by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 26, 2020 | Awards and Competitions
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is giving its life and general insurance customers a chance to win Grab Food and Lazada vouchers and P100,000 via GCash.
To qualify for the promo, all you have to do is download the Emma by AXA app and register. Then, simply update your contact information through the app.
By downloading the Emma by AXA app on the App or Google Play Store, customers and non-customers alike also gain the added benefit of access to 24/7 emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and roadside assistance through the Rescue Line feature. The app also allows customers to monitor their policy online and conveniently access their funds, investments, transaction history, and AXA’s e-servicing features.
Ongoing until 15 August 2020, the offer includes free Grab Food vouchers worth Php200 every week to be raffled off to 300 life insurance customers and general insurance policyholders who update their information.
AXA also has more exciting prizes in store. Every week from 16 August 2020 to 15 September 2020, AXA will be raffling off Lazada vouchers worth Php1,000 to 50 customers weekly.
What’s more, AXA will also reward one life insurance customer and one general insurance customer the grand prize of P100,000 each via Gcash through an e-raffle. This promo is open to all policyholders who successfully complete the requirements from July to December 15, 2020.
Get a chance to win these amazing prizes by simply updating your contact information via the Emma by AXA app. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jbvq4m.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 22, 2020 | Business
GCash President, Anthony Thomas
GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, and 7-Eleven, one of the largest convenience store chains in the country, announced today a strategic partnership that will allow GCash account holders to pay for their purchases in 7-Eleven stores via the revolutionary Scan-to-Pay (STP) via Barcode feature in the GCash app.
With the growing demand for frictionless transactions, GCash and 7-Eleven are providing greater convenience and security to their customers by introducing the new payment option for physical purchases in 7-Eleven stores across the country.
“This partnership is anchored on the shared goal of enabling more Filipinos to participate in the digital financial landscape. By allowing 7-Eleven stores to accept GCash STP via Barcode payments, we are bringing the vision of building a ‘cashless Philippines’,” GCash President Anthony Thomas said.
How to use GCash’s Scan to Pay
To use GCash’s STP via Barcode, 7-Eleven customers only need to generate their unique barcodes through the GCash app and allow the cashier to scan their barcodes to complete the transaction.
These two easy steps streamline the already-frictionless QR code system. With STP via Barcode, merchants do not need to have a QR key code, which the customer scans to transact. Merchants also need not have their own mobile devices to verify the payments, as STP via Barcode is already integrated into the merchant’s point-of-sale.
“After scanning barcodes to redeem promotions and reload accounts for over 5 years now, including taking payments from our CLiQQ wallet over the last two, we believe we have built the most convenient payment experience in the country, and that the time is right to open up our infrastructure to partners who share our vision.”
“We are pleased to partner first with GCash, whom we have been working with for several years. Many customers already visit us to cash-in their GCash wallets, now they can use those same wallets to pay for their purchases as well as participate in our CLiQQ loyalty program.” 7-Eleven President and CEO Jose Victor Paterno said.
Supporting BSP cashless vision
The partnership between the fintech leader and the convenience store chain pioneer also supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) goal of creating a more cashless Philippines starting this year by migrating 20 percent of the total transaction to non-cash means such as digital payments.
Already, based on a study conducted by the Better Than Cash Alliance, a United Nations-backed organization, the Philippines is close to reaching this target. According to the study, digital transactions now account for 20 percent of the total value of transactions, while 10-percent in terms of volume in 2018.
“As a strong government partner and the leader in mobile digital payments, we at GCash remain relentless in developing more products and services that will fit perfectly into the government’s plans for the country’s financial landscape. Our vision for 2020 is to continue to push for the development of the GCash platform to enable more people to participate in the digital financial revolution,” Thomas said.
photo credit goes to iconicmnl.com
STP via Barcode is now available in more than 2,800 7-Eleven stores in the Philippines. It is also available in the majority of Puregold outlets and Starbucks stores nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 26, 2019 | Advocacy
Filipinos who want to contribute to environmental preservation can now conveniently use an innovative mobile phone app to help plant trees and increase the Philippines’ forest cover.
Leading mobile wallet, GCash, Is introducing an exciting “green” feature on the app called GCash Forest, which lets subscribers plant virtual trees that will have real life counterparts. By the end of 365 days, GCash Forest aims to plant 365 thousand trees with the help of GCash subscribers.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Philippines is losing 47,000 hectares of forest cover every year. The FMB also reported the need to rehabilitate 1.2 million hectares of forest lands by 2022 to prevent landslides, ensure water availability, and preserve biodiversity.
Anthony Thomas, Mynt CEO
“GCash Forest is about making it easier, more convenient, and even rewarding for everyone to take care of our environment for the benefit of future generations,” said Mynt CEO Anthony Thomas.
“GCash is no longer just providing an excellent platform for accessible financial products and services but also enabling Filipinos to be more active in responding to real-life issues, such as climate change mitigation through reforestation.”
GCash considers GCash Forest as a last mile initiative that fully recognizes the emergence of an all-digital Filipino lifestyle.
To implement its tree-planting initiatives, GCash Forest partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). The DENR will provide land resources in lpo Watershed, an essential component of the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watersheds system supplying 98 percent of Metro Manila’s water. WWF will be providing trees and manpower while BIOFIN will provide expertise on monitoring.
Thomas added that recent findings on the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate-related hazards call for greater collective action. Results of the Global Peace Index 2019 identified the Philippines as the most susceptible country to the adverse effects of climate change. By leveraging the GCash platform and scale, GCash Forest aims to rally a coalition of individuals, non-government organizations, and international organizations to meet its 2020 targets.
To plant trees through GCash Forest, GCash users need to collect “green energy” by frequently using the app. Users who get enough green energy can choose which species of trees they want to plant in a selected area at the lpo watershed. Once the trees are physically planted, users get to receive a certificate of ownership with a serial number, fun facts and updates on the growth of their trees on their GCash apps.
“Many Filipinos, especially the younger ones, care about the environment but a lot of them don’t know how they can actively take part in environmental protection. This is a barrier that GCash Forest addresses because they only need to use their smartphones-an already integral part of their daily lives-to make a difference,” concluded Thomas.
The new feature is inspired by Alipay Ant Forest, a product operates by Ant Financial, an Alibaba affiliate parent company of the world’s leading payments and lifestyle platform, Alipay. Via the mobile platform, more than 500 million users have planted 100 million real trees and advanced a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
“The GCash Forest shows digital technology holds a huge power to mobilize people in support of sustainable development and the fight against climate change. And this power goes beyond border and is at our fingertips through our mobile devices,” said Yan Meng, Ant Financial’s Global Head of International Partnerships. “We’re more than happy to open up our technology and expertise to current and potential partners to make the world a better place.”
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 11, 2019 | Business
Leading mobile money platform, GCash, is looking for partners in Mindanao for its GCash for Good project – a pioneering corporate social responsibility program that enables Filipinos to donate to non-government organizations (NGOs) that champion worthy advocacies from education, environment to animal welfare among others.
This was announced yesterday by GCash VP for Corporate Communications Reyner Villaseñor in a press launch held in Park Inn Hotel in Davao City who said that GCash for Good is another big step to further develop the GCash app into a more socially relevant and sustainable platform that help addresses issues across different levels of society.
GCash, operated by operated by Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), is well-equipped to become a springboard for donations to non-government organizations that champion various advocacies, thanks to its scale and innovative digital platform. Thus, the GCash executive is calling on all NGOs in Davao City and nearby cities and provinces to join the GCash for Good as their partners in spreading good to all.
GCash VP for Corporate Communications Reyner Villaseñor
“With GCash for Good, GCash users can use the GCash app to donate to various groups to create an impact on society. This allows GCash to be a more inclusive and open platform that will help create better opportunities for millions of Filipinos. I am calling on all our NGO friends in Davao region and in the whole of Mindanao to join us as we spread the power of good through GCash,” Villaseñor said.
For interested NGOs, some regulatory requirements need to be completed before becoming official GCash for Good partners to ensure the organizations are legitimate and the money donated cannot be abused.
The GCash for Good program currently involves 35 NGOs, which are included in the initial batch after completing their documentation requirements both from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Mynt before the program was launched. The program has already been launched in Manila and Cebu.
During the GCash for Good launch in Davao City, Villaseñor also disclosed that that people now prefer to donate online, as this removes the hassle of having to go through long queues and processes, giving them more time to focus on their daily lives.
He quoted a study by 2017 Global Trends in Giving which shows that 54 percent of individuals prefer to donate online, while the total volume of donations made online grew by a strong 12.1 percent.
Various researches also show a growing trend in micro-donations and crowdfunding, with sites like Patreon and Kofi gaining massive support. According to Tech’s Good, micro-donations range between $0.25 and $10. This kind of donations, although small at a time, can make a huge difference once added up.
“With innovative mobile money technology like GCash, people who want to do good are now empowered with a more efficient experience. Any amount will create huge opportunities for organizations that forward different issues. With GCash for Good, users will also have direct access to where their donations go. It showcases a more transparent ad user-friendly interface for anyone to access,” Villaseñor stressed.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 29, 2018 | Female Empowerment
Nearly 500 participants gathered for the 3rd Women’s Summit recently organized by Viviamo! Inc., the company behind Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner.
3rd women’s summit audience
With the theme “Women Redefined”, this year’s event aimed to equip millennials with encouraging messages from strong female role models who are redefining the society’s standards for women.
Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo, President of Viviamo Inc.
“Our society has constantly bombarded today’s women – especially the millennials – with unrealistic standards regarding beauty and career, making it hard for them to find themselves and lead an authentic life. Through the Women’s Summit, Viviamo! Inc. hopes to empower them as they pursue fulfillment while being true to their identity,” shared BDJ founder Darlyn Ty-Nilo.
At the summit, guests were treated to inspiring talks and fun activities at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. The day began with a keynote speech by Ty-Nilo, who talked about the importance of claiming one’s success.
“To own up to your success is not a form of bragging, rather a means to realize that all the sweat and tears that you put into your job are making a difference,” she said, adding, “Women should learn to acknowledge their achievements so that they can inspire others to reach for their dreams.”
Resilient Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; PinoyAkoBlog.com author Jover Laurio; co-founder and CTO of Cropital Rachel De Villa; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
Rachel de Villa, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Cropital, a multi-awarded crowdfunding platform for Filipino farmers
Meanwhile, Rachel de Villa, co-founder and chief technology officer of Cropital, opened the first plenary session entitled Resilient Females, which focused on overcoming one’s circumstances and maximizing one’s blessings.
De Villa shared that she has always considered herself a problem solver, so she developed Cropital when she found the opportunity to help Filipino farmers access financial support. Through Cropital, anyone can provide farmers with funds for proper equipment and training from agriculture experts.
Jover Laurio, author of pinoyakoblog.com
For her part, PinoyAkoBlog.com owner Jover Laurio continues to publish critical articles on the country’s political situation, despite the relentless cyberbullying and death threats. Laurio has drawn flak for being outspoken in her fight against fake news.
Her story moved many people in the audience (and continued to receive ridicule from several people on social media). It isn’t just fake news. Her outspokenness about her political views and her chutz-pah in going after political figures, big and small, have landed her in the proverbial hot water more times than she could count. But she always stood by her convictions.
Courageous Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Singer, TV host and Alopecia Areata advocate Abby Asistio, airine pilot Blu Bingoy; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
At the second plenary dubbed Courageous Females, resource speakers talked about living their authentic selves and defying expectations regarding women’s roles in the society.
Blu Pingoy, Cebu Pacific Air pilot
Blu Pingoy, for instance, courageously pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, a job usually taken on by males. With her persistence, Pingoy became one of the first few female commercial pilots in the country.
Abby Asistio, singer, songwriter, host, and Alopecia Awareness advocate
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter and alopecia areata awareness advocate Abby Asistio did not allow the society’s standards to define her.
As someone who suffered from alopecia or hair loss at an early age, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and get over their insecurities.
“Even if society says kailangan long hair para maging girly ka, eh hindi ako long-haired eh. Dapat manggaling sa sarili ko na, okay lang kahit hindi long hair, maganda pa ako with short hair. Just be open to embracing your own uniqueness.”
During her talk, she showed this video to the audience to show us her struggle with alopecia and fitting in and wearing wigs for most of her life.
She ended her talk by singing this song to the audience live and, at some point, unplugged.
What an inspiration.
Resourceful Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Sinaya cup founder and owner Audrey Tangonan; Rumarocket, Inc. owner Kathleen Yu; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
Aside from promoting resilience and courage, the summit also stressed the value of paving one’s path and sustaining success in the third plenary session called Resourceful Females, featuring businesswomen Audrey Tangonan and Kathleen Yu.
Audrey Tangonan, Founder and Managing Director of menstrual cups business called ‘Sinaya Cups’
Starting a business is risky, but Sinaya Cup founder Audrey Tangonan persevered because she believed that her idea can genuinely improve people’s lives. Now, her menstrual cup business has attained massive success locally and internationally.
Kathleen Yu, Founder of Rumarocket, Inc. a Manila-based tech start-up that uses assessments and predictive analytics to help companies find and develop their IT talents
Kathleen Yu, the owner of Manila-based tech start-up Rumarocket Inc., also shared the moving story of her business.
From the initial failures, Kathleen resolved to learn from mistakes and bounce back. “As long as I was alive, I could always change and grow and learn and become different,” she said.
These speakers’ thoughts echo the women’s advocacy of Belle De Jour, which has always aimed to empower modern Filipina women by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and self-appreciation. As Ty-Nilo explains, “We hope to help build a world where women are bound not by societal expectations, but by their vision of who they really want to be.”
The 3rd BDJ Women’s Summit was co-presented by Chinoy TV, Lipault, and Sun Life Financial. Major sponsors include Food Panda, Modess, Wacoal, GCash, Style Genie, Biore, Caronia, Celeteque, Cinnabon, Fitness Gourmet, Jergens, Jollibee, Kipling, Liese, MegRhythm, Parisian Shoes and Bags, Serenitea, Zenutrients, Features and Shades, and Award Extremes Inc.
Ace Water Spa, Chef Tony, Frankie’s, Goldilocks, and McDonald’s provided loot bags and raffle prizes, while Adobo Magazine, Rappler, and When in Manila served as media partners.
Leading mobile wallet, GCash, Is introducing an exciting “green” feature on the app called GCash Forest, which lets subscribers plant virtual trees that will have real life counterparts. By the end of 365 days, GCash Forest aims to plant 365 thousand trees with the help of GCash subscribers.
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