Alfamart now accepts GCash barcode payment
Almost 700 branches of Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, are now accepting GCash barcode payments, a payment method that is safer, faster, and more convenient for customers.
At Alfamart, one can log into their GCash app, tap ‘Pay QR’ and ‘Generate Barcode’ and show the GCash barcode to the cashier for scanning. Once the barcode is scanned by Alfamart’s cashier, the cost of the items will then be paid with your GCash balance.
“Serving the underserved has always been our credo, so we’re always looking for ways to be accessible to as many customers as possible.” said Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey T. Ong. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with (GCash)–to give our communities a safe and reliable payment option when shopping for their daily needs at their nearest Super Minimart,” he continued.
“GCash and Alfamart share the same goal of providing safety, convenience, and security to all Filipinos…during the pandemic,” said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon.
To register and have your account fully verified on GCash, enter your mobile number on the GCash app and submit the 6-digit code sent to you via SMS. Then, provide the necessary details and create a 4-digit PIN, which you will be using every time you log in to access all your transactions on the GCash app.
The new GCash payment option will soon be rolled out in more of Alfamart’s 1100 branches.
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FINSI new head
Asticom Technology Inc., the shared services arm of Globe, has tapped telco solutions expert Marc Kerveillant as general manager of the newly established unit Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. (FINSI) to help telcos accelerate their fiber rollout across the country.
Armed with more than 15 years of experience, Kerveillant is expected to steer FINSI into the direction of a leading local solutions provider for telecommunications and technology industries in the Philippines.
Kerveillan first joined the Local telco industry as an advisor for Globe’s Premium Tech Squad service.
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Livestream call on Shopee
Shopee has introduced the ‘Livestream Call” feature on Shopee Live to enhance customer experience and improve engagement during a live stream session.
This update aims to improve the e-commerce experience for both the seller and consumer, especially in the upcoming 11.11-12.12 Big Christmas Sale.
During a livestream call, sellers can entertain inquiries via audio or video call while other viewers listen in.
Earlier this year, Shopee rolled out the co-streaming feature which allowed live stream hosts to co-stream with one of their viewers for a more interactive streaming session. The Livestream Flash Sale was also introduced to help sellers gain more viewers and boost their sales.
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Partnership renewed
Go Negosyo and DHL Express Philippines have joined forces anew in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) with their logistical needs and for start-ups to establish their businesses.
Partners since 2013, Go Negosyo and DHL Express Philippines have signed a fresh memorandum of agreement (MOA) to continue their joint effort in providing valuable assistance to businesses in the Philippines, especially amid the pandemic.
The partnership aims to provide blended seminars to MSMEs to increase their awareness regarding business operations, specifically in logistics.
They also plan to help start-ups that want to acquire knowledge on how to establish their businesses and established businesses that want to learn how to make their businesses more stable.
Among the topics that may be tackled for various target audiences include cash solutions, international shipping, regulatory processes, E-commerce, and packaging.
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PSF COVID-19 relief
PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) carries on providing relief packs to disadvantaged sectors, this time in Parañaque City.
Containing food essentials like rice, canned goods, coffee, and other grocery items, the 200 relief packs were distributed to underprivileged residents of Parañaque’s second district.
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, PSF partnered with One Meralco Foundation to provide sacks of rice to Parañaque’s 2nd district, supporting families who have lost jobs due to COVID-19 restrictions. PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications also donated loaded 5G-ready prepaid SIM cards to help facilitate the online learning of students.
Together with PLDT and Smart, PSF has also assisted Bataan, where flash floods last July submerged areas in the province. Relief bags were distributed to 600 families whose houses, located in Barangay Cataning, Balanga City, and Mariveles, were submerged by the habagat floods.
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Company of the year
Mega Global Corp. was awarded this year’s 41st Agora Marketing Company of the Year award.
The recognition applauds Mega Global’s efforts to produce high-quality and value-for-money food products that are considered staples in the Filipino families’ households.
For 46 years since its founding, Mega Global has continuously evolved through innovation and has expanded its efforts to deliver more food and flavors that bring families together including Mega Tuna, Mega Prime, Mega Mackerel, Mega Sardines, and Primo Sparkling Juice. Apart from its consistently growing portfolio of products that have become staples in many Filipino households, Mega Global has also continuously pushed the boundaries of marketing.
The company is also consistent in being the Filipino moms’ partner in taking care of their families. From its practical tips and recipes that ensure proper nutrition for everyone, to its Tatak Barko campaign that showcased the safety and innovation of Mega products’ canning process, Mega Global continues to implement initiatives that highlight the importance of nutrition, particularly its flagship product sardines, in family building.
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Must-have botanical blends
After gaining a large following since its launch, Filipino plant-based brand Sekaya brings its popular range of traditional botanical blends Sekaya Botanic Infusion to The Marketplace to make it even more accessible to shoppers.
The supermarket chain now offers four Botanic Infusion products in teabags: Immune Brew that can strengthen immunity and keep the common flu and simple infections at bay, Aftermeal Treat for alleviating stomach discomfort after meals, Easy Nightcap to help with better quality sleep, and Gentle Detox to enhance the body’s daily detoxification actions.
All Sekaya Botanic Infusion variants are made with 100 percent organic plant ingredients that are non-GMO and non-irradiated, and have been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Quality Assurance International.
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J&J Health webinar
Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. continually and strongly supports activities that would better spread the right information about prostate cancer across the country.
These include Usapang Prostate Cancer lay forum and Libreng Patingin teleconsultations spearheaded by the Philippine Urological Association, in partnership with the Department of Health, Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists, and Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc.
Both events were held on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month last September.
Led by the country’s top urologists, the Usapang Prostate Cancer webinar discussed how prostate cancer can be tricky to detect, as its more worrying symptoms only present themselves when it is already in its late stages, which makes it, ultimately, harder to treat.
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Honda anniversary treats
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) launched Sure Save Treats which grants discount vouchers to qualified customers on periodic maintenance lubricants, parts, and labor at select Honda Cars dealerships and service centers nationwide.
Customers with vehicles on the second to third year and within the warranty period may avail program rewards through Classic, Premium, or Supreme Periodic Maintenance Vouchers.
The Sure Save Treats discount vouchers are likewise applicable to home service maintenance or repair, and dealer service caravans. Dealer Service Advisors will check the vehicle service history to determine the eligibility for rewards. Vouchers are non-transferable to other vehicles, and are valid for the succeeding maintenance visit within six (6) months.
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HealthSolutions donation
HealthSolutions Enterprises Inc. (HSEI) donated to two major hospitals in Marinduque, medical supplies and equipment such as foley balloon catheter and surgical gauze balls, as well as protective medical gear, such as KN95 masks, 3-ply surgical masks and face shields., HSEI also donated tracheal tubes, infusable pressure infusor, red dot electrodes and surgical gauze pads to Marinduque Provincial Hospital.
The donations were turned over to Sta. Cruz District Hospital and Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital, also known as the Marinduque Provincial Hospital, last October.
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Supporting MSMEs, coops
Aboitiz Foundation Inc. has partnered with Smart Communications to launch ‘Aboitiz Smart Cooperatives.’
Launched last October 28, the ‘Aboitiz Smart Cooperatives’ provided the 19 beneficiaries with a Digiskarte Packagewhich includes a starter kit from Smart composed of sim cards, LTE handsets, retailer kit with load wallet, customized store signage, ICT training, and other freebies supplemented by a mentoring program.
The initiative is part of the Byaheng Digiskarte,’the mentoring program of Aboitiz Foundation which encourages and educates more MSME and cooperatives on using digital platforms to market their products and services to boost their earnings.
Apart from providing additional revenue streams, the program aims to connect the beneficiaries to their market through the use of mobile phones and other technological tools to be able to transact business online and make the digital marketplace accessible to them.
