foodpanda Logistics Celebrates Women's Month with a Special Livelihood Program for Ka-panda Ladies

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Ka-pandaBIZ Women on Wheels

Women on Wheels initiative aims to foster women empowerment

foodpanda logistics is celebrating Women's Month by granting livelihood training and packages for women from their Ka-panda delivery fleet.

The program was officially launched during International Women’s Day and is dubbed as Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW). The beneficiaries were selected to undergo training to start their own small business and receive a business capital worth Php 100,000. 

Ron Sanders, Rider Experience Lead of foodpanda logistics Philippines, emphasized the importance of supporting their delivery partners, particularly women Ka-pandas, towards success and improved livelihoods.

Sanders revealed that this focus has yielded tangible results, as evidenced by the threefold increase in the number of women within the expanding fleet of foodpanda logistics delivery partners as of 2023. 

"With Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW, we are not just celebrating women, we are actively working to enhance their productivity, income, and living standards," he remarked, highlighting the program's commitment to inclusive business practices and women's empowerment.

The beneficiaries will undergo online training sessions, mentoring, on-ground retail store visits, and catch-ups with mentors to be spearheaded by foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, HAPINOY. 

Hapinoy’s Mark Ruiz shared that this initiative will be anchored under their training and mentoring program, HapiSkwela, designed for sari-sari store owners. This program provides education, business tools, personal development training, and values formation. "Learning from all these aspects will serve as the foundation of their journey as happy, growth-oriented, and socially responsible microentrepreneurs," he explained. 

Ruiz added that they are delighted to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. “foodpanda logistics shares our commitment to upskilling and providing sustainable livelihood to these women."

Supporting livelihood for women as Ka-panda delivery partners

According to the November 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there has been a decrease in the participation of women in the labor force this year, dropping from 57.8% to 55.4%. Factors such as family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related considerations have influenced this decline, resulting in a lower participation rate compared to men, which stands at 75%.

In response, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has set a target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to increase female labor force participation from 2023 to 2028 by creating more economic opportunities for women.

Acknowledging this disparity, Sanders emphasized the significance of offering equal opportunities for women to become part of their delivery fleet. "We extend a warm invitation to all women interested in working as delivery partners at foodpanda logistics, and we're fully committed to supporting and guiding them every step of the way," he affirmed.

Ka-pandaBIZ: a livelihood program for Ka-pandas

The Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW initiative is an integral component of foodpanda logistics' broader livelihood program, Ka-pandaBIZ, designed to empower delivery partners and their families through sustainable economic opportunities. 

Three Ka-pandas have successfully graduated from the Ka-pandaBIZ program, receiving startup capital and comprehensive business training for their sari-sari stores. They graduated last year after an extensive training, where they acquired skills in various business management areas, including store setup, financial management, product marketing, and business expansion.

“Similiar to these Ka-pandas who have also undergone an extensive training curriculum, these women are poised to become thriving micro-entrepreneurs, and we hope they will also drive positive change within their communities,” Sanders said.

Read More

Need Instant Cash? Reasons Why Pawning Jewelry Is Your Best Option

pawning jewelry

Life is unpredictable. Financial emergencies can arise unexpectedly leaving individuals in need of quick and reliable solutions. One often-overlooked way to secure immediate cash is through pawning jewelry. This age-old practice provides a range of advantages, offering a convenient and accessible means for individuals to overcome short-term financial challenges. If you need an instant cash but is still not convinced about pawning your jewelry, here are the reasons why this option stands out as the best way to access cash swiftly.

Instant Liquidity

One of the primary benefits of pawning jewelry is the instant liquidity it provides. Compared to traditional loans that involve lengthy approval processes, ML Quick Cash Loan offers a quick and hassle-free way to convert your valuable assets into cash. This is advantageous during times of urgent financial need when time is of the essence.

No Credit Checks

Unlike conventional lending institutions, pawnshops do not perform credit checks. This makes pawning jewelry an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty obtaining a loan from traditional sources. The value of the pawned item serves as collateral, eliminating the need for a credit history review.

Asset-Based Loans

When pawning jewelry, the loan amount is determined by the appraised value of the item. This allows individuals to receive a loan amount that reflects the true worth of their jewelry. Moreover, it provides a flexible and tailored solution, ensuring that borrowers can access an amount that suits their specific financial needs.

M Lhuillier has the highest appraisal and charges the lowest interest rate in the industry. This is an assurance that you get the most value out of your pawned jewelry. 

No Strings Attached

When pawning jewelry, borrowers are not obligated to repay the loan within a rigid timeframe. M Lhuillier provides a grace period during which individuals can repay the loan and reclaim their valuable items. This flexibility ensures that borrowers can comfortably manage the repayment process without the stress of stringent deadlines. You also have the option to renew your loan when it falls due at any branch of your choice!

Preserve Ownership

One significant advantage of pawning jewelry is that the ownership of the item is retained throughout the loan period. Unlike selling, where ownership is permanently transferred, pawning allows individuals to reclaim their cherished possessions once the loan is repaid. This makes it a viable option for those who wish to retain both their financial stability and sentimental valuables.

Pawning jewelry emerges as a practical and efficient method for obtaining immediate cash when faced with unexpected financial challenges. The process is quick, accessible, and doesn't involve the complexities associated with traditional loans. With instant liquidity, no credit checks, and the flexibility to reclaim valuable items, pawning jewelry proves to be a reliable and convenient solution for those in need of quick financial assistance. With more than 3,000 M Lhuillier branches nationwide, the ML Quick Cash Loan is one of the most convenient and widely available way to have instant cash.

Read More

Everything you need to know about the new insurance product bespoke for music lovers

Friday, March 8, 2024

Aurora Music Festival

In celebration of its 10th year anniversary as the insurer of the next generation, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) continues its commitment to create innovative products by launching a new protection plan meant to celebrate Filipinos’ passion for music. 

Filipinos are iconic for their passion for music—from celebrating life through singing glass-breaking tunes in the karaoke to selling out local concerts of their favorite artists. In fact, a recent study reported that 38% of Filipinos have attended concerts locally or overseas and is expected to continue this 2024. The music streaming market in the Philippines is also anticipated to achieve a revenue of US$54.32 million this year.

Now available at the FWD Online Shop, The One for Music Lovers is an accessible insurance plan that starts at PhP 330. Itoffers customizable coverage for loss of hearing, loss of speech, paralysis, motor neuron disease, stroke, other major critical illnesses, and accidental death for 18 to 70-year-old Filipinos or legal residents of at least six months, and who are in good health.


Policy holders also get a voucher from the Philippines’ leading tech curator, Digital Walker, so they can celebrate their passion for music now, and thank themselves later.

To launch the new plan, FWD became the official insurer of one of the biggest and most anticipated music festivals this year, the Aurora Music Festival, which is happening on April 6 to 7 at Clark Global City, Pampanga. Through the partnership, The One for Music Lovers policy holders have an exclusive opportunity to upgrade their event tickets for free.

For a limited time only, this means their Silver (Php500), Gold (Php1,000) or SVIP (Php3,000) ticket can be amped up into an Orange Ticket for each tier that also comes with its own perks like:

Access to the Orange Lane. Skip the long lines with a special lane exclusively just for limited-offer Orange Ticket holders.

Early entry. Get on the concert grounds 30 minutes earlier than the rest.

Free FWD merch. Fan out with essential festival merch items from FWD.

More surprise benefits on ground to complete your ultimate Aurora Music Festival experience.

FWD Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer, Roche Vandenberghe emphasizes there is a protection gap among those in the creative industry, including the artists, composers, and those working behind the scenes.

“Aligned with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, we want to do our part in nation-building by expanding our Celebrate living series with The One for Music Lovers insurance plan,” said Vandenberghe.

“With our new plan, we’re providing accessible and affordable protection for every Filipino who is a music lover, from the listeners to those who make music their livelihood, supporting the country’s creative economy.” 

The FWD Celebrate living series includes the insurance brand’s innovative protection policies including The One for gamers that is designed specifically to complement the lifestyle of the Filipino gaming community.

Ready to thank yourself later and to enjoy 1Oxperiences at the Aurora Music Festival? Get The One for Music Lovers by visiting shop.fwd.com.ph or contact an FWD financial advisor now.
Read More

Annual Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study reveals significant decline in cash payments amid rise in cashless transactions

Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study


Philippine market sees steady increase in contactless payment acceptance and use

The cashless wave continues to gain momentum in the Philippines as consumer habits shift away from cash dependence, and more towards usage of cashless payments. This is according to Visa’s latest Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, which indicates a notable decline in cash usage to 87%, from 96% in 2022.

The Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study is an annual study covering payment behaviors of Filipino consumers when it comes to digital payments, digital banking and the future of commerce. The latest edition is in its 10th year running and was based on interviews conducted in October to November 2023 with 1,000 Filipino consumers aged 18-65 years old, spread across different cities/regions and income brackets, with the minimum monthly income being PHP 12,000.

Driven by the younger (Gen Z and Gen Y) and more affluent segments, Filipino consumers are increasingly embracing cashless transactions, going without cash for an average of 10 days. Specifically, card payments usage was at 70% (including swipe / insert, online, and tap-to-pay / contactless payments) in 2023, while mobile wallets usage stood at 87%, on par with cash transactions.

43% of Filipinos who were surveyed now carry less cash in their wallets mainly due to the growing consumer habit of using cashless and contactless payments, alongside the increasing acceptance of cashless payments among stores & merchants.

Supermarkets (88%), food and dining (86%), and bill payments (82%) are the leading merchant categories that consumers observed to have opened up acceptance of cashless payment methods compared to a year ago.

“Filipinos are becoming more comfortable with cashless payments, and we are confident that they will continue to embrace new innovations in the digital payment landscape,” says Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines. “With growth attributed to increasing payment acceptance across merchants for cards, both dip and contactless, as well as mobile wallets, Visa remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition to a cash-lite society by providing secure and convenient digital payment solutions.”

Growing acceptance and usage of contactless payments among Filipinos

Contactless payments – including contactless cards, QR codes, and mobile wallets – are driving the growth of cashless payments in the country.

According to the study, about 9 in 10 Filipinos are aware of and interested in using contactless cards and QR codes when paying for their transactions. Specifically, 32% of Filipinos used contactless cards for their payments in 2023, mainly driven by the affluent population. Meanwhile, 55% used QR codes, with at least 50% adoption across age groups except for consumers aged 59-65 (31%).

Among mobile wallet users, paying through QR codes is the most preferred method for 38% of consumers, making mobile wallets the most preferred funding source for QR payments. Scanning the QR code in-store is the preferred mode of payment by 78% of its users.

When travelling overseas, Filipinos prefer to use cards for cross-border payments, where 55% of consumers prefer debit and credit cards for the convenience, time savings, and hassle-free user experience. An emerging trend is the use of QR codes for cross-border payments, with 37% of Filipinos currently aware of and have tried using it. Meanwhile, 69% of those who have not tried it have expressed interest in using it in the future.

Road to a cashless society

With the shift to digital forms of payment, 52% of consumers are confident to go without the use of cash, and rely on cashless payment methods entirely for at least a week. Moreover, 1 in 3 consumers (37%) believe that the Philippines will be a cashless society by the year 2030 – if not sooner.

“Our study shows that the cashless wave is maintaining its momentum in the Philippines. We are moving closer to achieving a cashless Philippine society, but we still have some way to go,” said Navarro. “Visa plays a strategic role in the payment ecosystem to drive financial and digital inclusion by partnering with the government, banks and financial institutions, and fintechs to support the development of digital payments in the Philippines. We are supporting the digitization journey in the Philippines – such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap – by providing consumers and businesses with convenient, seamless and safe digital payment solutions.”
Read More

Igloo and Lazada unveil protection plans for electronics, phone screens, and beauty products in the Philippines - a first for the e-commerce platform in the country

Monday, March 4, 2024

protection plans for electronics

Regional insurtech Igloo has partnered with leading e-commerce platform Lazada to offer Filipino shoppers protection plans for their online purchases. This is part of Igloo’s continued mission to improve the online shopping experience through purchase protection products.

“E-commerce is a fast-growing industry in the Philippines and it’s safe to say that more and more Filipinos have embraced online shopping as a fast and convenient way to access a diverse range of products and services. There are currently 38.9 million e-commerce shoppers in the Philippines, a number that is expected to reach 55.8 million by 2025. Of these, approximately 25% of Filipinos who shop online do so at least once a month,” said Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines. "As the number of Filipinos engaging in online purchases continues to rise, it becomes increasingly imperative to provide them with protection throughout their entire shopping journey, extending support even after they've received their products."

In collaboration with Igloo, Lazada has introduced three comprehensive online shopping protection products tailored for its electronics and beauty products. These protection plans are seamlessly integrated into the checkout process. Before finalizing their payment, customers will be presented with a tailored insurance plan specific to the item they are purchasing. This includes a transparent display of the associated premium, ensuring a clear understanding of the additional cost that will be integrated into their total transaction.

The Electronic Protection and Gadget Protection products ensures extensive protection for all kinds of electronic products and gadgets. from accidental and liquid damage, as well as loss due to theft or robbery, along with the added benefit of professional repair and service at authorized centers. Both products are underwritten by Etiqa Insurance. Specifically for non-electronic products, Igloo and Etiqa present Merchandise Protection which protects orders from accidental damage and theft.

Additionally, Product Liability Protection addresses adverse reactions to beauty products (cosmetics, lotions, bath essentials) purchased on Lazada. Underwritten by Liberty Insurance, coverage encompasses protection against chemical burns and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) resulting from product use. Consumers availing of this product gain access to teleconsultations, medical reimbursements, and emergency hospitalization.

“At Igloo, our core mission revolves around facilitating easy, affordable, and convenient access to insurance products for consumers. We believe that insurance should be straightforward and accessible to everyone. In line with this commitment, our collaboration with Lazada has been carefully designed to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience for individuals seeking protection for their online purchases,” Vea added.

Igloo’s partnership with Lazada is part of its goal to increase insurance penetration by offering microinsurance products designed to cater to the increasingly digital lifestyle of consumers in the Philippines and across the region.
Read More

SEA’s Outbound and Inbound Tourism Spending Rebounds on Ant Group's Cross-Border Merchant Networks During Chinese New Year Break


Data from Ant Group shows a robust rebound of consumer spending during the first back-to-normal Chinese New Year (CNY) travel season after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in cross-border tourism. 

Robust recovery, diversified destinations, and scenarios for Chinese tourists in the region are made possible by Alipay+

Through the Alipay+ cross-border mobile payment technology solutions, travelers may pay for goods, food and beverage, recreation, and entertainment at over 8 million merchants in over 70 countries and regions, all from their familiar home app, without needing to change money or carry cash. On top of this, they can enjoy in-app instant tax refunds, as well as transparent and competitive exchange rates. Within the Philippines, Alipay+ is currently expanding its merchant coverage in Manila and Cebu, the two most popular destinations in the country. 

Meanwhile, a global campaign has been in full swing on the Alipay+ merchant network since December 2023 to attract outbound travel for Chinese tourists. In the CNY holiday week between February 9th and 12th, the number of transactions made by Alipay users overseas surpassed that of 2019 by 7 percent, while consumer spending recovered to 82 percent of the 2019 level, or 2.4 times that of 2023. Compared to last year, spending by Chinese tourists in the Philippines via their home e-wallet, Alipay, particularly increased by 50 percent this year, with shopping as the most popular category. Other than those from the Chinese mainland, tourists from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are the top three biggest spenders in the Philippines.

Closer socio-economic connections between Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and the Chinese Mainland, the new visa-free policies from major Southeast Asia destinations, and recovering international flight capacities are key enablers of the cross-border travel boom. 

Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macao SAR, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, France, Australia, and Canada are the top destinations for Chinese travelers by their Alipay spending. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore combined saw a 7.5 percent increase over 2019, and a 580 percent leap over 2023, with Thailand leading in total volume and Malaysia showing the largest increase. 

Besides a larger physical parameter, the Chinese globetrotter is also expanding her interest from traditional activities like shopping and tourism spotshopping to more immersive and unique local experiences. Globally in the CNY week, Chinese tourists spent 70 percent more on food and beverage than in 2019, venturing from downtown hotspots to out-of-the-way local treasures. 

In-town transportation volume grew fast thanks to the passion for "travel local.". Alipay users in multiple destinations now may choose from rail, taxi, rideshare, car rental, bus, subway, and even scooter-share when abroad, all from the familiar app on their own phone. The cost per ride on any vehicle for Alipay travelers dropped by 60 percent compared to 2019. A lighter carbon footprint also means more local SMEs on the public transport network gain a share of international tourist revenue. 

Promoting cross-border travel among Alipay+ partner e-wallets and bank apps

The Chinese New Year is widely celebrated across Asian communities. With new partnerships in 2023 and increased travel, total cross-border spending on the region's leading e-wallets powered by Alipay+ increased by 252 percent year-on-year. Daily average transactions increased by 304 percent. Japan, South Korea, Macao SAR, Thailand, and Singapore are the top 5 most popular destinations for Alipay+ consumers besides the Chinese mainland, where the Philippines ranked as the 8th most popular destination globally.

"With its use spreading across age and income groups, increasingly mobile payment is becoming an important promoter of local and cross-border commerce in Asia and beyond, " said Douglas Feagin, Senior Vice President of Ant Group and Head of Alipay+. "We expect to grow our partnerships with payment industry leaders, national tourist agencies, and merchants in 2024 to generate more growth. "

Enabled via Alipay+, Alipay (Chinese mainland) has been accepted by local merchants in the Philippines since 2017, while more e-wallets launched locally last year, such as AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Kakao Pay (South Korea), and Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia). Overall, these e-wallets provide added convenience to tourists, while bringing more growth opportunities to local merchants. 

The addition of these new e-wallets ahead of the peak travel season, with a predicted 8.21 million inbound tourists for the Philippines this year, provides a convenient payment experience for tourists while bringing more growth opportunities to local merchants.
Read More

FWD’s new campaign inspires Filipinos to prioritize insurance today to build their best future tomorrow

Sunday, March 3, 2024



In celebration of its 1Oth anniversary, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) launched a new campaign that kindles the need for Filipinos to insure themselves today.

The campaign video portrays different Filipinos of the next generation and their aspirations. Each character meets the best future version of themselves, who thanks the present self for taking the steps towards achieving their dreams.

At 1O years young, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) has been the insurer of the next generation by changing the way people feel about insurance through innovative, inclusive, and people-centric plans fit for Filipinos’ evolving needs.

“Our main objective for this campaign is to address the priority gap most Filipinos are exhibiting, meaning they know about insurance, but they do not prioritize getting one,” said Roche Vandenberghe, FWD Philippines Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer. “With more Filipinos are doing all they can to secure the best future for themselves and their loved ones, we want to support them by making sure their hard work will always be protected.”

Ms. Vandenberghe refers to a 2023 consumer study finding 81% of Filipinos allocating more of their budget for essentials due to inflation. Based on the same study, 78% of Filipinos are also reportedly saving money for the future.[CTCMGO1] [SR2]

While these numbers suggest Filipinos have become more practical with their finances, many still show a priority gap in other essentials such as income protection. This contributes to the Philippines having one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in the region at less than 2%.

Unaddressed, the priority gap leads to protection gap, where they are more susceptible to economic losses due to their vulnerability to critical illness, accidents, and loss of life.

As out-of-pocket expenses for essentials continuously rely on their income, more Filipinos can benefit by prioritizing financial protection as a necessity in building their best future.

Ms. Vandenberghe emphasizes that FWD’s approach is anchored on protecting people’s desired way of life. “We want to do our part in ensuring that Filipinos can celebrate living and build their best future. What you do today makes a difference tomorrow, and by choosing FWD, you can thank yourself later—we got your back.”

Ready to thank yourself later? Learn more about FWD’s campaign and innovative income protection products — visit fwd.com.ph. 

[CTCMGO1]Should we begin the media release with the introduction of FWD's campaign and initiatives? There is no core message in this draft but only mention the statistics.

[SR2]Applied.
Read More
...