From Passbook to Phone: Embracing the mobile banking lifestyle

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way the world works. The need for social distancing and quarantine travel restrictions have made previously-straightforward tasks such as banking transactions far more challenging.

So what is the best way to cope? As in many cases, the use of available technology can make things a lot easier.

Metrobank, one of the country’s top banks, is actively encouraging all of its clients to transition to mobile banking. While their staff is ready and fully capable to serve clients face-to-face, online options have added a layer of safety amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Most banking tasks can now be done via your phone or computer, so you don’t have to go out and line-up to a teller to manage your finances. Here are just some of them, and their practical applications.

1.     Balance monitoring

You don’t have to go to your ATM or ask a teller to know how much money your accounts have. All you have to do is fire up your Metrobank Mobile App and you can see your balance in real-time.

You can even monitor your recent activities, both debit and credit, so you don’t have to guess if you really did or did not approve of certain transactions.

Apart from aiding financial discipline, this helps detect and prevent fraud.

2.     Fund transfersNeedless to say, the most fundamental transactions can be done online. Transferring money to another account, same bank or otherwise, can be done with a few taps or clicks.

In the case of the Metrobank Mobile App, all you have to do is put in the recipient’s Metrobank account number or their app-registered mobile number, the amount you need to send, confirm, and you’re done. The transfer is also reflected in real-time so the recipient won’t have to wait for a day or so before checking to confirm if they’ve received the funds.

You can also choose to enroll “Peer” accounts that you regularly send money to so you don’t have to always input their account number or mobile number. You can even schedule these transfers to happen automatically in a given period if you choose.

Sending money to other banks is also possible via InstaPay, which credits funds real-time, or PESONet. Fees for these transactions are waived during the ECQ when done using the Metrobank Mobile App.

This is especially useful if you’re looking to send money to help out friends and family, or paying for goods and services that you procured online.

3.     Bills paymentEven though malls and some payment centers are closed during the ECQ, the Bills Payment utility in the Metrobank Mobile App allows you to pay your bills directly from your bank account.

After enrolling the most common payable bills to your account (Meralco, PLDT, Globe, Smart, etc.) and selecting them, all you have to do is to enter the account details and amount due to complete your payment transaction.

4.     Cardless Withdrawal

In a situation wherein you need to withdraw cash but forgot to bring with you your ATM Card, you will find useful the Cardless Withdrawal feature in the Metrobank Mobile App.

Cardless withdrawal allows you to withdraw a certain amount from your account without having to use your ATM card in any of the 2,300 Metrobank Group ATMs. 

To facilitate this feature, open the Metrobank Mobile App then simply key in the amount you wish to withdraw and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) of your choice. The app will then provide you with a six-digit PIN that pairs with yours.

Once confirmed, go to the nearest Metrobank ATM or PSBank ATM, press ENTER in the ATM Keypad, key in the amount and the PINs, and the machine will dispense the requested amount.

Even before the ECQ, these mobile banking features have been available, but they are particularly useful during these times. One of the things that we can take from our current stay-at-home situation is to change our banking habits and transition into a more convenient and secure digital banking lifestyle.

To know more about the features of the Metrobank Mobile App, please visit the Metrobank website at metrobank.com.ph or Metrobank’s Facebook page at facebook.com/metrobank.

Bo’s Coffee puts safety, sanitation at forefront as it reopens its doors to patrons after ECQ lift

The safety and health of customers, delivery partners and store teams remain the top priority at Bo’s Coffee. With the continued spread of COVID-19 threats around the country, most businesses remain closed until the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted, while others are able to open but with their own ways of keeping their stores safe and sanitary.

One of the local businesses that is slowly re-opening their doors is Bo’s Coffee, the beloved Philippine-homegrown coffee chain. While the brand continues to serve through delivery and pick-up from few select locations, Bo’s Coffee is also preparing to slowly reopen their stores to the public with extra safety and sanitary measures to ensure that their customers are in good hands. 

Here are the things Bo’s Coffee is currently doing to ensure the safety and sanitation of their stores for their customers and its store teams: 

COVID-19 Safety Plan – How Bo’s Coffee is making sure their customers are safe 

Sanitation Stations

Among its current efforts are providing sanitation stations which includes foot baths or sanitation mats that will be used by customers and team members to sanitize their shoes before entering the store, an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser at the entrance of the store, hand sanitizers at the cashier and bar areas, and temperature checks by the store team member or security personnel. 

Air Quality

Air conditioning units and air vents will be thoroughly sanitized and cleaned at least once a week to make sure there is minimal chance of air contamination.

Store team members are also required to wear face masks at all times.

Social Distancing

Initially, most stores will be open only for entryway service, delivery, pick-up, take-out and curbside pick-up. Stores that will be open for dine-in service will have their seating capacity lessen by half to maintain social distancing. 

There will be markers on the floor to indicate proper distance between customers who are in line to order. 

Contactless Transactions

Contactless service is also being strictly implemented during this time and customers are strongly encouraged to use Bo’s Coffee Order Ahead via Messenger platform for seamless ordering and cashless payment. 

Online ordering and delivery is also available through their delivery partners FoodPanda, LalaFood, and soon GrabFood.

All electronic payments are accepted at Bo’s Coffee and for credit card payments, customers will be asked to personally slot in their credit card in the terminal. Meanhwhile, there will be cash trays provided for cash transactions to avoid direct contact. 

While Bo’s Coffee has strongly supported the movement on reducing single-use plastic, the safety of customers is now of higher importance and points of contact are minimized with the use of disposable packaging and non-use of ceramic wares and personal tumblers.

Condiments will be removed from the condiments station to minimize handling by multiple people and will be given by the barista together with the beverage order.

COVID-19 Safety Plan – How they’re making sure their store team members are safe 

Health and Safety of Team Members

Aside from their customers, the company also highly prioritizes the safety and health of their employees. 

Some of the measures being implemented are daily body temperature checks of each store personnel at the start of each shift, clothes and shoes sanitation of each employee upon arrival at the store, personal protective equipment such as face masks, face shields and gloves are to be worn by each team member at all times, and a foot bath/sanitation mat will be provided for them, among other things. 

Sanitation Strategy 

Before store reopening, team members will undergo online training on new and updated safety, cleaning and sanitation procedures.

Team members are also required to follow strict cleaning and sanitation procedures during pre-opening and post-closing of the store. While in operation, all points of contact and areas touched by customers and team members will be cleaned and sanitized regularly. 

Since the washroom is considered a hotspot, it will be kept locked, but customers will be 

advised to ask the store team member to open it—should they need to use it—and will be sanitized after every use.

The re-opening of Bo’s Coffee stores will be based on the national government’s guidelines on which areas are under ECQ or GCQ. However, at the top of mind is the consideration for team members’ accessibility and safety as well as customer needs.

“As the post COVID-19 new normal, things will be very different with our stores now putting more emphasis on providing a safe and sanitary experience to both customers and team members, but the one thing that will be the same is we will strive to provide our customers the best Philippine Coffee experience whether in the comfort of their homes or in our stores,” Bo’s Coffee chief executive officer Steve D. Benitez said.

For more details on Bo’s Coffee Brand Story, current store operations, products and services, you may visit their website at www.boscoffee.com and their social media accounts at Facebook.com/boscoffee/ IG and Twitter @boscoffee.

Check out what perfect device will match your incredible mom!

As Mother’s Day is right around the corner, we identified the different kinds of moms and the perfect gifts to give them during this special day. Check out what perfect device will match your incredible mom!

For the Moms Who Love and Values Beauty

Beauty is different for everyone and for some, this becomes the identity that they grow old with. For the moms out there who are forever in love with beauty, those with appearances change over time but still has the heart of the little girl she used to be, the moms who love all things beautiful and always want to share happiness—nothing but the smartphones with the best cameras in the market, the HUAWEI P40 Pro, HUAWEI nova 7i, and HUAWEI Y7!

For the moms who love to treasure the precious family moments, taking photos will be a breeze for them! With Huawei’s groundbreaking camera technology with features like AI Portrait, high quality front and rear cameras, wide angle capabilities, ranging from flagship to entry-level, moms can now take stunning photos of the moments that truly matter. Not to mention the apps that she can use to further beautify her photos and even take videos of herself from the Huawei AppGallery like Camera 360, PicsArt, TikTok, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, Snapseed, FaceApp and many more. And if you can’t find it in the AppGallery, you can download your favorite apps via third-party app platforms as well. Get your hands on the HUAWEI P40 and P40 Pro both in 5G, HUAWEI nova 7i and let’s not forget the HUAWEI Y7 and start capturing stunning photos and videos.

For the Boss Moms Who Rule at Work and at Home

Admittedly, our jobs can be demanding and exhausting, and with the recent remote set-up that most companies are following, it’s taken things to the next level. Working at home while juggling house chores, taking care of the family and even keeping the house in place can be too much. With all the demands this current situation is giving us and most especially our moms, making work life easier is one of the things that Huawei can offer. 

To all hardworking moms who not only rule the house but their workplace as well, Huawei has the perfect match for you! As most are still struggling with the work-from-home set-up, these range of products will surely be able to keep up with the demands of the workplace. With the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro, HUAWEI MatePad Pro, and HUAWEI P40 Pro, you can keep the professional image at work, even at the comforts of your own home. This range of products will surely bring you the seamless connectivity you never knew your needed. With the help of Multi-Screen Collaboration as enabled by Huawei Share, you can easily connect your MateBook to you P40 Pro and your MatePad with you P40 Pro. This feature will give you access to multiple devices with seamless interaction, making life and work more easy and fun! To top it off, apps like Microsoft Office, ShareIt, Zoom and Teams, E-mail and other apps that utilize multi-screen operations are available to download for free in the AppGallery.

For the Moms Who Are Fitness Enthusiasts and Kitchen Experts

Being quarantined at home is not the easiest of tasks and with moms out there who surely have a lot on their plates, from chores down to taking care of the family, it is important that their health and wellness are still in check. And as the quarantine was implemented, a lot managed to take steps into improving their lifestyle whether by doing home workouts or eating food with proper amount of nutrition. The HUAWEI Watch GT2e will help moms maintain a healthy life with the watch’s various workout modes, heart rate and sleep tracker and many more. The HUAWEI nova 7i  and HUAWEI P40 Pro 5G are also the perfect partners to a healthy lifestyle where you can watch workout videos and check out healthy recipes for the whole family and to add, both can easily connect to the Watch GT2e to better monitor everything! The phones are also equipped with Huawei AppGallery which gives users access to top workout and lifestyle apps that will surely help burn that unwanted quarantine weight.

For the Moms Surrounded with their Kids

As most schools have cancelled classes, kids are now staying at home with their families. Eventually, moms now have to double their efforts to keep their kids involved and entertained. Being away from school shouldn’t mean that learning has to stop and what best way to keep them involved and entertained than hands-on learning? With this set of Huawei devices, moms and her kids will surely have fun while still exercising their minds. The HUAWEI nova 7i, HUAWEI Y7P, HUAWEI MatePad Pro which can now support drawing and coloring activities as it comes with the MPen, and the HUAWEI MateBook D14/D15 which will give moms and kids the ultimate viewing experience. 

A bonding experience doesn’t need to be extravagant, as long as you’re with the right people doing the right activities. The Huawei AppGallery can also give access to top apps like Home video, Kumu, iflix, Talking Tom 2, Candy Crush, WeSing, eDraw and many more fun games and interactive learning applications. 

Check out the latest devices, freebies and special price drop alerts! Huawei’s #StayConnectedWithMom promotion starts on May 1, 2020. Hurry, the offer is available from select retailers until May 31, 2020 only! Visit Huawei’s official Facebook Page to learn more about the mechanics and partner retailers: https://tinyurl.com/y88h7dbw

UP BATANGAN ALUMNI MEMBERS LAUNCH ISANG BATANGAN, ISANG LABAN INITIATIVE

Isang Batangan, Isang Laban online campaign is a collective effort of like minded professionals who are from the province of Batangas, all of them are UP Batangan Alumni members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines (Media, Production, Film, Advertising, Engineering, Marketing and Healthcare).

Bound by their socio-civic spiritedness since college days, these individuals made an initiative to drive Bayanihan and solidarity in this time of physical distancing to create a meaningful campaign to give honor and aide in the fight against pandemic specific to healthcare workers in Batangas.

It is true that no distance can make anything happen in time of crisis.

By the power of digital tech and information, they were able to launch and produce an original video curating and collaborating medical doctors from the province to narrate actual experiences in the frontlines and ask for help to equip hospital(s)  as they continue to battle this unseen enemy.

In solidarity with Ryan Agoncillo (a native from Rosario, Batangas) and Kimpoy Feliciano (a known online personality), this original piece unveils the spirit of Bayanihan, malasakit and unity. True to the spirit of Batanguenos, to be brave in every fight, they call for One Batangas (Isang Batangan), One Fight (Isang Laban).

#Isang Batangan , #IsangLaban , #TulongNa

For those who want to help the initiative you may contact:

BatMC Pediatrics Dept. – BDO Acct No: 001920223841

Acct. Name: Elizabeth V. Palines

BatMC DRRMH Office – BDO Acct No: 003580273773

Acct. Name: Loui Lee L. De Leon

Tawagan sila sa (043) 781 3129 para sa akmang donasyon.

Taos pusong pasasalamat sa mga sumusunod:

The Huddle Room, PR and Influencer Marketing Team

PLDT Home extends Free Speedboost until May 31

In line with its efforts to keep families safe and connected at home during the enhanced community quarantine, leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT Inc. today announced the extension of its free Speedboost for PLDT Home Fibr customers and free NDD calls for all postpaid subscribers until May 31, 2020.

Moreover, this extension of free Speedboost and free NDD calls covers not only Fibr customers in the highly affected areas of Luzon but has also been expanded to benefit Fibr customers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The free Speedboost provides Fibr customers a minimum speed of 25 Mbps, which is beneficial for homes that have multiple Internet users and thus require high bandwidth to simultaneously access different web and streaming sites. 

The free NDD calls enables families to use their landlines to call relatives and friends in different parts of the country.

“We are one with every Filipino family as we strive to rise above these trying times. As we face the uncertainties of the global health crisis, we are keeping our commitment to provide the strongest connections and reliable digital solutions that our customers need to work, study, and take care of their loved ones at home,” said Al Panlilio, PLDT Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

Free Access to Content

PLDT Home Wifi and PLDT Home Volume-based plan subscribers will also continue to have FREE access to verified government and news websites such as the Department of Health (DOH), National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), News 5, Philippine Star Global, Business World, CNN Philippines, ABS-CBN News, and GMA News Online.

iFlixVIP access for subscribers of PLDT Home Fibr Plan 1899 and up has also been extended until May 31, 2020. This will allow families to enjoy thousands of TV shows, movies, and everything on iflix for their bonding activities while staying at home. 

Financial Support through Installment Payment Program

PLDT Home has also stepped up its efforts to help ease the financial burden of many families by implementing its extension payment program and suspending account disconnections during the enhanced community quarantine period. PLDT Home postpaid customers will automatically be enrolled to a 6-month installment payment scheme for all their bill balances as of April 30, 2020. This will allow them to conveniently settle their bills for six (6) months from May to October 2020.  

Starting May 1, PLDT Home subscribers will receive an updated statement of account which will reflect the installment amount and the monthly service due for the corresponding billing month. PLDT Home subscribers can also enjoy 20% or up to Php100 cashback if they settle their March to May bills in full and on time using the PayMaya app.

To conveniently track their bills and payments, PLDT Home subscribers can check their accounts through the MyPLDT-Smart App. 

“We may be socially distant, but we are united and strongly connected as one nation and community. 

PLDT Home will steadfastly work hard to keep families safe and connected as they stay at home,” said Panlilio. 

For more information about PLDT Home’s COVID-19 response, please visit http://www.pldthome.com. 

Don’t fret! #WeGotYouMom this Mother’s Day at SM!

Stuck at home this mom’s day? Don’t fret! We’ll bring the celebration to your doorstep ‘cause #WeGotYouMom at SM! 

Give an essential gift or indulge in a fruitful feast with your mom, grandma, tita, and all other momma figures out there this Mother’s day! 

“Our goal is to continue to be of service to Filipino families especially during this time. We have rolled out our take-out and delivery services to make Mom’s Day celebration extra special for all,” said SM Supermalls SVP for marketing, Jonjon San Agustin.

Short on gift ideas? These hearty treats might help:

1.     Delicious cake. Satisfy your mom’s sweet tooth with her favorite cake – whether it’s chocolate, mocha, or any other flavor you can think of.  Make sure to order ahead and have it delivered to your home this weekend! Check out the list of restaurants open in SM malls here!

2.     Gastronomic feast. Bring home delicious family bundles from mom’s favorite restaurant via SM’s take-out or delivery services!

3.     Air humidifier. Gift your mom an air humidifier at home from The SM Store, which removes common household air pollutants and can even help you breathe more pleasantly with aromatic scents.

4.     Eco-friendly tote bag. For the eco-friendly moms out there, get her a cute, well-made tote bag from The SM Store which she can take with her during trips to the mall or the grocery to buy essentials.

5.     Fragrant hand sanitizers. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Get your mom some pocket-sized hand sanitizers from Watsons which she can use while on-the-go. While you’re at it, buy reusable pump bottles and sprays which she easily refill.

6.     Gift basket. Moms deserve some home pampering too. Make her feel like a queen and give her a Watsons Gift Set with her skin and beauty favorites! Put a personal touch like a card to convey how much she means to you.

Get a chance to win SM GCs by sharing your #FAMomentsAtHome on Facebook! Get the some of the gift ideas listed above here or follow SM Supermalls Viber community for updates and a list of open restaurants here. 

Select SM malls also offer personal shoppers to make shopping easier and more convenient for you. To stay updated, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow them on all social media platforms: @smsupermalls.

Running out of your Daiso essentials? 🤔 Worry no more! ❤️

Just because you miss checking things out at Daiso. You can now
Shop easy, shop safely from the comfort of your home with these easy steps:

Step 1. Choose product/s you wish to order by visiting our catalog
https://shopee.ph/shop/166639945/search…

Step 2. Text or message via Viber your preferred Daiso Japan store for inquiries, product availability, and order placement. Wait for order confirmation before proceeding to payment. Service hours for all stores are from 9 AM - 4 PM daily.

Step 3. Arrange you preferred delivery service.

Stock varies, please check Shopee app for availability.

6 Newborn care Tips during quarantine that you need to know

Being a new mom is a big milestone and having a baby brings happiness beyond measure. However, if you gave birth to your first child recently, things might be a bit different for you because of the enhanced community quarantine. Aside from the new maternity responsibilities, fear and anxiety over the pandemic may increase stress levels. You may find yourself standing in the most joyful yet toughest time of your life.  

As the world celebrates strong, loving mothers, AXA Philippines is here to give a few tips for new moms so that you can enjoy this life stage, while minimizing the stress amid the pandemic.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Encourage your partner to be involved with some tasks like changing the diaper or putting the baby to sleep. You can also ask for support from your mother, in-laws, or friends who are also moms. They will understand your situation and provide support. However, when things get out of hand, you should have direct access to 24/7 emergency help. You can easily do so with AXA Rescue Line through the Emma by AXA app. Rescue Line is a service which provides AXA policyholders and even non-AXA customers 24/7 free access to emergency assistance. You can download the Emma by AXA app on the Google Play or App Store.

Stock up on essentials responsibly. Baby essentials are hot commodities during this time. When you go to the grocery store, avoid hoarding and only get what your baby needs so other moms can take care of their babies, too. If your local stores run out of stocks, look for other options such as reputable online sellers or eco-friendly alternatives like cloth diapers. Many of the online sellers are Filipina mommy entrepreneurs so you’ll be supporting local businesses and fellow moms.

Establish visiting rules. No matter how much you want to show off your baby, keep in mind there is an ongoing pandemic. At this time, limit “visits” to online chats and viewing. Even among household members, make sure they wash hands and wear face masks when holding baby. Given the current situation, one can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your baby from the virus or other germs.  

Set safety and hygiene routines. Take advantage of your time indoors to clean your house to mitigate the risk of exposing your baby to harmful viruses. Always wash your hands properly before handling your baby. It’s also best to disinfect your home using baby-friendly sanitizing solutions and cleaning wipes, paying special attention to your baby’s surroundings.  

Keep your baby safe while he sleeps. Avoid placing blankets, stuffed toys, and pillows in cribs as they increase the risk of suffocation. Babies also tend to wake up in the middle of the night, so it is best to put your baby's crib in the same bedroom as you. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, place them on their backs when they sleep but try to alternate the position of their head to prevent a flat spot.

Get enough rest. Pandemic or not, new moms should never neglect themselves. Try to get enough rest throughout the day. Sleep while baby is sleeping and avoid negative thoughts that might add to the stress of caring for a newborn baby. Remember, your body is still recoving from childbirth so practice self-care and be kind to yourself.

Enjoy this precious time with your newborn. Make the most of the time you have at home to bond with your baby. The first few months of baby’s life is the best opportunity to build a bond between you and your newborn. Take advantage of this period and enjoy it.

For more information on Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/.