5 million Filipinos are taking a step further into a promising future with Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

There are now more than 5 million Filipinos who have a Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account. This landmark achievement by Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), the banking arm of the leading micro-financial services company in the country, Cebuana Lhuillier, comes after the launch of the leveled up Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings product in December of last year. 

 

“We are elated that there are more and more Filipinos every day who are realizing the importance of saving and are taking charge of their future. It is very exciting that these 5 million Micro Savings account holders are not only on the first step to financial wellness, but because of our amped up product, are also Financially Mobile individuals.” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier

 

The Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings was launched in February 2019 as a basic deposit account that eliminated the need for numerous documentary requirements and maintaining balance or dormancy charges. The product was made available at Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches as it acted as CLRB’s cash agent. 

 

Recently, as an enhancement to the product, Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank mounted Discover Your Ipon Power: The Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings 2.0 Launch which unveiled new features for the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings product. 

These features are: 

(1) Cashless Payment possible through UnionPay, 

(2) ATM access powered by BancNet, 

(3) Online Transactions made easier through the eCebuana app, and 

(4) QR Technology.

 

‘Iponaryos’  are now even more empowered to take command of their future because of the transformation of their Micro Savings account from just a basic cash deposit account to an even more powerful and reliable, full-service savings account. 

Through their partnership with  BancNet, they now have unrivalled access to their finances beyond CLRB’s cash agent, Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches nationwide, this is possible through BancNet’s roster of 21,000 ATMs, and 114 member banks.

The bank’s tie-up with UnionPay further allows account holders to make debit payments through over 350,000 POS terminals, as well as partner merchants nationwide. ‘Iponaryos’ can now get the benefit of an enhanced payment security with UnionPay chip cards’ quick payment process with just a tap, using UnionPay Contactless technology.

KaCebuanas also have full online access with the use of the more efficient and more powerful eCebuana app which allows money transfers via Instapay, bills and utility payments, eLoad, and insurance purchase,the application will be even more powered thanks to new features such as the pawning ticket renewal and jewelry purchases. All these are made even more convenient since the adoption of online sign ups, which is now possible in the eCebuana app.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings further steps into the future by enabling QR Technology within the eCebuana app. This feature will also be able to make money transfers and retail payments seamless and secure.

“5 million Filipinos are taking a step further into a promising future with our powered up Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, we are confident that even more Filipinos will soon take hold of their Ipon Power.” added Dennis Valdes, President of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank.

PLDT Home’s #SheConnects campaign aims to cultivate a community of connected women empowering and inspiring one another

This Women’s Month, PLDT Home celebrates the power of female connections in a unique video series dubbed #SheConnects that features four empowered Filipinas who are builders, champions, and beacons of today’s generation. 

 

PLDT Home’s #SheConnects campaign aims to cultivate a community of connected women empowering and inspiring one another. This has not been more essential nor timely, than it is today. Amidst the challenges of a raging pandemic, providing a platform where women can convene and come together is nothing short of spectacular. Here, one woman’s success can be the bridge to fulfilling another woman’s dream. 

 

“With #SheConnects we want to shine the spotlight on incredible women who are trailblazers in their respective fields. We hope that their stories will inspire and empower other women to continue making a positive impact in society,” shares Butch Jimenez, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business – Home Group.

 

Frontlining PLDT Home’s #SheConnects campaign are four Filipinas whose advocacies and achievements are shining examples of women empowerment: Athlete, TV personality and “Woman in Action” Gretchen Ho as Beacon; Masungi Georeserve Founders and Managing Trustees Billie and Ann Dumaliang as Champions; and Social entrepreneur and Messy Bessy owner Krie Lopez as Builder. 

 

As a beacon and role model for today’s youth, Gretchen continues to inspire others to speak up and shed light on issues that impact women. From her days as a champion athlete to now being a rising-star in the news industry, Gretchen Ho is paving the way for women to use their platforms to tell their stories and be brave to stand up for what they believe in. 

 

Sisters Billie & Ann Dumaliang show other women how to be brave about one’s purpose. With dedication and effort, they have turned the Masungi Georeserve into a massively thriving example of commitment to help sustain the Philippines’ natural resources. Breaking away from the norms of corporate work, the sisters took the road less traveled and aimed for environmental awareness and conservation. They are a shining example of how women can become champions for future generation. 

 

Krie Lopez built a business with the heart at its core – love for people and planet. This has been her battle-cry from the very start. Making social enterprise a social responsibility, she has been an advocate of inclusivity for all women by providing them not just jobs but also education and holistic development. For years, she has been connecting women from different backgrounds, especially those considered “unskilled laborers,” to opportunities that can impact their lives for the better. 

 

Championing their causes, PLDT Home encourages every empowered woman to rise up and make a positive impact to other people’s lives through the power of their strongest connections at home. Through this campaign, women can elevate and educate others through a voice that can be heard clear across all generations.

 

Learn how to be a woman builder, champion, and beacon just like Gretchen Ho, Billie and Ann Dumaliang, and Krie Lopez by watching the series of Virtual Master classes on PLDT Home’s social media pages: Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. 

 

 

Join #MyShopeeWish and get a chance to win a Mega Package from Shopee and Willie Revillame

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, along with its newest brand ambassador, Willie Revillame, will make one lucky Filipino’s dreams come true with #MyShopeeWish.

 

#MyShopeeWish is an online contest asking users to submit heartfelt video entries for a chance to win a Mega Package from Shopee and Willie Revillame. The Mega Package includes an exciting selection of gadgets and home appliances from top brands such as a La Germania Gas Stove, LG Refrigerator, Sharp Washing Machine, Union Electric Fan, Ballarini Frying Pan, Samsung Galaxy A12, and Sharp 32-Inch Television.  

 

#MyShopeeWish is just one of the many activities shoppers can look forward to at the 4.4 Mega Shopping Sale. This is part of Shopee’s efforts to make online shopping more entertaining and rewarding for Filipinos. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to join #MyShopeeWish:

 

1. Create a 30-60 second video explaining why you deserve to win the Mega Package. The video should have a maximum size of 50 MB. 
2. From March 18 to April 4, upload your video entry to http://bit.ly/44MyShopeeWish. Provide personal information such as your full name, mobile phone number, home address, email address, and Shopee username as well.
3. You can only upload one official entry. However, you can also post your video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or TikTok accounts with the hashtags #MyShopeeWish #MEGAnonSaShopee.
4. Shopee’s social media team will screen each entry based on the following criteria: authenticity, 10%; adherence to the mechanics, 20%; Shopee branding, 15%; memorability, 35%; and video presentation, 20%. 
5. Shopee will select 20 finalists during the preliminary judging on April 7. Shortlisted finalists will make it to the final judging on April 8. Look out for the winner announcement on April 11 via Shopee’s official Facebook page.
6. Shopee will also notify the winner through their registered mobile number, email address, and mailing address.

 

Submit your #MyShopeeWish entries now and let Shopee know why you deserve to have your wish granted! 

 

For more information on how to join #MyShopeeWish, visit http://bit.ly/44MyShopeeWish.

 

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB - 115769 series of 2021

 

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

Experience the best of summer with TWG Tea’s Iced Teabag Collection

With the sun blazing, TWG Tea inspires tea lovers to a chic summertime soirée decked out in the most refreshing iced teas and tea accessories for the tea table. With inspirations and concoctions stemming from our exquisite tea blends, there is no better way to enjoy a hot summer day and refresh your palate. 

Enjoy the refreshing, chilled Cocktail Hour Tea, a dazzling composition of black tea and green tea composed of crimson blossoms, which illuminate notes of sweet sugar cane and rum. A tempting alcohol-free interpretation for a festive moment. Captivate the senses of tea drinkers with the Caravan Tea. A melting mélange of flavours, this China gunpowder green tea is mysteriously blended with sweet mints and notes of citrus fruits. Sit down and relax with a cold glass of Darjeeling Tea. The champagne of teas, this first flush black tea is a marvellous fine harvest which sparkles in the mouth with notes of green mango and exudes a delicious aroma reminiscent of lily of the valley. 

Luxuriously handcrafted with natural materials, every TWG Tea Iced Teabag contains the exact same handpicked, whole leaf teas retailed loose at TWG Tea Boutiques. The teabags are entirely hand sewn are free from metal staples and glue which are detrimental to the quality and flavour of the tea. Each tea blend is carefully proportioned and packaged for fuss-free preparation of refreshing TWG Tea iced teas in the comfort of your home.

Vacation days abound, TWG Tea presents the perfect accompaniment for a summer tea party - an Iced Tea Carafe series available in eight vibrant colours. Made of a very light Plexiglas, it is the perfect accessory to serve a refreshing glass of iced tea to delight and tantalise the senses of tea-drinkers everywhere. Add a pop of colour to your table setting with the Vogue Teacup & Saucer or Firefly Tea Bowl & Saucer. The Vogue teacups are made of one of the finest porcelains in the world by the most renowned artisan in Russia. The exceptional design features an original hand painted pattern available in six different colours. A classic shape with a hint of modernity which will perfectly accompany the most elegant tableware. The Firefly tea bowls and saucers are crafted from hand-blown glass with natural pigments to create each of the unique colours. Every Firefly tea bowl and saucer is a work of art, reminiscent of summer evenings and blossoming water lilies, an Impressionist dream. 

 

Experience the best of summer with TWG Tea’s Iced Teabag Collection. The Caravan Tea, Cocktail Hour Tea, and Darjeeling Tea from the Iced Teabag Collection retails at P1,695. The Iced Tea Carafe, Vogue Teacup & Saucer, and Firefly Tea Bowl & Saucer retails at P7,995, P4,295, and P2,495 respectively. Available at TWG Tea Boutiques in the Philippines. A limited selection of our finest teas and accessories is also available on our official online store at LazMall.

 

Refresh your summer days with the Summer Fling Salad and Sunny Slush at SaladStop

With summer season approaching, bringing us warmer and longer days ahead, cool down with the freshest flavors of the season from SaladStop!

 

SaladStop!’s signature of wholesome, healthy, and delicious meals has earned the love of local foodies and health enthusiasts alike. This summer, fill up with their seasonal specials – Summer Fling Salad and Sunny Slush smoothie – to cool you down while nourishing your body even on the warmest of days.

 

Refresh your summer days with the Summer Fling Salad (Php 365). This season’s featured salad is made with romaine, kale, roasted chicken, quinoa, carrots, sweet corn, grapes, and pomelo with a Sesame Lime dressing that will definitely treat your taste buds with a fresh taste for a one of a kind fling. Available from March 2 to April 26, 2021 only, you can order Summer Fling as a salad or wrap in all SaladStop! stores.

 

Beat the heat with the Sunny Slush (Php 160), a refreshing smoothie that has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors! Perfectly blended with mango, lemon juice, honey, and chia seeds, this refreshing smoothie will definitely put a pep in your step. Available in all SaladStop! stores from March 22 to May 16, 2021 only. 

Nourish, energize, and refresh your body all throughout summer with healthy and delicious meals from SaladStop! Available for a limited time only, don’t miss out on the Summer Fling salad and Sunny Slush smoothie and order today from the SaladStop! store nearest you. 

 

 

Specialty Food Retailers, Inc. (SFRI) is the exclusive franchise holder of SaladStop! in the Philippines. SFRI is a member of SSI Group, Inc.  SaladStop! is located at Central Square, Power Plant Mall, Greenhills, Glorietta 2, Burgos Circle, Alabang Town Center, Salcedo Village, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, U.P. Town Center, Robinsons Cyberscape Gamma, Oakridge Business Park Cebu, TriNoma, and Ayala North Exchange.

 

Huawei releases white paper on innovation and intellectual property, at the Forum on Innovation and IP Prospects in 2021 and Beyond

Huawei released a new white paper on innovation and intellectual property, at the Forum on Innovation and IP Prospects in 2021 and Beyond held at the company's Shenzhen headquarters. This paper focuses on Huawei's history in innovation and intellectual property (IP) management prior to 2010 and includes data and milestones related to their investment and R&D that spans back to the 1990s.

 

Huawei's Chief Legal Officer Song Liuping stated at the forum, "We want to show the history of our innovation over the past 30 years and our long-term commitment to respecting, protecting, and contributing to IP. With this white paper, we want you to better understand how Huawei has become what it is today." 

Huawei states in the paper that it has become one of the world's largest patent holders through sustained investment in innovation. By the end of 2020, Huawei held over 100,000 active patents in more than 40,000 patent families worldwide.

 

Jason Ding, Head of Huawei's Intellectual Property Rights Department, said, "Innovation has been at the core of Huawei's business since the company was founded. Our 2020 white paper lists the number of patent applications Huawei filed, or our R&D and innovation activities, in the late 90s and early 2000s." He also stated, "Huawei's worldwide patent applications were on par with other industry leaders in the early 2000s, and Huawei's success today is a result of its long-term investment in innovation and R&D."

 

Huawei filed its first patent application in China back in 1995, and its first patent application in the US in 1999. In 2008, the World Intellectual Property Organization listed Huawei as No. 1 in terms of number of patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for the first time. In 2019, Huawei ranked No. 2 in Europe and No. 10 in the US in terms of the number of patents granted. Huawei is also the largest patent holder in China.

 

Ding noted that Huawei estimates it will receive about 1.2 to 1.3 billion US dollars in revenue from patent licensing between 2019 and 2021. He also announced that for every multi-mode 5G smartphone, Huawei will provide a reasonable percentage royalty rate of the handset selling price, and a per unit royalty cap at US$2.5.

 

"Huawei has been the largest technical contributor to 5G standards, and follows fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) principles when it comes to patent licensing," added Ding, "we hope that the royalty rate we announced today will increase 5G adoption by giving 5G implementers a more transparent cost structure that will inform their investment decisions moving forward."

 

Francis Gurry, former Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), also spoke at the event saying, "In releasing its license fee structure for 5G standard essential patents (SEPs), Huawei is promoting the widespread adoption and use of standards designed to ensure interoperability, reliability and transparent competition, while at the same time providing a fair return for investment in R&D."

 

Song stated that Huawei will regularly announce further innovation and IP activities so that the public can better understand Huawei's innovation practices. This will be part of the company's broader initiative to be more open and transparent with the public. 

Top Business Leaders in Cebu converge for World Vision’s 2nd virtual CSR Summit

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, various countries have been striving to find ways on how to deal with this global crisis that continues to affect the world today.

 

One year after the first declaration of a lock down in the Philippines, Filipinos remain determined and resilient in their fight against this pandemic, including other social and economic issues caused by it.

 

It’s remarkable how various sectors are coming together in ensuring that Filipinos are healthy, safe, and protected, most especially the marginalized and vulnerable.

 

Businesses are coming up with ways to extend assistance to those who are in great need. Companies’ CSR programs aim to improve health facilities, support the frontliners, and provide food and financial assistance to affected communities.

 

As a follow-up to last year’s successful virtual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit of World Vision in the Philippines, distinguished business leaders from Cebu are coming together to share their experiences and learnings during the pandemic at World Vision’s virtual CSR Summit in Cebu this March 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm, streamed live on World Vision Philippines’ Facebook page.

 

It was May of last year when Cebu City was recorded as having the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. But in only six months, data scientists from the University of the Philippines’ OCTA research group and the Department of Health said Cebu City had flattened its curve. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) applauded both the public and private sectors for helping Visayas fight the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Cebu, Negros Occidental, and the rest of Western Visayas.

 

Through this CSR Summit, World Vision aims to discuss the significant role and relevance of a company’s CSR during critical times, and to inspire businesses and other organizations in the private sector to develop and implement CSR campaigns to be able to reach and improve more lives.

 

"World Vision is privileged to once again hold the Corporate Social Responsibility Summit in Cebu. God’s work is truly amazing as we witness how our partner organizations implement their CSR initiatives,” shared World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte. “Let’s continue working together to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, their families and communities."

 

Business industry leaders joining World Vision’s virtual CSR Summit in Cebu are Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Rotary Club of Cebu, and the Singapore School Cebu.

World Vision would like to thank the following event partners—Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Inc., JCI Cebu, JCI Plaridel del Pilar, Public Relations Society of the Philippines, and Rotary Club of Cebu.

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter. 

Find your new cleaning heroes in Beko’s new PowerClean vacuum cleaner

If youre a busy mom like me, having a vacuum cleaner in your house especially this pandemic is important. It helps get rid of allergies when one of your families is allergic to dust mites, pollen or animal dander. It keeps the allergens at bay. 

Vacuum cleaners are game changers in doing household chores. Using them is better and healthier because they absorb organisms and allergens that a broom and a dustpan can't pick up. Vacuum cleaners are not only for floors. They can be used for couches, curtains, walls, staircases and many other surfaces.

 

But not all vacuum cleaners are created  equal. There are vacuum cleaners that are a cut above the rest in terms of design, performance, battery life and durability.

 

Beko, Europe's No. 1 Appliance Brand, provides technology solutions that can help make daily life easier. The Beko PowerClean cordless vacuum cleaner (VRT94929VI, VRT82821BV) redefines the category with its ergonomic design and powerful performance.

 

Find your new cleaning heroes in Beko’s new PowerClean vacuum cleaner. They are equipped with the latest technologies and the ability to tackle any surface to help make everyone's daily cleaning routine easier and more hassle-free.

 

The Beko PowerClean vacuum cleaner is available in Grey or Green. It has an ergonomic foldable tube that can reach tough spots under the couch, bed, table and under hard-to-reach areas, thanks to ActiFlex technology.

 

It also has a 2-in-1 design, which allows it to be converted into a handheld device, and accessories, such as soft brush, elbow tool and crevice tool, to tackle every cleaning situation. 

 

"We're very happy to bring Beko PowerClean cordless vacuum cleaner to the Philippines. It will enable people to live safer and more hygienic and make life easier for anyone who uses it," said Beko Pilipinas Country Manager Gurhan Gunal.

 

Thanks to SelfStand, another special feature, the vacuum cleaner will stay upright when you stop halfway through.

 

The Beko PowerClean vacuum cleaner, when fully charged, has a 45-minute runtime so you can get the whole house done in one charge. The docking station will not only recharge the vacuum cleaner back up to the full 45 minutes in no time; it’s also the perfect place to store your cleaner when you’re not using it.

 

The PowerClean vacuum cleaner also has PerformCyclone technology, which delivers 165w of suction power for deep cleaning. This technology is also perfect for cleaning rugs and carpets.

 

Enjoy superior performance and practicality with Beko PowerClean vacuum cleaner.

 

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

Procter & Gamble partners with Shopee for this year’s campaign titled #ChallengeTheChores

Procter & Gamble partnered with the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia Shopee, to launch its latest campaign as part of this year’s International Women’s Day. Titled #ChallengeTheChores, this campaign responds to the global call for us to challenge gender stereotypes by fostering a sense of joint responsibility within the household and encouraging family members to team up and tackle household chores together.  

The campaign will be progressively launched across five Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam, featuring a series of challenges that aim to inspire families to take on household chores together, such as doing the laundry and attending to a child’s needs. 

Since Covid-19, 75% of caregiving chores have fallen on women, with several extra responsibilities and commitments added to their already busy lives. To further illustrate the importance of addressing this need for shared responsibility, the campaign will feature a video of how household chores can be equally divided and tackled together.

Alexandra Vogler, P&G e-commerce Senior Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, said, “P&G is deeply committed to equality and inclusion. Through this campaign, we want to raise awareness of the imbalanced distribution of chores. Through an entertaining short film and an interactive, gamified experience, we hope to inspire people to #ChallengeTheChores and drive greater equality within households.”

Shopee also found that women are the most active shoppers on the platform in product categories such as household and other fast-moving consumer goods. As e-commerce becomes more prevalent, Shopee looks to leverage its platform to encourage meaningful conversations through a fun, personalized, and interactive experience for customers.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are proud to partner with P&G, a world-leading FMCG brand, on this meaningful initiative. Besides encouraging families to take on equal responsibilities of household chores, we also seek to provide our users with a wide assortment of products to make everyday household chores convenient and  manageable. We look forward to launching more of such engaging campaigns with P&G that would enrich the shopping experience for our users.”

During the campaign period, shoppers in each market can look forward to various activities and exclusive content that will inspire the whole family and help them rediscover the fun of tackling household chores together. These include live streams featuring Key Opinion Leaders on their challenges when tackling household chores and how they teamed up with their partners to overcome those challenges. It also includes exclusive in-app activities to snatch up special deals and win prizes and the classic Shopee Catch game to collect as many P&G products giveaway or vouchers as possible.

The #ChallengeTheChores Campaign will run from March 17 to March 19. For more information about the campaign and the best deals and promos, visit https://shopee.ph/m/pg-super-brand-day. 

No Rome releases ‘Spinning’ feat. Charli XCX & The 1975 Out now on Dirty Hit

‘Spinning’ is the new single from No Rome, featuring Charli XCX and The 1975. Produced by No Rome with Matthew Healy and George Daniel, the track is a slice of pure, joyful, escapist pop that is testament to No Rome’s inimitable talent and endless musical ability.  The single is accompanied by a 7" pink vinyl pressing featuring a remix of the track by A.G. Cook. Purchase it here.

The single follows a series of releases that have seen the Filipino pop star collaborate with Beabadoobee, Jay Som, Bearface and Dijon, seamlessly managing to incorporate each artist’s unique style with his own.  

 

To accompany ‘Spinning’, No Rome has collaborated with Japanese artist Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess - Johnson to create a visual world around the release, complete with animated characters for each artist and a psychedelic universe for them to inhabit. 

 

Additionally, No Rome, Charli XCX and The 1975 have teamed up with NFT platform Foundation to auction original artworks designed by Hideyuki Tanaka & Samuel Burgess-Johnson and raise money for 3 different charities of the artists choosing. Rome will donate a portion of profits to 

Right Start, Charli to Girls Make Beats and Matty to One Tree Planted. The artworks are available to view now and bidding begins at 7PM GMT / 2PM ET / 11AM PT Friday here.

 

With the release of ‘Spinning’, the flood of support No Rome has seen over the last 12 months from BBC Radio 1, Apple Music 1, Vogue, The Face, High Snobiety, NME, The Guardian, DIY, Complex, Hypebeast, The Fader and Paper Mag to name a few, is only set to continue. With his highly anticipated debut album due for release later this year, 2021 is set to be No Rome’s best year yet.

 

 

No Rome, Charli XCX, Matty Healy and George Daniel by Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess-Johnson

 

Keep up to date with No Rome:

 

INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // SPOTIFY // APPLE MUSIC // YOUTUBE

 

Shopee launches #TatakPinoy initiative in February to help local sellers amidst the pandemic

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recently launched the #TatakPinoy initiative in February to help local sellers amidst the pandemic. Through this initiative, Shopee provided local sellers with enhanced visibility on the platform to promote locally-made products.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “The Philippines is considered as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the region, and we’ve observed that more Filipinos are shifting to online platforms to address their needs. To help local sellers better reach these consumers, Shopee wants to ensure that local sellers are well-equipped with the tools and knowledge to make it in the industry. With the launch of #TatakPinoy, it was our goal to boost the local economy and to promote the quality products made by fellow Filipinos. We take pride in these sellers’ craftsmanship and we invite other aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs to try it out as well.” 

 

As the #TatakPinoy initiative allowed local entrepreneurs to broaden their reach and grow their brands’ presence online, Shopee featured two local sellers, Bengie Antido and Dante Sargento, who shared how they built and gained more recognition for their online businesses: 

 

Bengie Antido of Kayamanan ni Juan Trading 

Bengie Antido’s shop, Kayamanan ni Juan, is a social enterprise offering a wide variety of high-quality bags, t’nalakwallets, and wooden bracelets, with 90% of the products crafted by tribespeople in General Santos City. Besides being a key source of income for him and his local community, it also served as an avenue for Bengie to share the culture and local traditions with people across the world. However, after the lockdown, Bengie found it harder to market the items due to the lack of tourist footfall in the city. 

 

As a result, Bengie decided to transition into an online business on Shopee to reach a wider audience. Going digital was complicated at first, but with the support and guidance from the Shopee Seller Marketing Center, Bengie learned how to utilize vouchers and promotions to give his buyers a more rewarding online shopping experience. He also takes time to answer all inquiries from prospective customers via the chat function on the platform.

 

This decision helped his business stay afloat amid the ongoing pandemic and led to more inquiries from customers as well as a 60% increase in his overall sales. With #TatakPinoy, Kayamanan ni Juan gained a bigger following. “Because of #TatakPinoy, we received a 20% increase in orders. The virtual trade fair helped our business gain more visibility and also secured the livelihoods of so many people,” Bengie said.  

 

Dante Sargento of MO’s Food Products

Dante Sargento of MO’s Food Products sells products like bagoong, sinamak (spiced vinegar), and ginisang alamang (shrimp paste). To him, these items are not just condiments — they are part of the local culture and tradition.  

 

To preserve this heritage, Dante chose to sell these products online to reach more Filipino consumers. He found that it was more convenient and less expensive to sell on Shopee and the online platform allowed him to reach a broader and more diverse consumer base, without having to go out. 

 

Dante shared that Shopee’s tools like the secure in-app chat feature and learning programs, such as the Seller Masterclasses, were a big help in his overall experience as a seller on Shopee. With the help of Shopee’s robust ecosystem, he was able to build his online presence and actively engage with his customers through the chat feature, which helped to increase his sales up to 20%. 

 

During the #TatakPinoy campaign, Dante received more orders than usual. “I was surprised that within the three days of participating in the campaign, I got the same amount of orders that I was usually getting in a week. I am thankful that Shopee gave my business more visibility and opportunities to grow.”

 

As consumers continue to rely on online platforms to satisfy their needs, both local sellers encouraged other entrepreneurs to explore the growing opportunities in e-commerce and shared some words of advice.

 

“Always ensure that you are selling good quality products to build your credibility and reputation. Build good relationships with the buyers so you’ll get better ratings that will translate to better sales. It’s also vital to do your research on the industry and the platform so you can be familiar with its helpful features,” Bengie said.

 

“Selling online can be overwhelming at first, but sellers can and need to learn to adapt, especially in the new normal. Use this chance to overcome your fears and discover new opportunities through innovation,” Dante added. 

 

To know more on how to be a Shopee seller, visit https://seller.shopee.ph/edu/home. 

 

Don't forget to shop, buy load, and pay bills with ShopeePay to enjoy discounts and rewards. Enjoy all-day 15% coins cashback, capped at 200 coins, exclusively on March 15. Visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay for more details.

 

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