Travel Hacks you need to know this Summer

It’s time to listen to the craving for adventure and relaxation! Traditionally, the months of April and May are considered our summer season. Officially, there is no “summer” in the Philippines as it only has two seasons, namely wet and dry. But that does not stop Filipinos from enjoying summer activities here or outside the country. 

 

Whether it’s because of the rising temperature or the many days off due to regular holidays (with the Labor Day holiday coming up), it’s only natural for that vacation yearning to be strong this time of the year. 

Vacation time is limited, so it is best utilized properly. The best holidays are those that you thoughtfully prepare for. Strategic vacation planning does not only lessen issues during your days off; it can also save you some significant pesos.

Want to maximize your enjoyment—and your hard-earned money—this summer? Here are some hacks you need to know!  

 

Save money on flights

 

The key to spending less when going on vacation is to plan it early. This allows you to get the best possible deals on accommodations or flights. Airline tickets and hotel rooms get more expensive when booked closer to your travel dates—not to mention limiting your choices, possibly forcing you to get less-than-ideal deals.

 

You can still be a spontaneous traveler while being budget-friendly; you just have to know where you can legit deals online. Luckily, there are many promos available online if you use your RCBC Credit Cards.

 

For instance, travel with Qatar Airways and get sweet discounts when you book your ticket using your RCBC Mastercard Credit Card. Get a seven to 10-percent discount on economy and business class fares by using the promo code MASTERCARD when you pay with your RCBC Mastercard credit card via www.qatarairways.com. Booking period is until August 31, 2024; travel period is until December 31, 2024.  

  

Your R&R starts at the airport

 

Long waiting times before a flight or during layovers can be tiring. Airports do have public establishments and seating available for flyers, yet nothing beats being able to relax at a place with more space and privacy. Check the airport for lounges or sleeping pods if you need a quick rest before your flight or if your waiting time is long. You wouldn’t want to be dead tired even before you start your vacation!

Did you know that RCBC card holders have free access to PAGSS International Lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3? Simply present your  card and your international flight boarding pass to gain access! Principal holders of premium RCBC Credit Cards and one travel companion can enjoy unlimited lounge access, while Gold, Classic, and co-branded RCBC Credit Cards can get access for a fee of US$25.

 

Accommodation deals

Many say a traveler can afford to be cheap on accommodations because he would be out of the room most of the day during their vacation anyway. There is wisdom to this tip. But on the other hand, extremely bad accommodation can ruin your vacation especially if your lodgings don’t have the amenities you would need (for instance, cheap hotels don’t allow guests to leave their bags at reception or provide more than one key for your room).

So it’s best to skip those shady accommodations. Avail of online promos to get the best option for your budget. For instance, get eight percent off on hotel bookings worldwide if you book your rooms using your RCBC Visa Credit Cards via travel website Agoda. Booking period is until December 31, 2025, while stay period is until March 31, 2026. Book your hotel room via  www.agoda.com/visaph,select a “promotion eligible” hotel, and pay using your RCBC Visa credit card to avail of the discount.

 

Meanwhile, you can get up to 30 percent off as well on select accommodations worldwide via Booking.com if you pay using your RCBC Mastercard Credit Card. Book your room through www.booking.com/MastercardSuper for more details.

 

Prepare requirements

 

Going out of the country? Make sure you check travel requirements first before buying your ticket and booking your accommodations. Travel visas and valid passports are common requirements, but some countries have additional prerequisites—including travel insurance, health documentation, and COVID-19 vaccination proof, among others. Not preparing this beforehand can cause a lot of problems come vacation time, so make sure you’re prepared.

Likewise, make sure you are familiar with your destination’s local currency. Does your destination still widely accept cash or does it mostly transact via debit and credit cards? Your RCBC Credit Card is widely accepted abroad so you do not need to bring a lot of cash with you.  To save on foreign exchange conversion fees, remember to always choose the currency of the country where you are in.  Download the RCBC Pulz app so you can still manage and monitor your funds digitally.

 

It is always a good idea to bring some cash and RCBC Online FX Facility is here to make it easier for you. Before your travel, you can use your RCBC Pulz to purchase foreign currency for your travel. Open your Pulz app, select your major currency, and choose your preferred branch and date to pick up your exchanged foreign currency notes. You will need an FX Global account for this. You can even convert currencies (from foreign currency to Philippine pesos and vice versa) with your foreign currency account as long as it is enrolled to your RCBC Pulz account. Don’t have a FX Global  account yet? You can easily open via the app, with zero maintaining balance.

 

As you embark on your journey this summer season, don’t forget to pack your passport, your mobile phone along with your RCBC debit and credit cards – your indispensable allies for modern-day travelling. 

 

For more travel deals and discounts, visit https://rcbccredit.com/promos. 

Unlock Exclusive Shopping and Dining Perks with your beep™ card at One Ayala Mall

Great news for beep™ card holders! Embrace a world of exclusive shopping and dining rewards at One Ayala Mall, Makati City. Just by presenting your beep™ card, you unlock access to an array of irresistible deals across select restaurants and boutiques.

Exclusive Rewards Await you at One Ayala Mall!

Dive into a rewarding experience with your beep™ card at these participating outlets, exclusive to One Ayala Mall branch: 

·       Auntie Anne’s (Level 2) – Savor any 3 stixs and the least expensive one is on us!

·       Pancake House (Upper Ground) – Enjoy a refreshing buy 1 get 1 free iced tea offer.

·       Manduca Taberna (Upper Ground) – Choose between a complimentary iced tea or a slice of our decadent Manchego cheesecake.

·       Tiger Sugar (Second Level) – Purchase any meal or beverage at regular price to receive a FREE wintermelon boba or pearl/wintermelon passion with jelly ball.

·       Alberto (Third Level) – Treat yourself with 10% discount on all regular items.

·       Innovator (Third Level) – Enjoy a 40% off on selected items.

·       AMEN (Third Level) – Elevate your style with a 25% discount on any item.

·       Kenny Rogers (Lower Ground) – Save 10% for orders between P350 and P1,500.

·       Cinnabon (Second Level) – Indulge in a P1 minibon or take P100 off for every purchase of Cinnapack 9’s.

The promo duration for “One Card, Endless Perks” is until June 10, 2024 only, from 10 AM to 9 PM daily. 

Check with the stores for the specific terms and conditions.

“AF Payments is dedicated to creating rewarding experiences for the 10.3 million beep™ card users in the country. Since One Ayala Mall is a major retail and transport hub frequented not only by Metro Manila residents but also travelers from the provinces, this partnership allows us to offer our customers more options to maximize their card in their favorite shops and restaurants. We’re continuously working on getting more partners in the beep™ ecosystem to showcase how a single commuter card can integrate seamlessly into daily life in the Philippines,” said JJ Moreno, CEO of AF Payments Inc., operator of the beep™ card.

Note to beep™ card holders:

Merchants will validate the presented beep™ cards at point of sale, offering a single chance to avail of the discounts per single receipt, claimable on the day of purchase only. Enjoy one discount per day, with opportunities for other offers on subsequent visits.

The promotion is exclusive and cannot be combined with other ongoing offers or promotions, including PWD or Senior Citizen discounts.

Stay Updated:

Follow us on Facebook <fb.com/beepcardph>, X (Twitter) <twitter.com/beep_card>, and Instagram<instagram.com/beep_card>. Merchants interested to partner with beep™ are invited to access our website <https://beep.com.ph/beep-business/> for more information.

Embark on a journey of delightful savings and exclusive offers with your beep™ card at One Ayala Mall – where your beep™ card is the key to endless perks.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-188238 Series of 2024

The realme 12+ 5G: Your Perfect Companion for Staying Connected, Browsing the Internet, and Capturing Life's Beautiful Moment

Smartphones have become an extension of one’s self in their daily lives. It’s used in work for sending emails, attending online meetings, and in play for creating and streaming content. The realme 12+ 5G is an excellent choice for everyday activities like staying connected with loved ones, browsing the internet, and capturing life’s beautiful moments through its stunning camera. realme’s latest smartphone effortlessly blends performance and functionality, delivering exceptional results with minimal lag at a mid-range price point.

Here are a few ways to elevate everyday activities with the superior quality of the realme 12+ 5G:

Capture and appreciate details in everyday life

Photography enables users to archive moments that can be looked back on at any time. The 50MP Sony LYT600 OIS Camera turns ordinary photos into movie-level portraits ready to be shared on social media. Its flagship-level sensor promises next-gen photography with the support of Optical Image Stabilization. Aspiring photographers can #BeThePortrait Master with just one click.

Seamlessly handle work meetings and other daily tasks

The realme 12+ 5G becomes an extension of one’s self, and with the ultra-powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7050, workdays become even more efficient. With its 6nm Architecture,  the phone has a high level of power efficiency that allows smooth transitions from sending an email, updating a spreadsheet, attending an online meeting, and researching—all with minimal lag and low power consumption. It also has Dynamic RAM Expansion of up to 24GB providing a hassle free experience for doing multiple tasks and shifting between different apps.

Stream content and browse social media

All work and no play makes for a dull day. End a long shift at work by streaming the latest movies and series online. The 120Hz Super AMOLED Display offers a true flagship experience with super fast scrolling, brilliant colors, and incredible clarity. Quickly jump from the real world to viewing reels with ease as this display also supports up to 4,096 levels of brightness, suited for keeping eyes protected no matter how dim or dark surroundings can get.

Never miss a beat throughout the entire day

With a 5000mAh battery, get a full day of usage on the realme 12+ 5G, without having to worry about the longevity of the battery. When power runs low, the  67W SUPERVOOC Charge can get the smartphone from 1% to 50% in 19 minutes and up to 100% in 48 minutes.

Enjoy an exclusive limited-time giveaway from Techlife

Everyday activities are enriched by the cutting-edge capabilities of the realme 12+ 5G. And as an added bonus, members of the Squad are encouraged to anticipate the realme 12+ 5G Freebie Giveaway Activity. Taking place only from April 12 to 14, each purchase of the realme 12+ 5G in 12GB+256GB storage variant (P19,999 SRP) includes a FREE TechLife 10-Blade Remote Control Electric Fan, originally priced at P1,499 SRP. This exclusive giveaway is available at all realme offline stores nationwide.

To learn more about realme’s latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.

Beat the Heat and Make Memorable Summer Moments with AirAsia Philippines

The average daily temperature of 35°C and Heat Index of up to 43°C across the Philippines, and its neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam didn’t  stop guests from getting into the travel vibe. .  

As of 8 April, more than 1.5 million AirAsia guests have already booked their seats for domestic and international summer travel. Most of the preferred destinations of choice include beach and island resorts, heritage and cultural destinations where travelers embrace  the warmth  of the sun.  

To help travelers make the most out of their trips, AirAsia Philippines is sharing some essential  travel hacks on how to beat the heat while making memorable summer moments: 1. Wear loose clothing that is made of lightweight materials to allow better air circulation around your body.

1. Avoid doing strenuous outdoor activities between 10AM to 4PM. If you are going on a walking tour, always bring protection such as sunblock, sunvisor, and umbrella.

2. Consider traveling at night to  enjoy the night markets and other attractions. 

3. Drink more water than usual.  Practice sustainable travel by bringing your own  water container. 

4. Be aware of the following symptoms of heat exhaustion: extreme fatigue

• dizziness and vomiting

• headache

• cold sweat; and

• rapid heart rate

5.  Travel insurance is always recommended which covers medical expenses.

“Everyone loves to have fun in the sun. Adequate planning will save you a lot of stress. To make lasting memories together with your loved ones, it is important to travel safely and responsibly. We know how much  travel means to you. Let us all take care and enjoy the best deals on flights and hotels via airasia Move. Any amount you save on your flights and hotels goes a long way to allow you to spend more at the destination, AirAsia Head of Communications and Public Affairs and First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

Traveling responsibly is always a shared commitment among guests and airline staff, including  the cleanliness inside and outside the airport premises as well as the aircraft.

“Being a responsible tourist also includes  keeping the aircraft clean which  contributes to our commitment to delivering the best affordable and  on time air travel as it  saves extra time for any additional cleaning between flights”, Dailisan added.  

MAIN Advocates for Empowering Filipina Entrepreneurs through Advocacy

Navigating the capital-raising environment is especially challenging for women. But the investing community and the startup ecosystem can benefit from a two-pronged approach: advocacy and intentionality.

 

This was the statement of Tina Nepomuceno-Di Cicco, the Gender Lens Investing Committee Chairperson of Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN), the Philippine’s largest network of angel investors, in the recently concluded FoundHer Forum, organized by a Filipino-based women-led inclusion studio, Imaginable Impact at KMC One Ayala in line with Women’s Month.

 

In her keynote speech, Di Cicco highlighted that advocating for and intentionally supporting women-led businesses will encourage more women to succeed and attract and grow investments.

 

“Through advocacy, we communicate our vision and goals, as well as promote and support each other’s businesses. Intentionality, on the other hand, is when we turn our advocacy into action–it's when we put our resources into investing in women and helping make women-led businesses succeed,” Di Cicco said, sharing tips on how women can appear more investible. 

 

In addition, she noted that while the gender gap remains a pressing issue with only 2% of global venture capital funds going to women-led businesses, investments on women entrepreneurs are in fact growing in Southeast Asia with data indicating that female-led startups raised $1.41 billion in equity funding in 2023, which accounts for 18 percent of capital raised in the region. This is a 12.6 percent increase from the previous year.

 

Di Cicco also pointed out that the current trend indicates that more investors and networks are using Gender Lens Investing when considering startups to invest in and support. Gender Lens Investing (GLI) is a strategy that MAIN employs, through the support of the Australian Aid’s Investing in Women program, to maximize investment potential in women-led businesses. Through the GLI, MAIN provides extensive support to women-led startups, especially those at the early stage, in terms of capital allocation, training, and mentorship. To date, more than 40% of the startups that MAIN members have invested in are female-led.

 

“We are hearing investors prioritizing portfolio diversity, with many incorporating gender lens investing strategies. What we see across the board is a slow but steady increase in gender lens investing,” Di Cicco said, underscoring investors’ intent to address gender disparity through their investment choices.

 

“This is the time for women founders. We are being sought. We are more visible. There is no better time to be a woman than now,” Di Cicco added.

 

The FoundHer Forum is a signature event series elevating the conversation on investing in female founders, to bridge the capital gap for women in the startup ecosystem. Aside from MAIN, FoundHer Forum was made possible in partnership with KMC Solutions, a leading provider of flexible office space requirements and co-working space for emerging businesses in the Philippines.

 

Aside from supporting women-led businesses, MAIN, composed of more than 120 angel investors, aims to increase the number of female investors in the Philippines by diversifying their own membership. MAIN is also a member of the Gender Lens & Impact Investment Council (GIIC), a member-based industry body that seeks to build the gender lens and impact investment ecosystem in the Philippines.

Introducing Frontline Express: Ruth Cabal Anchors TV5's New Afternoon Newscast for Concise, Comprehensive Updates

 Get ready for a swift dive into the latest headlines as TV5 emerges as your ultimate destination for quick news updates this summer. The Kapatid network proudly introduces esteemed journalist Ruth Cabal as the anchor of their new afternoon newscast, Frontline Express, a concise yet comprehensive 15-minute live news update that airs every Monday to Friday at 3:15 PM.

With a distinguished career marked by widespread acclaim, Ruth Cabal stands as a stalwart figure in the world of journalism. Her previous endeavors include anchoring CNN Philippines’ daily Filipino newscast, Newsroom Ngayon, producing numerous audio-video packages and live reports. She also served as a trusted broadcasting part-time lecturer at a state university. Her fearless pursuit of truth and dedication to quality reporting have earned her respect and admiration from peers and viewers alike.

 

Renowned for her incisive reporting and insightful commentary, Ruth Cabal brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the newest anchor of Frontline Express. Her addition to the program not only strengthens TV5’s commitment to delivering accurate and engaging news but also symbolizes a full-circle moment as Ruth returns to her roots, having started her career with TV5, then ABC 5.

 

Frontline Express is designed to provide audiences with a quick and reliable source of information, allowing viewers to stay informed without the disruption of their daily routines. With Ruth Cabal at the helm, this marks another significant milestone for TV5 in strengthening the network’s news and information arm, News5. Ruth’s extensive experience as a seasoned and well-rounded journalist ensures that viewers will receive top-notch reporting and analysis.

 

Tune in for a dynamic and insightful 15-minute live news update with one of the country’s most reputable journalists. Don't miss Ruth Cabal as she navigates through the headlines on Frontline Express every Monday to Friday at 3:15PM, and soon in more of TV5’s news and current affair programs.

Xiaomi Fan Festival Sale is a treat to Xiaomi Fans

The month-long Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 Sale has kicked off Xiaomi’s 14th anniversary celebration in an iconic way. Apart from fan-favorite smartphones, the sale also includes the best deals on Xiaomi AIoT products, available exclusively online until April 30, 2024.

The Xiaomi Fan Festival is the brand’s way of showing its gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support for its products. The month-long sale marks #OurIconicMoment in making technology more accessible to Filipinos. 

With up to 58% off on select Xiaomi AIoT products, from wearables to appliances, fans can unlock their iconic moments by upgrading their space with innovative technology that improves your lifestyle.

On-the-go companions

Whether you’re listening to music or tracking your steps, Xiaomi makes sure that you have access even while you’re on the go. Redmi Buds 4 Pro offers Hi-Fi sound quality and noise-canceling features for an immersive listening experience. 

For fitness enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro supports 110+ sports modes and can monitor your SpO2, heart rate, and sleep. You can also customize it with colorful straps. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active makes your fitness journey more stylish with its exquisite metal bezel frame, and customizable watch faces and straps. It supports 117+ sports modes, does advanced health monitoring, and even allows Mastercard cashless payments.

All AIoT wearables are compatible with Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, making it easy to access your go-to apps.

● Redmi Buds 4 Pro: Get P400 off. Starts at P3,599.

● Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro: Get P1,600 off. Starts at P2,999.

● Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: P3,999 (from P8,999)

● Xiaomi Smart Band 8: P1,999 (from P2,099)

● Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active: P1,049 (from P1,189)

● Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: P3,399 (from P3,699)

● Xiaomi Watch 2: P9,199 (from P9,699)

● Xiaomi Watch S3: P6,499 (from P6,999)

A smarter & fulfilling home life

Xiaomi’s AIoT appliances are meant to make your home life more comfortable. The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 and Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, for example, can help filter out dust, pollen, and disease-causing microorganisms, making your home’s air quality cleaner and healthier. These can be controlled with the Mi Home mobile app, so it’s more convenient to personalize your settings and check your device’s status wherever you are. For the foodies, you can also whip up delicious meals with the Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L, which lets you cook food quickly and with less oil.

Lastly, the Xiaomi TV A Pro 65 upgrades your viewing experience with its 4K UHD display and Dolby Audio sound quality. The device also has Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube pre-installed so that you can access your favorite shows and movies with just a few clicks on the remote.

● Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4: Get P1,000 off P8,999.

● Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite: Get P1,000 off. Starts at P6,999.

● Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L: Get P1,000 off. Starts at P2,699.

● Xiaomi TV A Pro 65: P31,190 (from P32,490)

● Xiaomi TV A Pro 55: P22,190 (from P22,990)

● Xiaomi TV A Pro 50: P20,290 (from P20,990)

● Xiaomi TV A Pro 43: P16,490 (from P16,990)

● Xiaomi TV A Pro 32: P8,490 (from P8,990)

● Xiaomi Smart Camera C400: P1,799 (from P2,999)

● Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300: P2,199

The Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 Sale is running until April 30, 2024. All Xiaomi AIoT products are available exclusively online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok. Xiaomi and Redmi phones, including the special edition Xiaomi Fan Festival Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, are also available online and in authorized Xiaomi stores.

For more information, visit the Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 Sale microsite.

Metrobank: Top Choice for Retail Banking in the Philippines, as Recognized by The Asian Banker

 

Metrobank is hailed as the Most Recommended Retail Bank in the Philippines by The Asian Banker in the publication’s recently held Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards. 

 

The recognition was given based on the results of The Asian Banker’s Annual BankQuality™ Consumer Survey, which gathered feedback from over 12,000 customers across Asia in January 2024. The survey measured the participants’ engagement, and satisfaction with retail financial services institutions based on their experience with services, channels and products. 

According to The Asian Banker, Metrobank has earned a strong reputation among its clients for its trusted financial services, and hassle-free banking experience. These served as the main drivers for Metrobank’s BankQuality score of 101.48 - the highest among the participating banks in the Philippines, and the 6thamong the banks in Asia. 

This positive feedback among the Bank’s clients is supported by a study conducted by NielsenIQ in 2023*, where Metrobank emerged as one of the Top Recommended Banks in the Philippines. About a thousand respondents were asked how likely they would recommend each bank cited in the survey to their peers. According to the results, Metrobank edged out all the other local major banks, and has held this position since 2022.

For Metrobank, these recognitions serve as a strong vote of confidence that the Bank is on the right track in fulfilling its promise to clients as their trusted financial partner in every life stage. 

Metrobank constantly aims to provide clients with reliable and relevant banking services to help them achieve their goals – whether the client is an individual growing his savings, an aspiring entrepreneur starting a new business venture, or an established individual looking to manage the growth and distribution of their wealth.

“For decades, fulfilling our promise of keeping Filipinos in good hands has been Metrobank’s north star. Every product and service we have, was developed to address our clients’ needs. We are strongly committed to help Filipinos achieve their dreams, and foster growth in the communities we are a part of,” said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank’s Chief Marketing Officer. 

 

“This mission is what fuels our drive to deliver an exceptional brand of service, and we are grateful that this is being recognized both by clients across the country, and by global banking experts such as The Asian Banker. Metrobank is the Most Recommended Retail Bank in the Philippines, because each Metrobanker is dedicated to helping our clients, and our communities grow,” he added.

 

Celebrating partnerships that lead to growth 

As Metrobank celebrates meaningful partnerships with clients through these awards, the Bank also reaffirms its commitment to become its clients’ partner in success with the launch of a new film, entitled “Grow with Metrobank.” 

The film represents the millions of Filipinos whose journey to growth and success was aided by the Bank, in the past 60 years. These stories are seen through the eyes of mother-and-son bakers Gigi and Andy who are successful Metrobank clients. 

There is the character of Mrs. Bueno, a pharmacist, who is celebrating because Metrobank approved her business loan. Then, there is Charlie, who owns a chain of computer repair shops that have been modernized to allow cashless payments. And of course, single delivery van owner Ben, who now owns a new fleet of delivery vehicles, thanks to Metrobank. Finally, Sharon, a Relationship Manager from Metrobank, visits the bakeshop of Gigi and Andy to discuss potential investment opportunities for their family. 

By the end of the film, Metrobank underscores its belief that ‘where communities grow, we all grow.’

Watch the film here.

For over 60 years, Metrobank has been keeping Filipinos in good hands. Leading international financial institutions and publications including Asian Banker, Euromoney, and AsiaMoney have recognized the bank over the years for its strength and reliability for customers, businesses, and entire communities. 

Discover how Metrobank can cultivate success and growth in a community, making every step of your financial journey meaningful and rewarding. Check out our website at http://www.ingoodhands.com.ph or visit your nearest Metrobank branch to learn more.