VPX introduces turnkey auto service shops

A ValuePlus mechanic performs a quality assurance check on a vehicle before its release to the customer.

ValuePlus makes owning an auto service business easier with its new build-operate-transfer franchising model.

ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc. the franchisor of VPX is delighted to announce that its ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas, the first shop established under its build-operate-transfer (BOT) or turnkey franchising model, is now ready for acquisition by interested franchisees.

Under the BOT or turnkey franchising model, ValuePlus Auto Service first builds its VPX shop in a strategic location, operates it for a specific period to establish its customer base, and then transfers or sells it to an interested party.

This franchising model is novel in the auto service industry and will make it easier for people to have their own auto service business.

“Building an auto service business from the ground up can be time-consuming, not to mention the challenge of getting people to know that your business exists. We want to alleviate this stress on our franchisees by laying the foundation for them so they can start making profits as soon as possible. We are proud to be a pioneer of this game-changing model in the auto service industry in the country. We opened ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas before the pandemic and managed to grow it amid strict and long lockdowns in Metro Manila, which guarantees our franchisees that the shop has a strong customer base and is self-sustaining.” ~Mark Saberola, General Manager of VPX

ValuePlus and VPX shops employ certified technicians with prior experience from car dealerships here and abroad.

ValuePlus opened its Las Piñas branch in February 2020 before the pandemic and managed to grow through the crisis thanks to its customer base of retail and corporate clients, creative marketing, and sales strategies.

ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas offers professional auto repair and maintenance services such as preventive maintenance, mechanical and electrical repairs, oil service, computerized wheel alignment, and clutch repairs, among others.

Highly-skilled ValuePlus mechanics working on a pick-up truck in a shop properly equipped with tools and equipment.

To help its franchisees operate the shop, ValuePlus will provide them with intensive staff training in areas ranging from customer relations management and service advisory to automotive servicing and shop management. ValuePlus will also provide them with management and marketing support by assigning a dedicated zone supervisor where their shop is located and promoting their shop on social media.

ValuePlus Auto Service Las Piñas is located at No. 30 CAA Road, close to commercial and residential areas.

Aside from its Las Piñas branch, ValuePlus will soon open its second BOT or turnkey VPX shop in Pasig, which is also now accepting applications from interested franchisees. Those interested in franchising the ValuePlus Auto Service in Las Piñas or participating in the pre-selling of its Pasig branch may contact Mark Saberola via email at mark@valueplusph.com or by phone at 0917-637-2085 for more information.

About ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines, Inc. 

ValuePlus is your one-stop shop for your after-warranty vehicle's maintenance and repair needs. Our service offerings include preventive maintenance services (kilometer check-up), change-oil packages wheel alignment services, tires services, detailing services, engine, transmission, electrical, and air conditioning repair. We are also franchising our business under our brand VPX or ValuePlus Auto Service Express and have branches in Quezon City, Las Piñas City, Sorsogon City, Batangas City, and Lipa City.

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

It’s never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike now, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row. Sharing with you the press release and accompanying photos on the proven benefits of cycling to your well-being. Hoping you can also help us come up with a story.

While return to onsite work and easing of restrictions provide some semblance of post-pandemic normalcy, most still remain hypervigilant because of the sudden rise of cases. This means it is still important to not let down your guard, observe health and safety protocols, and make sure your immune system is in top shape through proper diet and exercise. 

One of the activities many started during the pandemic is cycling, encouraging people to get out of the house for fresh air and a change of environment. It is easy enough to do and perfect for those who just want to do it leisurely, and equally perfect for those looking for a higher intensity cardio workout. 

It’s also proven to have many benefits which contribute to improving one’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Cycling increases endurance and improves cardiovascular health on and off the bike. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

Biking for at least 30 minutes a day improves overall cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, research says. The key to building endurance is consistency--it allows you to increase your distance and level of intensity over time. With practice, you’ll soon notice you can pedal your way to longer and more challenging rides without feeling too tired.

 

Cycling is beginner-friendly.

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

The good thing about cycling is that it’s easy to learn. With basic skills and little effort, you can enjoy casual spins around your neighborhood. Pace yourself depending on what your body can handle and slowly adjust your mileage and intensity. What's more, cycling is a low-impact exercise suited for all ages!

 

Cycling improves your balance, posture and coordination. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

The first step in learning how to bike is finding your balance and figuring out how to stabilize your body. If you’re a beginner, don't be too hard on yourself! It may take a bit of time to get the hang of things, but with regular practice, you'll see significant improvement in your balance, posture, and coordination. 

Cycling supports weight loss. 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

With limited opportunities to exercise in the last two years, you likely have gained a few unwanted pounds. Luckily, cycling helps you lose weight and build muscle in a safe way. It allows you to get your heart rate up with less wear and tear on your knees, ankles, and other joints. To maximize your calories burned, try to increase the intensity or duration of your bike workout.

 

Cycling boosts mental health and brain power.

 

AIA Philippines: The Wonders of Cycling

It's tested and proven--cycling is one of the best ways to battle brain fog. Aside from lessening feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, it also boosts brainpower leading to better focus and concentration. Plus, you get higher energy levels within the day because of your increased stamina!

Cycling helps you feel good.

 

Similar to runners, cyclists also get a “cycling high” and science has proven that it’s for real! After a ride, cyclists experience a spike in neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins—otherwise known as happy hormones. At the same time, cycling is a great way to spend quality time with the family.

Get rewarded for being healthy with AIA Vitality

It's never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row.

Beyond the protection, investment and savings benefits that AIA Philippines offers, AIA Vitality raises the bar and gives unprecedented living benefits that members can enjoy for being healthy. These include 70% off elite membership at Gold’s Gym, up to 30% off Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit fitness devices, and 25% off at Toby’s Sports, Runnr and urbanAthletics. You can also enjoy exclusive insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost. 

Every cyclist has a story. Create yours today with AIA Vitality! 

Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

About AIA Philippines

AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc.), formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 and became popularly known as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises.

AIA Philippines has PHP276.73 billion in total assets  and PHP72.21 billion in net worth  as of 31 December 2021 while serving almost 800,000 individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members.

AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation).

Based on the Insurance Commission results as of 31 December 2021, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP33.91 billion.

AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR , Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR , and a 49 per cent joint venture in India.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$340 billion as of 31 December 2021.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

UBX launches UrGovPH for LGUs’ digital transformation

“As the Philippines continues on its digital transformation journey, UBX commits to ramp up its support to the government. With a spectrum of open finance solutions, UrGovPH empowers government units and agencies to digitally transform their services and bring them closer to their citizens and stakeholders. It has the daunting task of transforming our government into an agile bureaucracy that is responsive to the needs of the public, provide good and solid data to ensure informed decision-making, as well as allow secure and seamless access to public services. As a critical government partner, UBX’s UrGovPH aids the new administration in ushering the Philippines to a new digital era. With open finance solutions powering e-governance, we believe that we will be on track to meeting our shared goal of including 70 percent of Filipino adults in the country’s financial systems.” ~John Januszczak, UBX President

UrGovPH to assist LGUs in bringing public service closer to the people. UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, is doubling down on its support to the government with the introduction of UrGovPH - a suite of open finance solutions that enable local governments to digitally transform their services. 

UrGovPH equips local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies with necessary tools that enable them to digitalize public service, supporting the country’s drive of bringing essential services closer to the people.

The initiative aligns with the current administration’s efforts to build a digital Philippines, which will infuse technology and innovation to respond to the needs of the public and improve governance. In harnessing the power of new technology, Filipinos will have safe and seamless access to public services. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently called for a unified approach to develop new technologies to address the growing demand for digital services, especially in government. 

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will spearhead initiatives to develop e-governance solutions to bring government services closer to the masses. 

Marcos further instructed government entities to digitalize the “voluminous records stored in the government warehouses and archives” and share them across all departments and agencies for transparency and harmony of processes. 

With the help of UBX, LGUs can actively respond to this call by leveraging UrGovPH’s open finance solutions, such as social services marketplace, financial services, information management, asset management, service management, and identity solutions. 

Powered by the various ventures of UBX, LGUs that partner with UBX for their digital transformation journeys are empowered to automate the workflow for the management of all social services, from local civil registry, to enforcement of ordinance, citizen and business registration, to acceptance of digital payments. 

i2i, UBX’s banking-as-a-service platform, allows citizens to transact with their local governments digitally. Aside from cashless and in-store payment solutions, i2i also allows for carded or non-carded disbursements. It also enables local governments to automate accounting and taxation. 

Customer relations are also set to improve with the help of UrGovPH, as all information assets will be available for different channels. Inquiry management and dispute resolution management are covered by the feature. Likewise, real property, environmental, and business assets will be blockchain-enabled to help ease the control of the listings of real property, environment, and businesses under each LGU. Location-enabled mapping of Real Property Assets will also be available. 

Through UrGovPH, businesses will have easier access to verified and trusted lenders in the Philippines through SeekCap. Entrepreneurs can find and apply for business loans online with UBX’s network of partner lenders, helping small and medium enterprises get the much-needed capital to stay afloat and competitive. 

Moreover, citizen verification will be automated for faster and more efficient delivery of various services. ID verification, liveness check, and pre-filled information from the existing government IDs or connected database will be available. 

LGUs will also have access to various government agencies and private partners of UBX, allowing them to introduce new digital services and further improve governance. 

UrGovPH solutions can be hyper-personalized to the specific needs of the LGUs’ citizens.

UrGovPH supports the national government’s drive to promote ease of doing business, as enshrined under Republic Act No. 11032 of 2018. UrGovPH also complements the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) National Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

It also strengthens Executive Order No. 170 of 2022 or the Adoption of Digital Payments for Disbursements and Collections and the Electronic Commerce Act or RA No. 8792. 

Allianz PNB Life executive talks about digitalization in the insurance sector at Asian Banking and Finance Summit 2022

“Digitalization for us is extremely important in terms of reaching out to customers and prospects. It provides an avenue for stimulating, productive conversations with the customer, fostering interactions with them that are both timely and relevant. Here in the Philippines, insurance penetration rate is 2%. Because of the pandemic, digitalization ensures that we have more effective ways of reaching our customers. We work very closely with our Life Changers or financial insurance agents, because they enable more effective conversations with clients. We want insurance to be a product that people [are not] afraid of. Through our agents, our customers can have access to all the resources they need to make informed decisions regarding the security of their future. Technology is a means to an end, not the end itself. It is a means of getting faster to the consumer, [and] also helps in terms of better understanding the consumers and the policyholders that we already have. We can then improve our services and processes, but more importantly, [develop] new solutions that when we created the product we weren’t already thinking of.” ~Gino Riola, Allianz PNB Life’s Chief Marketing Officer

Allianz PNB Life’s Chief Marketing Officer, Gino Riola, joined some of Asia’s top bank executives and finance industry experts as a keynote speaker and panelist at the Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Summit 2022. The three-day event was held last June 15 to 17.

The ABF has facilitated several virtual conferences in the last two years, such as the 2020-2021 ABF Retail Banking Conferences and the FSI Conference. This year, the ABF Summit aimed to explore the digitalization of the financial services sector, and cover pressing topics such as fintech, data analytics, and issues that may arise due to this new and rising trend.

Riola, together with the Director of Simon Kucher & Partners Chetan Prakash and Chief Technical Officer of Sompo Holdings Asia Aditya Vardhan Tibrewala, took part in a panel discussion moderated by ABF Publisher Tim Charlton about digitalization in the insurance space. Riola pointed out the low insurance penetration rate in the Philippines and emphasized how utilizing data and technology helps Allianz PNB Life reach more prospects and develop products that its customer base needs.

Riola further explained how Allianz PNB Life also ensures that its current customers have access to their policies.

Riola also briefly introduced the Vivy app, an all-in-one hub for every customer’s protection and health needs. The app marks Allianz PNB Life’s latest venture into digitalization, allowing the company to bring relevant protection and health content to its users. The goal of the project is to help customers learn about their own health conditions as well as the important role insurance will play in securing their future.

For more information on the Allianz Healthbox, Allianz Vivy app, and other products and services Allianz PNB Life offers, please visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.

WalterMart offers more value to shoppers, pushes team-up with Mayani farmers to the provinces

Provincial consumers can fill their shopping bags with as many fresh fruits and vegetables for only P399 while also helping our Filipino farmers

As the country faces the post-pandemic challenges of rising prices and inflation effects, community supermarket chain WalterMart continue to innovate its retail offering through the UNLI FRESH initiative and activating it in large provinces: Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

Through its collaboration with core trade partner Mayani, the country’s fastest-growing farm-to-table platform with a network of over 139,000 smallholder farmers and fisherfolks, UNFLI FRESH will provide a value-oriented shopping experience to these provincial communities starting with Waltermart Bacoor this August 5 to 7.

“We see this as a pro-active shared step towards making fresh produce and agricultural products more accessible, value-driven, and perhaps most importantly in light of the growing provincial demand, more inclusive to the evolving consumer base beyond the metropolis. With the recent earthquake up in the north and the disruption in the agricultural sector, this undertaking could not have come at a more relevant time.” ~Lance Villanueva, the Co-Founder and Chief of Fulfillment of Mayani

Villanueva also pointed out that this builds on the impact partnership momentum WalterMart and Mayani started after jointly activating their Palengke Fresh and Community Pantry network support projects in 2021. 

WalterMart will elevate the shopping experience through a dedicated UNLI FRESH grocery pavilion while being compliant with its 5S safe shopping program: Screening, Shield, Sanitation, Social distancing, and Service Heart. The said spot will also be festive in terms of fresh options – a wide assortment that the consumers can fill their bags with for only P399.

“I believe there is no better time to let our provincial shoppes enjoy our UNLIFRESH than now. At WalterMart, it is our mission to elevate our customers’ shopping experience. Because of this we want to give all of our shoppers the chance to enjoy the UNLIFRESH activity that we have initially offered in select Manila stores. Not only does it give value, we believe it also adds fun to the whole shopping mission.” ~Len Salita, Vice President for Merchandising and Head of the Fresh Department of WalterMart

Salita adds that Mayani has been a long-time partner of WalterMart and the common values that they share simply defines the success of this endeavor. “We trust that given Mayani’s strong network, we will be able to deliver the real value of having directly sourced fresh fruits and vegetables within our customers’ reach, and the same time extend the much needed market linkage to our partner farmers.” 

Every Friday to Sunday, UNLI FRESH will land in various provincial WalterMart Malls in a caravan style: August 12 to 14 for Tanauan in Batangas, August 19 to 21 for San Fernando in Pampanga, and August 26 to 28 for Sta Maria in Bulacan. 

SM Supermalls welcomes you into a new era of change

The honest truth: No one came out of the COVID-19 pandemic in quite the same way. The pandemic was an isolating period of self-discovery, emotional growth, and life-altering realizations. It changed people, and in the process, it shaped the way so many of us view ourselves and the world around us.

Because of this, consumer tastes and behaviors have shifted. Where in a pre-pandemic world, people often spent on luxuries and experiences that allowed them to celebrate their accomplishments, studies show that consumers now want a different experience, one that is kinder and more embracing of the changes that each individual had gone through in the past 2 years. People are now prioritizing their personal wellness and supporting products and services that champion growth.

As consumer tastes have shifted, brands are starting to adapt to these changes. And true to its foundational commitment to make people happy, SM is ready with a host of new offerings as the entire brand is poised for a refresh this year.

“The history of SM Supermalls is one that has been built on innovation and change to serve the needs of millions of Filipinos. We’ve been with our customers through their every milestone for almost four decades. And we are committed to always changing, always growing with our customers in the years and decades to come. I believe that now more than ever, it is important to recognize the new changes to our world. And people are continuing to grow as they invest in experiences that uplift their lives.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

SM Supermalls: Welcoming Every Change in You

SM continues to stay true to its mission to provide Filipino families with a fun and engaging in-mall experience so they can go home with a smile on their faces.

There will always be a plethora of experiences for each person who comes through SM’s doors. This is true for the various personalities that emerged during the pandemic; from eco-warriors and Plantitas to health buffs and sports personalities who embraced biking, healthy eating, and home gyms, and bakers and homemakers who turned their passion projects into small businesses.

Ushering the Future with the Transformation of SM Supermalls

In the next few months, Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will get to experience the wellness-oriented and sustainability-driven transformation of SM Supermalls with a host of new and exciting activities. These include paw parks for pet moms and dads, al fresco dining areas for hangout groups, plant hubs for eco-enthusiasts, bike facilities for the growing cycling community, co-working spaces, experiential retail, blockbuster and larger-than-life cinema escapades and so much more. 

As SM’s brand refresh campaign ushers in a newness to the Philippine mall experience, curious visitors, foodies, friends and families will have much to rediscover. So come on in, you’re always welcome here! 

For more information, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls to experience what’s new in any SM Supermall near you today!

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.