UnionBank UPAY for MSME: Helping level the playing field for the country’s growing number of MSMEs

 

UnionBank UPAY for MSME: Helping level the playing field for the country’s growing number of MSMEs

 

Filipinos are now utilizing digital payments more than ever. Last month, the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that digital payments made up 20.1 percent of all transactions in 2020, more than double the figure from two years ago of 10 percent. This strong momentum is creating opportunities particularly for enterprising Filipinos who engage in e-commerce.

To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country capitalize on this growing trend, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), the region’s digital trailblazer and the country’s foremost bank for MSMEs, has launched a groundbreaking feature that will make e-payments easier and secure not only for customers but also for MSMEs—the new UPAY for MSME.

Jaypee Soliman
UnionBank Vice President and MSME Segment Head

This was unveiled at the Bank's 12th E-TalkTales media event, wherein UnionBank Vice President and MSME Segment Head Jaypee Soliman, and UnionBank Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Head Gerry Austria led discussions on the critical role of digitizing payments in the country's fast evolving market.

Soliman began the discussions by talking about the state of digital payments in the country, citing the significant growth in the number of Filipinos who utilize these payment solutions. This is an indication that Filipinos are now more open to the idea of becoming a cash-lite society.

“This shows how the consumers are now transacting digitally. They are ready. They are there. The number of Filipinos having e-wallets and bank accounts continue to grow. But the question is, are the MSMEs ready to accept digital payments?"

This is where UPAY comes in. UPAY is a groundbreaking digital payments solution designed to make acceptance of multiple payment options accessible to MSMEs. It offers a fully integrated, single platform payment collection complete with other features that can make inbound payments easier for entrepreneurs, including the option to generate payment links with multiple collection channels, and the option to generate InstaPay QRPH for digital and physical channels.

"UPAY for MSMEs is a payment gateway that is embedded in our MSME Business Banking App. Businesses of all sizes and types now have the power to generate payment links, request payments, send it to their customers and provide multiple payment options, all these reconciled and credited to a single UnionBank account," Soliman said.

What makes UPAY convenient for accepting payments is that customers can choose their preferred payment channel either via Unionbank Online, InstaPay, Other Digital Wallets, Credit/Debit Cards and even over-the-counter through UnionBank’s expansive network of partner channels nationwide.

Gerry Austria
UnionBank Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Head 

"When we conceptualized UPAY for MSMEs, we wanted to do away with all the different hassles that the merchant is experiencing to set up his payments, one of which is having to connect to a point-of-sale system, having to have different devices, having to have to download different apps," Austria said.

"Second, it's the efficiency in doing business. You don't need to be in your physical store to actually have a customer pay you. You can actually be vacationing somewhere else and someone wants to buy a product which they saw through your post on Instagram or Facebook. You can actually just create a payment link and send it to that customer, so it's very convenient for both the merchant and the customer," Austria added.

Through the new feature, UnionBank wants to level the playing field for MSMEs by making the feature accessible to them, which was previously only available to the bigger merchants as part of enterprise platforms that are too technologically demanding and expensive for smaller players.

 

For more information about the company and this article, please visit

www.unionbankph.com/msme/upay

 

 

CreativeFest brings together ad heavyweights, industry leaders to unlock creativity

Manila Luzon and other creative heavyweights headline PHL’s largest ad event

 

The largest gathering of creative professionals, marketing experts, and thought leaders from a wide variety of fields is coming together once again to celebrate the power of creativity to move the world and drive it forward at CreativeFest, to be held virtually for the second year in a row this November 24 to 26, with "Creativity Unlocked" as the theme.

The media and representatives from allied industries had a sneak peek into the event through a Media and Industry Preview held online last November 9. Details of the event were discussed during the exclusive preview, including the list of speakers and the topics they’ll tackle. The good news is that admission to it will remain free for everyone.

“The [Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies in the Philippines] believes that imagination and inventiveness should be always celebrated in whatever form or scale,” Melvin Mangada, Chairman of the 4As and Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of TBWA\ Santiago Mangada Puno said. “This year’s theme, Creativity Unlocked, is again a call of defiance—creating stories from our dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. And despite cramped spaces, limited movement and physical interaction, we’ve proven that the creative mind knows no boundaries.”

“The theme is actually to celebrate those who have surpassed the challenging times and difficult as it is to cope with the situation, it is even more inspiring that people were able to come up with wonderful work despite the circumstances. Creativity Unlocked is not only our theme but our battle cry to continue to do inspired and fresh work even in the confines of our own homes,” Teeny Gonzales, Seven A.D. CEO and 4As Co-Trustee in-charge of Creative Services furthered.

One of the expected highlights of this year’s CreativeFest is the Keynote Address that will be delivered by one of the most famous drag queens today, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and soon to be host of the much-anticipated Filipino Reality Drag competition Drag Den, Manila Luzon. Luzon made a special video appearance during the media preview and she invited her fans and creative professionals to join her for CreativeFest.

“I’m so excited for you to hear my keynote and how drag has helped millions in its relentless pursuit of effective protest and people’s embrace of drag as an art form. For everyone watching, please don’t forget to register for CreativeFest happening on November 24th to November 26th,” Manila Luzon said.

Aside from Manila Luzon, many creative heavyweights are also expected to attend CreativeFest 2021 to deliver inspiring talks and take part in thought-provoking roundtable discussions.

Madonna Badger, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of Badger and Winters will deliver the Day 2 Keynote Address for the CreativeFest. Other expected speakers are Cannes Spokesperson Susie Walker; Dentsu Taiwan Executive Creative Director Alice Chou; Lego Creative Lead and Trese Creator Budjette Tan; OPM Band Ben&Ben; and many others.

“We’re very excited that the full line-up of the CreativeFest, from November 24 to 26 is huge, it’s global, and hopefully it inspires everyone to stay creative and keep creativity unlocked in our blood,” JC Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of Propel Manila and CreativeFest Chairman said.

This year will also see the return of the Kidlat Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Philippine advertising. The Kidlat Awards was not held last year because of the pandemic, and as such this year’s recognition will cover the period between 2019 to 2021. The awards night will be the culminating activity of this year’s CreativeFest and will happen on November 26.

“Kidlat Awards is back!” Russel Molina, Chief Creative Officer of Seven A.D. and Committee Chairman of the Kidlat Awards said. “It signals a new chapter for us in the industry and it gives us renewed energy for the advertising industry.”

Just like last year, CreativeFest 2021 remains free for everyone. The event will also benefit Silid-Aralan, an organization that educates and empowers low-performing learners, and is committed to creating a better and more sustainable nation.

This year’s CreativeFest is brought to us by Bench, JTI, and Ginebra, in partnership with Cignal, TV5, One Sports, Provill, Google Creative Works, Grupo Agatep, Adobo Magazine, Hit Productions, and Plan B.

To register for the event for free, please visit this link https://4asphilippines.com/creativefest2021/.

To know the latest about CreativeFest and Kidlat Awards, please visit www.4asphilippines.com and like and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4asPhilippines.

11 ways Lazada took its 11.11 sale to the next level this 2021

 

11 ways Lazada took its 11.11 sale to the next level this 2021

We’re running down the numbers on how Lazada celebrated its Biggest One-Day Sale of the Year!

 

Lazada, one of the country's leading eCommerce platforms, took this year’s 11.11 to new heights, pulling off record-setting numbers — from over a billion minutes spent on the app by shoppers region-wide to more than P126 million worth of Lazada Bonus discounts collected — Lazada’s flagship 11.11 Biggest One-Day Sale continued to be among the most highly-anticipated shopping events that draw millions of shoppers together every year.

 

Curious to know more about how we all shopped this 11.11? Here are 11 facts from this year’s Biggest One-Day Sale:

 

1.       This year’s 11.11 shoppers enjoyed over 8 million of their lowest and best deals.

 

2.       With the endless promos and deals available, it’s no wonder that a total of 1 billion minutes was spent by consumers on the app across the region. That’s like binge-watching Lazada Brand Ambassadors Bea and Kath’s vlogs 22 million times!

3.       A record-breaking 800,000 sellers and brands across the region participated in this year’s Biggest One-Day Sale of the Year, of which 200,000 where MSME sellers in the Philippines. Can you imagine going through 8,000 malls with 100 stores in it, within 24 hours?

4.       Lazada Philippines’s 11.11 Super Show raked in a total of 5.3 million views across all channels — that’s like twice the entire population of Quezon City tuning in during the show! With performances from K-pop superstars SEVENTEEN, Lazada’s regional Happiness Ambassadors, together with local Brand Ambassadors Bea Alonzo, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, SB19, and other beloved Kapuso personalities, it’s no wonder!

 

5.       Love promos and discounts? Filipino shoppers collected a staggering P126 million worth of total discounts from Lazada Bonus on the app! If that doesn’t say a promonatic nation, we don’t know what does.

 

6.       Earn while you shop! Ka-Lazadas also earned a total of P308 million cashback just by shopping this 11.11. That can buy enough lechon to feed 470,000 people.

7.       Lazada Wallet transactions were up 15 times more on 11.11 compared to a normal day.

8.       Over 3 million home and living items were sold. Enough for every member of the Home Buddies Facebook Community.

 

9.       Filipino fashionistas checked out a total of 2.3 million clothing items. That’s close to 1 million TikTok OOTDs!

 

10.   In the first 11 minutes of the sale, shoppers also bought a whopping 30,000 mobile phones – this is 2.5 times higher than last year’s numbers. Pet parents also stocked up on 200,000 pet supplies, that’s enough to clothe or feed the 1,000 animals in the Manila Zoo 200 times!

 

11.   Need your 11.11 finds, stat? The fastest delivery of a 11.11 purchase was done in under 30 minutes, with romance books and desktop computers. Frozen meat products are a close runner-up with under an hour.

 

Highlighting that digital acceleration was still on the rise in the country, Lazada Philippines CEO Ray Alimurung said, “We're delighted that our flagship 11.11 shopping festival continues to deliver a best-in-class Shoppertainment experience for shoppers, who see Lazada as their one-stop destination to be entertained while having access to top deals, rewards, and great content. As more Filipinos embrace a digital economy, we are heartened to see more of our partner brands and sellers leveraging Lazada’s 11.11 as an avenue to effectively reach more new consumers in the country, and increase engagement to drive sales for their business."

Investing in Gold Made Easy

From November 15 to 20, 2021, Cebuana Lhuillier, together with Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium, and Just Jewels, holds the 2021 Gold Rush Sale.  Buyers can get 5% off on all items from Cebuana Lhuillier branches and up to 30% off on its premium line and Just Jewels, as well as on Lazada, Zalora, and Shoppee. The year’s biggest jewelry sale includes jewelries offered in all of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2,600 branches, as well as in selected Just Jewels and Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium outlets located in SM and Ayala Malls nationwide. Buyers can likewise participate online through the Cebuana FB Live Selling event or through www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com/.

 

Investing in Gold Made Easy

Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry and its premium line together with Just Jewels offer discounted jewelry for nationwide Gold Rush Sale

 

Gold enthusiasts and budding collectors will get the chance to purchase jewelry items at more affordable prices this November 15 to 20 as Cebuana Lhuillier, together with Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium, and Just Jewels, stages this year’s Gold Rush Sale.

 

Get five percent off on all items from Cebuana Lhuillier branches and up to 30% off on its premium line and Just Jewels, as well as on eCommerce platforms like Lazada, Zalora, and Shoppee. The sale includes jewelries offered in all of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2,600 branches, as well as in selected Just Jewels and Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium outlets located in SM and Ayala Malls nationwide. You can also buy online through Cebuana FB Live Selling and cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com. 

 

The upcoming sale is a good opportunity to start building a solid jewelry investment. With the easing of quarantine restrictions and with impeding bonuses coming this Holiday season, customers are expected to splurge on buying presents for their selves and their loved ones. While others will gravitate towards purchasing luxury items, the best kind of investment is one that does not depreciate in value, like gold jewelry.

 

“There is always a misconception that investing in jewelry is expensive and reserved only for the privileged. The truth is that there are many ways to build a collection—coming from trusted sources like jewelry shops, pawnshops, and with the advent of digital selling, even in online stores; and with a range of prices depending on your budget. Truth is, there is no better time to start investing in jewelry than today,” shares Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

 

He adds, “Through the years, the value of gold was always on an upward trend. While it’s trendy to go for the latest gadgets or high-end phones every year; it’s better to invest in jewelry which will serve its owners well especially during times of need.”

 

Over the years, gold was able to maintain its value in the market. Unlike other investments that are susceptible to inflation, gold and other precious metals perform well even when the economy is bad.

 

To know more about the latest offers or to know where to get the best deals for the Black Friday Sale, go to the Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels or Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook pages.

Wilcon Depot’s unbreakable commitment to providing comfort, safety to Filipino homes

Wilcon Depot Inc. CEO and President Lorraine Belo-Cincochan

 

Wilcon Depot’s unbreakable commitment to providing comfort, safety to Filipino homes 

 

(Manila, Philippines – November 12, 2021) As industries came to a halt due to the abrupt shift to the new normal, companies strived to look for ways to advance their business operations to stay buoyant and resilient amid these extraordinary times. 

 

With reduced mobility and limited face-to-face transactions, organizations like Wilcon Depot Inc. had to redefine their business to discover how they could better serve Filipinos and effectively outmaneuver the challenges presented by the global health crisis.

 

“We have seen how the pandemic has changed people’s behaviors from the way they work, study, socialize, and even how they shop,” said Wilcon Depot Inc. CEO and President Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

 

The new normal catalyzed unique situations to the company, putting them to the test whether to be swept away by difficulties or innovate and look for ways to pivot amid these present conditions.

 

“Even as Wilcon faces disruption and changes in the business, we continue to focus on our unbreakable commitment to fulfill our mission of serving and providing the Filipino with access to quality home improvement and building needs,” said Belo-Cincochan.

 

Leveraging the power of technology, Wilcon had embraced digital innovation, offering innovative services to deliver the needs of their customers who hope to refurbish their homes and provide comfort to their families.

 

Wilcon enabled their customers to purchase home and building needs through their new and improved e-commerce site and their Wilcon Flagship Store on LazMall. Likewise, they facilitated a Wilcon Virtual Tour service, where customers can explore its available products while in the comfort of their homes.

 

“Despite the unfavorable situation, we are relentless in thinking of ways and strategies as we continue to serve, bringing forth the introduction of our various shopping services. We endeavored to offer safe and convenient shopping avenues to our valued customers as we want them to feel comfortable yet protected while shopping,” the Wilcon head shared.

 

Wilcon has recognized the significance of keeping their business running smoothly to efficiently support Filipinos who endeavored to build secure and sturdy homes where they could be comfortable despite the current situation.

 

With the help of the right partner who shares the same vision of empowering customers’ lives amid the crisis we are facing today, Wilcon successfully beat the challenges of the pandemic while staying true to its commitment to provide for the needs of its stakeholders. 

 

PLDT Enterprise has been a reliable partner for Wilcon, which provided fast and reliable connectivity to power their online transactions, ensuring Wilcon’s vision fulfillment by facilitating their needs cost-effectively.

 

“It is an honor for PLDT Group to be the trusted partner of businesses as they navigate the uncertainties of the new normal. With the continued confidence of our partners, trusting us as their service provider in laying the foundation to a resilient business, we are more dedicated to supporting them in their initiative to improve the lives of Filipinos,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise and International Business Groups.

 

PLDT Enterprise’s Unbreakable Commitment campaign highlights its collaboration with different brands and organizations in the country to exhibit how fostering partnerships has helped companies thrive despite today’s circumstances—and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos. 

 

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering the endeavors of organizations through technology.

 

The country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider has been a driving force to companies such as Wilcon Depot Inc. as it adopts technologies to survive the new digital world. 

 

“We need a partner who will help us grow and ease the business processes and operations during these trying times. And we are grateful to PLDT for being that partner that we can rely on to support and assist us in navigating our digital transformation journey,” said the Wilcon president. 

 

For the home and construction supplies retailer, the goal is to focus on their commitment to fulfill the mission of serving and providing Filipinos with access to quality home improvement and building needs.

 

Together with PLDT Enterprise, Wilcon Depot Inc. will continue to explore possibilities to thrive in the digital space to efficiently deliver products and services that will secure and comfort Filipino homes amid these trying times. 

 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qY_tk_yw1GA

 

To learn more, visit pldtenterprise.com.

 

Araneta City brings the magic of Christmas to life with Giant Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Firsts’ Holiday tradition has been alive for 4 decades now

 

The City of Firsts has officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its iconic Giant Christmas Tree on November 11.

Decked with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments, and glittering tinsels, the Giant Christmas Tree situated at the Times Square Food Park in Araneta City was lit up in a grand celebration attended by local government officials, senior company executives, celebrities, and patrons with the theme ‘Believe in the Magic of Christmas’.

“We made sure to light up our Giant Christmas Tree in time for 11.11, which tradition says is a special date when anything you wish for can come true. It’s also our way of welcoming the return of our guests to the City of Firsts now that quarantine restrictions are starting to loosen up a bit. Even though we’re now welcoming guests of all ages, we’re still making it a point that all of our customers are safe through the health and safety measures that we’ve put in place,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta Group, said.

This year’s event highlights a mix of virtual and online celebrity performances and performances, with strict health and safety measures implemented onsite. A pre-show was also held virtually hosted by DJ Onse, and several lucky viewers got to take home some exciting prizes from the virtual games.

  

This year’s Giant Christmas Tree Lighting event was graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and prominent stars like Piolo Pascual, Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and Reiven Umali (Tawag ng Tanghalan 5 Champion). Also present were Ms. Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 First Runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 Second Runner-up Meiji Cruz, and Binibining Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc.

The lighting of Araneta City’s Giant Christmas Tree has been a fixture of every Filipino Christmas celebration for the past four decades. And as this year’s event carves a year-long milestone in the country, the Araneta Group made sure to celebrate the Giant Christmas Tree spectacle in a big way!

As part of this year’s Christmas celebration, the Araneta Group organized the ‘40 Treats for 40’ program, wherein 40 individuals received special gifts from the company. These individuals are essential workers who worked tirelessly even at the height of the pandemic.

“Despite everything that is happening around us now, we still want all people to Believe in the Magic of Christmas. We in the Araneta Group would like to share this wonderful time with some very special people. We have chosen 40 hardworking essential workers in our community who have shown dedication to their service ever since the pandemic began," Lorna Fabian, Vice President for Leasing of Araneta City, said.

Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, Vice President of the Araneta Group, also extended an early Christmas greeting to everyone who attended the event and watched it unfold online. "Christmas is a magical time. It gives us restored joy and a reason to celebrate even in these trying times. Today, as we light our Giant Christmas tree, we wish everyone to experience the special magic of the holidays.”

 

A grand fireworks display concluded the event, and signaled the opening of the iconic Giant Christmas tree to the public.

Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale enjoys a record start, with 11 million items sold within the first 5 minutes of November 11

 

Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale enjoys a record start, with 11 million items sold within the first 5 minutes of November 11

A Filipino electronics seller earned almost ₱70 million in sales during the first two hours of the sale alone

MANILA, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is seeing tremendous excitement and support at its largest shopping festival of the year, the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. Shoppers across the region raced to Shopee to secure the best deals, with 11 million items sold in just the first five minutes of November 11. The midnight shopping rush saw visits spiking 5.5 times in the first two hours, compared to an average day.

 

Key trends in the Philippines in the first 2 hours of 11.11 Big Christmas Sale

 

●     Many waited for 11.11 to purchase everyday essentials to maximize their savings. Health & Personal Care, Home & Living, and Women's Apparel were the hottest product categories among Filipino shoppers.

 

●     Filipinos eagerly stocked up on supplies such as face masks, skin care products, and mobile accessories. As consumers looked to refresh their wardrobe for the holiday season, clothing tops were also in high demand, with almost 2,000 orders placed early into 11.11.

 

●     Many local sellers are seeing a boost to their business at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. An electronics seller earned almost ₱70 million in sales in the first 2 hours.

 

Discover more irresistible deals at Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale till midnight at https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

 

CEB Health Protect offers value-for-money coverage for top critical illnesses and provides insurance benefits of up to P1 million.

AXA, Cebu Pacific give free insurance to Filipinos

 

To mark their first partnership anniversary, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, together with the country’s leading airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), extend the opportunity for CEB customers to get free insurance coverage up until December 31, 2021.

 

The special anniversary offer provides a life insurance coverage and personal accident insurance, each worth P25,000, with a coverage period of 3 months. This one-time offer is open to all CEB fliers aged 18 to 60 years old -all they need to do is sign up via https://bit.ly/CEBxAXAAnniv while slots are available.

 

Thru this partnership, every Juan now has access to an affordable critical illness plan with CEB Health Protect. This is the first of many non-travel insurance products that will be made available to address the health and financial needs of Filipinos.

 

The pandemic made many people rethink their habits, better prepare for the unexpected, and prioritize their health and wellness. “Protecting our health at all costs and preparing for accidents and emergencies have become more relevant than ever. With CEB Health Protect, we want to help every Juan protect their health and finances from unexpected situations – whether in their daily activities or while traveling. We are pleased to have found a partner in Cebu Pacific who also prioritizes safety and addresses the needs of its passengers even beyond travel,” said Rahul Hora, president and CEO of AXA Philippines.

 

“As we continue to listen to our customers, we recognize the need to prioritize every Juan’s health more so during this time. We are happy to keep offering CEB Health Protect and to be celebrating a milestone with our partner, AXA Philippines, to better equip Filipinos for unforeseen circumstances,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and customer experience at Cebu Pacific.

 

CEB Health Protect offers value-for-money coverage for top three (3) critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, and stroke. It also provides insurance benefits of up to P1 million, allowing families to receive up to 20% coverage for nine (9) minor critical conditions.

 

CEB Health Protect is a very affordable plan for every Juan who may wish to protect themselves and their loved ones. Every Juan can tailor fit the insurance coverage according to their personal needs and budget, with coverage available for as low as 18/day and flexible payment terms from monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually. 

 

Selecting and purchasing CEB Health Protect can also be safely and conveniently done online on the AXA website, similar to how Cebu Pacific customers seamlessly book and manage their Cebu Pacific flights.

 

With CEB Health Protect from AXA Philippines and Cebu Pacific, every Juan can now protect their health and be prepared for just about anything in life or while travelling.

 

For more information on AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.

 

   Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson

Crime-buster and corruption fighter

 

            Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is relying on his record as crime-buster and corruption fighter to win him the presidency.

 

This is evident in his video advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv_HZnGnsow) that highlights some of his major accomplishments as a senator and former head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 

            Lacson plans to expand these initiatives as president and bring the government closer to the people. His main advocacy is to give more power to local government units that are closest to the citizens and understand the people’s needs best and are in a better position to respond to their problems more effectively.

 

            The senator’s campaign underscores his efforts to prevent public money from being lost through corruption. His careful and detailed scrutiny of the national budget has saved the country P300 billion. Lacson proved his strong opposition to the pork barrel that had become for legislators a major perk of their jobs, by refusing to have any part of it.

 

            Among other accomplishments Lacson has listed as proof of his qualification for the highest post in the country are the investigations of the P728 million fertilizer scam, the anomalous $329 million contract between the Philippines and China’s ZTE Company, and Payola or bribery in the Bureau of Customs by exposing the TARA list.

 

            He also brought to the public’s attention the “Hello Garci” tapes, an attempt at cheating during the 2004 elections.

 

            The former military officer and PNP chief exposed the chopper scam where tge government paid brand-new prices for second-hand helicopters.

 

            Lacson’s initiatives as PNP chief earned him a trust rating of 78+ percent from the public, the highest rating ever recorded for the position.

Shopee Launches an Exciting 11.11 Big Christmas Sale TV Special with Over ₱12,000,000 Worth of Prizes and K-Pop Boy Band NCT127

 

NCT 127 - K-Pop Boyband

Shopee Launches an Exciting 11.11 Big Christmas Sale TV Special  with Over ₱12,000,000 Worth of Prizes and K-Pop Boy Band NCT127

Get into a festive mood with ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 10% off daily at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale

 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites Filipinos to tune in to the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale TV Special this November 11, 9:30-11:30 PM on GMA-7 and Shopee Live for a night full of amazing prizes and the best entertainment. Viewers have plenty to look forward to during the show, such as over ₱12,000,000 worth of giveaways including a brand-new car and two houses & lots, and exhilarating performances from K-Pop superstars NCT 127. Meanwhile, shoppers can beat the holiday rush and enjoy big savings with promotions such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 10% off daily at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee’s biggest sale of the year.

 

Here are the highlights of the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale TV Special:

 

Prizes worth over ₱12,000,000 with in-app Shopee games

●     During four Shopee Shake sessions, one player gets ₱300,000 and a brand-new MG 5 subcompact sedan from Morris Garages, two players each get ₱300,000 and a brand-new house & lot from BellaVita, and several players get to share a ₱1,000,000 coin pool.

●     Users can also activate and verify their ShopeePay accounts to join Pera Pamigay for a chance to win ₱100 worth of free ShopeePay credits.

●     Two Shopee Milyonaryo players each get to take home ₱1,000,000.

 

Performances and appearances by the hottest local and international celebrities

Aside from performances from K-Pop boyband NCT127, viewers can also enjoy appearances from local celebrities Carla Abellana, Jessy Mendiola, Max Collins, Juancho Trivino, Rocco Nacino, Klea Pineda, Andre Paras, and Gil Cuerva, who will host the show alongside Shopee brand ambassador Willie Revillame. Talented artists such as Aira Bermudez, Ashley Rivera, Athena Madrid, Faye Lorenzo, Analyn Barro, Ashley Ortega, and Sef Cadayona will also wow audiences with high-energy performances.

 

Flash deals from leading brands

Shoppers should also stay tuned as the TV show hosts will announce exclusive deals and discounts available for a limited time only from personal care, infant care, tech, and food brands such as Unilever, Mikana, Kleenfant, Colgate-Palmolive, Bonchon, Mcdonald's, Goldilocks, Huawei, Enfagrow, Lactum, Abbott, Potato Corner, Gong Cha, Candy Corner, and Tiger Sugar.

 

Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale

The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, which ushers in the year’s busiest shopping season, gives Filipinos plenty of reasons to celebrate with ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 10% off daily.

 

Users can also enjoy first dibs on exclusive 11.11 Big Christmas Sale deals across different categories with Shopee’s Add to Cart: https://shopee.ph/m/add-to-cart. They can discover top deals, add the items to their shopping carts before the sale, and immediately check them out on November 11 at the discounted price.

 

More deals with ShopeePay

 

To enjoy more deals this 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can go cashless with ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, where they can Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. On November 11, users can get more savings when they check out their Christmas purchases with ShopeePay promotions such as free shipping with no minimum spend, 30% cashback, and 10% off vouchers.

 

This 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, users can get up to 50% off on mobile load for all networks and up to 50% cashback on bills when they pay via ShopeePay. Additionally, users can get ₱100 off from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, Globe, Metrobank, and more. Whether it be essentials or food items, users can also purchase exclusive ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the Shopee app and redeem discounts when they pay with ShopeePay at BonChon, Puregold, Potato Corner, Goldilocks, Tiger Sugar, and more.

 

To avail of these exciting deals, users should activate and cash in their ShopeePay wallet. They can also enjoy free and instant cash-ins when they cash from their bank apps via InstaPay. Until November 21, users can get up to ₱25 cashback on their InstaPay fee.

 

For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.