Why Small Franchises are a Good Investment

As the country and the business sector slowly recover from the economic effects of the two-year long COVID-19 pandemic, budding entrepreneurs are looking for more business opportunities to invest in. This has been more evident as many employees got retrenched when businesses had to downsize or fully close down. 

 

With that came a significant number of people transitioning to self-employment. Those who have found success, or have yet to find success, in their step (intentional or otherwise) into entrepreneurship may want to look in the direction of Franchising.

INVESTING in franchise business are one of the best and less risky ways to earn money in a post-pandemic business environment, according to the Philippine Franchise Association. Jamaican Pattie (pictured) is one of the longest-standing and most popular franchise brands of the Fruitas Group of Companies.

 

At a recent Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) event in Cebu, PFA president Chris Lim encouraged more aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in franchising businesses. “We believe that franchising is about nation building and PFA is here to build more businesses to help more jobs. You know the industry of franchising contributes to more than 7.8 percent to the GDP and it employs more than two million people nationwide,” he said in his speech at the Franchise Negosyo Para sa Cebu held at the SM Seaside City Cebu. “Beyond business and profit, every franchise that you help open today translates to job opportunities for more Filipinos of tomorrow,” he added.

 

He further noted how franchise businesses have a 90% success rate, especially if the prospective investor partners with an established and credible franchise brand.

 

The Fruitas Group of Companies, one of the mentioned credible franchise brands, concurs with the PFA’s claims. “There are many people who have lost their businesses during the pandemic and would likely be willing to start again. Now is the perfect time to do just that with a franchise,” said Shaun Si, Chief Marketing Officer of the Fruitas Group of Companies.

 

Lester Yu, President and CEO of the Fruitas Group of Companies, explained how the risks are minimized in franchise businesses, especially from famous brands that Fruitas carries, because they take advantage of the goodwill earned by the franchising company through the years. “Becoming part of a fruitful franchise family gives prospective ‘frentrepreneurs’ or ‘franchise entrepreneurs’ the advantage of having experienced and passionate people guide them through the ins-and-outs of the business,” he shared.

 

Franchisable concepts under the Fruitas Group of Companies include established brands such as Balai Pandesal and Ling Nam. Fresher and exciting brands such as Soy & Bean, Johnn Lemon, Buko Loco, Keffir Yoghurt Milk Bar, Friends Fries, and Black Pearl are also available for franchise. 

 

The Fruitas Group of Companies and other franchise holding firms will be present at the Franchise Asia PH 2022: International Franchise Expo, organized by the PFA, on October 14-16, 2022 at SMX Convention Center, Manila. Those looking to step into the exciting and lucrative world of “frentrepreneurship” may find the perfect business to invest into at the event.

 

For more information about the Franchise Asia PH 2022: International Franchise Expo, you may visit https://www.pfa.org.ph/event-details/franchise-asia-ph-2022-international-franchise-expo.

 

Lazada partners with Cignal TV’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) Season 85

It’s all about getting ahead of the game whether in sports or in online shopping as eCommerce pioneer Lazada partners with Cignal TV’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) Season 85, broadcasted on One Sports channel and the UAAP Varsity Channel beginning October 1. This season, watch out for your favorite collegiate superstars as they get featured in a special “A Day in The Life Of” video series, sharing with fans their daily routines and activities as top-notch athletes, via Lazada's in-app livestream channel, LazLive.

 

This is the first time the broadcast of the collegiate sports association is partnering with an eCommerce platform, and is seen as three brands that resonate with today’s youth coming together to foster community and meaningful connections – Lazada, with its exciting content and trendy assortment at affordable prices that are student-friendly, One Sports and theUAAP Varsity Channel. 

Cignal TV’s Eric Centeno says, “The UAAP is an event that students, alumni, and fans continue to look forward to year after year. And for Season 85, the UAAP Varsity Chanel and One Sports are pleased to “Rise as One” with our broadcast partner, Lazada, to further uplift the UAAP experience and drive more connections amongst our community.”

 

“Whether it’s through providing a wide assortment that adds value to their everyday lives, or through the convenience of a trusted service, Lazada has always focused on uplifting the overall customer experience. As eCommerce continues to be tightly integrated in our community’s lives, we’re delighted to be leveraging our platform’s reach to bring this exciting event that fosters the spirit of sportsmanship among our Filipino youth to sports fans all over the country,” says Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera.

 

Lazada offers deals from everyday low prices to fast and free shipping, multiple voucher stacking, livestream content and more, promising an enriching online shopping experience that provides shoppers easy access to sulit finds right away. The eCommerce pioneer has been accelerating progress across Southeast Asia through commerce and technology since its launch ten years ago, enabling thousands of brands and sellers as they digitalize their businesses. 

 

Meanwhile, the UAAP was formally established in 1938 and currently comprised of eight-member schools, namely, Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

 

Varsity teams from these universities compete every year in the league's various sporting events to vie for the overall championship title. Aside from the much-anticipated senior men’s basketball and senior women’s volleyball tournaments, other competitions include badminton, baseball, chess, athletics, and more.

 

The UAAP Season 85, themed "Rise as One", starts on October 1 with Adamson University as this season's host and with men's & women's basketball as the first events in the calendar. It will be the second UAAP season in a year, with the organization set to release their opening round schedule for men's & women's basketball on the week of September 26. 

 

 

Stay tuned and visit Lazada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube for more details.

 

Catch more updates about UAAP Season 85 on One Sports’ official Facebook and Instagram pages, and UAAP Varsity Channel’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

AirAsia Philippines rolls out the second leg of its B1G Php 1 fare Promo!

AirAsia Philippines rolls out the second leg of its B1G Sale – headlined by the highly anticipated Php 1 fare promo. Guests planning to travel internationally from 01 January 2023 – or domestically from 01 June 2023 – until 28 October 2023 may book their flights while availing of the B1G Sale discount from September 19 to 25. 

Passengers originating from Manila may enjoy a Php 1 base fare for top domestic destinations such as Boracay, Bohol, and Tacloban. With the AirAsia Cebu hub having been reactivated in August, flyers from Cebu can also avail of the Piso fare for routes like Cebu-Puerto Princesa and Cebu-Davao. International destinations will also be available with marked-down ticket prices – among which are Kuala Lumpur and Seoul with discounted base fares of Php 691 and Php 1,491, respectively. 

 

AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan shares:

“The travel industry is all hands on deck in ensuring that the demand continues to pick up until corporate stakeholders attain their respective pre-pandemic numbers, and eventually achieve growth post the global health crisis. As a transport enterprise, our commitment to the public is making world-class service available sans the need to hurt their wallets. Our presently-affordable fares are made even more attainable by our regular sale events, which we are optimistic will rebuild the necessary travel confidence and enthusiasm needed by people thinking of being back on the road – in our case, the skies.”

Passengers disembark the AirAsia plane after landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport – the recently reactivated hub of AirAsia Philippines and one of its busiest routes

 

Big-ticket sale events such as the AirAsia B1G sale are expected to buoy up the revenge travel demand into 2023, hence driving the full recovery of travel enterprises from the pandemic. AirAsia Philippines is currently set to end Q3 2022 with a strong average domestic load factor of 93.5 percent. This number is foreseen to grow significantly as the holidays arrive. 

 

AirAsia Philippines is expecting the 100 percent return of its 2019 fleet by end-year, consequently allowing the airline to increase its flight frequency and capacity to pre-March 2020 level. The airline currently flies more than 90 times a day to 16 domestic destinations and seven international. 

 

Guests are encouraged to leverage Php 1 base fare promos as these are effective in lowering ticket pricing which is computed with other factors such as fuel surcharge, passenger service charges, aviation security fees, value-added tax, processing fees or additional fees like baggage allowance or in-flight meals.  The airasia Super App also features the Snap Bundles of flight tickets plus hotel accommodation, enabling guests to optimize their travel budgeting. 

Check out store offerings of up to 70% off during the Sale! Sale! Festa di Carvenale at Ayala Malls Market! Market!

 

Make your way to Market! Market! on September 16 to 23 and join the carnival party and mallwide anniversary sale. 

 

Whip out your shopping list and wish list and check out store offerings of up to 70% off during the Sale! Sale! Festa di Carvenale at Ayala Malls Market! Market! 

 

Hold on to your shopping receipts and try your luck winning at the carnival activities at the Activity Center and Serendra Wing.

Claw of Luck

At the Claw of Luck, present PhP1,500 worth of single or accumulated receipts and be a human claw machine – grab as many treats as you can! 

 

For more chances of playing, download the Zing App by Ayala Malls and be a Plus member. The Claw of Luck is open from 2pm to 6pm on September 16 to 23 at the Activity Center. 

 

Unlock the Vault

Test your skills and your luck at Unlock the Vault. Win up to PhP18,000 in cash if you successfully unlock the vault. The vault will be at the Activity Center from September 16 to 23.

 

Take my P.I.C.

Need to make more memories and take more photos? Present PhP500 worth of single or accumulated receipts at the Concierge booth and proceed to the Take my P.I.C. photo studio at Serendra Wing for your photo shoot. Take my P.I.C. is open from September 17 to 18.

 

Jump and Grab

Craving for sweets? Jump as high as you can and top our logo to win a special prize! Present PhP500 worth of single or accumulated receipts to get the chance to satisfy your sweet cravings for free. Jump and Grab is open from September 16 to 23 at the Activity Center.

 

Shop and save on discounts! Join the carnival party! See you at Market! Market!

 

For more information on mall activities, schedules, and promotions at #iLoveMarketMarket, like and follow Facebook.com/MarketMarket, @ilovemarketmarket on Instagram and TikTok, and @MarketMarketBGC on Twitter. You may also visit www.ayalamalls.com. 

 

 

ASUS announced its newest offering in its premium line of laptops, the Zenbook S 13 OLED

ASUS today announced its newest offering in its premium line of laptops, the Zenbook S 13 OLED (UM5302) — a 13.3-inch ultraportable 2.8K OLED laptop that weighs a mere 1 kilogram, making it the world's lightest in its class[ii]. Making this milestone memorable and stylish, ASUS celebrates Filipino craftsmanship with its collaboration with homegrown brand Zarah Juan.

Premium look that stands out

The premium Zenbook S 13 OLED is lighter than any other 13.3-inch laptop in its class, with a sleek 1 kg-light, 14.9 mm-thin chassis made entirely from durable magnesium-aluminum alloy. It’s the ultimate ultraportable laptop for effortless on-the-go productivity and creativity.

The all-new contemporary design features the new monogram logo on the lid. Finished in four sophisticated new colors — Ponder Blue, Aqua Celadon, Vestige Beige, and Refined White — Zenbook S 13 OLED is designed to stand out, yet it blends in anywhere. 

Despite its thin and light form factor, the Zenbook S13 OLED is built to be extra tough with MIL-STD 810H military standard, making sure it’s durable and reliable for daily use in any environment.

Premium vision with OLED screen

Any visuals will look better on Zenbook S 13 OLED’s gorgeous 2.8K OLED HDR Dolby Vision display. The expansive 16:10 aspect ratio provides a bigger workspace, and the four-sided NanoEdge design with ultra slim bezels creates more screen area for an immersive viewing experience. The super-bright PANTONE Validated screen is color-accurate with a 100% DCI-P3 gamut for ultra-vivid colors and is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified for deeper blacks and ultrahigh contrast. It’s also TÜV Rheinland-certified for eye care, so the user's eyes will stay comfortable even during long viewing sessions.

For unrivaled audio quality, Zenbook S 13 OLED has a stereo sound system that supports Dolby Atmos, indulging the listener in their favorite entertainment with sound that moves all around with breathtaking realism in music, movies, and TV.

Premium, dependable performance

Zenbook S 13 OLED may be #LighterThanAir, but it is a dependable, high-performance companion, powerfully equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U Mobile Processor, up to 16 GB of fast RAM, and AMD Radeon mobile graphics, so users can confidently tackle any work or leisure task, wherever they are. Its ultrafast up to 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD ensures fast boot times and instant app loads.

With its long-lasting high-capacity 67Wh battery and up to 19-hour battery life, Zenbook S 13 OLED needs fewer trips to the power outlet when the user is out and about. And when it’s time for a top-up, the fast-charge technology can take it to 60% capacity in as little as 49 minutes, so there’s no need to break the flow. With ASUS USB-C Easy Charge, it can be quickly charged using a USB-C Power Delivery-certified charger or topped up with any standard USB-C charger such as an airline charger, a portable charger, or a power bank.

Zenbook S 13 OLED features the latest WiFi 6E that loads online content in the blink of an eye, enhanced by the exclusive ASUS WiFi Master Premium fine-tuning technologies and software features that help deliver speed, stability, and wide coverage.

Premium user experience

Zenbook S 13 OLED is designed to offer a premium user experience, with exclusive features and technologies that make everything easier to accomplish.

To keep Zenbook S 13 OLED hygienic, it’s protected by ASUS Antibacterial Guard[iii] — a special surface treatment that keeps the bugs at bay. In fact, Antibacterial Guard has been scientifically proven[iv] to inhibit the growth of bacteria by more than 99% over a 24-hour period, ensuring the surfaces of the laptop stay clean and sanitary for longer and reducing the spread of potentially harmful bacteria via contact.

Zenbook S 13 OLED implements ASUS AI Noise-Cancelation Technology and real-time webcam optimization to ensure the best hybrid working and video conferencing experience. Zenbook S 13 OLED also features the new full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard for the most comfortable typing experience ever. For easy data entry, there's the ASUS NumberPad 2.0, an LED-illuminated numeric keypad integrated into the touchpad.[v]

It may be slim and compact, but Zenbook S 13 OLED has all the I/O ports you need. The USB-C ports support Power Delivery and 4K external displays for enhanced productivity. There’s also a convenient headphone jack for your wired audio needs.

Premium style that empowers

To mark this milestone launch, ASUS collaborates with Filipino social entrepreneur and designer Zarah Juan to develop a limited edition, sustainable, locally made bag. Aside from environmental sustainability, Zarah Juan pushes for social sustainability and upholds cultural continuity through showcasing Filipino heritage.

The Zarah Juan Zen Tote materializes ASUS’ thrust towards human-centric design thinking. Made by the Artisan Communities in Bulacan and Zamboanga City and of locally available materials, the Zen Tote depicts the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality — the perfect accessory with the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED.

Those who will purchase the Zenbook S 13 OLED from September 15 to October 31, 2022, get a chance to win the limited-edition Zarah Juan Zen Tote worth PHP 8,500.00. To know more about the promo, please check https://ph.asus.click/ASUSZenbookS13OLEDxZarahJuan.

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UM5302) is available in ASUS Concept Stores and authorized resellers today with a starting price of PHP 63,995.00. Check out the complete list here https://ph.asus.click/PRWTB. Filipinos can also score the Zenbook S 13 OLED with up to 12 months of 0% installment via Home Credit for as low as PHP 4,533.00.

The best tips from moms on how to overcome the back-to-school sepanx

Stemming from the two words, ‘separation’ and ‘anxiety,’ sepanx is the unsettling feeling of being in a new, unfamiliar situation or place. 

 

After two years of building protective family habits at home, back-to-school season is bringing unique separation anxiety for moms. Suddenly, they must deal with their kids being away from their sight and supervision. This anxiety is only further intensified by their worry if they have prepared the best safety essentials for their kids.

 

To help moms cope, we rounded up the best tips from fellow moms on how they can overcome the back-to-school sepanx:

Best Protection Starts at Home

Like most moms, Fae Ancheta's initial reaction to the resumption of face-to-face classes was to turn into a big ball of nerves. Upon sending off her kid to school for the very first time, Faye was instantly struck by distressing thoughts. 

 

“I hope that my kid will not catch a cold or a flu,” she immediately thought.

 

But knowing how excited her kid was to see her friends at school, Fae decided to instead focus on strengthening her kid’s protection outside of home by instilling in her the best hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing and taking a bath with a germ protection soap.

 

“Here at home, we practice taking a bath using Safeguard before and after leaving our home.”

 

Prevent Stinky Situation

Even among experienced mothers, back-to-school sepanx is real. This is the case for Christy Cabalquinto who shared that, “Shifting to face-to-face classes is a bit challenging for me as a parent because of the adjustments that we need to make.”

One of her main concerns was having to welcome back a sweaty, sticky, and stinky kid after a long day at school. So, she decided to start a new hygiene habit, the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck.

Do the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck

Every 5PM, Christy checks if her kid still smells fresh after a long day of school. Assured by the best germ protection soap, the sniff test instantly results into unlimited and rewarding gigil hugs between Christy and her kid. 

 

MAX Gigil Hugs with Safeguard MAX Pinabango

With over 54 years of service, Safeguard, the Philippines’s No. 1 germ protection soap continues to earn the trust of Filipino families. Its new and improved formula is guaranteed to deliver the best fragrance that lasts all day.

 

Like Fae and Christy, you, too, can overcome back-to-school sepanx and keep your worries at bay with Safeguard Max Pinabango. From 5PM onwards, enjoy the rewarding feeling of welcoming your fresh-smelling kids back home from school and gathering the entire family for maximum gigil hugs and moments.

 

vivo and Home Credit are giving customers a treat

 

With the launch of the newest addition to vivo’s Y series line-up, the vivo Y35, more consumers are eager to get their on the newest entry level powerhouse from vivo. Well, fret not because vivo makes having a vivo Y35 more accessible and affordable through Home Credit and Credit Card options.

 

vivo and Home Credit are giving customers a treat as the vivo Y35 can now be purchased  through installment plans with options from 6 months to 18 months. Here are the details on the offers that consumers can enjoy:

●      10% down payment exclusively for existing customers with good credit record for as low as PHP 833 per month (Home Credit to check on their pre-qualified list)

●      35% down payment for 6 months installment plan

●      30% down payment for 9, 12, 15, and 18 months installment plans

 

 

Those who are more keen to purchase using a credit card can also take advantage of  0% interest installment plans for 6 months or up to 12 months from their respective banks and card providers.

 

Optimum charging power with huge storage and imaging prowess

 

The vivo Y35 is powered by vivo’s advanced 44W FastCharge technology to ensure that users can recharge their phone battery, quick as a flash. This blazing feature is also complemented by a huge 5000mAh battery for a phone that can surely last all day long.

 

To set vivo Y35 to the next level, vivo also equipped it with bigger internal storage. Its 8GB+8GB Expandable RAM and 256GB ROM is the first ever in the Y Series line-up. This feature allows smoother phone operation by supporting more active apps in the background to ensure that users have swift experience while switching in-between multiple apps. The vivo Y35 can also support up to 1TB extension. Now, users have the freedom to save and download up to 200,000+ photos, 500+ hours of HD Videos, and 6.5M+ documents without worrying about running out of storage.

Of course,  vivo will not  leave-out excellent camera features. With the vivo Y35, vivo ensures that this newest smartphone is built with Triple AI Rear Camera with 50MP Main Camera to achieve images comparable to professional cameras. It also boasts a 16MP Front Camera that is especially designed to achieve clearer selfies and videos, regardless of the lighting condition.

 

The feature-packed vivo Y35 is available for an affordable price of P14,999 so be #QuickAsAFlash and get yours now via Home Credit and credit card plans. The vivo Y35 is also available on vivo’s official website, online stores on Lazada, Shopee , TikTok , and in all physical vivo stores and kiosks nationwide.

 

To know more about the vivo Y35, visit vivo’s official website, or follow them on their official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

Super American Circus to Set Foot in Manila this December

Finally! After years of being locked down, Pinoys can now celebrate the holidays the old, exciting way again. This includes experiencing Christmas attractions and extravaganzas that we missed a lot!

One show that should be on top of our list is the upcoming Super American Circus which will be launched this coming December, in Manila, Philippines.

 

Super American Circus, which recently had their Hawaii and Guam tour, is a two-hour super power, packed fun arena show created for the entire family.

 

The amazing show will feature industries’ world-famous acts with the death-defying aerial stunts that will surely entertain everyone. 

 

Aerialists, acrobats, motorcycle madmen, live music, and talents from around the world will come together in this one breathtaking and jaw-dropping show to give Pinoy fans another once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

 

Details of the Super American Circus including additional attractions and performers, tickets availability, venue, and run dates will be announced soon through our official social media pages:

 

FB page link: https://www.facebook.com/Super-American-Circus-PH

IG page link: https://www.instagram.com/superamericancircusph/

Alorica Inc. recently celebrated the first face-to-face Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

BPO firm Alorica Inc. recently celebrated the first face-to-face Kadayawan Festival since the pandemic, showcasing with pride the growth of its workforce in Davao City, which doubled in the last two years.

Alorica’s participation in the celebrations embodied the core values that the now nearly 2,500-strong homegrown Aloricans in Davao have dedicated to its customers, reflecting the Kadayawan spirit.

“We celebrate the 37^th Kadayawan festival in thanksgiving,” said Marvin Vinluan, Director of Strategic Sourcing and Recruitment Marketing.  “Alorica’s operations in Davao City have grown tremendously. This achievement would not have been possible without the kind of vibrant community support that thrives on Kadayawan-inspired values.“

Padayon sa Pag-uswag, Alorica Davao!

A month-long cultural event, the Kadayawan festival celebrates the unity of Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. It also serves as a thanksgiving for nature’s gifts, the people’s rich culture, and the year’s bountiful harvest. The name is derived from the word 'dayaw', which means valuable, superior, good, or beautiful.

Alorica Davao’s participation in the annual Pamulak sa Kadayawan float parade has become a sacred company tradition since 2016.  This year, Alorica scored another significant finish, being the only BPO company that made it as one of the finalists in the Gamay (Small) Category, and eventually winning third place against 10 other contenders.

Alorica cosplay, external activities, agent referrals 

One of Alorica Davao’s major activities during the festival is the Employee Referral Cosplay Contest, which runs for the entire month of August. Open to all Alorica employees, participants in the contest were enjoined to wear original costumes that represent the company’s core values as well as the spirit of Kadayawan.

Winning the top prize was an entry called “The Tribe” featuring colorful costumes that highlight Davao’s indigenous heritage.  

The first runner up was called “The Queen” whose interpretation of a true-blooded Dabawenya beauty showcases the majesty of the Philippine Eagle. 

The second runner up was “Princess” who dazzled the audience with a tribal dress of the Ata, one of the 11 tribes in Davao. 

Alorica’s 3rd prize-winning float in Kadayawan festival’s Pamulak sa Kadayawan parade (Gamay category) features a Philippine eagle. Alluding to the majestic creature’s bravery, fierceness, and strength – traits deeply valued by both Davaoeños and Aloricans – the float pays tribute to the Kadayawan spirit of adhering to what is valuable, superior, good, and beautiful even amid extraordinary adversities.

Third runner up was called “Waling-waling”, alluding to the beautiful orchid also known by the name Vanda sanderiana, which is endemic to Mindanao.

On the sidelines of the celebrations, Alorica also led its now traditional “external meet and greet” sessions with the company’s long-time, local partners in the academe and local government. For this activity, company officials paid formal visits to Alorica’s partners in the cities of Davao, Tagum, Digos, and Panabo. Aside from rekindling ties, part of the agenda was to showcase Alorica’s progress, announce job opportunities, and invite participants in the company’s Kadawayan campaigns.

In celebration of the 37th Kadayawan Festival, Alorica Philippines showcases with pride the dedication of its workforce in Davao City, which doubled in size despite pandemic challenges of the last two years. Thriving on Kadayawan-inspired values, they look forward to even better times ahead

At the same time, Alorica’s on-the-ground agent referral campaign along with other recruitment initiatives yielded more than 3,000 applicants and about 500 new hires for the month of August – with hundreds more set to begin employment in the following months. Participants in the campaign were incentivized with electronic gift certificates and cash prizes.