The Medical City and Robinsons Hotels & Resorts take Healthcare and Hospitality to a whole new level

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has partnered with The Medical City to provide a seamless and convenient healthcare experience for every Filipino with its Hotel and Travel Care Packages. The Hotel Care Package 1 is recommended to those who plan to have their ECLIA Serological (antibody) test from The Medical City. This antibody test is a highly sensitive and specific chemiluminescent immunoassay test intended for identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. And since the result will be released within 24 hours, the patient has the option to wait for the results in the comfort of Summit Hotel Magnolia and Go Hotels Ortigas Center, which is 20 minutes and 8 minutes away, respectively, from The Medical City.

For only P4,200 net per person (single occupancy), enjoy an overnight stay in a single room with high-speed Wi-Fi, international and local TV channels. Packed breakfast is included. Just add P2,200 if you wish to stay for another night.

Package 2 (three days/two nights) is priced at P10,000 per person (single occupancy). Stay for two nights in a single room with full board (packed meals), high-speed Wi-Fi connection, and international and local TV channels.

This package is ideal for those who are required to take the RT-PCR test, which is considered as the gold standard for confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2 since the results will be released after two days. Just add Php2,300 net per person (single occupancy) to include private car pickup service from the airport to hotel or hotel to the airport. This package is designed for OFWs, seafarers, and balikbayans, who are required to undergo a swab test (RT-PCR) and have to wait for their test results and clearance to be able to return home.

Under the new normal, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has elevated its standard of hygiene and cleanliness protocols with the “Circle of Clean” seal. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health’s new normal protocols, Circle of Clean provides a worry-free stay experience for RHR guests from pre-arrival to post-departure touchpoint implemented in all Go Hotels and Summit Hotels and Resorts around the Philippines.

In times of need, you can always count on your go-to hotels to do what they do best — hospitality. Hospitality is making your guests feel like they’re home.

To avail of the Travel Care Package, call Robinsons Hotels and Resorts at least three days from date of arrival.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact: RHR Happy to Care Hotlines: 0917 888 7788; 0998 888 7788; + 632 8397 0111; Go Hotels Ortigas Center: +63 (2) 8 531 3585 ; +63 (2) 8 531 3591 ; +63 998 840 1719; Summit Hotel Magnolia: (02) 8 705-6300; 0998-840-3677. Email: reservations@summithotels.ph | reservations@gohotels.ph

Quarantined for a year (literally!) and how I spent my 2020

It's official! We haven't gone out of the house (literally!) for a year already as of this day. This is because we believe that the most effective way to keep you safe from the virus is to stay at home and avoid exposure at all costs. Since I am considered high-risk and my mom is a senior citizen, we'd like to take the necessary precautions as much as we could. 

Since I had been working from home, I had the option not to go out of the house. The only adjustments that we need to do were our grocery, bank transactions, and errands. Luckily, companies and stores were able to adjust immediately and now have online services available thus, it was easy for consumers like me to fulfill these responsibilities through the use of technology and mobile apps.

Is this for real?  

When I tell my friends that we REALLY do not leave the house, they have a hard time believing and they keep on asking if I was okay and what it feels like to be stuck at home all the time. To answer this question -- Yes, I am okay and you can say that I am a happy quarantined individual (if there is such a term. LOL!) I have made this decision voluntarily and whole-heartedly and I am grateful to have this choice for me and my family. 

After all, 2020 is an unforgettable year. It was a rollercoaster ride and truly life-changing. However, I don't think it is 100% bad but rather it was a wake-up call to teach us important lessons in life. Being stuck at home, made me realize what truly matters. The safety and health of my family is my top priority. 

It is not a bed of roses

I remember one night during the early days of the lockdown, I was crying as I was just so scared and lost. When I think about our situation, there was no end in sight. I was disappointed and anxious. I had mixed emotions. But then I prayed and thought about what I really wanted for me and my family. Then, I realized that as long as we are safe and healthy and we have our basic needs (food, water, shelter, clothing, air) then we will be okay. I don't have to worry about other things for now. 

These are some of the lines and quotes that I held on to while dealing with this crisis. 

"2020 is not the year of thinking about your dreams or plans, but just to ensure that you stay alive"

"Look for the bare necessities. The simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife. I mean the bare necessities. That's why a bear can rest at ease. With just the bare necessities of life." - The Jungle Book  

Since I was able to let go of my worries, I became productive again. I was able to channel my energies to something more positive. My life did not stop while I was stuck at home. Instead, it just had another route, and here's how I spent my 2020:

• Be part of the team behind high-impact online events like the HR Summit Global with 10,000+ participants and World Gratitude Summit with 15,000+ participants from 40+ countries globally. Since live events are not allowed during the pandemic, the conduct of online events was one of the major changes that we had. 

Check out the World Gratitude Summit highlights below. :) 

 

• Val and I founded Bacolod Food and Supply Sources, an online community created to help address the needs of our local community during the quarantine. It was a venue where members are encouraged to stay at home and opt for alternative ways (e.g. delivery service to source their needs like groceries, food, and medicine. We also had local sellers and suppliers as members whom we were able to support their business through online transactions. To date, we have over 8,600 members.  

• I was able to co-author the book, To the First Woman Who Loved Me with Sha Nacino, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Kat Aristorenas, etc. It was a special Mother's Day tribute where I shared a story all about my mom. The book features 42 heartwarming and inspiring stories that will rekindle treasured moments with your mom. 

If you wish to have a printed copy of the book, you may order via this link or if you want  the ebook version, you may order via this link.

 

• The year also opened up another passion project for us as we launched our official Youtube channel. This time, our Youtube channel will feature DIY tips, tech and gadget reviews, instructional materials, and game streaming. Thus, the content will be slightly different from the blog. Hope you can support us in this too by subscribing to our channel. 

• We also had a Disney-themed Christmas tree and organized a Christmas Lighting Event. This is going to be one of our family traditions every December 8. 

• Completed "Simbang Gabi" for the first time where we attended the Manila Cathedral's online mass every 4:30AM for 9 straight days. 
• Had a Virtual Noche Buena with Family 
• Started affiliate marketing with Involve Asia and this has been exciting and rewarding. You may read more about it, here.
• Became part of the support team for the Virtual Speakers Association International, which is one of the top professional speakers' associations globally. 

Of course, It was not all work and serious stuff, I was able to finish a lot of Kdrama series too. (LOL!)

Anyway, why I am sharing this post with you? Well, I hope that no matter how bad the situation is, how things don't go on as planned, or how feeling hopeless we are, we learn to focus on what is truly important to us. All other stuff is a bonus. We don't have to dwell on our problems instead embrace them and face them. I don't mean that we have to stay positive all the time. That's just plain toxic. 

But what I mean is learn to accept your problems and do something about them. If I got so depressed and simply focus on my fear and anxiety, then I wouldn't be productive. I might even end up losing my job because I can't work right anymore. Cry if you have to but make sure that all those tears wash away the pain, worries, and fears. Be strong! This will all shall pass. 

Wishing you the best this 2021. 

Davao City Water District is now available in GCASH

While everyone is encouraged to stay at home, bills payment has been one of the major concerns during the quarantine. Thus, a lot of companies especially utility companies offered online payment services to address the needs of their customers. 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for all. There were still some companies including the Davao City Water District that do not have the online option thus, customers are still forced to go out in order to pay while waiting for the availability of online payment options. 

But the good news is the long wait is over ---> Davao City Water District will be available on GCASH starting January 26, 2021. This means that DCWD customers can now pay their bills online.  

To pay, just open your GCASH app, under PAY BILLS > WATER UTILITIES, and look for DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT. Then input the following:

Account holder’s name

9-digit DCWD account number

Payment amount

Working email address

Valid mobile number

If you don't have GCASH yet, you may download the app via this link: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm

Please note that there will be a Php 10 convenience fee for every transaction. The Payment date will be on the same day as the payment was made thru Gcash but the posting and sending of electronic official receipt will be 2 working days after payment was made.

For more details, you may check out DCWD's Facebook Page. 

10 Work from Home Essentials To Improve Your Productivity this 2021

We’re all finding it a little difficult to swing back into the rhythm at work after the holidays. After all, the current work-from-home setup makes it even trickier—you have to deal with distractions such as an inviting bed, loud neighbors, and clingy pets.

Still struggling to maximize your efficiency at home, even with months of working remotely under your belt? This new year, use a few key products to make working from home a breeze! Check them out below. 

1. Mumuso LED Desk Lamp - Great lighting wakes you up and gets you in the zone—plus it brightens up your face for work video calls. This sleek lamp features three adjustable levels of brightness.

2. Papemelroti Planner - Stay on top of projects and deadlines with a planner. This pocket notebook, which is made of 100% recycled paper, features monthly spreads printed in black and white.

3. Hydro Flask Water Bottle - A tumbler full of your power drink of choice—whether a coffee, smoothie or even just water—will get you through the day. Choose an insulated one to keep your beverage hot or cold for hours.

4. Socone Seat Cushion - You spend most of your day perched on your office chair, so make it as comfortable an experience as possible. This soft, comfortable cushion can be used on the seat or back of your chair.

5. Soundpeats Desk Organizer - A cluttered workspace muddles up your brain. Organize your desk so you can clear your head and work on your deliverables more efficiently. This storage box features a 9-piece pen holder, 3 storage compartments, and a drawer.

6. Akari Extension Cord - Got lots of gadgets to charge and only one outlet in your working area? An extension cord is a lifesaver! Choose a product with different sockets, such as this one. It has 3 gang universal sockets, 2 gang multi-purpose sockets, and a 3-meter wire.

7. Lotus Activewear Wrist & Ankle Weights - If you’re finding it difficult to fit workouts into your busy schedule, sneak them in while on the job. With wrist and ankle weights, who’ll ever know? Each pair of this hypoallergenic, antibacterial set weighs 0.5 lbs.

8. Buzzbee Mini LED Speaker - A bluetooth speaker helps you connect with your colleagues better on weekdays, and relax more on weekends. This product boasts of a working range of up to 10m and a working time of 5 hours.

9. Bostanten Blue Light Glasses - Remember to take care of your eyes—you spend more or less eight hours in front of the computer screen for work, after all. Blue light lenses prevent eye strain and aid in better sleep, thanks to a coating that filters harmful light emitted by digital screens. 

10. Plextone Diffuser/Humidifier - Enjoying the chilly weather? Don’t forget to use a humidifier to improve air quality in your working space. This also works as a diffuser for all your favorite relaxing scents. Its aesthetically pleasing design would spruce up your desk as well.

Check out more authentic products at the lowest prices on https://shopee.ph

Maxene Magalona Calls on Filipinas for Herbal Essences’ Plant Power Revolution

With the rise of the plantito and plantita trend last year, Filipinos have definitely fallen in love with plants not just as decor but also as a holistic part of being able to go through 2020. 

Now that the new year is here, the need to incorporate the power of plants into your daily habits is crystal clear. Plant-powered products like Herbal Essences have definitely proven their position in the haircare game – with its power of plant-based ingredients and plant power solutions, it can give you the best version of your strands. Herbal Essences recognized how more and more people are taking interest in nurturing plants. 

So, to celebrate the powerful impact of plants, not just on the surroundings, but also on how people take good care of their hair, the brand concluded 2020 with the #PlantPowerInEveryShower giveaway. Check out the amazing foliage and poses from some of the best entries for Herbal Essences #PlantPowerInEveryShower giveaway.

Alexandrea shared on her Instagram post that the absence of hair care treatments has made her notice how dull and dry her hair is. “Thankfully, I discovered @herbalessencesph on @lazadaph, and it miraculously changed the way I take care of my hair. After weeks of usage, my hair looked and felt hydrated, smooth, and shiny. Not only that, but I also received a lot of compliments on my hair — what I use, and how I take care of it. My answer is simple, Herbal Essences Coconut Milk! I truly appreciate that it does not contain harmful chemicals that damage one's hair! This will surely bring the #PlantPowerInEveryShower.” 

Though 2020 has enhanced the growing community of plantitos and plantitas, taking care of plants have since been a lifestyle for many. The #PlantPowerInEveryShower giveaway has unfolded numerous entries that showed how modern Filipinas are living testimonies of the plantita life, and it’s more than just a tita thing. 

Plant Power Revolution with Herbal Essences Last December 21, 2020, Herbal Essences held an insightful live stream on their Facebook page with Maxene Magalona, and the Principal Scientist for Scientific Communications of all P&G’s haircare brands across Asia-Pacific, Saint where they talked about three main points on how humans have benefitted from the power of plants: In the home, for the body, and in the shower. 

From her first plant to now a collection of foliage inside her home, Maxene shared how plants have brought an element of life and uplifted her spirit when she faced tough times. Now that more people are invested in giving back to nature, Maxene shares she’s delighted with the piqued interest, “When we take care of ourselves, our hair, our skin, it's just like how we take care of our plants. We need to take care of our well- being as well, starting from our hair down to our toe. That's why I’m grateful for Herbal Essences because it puts me into that good mood [whenever I take a shower]. 

Saint also demonstrated a quick experiment where he applied the Herbal Essences White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Shampoo to one side of a leaf. He proceeded to blow-dry the leaf to visualize how damaging heat can be to the hair. In just seconds, the bare leaf side immediately dried up, while Herbal Essences protected and kept the other side look untouched. You can watch the rest of the Plant Power Revolution via this link. 

More Filipinas are investing in a more holistic and sustainable self-care by investing in products like Herbal Essences that don’t sacrifice with the overall experience in the shower and still have minimal impact on Mother Earth. Be it with their moisturizing conditioners or their fragrant natural shampoos — you’re not only going to feel fantastic with your plant-powered shower experience and satisfied with your hair condition, but also grateful for making Mother Nature proud. 

Herbal Essences is the real deal when it comes to clean beauty and product transparency in the hair care game. As the leading naturals hair care brand, all the high-quality botanicals and REAL plant extracts used are harvested sustainably and responsibly through various partners from all over the world. Their partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, ensures that when they mention a plant on each bottle label, those ingredients are really there. It’s plantastic! 

Taking care of your hair is just as much of a commitment as having plants. With Herbal Essences, you’re sure to experience the plant power not just as decor but also in the shower. Give yourself the chance to experience the best of nature and science by starting your clean beauty journey this 2021 with Herbal Essences #PlantPowerInEveryShower. You can shop online through the official stores at Lazada or Shopee.

Christmas 2020: How we made it a little more special this year

Merry Christmas, Everyone! Time flies so fast! Without knowing it, Christmas Day has passed and the months of preparation and planning all paid off. If you have been following my blog, you would know how much I love Christmas and why it's my favorite time of my year (yes, I love Christmas more than my own birthday) 

Anyway, with the pandemic and all, we are to celebrate this year a little different. Different does not really mean it's a bad thing or something negative.  

To be honest, I found this year's celebration more meaningful and memorable, and here's how we did it.

1. Christmas Lighting Event -  The Christmas tree has been the centerpiece of the festive season as early as the 16th century where families brought trees into their homes and decorated them.  This is something that I also look forward to as a kid and adult. 

When the "BER-months" started this 2020. I read in one of the mommy groups that one member said she doesn't feel like putting up a Christmas tree this year because of all the problems that are happening and a response to her post struck me the most. "This is actually the best time to put up the Christmas decorations at home. Because of these challenges and problems, the more we need some holiday cheer."

And I agree with that. Thus, we decided to put up the best Christmas tree that we could have and since we miss Disneyland, it's just right to have a Disney-themed one. 

To make it more special, we had a Christmas tree lighting (home-edition) last December 8 where we celebrated it with food and music. 

2. Simbang Gabi - It is a Filipino tradition where one attends a nine-day series of masses in anticipation of Christmas. The mass is celebrated early in the morning and it is believed that if you complete all nine days of Simbang Gabi then your wish or special prayer will be granted.

In our case, we attended the 4:30 AM mass of The Manila Cathedral via live streaming. This is actually my first time to complete all nine days and this is one of the things I am truly grateful for in the new normal. In the new normal, we don't have to go to the office so, I don't really mind waking up so early or not getting enough sleep since we're just at home. 

3. Virtual Noche Buena - I grew up celebrating Christmas at my grandparent's house where my grandparents, cousins, uncles, and aunts are all present. It was such a big celebration and we look forward to my grandma's cooking. Gifts were overflowing that we ran out of table space. 

Unfortunately, when we grew up and started having families of our own, we no longer got together as we celebrated Christmas in our own homes. Some have moved to another city and are not home during the holidays. 

Thus, this year was a little special since we all got together again via Google Meet. My family from the different parts of the country and abroad were present during our virtual Noche Buena.  

We some special Christmas presentations and games while we waited for midnight.

As you can see, this year's Christmas may be different that we even have to skip some of our traditions. However, this doesn't mean that we can't make new ones. 

So whatever you are going through right now, we hope that you were able to have a Merry Christmas, and wishing you a brighter and better new year. 

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Time to Gas Up! 50% off on Petron fuels tomorrow, December 22

December 22 is a special day for Petron! 

This holiday season starting December 14, Petron is treating their Petron Value Cardholders through the 12 Days of Merry promo where they have the chance to win a one-year supply of fuel, scooters, laptops, motorcycles, and other gadgets. Each day, a new promotion and prize/ reward is up for grabs. 

However, Day 9 (December 22) is quite special since Petron President and CEO Ramon S. Ang is extending the special promo even to non-PVC cardholders. Customers can enjoy 50% off on all Petron fuels when they gas up on December 22, 2020, between 11AM to 1PM, at over 1,100 participating Petron stations nationwide!

** Please note that this does not apply to P.O., Bulk, or Fleet accounts. 

What a perfect Christmas gift for all! So, be sure to gas up tomorrow as this may be the last fuel sale of the year. 

Click here to view the full list of participating stations.

Love promos like this? Connect with us on Facebook.  

Sun Life Concludes 125th Anniversary with an Online Christmas Concert

Christmas this year may be different but the celebration continues because the true essence of the season is the birth of Jesus Christ. We celebrate it by honoring the people that we love and value. We celebrate it with utmost gratitude to God who is the giver of everything that we have. We also say thank you to everyone who loves and supports us. 

No wonder Sun Life Philippines chose the theme, HIMIG NG PASASALAMAT as they concluded its 125th anniversary. They brought together two of the most talented musical groups in the country, Ben&Ben and The Company, in a virtual OPM Christmas concert especially for clients, advisors, and employees. 

The event was held on December 18, 2020, at 8pm hosted by Sam Oh. Sun Life’s brand ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli, Enchong Dee, Inigo Pascual, and Charo Santos-Concio also made an appearance. 

The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir also performed a special number. 

The event is exclusive for Sun Life clients who registered for the concert where they have access to a virtual venue that will simulate a live setting, making the experience more interactive. Raffles prizes such as Sun Life Prosperity Card, loaded with P5,000 credits which can be invested in any of the Sun Life Prosperity Mutual Funds, an overnight stay for two in a Seda Hotel of choice, gift certificates, and P50,000 worth of investment credits were also given away. 

Now, here's the best part? 

A replay of the concert will be shown to the public on December 28, 2020 via Sun Life’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunLifePH. So, in case you are not able to attend and register or if you are not yet a Sunlife client, you can watch this beautiful concert. 

According to Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer Gilbert Simpao,  “For us at Sun Life, this is an opportunity to thank our clients, advisors, employees, and partners for their continued trust and support throughout our 125 years in the Philippines. More than that, this is also a chance for us to pay tribute to those at the frontlines in our battle against the pandemic and various calamities. We look forward to bringing some yuletide cheer into everyone’s homes. The year may have been a challenging one, but there is still reason for us to be thankful and celebrate Christmas.”

Looking for a bank that fits the Japanese standards?

When Japanese entrepreneur Mr. Hayato Yazaki came to the Philippines to set up his business, he looked for a bank that fits the Japanese standards for a good partner. Mr. Yazaki runs Izumi Global, an education company that provides after-school learning using the Nippon Math method for children ages 3-11 years old. It also provides licensing and has more than 10 branches. 

Mr. Yazaki asked from among the Japanese community in Makati about the local banks, so he could choose one that fits his needs. After picking out one Philippine bank, he started his relationship with it by opening a personal bank account. This was so he could experience for himself whether or not the bank lives up to its reputation. 

Trust and reliability, he said, are very important. These values are part of the Japanese mindset and are considered crucial when engaging in a long-term commitment. Mr. Yazaki, however, added he goes beyond these considerations, as he also looks into speed, overall performance, even the personality and attitude of the people he deals with. 

The bank he chose was BDO. Mr. Yazaki said that he appreciates BDO customer service in the Philippines. “Ms. Lyn Lazona and Ms. Hiromi Shimoda of the Japan Help Desk are always a message away. If we have questions or asked for a meeting, they are always quick and willing to oblige. I think being under the Japan Help Desk really made the service speedy and convenient for us since they know Japanese expectations and requirements.” 

A reliable partner during the lockdown 

When the pandemic struck and the quarantines and lockdowns were imposed, Izumi Global faced a lot of challenges. They had to quickly convert to online classes as children are not allowed to go out. The company also had to consider their licensees/franchisees, whose income also depends on their support. 

To answer the needs of both their students and franchisees, Izumi Global had to secure a shipment of educational materials. Mr. Yazaki didn’t think this was still possible due to the constraints brought about by lockdown but to his surprise, BDO’s Ms. Lyn went out of her way to help him secure the shipment. “We were expecting that the documents would be delivered through courier. Instead, Ms. Lyn went through that extra effort that meant a lot to us. If no one assisted us with the requirements, the shipment will be abandoned and we cannot get our study materials. We almost had to cancel the online program for the students.” 

According to Mr. Yazaki, his bank made sure that even during the lockdown, their transactions proceeded at a nearly normal pace. While some transactions were a bit slower, they made up for it with convenience by shifting the processes online. For him, the confidence he places on BDO and their relationship is well-deserved and meets his exacting ideals as a Japanese client. 

For more information on how BDO can help your business in good times and bad times, visit www.bdo.com.ph/keepbusinessmoving.

Crisis or not: Cash Management Services help business thrive during pandemic

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) serve as the lifeblood of the economy. Thus, support for these enterprises is essential to keep the economy going.

One of these businesses is that of Alex Ong, who operates Transorient Container Terminal Services (TCTS), a customs bonded warehouse, and trucking service. Essentially, TCTS acts as an extension of port storage services outside of the ports themselves.

Mr. Alex Ong, who owns Transorient Container Terminal Services (TCTS), said BDO’s cash management services allowed his company to continue its operations despite quarantines. 

Knowing how valuable it is to ensure smooth and speedy operations, Alex applied for BDO Unibank’s Cash Management Services’ (CMS) suite of offerings, including SME Business Online Banking.  This helped TCTS run smoothly and continue operations despite the disruptions caused by movement restrictions and social distancing regulations, resulting from the pandemic.

Essential business partners

Ong points out that during a crisis, like what happened when the pandemic hit and the government was forced to declare an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), it is vital for essential businesses to work together.   In the case of TCTS, the help it got from BDO allowed the company to continue its operations.

Ong said that he was very concerned about their messengers who still had to go to banks and other premises to collect or deliver checks so he instructed his staff to shift to online transactions.

Employees of TCTS observe healthy and safety protocols to ease the spread of COVID-19. 

His next dilemma was how to continue operating as close to normal as possible. According to Ong, BDO’s cash management services allowed him to resolve both the issue of safety and business continuity, as his company was able to make payments to shipping lines, port management companies, suppliers, and other billers using BDO's e-payment facility.

TCTS warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila

"ICTSI made it mandatory for clients to pay online. So it's good that we already have the SME Business Online Banking facility of BDO," Ong explained. Soon, he hopes to activate the online collection facility so that TCTS would be able to collect payments online as well, from their consignees.

Relying on CMS

Cash Management Services involves managing the flow of funds in an organization or business. Every business has collection and payment needs which if not managed may cause funds to be misplaced, lost, or untracked.

A CMS provider becomes a key partner in terms of assistance in the management, tracking, and reporting of funds so he can focus on running the business.

In the case of Alex Ong, it was easier for them to adapt to BDO’s cash management services because they were already transacting online with the port management companies. TCTS is a good example of how openness to change, new technologies, and new processes can benefit a business.  It also shows that having the right bank partner helped them thrive during a crisis. 

For more information on BDO’s Cash Management System, call (632) 88407500; email cms-sme@bdo.com.ph; or visit www.bdo.com.ph. 

FEATURED STORY: Pampanga's Best owner on how to balance life and work during these challenging times

The new normal posed even more challenges to people we rely on: parents and bosses. Denise Alelis, third-generation owner of Pampanga’s Best can relate.

Helping mommies balance life and work during challenging times

Denise Alelis helps run a family business that’s a half-century old: Pampanga’s Best, arguably the most recognized brand when it comes to tocino (salty-sweet cured meat), a favorite Filipino dish. While running and sustaining a business has become quite difficult during the pandemic with all the community quarantines, times are especially challenging for mom-entrepreneurs like Denise.

According to her, months of living in the so-called new normal have been stressful because of multiple challenges and concerns that she has to face daily.

Her greatest challenge during the pandemic is the community quarantine. For 53 years, their business depended on transacting with various dealers in cities and provinces all over the Philippines and nearly all of these transactions were done face-to-face, with payments made in cash.  Their customers would also go to supermarkets to buy their favorite tocino. 

The lockdowns and quarantines, however, made it very difficult for their sales agents to travel to dealers. Even customers were unable to go to the supermarket to buy Pampanga’s Best products. Dealers had difficulty making payments in cash because of travel restrictions.

The obvious solution was to shift as many transactions as possible to online but it was not that easy. “There were dealers who did not welcome this shift right away, like our dealers in the palengke.  They were saying that they didn’t have any mobile banking or that they didn’t know how to use it. We were able to solve that by giving them training. There was a learning curve that we had to hurdle.”

Online selling meant that payments would have to be made online as well.  This meant shifting more of these transactions to mobile banking.

“We had an incident during the start of the ECQ where one of our sales agents was unable to trace a cash payment made by one of our dealers. Hindi namin mahanap yung deposit slip ng payment. So, after that we decided to shift all payments online through mobile banking because they can be monitored and tracked more easily,” she said.

Shifting transactions online began as a response to pandemic restrictions but it turned into an opportunity, eventually.

“It was actually during ECQ that we posted our highest sales. By going through these online channels and transactions, we were able to sell more products,” she said.

According to Denise, she and her team have become more dependent on the mobile banking services by BDO.  For their employees, they now get their salaries through cash debit cards.

“Before the pandemic, I had to go to the office to release our employees’ salaries. Now everything is released through their cash debit cards. Going cashless limits face-to-face contact so that helps prevent transmission of disease: we’re not holding on to cash that could be contaminated and we’re preventing close-in physical contact as well.”

Denise has been with her branch for years. She opened her first savings account when she worked at her first job (before she joined the family business). She appreciates how her bank is helping her cope with the challenges of the pandemic because it spares her from a lot of stress and anxiety. 

“Even though we’re in the middle of a public health crisis, my bank has always been there for me; very reliable and dependable during these challenging times,” she said.

BDO continues to provide products and services that help mompreneurs like Denise get the relief, ease, and convenience they deserve so that they more easily attain work-life balance. For more information on how BDO can help keep your business running in good or bad times, visit www.bdo.com.ph/keepbusinessmoving

You may check the different BDO products and services that have helped mompreneurs like Denise.

BDO Cash Card – https://www.bdo.com.ph/accounts/cash-card BDO Credit Cards – https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/credit-cards BDO SME Loan – https://www.bdo.com.ph/loans/sme-loan BDO Digital Banking - https://www.bdo.com.ph/mobile/personal/ebanking BDO Savings or Checking Accounts - https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/accounts Cash Management Services - https://www.bdo.com.ph/business/cash-management-services

Do you have your own story to share on how you were able to find ways in these challenging times? Click here to share your own story. 

We can now do bank transactions on a weekend as BDO Mall-based branches open on Saturdays

Given that not all bank transactions can be done online, banking on weekends has been very important for us since this is the only time we can actually visit our branch. This also a common predicament of those who have an 8-5 job Mondays to Fridays since most banks are all already closed by the time they get off from work. 

I remember that there were some instances where I had to skip lunch just to go to my old bank. Thus, we are happy to share that the mall-based branches of BDO are now open on Saturdays. 

This is in line with the bank's move to open all branches nationwide to aid in the gradual economic recovery. BDO Unibank Inc. has re-opened its mall-based branches for Saturday banking until 4:00pm, since December 5. 

In the photo is the BDO branch inside SM Mall of Asia A. 

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO is a full-service universal bank, which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services.  These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card services.  

BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,400 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,400 ATMs nationwide.  It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 15 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2020. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph. 

Gift Your Loved Ones this Holiday Season with UNIQLO’s 12.12 Special Offers

Can't help but excited after learning that our favorite brand, UNIQLO is geared up to treat shoppers with 12.12 special offers, providing a one-stop-shop for holiday gifts for the whole family. Shoppers can find the best present for themselves or for their loved ones —LifeWear items, designed to fit anyone's everyday clothing needs.

Shoppers can enjoy the following deals online or in all stores nationwide. So, if you are just like me who's still doesn't want to go out to shop, shopping online is your best option as it is very convenient and easy. We were able to order twice already and had no problems at all. 

So, without further ado, here are some special 12.12 deals you shouldn't miss: 

• Women’s Wireless Bra - The Women’s Wireless Bra lineup features a molding cup design that contours and fits any shape and size of a woman’s body comfortably. The padding provides support and lays flat to the body creating a beautiful bust line. It is also constructed seamlessly making the bra invisible under the clothes. 

Offer: Php 990 from Php 1,290, exclusively available at UNIQLO Online Store from December 11 to 13.

• Kid’s and Girl’s Easy Shorts - Made with 100% cotton material, the Kid’s and Girl’s Easy Shorts give a cool and sleek feel. It also has an elastic waistband to make it comfortable and easy to move around when doing daily activities. 

 

Offer: Php 390 from Php 590, exclusively available at UNIQLO Online Store from December 11 to 13.

• Women’s Joy of Printed (JOP) Lounge Set - The Women’s Printed Lounge Set’s top is made out of breathable cotton material and its bottoms are made out of stretch jersey material. The geometric patterns make it wearable indoors and even outdoors. 

Offer: Php 790 from Php 990, exclusively available at UNIQLO Online Store from December 11 to 13.

• Men’s DRY-EX Designed Polo Shirt - The Men’s DRY-EX Designed Polo Shirt is made with DRY EX fabric that dries sweat or moisture quickly. It also features anti-microbial and anti-odor technology for a cool and fresh feel.

Offer: Php 790 from Php 990, exclusively available at UNIQLO Online Store from December 11 to 13.

As an additional treat, shoppers can also get a free medium-sized Eco-Friendly Bag when they shop online from December 11-13, either by using the Click and Collection delivery option or by purchasing a minimum spend of P5,000 (single receipt). 

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and the UNIQLO App. You may download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store.