Skip the line. Transfer funds through GCASH’s Instapay to Bank

Being a work-at-home professional is the best thing that happened to me. It gave me an opportunity to work at the comforts of our home while avoiding the stress of the daily commute. Though freelancing has gained popularity over the years, still I am often asked, “How do you get paid?” There are actually a lot of payment options available for online workers but I prefer GCASH for many reasons including its latest feature, Instapay to Bank*. 

GCASH is like a "central unit" for all my payment/ financial transactions. It can be readily used for online and in-store purchases, I can make withdrawals through my GCASH Mastercard, and I can readily transfer funds to my bank account.

Instapay to Bank allows users to deposit/ transfer funds without any additional cost to over 30 partner banks nationwide. A transaction can be completed in just 2-3 minutes. I bet you heard stories about people lining up inside the bank for 4-5 hours just to make a deposit. So, this option is truly a life-saver especially for online workers like me who rarely go out to complete errands or to people who are really busy and do not have the luxury of time to queue.

Let me share a recent transaction I had from one of my clients who usually pays me through bank deposit but this time, we opted for GCASH instead. 

After I said yes and in just a few minutes, she sent me another message telling me to check my GCASH account. 

Since I want to add these funds to my savings account. I immediately transferred it to my bank account and it is possible in just four (4) easy steps: 

1. Open your GCASH account and login. 

2. Select "Bank Transfer" 

3. Select "Partner Bank." Currently, the service is available to 37 partner banks nationwide. In my case, I opted for BPI. 

4. Enter details such as account number and account name. Adding the email address is just optional then click "Send money."

If you notice, it says "Your convenience fee is waived for this transaction." This means that using the service is absolutely free.  

And you're done! You can expect to receive a confirmation message that looks like this. 

So, it's very easy and please check my last screenshot, I was able to make this banking transaction at 8:24 PM. How cool is that? 

Imagine the possibilities of you paying your online suppliers anytime or scenarios where you forgot to send your kid’s allowance or simply you had a busy day and had no time to go to the bank. 

So, what are you waiting for? Download the GCASH app, sign-up today and enjoy the convenience of GCASH’s Instapay to Bank. 

Don't forget to register via this link: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm and get Php 50 instantly.

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*This Service is powered by InstaPay, an initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that allows you to electronically transfer funds to and from banks in real time as well as non-bank e-money issuers in the Philippines. Funds can be transferred through mobile wallets and internet banking facility.

Somerset Olympia Makati: A Pet-Friendly Serviced Residence Celebrates Its First Puppy Hour

One of the most common dilemmas of furparents like me is the idea of leaving our pets when traveling. To be honest, I am really not comfortable about leaving Crumpy thus, it's either I bring him along if we get to find a place where pets are allowed or just simply cancel the trip.  

So far, we were lucky to find pet-friendly accommodation in Cebu, Kalibo, and Tagaytay. Thus, I was very excited and happy to learn about Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati. 

Ms. Susan Salcedo, The Ascott Limited Philippines’ City Manager said, “Because there are only a few pet-friendly properties in the hospitality industry in our country, Somerset Olympia Makati offers a home for your pets”

Aside from offering a home to our dear furbabies, The Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati also celebrated its first Puppy Hour last April 30, 2019. 

In line with the international celebration of the pet month, Somerset Olympia Makati celebrated the value of pet ownership that brought together dog owners, bloggers and a non-profit organization in raising awareness for a good cause. 

The participants had a chance to tour around the facilities of the serviced-residence together with their dogs as Somerset Olympia Makati is the first pet-friendly property of The Ascott Limited in the Philippines.

The said event also discussed the current state of the lives of military working dogs (MWD) and contract working dogs (CWD) in the Philippines through the invited guest speakers and founders of Hound Haven Philippines, Maxin Arcebal, CEO and Chelsea Pecson, COO.

The success of Puppy Hour was made possible by its partners namely Fur Magic, Sleeky, St. Roche, Nutram, Bow House, Pet Express, Vitality, and Whole Pet Kitchen.

The Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati is definitely not just your mere serviced-residence. It is perfect for those travelers or families who would not want to leave their pets in the corners of their homes like me. 

So, I guess we're off to Metro Manila soon and now, I can bring Crumpy with me when I attend the Global Authors Summit in November. 

Who's up for a doggie play date in Makati? 

How to Organize a Block Screening at Citymall Cinema?

Last April 27, the Negros Online Workers, a local community of freelancers based in Bacolod organized a block screening for Avengers: Endgame. It was a random idea that we had since we were having a hard time getting advance tickets for the movie plus we want to enjoy lazy boy seats while watching the 3-hr movie. 

Fast forward, the block screening was a success. The tickets were sold out in an hour and we had local companies such as Dojo 8 Coliving Space, Ask Franco Ryu Karatedo, Verde Nua and Lunasterra who became our raffle sponsors. We also had free siomai.

And since I am getting a lot of inquiries on how to organize a block screening, here are 4 steps in organizing a block screening at the Citymall cinema. 

Step 1: Call or visit the cinema and ask for availability. Check with them your preferred date and time. If screening time/schedule is not yet available, give them an idea if you would like a morning, afternoon or evening screening. 

Step 2: Once you have confirmed that the schedule is available, submit a letter of intent via email signifying your interest to organize a block screening. This will be forwarded to Citymall's head office. Approval normally takes 1-3 business days and you will be notified via call or email.  

Step 3: Once approved, pay the downpayment. Downpayment should be at least 50% of the total cost and the balance can be paid on the screening date. 

Step 4: Pay the balance and claim your tickets. Citymall will be issuing their usual tickets and all your guests need to submit this upon entry. 

Please note that if you will have product samplings or activations and displays, you may be required to submit another letter of intent subject for approval. 

How to Create a Paypal Account?

Paypal is one of the most popular payment platforms used worldwide. It's secured, fast and convenient. It may not be the best in terms of fees and conversion rates but it gives us flexibility since most clients and business require this form of payment method. 

If you are just starting as a freelancer, business or affiliate marketer, then you may be required to have a Paypal account. Here's how you can create a Paypal account and withdraw money from it as a Philippine user. 

Step #1: Sign up at https://www.paypal.com for FREE. 

Step # 2:  Make sure to sign-up for a PERSONAL account. Select “Buy with Paypal” 
** Personal accounts are recommended since it's less complicated (no business documents required.) You may need to upgrade to a business account if you are receiving a large amount of money frequently. 

Step # 3:  Enter your information such as Name, Email address (This will be your Paypal email address) and Password. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER


Make sure that the name on your PayPal account matches your bank account name. 

Step # 4:  Verify your Paypal Account by entering your credit and debit card number. (Optional but required if you want to make withdrawals) 

Verification increases the security of our payment network for sellers and buyers. Verification gives PayPal additional evidence of a member's identity and lets others know that you have completed this process. You can use your credit card, debit card, or your bank account to verify your PayPal account. When your account is verified, the withdrawal limit on your PayPal account will be lifted. Account holders become Verified when they complete our verification process.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please keep in mind that linking your credit card or bank account has two purposes. 

• To verify your Paypal account
• For withdrawals or receiving money

In the Philippines, here are our suggested options on what to link to your Paypal account

Option # 1: Your Existing Credit Card + Savings Account. 

• Please note that credit cards cannot be used for withdrawals. This means that you also have to link your existing bank account or savings account so, you can get your money. 
• We really do not suggest this option for security reasons. 

Option # 2: BPI Prepaid Debit Card + Savings Account

• If you don't have an existing credit then you might want to consider getting a prepaid card through BPI. Click this link for more details. 
• Just like the first option, prepaid debit cards cannot be used for withdrawals thus, you still need to link your existing bank account or savings account. 
• This may entail additional expense to get a BPI Prepaid Card (approx Php 450) 

Option # 3: GCASH Mastercard

• The GCash Mastercard is a reloadable prepaid card linked to a GCash wallet that can be used to shop at stores that accept Mastercard payment. You can also use this card to withdraw money from GCash.
• We're currently using this option since you can use this card both for verification and withdrawals. 
• They also have a feature that allows you to link your Paypal account to your GCASH account and get your money real-time. 
• If you still do not have a GCASH account, you may create one here and get a Php 50 bonus as a new user. Sign up here: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm

Option # 4: Unionbank EON

• The EON VISA Debit Card is UnionBank's Internet-based deposit account that you can also use for verification and withdrawals. 
• You can get one from any Unionbank branches, Lazada and 7/11 stores. 
• For more details about the EON card, you may visit their website.

And once you have verified your Paypal account, you're good to go! 

Disclaimer: Terms and Conditions of use may be subject to change without notice. We are no way liable or responsible for any transactions that will be made using this platform.