Following a comprehensive online poll, the most beloved travel brands received the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards in recognition of their exemplary performance over the past year.
Singapore, 7 November 2024 – Marking its landmark 10th year, the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards returns to honour the most outstanding travel brands, celebrating their unparalleled achievements that have set new standards of excellence and elevated the industry to new heights. Companies that exemplify the best in travel have been selected and conferred awards through an extensive online voting exercise held from 16 to 30 October 2024.
Organised by TripZilla, the independent and leading online travel media in Southeast Asia that reaches more than 20 million travellers monthly, the Awards recognise the popularity, achievement, and dedication of top consumer-facing brands in travel.
The Awards features five main sectors with multiple categories to celebrate industry leaders across the region. This year’s event is the largest to date, with a record number of nominees and voters, culminating in over 60 awards recognising exceptional contributions to travel.
First-time winners who made their way into the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2024 include AXA Smart Traveller, Revolut, Skyline Luge Singapore, and Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card. Noteworthy repeat winners that have once again made the list include Science Centre Singapore, EU Holidays, and HL Assurance.
“Tourism connects people, creates jobs, and supports communities worldwide, all while fulfilling our innate wanderlust. It is a complex and profoundly impactful industry. As a leading travel inspiration platform, it’s incredibly meaningful for us to recognise the standout brands in this vital sector,” said Winnie Tan, CEO of TripZilla.com. “This year’s TripZilla Excellence Award winners are true trailblazers, crafting unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression on travellers seeking new and unique experiences.”
For the full list of 2024 winners, refer to Annex A appended below or click here.
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About TripZilla Excellence Awards 2024
Now in its landmark 10th year, the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards returns to honour the finest travel companies for delivering the most brilliant experiences and propelling the industry to greater heights. Over a hundred phenomenal organisations were nominated for an award this year. After an intensive round of voting on the TripZilla.com platform, this highly-coveted accolade was presented to more than 60 exceptional brands.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), with the aid of GCash, has uncovered the proliferation of online children and women trafficking during recent arrests of cybercriminals conducted by the law enforcement body.
A human trafficking suspect allegedly exploited victims on a popular social media platform. Posing as clients under various aliases, he purchased pornographic material from victims and then used it to coerce them into further sexual exploitation. The victims were subsequently trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution, reportedly using various social media aliases, including Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Dave Garcia, and Mark Harly Dave Garciano. He was eventually traced and arrested by an operation led by the PNP Anti-cybercrime group.
Two more separate cases of online child sexual exploitation have been reported by PNP-ACG involving a suspect named Mary June Netuliano Espiritu, who was put into custody for purportedly selling explicit videos of her daughter on social media. In a similar case, Leonisa Postetad Ligo is facing charges for allegedly prostituting two minor victims through a popular messaging app.
As the largest digital ecosystem, GCash recognizes its role in keeping the public and cyberspace secure— while safeguarding the well-being of women and children.
“To create a financially inclusive cashless ecosystem, we must ensure that the digital landscape is safe for users and their children by supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts against cybercrimes. Our commitment extends to protecting the community from all threats, especially involving women and children,” said GCash vice president and head of corporate communications Gilda Maquilan.
GCash urges the public to report any incidents of scams, fraud, or cybercrime to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by calling (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116 or by emailing ac*@pn*.ph. Users can also report cybercrimes through the official GCash Help Center at https://help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi on the website and typing ‘I want to report a scam.’ Alternatively, they may contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.
For a safer digital experience, GCash reminds its users to remain vigilant, never share their MPIN or OTP, and avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to phishing or fraud. GCash will never ask for personal information through private messages.
About GCash
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and boasts the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through a network of partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines (including to other bank accounts), and shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers. Users also have access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment options, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
The mobile wallet operations are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, which is the first and only unicorn valued at $5 billion in the Philippines.
GCash is a strong supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals emphasize safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the urgent action needed to combat climate change and its impacts.
About Fuse Lending, Inc.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is a company that provides simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary mission is to help individuals and small businesses achieve financial security and growth through a variety of digital lending products. Fuse Lending is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines. It is also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mynt, through its fintech operations, strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals focus on safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Victorias City, Negros Occidental – On June 27, 2024, the Victorias Coliseum buzzed with anticipation as business owners and entrepreneurs gathered for the “DigiCities Masterclass,” a key event under USAID’s SPEED (Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy) initiative, coinciding with World MSME Day. This global observance, designated by the United Nations, celebrates the crucial role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving sustainable development and promoting innovation.
The event began at 8:30 AM with registration and concluded in the afternoon with a closing message and a photo opportunity. Atty. Gino Jacinto, COO of UNAWA, captivated the audience with his presentation, “From Ink to Click: The Digital Signature Advantage for Small Businesses.” This session highlighted the innovative features of UNAWA’s SignSecure platform, which uniquely integrates facial recognition into its e-signature process, ensuring enhanced security and compliance. Atty. Jacinto emphasized the efficiency, faster processes, improved compliance, and cost savings that digital transitions offer, aligning with UNAWA’s mission to support SMEs in their digital transformation journey.
The event, powered by GCash for Business and delivered by StartUp Village, included various insightful sessions. The event flow began with a welcome message and an introduction to the USAID SPEED Activity, followed by sessions on adopting a growth mindset through digitization, leveraging eCommerce for business growth, the advantages of digital signatures, and improving logistics to bridge borders. Representatives from Prosperna, MyKartero, and DigiCities also shared valuable insights. The event concluded with acknowledging partners.
Benefits of SignSecure for MSMEs:
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at Victorias Coliseum, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, June 27, 2024.
SignSecure helps MSMEs streamline their processes by reducing administrative time and speeding up document access and approvals. Digital documentation maintains accurate records, simplifies compliance, and uses automated systems for audit trails and deadline alerts. It reduces the need for storage, paper, printing, mailing, and labor, allowing cost savings to be reinvested in other business areas. Moreover, the facial recognition feature of SignSecure adds a layer of security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can sign documents.
What is a DigiCity?
A DigiCity is a city that leverages digital technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its services, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. DigiCities initiatives often involve integrating digital solutions across various sectors, including governance, business, and infrastructure, to create a more connected and intelligent urban environment.
Victorias City, one of 27 DigiCities in the Philippines, shares UNAWA’s vision for digital advancement. This masterclass marks a significant step towards empowering businesses through technology and fostering a more robust and inclusive digital economy.
For more information on UNAWA and their suite of digital solutions, visit UNAWA.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
Electronic Transfer & Advance Processing, Inc. (eTap), the country’s leading self-service payment kiosk provider, has showcased its groundbreaking achievements in revolutionizing convenience and shaping the future of finance at the Asia Retail and eCommerce Innovation Summit Philippines 2024.
Asia Retail and eCommerce Innovation Summit Philippines 2024
“We are thrilled to join the Asia Retail and eCommerce Innovation Summit Philippines 2024 as a Gold sponsor and share our vision for the future of finance. At eTap, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver transformative solutions that streamline payment processes and empower businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic market,” said Carlo Hernandez, eTap Solutions President and CEO.
The event, held at the Marriott Hotel on May 24, brought together over 200 senior experts, top retailers, and tech innovators to shape the future of e-commerce and retail. It served as a platform for exchanging insights and innovations, drawing participants from various sectors.
Five eTap officials shared valuable insights during the event in a keynote session titled “Revolutionizing Convenience: How eTap is Shaping the Future of Finance.” The session attracted a large audience of industry leaders and innovators eager to gain valuable insights from eTap.
[L-R] – eTap representatives Carlo C. Hernandez/President & CEO, Gabrielle Rubio/Finance Manager, Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg/Brand Manager, Erica Natividad/Marketing Supervisor, Reinier Allan Cruz/VP for Finance and Operations and Joe Muldera/Business Development Manager
The speakers included Joe Muldera, eTap Business Development Manager; Erica Marie Natividad, eTap National Marketing Supervisor; Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg, eTap National Marketing Supervisor; Gabrielle Antonette Rubio, eTap Finance Manager; and Reinier Allan Cruz, eTap Vice President of Finance and Operations.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the session, highlighting various aspects of eTap’s strategic initiatives and the significant impact of their technology on the retail and e-commerce landscape.
Currently, eTap offers users a comprehensive platform for various financial transactions, including eMoney services (GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay, and Diskartech), banking (BPI and AUB), loans (Home Credit and AEON Credit Service), mobile and internet (Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, PLDT, DITO Telecoms, and Converge), gaming (Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends), and rider services (Grab and Dragonloans).
Hernandez said that the introduction of eTap kiosks has been a game-changer in providing convenience to the public. These self-service payment kiosks have significantly streamlined payment processes, offering a quick, efficient, and user-friendly transaction method. By enabling customers to conduct a wide range of financial activities, such as real-time bill payments, money transfers, and prepaid services, eTap kiosks have reduced the need for traditional counter services, minimizing wait times and enhancing the overall customer experience.
“Our kiosks are designed with the user in mind, ensuring every transaction is simple, secure, and swift. We believe that accessibility and ease of use are paramount, and our kiosks are strategically placed in high-traffic areas to maximize convenience for everyone,” said Hernandez.
[L-R] – Colin Christie/Chairman, Advisory Council (Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines), Reinier Allan Cruz/VP for Finance and Operations, Joe Muldera/Business Development Manager, Gabrielle Rubio/Finance Manager, Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg/Brand Manager, Erica Natividad/Marketing Supervisor
Since its establishment in 2015, eTap has strategically placed user-friendly kiosks in over 300 malls, convenience stores, supermarkets, and drug stores in more than 200 cities and municipalities across the country, ensuring easy access to its services. It has also partnered with Globe Telecom, GCash, Pay&Go, Zoom Pay, Cebuana Lhuillier, easytrip, PrimeWater, and Tripko, expanding its electronic payment solutions in various industries.
Hernandez said eTap expects to surpass its 65% income increase in 2023, demonstrating robust financial growth through continuous expansion by adding 2,000 machines annually.
As of May, the Filipino-owned company has more thank 2,000 kiosks nationwide and plans to double this number by the end of the year to further enhance its reach and accessibility. Its number of transactions also increased from 5,781,570 in 2022 to 22,332,702 in 2023. By December, it targets to register at least 38,500,000 transactions and around 3.6 million monthly active users.
To date, eTap continues to champion the transformative power of technology to uplift communities. Its self-service payment kiosk system caters to a diverse range of users, ensuring that technology becomes an inclusive force for positive change. Whether individuals need to settle bills, top up their e-wallets, purchase prepaid loads, or make loan payments, eTap’s kiosk system provides a seamless and user-friendly solution for many financial transactions.
For more information about eTap, please visit www.etapmo.com.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
Electronic Transfer & Advance Processing, Inc. (eTap), the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the country, achieved remarkable growth last year, surpassing industry expectations and setting new benchmarks in key areas. eTap, a Filipino-owned company, proudly relies on Filipino-developed technology created entirely by its in-house team.
Percy Hernandez, eTap CEO
eTap CEO Percy Hernandez stated that the company experienced a 101% increase in revenue, showcasing its robust market presence and effective business strategies. This demonstrates eTap’s commitment to operational excellence and financial strength, reflecting its resilience and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.
Hernandez expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory: “Our commitment to innovation is unwavering, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead this year. As we continue developing cutting-edge technologies, we anticipate further growth in revenue, market share, and overall impact. The innovations are poised to revolutionize how businesses and consumers engage with electronic payment solutions.”
eTap COO Marlon Portugal added, “Innovation is at the core of eTap’s success. Our dedicated research and development team remains focused on creating innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed our client’s expectations and set new standards in the fintech industry.”
Portugal said eTap has partnered with key players in various sectors such as Globe Telecom, GCash, Maya, BTI Payments, ECPay, Cebuana Lhuillier, Easytrip, Autosweep, PrimeWater, Paynamics, Beep, and TripKo to deliver integrated and comprehensive electronic payment solutions. These strategic partnerships are instrumental in expanding eTap’s ecosystem and providing a seamless experience for users across diverse industries.
In addition to its expansive online presence, eTap has strategically positioned its user-friendly kiosks in high-traffic locations, including malls nationwide. Users can conveniently access eTap’s electronic payment services at various kiosks located in prominent malls such as Lots for Less, City Mall, Novo, Primark, Home Along, iMart, Budgetwise, and JS Gaisano, among others.
eTap offers a comprehensive platform for various financial transactions, including eMoney services (GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay, and Diskartech), banking (BPI and AUB), loans (Home Credit, Aeon Credit Service, and Dragonloans), mobile and internet (Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, PLDT, Dito Telecoms, and Converge), gaming (Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends), and rider services (Grab).
For more information about eTap, visit etapmo.com.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and boasts the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through a network of partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines (including to other bank accounts), and shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers. Users also have access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment options, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
![[L-R] - eTap representatives Carlo C. Hernandez/President & CEO, Gabrielle Rubio/Finance Manager, Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg/Brand Manager, Erica Natividad/Marketing Supervisor, Reinier Allan Cruz/VP for Finance and Operations and Joe Muldera/Business Development Manager](https://i0.wp.com/slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/etap-representatives.jpg?resize=500%2C281&ssl=1)
![[L-R] - Colin Christie/Chairman, Advisory Council (Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines), Reinier Allan Cruz/VP for Finance and Operations, Joe Muldera/Business Development Manager, Gabrielle Rubio/Finance Manager, Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg/Brand Manager, Erica Natividad/Marketing Supervisor](https://i0.wp.com/slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/etap-attendees.jpg?resize=500%2C281&ssl=1)
eTap offers a comprehensive platform for various financial transactions, including eMoney services (GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay, and Diskartech), banking (BPI and AUB), loans (Home Credit, Aeon Credit Service, and Dragonloans), mobile and internet (Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, PLDT, Dito Telecoms, and Converge), gaming (Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends), and rider services (Grab).
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