from March 21 to 23 so mark your calendars and don’t miss the chance to get your hands on really good deals. Also, don’t forget to watch out for the flash sale which features products with crazy discounts!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 17, 2017 | Business
Lazada turns 5! With a record high 91% market share in the Philippine e-Commerce category, Lazada Philippines has plenty to celebrate for its 5th year anniversary. Since its recent acquisition by global e-Commerce giant, Alibaba.com, the country’s dominant online shopping and selling destination shows no sign of slowing down.
In just 5 short years, Lazada has been able to guard and grow e-commerce in the Philippines with commitment to its 3 main customer offerings: assortment, convenience, and topnotch service.
When it comes to variety, no other Philippine e-commerce platform comes close to Lazada, with 6.3 million items under a wide variety of categories including electronics, fashion, home & living, travel, toys, grocery items, and even pet goods.
Convenience and service are best in class with 24/7 access via website or mobile app, free shipping around Metro Manila and nationwide with a minimum purchase of P1,000, and free returns.
Lazada also innovated through a wide variety of payment options, including credit and debit cards, and the highly popular cash-on-delivery option.
Lazada’s upcoming anniversary, dubbed ‘Lazada’s 5th Birthday Surprise’, has been marked as the biggest shopping event of the season. From March 21-23, Lazada will be showering online shoppers with sitewide discounts of up to 90%, low denomination Peso Sales, and time based Flash Sales. There will also be exclusive offerings from its most popular brands, and raffle prizes like vacation packages and real world treats.
High five deals
Make your summer sizzle with hot deals such as the Delsey 4-wheel trolley for only P3,507; JBL on-ear headphones for only P699, and Nyx Lip Lingerie for only P490.
Also in the lineup are customer favorites such as the VR Box 3D Glasses for only P95, Keds sneakers for as low as P999 and assorted Nestle Dolce Gusto capsule packs with free Nestle Dolce Gusto Oblo machine for only P3,400.
Fierce flash sales
For a very limited time, Lazada will also be offering top items at markdown prices:
- The inflatable Banana Bed for only P199
- Nivea shower gels for only P68
- and a CKK Inspire mobile phone with a 5.0 mega pixel camera and dual sim capability for only P999.
Other fierce items include an Avision24” HD LED TV and a Matrix Air Conditioner at P4,999, and a car stereo Bluetooth player for only P699.
Birthday treats for all as Lazada turns 5
No birthday will be complete without giveaways!
- For lucky customers who shop from March 21-23, Lazada will be raffling off a trip to Taiwan for two from KKDay.
- Foodie customers also get free booky.ph subscriptions worth P1,500 with every minimum purchase.
- Finally, every minimum purchase of P1,000 becomes a true treat, because customers get a P10 discount on FamilyMart’s famous Twirl.
So mark your calendars, make your checklists, and make room for more stuff because Lazada’s 5th Birthday Surprise is going to be the main event on your March calendar!
Celebrate with Lazada by visiting Lazada.com.ph or downloading the Lazada mobile app for free today.
About Lazada Birthday 2017
Lazada Group operates Lazada, Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, with presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Launched in March 2012, Lazada is pioneering e-commerce in the region by providing customers with an effortless shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, extensive customer care and easy returns.
Lazada features a wide product offering in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.
Lazada offers brands and sellers a marketplace solution and an ecosystem of partners providing direct access to about 560 million consumers in six countries online.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 17, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Summer is best known as the season of glare-related eyestrain, when you experience stinging of the eyes because of too much concentrated sunlight.
But did you also know that eyestrain can be caused by other factors? Indoors, your eyes can also suffer long-term damage after facing the TV, gadgets or computer monitors at less than a foot away.
While light is an essential part of daily life – helping you see, regulating your body clock, and even providing you with much-needed Vitamin D – too much of it can cause painful eye conditions, including eyelid twitches, eye pain and extreme sensitivity to bright light.
In severe cases, overexposure can permanently damage your central vision. Harmful blue light from artificial sources such as electronic devices causes retinal cell degeneration, while ultra-violet radiation from the sun contributes to the development of cataracts.
“Everyone, no matter the age or gender, should protect their eyes daily from bad effects of excessive exposure to light,” shares Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor Philippines general manager.
“The effects of overexposure to UV rays and harmful blue-violet light may only be visible during adulthood, when vision problems like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) set in, so we highly advice the Filipino public to take preventive measures against them.”
Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, has come up with a solution that protects vision: Crizal® Prevencia multi-coated lenses, which selectively filters bad blue light and lets in essential good light needed for well-being.
“Essilor has undergone a rigid and thorough process in the creation of Crizal® Prevencia,” explains Dr. Roleda. “Its advanced light scan technology enables us to protect our eyes from irreversible eye conditions which threaten healthy vision.”
In addition to using Crizal® Prevencia lenses, she highly advices proper eye care. “Start by getting a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year,” she says. “Your eye doctor can determine the present condition of your eyes and help you take preventive or protective measures regarding possible vision problems.”
Another way to reduce the risk of eyestrain is taking frequent breaks from reading or monitor use, shares Dr. Roleda.
Lastly, she gives some sound sartorial advice when outdoors: “This summer, load your eyeglasses with Crizal® Prevencia lenses containing E-SPF 25. Then, pair your glasses with a nice hat or a sturdy umbrella.”
Indeed, eyesight is among the most important senses, but it receives less care than it deserves. By reducing strain, limiting exposure to harmful light, and making use of eyewear like Crizal® Prevencia lenses, you can protect your eyes all day long and ensure many more years of healthy vision.
Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your eye doctor or leading optical shop nationwide, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 15, 2017 | Health and Wellness
As Century Tuna introduces its new and improved chili corned tuna – Mas pinalaki, mas pina-hot!! but at the same price — It’s no surprise that Luis Manzano has been tapped as the brand’s newest endorser, with the latest Century Tuna TVC – one that is appropriately fun and humorous, showing him in the middle of a shoot — airing on television now.
Greg Banzon, Century Tuna VP and General Manager
“Consumers of Century Corned Tuna put a premium on value for money and that’s why we’ve introduced this new variant that’s bigger and allows for more servings or sharing per can with a hotter flavor that’s loved by many,” shares Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Food Inc. VP and General Manager.
“To introduce this new variant, we’re excited to welcome Luis Manzano as the newest member of the Century Tuna family. His versatility, lively and fun personality makes him an obvious choice for the brand.”
Coming from showbiz royalty, Luis Manzano has managed to successfully carve a name for himself in the entertainment industry, both in the big and small screen.
As a versatile actor, he has appeared in a string of box-office hits straddling both comedy and drama.
In the television realm where he’s a highly-talented host of top-rating TV game shows, his wit, sense of humor, and instant rapport with contestants and the audience cannot be denied, earning him awards and a legion of loyal fans and followers.
And in case you haven’t noticed, Luis is also a fitness buff, with his buffed bod, chiseled abs, and an over-all robust physique. With all these fun and wholesome attributes and more, Luis is truly a perfect fit for Century Corned Tuna which is now Bigger and Hotter!
Mas pinalaki, mas pina-hot!
Bigger – because it comes with 25 more grams at the same suggested retail price! Hotter – because of its new and improved flavor that’s yummier and spicier!
And as with all Century Tuna variants, you can be assured of only the best quality tuna that is high in protein, low in fat, and fortified with Omega 3 and DHA.
So let’s welcome Luis Manzano and the Bigger and Hotter Century Chili Corned Tuna: Mas-Pinalaki, Mas-Pina-Hot!
Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com.
“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton.
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.
On March 16, Lazada hosted an event in the BGC office for its blogger affiliates. During the 2-hour gathering, the Lazada Affiliate team released 10 great deals which will be available during the sale from March 21 to 23. Here’s the list of 10 deals which you shouldn’t miss!
Another deal presented during the event is the ADATA HD720 1TB Hard Drive which will be on sale for only P2,799. What makes this hard drive perfect, especially for people who are always on the go, is that it’s waterproof, dustproof and also shockproof.
In just 5 short years, Lazada has been able to guard and grow e-commerce in the Philippines with commitment to its 3 main customer offerings: assortment, convenience, and topnotch service.
Make your summer sizzle with hot deals such as the Delsey 4-wheel trolley for only P3,507; JBL on-ear headphones for only P699, and Nyx Lip Lingerie for only P490.
No birthday will be complete without giveaways!
Lazada Group operates Lazada, Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, with presence in 
Launched in March 2012, Lazada is pioneering e-commerce in the region by providing customers with an effortless shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, extensive customer care and easy returns.
Summer is best known as the season of glare-related eyestrain, when you experience stinging of the eyes because of too much concentrated sunlight.
But did you also know that eyestrain can be caused by other factors? Indoors, your eyes can also suffer long-term damage after facing the TV, gadgets or computer monitors at less than a foot away.
“Everyone, no matter the age or gender, should protect their eyes daily from bad effects of excessive exposure to light,” shares Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor Philippines general manager.
“Essilor has undergone a rigid and thorough process in the creation of Crizal® Prevencia,” explains Dr. Roleda. “Its advanced light scan technology enables us to protect our eyes from irreversible eye conditions which threaten healthy vision.”
Coming from showbiz royalty, Luis Manzano has managed to successfully carve a name for himself in the entertainment industry, both in the big and small screen.
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