Category: Press Release

  • BDO earns P20.2 Bn in 1H 2019

    BDO earns P20.2 Bn in 1H 2019

    BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) sustained its momentum as it delivered P20.2 billion in earnings for the first six months of the year on strong recurring earnings from its core businesses, solid growth in fee income and normalization of trading & forex gains.

    Net interest income increased by 24% to P56.9 billion as net interest margins (NIMs) improved to 3.99 per cent from 3.50 per cent last year. Gross customer loans grew by seven (7) per cent to P2.0 trillion, as the Bank continued to generate double-digit growth in the consumer and middle market segments. Meanwhile, total deposits went up by three (3) per cent to P2.4 trillion, reflective of customers’ shift to higher-yielding fixed income investments, primarily bank-issued bonds. The Bank’s CASA ratio, however, was maintained at 70 per cent.

    Non-interest income was up 29 per cent to P29.5 billion as fee-based income and insurance premiums posted double-digit growth. Further, trading and forex gains normalized to P3.6 billion on favorable capital market conditions.

    Operating expenses grew by 21 per cent in line with the Bank’s continuing expansion, with 53 domestic branches and offices opened in the 1H 2019, as well as higher volume-related expenses. Taxes and licenses and policy reserves at BDO Life increased by 51 per cent. Excluding volume-related expenses, opex growth would have risen by 14 per cent in line with the Bank’s investment in branches and business development offices nationwide.

    Provisions amounted to P3.0 billion as the Bank maintained its conservative credit and provisioning policies. Gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was steady at 1.2 per cent while NPL cover remained high at 163.2 per cent.

    Total capital grew to P350.8 billion, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio at 14.2 per cent and 12.6 per cent, respectively, higher quarter-on-quarter and remaining comfortably above regulatory requirements.

    With expectations of better economic prospects going forward, BDO will continue to build on its business franchise and extensive distribution network to tap new growth areas and underserved markets.

    About BDO

    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, credit card services, and stock brokerage services. 

    BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,000 ATMs nationwide.  It also has a full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 23 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, 2019. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

    Nancy May Francisco-Lugatiman

    PR Manager ROAR Agile Communicators Corporationm: +639177920519w: roar.ph  e: nancy@roar.ph

  • Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway with Traveloka

    Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway with Traveloka

    This August has a number of holidays and long weekends that adventure and vacation loving Filipinos can look forward to: Eid al-Adha on the third week of the month, Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, and National Heroes Day on August 26. Make the most out of these extended breaks by satisfying your wanderlust and going on that much-desired getaway.

    Here are some suggestions on where you can go and what you can do to achieve your #looongweekendgoals.

    ●        August 10 to 12: Singapore or Cebu

    Singapore’s always been an accessible and ideal weekend destination for Filipinos. Its quaint old neighborhoods, eclectic dining scene, lively arts and culture, and other exciting attractions make it an even better destination.

    The Island of Cebu, meanwhile, offers travelers the best of both worlds: a colorful urban lifestyle and the serenity of nature—the choice is yours!

    ●        August 9 to 12: Palawan or Hong Kong

    You can never go wrong visiting Palawan. Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa are just some of the most beautiful places on the island that offer unique experiences for every adventurer.

    Hong Kong, on the other hand, has consistently been a top destination for Filipinos. Travelers can enjoy amazing shopping deals, delectable cuisine, and an unforgettable array of sights and attractions.

    ●        August 21, 2019: Staycation in Metro Manila

    A staycation in Metro Manila on hump day may just be the quick break you need. Treat yourself to a comfortable bed, delicious hotel food, and cool amenities.

    ●        August 21 to August 26: Japan or Seoul

    If you can afford to file a two-day leave, go all out and book a trip to Japan or Seoul, South Korea.

    Spend the long weekend in Tokyo or Osaka and have a taste of amazing food while taking in fashion-forward trends, a rich history, and quirky pop-culture.

    You can also enjoy the electric atmosphere in Seoul. Experience a whole range of activities, from sampling tasty local delicacies to soaking up K-pop and the rich culture and heritage. Shopaholics will also love the amazing retail finds here.

    ●        August 23 to 26: Bangkok or Taipei

    For those who can only file a one-day leave, a four-day vacation in Bangkok, Thailand or Taipei, Taiwan is perfect.

    Bangkok’s culture is best experienced by simply immersing yourself into the heart of things. Try the food and get lost in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

    A trip to Taipei will give you the chance to explore its rich cultural history, irresistible culinary treats, and a modern urban vibe.

    ●        August 24 to 26, 2019: Davao or Boracay

    A quick escape to Davao can prove extremely refreshing, regardless if you stay in the city or head out to experience the beach or the great outdoors.

    Boracay’s rebirth, on the other hand, has ensured that its white sand beaches are kept pristine and majestic.

    Excited for the upcoming long weekends? Turn these dates into #LooongWeekendGoals with Traveloka, the ultimate one-stop online travel platform, for an experience like no other.

    Traveloka provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—including flights, hotels, transport, flight+hotel packages, attractions, activities, and more—helping customers to easily create moments together with their friends and loved ones.

    Check out Traveloka’s #LooongWeekendGoals promotion and get amazing deals! Book your flight+hotel packages via https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/packages. Download the app via Google Play or the App Store for more exclusive promos.

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +63.893.7472 | +639. 17.158.7918

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Get a chance to take home a brand-new car in Shopee’s ₱1 Game this 8.8

    Get a chance to take home a brand-new car in Shopee’s ₱1 Game this 8.8

    Shopee Free Shipping Festival on August 8 will offer Free Shipping with no minimum spend on selected shops.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is giving consumers a chance to take home a brand-new Toyota Fortuner 2018 in its ₱1 Game for Shopee Free Shipping Festival. On August 8, there will be free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on selected brands and categories, ₱88 deals, and tons of 100% cashback vouchers to enjoy.

    Consumers can join Shopee’s exciting ₱1 Game to take home amazing prizes including an Apple iPhone XS Max, A&S 40” HD TV, and Samsung Galaxy A20 by paying ₱1 upon check out. On the big sale day, users should stay tuned as Shopee will be raffling off a brand-new Toyota Fortuner for only ₱1.

    Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines said, “We are excited to have launched another campaign that provides consumers greater deals on their favorite categories and brands. We are giving Filipinos bigger and better surprises through Shopee’s ₱1 Game which is becoming popular among online shoppers as it gives them more chances to score premium items for the low price of ₱1. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Shopee Free Shipping Festival.”

    On August 8, Shopee users can enjoy big discounts on their favorite items. These are what consumers should watch for during Shopee Free Shipping Festival:

    • Free Shipping with ₱0 Minimum Spend on selected shops.
    • Discounts up to 90% off and exclusive promotions across all categories.
    • Premium gadgets up for grabs including an Apple iPhone XS Max, A&S 40” HD TV, Samsung Galaxy A20, and more for only ₱1 in Shopee’s ₱1 Game.
    • 100% cashback vouchers and category vouchers to be given away.

    For more information on Shopee Free Shipping Festival, please visit https://shopee.ph/free-shipping-festival.

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

    Visit https://shopee.ph for more information.

    For more information, please contact:

    Erin Tagudin

    Public Relations Manager

    Contact: 09178457508 Email: erin.tagudin@shopee.com

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    M2_EmailSig2

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M2COMMS  | M2SOCIAL  | M2LIVE  | PROI

  • Shopee launches its first-ever scholarship program, Shopee Scholars, in the Philippines

    Shopee launches its first-ever scholarship program, Shopee Scholars, in the Philippines

    Three children of Shopee sellers will receive a 1-year scholarship grant worth ₱100,000 each.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches its first-ever scholarship program called Shopee Scholars for the benefit of Shopee sellers and their families. Eligible Shopee sellers can sign up for a chance to receive a one-year scholarship worth ₱100,000 for their children.

    Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippines said, “Shopee is excited to launch its first-ever scholarship program with the aim of helping sellers achieve their hopes and dreams for their children. We want to further engage our sellers through this exciting program and help develop the Filipino youth to become future leaders and innovators.”

    Starting July 19, Shopee sellers who are active for 6 months or more on the Shopee platform and have a shop rating of no less than 4 out of 5 stars can start nominating their children for the scholarship program. In order to qualify, their child must also be an incoming college student or currently enrolled in a university.

    In order to participate, sellers need to follow these steps:

    1. Sign up through https://shopee.ph/shopee-scholars.
    2. Attach the necessary documents[1].
    3. Shopee scholarship nominee should  submit a 300-500 essay for the program.

    The deadline for applications is on August 2, 2019.

    For more information about Shopee Scholars Program, visit https://shopee.ph/shopee-scholars or check out Shopee’s Facebook page.

    Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play. Visit https://shopee.ph for more information.

    [1]  Nominee’s birth certificate, proof of relationship with Shopee Seller (i.e Seller’s Birth Certificate and other official documents), academic standing (i.e Report Cards or other documents reflecting the student’s overall GPA), awards and certificates

    For more information, please contact:

    Erin Tagudin

    Public Relations Manager

    Contact: 09178457508 Email: erin.tagudin@shopee.com

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    M2_EmailSig2

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M. +63 917 582 0573

    M2COMMS  | M2SOCIAL  | M2LIVE  | PROI

  • Top 25 Staycation Hotels in the Philippines with the Best Amenities

    Top 25 Staycation Hotels in the Philippines with the Best Amenities

    Searching for a staycation destination with specific hotel amenities can be a daunting task.

    This is especially true for certain types of travelers: A decent room with a comfortable bed works for the on-the-go traveler. The picky eater needs mouthwatering buffets or a la carte dishes from flagship restaurants. A water baby prefers to stay under the sun in a cozy pool, while a socialite might look for a hip in-house bar. One can also require an impressive first impression from the reception area’s aesthetics.

    That said, Traveloka has rounded up a list of 25 staycation hotels with the best amenities to help those who are looking to have staycations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The list features lodging luxuries such as swimming pools, breakfast buffet service, flagship restaurants, in-house bars, and even the lobby, as well as distinct activities.

    For the hotels with best swimming pools, Richmonde Hotel and Mella Hotel in Ortigas and Las Pinas, respectively, start the list for Metro Manila. The Crimson Resort and Spa Cebu Mactan and Hotel Tropika Davao wraps up this portion with equally stunning swimming pool facilities. Apart from the structural design and appearance, the line-up also considered the perks guests can experience, like food and beverages to be consumed by the pool, among others.

    Foodie travelers who can’t begin the day on an empty stomach, can refer to these hotels for the best, most extensive breakfast buffet options in town. Cafe Ilang Ilang of The Manila Hotel headlines this list, as well as Diamond Hotel’s Corniche for Metro Manila area. Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino’s UNO and Radisson Blu’s Feria are the go-to places in Cebu, while Waterfront Insular Davao’s equally delicious breakfast fare completes the list.

    Continuing the eater’s guide to great food flagship restaurants offering hearty meals with quality ingredients and a wide selection of offerings. Essential Goodness, for the Pilgrims at Lub d Makati and Discovery Suites Manila’s Prime 22 are gastronomic havens in Metro Manila. Cafe Marco in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and Radisson Blu Cebu’s Urban Table Events Plaza offer culinary masterpieces in the Queen City of the South. Bondi&Bourke at The Bourke Hotel is a new hotspot worth the visit in Davao.

    Those in search of a good time need to be in these best hotel bars around the country. The Bayleaf Intramuros Sky Deck View Bar and I’M Hotel Makati’s Antidote Tapas & Bespoke Cocktails will intoxicate guests in Metro Manila. Maayo Hotel Cebu’s Dayun Lounge bar and Bai Hotel Cebu’s Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar, as well as Marco Polo Davao’s Eagle Bar wrap up the socializer’s list for Cebu and Davao, respectively. These joints provide the best drinking ambiance accompanied by sumptuous chow and light or heavy libations for every traveler.

    Traveler’s with a discerning visual palette can enjoy these hotels at first glance of the lobbies. The Manila Hotel and Nuwa Manila in The City of Dreams are Metro Manila’s finest. In Seda Ayala Center Cebu and The Henry Hotel Cebu, the lobbies are eye-catching, while Park Inn by Radisson Davao takes the cake for this list.

    Special hotel amenities are features that make these hotels extra cool. In Metro Manila, The Henry Hotel Manila’s The Library is one of those gems. Hotel H2O Manila is also a unique amenity in itself as it’s housed by The Manila Ocean park. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan has Crimzone for Kids and the Maayo Hotel Cebu has a refreshing rooftop garden. Dusit D2 Davao’s has special Namm Spa for a therapeutic experience like no other.

    So, where will your next destination with the best hotel amenity be? Leave it to Traveloka to provide a convenient, hassle-free staycation! Visit https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/hotel and book your desired hotel now!

    Cathy Llanes

  • Jollibee Wheel of Joy allows kids to build their own Ferris Wheel

    Jollibee Wheel of Joy allows kids to build their own Ferris Wheel

    This July, Jollikids are in for an exciting playtime as Jollibee brings the magic of a carnival ride into their homes with the newest Jolly Kiddie Meal toy set – the Jollibee Wheel of Joy!

    With the latest set of connectible toys from the country’s leading fast-food chain, kids will truly have another fun-filled experience as Jollibee and Friends take them on an exciting Ferris Wheel ride.

    Jollikids can build the Jollibee Wheel of Joy by first assembling the pillars of their carnival attraction, placing Jollibee at the base, and turning the knob to see him move around. Next, they can assemble the Ferris Wheel’s cabs by using bars to connect the swing frames and fixing the swings of Hetty, Popo, Twirlie, and Yum to the bars.

    As they connect the base and each of the colorful gondolas together, kids can make Jollibee’s friends spin by turning the knob – just like a real Ferris Wheel ride!

    Let your Jollikids have fun building their own Jollibee Wheel of Joy with a fascinating charm and magic that will capture their imagination.

    Collect and connect all five toys with every purchase of a Yumburger (P80), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P100), Jolly Spaghetti (P95), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Burger Steak (P95), 1-piece Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Chickenjoy with Rice (P120), or 1-piece Chickenjoy Meal (P135), each comes with its own Jolly Joy Box.

    So, let Jollibee and Friends give your kids a more adventurous playtime as they build and bring to life their favorite theme park attraction. Head to a Jollibee branch near you and start collecting all five Jolly Kiddie Meal toys, available until July 31 only.

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +63.893.7472 | +639. 17.158.7918

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Be ready on your next getaway with these five travel must-haves!

    Be ready on your next getaway with these five travel must-haves!

    Planning for a trip takes more than just booking flights and reserving hotel accommodations. Every seasoned traveler knows that it is equally important to immediately research for suggested itineraries and make a list of things to bring for the duration of the vacation.

    Complete your travel essentials with a World Traveler luggage and Hydro Flask water bottle when you get your own CEB GetGo Credit Card.

    From making sure that all travel documents are ready, to choosing the right luggage to bring and knowing the appropriate clothes to pack, preparing for any kind of getaway may be nerve-racking. To make things easier the next time you’re going on an out-of-town trip or flying to another country, here’s a checklist of items you should not forget to pack in your bag:

    1. Reusable water bottle. Exploring a different city means that you will be walking around the streets and taking public commute for hours. One of your best travel companions to keep you energized and hydrated during your adventures is a cool bottle of water. While you can always buy from convenience stores, it is recommended to bring your handy tumbler which you can always refill anytime for free.
    2. Fully charged power bank. Almost everything needed to survive traveling is already in a smartphone such as maps, language translator, and currency calculator. So, imagine just how hard it would be if your phone’s battery drained. With a portable power bank in your bag, you can save yourself from emergencies by just plugging your gadget and charging it on the go.
    3. Complete health kit.  Whether you’re traveling within the country or to a new destination, it can be difficult to get treatment when an injury or illness happens. That’s why it’s always better to be prepared with your own kit, complete with medicines and basic first aid supplies including bandages and alcohol so you can immediately tend to any kind of emergency or accident.
    4. Small travel bag. A luggage is needed to carry all your things to one destination; but when you’re already touring the city, you wouldn’t want to carry a big heavy bag. To truly enjoy and travel like a tourist, you should have an additional crossbody bag or purse which you can practically bring anywhere you go. 
    5. Widely-accepted credit card. While it is great to be prepared with cash when traveling, having a credit card is much more convenient and hassle-free for purchases locally and even abroad. With a credit card, you are free to shop and spend for the most rewarding and memorable experiences. Some banks even offer travel credit cards with amazing rewards such as points to fly for free for every purchase transaction! 

    Cebu Pacific’s lifestyle rewards program, GetGo has its own fleet of credit cards – CEB GetGo Credit Card and CEB GetGo Platinum Card – that let members enjoy cashless transactions and online shopping convenience wherever they are, while earning points that can be redeemed to book a free Cebu Pacific flight! It has one of the best conversion rates in the market, with every P30 spend earning members 1 GetGo Point.

    For those who don’t have their own CEB GetGo Credit Cards yet, GetGo and UnionBank is bringing its newest exciting promo for new cardholders. From now up to October 8, 2019, those who will apply for a CEB GetGo Credit Card will get a free cabin-sized World Traveler luggage and an 18-oz. wide mouth Hydro Flask vacuum-insulated stainless-steel water bottle upon spending P20,000 on the card within 65 days from approval date.

    Meanwhile, new CEB GetGo Platinum Cardholders will get the luggage and Hydro Flask as well as a promo code worth 8,000 GetGo Points upon spending P40,000 with the card within the same period. With this much points, new members can immediately book a one-way ticket to any local or Southeast Asian destination that they have been wanting to visit.

    Apply for any of the CEB GetGo Credit Cards and get a World Traveler luggage and Hydro Flask water bottle to bring on your next vacation.

    So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to travel with your CEB GetGo Credit Cards and brand-new travel luggage and Hydro Flask. Apply for your own card at http://bit.ly/cebgetgocreditcard and visit http://bit.ly/ggtravelbundle for full mechanics. Promo runs until October 8, 2019. For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph. Never miss out on exclusive member offers and the latest news on partner promos by subscribing to GetGo email alerts. Just log in to your account, go to ‘Profile’, select ‘Preferences’, click ‘My Settings’, and choose ‘Count Me In’. You can also like and follow GetGoPH’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +63.893.7472 | +639. 17.158.7918

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Leading the charge in financial inclusion

    Leading the charge in financial inclusion

    Yuchengco Group of Companies Chairperson Helen Yuchengco Dee (first row, fifth from left) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva (second row, fourth from left) recently led a signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch DiskarTech, the country’s first-ever financial inclusion accelerator program to harness the Filipinos’ entrepreneurial spirit. Photo also shows officials from program partners PLDT Enterprise, Smart WiFi, Malayan Insurance, Liga ng Mga Barangay, League of Municipalities, Local Climate Change Adaptation Development, Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners, and Ka-Entrep Micro and Small Entrepreneurs Organization of the Philippines.