by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 20, 2023 | Business
In line with their shared goal to promote and strengthen financial inclusion for Filipinos nationwide, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently rolled out the Paleng-QR initiative in Mandaue City in collaboration with GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet.
Under the joint initiative, market vendors and tricycle drivers in Mandaue Public Market can easily transact with their customers through GCash QR codes. With this, both vendors and consumers can have a safer and more seamless shopping experience. Moreover, this initiative ultimately boosts the growth of the digital ecosystem, especially in the grassroots economy.
BSP representative Atty. Charina de Vera-Yap, DILG 7 Regional director Leocadio Trovela, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes enjoy the 1-peso street food GTreats at the GCash booth.
Locals also enjoyed exciting treats in GCash booths at the Mandaue Public Market, where they were able to experience safer and more convenient cashless transactions first-hand. With the program’s entry into the city, GCash has so far onboarded a total of 561 out of 700 market vendors in Mandaue Public Market and 100 members of the local Tricycle Operators/Drivers Association (TODA) to allow payment through the app.
In addition to providing a safer and more convenient cashless experience to vendors and their customers, GCash is also set to onboard more small merchants for GCash Pera Outlet (PO) in the city. This feature allows vendors and small merchants to earn extra income and grow their businesses by offering customers in their communities access to various GCash services such as Cash-in, Cash-out, Pay Bills, and Send Money. Currently, there are already a total of 1,006 vendors and merchants for GCash PO in the city.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes pays via QR at a fruit stand in the Mandaue City Public Market.
GCash will also conduct financial literacy sessions (FinLit) to educate its users about different wealth management options in GCash, such as GSave, GInsure, GLoans, GInvest, and more, that can help them grow and secure their accounts.
“We are very grateful to the BSP, DILG, and GCash for expanding the Paleng-QR initiative in the city. With this initiative and through GCash’s convenient services, small merchants, tricycle drivers, and consumers can now enjoy a hassle-free payment experience for their everyday transactions and have access to the various benefits of digital financial solutions. We are honored and open to having more strategic partnerships that will help Filipinos have secure and better lives,” Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said.
Driven by its shared vision of “Finance for All,” GCash, BSP, and DILG have already onboarded more vendors and tricycle drivers for the Paleng-QR initiative in various public markets in various communities all over the country.
Together with the public sector and Local Government Units (LGUs), GCash continues to build a reliable digital ecosystem to promote sustainable adoption of online financial services and make Filipino lives better every day.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones.
GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines, which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 20, 2023 | Business
Kanada-Ya: Four Years of Delicious Ramen, Community Commitment, and Media Recognition in Singapore
Kanada-Ya, a renowned ramen chain, celebrates its four-year anniversary in Singapore with five thriving outlets. Since 2019, they’ve offered their acclaimed Tonkotsu ramen, earning a devoted following. Despite pandemic challenges, Kanada-Ya adapted, emphasizing safety measures and expanding delivery and takeout services. Committed to community engagement, they volunteer with organizations like the Lions Club and Methodist Welfare Services. Collaborating with social media influencers and garnering recognition from respected outlets like SethLui and The Smart Local, Kanada-Ya has become a culinary gem. They continue their mission to deliver exceptional ramen experiences while giving back to the community.
Kanada-Ya, a renowned name in the world of ramen, is celebrating its four-year anniversary in Singapore with pride and gratitude. Since its inception in 2019, the restaurant chain has successfully established five outlets across the island, solidifying its presence in the hearts and palates of Singaporean food enthusiasts.
A Journey of Growth and Resilience
Kanada-Ya embarked on its Singaporean journey four years ago, setting up its first outlet in PLQ Mall. Since then, the brand has continued to flourish, expanding its footprint to Marina Square, Paragon, Century Square, and Jem. Each outlet has been meticulously designed to create an authentic Japanese ramen dining experience, complete with its signature Tonkotsu ramen – a rich and flavourful broth that has garnered a devoted following.
Overcoming Obstacles Amidst a Global Pandemic
The past three years have presented unprecedented challenges to the F&B industry, and Kanada-Ya was not immune. However, the brand’s commitment to serving quality ramen remained unwavering. Kanada-Ya adapted swiftly to the changing landscape, implementing strict safety measures to protect both its customers and staff. The restaurant introduced and focused on delivery and takeout services, ensuring that ramen lovers could continue to savour their favourite dishes from the comfort of their homes.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond serving delectable ramen, Kanada-Ya is deeply committed to giving back to the Singapore community. The restaurant has actively engaged in volunteering services with the Lions Club and Methodist Welfare Services, contributing to various charitable initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society. Kanada-Ya believes that nurturing strong communities goes hand-in-hand with serving great food.
Spreading Brand Awareness through Social Media Influencers and Media Recognition
Kanada-Ya has embraced the digital age by collaborating with popular social media influencers. These partnerships have allowed the brand to reach a wider audience, introducing more people to the extraordinary flavours of its ramen offerings. By harnessing the power of social media, Kanada-Ya has become a household name among food enthusiasts and ramen aficionados in Singapore.
In addition to its digital presence, Kanada-Ya is honoured to have been featured in articles by reputable media outlets such as Sethlui, eatbook.sg, Daniel Food Diary, and The Smart Local. These accolades highlight the exceptional quality and popularity of Kanada-Ya’s ramen, further cementing its status as a culinary gem in Singapore.
As Kanada-Ya celebrates its four-year anniversary in Singapore, the brand continues to demonstrate resilience, community engagement, and a commitment to delivering exceptional ramen experiences. With five outlets across the island and recognition from esteemed media outlets, Kanada-Ya looks forward to delighting customers with its renowned Tonkotsu ramen for years to come.
Kanada-ya is a celebrated ramen restaurant brand that has been serving authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen for over four years in Singapore. With five strategically located outlets, Kanada-ya has become a beloved destination for ramen lovers, known for its rich and flavorful broth, handcrafted noodles, and commitment to community engagement.
Ma*******@*******ya.sg
+65 9229 5050
www.kanada-ya.sg
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 20, 2023 | Business
UnionBank to offer mobile crypto trading in Q4 2023
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) users may soon get to trade Bitcoin through their mobile app as soon as the final quarter of 2023.
The Aboitiz-led bank announced on Tuesday, September 19, that it has secured a certificate of authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP). This means that it can now offer virtual asset exchange services – like trading cryptocurrency – to its customers.
The central bank defines a virtual asset as “any type of digital unit that can be digitally traded, or transferred, and can be used for payment or investment purposes.” In the Philippines, financial institutions must obtain a VASP certificate from the BSP before handling virtual assets for customers.
In the case of UnionBank, it is so far the first and only bank in the Philippines to offer virtual exchange services. Other financial institutions with the VASP license include coins.ph, Philippine Digital Asset Exchange, and Maya.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 20, 2023 | Business
AirAsia: Deal with CFM will help expand fleet, network
AirAsia Philippines painted a rosy outlook for 2024, as its parent company Capital A and engine provider CFM International renewed their agreement, a deal that will allow the airline to double its fleet by 2024.
According to AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan, the renewal of the agreement between Capital A and CFM provides a “catalyst for AirAsia to reinstate its full fleet across the Group.”
In the Philippines, this means that AirAsia will be able to double its fleet and allow it to expand its network to 45 domestic and international routes.
Currently, AirAsia Philippines has a fleet of 20 Airbus jets that serve 11 domestic destinations and 12 international destinations out of Manila, and two domestic and three international destinations from Cebu.
“The solid backing from CFM International will help us fast-track our recovery plan and expansion next year. We expect that this will also allow us to better operate our existing aircraft and the additional A321neo and A330 to service our existing and new markets here in the country and in Asean,” Dailisan said.
With the support of CFM, Capital A is tuning to reinstate its fleet of 204 aircraft and further expand it to 300 jets in the next 5 years.
Dailisan noted that the fleet expansion should be backed by the allocation of more slots, saying that this will help the government in its bid to revive the tourism sector after the pandemic.
“Furthermore, if AirAsia Philippines is provided with more slots as an opportunity to boost tourism, we are ready to facilitate stronger economic ties anchored on tourism and trade in the Philippines and beyond.”
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2023 | Business
Exploring Tranquility: The Journey of OGAWA Philippines Through Time and Innovation
Edryan Lorenzo
in**@************cy.com
www.boostmnlagency.com
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2023 | Business
SEVENTEEN is returning to Philippines in January 2024
Korean boy group SEVENTEEN is coming back to the Philippines in 2024 to meet the Filipino Carats.
Less than a year after the group’s successful sold-out concerts, Pledis Entertainment announced on Tuesday that the 13-member Korean idol group is heading back to the country on January 13, 2024, to bring their ‘Follow’ concert tour to the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan.
The Philippines is one of the three countries in Asia where SEVENTEEN will be having its concert tour.
In a post shared by Pledis Entertainment in a fan community app Weverse, the Korean performers will also perform in Thailand and Macau.
According to concert promoter Live Nation Philippines, additional details about the seat plan, purchasing guidelines, and ticket prices have yet to be announced.
“Tickets prices, seat map, and ticket purchase guidelines will be released soon,” it wrote.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2023 | Business
McDonald’s Philippines vows to hire more seniors, PWDs in Manila
McDonald’s Philippines said Tuesday it signed an agreement with Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna to resume hiring eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the city this year.
The company’s program initially began in 2019 but was temporarily halted amid the pandemic.
“In addition to offering consistent employment opportunities to our regular full-time workers and working students, we remain steadfast in our commitment to have a diverse and inclusive workplace. We proudly extend these opportunities to out-of-school youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through our community hiring programs, including Workforce Immersion, Alternative Workforce and SPES,” said McDonald’s Philippines managing director Margot Torres.
“Through these initiatives such as the recent partnership we did along with the city of Manila, we are not only opening our doors but also empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to access world-class training and skill development, affirming our belief in their potential and their right to a chance for a better life,” said Torres.
Qualified applicants will undergo a training program approved by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Manila, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Hired senior citizens and PWDs will be assigned to perform tasks complementing those of existing crew members which includes being an order presenter, drink drawer, table manager and overall guest relations.
Under the agreement, senior citizens will be assigned work for not more than four hours per day for five days a week, with shifts set at 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meanwhile, PWDs will perform work in shifts also applied to regular crew members, but not to exceed eight hours a day.
McDonald’s Philippines said that since it began employing senior citizens and PWDs in 2019, it has hired a total of 62 senior citizens and PWDs who have been employed in different stores nationwide.
Resuming the program after the pandemic, the company said it committed to growing the program and employing 500 PWD and senior citizen hires across key pilot cities in 2023 including Pasig, Pasay, Antipolo, Caloocan, Makati, Quezon City, Marikina and Mandaluyong.
These 500 hires will be deployed to 250 stores nationwide, giving each store a maximum of two hires per store (either a senior citizen or PWD).
McDonald’s is operating 39 stores in Manila, with each establishment employing an average of 80 to 100 residents from the local community.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 18, 2023 | Business
KAMI Japanese Body Therapy’s New Bangsar Store: A Unique Fitness and Wellness Collaboration
KAMI Japanese Body Therapy has opened a second store in Bangsar, partnering with FITOKIO, a fitness center in KL. The store offers bodywork and training services, including pre- and post-training sessions to relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and improve balance. Bodywork sessions are relaxing and can reduce tension and stress, allowing for more effective training. Post-training, Seitai, or bodywork, can also help relieve muscle fatigue and promote recovery, preparing the body for the next session..
KAMI Japanese Body Therapy opened a second store in Bangsar in September. This store is different from the KLCC store; it is a collaboration with FITOKIO, which runs a fitness centre in KL. A significant advantage is that KAMI is located within the FITOKIO facilities; by having your body cared for at KAMI before and after training, you can exercise in the best possible condition and complete your body care afterwards, all in one location.
Training and body care can have a huge effect on the body.To relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility, a bodywork session can be performed prior to a fitness session. This increases the chances of being able to exercise more during training. Bodywork can also help improve the body’s balance. If you have muscle imbalances or postural issues, aligning them can help you perform exercises with proper form and reduce your risk of injury.Bodywork sessions are relaxing and may aid in the reduction of tension and stress. Starting your workout in a relaxed state may allow you to train more effectively.
Furthermore, doing Seitai after training is more effective for health conditions. Receiving bodywork after a workout can help relieve muscle fatigue and tension while also promoting recovery. This will help the body prepare for the next training session. It may also improve the efficiency of your training. Seitai may relieve muscle and joint restrictions, allowing the body to recover more quickly and effectively. The pre-opening on September 1–9th attracted a large number of visitors, and the promotion is still running until end of October exclusively for new customers.
KAMI Japanese Body Therapy Bangsar store
Opening Hour: Friday to Wednesday (closed on Thursday) 10 am–8 pm
Address: Level 4 inside Fitokio, Bangsaria, 45E Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
About Credi Malaysia
Founded in February 2023, Credi Malaysia is a body care consulting and advisory company that aims to help everyone lead a culturally healthy life.
With services in Malaysia, Japan and the United States, we have accepted more than 500,000 customers for more than 10 years.
The company operates KAMI, which aims to solve the root cause of symptoms by adjusting the skeleton and muscles with its unique technology,
and enables people to adjust their natural healing power and autonomic nerves. In addition, we are always offering new information and new solutions for health.
Toshinori Murakami
Mail: tm*******@***********co.jp
Tel: +60 11 1205 8754
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 18, 2023 | Business
BSP tipped to keep rate at 6.25%
MANILA -The benchmark interest rate of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to remain at 6.25 percent for the fourth policy meeting in a row when the Monetary Board convenes on Sept. 21.
ING Bank, based in The Netherlands, said in a commentary that the BSP will “likely stand pat as inflation pressures flare up.”
The latest monthly readout for headline inflation showed an uptick to 5.3 percent after six months of easing from 8.7 percent in January to 4.7 percent in July.
Goldman Sachs also expects the same, noting that despite the faster growth of prices last month, the BSP continues to expect inflation to ease back into its target band of 2 percent to 4 percent by October.
The American group also noted the BSP’s own caveat that this expectation is based on the premise that there will be no further supply shocks.
“While inflation risks remain skewed to the upside due to higher global food and energy prices, recent comments by the governor suggest another hike is not necessary at this time, although easing is not yet justified either,” Goldman Sachs said.
According to Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp., the BSP will consider inflation, economic growth, and external factors in making its decision.
“(T)he recent uptick in the August inflation alone is unlikely to prompt the BSP to resume tightening, recognizing the supply-side nature of the uptick and the fact that there would only be so much that monetary policy can do in such a situation, which requires fiscal complement,” Roces said.
“Looking ahead, inflation should still moderate in the coming months, but the BSP is unlikely to start easing policy until the middle of 2024, after the US Federal Reserve does so, he added.
Meanwhile, Pantheon Macroeconomics in the United Kingdom expects the BSP to start reducing the policy rate by 0.25 percentage point to 6 percent as early as November.
Pantheon Macroeconomics also expects another such rate cut in December to end the year at 5.75 percent.
During the Marcos administration’s economic team’s visit to Qatar on Sept. 10, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the central bank remained ready to secure the inflation target.
Dakila said the average inflation for 2023 is projected to settle at 5.6 percent, 3.3 percent in 2024 and 3.4 percent in 2025.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 15, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Manila Prince Hotel is excited to announce the reopening of its esteemed Chinese restaurant, Dragon Court. Located at the lobby level, Dragon Court’s reopening is part of the hotel’s month-long anniversary celebration. It is set to welcome guests to an unforgettable dining experience starting September 27, 2023.
Abundance of Flavors
Dragon Court’s food and beverage team underwent extensive preparation to ensure the restaurant maintains its signature taste while introducing new items to cater to the most discerning palates. Guests can expect a wide array of dishes that showcase Chinese cuisine. From delicate dim sum to flavorful specialties, every plate at Dragon Court is crafted with precision and passion.
The menu includes timeless favorites such as Shrimp Dumpling, Roasted Pork Barbecue, White Chicken with Ginger and Leeks, Eight Treasure Diced Winter Melon Soup, Honey Beef in Pepper Sauce, Lapu-Lapu Fillet in Soy Sauce, and baked Mango Tapioca Pudding.
Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu Packages
In addition to the a la carte offerings, Dragon Court introduces Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu packages, which include dice game paraphernalia and special prizes. These packages add fun and excitement to one’s group dining experience while celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Manila Prince Hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, expressed his enthusiasm about the reopening of Dragon Court. “We are delighted to reintroduce Dragon Court to our guests to celebrate Manila Prince Hotel’s anniversary. We are confident that Dragon Court will be another reason our loyal guests will keep returning to our hotel and attract new clientele.”
Starting September 27, 2023, Dragon Court will be open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call (+632) 5328 2222 or email fn*@**********ce.com for inquiries and reservations.
About Manila Prince
Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is situated in the heart of Manila’s business district. It is close to the city’s top tourist spots and main transportation hubs. With its 300 well-appointed rooms, ten function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with 24-hour reception, a business center, a swimming pool, and gym access,
Manila Prince Hotel offers value for money and stylish comfort. Along with excellent service and luxurious hospitality, the hotel has two (2) exciting dining outlets: Marcelino Street Café, the all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, the Chinese restaurant. The hotel is attached to UN Square Mall for convenient shopping and dining. These and more make Manila Prince Hotel a top choice for leisure and business travelers.
Edryan Lorenzo
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