City of Firsts' Novotel Manila bags recognition from Agoda and Tripadvisor

 

 

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel platform, offering trusted, authentic advice and recommendations from real travellers. Araneta City and the country’s first Novotel brand announced that its very own Novotel Manila property has been recognized by two major online travel agencies and metasearch engines as 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award and Agoda’s 2020 Customer Review Award.  The achievements celebrate hospitality businesses that earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor and Agoda over the past year by continually delivering a top-quality guest experience.

 

Based on a full year of TripAdvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic, award winners are known for consistently receiving great traveler feedback, placing them in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe. 

 

 

The 2020 Agoda Customer Review Award, a recognition given by the said travel book platform to hotel brands with guest review scores over 8.0, from genuine and authentic customer reviews based on five key criteria including location, service, cleanliness, facilities and value for money.  Their respective ratings and reviews guide fellow travelers in choosing a property.

"This has been a tough year for our industry, but the global desire to go and explore, whether the destination is an hour away or across the world, remains strong. We're passionate about guiding travelers to the good out there, especially the good found within these recognized hotels, restaurants and airlines that rise to the occasion in offering the best of the best. The Travelers' Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget, and style." ~Lindsay Nelson, Chief Experience and Brand Officer at Tripadvisor

Recently, with the goal of welcoming, safeguarding, and taking care of guests, Novotel Manila Araneta City has implemented extensive health and safety procedures in an effort to protect the well-being of its staff, guests, and partners during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures are in accordance with ALLSAFE, a label certification created by Accor and meticulously screened by Bureau Veritas, an international company that specializes in testing, inspection, and certification of companies belonging to various industries such as hospitality.

 

 

With the easing of travel restrictions, and as more places around the country transition to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the hotel anticipates the reopening of its doors to welcome guests and make them feel that it is once again ALLSAFE to stay, ALLSAFE to dine and ALLSAFE to meet and celebrate at Novotel Manila.

 

ABOUT:

Novotel Manila Araneta City is a modern hotel with 401 modern guest rooms and suites and is located in Quezon City’s business and leisure district and was the first Novotel in the Philippines. With the Smart Araneta Coliseum right next door, the Gateway Tower Mall nearby, and public transport (MRT, LRT, and Araneta Center BusPort), it is a prime location from which to explore the city.

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

What a romantic evening concert with the “Laging Kasama” free virtual concert, which happened on October 24, 2020, via Facebook Live, gathered some of the best musical acts in the country who entertained everyone with their catchy tunes. 

 

The idea of Bayanihan is something that is deeply embedded in our culture. Regardless of how little or how much we have, it is wired in DNA to always help, share, and support others, especially during times of crisis.  

 

This selflessness is what Gardenia Philippines successfully captured on its “Laging Kasama” concert, a free virtual concert that was held to celebrate Happy Bread Day. 

 

The musical gathering invited renowned and rising stage performers like Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles (Rak of Aegis, Jowable, and Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap), Gloc 9, Ebe Dancel, and Keiko Necesario. 

 

Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina

 

Gloc 9

 

Ebe Dancel

 

Keiko Necesario

 

In addition to the good music, the free event also raffled off free Gardenia bread packs to lucky winners.  

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

Gardenia Laging Kasama Online Concert “Break Bread, Make Music Together”

 

The campaign is the household brand’s latest effort to share happiness with everyone. The leading provider of fresh and quality bread to Filipinos, Gardenia’s mission has always been unshakeable in the two decades of its operation: to be every family’s partner when it comes to sharing moments of joy—a goal that it has always fulfilled from the quality of its bread to the wide variety of products that it offers.  

 

The brand has also been active in helping out in its own way for the past couple of months. It has continuously provided supplies of fresh and quality bread to Filipino homes even with the hurdles of the times, for one. Moreover, it has also provided bread to those who are in need—an initiative that it has been consistently doing even before the start of the community quarantine. 

 

Gardenia has always been very proactive in its social campaigns even before the crisis hit the country. In the many years of its operation in the industry, the bread manufacturer has participated in numerous lifestyle-enhancing health and nutrition counseling programs, too. It has also consistently kept true to being a table staple with its effective entertaining campaigns for different consumers that includes home tips, recipe videos, and many others.  

 

The “Laging Kasama” event is a timely addition to this slew of efforts. Much like how Gardenia’s bread is always there to be shared by families anytime, music can also connect everyone regardless of the distance. It can almost be perfectly likened to the expression of “breaking bread together,” which is to share what you can with those you want to connect with the most.  

True enough, Gardenia has always been there to help make family moments complete. It is more than just a tabletop regular; it is a brand with a true Filipino heart.  

https://www.facebook.com/160004397360642/posts/3921178457909865/  

Visit Gardenia’s official FB page https://www.facebook.com/gardeniaph to keep up with its updates! 

 

Allianz is the World’s #1 Insurance Brand in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Ranking for 2020

 

Allianz is the World’s #1 Insurance Brand in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Ranking for 2020

 

Interbrand annually publishes the Best Global Brands Report, which identifies the world’s 100 most valuable brands. It's brand valuation method was the first to receive ISO 10668 certification.

Allianz is the world’s #1 insurance brand for the second consecutive year, according to Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Ranking. 

 

“We are proud to have once again been recognized as the Number 1 insurance brand globally. Across all industries, we improved to 39 from 42 last year. This achievement is a confirmation of the relevance and value of our insurance solutions and our uncompromising focus towards customer-centricity. At Allianz PNB Life, we will remain steadfast in our vision of securing the future of Filipino families by protecting their health and financial well-being.” ~Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz

 

Allianz, together with the Philippine National Bank, operates Allianz PNB Life, one of the country’s top health and life insurance providers.

 

To qualify for the Interbrand Best Global Brands Ranking, brands must be publicly listed and have a global presence. They are then evaluated following the economic profit that can be allocated to branded sales, the role of the brand, i.e. the extent to which the brand influences the buying decision, and finally the brand’s strength, which is established over 10 different internal and external factors of brand performance.

“Our focus on resilience, integrity, and customer centricity is paying off. Allianz has once again been recognized as the number 1 insurance brand globally, which is fantastic news and confirms that we are on the right track.” ~Oliver Bäte, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz SE

 

Across all brands from different industries, Allianz ranked 39th among 100 companies that included Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Samsung in the top five. Allianz was followed by Tesla, Netflix, and Ford in the ranking.

 

For the complete Top 100 ranking and report with a comprehensive analysis of growth, sector, and industry trends, visit www.interbrand.com/best-global-brands/.

 

 

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

 

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences.

 

Hanabishi Launches Lazada Flagship Store This Oct. 24, Offers Discounts on Its Appliances on Opening Day

 

Hanabishi Launches Lazada Flagship Store This Oct. 24,  Offers Discounts on Its Appliances on Opening Day

This coming October 24, 2020, Hanabishi Appliances will open its first flagship store in the top online shopping app Lazada.  To celebrate the launch, it will be treating its customers to a 20% discount on its small appliances and a 10% discount on its big appliances.

“Our customers have asked for us to be on the platform, and we want to make it possible for our kapartners at home to have easy access to affordable and high-quality appliances. Many customers are also buying our new products like UVC essentials and air purifiers. Hanabishi is their kapartner not only in their homes but also in their businesses. We want to be accessible to people who need Hanabishi appliances.” ~Julianne Pasumbal, Head of Digital Marketing and Ecommerce of Hanabishi Appliances

Apart from the discounts on its appliances on opening day, Hanabishi will also be holding a livestream on October 24 at 6:30 PM.

 

Pasumbal said that Hanabishi’s small and big appliances will be available in its Laz-Mall store, including its current top-selling items like the hand mixer, digital microwave, electric oven, coffee maker, and air fryer. 

 

Hanabishi experienced a surge in interest in its appliances when the quarantine peri-od started. According to Pasumbal, many people have purchased and used Hanabishi products for their small businesses.

In opening its own Lazada store, Hanabishi furthers its vision for every Filipino to have a Hanabishi product in their home.

 

You can visit the Hanabishi Flagship Store through the following link: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/hanabishi/. Follow its official social media accounts to stay updated on its latest products. 

 

About Hanabishi:

Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that last, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.

 

UnionBank Talks Digitizing Corporate Clients in the New Normal at 5th E-TalkTales

UnionBank Talks Digitizing Corporate Clients in the New Normal at 5th E-TalkTales

Last October 20, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) held the fifth installment of its E-TalkTales series wherein Head of Transaction Banking Mon Duarte discussed the Bank’s various transaction banking solutions, particularly The Portal, its all-digital banking platform for corporate clients.

 

Duarte began the discussion by differentiating UnionBank’s Transaction Banking solutions, which he defined as simply offering customized solutions to help digitize our corporate clients.  Traditional transaction banking helps manage the flow of funds by facilitating collections and payments, over-the-counter check deposits, to the provision of armored car services for high cash transaction situations, among others.

 

 

The main focus of Duarte's discussion was UnionBank's The Portal, it's digital banking platform specially designed for corporate clients. Offering a host of solutions that include bills payments, payroll, fund transfers, check writing services, merchant payment gateway systems, and credit facilities, The Portal provides corporations with all their essential banking needs in a single platform.

 

 

Knowing that each corporate entity has needs and priorities that are uniquely theirs, UnionBank designed The Portal in a way that allows it to provide utmost flexibility to clients, making it the preferred platform for those who don't want the one-size-fits-all approach of most competitors when it comes to the corporate banking solutions they offer.

 

 

Part of the flexibility offered by The Portal comes by way of various customization options available to clients. Depending on the current needs of their organization, clients can choose only the solutions that they want to avail of at the moment, and then adjust later on. To make it easier, the Bank created a number of packaged solutions based on what it thinks would make sense for clients, which they can avail of anytime via The Portal website.

 

With The Portal, UnionBank aims to make transaction banking as seamless for users as possible, and the Bank wants to make this very clear right from the moment a client starts using the platform—the onboarding process.

 

 

Another key feature of The Portal in terms of flexibility is the possible configurations for transaction approvals. With this feature, corporates will be able to establish a specific maker-checker process for each transaction made by their team members. This will give them free control over who can make which transaction, as well as the maximum amount for each transaction depending on who makes it, among others.

 

 

Onboarding is typically one of the most stressful phases of using a new platform for many corporates, since it involves learning a new set of interfaces and processes. This phase can take a few days or weeks or even a few months to finish. With The Portal, however, UnionBank also digitized the onboarding processes so that clients can get into the platform in less than a day, usually within a few minutes, with no further training needed.

 

These are only a few innovative features of The Portal. As the Bank continues its digital transformation journey, more services will become available in the coming months.

 

The Portal is not based on any third-party digital framework. Instead, it was built from the ground up. In creating The Portal, UnionBank was guided by the principle of having a simple integrated platform in order to ensure the best user experience for customers. For the Bank, providing superior transaction banking experiences to users is a top priority, and The Portal is the perfect representation of what it believes transaction banking should be.

 

Shopee Kicks Off 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Aims to Make E-Commerce for Everyone

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches its annual 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. It comes off the back of its successful 9.9 and 10.10 shopping events, reflecting the continued growth of e-commerce in the region. This 11.11 - 12.12, Shopee further commits to uplifting communities, generating new opportunities for sellers and brands, and designing stronger shared experiences for shoppers, all as part of its broader vision to make e-commerce for everyone.

“E-commerce has made a profound impact on our lives, and especially so this year. This 11.11 - 12.12, Shopee will strengthen its efforts to ensure that everyone can discover the benefits and opportunities of e-commerce. We are fortunate to be at the forefront of this transformation in our region, and we want to continue creating livelihoods for local sellers and entrepreneurs, ways for people to shop and connect, and new paths to  success for businesses. Shopee 11.11 Big Sale is our way of transforming a global phenomenon into one that truly belongs to our region. It continues the strong momentum of our successful 9.9 and 10.10 events, and builds on our long-term vision to transform the lives of people and businesses we serve. Join us as we make e-commerce for everyone at 11.11 this year.” ~Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippine

Shopee sets out to create impact, opportunities, and shared experiences, as part of its efforts to ensure that all consumers and businesses benefit from e-commerce growth

Here’s how Shopee plans to step up its support for communities, businesses, and consumers this 11.11 - 12.12 and beyond.

1. Creating impact for communities 

Leveraging the digital ecosystem to support those in need

Shopee deepens its commitment to uplifting local communities with the launch of the 11.11 Big Charity Drive. This will occur in each of Shopee’s Southeast Asian markets, supported by trusted social organizations, top celebrities, and the biggest brands in Southeast Asia. The charity drive aims to raise awareness and donations for underprivileged children in the region. Shopee believes that all individuals, particularly the youth, should have the opportunity to succeed in the future digital economy.

In the Philippines, Shopee launches Shopee Bayanihan: Pamaskong Pambata with 11 of the most trusted foundations in the country, including Mano Amiga Philippines; World Vision Philippines; Young Focus for Education and Development Foundation, Inc.; Fundlife International, Inc.; GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.; Save the Children Philippines; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc.; Project Pearls, Inc.; Project Smile Philippines; Kythe Foundation, Inc.; and PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. Users can donate by purchasing donation vouchers and goods from partner brands’ CSR collections and co-branded live streams. Participating brands will donate a percentage of their sales to their foundation of choice.

2. Creating opportunities for all businesses

Unlocking e-commerce for sellers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and brands

 

The growth of e-commerce in Southeast Asia and Taiwan has created new opportunities for sellers, SMEs, and brands. This trend is reflected in Shopee, as the number of sellers on the platform increased by 60% year-on-year.

 

This has created greater diversity in the region’s e-commerce landscape, with aspiring and experienced sellers alike seeking to grow their businesses online. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as sellers face unique challenges at different stages of their digital journey. Shopee has widened its spectrum of support measures to help all sellers succeed, regardless of experience and size:

• Helping new and existing sellers cope with a global pandemic: Over 300,000 sellers, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in the region signed up for Shopee’s Seller Support Package within the first month of launch in April. New sellers also enjoyed 6x sales growth during Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day in September.
• Upgrading Shopee University to empower diverse groups of local sellers: Shopee has enhanced its Shopee University program, including digitalizing the curriculum and widening its online Seller Education Hub so that all sellers can level up their e-commerce skills. Recently, Shopee also partnered with Visa, USAID, Globe myBusiness, and the Quezon City local government unit to equip sellers with the financial, marketing, and e-commerce knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy.
• Seller Masterclasses drive sellers to adopt new tools, adapt to new trends: In the Philippines, Shopee introduced its Seller Masterclass to help sellers leverage the benefits of livestreaming better. Popular streamers such as ClosetbyNikka2600, MyOutfitGallery, and cilebritee_shop shared exclusive tips for reaching more customers on Shopee Live. 

Shopee also helped local and international brands connect and engage with the region’s digital-first shoppers. In 2020, Shopee co-created 600 Super Brand Days with top companies such as Disney, Samsung, and L’Oreal, who looked forward to growing their online presence and sales. The recent 10.10 Brands Festival also generated strong traction for brand partners, as traffic on Shopee Mall surged 2.5x the daily average. 

 

3. Creating shared experiences

Forging communities, reinventing social shopping on Shopee

 

Shopee will continue to connect, inform, and inspire consumers across the region. Users can explore similar interests and discover better deals through Shopee’s shopping communities while enjoying a more social shopping experience with Shopee’s enhanced in-app features.

 

Shopee connects like-minded consumers and caters to their online needs through communities such as Shopee’s Mom’s Club. It's over 1.5 million members enjoy one-stop access to top global brands for baby products, including Pampers, Enfa, and Nestle, as well as exclusive parenting content from mothers and experts. 

For the new generation of digital luxury consumers, Shopee recently launched Shopee Premium, an exclusive destination offering direct access to authentic premium products, while allowing consumers to understand the brands more.

Shopee also enhanced its collection of popular in-app features to make online shopping even more social, fun, and rewarding:

• Enhanced social features: Shopee has upgraded its iconic in-app features to better connect sellers, brands, and users during the 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. New auction and polling features on Shopee Live will make the live shopping experience even more engaging. Shopee Feed has also been upgraded with live video “Stories” for real-time engagement between users.

 

For more information about Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/11-11.

Download Shopee for free on App Store or Google Play Store.

 

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It was launched in 7 markets in 2015 to connect consumers, sellers, and businesses in the region.

 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

 

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

 

GeoClean Offers Smart, Cost-effective Solutions To Deal With The Pandemic

Architect and Entrepreneur Liza Morales, Chief Executive Officer of Philippines GeoGreen Inc., the country's leading provider of environment-friendly products, is always looking for ways and opportunities to promote a safer, healthier, and cleaner world.

 

 

Morales recently formed GeoClean, a business arm of Philippine GeoGreen Inc. that provides smart solutions to businesses and households to allow them to cope with COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases that undermine productivity and the broader economy.

"The mission of GeoClean is to provide cutting-edge technology for the new normal. GeoClean aims to provide high-class disinfection technology that offers Filipinos innovative solutions that will help ease their woes as we face the pandemic as a community. We have an exciting array of products in the pipeline, extremely diverse, yet complementary to each other. One thing they do have in common is that these products will help with achieving our company's vision of making everyone feel much safer. There are roughly 54 million square meters of the shopping mall, office, sports complex, hotel, and resort spaces which are verticals that would benefit from the disinfection technologies we offer." ~Ms. Liza Morales, Chief Executive Officer of Philippines GeoGreen Inc., Architect, and Entrepreneur

 

Ms. Liza Morales, Chief Executive Officer of Philippines GeoGreen Inc., Architect, and Entrepreneur

GeoClean currently offers products certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, UL Standards, and other internationally-recognized product standards such as Freshaire UVC and Big Ass Fans Clean Air technologies. These products reduce by 99.9% of SARS Cov2, the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.

 

Morales said FreshAire UVC products have disinfection capability that work well with existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems while Big Ass Fans have built-in mechanisms that provide ventilation, ultraviolet light, and needlepoint ionization disinfection systems.

 

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed over six thousands of Filipino lives, infected nearly 400,000, disrupted many businesses, and caused millions of job losses. The health crisis nudged the Philippine economy into recession in the second quarter as the government imposed strict community quarantine to control the spread of the infectious disease.

 

As the government gradually reopens the economy, Morales said smart and cost-effective solutions offered by GeoClean offer a distinct advantage for businesses.

Like products sold by Philippine GeoGreen Inc., disinfection systems offered by GeoClean for hotels, homes, sports complexes, shopping malls, restaurants, offices, industrial facilities, and others pay for themselves in as short as one year as they reduce the cost of maintaining air conditioning systems and bring down energy cost due to improved efficiency.

 

Morales said the potential market in the Philippines for GeoClean, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and after, is enormous.

 

 

These office and commercial spaces represent jobs that could fire up the Philippine economy that the World Bank now expects will contract 6.9% from last year, worse than the 5.5% projected by the government.