CEB announces the resumption of its direct Cebu-Surigao route every Tuesday, beginning January 12, 2021

The Philippines' leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), expands its domestic footprint with the commencement of direct flights between Manila and Surigao every Saturday, beginning January 16, 2021. The Manila-Surigao route will be operated by wholly owned subsidiary Cebgo using its fleet of ATR aircraft.  

To mark the launch of this new route, seats on CEB's Manila-Surigao flights will be sold for as low as PHP499 base fare until January 31, 2021. Travel period is from January 16 to April 30, 2021. 

The Cebgo flight from Manila departs at 9:55AM, and arrives in Surigao at 12:15PM; while its return flight leaves the Surigao Airport at 12:35PM and arrives in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 2:55PM.  

“We are very pleased to launch this direct flight between Manila and Surigao as we believe this will contribute to the recovery of the travel and tourism industry. There is pent up demand for travel and this direct connection will allow both residents and tourists alike to fly to and from Surigao conveniently starting next year, be it for leisure or business purposes,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience. 

Apart from this new route, CEB also announces the resumption of its direct Cebu-Surigao route every Tuesday, beginning January 12, 2021. Seats on this flight are also on sale for as low as PHP 299 one-way base fare. 

The Province of Surigao del Norte requires arriving tourists to present a negative RT-PCR (swab) test result taken at least 48 hours before departure, a confirmed hotel booking for at least 15 days in a DOT-accredited facility, a printed copy of Surigao del Norte's Provincial Health e-FORM, and a valid identification card. 

To date, Cebu Pacific operates flights to and from 30 domestic and five (5) international destinations. CEB has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include contactless procedures, thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, mandatory wearing of masks and face shields for both passengers and crew, as well as Antigen testing for CEB frontliners before duty.  On top of these, our aircraft are also equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters with 99.99% efficacy, keeping viruses at bay.   

For a list of travel requirements, testing options, flexibility options and frequently asked questions, passengers are encouraged to visit https://bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders. 

Samsung Electronics Appoints New President & CEO for Southeast Asia & Oceania

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the appointment of Mr. Sangho Jo as President and CEO of Southeast Asia & Oceania. 

A proven Samsung leader with over three decades of experience across business groups and geographies, Mr. Jo will steer the strategic growth directions of Samsung Electronics in Southeast Asia & Oceania. 

 

Markets in Southeast Asia & Oceania are integral to Samsung Electronics’ long-term growth plans, with the region poised to sustain its rapid economic growth into the next decade, built on the digital ambitions of its cities, industries and communities. Mr. Jo will guide the business towards cementing its industry leadership and seizing long-term growth opportunities in this region by forging partnerships, creating operational excellence, and ultimately, building brand trust amongst consumers and enterprises. 

 

He was most recently appointed President and CEO for Samsung Electronics in Europe, where he led the business to achieve sustainable commercial growth and brand favorability in 2020. In the past decade, Mr. Jo has served as President in the following markets: Samsung Electronics Germany (2019), United Kingdom (2015 – 2017), Sweden (2012 – 2014), Austria (2011), Baltic countries (2009 – 2010), and also served as Head of Visual Display business for Samsung Europe based in South Korea (2017 – 2018). 

Mr. Jo is not new to the Southeast Asia & Oceania region, having worked in Samsung Electronics Singapore (1997), Vietnam (1998 – 2000) and Malaysia (2007 – 2008). He said: “I am pleased to return to Southeast Asia and Oceania, and lead one of the vibrant leading hubs for Samsung Electronics globally. I look forward to strengthening the strong relationships we have built with our partners and customers here and explore exciting new consumer and commercial partnerships, steering Samsung into the next stage of growth in the region.”  

 

“In an era defined by rapid digital disruptions, we are committed to empowering the digital ambitions of nations, industries and communities in Southeast Asia and Oceania, and to help fulfil the potential of the people here through next-generation technologies,” he added.  

 

FWD Insurance launches FWD Affiliate Program app

FWD Insurance is excited to announce the launch of a digital ecosystem that rewards everyone for doing good by way of sharing financial life skills and helping bridge the protection gap in the country.

 

The groundbreaking  is a first in the market. Everyone can be an affiliate by simply downloading the mobile app and completing the registration process for free. 

Through the app, our financial advisors can spread financial knowledge and awareness in a trust-based environment to help others upskill their financial management and start futureproofing with investments and life insurance. At a time when Filipinos are stretching their budgets, now they can get expert financial self-help, and even be an ambassador helping others increase their financial IQ by sharing inspiring posts with rewards. Technology that enables this Affiliate app could not have come at a better time. The current global pandemic has made people think more about life and health issues, while economic uncertainty has triggered increasing interest in financial management and planning. Recent statements made by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas exposed the average Filipino’s vulnerability: only 48% have savings to lean on during hard times, while household out-of-pocket expenses for health financing rose to a staggering P379.7B in 2019, as reported by the latest Philippine Statistics Authority numbers.

According to FWD Insurance President and CEO Li Hao Zhuang, the Affiliate Program is a win-win platform for everyone involved. The app offers shareable financial knowledge, tools and solutions while also creating employment, with an aim to start a virtuous cycle that directly empowers people and impacts enhances protection inclusion.

 

Li Hao said: “We want to reduce the digital divide and address the protection gap in the country. Through FWD’s Affiliate app, we democratize financial education and protection and make it rewarding for everyone. It allows our customers to be rewarded for doing good, and we believe that is especially valuable in this time of need.”

 

For more information regarding FWD Insurance’s products, customers can connect with their FWD Insurance advisor or via FWD’s 24/7 Live Chat (https://fwd.com.ph).

 

Double the fun with Goldilocks Double Dutch Cake

Craving for that double licious goodness? You can have it anytime of the day only at Goldilocks. 

Level-up any occasion with a Goldilocks Double Dutch cake. Indulge in the fusion of soft chocolate and marble chiffon cakes with rich buttercream and marshmallow filling and covered with luscious chocolate fudge icing.  It will surely be the perfect centerpiece for any celebration!

 

Get this and other products starting January 22, 2021 at Goldilocks bakeshops nationwide, and for more information, you may follow @GoldilocksPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

Alfamart supports Chic.boy Republik Corp

Many had to shut their business due to pandemic but not Eden Satinigan who remain calm and get to partner with Alfamart Philippines. 

Eden Satinitigan is a businessman that has enjoyed a comfortable career as one of the owners of two companies. KDJA Construction Services, an engineering and construction firm, and SafeXpress Logistics, Inc., a supply chain company, was business-as-usual until the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic struck.

 

The ensuing quarantine limited the operation of construction companies, while logistics firms had to be more stringent, and invest more, in order to keep operating amidst a pandemic. With one of their businesses pretty much in limbo, Eden knew he had to make a drastic shift to compensate.

 

Fortunately for him, One of SafeXpress’s clients for the past two years was Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart in the Philippines. So when he decided to open up the take-out roast chicken stall, Chic.boy Republik , he knew exactly whom to partner with to give his new business an instant boost.

“I knew the correct door to knock on,” Eden said. “Then phone calls turned into meetings. Then meetings turned into what Chic.boy Republik Corp is today,” he continued.

 

Barely six months from opening their first two stalls in the Saog and Sta. Rosa II Alfamart branches (both in Marilao, Bulacan), Chic.Boy Republik expanded to three more branches in other Alfamart stores.

 

Eden credited the success of the business to the advice he got from Alfamart. “We were new to the food business so we really needed all the help we could get,” he said. “Alfamart has been very supportive of us since day one. They helped us make sound business decisions as we explored this whole new world of the food business,” he added.

 

“Alfamart is always ready to help its partners,” said Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey T. Ong. “We’ve always had a culture of inclusive growth, and aim to raise each other up. This remains true whether it be in times of crisis or of relative comfort. Partnering with Chic.Boy Republik was a joy because they were willing to take risks, and eager to improve in their new line of business,” he continued.

 

Alfamart Philippines is always looking for small businesses to partner with. For more information on how your business can work together with Alfamart, visit https://www.alfamart.com.ph/be-a-tenant/.

Enjoy warm moments together with the family at home with crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy

The pandemic has made us busier than ever. With life happening from home, it is easy to get consumed with all the responsibilities and limitations we have to deal with.

 

Moments where the family gets to spend time together – despite busy schedules and times of worry – are truly worth valuing and celebrating, and Jollibee knows this best.

[VIDEO LINK]: <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJollibeePhilippines%2Fvideos%2F816533099195034%2F&show_text=true&width=380" width="380" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>

 

In its latest commercial starring Charlene Muhlach and family, Charlene emphasizes the value of making the most of these times together with family and giving them only the best, a bucket of crispylicious and juicylicious Jollibee Chickenjoy, to those they love the most!

 

“Times are especially tougher nowadays, and moments with the family around are some of what we value the most. Our new ad honors the parents that choose to give only the best to their family, such as Jollibee Chickenjoy, because it make warm moments with loved ones even better,” said Cathleen Capati, AVP for Marketing – Bestsellers Category.

 

You can have your favorite Chickenjoy safely delivered to you anytime via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, foodpanda, and LalaFood! It’s also available via Drive-Thru and

Take-Out.

 

Galaxy ambassadors Catriona Gray, Liza Soberano, Jane De Leon, Ben&Ben, and SB19 share messages of love to their followers

Christmas may look different this year, but #TeamGalaxy ambassadors are spreading the cheer in a series of holiday videos. Galaxy ambassadors Catriona Gray, Liza Soberano, Jane De Leon, Ben&Ben, and SB19 share messages of love to their followers.

 

“This year has definitely given me a lot of challenges and different things to go through, and I’m sure it’s the same with you guys. I’m grateful for my loved ones and friends who have allowed me to get through it all,” shares Catriona.

 

“Despite all the hardships and struggles I’ve been facing this 2020, my fans, family, and friends have never failed in showing their love and support for me. That’s why I love and appreciate them very much,” Liza echoes the statement, saying how the people around her had her back.

 

The members of Ben&Ben continuously express their gratitude for Liwanag, the name of their fandom. Lead vocalist Miguel Guico shares, “Thank you so much, Liwanag, for being there for us and with us. We’re also here for you all.”

 

Similarly, SB19 also extends their love for their fans. Ken shares, “Thank you to everyone who keeps on supporting us despite these challenging times.”

 

“This year has been difficult for all of us but I know that no matter what happens, no matter how hard times may get, we will all get through it if we help each other and do things with love,” adds Sejun.

 

To make Christmas a little merrier, the #TeamGalaxy ambassadors are inviting everyone to brighten someone’s day with a finger heart.

 

“Send a finger heart to your friends and loved ones this Christmas to show how much you love and appreciate them,” encourages Catriona.

 

Samsung is also holding a series of holiday promos with discounts, freebies, and exclusive bundles for its Galaxy devices until December 31^[1]. Give the gift of Galaxy this year to reconnect and make up for the missed moments of 2020.

 

For more information, visit samsung.com/ph.

Make health and wealth your ultimate legacy this holiday season Inbox

You’ve spent your entire life building a stable financial future for your family. But when the pandemic happened, it heightened the importance of good health so you can live long enough to enjoy a worry-free future with your family. Suddenly, your priority isn’t only securing your assets but also staying healthy to get through the bad days, and living the good days with the ones you love.

This season of gift-giving, let your good health and wealth be your greatest gift and legacy for your family. To help you achieve this, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers, offers you the best-in-class solutions with its products, Asset Master and Global Health Access, and a value-added service, Preferred Consultation and Care.

AXA Asset Master offers wealth solutions to ensure your family continues living well long after you have passed or in case of your untimely demise. This insurance-investment plan helps preserve your estate with tax-exempt insurance proceeds and allows seamless transfer of estate with immediate release of insurance proceeds. It also comes with a guaranteed death benefit of 125 percent of the initial investment. Furthermore, you can build a diverse global portfolio with access to a variety of high-performing funds worldwide. 

 

You can also have the best-in-class health care possible with AXA Global Health Access. With comprehensive worldwide medical coverage of up to P175M annually, this best-in-class health product gives you the option to choose your doctor, even outside AXA’s network of partners. It offers full-spectrum coverage from common illnesses to life-threatening pandemic illnesses. Global Health Access features also include cashless transactions in over 1,400 hospitals and clinics in the Philippines and over 9,000 worldwide, allowing for a more convenient and accessible use. 

 

AXA also offers Preferred Consultation and Care, a value-added service for select AXA customers. Preferred Consultation and Care helps you make informed decisions in case of diagnosis of cancer or heart disease with the expert advice of Harvard-affiliated doctors. It also comes with a Personal Care manager who can help you navigate your treatment journey.  

 

Reinforce the wealth you have built with protection from health-related financial setbacks with these products and service from AXA. To know more about AXA Philippines, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

 

 

Here are 7 other reasons why it’s safest to shop at SM malls for the Holidays

We’ve all been aching to go out and do our Christmas shopping. Of course, there’s always online shopping, but there are many things that online shopping doesn’t satisfy — the feel of a new couch, the scent of aromatherapy oils, the look of a dress that fits perfectly, and the sound quality of wireless speakers. 

 

When doing your holiday shopping, make sure to go where safety protocols are strictly enforced, crowd control is imposed, and social distancing is carefully observed. Now is not the time to put down our defenses because the COVID-19 virus is not taking a holiday this season. 

For instance, when you go to an SM mall, everyone – and we mean everyone – is required to wear a face shield and face mask and to wear them properly the whole time they are in the mall. This is in accordance with government protocols and must be observed in all areas of the mall, all the time. If only for this reason, you should feel safer when you’re inside the mall. 

Aside from having everything you need so don’t waste time, here are 7 other reasons why it’s safest to shop at SM malls for the Holidays:

 

1.   Everyone is required to wear a face shield and a face mask properly inside SM.  Nope, you can’t raise your face shield or pull down your face mask, the security guard will politely call your attention and ask you to please follow the rules.

 

2.   Thorough screening at the entrance. Mallgoers must undergo temperature checks upon entering the mall which will be conducted by security personnel. There will also be automatic alcohol dispensers which customers can use to sanitize their hands. Before entering any SM establishment, customers, tenants, and employees are also now required to register via Trace Together, a nationwide end-to-end contact tracing solution that is compliant with government and data privacy guidelines.

 

3.   Practice social distancing at all times. Shoppers are asked to carry out proper queuing and safe distancing by remaining one meter apart from others. Safe distancing guidelines are in effect in areas such as escalators and elevators. At the escalators, mallgoers must be at least two steps apart from each other, while standard and larger elevators can be used at 50% capacity.

 

4.   Meticulous sanitation. All 76 malls nationwide are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the opening and throughout the day, especially in common areas with heavy customer foot traffic. Alcohol dispensers are found everywhere, and restrooms are sanitized every 30 minutes. Escalators are equipped with UV handrail sanitizers, while elevator buttons are copper-shielded to help eliminate the COVID-19 virus.

 

5.   Crowd control. If you’re planning on shopping for gifts, crowd control is enforced at SM. The mall monitors and implements the capacity limit in line with government guidelines. The number of people inside stores, supermarkets, and restaurants are limited as well to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper social distancing.

 

6.  Safe dining. Diners are seated at tables following social distancing guidelines, many restaurants have acrylic barriers. Tables are also strategically placed so that every diner is safely distanced from each other.

 

7.   Contactless payment options. To lessen physical contact,  SM tenants have implemented cashless payment systems via e-wallets, bank transfer, or credit and debit cards.

 

As the most wonderful time of the year draws near, make sure  you get to continue celebrating the Holidays with family by taking the safer option when you go out to go shopping.  This Christmas season, SM remains committed to safe malling for all so that everyone can enjoy the Holiday cheer without worry.

And why worry? #EverythingsHereAtSM!

Here are reasons why you should buy a Beko double oven electric cooker

When buying a cooker, it is best to choose one that will address your specific needs. For example, do you usually prepare a lot of dishes at one time? Do you cook and bake at the same time or do you just cook and order baked goodies?

 

Beko, Europe's No. 1 appliance brand, aims to empower Filipinos to live healthier lives and offer them convenience with products that have the latest innovations and technologies.

 

A good and reliable cooker is particularly important during the holidays when Filipino families prepare so much food, which is the center of celebrations.

 

Beko's cookers offer convenience so that you can multi-task while cooking your family's Christmas feast. The Beko Freestanding 60 c.m. Double Oven Electric Cooker BDC6C55X is a 3-in-1 with an electric induction-cooker and two ovens with a grill.

 

Here are reasons why Beko Freestanding 60cm Double Oven Electric Cooker BDC6C55X should be your choice:

 

• It's a 3-in-1 so you can cook, bake and grill simultaneously. 
• A cooker that is functional helps make food preparation hassle-free. Home chefs with large families often spend almost the entire day cooking. The BDC6C55X eases your stress in cooking with its time-saving features.
• The heart of every kitchen is the cooker. Aside from being functional, Beko's cookers are built along classic and stylish lines so they look good in your kitchen. The Beko BDC6C55X comes in Stainless Steel.

 

"The Filipino Christmas celebration is centered around food and Beko is very proud to be part of that with our cookers. Even in these difficult times, families still want to celebrate the joys of the season with sumptuous and festive food," said Beko Pilipinas Country Manager Gurhan Gunal.

 

For more information, visit Beko Philippines’ Facebook page at facebook.com/bekoph.

 

New SFEX road opens to motorists from December 28 to January 15

Starting today, December 28 and until January 15 next year, the new and expanded section of the 8.2-km Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) will be opened temporarily to serve motorists coming in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the holiday season.

 

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar along with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma B. Eisma and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, led the drive-thru of the new expressway lanes built to improve traffic flow and road safety. 

The new SFEX road, constructed beside the existing SFEX carriageway, will be available to motorists on December 28, 2020 until January 15, 2021 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. During this period, it will be closed from 6:01 pm to 5:59 am the next day for the continuing construction of remaining works.

 

“The project is 92 percent complete. While there are still works to be done in some areas, we are temporarily opening the new road to ease the travel of our motorists this holiday season, especially the truckers and merchants who are delivering essential goods,” said Secretary Villar.

 

The 1.6-billion SFEX Capacity Expansion entails the conversion of the Subic Freeport Expressway to a 2x2 divided expressway, with the construction of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel.  This will increase the road capacity of SFEX from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction. 

 

The project also includes the installation of expressway-standard LED lights, the raising of elevation of Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and the enhancement of the drainage system for better flood management in the area.

 

A series of road safety audits showed that the whole project alignment, except for the portion of Jadjad Bridge which is still under construction, has complied with the safety requirements thus safe for use by the motoring public.

 

Earlier, TRB and NLEX representatives led by TRB Executive Director Abraham Sales and NLEX Vice President for Tollway Development and Engineering Nemesio Castillo, together with the Independent Certification Engineer, conducted a pre-opening inspection to ensure that the SFEX sections to be opened are safe for use by motorists.

 

The SFEX Capacity Expansion is envisioned to enhance accessibility and promote travel efficiency on this key road that connects Bataan and Zambales. It is also expected to boost Subic’s competitiveness as an ideal shipping gateway for businesses in Central and North Luzon.

 

“With the improved and expanded SFEX, the transport of goods in and out of the Subic Freeport will be faster and easier. Night driving will also be equally safe and enjoyable for our motorists,” said Bautista. 

 

The Subic Freeport Expressway was built when the Philippines was chosen to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 1996. It initially aimed to cut down travel time from Hermosa, Bataan to Subic, Zambales from almost one hour to less than 10 minutes. With the capacity expansion project, more motorists will be accommodated at any given time and will  enjoy a safer and more convenient journey.