7-Eleven Opens 4000th Store, Marks 40 Years in the Philippines

7-Eleven Opens 4000th Store, Marks 40 Years in the Philippines

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensee of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, recently achieved a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 4000th store in Newport District, Pasay City. This event also marked PSC’s 40th year of providing convenience and innovation to Filipinos.

Founded on February 29, 1984, PSC launched its first 7-Eleven store at the corner of EDSA and Kamias Road in Metro Manila. Over the years, the store's vibrant branding became a familiar sight, symbolizing quick and reliable service for busy Filipinos. The phrase “Tara, 7-Eleven tayo!” became a household expression, reflecting the brand’s role in daily routines.

By 2024, PSC had expanded its presence nationwide, opening its 4000th branch, staying true to its mission of "being the Filipinos’ neighbor you can count on," as articulated by the late Mr. Vicente T. Paterno, the company's founder. His legacy lives on through his son, Mr. Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO, who stated, “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional service. We look forward to continuing to serve Filipino communities for many years to come.”

Mr. Jose T. Pardo, co-founder and Chairman of the Board, emphasized the significance of the milestone: “Reaching 4000 stores reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team. We are proud to remain an integral part of Filipino daily life.”

To celebrate, PSC launched the “Forty-gether kasama ang paborito mong kapitbahay” campaign, highlighting its journey from a single store to a nationwide network. The campaign strengthens 7-Eleven’s reputation as a neighborhood partner, offering convenience, comfort, and reliability to Filipinos.

In addition to the Newport store, PSC is set to open a new branch in Angeles City, Pampanga, further expanding its footprint. This store will feature upgraded amenities, including the 21 To Go chicken and Café Reserve brands, and adopt sustainable energy practices with solar panels, aligning with PSC’s environmental goals.

As PSC commemorates four decades of service, 7-Eleven continues to blend modern convenience with familiarity, playing an integral role in the everyday lives of Filipinos.

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Alipay+ transactions triple in 2024 as travel industry embraces cross-border digital payment and marketing technology

Alipay+ transactions triple in 2024 as travel industry embraces cross-border digital payment and marketing technology

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solution, revealed three trends shaping the future of tourism to the benefit of global merchants and the industry.

“Tourism’s importance to economic growth makes it essential for the industry to pursue innovation and new partnerships so that more people can benefit,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Our Alipay+ solution has evolved to include cross-border payments, destination marketing and digital lifestyle services, and we have seen significant adoption as more consumers embrace technology to enhance their travel experience. We believe in a collaborative open approach and will work closely with partners across the industry towards a new future of travel.”

1) Travelers prefer their home payment methods to the benefits of merchants abroad

Alipay+ enables travelers to use their familiar home payment app when going abroad. An expanding merchant coverage and a strong travel recovery, Alipay+ has seen a surge in transactions globally. By using Alipay+, cross-border travelers can experience a new country or market and pay like a local.

Alipay for Chinese consumers – and an Alipay+ partner – has been accepted by global merchants starting from 2015, and continues to see steady growth in global transactions.

Alipay+’s mobile payment partners from around the world have also seen significant growth. In the first nine months of 2024, the number of people using an Alipay+ payment partner apps while abroad increased by three times, and the number of transactions increased by more than three times.

As of October 2024, Alipay+ has more than 30 payment partners, including leading e-wallets and bank apps from Asia and beyond, with 1.6 billion consumers, connecting consumers to more than 90 million merchants in 66 markets.

To allow more businesses to benefit from tourism, Alipay+ is continually expanding its merchant coverage, through initiatives such as the national QR schemes that enable inclusive growth at scale, particularly for SMEs. For example, through PayNet’s DuitNow QR in Malaysia, Alipay+ has seen transactions increase on average by 142% per quarter in the first nine months in 2024. This ease of transaction allows travelers to easily visit smaller cities, driving significant growth in areas like Kota Kinabalu, Selangor and Penang.

Travelers are also using their payment apps online for pre-trip bookings. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), that accept Alipay+ payment partners have seen transactions increase by two times over the same period. Other than through OTAs, Alipay+ is also accepted on other travel platforms including by top airlines, such as Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia, hotels, attraction sites and more.

2) Travelers spend more, with a shift toward localized experiences

Alipay+ payment partners include top payment apps from across Asia, such as Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), GCash (the Philippines), KakaoPay, Toss Pay and Naver Pay (South Korea), OCBC (Singapore), TrueMoney (Thailand) and more. Asian travelers are visiting more regional destinations, with the highest number of Alipay+ transactions recorded in the Chinese mainland, Japan, Thailand, Macao SAR and South Korea.

Travel spending habits have also shifted since the Covid pandemic. While travelers are spending more overall, they are spending less on shopping and more on localized experiences. Spending via Alipay+ increasing by 80% on Food & Beverage (F&B) merchants and 50% for attractions. Spending via Alipay+ on transportation such as ride-hailing, taxis and trains have increased by 120%, in line with recent trends to explore destinations more independently.

3) All-in-one payment apps are reshaping travel habits

All-in-one payment apps offering additional services beyond payment have quickly become the go-to technology for Asian travellers. For example, TrueMoney, an Alipay+ payment partner from Thailand, saw its transaction volume through Alipay+ increase over 10-fold since launch. While Asia is the leader in mobile payments, there is also a growing trend for mobile solutions in other regions as seen by the emergence of e-wallets like Tinaba in Italy and interoperable solutions like Bluecode across Europe.

Alipay+’s partner e-wallets and merchants are increasingly leveraging Alipay+ digital tools to enhance the travel experience for users, offering seamless service and engagement for every step of their journey.

Tourism boards and merchants can use A+Rewards, a customizable destination marketing platform, to increase visibility of local attractions, shops and travel information even before a trip starts. In Southeast Asia, where Alipay+ is widely accepted, the number of claimed destination vouchers from A+Rewards increased by 53% across key campaigns in 2024. 

Additionally, merchants can leverage the vast user base of Alipay+ payment partners with customizable digital lifestyle services such as for transport, food, tax refunds and more. A notable example is FREENOW, a leading European taxi service, which launched a mini-program directly within Alipay+ partner apps.

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Ayala Land Premier Sets Urban Green Living Standard with Parklinks North and South Towers

Ayala Land Premier Sets Urban Green Living Standard with Parklinks North and South Towers

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Parklinks Estate, a pioneering development by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties, is set to redefine urban living by harmonizing city conveniences with the serenity of nature.

Parklinks Estate, a pioneering development by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties, is set to redefine urban living by harmonizing city conveniences with the serenity of nature. Positioned along the C5 corridor, this mixed-use development spans both Quezon City and Pasig.

Thoughtfully designed residences were made for discerning individuals who value both accessibility and sophistication. Parklinks North and South Towers are adorned with large panoramic windows that illuminate the space and give breathtaking views of the city. Whether overlooking the River Esplanade to the East or the Parklinks Mall to the West, these towers ensure that residents are always connected to the convenience of the city and the serenity of nature.

Parklinks is also a mixed-use community that houses retail, office, and leisure spaces all within a walkable and park-centered environment. At the heart of the North and South Towers is the Esplanade Hall, a lifestyle hub with a curated selection of retail and dining options. Residents can enjoy these conveniences and also benefit from close proximity to other nearby commercial areas, renowned schools, and popular establishments, enhancing their ease and quality of urban living. 

This represents an exciting era in Ayala Land Premier’s legacy of transforming landscapes into growth hubs. With iconic developments in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Arca South under its belt, Ayala Land continues to raise the bar with this development that preserves nature at its core.

Parklinks North and South Towers feature generous living spaces in a low-density environment to offer a blend of comfort and exclusivity. Parklinks North Tower, now 80% sold, features 280 units with one- to four-bedroom options, ranging from 70 sq.m. to 306 sq.m. Parklinks South Tower, currently 50% sold, will house 313 units, offering one- to three-bedroom configurations between 70 sq.m. and 286 sq.m. With only four to nine units per floor, each residence is crafted with expansive interiors and private balconies, ensuring a refined living experience.

Ayala Land Premier collaborated with Lexus to give prospective clients a glimpse of their life in Parklinks with a roving tour of the property. The exclusive tour featured Lexus’ electric vehicles, allowing clients to explore a nature-first property while enjoying the clean and sustainable driving power of Lexus’ EVs.

As Ayala Land Premier upholds its tradition of innovation, Parklinks stands as a commitment to crafting sustainable communities where modern living is one with nature. To discover more about Parklinks, visithttps://www.ayalalandpremier.com.

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MMDA Empowers Vitas Communities Through Waste Management Seminar

MMDA Empowers Vitas Communities Through Waste Management Seminar

Monday, October 7, 2024

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), continues to drive community-based solid waste management (SWM) initiatives by conducting its SWM seminar series.

This seminar aims to educate and empower communities about the environmental impact and benefits of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices, like waste segregation at source and storage, recovery and recycling, and disposal. This initiative targets to demonstrate to residents and empower barangays with the necessary knowledge on how proper waste management can be a source of economic gain, offering a real incentive for communities to adopt and sustain these practices.

During one of the recent regular Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, an extensive workshop was conducted for over 50 participants coming from Barangay 154, showcasing the practical application of SWM principles. By integrating educational activities with the MMRF operations, the MMDA highlighted the immediate and tangible benefits of proper waste management. The seminar also introduced some new techniques to increase the value of recyclable materials.

Since July 17, 2024, 769 residents from 20 barangays in Vitas have already participated, reflecting the growing community interest and engagement in sustainable waste management practices.

"The Solid Waste Management seminar exemplifies our commitment to educating and empowering communities to see the value in waste. By providing practical knowledge and showcasing real-life success stories, we aim to inspire more people to participate in sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can create a cleaner, more prosperous Metro Manila," concluded MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

“Through initiatives like the Pera Sa Basura seminar, we are not only teaching waste management techniques but also showing communities how these practices can directly benefit their daily lives. From reducing household waste to earning through recycling, we are empowering residents to take charge of their environment and be part of a larger solution for a sustainable Metro Manila,” added MMDA SWMO Director Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr.

Highlighting the Benefits and Community Impact

The SWM seminar focuses on showing residents that waste materials, when properly managed, can be exchanged into valuable commodities. Through the MMDA's Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), participants learned about a "commodity exchange or barter system" where they can exchange recyclable materials for groceries and other goods. The point system employed by the MMRF ensures that residents receive fair compensation based on the market value of their recyclables, with an additional 25% added to encourage participation.

The seminar also equipped the participants with knowledge on proper handling of recyclables, including segregating and sorting the materials according to type, cleaning the recyclables, and drying them as well. Types of recyclables included plastics, glass bottles, papers, metals and electronic waste.

Engaging Activities and Hands-On Learning

To reinforce the practical aspects of waste management, the seminar featured interactive activities such as "Segre-game Time" and "Role-Trash Trivia."

Key activities throughout the day included:

● SWM Talks: Attendees learned about the financial incentives of SWM, including how to earn money by segregating and recycling waste. Experts shared their knowledge on starting businesses using recycled materials.

● Segre-game Time: An interactive game where participants shot blocks with images of solid wastes into the corresponding trash bins labeled by type. Successful players received special prizes, reinforcing the importance of proper waste segregation.

● Role-Trash Trivia: Participants spun a roulette and answered questions about waste management. Correct answers were rewarded with prizes, making the learning process fun and engaging.

These games were designed not only to educate but also to reward participants with prizes, further illustrating the immediate benefits of proper waste segregation. The hands-on experience of using the MMRF system allowed residents to directly apply what they learned, turning theory into practice.

Community Commitment and Future Plans

The seminar also served as a platform for community leaders to express their commitment to sustaining the MMRF operations. Barangay officials from the participating barangays continue to share their plans of educating residents about the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste management. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining these practices to ensure long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Mary Grace Capulong, Barangay Secretary from Barangay 154, Manila stated, “Our community has embraced the idea that waste is not just trash but a resource that can be converted into something valuable. The MMRF seminar has opened our eyes to the advantages that proper waste management can offer, and we are committed to maintaining these practices for the long-term benefit of our residents.”

The MMDA and MMFMP remain committed to continuing these efforts, with upcoming seminars scheduled for other barangays, which will further encourage residents to participate in the program, helping to build a more sustainable and prosperous Metro Manila.

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Angeles City, Pampanga hailed as Best Emerging Culinary City Destination in Asia

Angeles City, Pampanga hailed as Best Emerging Culinary City Destination in Asia

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco celebrated the newest recognition of Angeles City, Pampanga as Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024. Conferred on Wednesday (October 3), the award further solidifies Angeles City’s status as a rising star in global food tourism.

"This prestigious recognition of Angeles City as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination underscores the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans. The city’s rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but across the world, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage," Secretary Frasco said.

The award was received on behalf of Secretary Frasco by Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Luzon Regional Director Richard Daenos in Dubai, UAE, marking the city’s first-ever accolade in this prestigious category.

Secretary Frasco extended her heartfelt congratulations to the local government unit (LGU) of Angeles City, along with local stakeholders and the food community, for their undaunting efforts in preserving and promoting the city’s culinary legacy. “This award is a testament to the collective hard work and passion of the people of Angeles City and the province of Pampanga in safeguarding and celebrating their unique culinary heritage,” Frasco remarked.

The Tourism Chief likewise lauded Angeles City’s efforts to protect its culinary treasures, including an ordinance that recognizes Sisig Babi as an Intangible Heritage of the city. Known for its iconic sisig, tokwa’t baboy, street food, and bibingka, among other cherished dishes, the city’s culinary landscape is diverse, offering both local and international cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

At the awards ceremony, Regional Director Daenos connected with prominent figures in the culinary industry, many of whom were eager to learn more about the state of the Philippines' food culture.

Angeles City competed against other renowned food destinations in Asia, including Hanoi, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Taipei, Taiwan, and Kyoto, Japan

The award is a testament to the robust food tourism initiatives of the Department, including the DOT Region 3's Food Talks, the First International Conference on Kapampangan Cuisine & Food Tourism, the HARP Cook-Off Challenge, and the Culinary Familiarization Tours. These efforts, coupled with initiatives like Food Mapping for Pampanga and the development of the GastroVentures Tour, have significantly contributed to the region's culinary prominence.

"The Department of Tourism remains committed to elevating our culinary tourism through sustained efforts in promoting food heritage, cultural exchange, and innovation. Angeles City’s accolade is a testament to how food can be a driving force for tourism, and we look forward to continuing our work in highlighting the diverse flavors and rich food culture that define our country," added the Tourism Chief.

In addition to these regional efforts, the DOT has been actively spearheading food tourism initiatives nationwide, including the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific held in Cebu last June and the Philippine Eatsperience in Manila earlier this year, further cementing the country's culinary reputation.

The World Culinary Awards, a sister event to the World Travel Awards, recognizes and rewards excellence in the culinary industry following a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands.

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Clout Kitchen raises $4.45M from a16z SPEEDRUN, Peak XV’s Surge, & AppWorks to build ‘AI twins’ of top creators like Tyler1, Emiru

Clout Kitchen raises $4.45M from a16z SPEEDRUN, Peak XV’s Surge, & AppWorks to build ‘AI twins’ of top creators like Tyler1, Emiru

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Clout Kitchen, a consumer AI startup with operations in Los Angeles and Manila, today announced its $4.45 million seed funding round.

The round was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge – with participation from Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures, and founders & creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Voyboy, Jankos and Perkz. 

Established in 2024, Clout Kitchen builds creator-powered interactive experiences in gaming and pop culture that unlock new ways for top creators to engage and expand their fan base. 

Clout Kitchen is led by serial gaming and creator economy builders. 

● Justin Gorriceta-Banusing (CEO) founded and scaled AcadArena (SEA and LatAm’s leading campus gaming platform) to series A and an exit while in college. In high school, they built CONQuest Festival – the largest creator event in SEA with 80K+ attendees.

● Marcel Feldkamp (CBO) was a pioneering League of Legends pro/creator, playing in the 2013 World Championship. After retiring, he founded the gaming talent agency Prime – who later joined United Talent Agency via Press X.

Clout Kitchen’s first product is Backseat AI, an in-game “buddy” for League of Legends co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp – one of the world’s biggest gaming content creators with over 20 million followers. Backseat AI is Riot-compliant and guides players on how to best play the game in real-time – from what characters to pick to which items to buy, all by an AI voice twin of their favorite creator. Since launching early access testing in June, the product has hit over 45,000 waitlist signups. 

“Our thesis at Clout Kitchen is to build things that grow the pie and add value for fans, creators, and game developers alike,” said Justin Banusing, CEO, Clout Kitchen. “We grew up in this space, so it’s our way of giving back.”

Pricing starts at US$4.99 monthly for each creator “buddy,” who earns from every subscription. Backseat AI’s buddies roster continues to expand with streamer & cosplayer Emiru and pro player Jankos – with more top creators lined up in the coming months.

“As a creator myself, I know how difficult it is to keep your community and business growing,” said Marcel Feldkamp, CBO, Clout Kitchen. “It’s easy when you’re starting and have all the time in the world – but it gets harder to keep giving the same love to everyone as you scale. We want to solve that problem.” 

With this financing round, Clout Kitchen looks to expand Backseat by scaling its team, establishing its US office, and building out its shared internal tech stack for future creator-powered game companion apps and experiences. 

“As a gamer and a creator myself, I’m excited to support Justin and Team Clout Kitchen in their journey to unlock new frontiers for our community,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks,“ Justin and the founding team showcased exceptional hearts, heads and hands from the moment we met them, the very traits we look for in founders.”

"At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world. Clout Kitchen embodies this vision wholly, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they pioneer new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love," said Jack Soslow, Investment Partner, A16Z GAMES.

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beep™ powers Clark Loop bus relaunch

beep™ powers Clark Loop bus relaunch

Encouraging Cities to Follow Clark’s Lead in Promoting Cashless Transport

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI) recently marked a major milestone in the Philippines’ public transportation evolution by launching the Clark Loop bus operations with a fully cashless Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS).

The event, attended by CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega, LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, and AFPI’s Chief Commercial Officer Sharon Fong, symbolizes Clark’s commitment to transforming itself into a modern, efficient, and digitally advanced city.

The Clark Loop bus service covering 25 stops from SM City Clark to the Clark International Airport caters to employees, visitors, and tourists within the Clark Freeport Zone. By adopting beep™ card or beep™ QR tickets as exclusive modes of payment, the Clark Loop has eliminated cash handling, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient public transportation experience.

“We want to showcase a disciplined transport system in Clark, and this government-led pilot will help us refine the service before allowing private sector involvement. We are starting with 10 buses on the Clark Loop. It’s cashless, with Wi-Fi, GPS, and it runs on time. Our aim is to influence passenger behavior, emphasizing discipline and punctuality,” said CDC President Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.

“The shift to cashless payment systems is not just about modernizing public transportation, it is about improving the lives of commuters. beep™’s cashless payment solution not only enhances passenger experience but also reduces operational inefficiencies and supports sustainable urban development,” said AF Payments, Inc. President & CEO Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno. “We hope this initiative in Clark encourages other cities to adopt similar systems as part of a broader nationwide effort to modernize public transportation.”

The relaunch of Clark Loop as the first fully cashless bus system in Central Luzon further demonstrates beep™’s capability to deliver seamless, modern payment solutions at scale.

Its success is a clear example of how cities can leverage digital payment systems to improve public services, presenting a model for other cities and municipalities to follow as they aim to modernize public transport systems and provide better services to commuters. The streamlined boarding process through cashless transactions leads to reduced congestion and shorter travel times, ultimately boosting ridership and satisfaction levels.

Convenient and Cashless: How It Works

To travel with beep™ card on the Clark Loop bus line, commuters may line up at any of its stops, hop on, tap in upon entering, then tap out upon alighting the bus. They can also purchase beep™ QR tickets in advance exclusively through the beep™ app, downloadable in the App Store or Google Play. Note that the QR ticket must be used within 24 hours from the time of purchase, or it will be forfeited without a refund. To use it, simply scan the QR ticket upon riding the bus.

Fares start at P15, depending on the number of stops traveled. A full 25-stop travel from SM City Clark to Clark International Airport costs P49.50. Some channels may also charge a minimal convenience fee.

Expanding the Footprint

Clark Loop’s integration into AFPI’s network now benefits millions of beep™ users by offering seamless connectivity across different transport systems. With plans to expand further in the transportation sector, beep™ is committed to providing innovative, customer-centric services that improve everyday commuting experiences while supporting the broader push towards a cashless society. Commuters and businesses alike can benefit from AFPI’s seamless payment systems, which are integrated across various sectors.

Cities across the Philippines can take inspiration from Clark’s digital transformation. With proven results in enhancing public transport, promoting sustainability, and delivering a better commuter experience, it's time for local governments and transport authorities to adopt cashless fare systems like beep™ to create smarter, more efficient urban transport networks. By doing so, they will help build a future where commuting is not just faster and easier, but also part of the digital revolution for a better urban lifestyle.

Transport operators and other businesses looking to partner with AF Payments, Inc. may visit the website or contact the Service Desk at (02) 87379600 (Landline), 09175121319 (Globe Line), or 09985819675 (Smart Line).

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