Alipay+ Expands Payment Partner Ecosystem

“Travel has a significant impact to local and regional economies, uplifting communities, small businesses and livelihoods, trends expected to accelerate in 2025. Through a combination of innovation and partnerships with merchants and tourism organizations, we aim to help more businesses leverage the opportunities from growth in tourism, while continually enhancing the personalized travel experience for travelers.” ~Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International

In anticipation of the year-end peak travel season, Alipay+, Ant International's cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solution, announced new payment partners, increased merchant coverage globally, and unveiled exclusive rewards for partners' users.

Alipay+ now serves more international travelers and connects them to over 90 million merchants in 66 markets through its 35 international payment partners. In addition to offering smooth cross-border mobile payments, Alipay+ now offers digital lifestyle services and an in-app destination marketing platform, providing businesses with direct avenues to connect with and interact with consumers. Touch 'n Go eWallet from Malaysia, TrueMoney from Thailand, GCash from the Philippines, and Kakao Pay from South Korea are just a few of the top ten superapps that offer its destination marketing platform, A+ Rewards.

Travel has rebounded significantly in 2024, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism industry will break all records in 2024, with international spending increasing by 33%.

 

Alipay+ expands merchant coverage, empowering global consumers to ‘travel like a local’

Due to changes in travel habits, tourists are spending more money on local experiences. This is evident in the 80% increase in spending at food and beverage (F&B) establishments, the 50% increase at attractions, and the 120% increase in spending on transportation like trains, taxis, and ride-hailing. Travelers can now "travel like a local" this year-end and beyond thanks to Alipay+'s increased acceptance at these crucial travel situations.

Along with the increased coverage, Alipay+ is launching special offers in popular global locations, collaborating closely with partners to provide travelers with the greatest bargains.

• Japan: Following its expanded partnership with PayPay, Alipay+ now connects with over 3 million merchants, including many local SMEs like izakayas, wagashi shops, snack stores, anime merchandise shops, and guesthouses. Travelers can enjoy special rewards at these local stores, at top attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE, Tokyo Solamachi, TOKYO mizumachi, and Ekimise Asakusa, and at top merchants such as airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, electronics and appliance retailers, and health and beauty stores.
• South Korea: Alipay+ expanded to iconic local destinations such as Myeong-dong Night Market in Seoul, Nami Island Night Market in Gangwon-do, and Aewol Café Street in Jeju. Tourists can also use Alipay+'s partner payment apps to pay for bus rides in Jeju and taxis in Seoul. Travelers can enjoy promotions at more than 1.9 million ZeroPay merchants and other attractions and merchants such as Everland Theme Park, GS25 convenience stores and more.
• Singapore: Travelers can better enjoy the world renowned attractions and food in Singapore, with Alipay+ recently accepted at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Paradise, and expanded F&B merchants which include top foodie experiences such as CHAGEE, Toast Box and BreadTalk, and historical food site, Lau Pa Sat.
• Malaysia: Alipay+ makes it easier for travelers comminuting between the airport and city with its acceptance at KLIA Express Rail Link in the capital. Pavilion KL, one of the top shopping malls with a wide collection of international and local brands and food also joins as one of the latest Alipay+ partners. Alipay+ is additionally connected with DuitNow QR with close to 2 million merchants.
• Thailand: Alipay+ offers exclusive promotions at leading retailers under Central, Siam and King Power, and everyday conveniences such as 7-Eleven, BigC, Boots and BTS trains.
• Philippines: Alipay+ has grown its coverage in key cities in the Philippines and is now accepted by more than 140,000 merchants, including the Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
• Cambodia, Nepal: Alipay+ recently established new national standardized QR partnerships in Cambodia via KHQR and Nepal via NepalPay QR, providing ease of payment at more than 1 million and 875,000 local businesses respectively.
• United Kingdom: Travelers can now more easily explore the arts culture in London, with Alipay+ recently accepted at Van Gogh House, in an historic building in London. Promotions are available at some of the most iconic retail destinations in London, including Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty of London, Harvey Nichols as well as at Bicester Village.
• Germany: Alipay+ will introduce the “German Shopping Festival”, bringing together a wide range of German merchants, offering exclusive discounts, Christmas-themed travel guides, and unique shopping experiences.
• France: Travelers visiting France will enjoy a promotional instant cashback on purchases at some of the top retail destinations in Paris such as Galeries Lafayettes, La Vallée Village and Printemps Haussman.
• Italy: Alipay+ is now accepted at the biggest duty free store in Italy, Aelia Duty Free (Lagardere Group) at Rome airport. Additionally, Tinaba e-wallet users will benefit from cashback promotions running until end of January at Alipay+ enabled merchants across the country.
• Istanbul: Alipay+ is now accepted at Unifree Duty Free at Istanbul Airport, the second busiest airport in Europe.
• Abu Dhabi, Dubai: Travelers will benefit from a direct discount at key retailers such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and at key duty-free stores and airports, including Dubai Duty Free and Abu Dhabi Duty Free

Subway’s secret recipe!

As it turns out, Sam YG and DJ Chacha heard from a certified Marites in a Facebook group community called Sublovers PH that Subway has a secret recipe in store. This secret recipe sounds very familiar to them because this has been abuzz on Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram. Checking trends on social media, it is always being talked about too. This secret recipe is very intriguing because this was also being mentioned on tv, radio and in the newspapers all the time.  What could this really be about? Why do people keep talking about this?

In Sam YG and DJ Chacha’s podcast, “Lecheng Pag-ibig To!”, a podcast on love, relationships, and everything in between, the secret recipe in keeping the fire of relationships alive was a hot topic.  One of the ingredients in this recipe is trying out new experiences together, and one way of doing that is through exploring food.

Visiting their favorite Subway restaurant, “Try our Secret Recipe!” signs will greet guests as they walk in.  Ask the sandwich artists what the secret recipe is, they will only say it was still a secret.  All you can do is order the sandwich to satisfy your curiosity!

Subway’s secret recipe has the perfect kick of spice and tang. This secret recipe is highly recommended for people who love their sub spicy. Its distinct flavor will leave the taste buds wanting for more and more. 

Want to be in with us on this hot little secret? Head on now to your favorite Subway restaurant and try out their secret recipe. This secret recipe surely won’t disappoint!

For more exciting news, please follow Subway’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/subwayphilippines.

Have a #WorthEat Day with the New Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry!

Being physically fit and healthy is Mike’s regular regimen. More than going to the gym, Mike wants to achieve a body goal fit for his fast-paced career lifestyle. Burning those fats and maintaining healthy food options is a priority for him to stay fit and active day in and day out!

For Mike, what’s a better way to satisfy those cravings and get you back on track than with the newest Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry? 

From July 6 to September 27, 2022, savor Subway® Philippines' new curry sauce favorite to spice up your Chicken Katsu, your #wortheat quick meal after a refreshing day at the gym. The curry sauce is also available for the Cheese Steak Meal.

The Chicken Katsu Curry ala carte price starts at Php 155 for the 6-inch sub, Php 300 for the footlong sub, Php 165 for the wrap, and Php 205 for the salad.

The Cheese Steak Curry ala carte price starts at Php 165 for the 6-inch sub, Php 320 for the footlong sub, Php 175 for the wrap, and Php 215 for the salad.

You can also enjoy it as a regular meal with a 22-oz drink and 2 pieces of cookies for an additional fee of Php 85.

Treat yourself to a Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry. It will give you the energy and motivation you need for your next healthier workout session.To keep pushing forward, make sure not to miss out!

You can get these tasteful meals through dine-in and takeout transactions and/or delivery through Messenger "BOTTY".

For more information on the latest Subway® #BetterChoice promos, visit www.fb.com/SubwayPhilippines . 

ABOUT Subway®

As one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in more than 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes more than 20,000 dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.  Visit www.Subway.com for more information.

Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2022 Subway IP LLC.

SM Supermalls will color you happy this summer!

Bursting with color starting April, SM Supermalls is giving its shoppers of all ages a spectrum of hope, happiness, and fun with delightful and safe activities that everyone in the family can look forward to when they visit their favorite SM mall.

Snap-worthy rainbow play areas! Multifunctional play pods in all colors of the rainbow await you at the indoor and outdoor play pods that kids and kids-at-heart will love. From rainbow staircases to larger than life displays, you’ll have no trouble getting the best and most colorful #POTD entry!

Sizzling hot summer deals! What’s summer without a mall-wide sale? Go on a shopping spree and get all your summer essentials, including must-have toys, at the nearest SM mall. Delight your kids with sporty knick knacks, inflatables, and bikes to amp up their summer activities even while at home. Visit the pop-up stores in select SM malls for great finds and exclusive deals!

Sweet treats and Summer Eats! Sip, eat, repeat, and satisfy those cravings with a wide array of food and drink choices at SM Summer Eats!  A weekend al fresco market awaits you with delicious meals and refreshing drinks all in IG-worthy colorful dining spaces! Watch out for Summer Teas happening on April 16 to 30 where there will be lots of discounts on the best milk teas to quench your thirst too! 

Summer fun under the sun! Time to flex that Tiktok talent! Be witty and wacky, colorful and bright, at the SM Summer Tiktok challenge which you can shoot at any of the the malls’ colorful outdoor and indoor displays. For pawrents, you can have a furry fun time with your pets when you join the pet olympics, go on a picnic with them, or treat them with a pampering session. For the fitness buff, there’s going to be a 7-day fitness blitz for adults and kids at select SM malls where you can blow off steam and sweat it out. Whatever your passion is, we have lots of summer fun activities lined up for you!

From safe dining to shopping and everything in between, make it a fun and colorful summer to remember at SM Supermalls! Make sure to visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for the latest news, promos, and activities.

How Artists Can Make Money on Gigz?

People used to say, "You will never make any money as an artist." Now it's time to throw away the negativity and pick up some real hope, because in this digital (and pandemic) age, Gigz is changing the game for artists. 

If you’re an artist who’s struggling to replace lost revenue streams in the wake of the current pandemic, 

Gigz may just be the solution you need.  In today's world, there are more opportunities than ever which allow entertainers (musicians, comedians, etc.) to do what they love and generate a sustainable income. And as long as you're willing to put in the time and work, you too can reap the incredible rewards of this new age by being creative enough. 

Gigz was founded in 2021, providing an online platform to help entertainers earn by simply uploading their videos or performances. The platform features music, comedy, video podcasts, films, events, and more.  

It operates in a way similar to YouTube except that Gigz has a donation button that allows fans and followers to contribute any amount to support their favorite artists. 

Moreover, entertainers can choose to price their performances for fans to pay and watch anytime on-demand, and on any device.  Additionally, Gigz marketing efforts help raise artists’ profiles and create awareness to allow artists to be discovered globally. Signing up as an Artist is easy on Gigz. Simply log in to the website (https://gigz.online/), create your account by providing your email address, and assigning a password, and upload a profile photo and profile video – and you are ready to create content and start monetizing!

Vote Pilipinas and Youth Leaders Rally For Youth Vote, Visayas Vote at Latest Magparehistro Ka!

Vote Pilipinas, the official voter registration information campaign of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), held the second of its three-part town hall series on July 30, 2021, which aims to educate Filipinos to register to vote. Over various online platforms, the Magparehistro Ka Town Hall, in partnership with Smart Communications, gathered COMELEC officials and youth representatives to appeal to those living in the Visayas region and to the younger generation. The virtual event took place just as we hit the two-month mark on the deadline to register for the 2022 national and local elections by September 30, 2021.

The featured keynote speaker was no other than COMELEC Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, who spoke in the local dialect and reminded those in the Visayas that registration was a precursor to voting. This was preceded by opening remarks from Vote Pilipinas founder Ces Rondario, who initially started the campaign as a passion project. COMELEC was also represented by Director Frances Aguindadao-Arabe, who presented the latest numbers on voters in the Visayas region. From her report, COMELEC recorded a total of 893,448 voter registrants from Regions VI, VII, and VIII from September 2020 until July 24, 2021. Also heeding that call to register were Election Officers Krishna Athena Elardo, Omar Sharif Mamalinta, and Dainty Calagos, who were ready to answer any questions on the registration process and data. It was also revealed that those in the Visayas regions need not travel far to register, as one can now register at the following Robinsons Malls: Robinsons Place Ormoc, Robinsons Place Cebu, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, Robinsons Place Dumaguete, Robinsons Place Bacolod, Robinsons Place Tacloban, Robinsons Place North Tacloban, Robinsons Place Roxas, and Robinsons Place Antique.

Appealing to the youth was host, speaker, and Miss Cebu 2016 Raine Baljak, who said, “We must fight long and hard for what we believe in our own way, like a drop of water into the vast ocean. Voting is our right to be heard, and when you vote, you're voting for the people who come before you and who come after you.” She, too, raised some of her personal questions on voters’ registration. Joining her in this case was a roundtable of youth leaders, including Hannah Felix of Abot PH, Carlo Bais of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod Student Council, Janneloise Baylon of the Union of Progressive Students, Jet Luga of Global Shapers Cebu, and Enniss Pareja of Global Shapers Iloilo.

During the program, Vote Pilipinas had announced its newest partners, with some representatives speaking on why they had chosen to partner and what this cause meant to them. The evening capped off closing remarks from Aguindadao-Arabe and the release of the second Magparehistro Ka video, plus announcement of the Magparehistro Ka Challenge, which incentivizes newly registered voters by awarding them with weekly prizes after they post about the importance of registering.

The Vote Pilipinas Campaign is a passion project executed by a team of like-minded individuals driven by the desire to contribute to impacting change in the Philippines. It is a non-profit and non-partisan initiative designed to increase the number of voter registration. With both an online and offline approach, the campaign aims to provide accessible and verifiable information to ensure that Filipinos are updated with news concerning the upcoming 2022 elections. This campaign will run until the elections in 2022 and it aims to target the first time voters and other unregistered voters by providing innovative ways to encourage people to register, and to vote.

Coocaa Celebrates Birthday with Exciting Promos and Lineup of Exclusive Product Launches.

“The birthday sale on Lazada’s platform is our way of saying thank you to our customers and to our e-commerce partner as we have become the number 1 best-selling home appliance brand on Lazada, as well as for the loyalty shown to us over the past year by giving us the opportunity to be part of customers’ home to provide intelligent, functional, yet affordable entertainment center for families from all walks of life. We’ve seen that as the more tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z generate their own income, there is an increased demand for fast and convenient access to cutting-edge entertainment. That’s why Coocaa champions affordability, functionality and great value with every product we put on the market. We further address their needs by creating amazing experiences with the help of online partners in a dynamic multi-channel retail environment to encourage ease, security and delivery punctuality. As we currently are operating more than 150 ASC (After Sales Centers) in the country, our commitment remains stronger than ever. Lazada & Coocaa’s partnership’s anniversary solidifies our commitment further to providing intelligent consumer electronic appliances to Filipinos wherever they are. We will continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with Lazada by launching many more innovative products, along with amazing deals, sales, and discounts, only for our Lazada customers in the Philippines. So, we encourage Filipinos to stay tuned on the app or website to get our products with amazing deals.” ~Daniel Huang, Coocaa Project Manager, Skyworth Global E-commerce

Coocaa, the Shenzhen-based mid-to-high-end Internet brand that provides high specs, high-cost performance consumer electronic products, is celebrating its birthday! 

What better way to celebrate the occasion than by giving its customers a sale to remember? Starting this Thursday, August 08 until August 09, Coocaa will be celebrating with a birthday blowout in all Southeast Asian Lazada online stores. Excited shoppers can find vouchers of up to 50% off Coocaa’s top products on Lazada Philippines! To extend the birthday celebration, in October, Coocaa will be launching three (3) smart TVs, like the all-new 50’’ & 65” Android 9.0 OS smart TV and 50’’ Netflix built-in TV.

Through an easy, user-friendly online experience on Lazada, shoppers can look forward to snagging Coocaa’s top-selling TVs - like their 50” 4K Android 8.0 TV or their 40” FHD Smart TV that lets you stream movies with its built-in Netflix - as part of their birthday party treats. Lazada gives shoppers easy access to products from customers’ favorite brand stores, available for purchase at the touch of a button. 

About Coocaa’s Birthday Party.

Coocaa’s Birthday Party’s online shopping event begins at 00:00 on August 08 for two whole days until August 9, exclusively at Lazada PH. Shoppers can add-to-cart starting from a couple of days earlier to ensure that favorite products do not run out. Access to the Lazada’s Coocaa Flagship store can be clicked here: Coocaa Official Online Store.

Furthermore, on August 08 to August 9, exciting deals for Lazada shoppers include:

• Special campaign price with various vouchers on special products, discount up to 50%.
• Flash Sale for all Coocaa’s models from 32-inch to 50-inch.
• Brand Mega Offers campaign featuring all exclusive models with discount from 17% to 25%.
• Special E-VIP Card especially for model 50S5G
• Slash it for special models with 888PHB price

For more detailed information on deals, please visit Coocaa Official Online Store on Lazada.

Bacolod Trains the Spotlight on Rum-Making in Upcoming Festival

“We are proud to have our city associated with the sugarcane as this humble plant has produced many of the country’s world-class products. Negros is already known for being one of the sugar centers of the Philippines. Now, we also want to promote the city as the place where our proudly Philippine-made rum products are made.” ~Em Ang, Former Bacolod City Councilor

The upcoming Tanduay Rum Festival in Bacolod, a weeklong celebration that seeks to highlight the sugarcane industry and Filipino excellence in different fields - from culinary arts and mixology to visual arts, music, and dance. 

Just as wineries flourished in the Napa Valley, so did sugarcane plantations in Negros. And just as wine-making became a prominent industry in that region of California, so did rum-making in the city of Bacolod. Tanduay, which has been hailed as the world’s number one rum for the second straight year, celebrates the source of its world-class product the sugarcanes of the island. 

“The Tanduay Rum Festival is going to be a big celebration. We want people to join us as we raise a glass to rum-making and the Filipino talent and craftsmanship not just in Bacolod, but in the entire country.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Chief Marketing Officer

Prior to the week of the Rum Festival, Tanduay will hold a Barrel Art Painting Competition in Robinsons Place, Bacolod. The barrels will be on display during an exhibit at Robinsons. Join the Barrel Painting competition for the upcoming Rum Festival. Win amazing cash prizes and gifts, but most of all, take this chance to spend a fun time with fellow artists to celebrate creativity.

During the week-long event, an open kitchen and mixology contest will take place on Aug. 17 (Saturday) at the New Government Center (NGC) Grounds. It will also be the start of a weeklong food bazaar at the NGC. On Aug. 23, rapper Mike Swift will be bringing his team of artists to collaborate with local artists of Bacolod in painting a basketball court. 

On Aug. 24, the last day of the event, several activities will ensue. They include a street dance parade and contest, a 5k Rum Run, and a concert featuring artists from Bacolod and Raymond Marasigan’s Sandwich band. 

Sponsored by Tanduay, the Rum Festival will run from August 17 to 24. During the event, the organizers aim to highlight the importance of the sugarcane in its history as well as give a toast to the talent and skill of Filipinos.

For inquiries on how you can join the Tanduay Rum Festival activities and contests, send an email to events@eggshell.ph. You can also visit the Tanduay Rum Festival Facebook Page for updates.

Are you ready to be the next Greenhills EntrePinoy?

“EntrePinoy gives life to our vision to provide support to Filipino entrepreneurs. Over the years, Greenhills has served as a business incubator and we are proud to see so many businesses take off. Certainly, we want to see more success stories and we believe that we can help aspiring entrepreneurs learn new ideas and the rudiments of operations, finance, marketing, and everything else that will get their businesses off to a strong start. Through these new businesses, consumers will also be able to experience new offerings and concepts in Greenhills and beef up our roster of stores.” ~Mr. Jaime E. Ysmael, Ortigas & Company President

Greenhills EntrePinoy

 Greenhills and Mercato Centrale launch a one-of-a-kind competition giving aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to build a successful startup businesses

Do you want to become an entrepreneur? Do you have a business concept that you’d like to pitch? Do you aspire to be part of the growing community of Greenhills entrepreneurs?

If you said yes to these questions, then it would be worth joining Greenhills’ EntrePinoy, a nationwide search for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses right at VMall Greenhills, the shopping mecca and renowned business incubator of Metro Manila. 

Aspiring business owners will be given the opportunity to follow the footsteps of many successful endeavors that first took root in Greenhills, which has served as a starting ground of successful Filipino enterprises throughout the years. Among the big business names that first started their humble enterprises in Greenhills are brands like Bayo, Kamiseta, Bench, Folded & Hung, Gift Gate, Alberto, Astro Vision, Plains & Prints and Celine.

During the media launch of EntrePinoy in Greenhills on June 13, a preview of the program was showcased through a series of talks given by respected businesses innovators and thought leaders in the country: RJ Ledesma, President and Founder of Mercato Centrale Group, who talked about operations and innovation; restaurateur and founder of Let’s Eat Pare Mark del Rosario, who discussed food industry trends; and owner of Ibarra Watches, Nico Moreno, who shared inspirational business stories.

Greenhills EntrePinoy

To take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, interested applicants may pitch their ideas from June 17 to June 28 by submitting entries via a QR code that can be found on Greenhills’ social media pages. On July 5, twenty-four (24) finalists will be selected by a team of industry experts, and will then undergo training as they test drive their ideas right at VMall Greenhills for five days a month from July to September covering payday weekends. The dates of wherein they will be able to showcase and sell their products are as follows:

• July 11 - 14, 2019
• August 14 - 18, 2019
• September 11 - 15, 2019

To strengthen Greenhills' community of existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, a series of talks and workshops by industry professionals are lined up where everyone is welcome to join and learn from the sessions. These are scheduled monthly from July to September, all touching on the different aspects of entrepreneurship. To get them started on their businesses, on July 11, Jonathan Petalver, Program Director, Ateneo MBA, will speak on Business Model Canvass and Operations Management. This will be followed by an extensive talk on Entrepreneurial Accounting and Financial Management by Filip Wycoco on August 15.  As an added service to entrepreneurs, a One-stop Shop for Business Assistance will run from 10 am to 5 PM on August 20-22, with the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Taxumo, GoNegosyo, and other agencies providing assistance to entrepreneurs.  Then, on September 12, Edgar Caper will discuss all Marketing Mindset in order for them to learn strategic branding and consumer marketing. 

Finally, on September 25, Greenhills and Mercato Centrale Group will select the five (5) top performing entrepreneurs from the shortlisted twenty-four (24) participants. These winners will be given a stall for free for three (3) months to formally sell their products together with other existing Greenhills merchants from October to December. The peak months of Greenhills, were chosen for the five (5) winners in order for them to be encouraged to strive to deliver, apply what they have learned from the sessions, and reap the rewards. 

Excited to try out your business idea? Go ahead and join EntrePinoy. Register through http://bit.do/entrepinoy or scan the QR code below. For more info, visit and subscribe to the newsletter at www.ortigasmalls.com or check out Greenhills’ social media pages: www.facebook.com/GreenhillsOfficial | www.instagram.com/greenhillsph.

Ortigas Malls plans to make EntrePinoy a yearly event, as it provides existing and aspiring enterprises with opportunities to nurture their business ideas.

Excited to try out your business idea? Go ahead and join EntrePinoy. Register through http://bit.do/entrepinoy or scan the QR code below. For more info, visit and subscribe to the newsletter at www.ortigasmalls.com or check out Greenhills’ social media pages: www.facebook.com/GreenhillsOfficial | www.instagram.com/greenhillsph.