This New Payment Option Changed the Way Filipinos Travel

One year after TravelBook.ph launched their exclusive and most convenient payment option, Filipinos had travelled further—and farther. 

TravelBook.ph exclusively offers Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed, an innovative payment method that allows travelers to secure a room in advance without having to provide credit card details or make initial deposits to banks or payment centers.

Since its launch last May 2016, thousands of Filipino travelers have been able to skip initial transactions and upfront payments in favor of just paying on the day of their check-in.

Most e-commerce outfits, including online travel agencies (OTAs), require their customers to make initial transactions through credit card payments or over-the-counter deposits in order to complete reservations. While such process is important and necessary, TravelBook.ph—the leading OTA dedicated to offering hotel accommodations in their best value, wants to make traveling easier right from the very beginning.

Pay-At-Hotel is the fastest-growing new payment method in the Philippines

It has just been a year since Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed was launched but TravelBook.ph has already encouraged more than 1,100 of their hotel partners nationwide to adopt this new type of payment option. Many of the popular and big chain hotels have also joined this program.

Highly-regarded hotels in key areas that offer Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed.

For the complete list, click here.

It wasn’t an easy feat to achieve, and as far as TravelBook.ph is concerned, this is just the beginning. Although it has been fulfilling for the leading OTA to have more partners in providing hassle-free booking experience to Filipinos, it has also been a challenging first year for the company with their Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed option

“Initially, most of the hotels hesitate and decline to join the service since there is always the possibility that guests will not show up on their check-in date and not pay the cancellation fee,” says Mr. Takumi Nakazawa, General Manager of TravelBook Philippines, Inc.

Hotel partners with TravelBook.ph sales representatives

Recognizing this dilemma, TravelBook.ph approached their hotel partners one by one to encourage them to join the program and ensure each of them that the risk of no show will be properly addressed.

“In order to use Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed, the customer must apply for a TravelBook.ph free membership first,” Mr. Nakazawa explained.  “If the customer violates our terms and conditions by not showing up or not paying the cancellation fee, we will suspend this payment option from the member’s account for the time being.”

With this in mind, the company set terms and conditions to make sure that their members adhere to proper customer behavior so they can continuously enjoy the benefits of this hassle-free option.

Because of the convenience that comes with Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed, Filipino travelers have already been using this payment method when booking their hotel accommodations.

More and more travelers are shifting to Pay-At-Hotel payment option

In just a span of one year, TravelBook.ph has recorded an unprecedented growth in bookings made using Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed.  As of April 2017, Pay-At-Hotel bookings has an average YOY growth rate of 691%—an outstanding percentage recorded almost a year after its launch. That’s almost seven times higher in just eleven months (April 2017 vs. May 2016).

Pay-At-Hotel Booking Trend from May 2016 to April 2017 (courtesy of TravelBook.ph)

As shown in the graph above, it is clear that Pay-At-Hotel bookings have significantly increased month after month since May 2016, most especially during the months of November, March and April, which are considered as peak seasons. This means that more and more travelers have chosen to book their hotel accommodations using this payment option over the course of a year.

“The Pay-At-Hotel method of TravelBook.ph is one that is frequently selected by clients because of its convenience,” says Rio Tolentino, General Manager of Rio Suites in Mandaluyong City. He also added that some clients are not comfortable using their credit cards for online purchasing and that this payment method “made it easier for them to book an accommodation that best suits their budget.” e recorded almost a year after its launch. That’s almost seven times higher in just eleven months (April 2017 vs. May 2016).

With an astounding growth like this, TravelBook.ph is determined to further expand this payment method to hotels and resorts in every region of the Philippines so that many Filipinos can see more of this lovely country and travel more. An innovation like Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed is only as good as its reach and effectiveness, and by increasing its accessibility, Filipinos, no doubt, will be able to travel in the most convenient way possible.

Fearless and hassle-free payment method for everyone

Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed is TravelBook.ph’s answer to online booking inconveniences that are usually faced by Filipino travelers who do not own credit cards.

“Filipinos are still averse or allergic to credit cards,” says a report released by The Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP). Since most OTAs require credit card details to complete transactions, this has become a usual problem when booking online because 90% of Filipinos are non-credit card holders.

Even during instances when customers do have credit cards, Filipinos are still hesitant to provide details online because of the threat of fraud and fear of identity theft that are commonly associated with online transactions.

In addition, Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed also meets the customer demand for convenient transactions. Since this payment method allows direct transactions with the hotel of their choice during their check-in date, it further cuts out the inconvenience as travelers no longer have to find time to look for banks or payment centers for over-the-counter deposits or transactions. All they need to do is show up on the day of their check-in and pay at the hotel’s reception.

By tapping a huge potential market and providing the most convenient of transactions, TravelBook.ph is able to remove online booking inconveniences and attract more vacationers to travel further.

Without a doubt, Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed revolutionized the way customers pay for their online hotel bookings. It has proven to be the most beneficial payment option to date as it opens endless opportunities for Filipinos to travel and explore the Philippines.

Want to use Pay-At-Hotel, No Credit Card Needed for your next hotel reservation? Register now as a TravelBook.ph member for free by visiting https://www.travelbook.ph/.

For more details, please contact:

Mary Angeli Pasquin

Business Planning Officer

MaryAngeli.Pasquin@travelbook.ph

+63 (998) 840-4855

+63 (2) 662-1113

Sharah Pinky Librada

Business Development Manager

SharahPinky.Librada@travelbook.ph

+63 (917) 530-7464

+63 (2) 662-1113

About TravelBook.ph

TravelBook.ph is the leading online travel e-commerce company (online travel agent or OTA) in the Philippines dedicated to offering great value hotel bookings and with a varied selection of Philippine hotels and resorts in Baguio, Batangas, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Davao, Laguna, Metro Manila, Palawan, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Zambales, and more. A total of 3,200 affordable hotels are currently listed in Travelbook.ph.

TravelBook.ph also offers the best / lowest prices with attractive discounts for hotels and resorts and innovative payment options without credit card - “Pay at Hotel, No credit card needed.”

Travelbook.ph also offers exclusive reward points: Customers also automatically earn back 5% of the total amount they spend as reward points, which they can use to get discounts on their future bookings (1 point is equivalent to PHP 1.00).

Customers can also use TravelBook.ph’s convenient mobile app to book accommodations on the go. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Lastly, TravelBook.ph is a proud Philippine-based company with 24/7 support. It has a Filipino call center ready to assist customers anytime. They can be reached through these numbers:

Landline: +63 2 662 1111                   Globe: +63 917 850 9029

Sun: +63 925 887 2835                       Smart: +63 998 961 3012

To know more about convenient and affordable hotel bookings all over the Philippines, visit www.travelbook.ph. Follow TravelBook.ph on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelBook.ph/, Twitter https://twitter.com/travelbookph, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/travelbookph/.

Island Cove’s New Business Venture

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is known to be the most sought resort in the province of Cavite. The company has provided leisure, relaxation and amazing dining experience to the  Filipinos in the past 20 years. As the company grows, new business developments are realized.

Since Island Cove is known for its events and functions, the company has opened its first ever food service solutions called Island Cove Food Services, Inc. (ICFS). ICFS provides catering service solutions for socials and corporate events held outside the resort, volume food preparation and delivery, pre cooked/ portioned food supplies and healthy meal plans. 

Island Cove has seen the potential of sharing its expertise in the field of Hospitality Management to individuals who wish to polish their craft. Because of this, the company has decided to open its first learning institution - the International Skills Learning Academy or ISLA. ISLA offers TESDA courses (such as Housekeeping) and lifestyle courses such as Kiddie Cooking Class, Baking Class and Events Management. ISLA also offers FoodSHAP Food Safety courses. Completers of the course will be accredited as licensed food handlers by the Department of Health.

Island Cove is also very much excited to address the laundry service needs of the nearby hotels and accommodations as it offers its own Laundry Service. The Island Cove Laundry Service offers state of the art industrial sized washers, ironers and dryers that are managed by experts in the field of Housekeeping and Laundry Service.

To know more about Island Cove’s new products, you may call: (046) 434 4313 or 0917 706 1406.

MR. ZARNY ZARAGOZA, CPM

Business Development Manager

Island Cove Food Services

International Skills Learning Academy

Island Cove Laundry Service

(+6346) 434 4313

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

Super Brands for Super Deals

Attention all shoppers! From July 11-16, Lazada will be celebrating its Super Brands Week. That means you can get your favorite local and international super brands for super deal prices! Enjoy up to 80% off on best-selling names such as Olay, Maybelline, L’Oreal, Samsung, Canon, Imarflex, Bosch, and MamyPoko. Browse through the selection of newly onboarded brands, such as Fila, Speedo, Pedigree and Purina, EQ, Canadian, NYX, and Ever Bilena. And stay logged onto the Lazada site for some special promos, flash deals, and raffle prizes to be won throughout the 6-day event!

To make the most out of your Super Brands Week experience, make sure to keep an eye out for these show-stopping super deals in 4 Lazada categories:

Electronics

For those looking for a new laptop, there’s the Lenovo Ideapad 310 Intel Skylake. At the sale price of Php 29,899.00, this deal is 19% cheaper than regular store price. For those more inclined towards tablets rather than laptops, there’s the Acer Iconia Talk 7, a wifi-ready cellular tablet for only Php 4,499.00

Fashion

Get a whole new wardrobe with some storewide sales for the following Lazada fashion brands: Sebago, Bobson, and Wrangler, all at up to 30% off. Freegoat up to 50% off, and Peneshoppeatup to 55% off!

Home & Living

For those with a knack for tinkering in the kitchen, there’s the Pyrex 8” easy grab baking dish for only Php 599.00. Pair this up with the Imarflexover toaster for only Php 700.00 and you’re sure to cook up a storm!

Sports & Travel

Travel in style with Delsey! Get an iconic Helium Hard Case luggage trolley for only Php 7,250.00 – up to 55% off from the standard retail price. For short-term business trips, keep your laptop safe and sound in a Delsey Spacieux Laptop Backpack for only Php 2,400.00.

Baby & Toys

For new parents, get a classic Fisher-Price rocker for only Php 1,709, up to 57% lower than standard retail price. And don’t forget to stock up on your Huggies Dry Pants diaper supply, with prices as low as Php 576 for 60 pieces. 

Last but not least, stay tuned to Lazada’s Facebook page at 12 noon from July 11-16. At noontime throughout all days of Super Brands Week, Lazada’s Facebook Live sessions will bring you celebrity guests, mystery Lazada boxes up for grabs, and special games to be played with Lazada Facebook fans.

Follow Lazada Philippines on Facebook to get the latest updates. See you at Super Brands Week! 

About Lazada Group

Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Lazada helps more than 80,000 local and international sellers as well as 2,500 brands serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first- and last-mile delivery arm.  

PRESS CONTACT:

CHRISTINA MILA Z. JIMENEZ

Offline Marketing Head

Lazada Philippines

(E) c.jimenez@lazada.com.ph

(M) +639178969703

Herbalife Nutrition Philippines Renews Contracts with Fitness Ambassadors Chappy Callanta & Dwan Abantao

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES –Global nutrition company Herbalife recently renewed its contracts with Fitness Ambassadors Chappy Callanta and Dwan Abantao. Under the agreements, Chappy Callanta and Dwan Abantao will continue to play pivotal roles in inspiring Filipinos to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle and good nutrition in their daily lives.Here, they are pictured with Herbalife Nutrition Philippines general manager Rosalio T. Valenzuela, during the contract signing at Herbalife’s corporate office in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“Chappy and Dwan have done a great job in their role as Herbalife Nutrition’s Fitness Ambassadors. They are excellent role models of the benefits of living a healthy, active life and practicing good eating habits, ”Valenzuela said. “Together with Chappy, Dwan and our members, we will inspire more people to enjoy healthier, happier lives.”

About Herbalife

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products & programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent members, we are committed to providing solutions to the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity, an aging population, sky-rocketing public healthcare costs and a rise in entrepreneurs of all ages. We offer high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated facilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent member, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Our targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Nutrition members in more than 90 countries.

Through its corporate social responsibility efforts, Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. The Company is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy, and numerous Olympic teams.

The company has over 8,000 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HLF) with net sales of approximately US$4.5 billion in 2016. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com.

The company also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted. 

Workshops in Manila for Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Looking for ways to boost your career or get the job you want?

In the Philippines, a research from Jobstreet.com in 2015 named communication, trainability, and competence as the top three functional skills being sought by employers. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in the US almost has a similar result ranking leadership, communication, and ability to work with a team as the most valuable skills in the workplace. 

You need to continuously invest in developing yourself to cope with the demands of your job. Aside from reading articles or videos from the internet, an effective way to learn is by attending workshops where you can interact with the trainer and meet fellow participants face-to-face.

Go Up Events, an all-around event logistic provider, aims to support your career goals by organizing various workshops in Manila this 2017.  Their upcoming events this June and July focuses on communication, leadership, and marketing.  Attending can be a sure way to set your learning objectives on track.

Business Writing Seminar 

In partnership with Manila Workshops and WhenInManila.com, Go Up Events Manila presents Write Your Way to Success - A Business Writing Seminar for Professionals.  If you want to learn how to write an effective letter, memo, minutes of the meeting, or e-mail, this is a highly-recommended workshop for you.  To register and view course outline, visit http://bit.ly/WYWJune.

Effective Proposal Writing

Writing Hacks for Entrepreneurs(insert hyper link http://bit.ly/WRITINGHACKS) is a two-hour seminar discussing tips on how to write content fast, create winning proposals, and use online tools to polish your documents.  Professionals working in the fields of sales and marketing who write correspondences to gain clients will benefit from this event. The registration fee will suit your budget at Php 200 only.

Search Engine Optimization 101

The second series of Writing Hacks is about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  SEO for Marketers is designed for the professional tasked to create content and drive traffic to their company website. Learn more about this event at http://bit.ly/WRITINGHACKS2.

Leadership Training for Supervisors

Leading direct reports require communication, management, and interpersonal skills. Coaching that Sticks - Leadership Training for Supervisors will help you navigate the task of motivating people to maximize team performance.  Save the date on July 15 and reserve your slot at http://bit.ly/CoahingThatSticks.

Schedule Your Next Learning Event

Does any of these workshops in Manila interest you?  Contact Go Up Events Manila by sending an e-mail at goupeventsmanila@gmail.com or visit their website goupeventsmanila.wordpress.com.

Commit yourself to developing your skills and building your confidence.  Take action and plan to join at least one workshop in Manila in each quarter.  Set aside a sum of money each payday for the events you’d like to attend.  You may also share this link with your boss and ask if your company provides budget for training opportunities.

Car Awards Group Inc. Holds First-ever Dealer Talks at Honda Cars Manila Bay

It’s halfway through 2017 and a lot of accomplishments have been made that are yet to be celebrated and acknowledged – it is a year worth looking forward to with many more new cars, new trucks, new achievements and new goals still waiting to unfold in the automotive industry.

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the organizers of the annual Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) and now the Motorcycle of the Year Philippines (MOTY-P), just spiced things up for the next six months by holding their first-ever Dealer Talks at Honda Cars Manila Bay – Honda Cars Makati, Inc.’s (HCMI) newest dealership in the Metro under AC Automotive – last June 24, 2017. The said “Dealer Talks”, which served as a prelude to a series of activities set again this July is a 3-hour conference wherein sales representatives of the winning vehicles get to know how, why, and what made their products achieve the prestigious COTY and TOTY awards. This aspires to further help enhance the image of the winning vehicles and strengthen the over-all value of the brand in the eyes of the consumers.

Furthermore, the said activity aims to deliver the message that these citations are not just any ordinary accolades bestowed on just any other ordinary product as the group remains the only organization in the country that conducts these instrumented tests to determine the best vehicles in the country.

“There is a story behind every crown and this is our way of telling it to the public,” said CAGI President Ronald de los Reyes.

“We’ve been awarding vehicles since 2004 and we just believed that our unique process needed to be further disseminated through these talks,” he added.

The CAGI head honcho led the endeavor, followed by more thorough and specialized discussions from CAGI Technical Director Niky Tamayo and KPMG R.G. Manabat and Co. Risk Consulting Supervisor Christian Eamilio. Meantime, supporter Petron Corporation’s Field Technical Services Engineer Mike Cerda shared some knowledge of their own product while Carmudi Philippines, the group’s proud partner for the past three years took part through their newest publication, the Carmudi Magazine.

The Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo won last year’s Car of the Year Award, and with Honda Cars Makati, Inc.’s continuous mission of providing customer satisfaction through quality products and excellent service, the Honda community is, yet again, set on showcasing its top of the line vehicles. With dedication and confidence, 2017 will hopefully be another year where a Honda vehicle will bring home the Car of the Year – Philippines Award.  Honda Cars Makati Inc., with branches in Makati (Magallanes and Greenbelt), Pasig, Alabang, Shaw, Global City, and Manila Bay is a member of AC Automotive along with Honda Cars Cebu, Inc., Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc., Isuzu Cebu Inc., Iconic Dealership, Inc., and KTM Philippines.

The event also will not be possible without its sponsors Petron Blaze, KPMG and Carmudi.

 

 

 

About CAGI

CAGI, a non-profit entity composed of motoring journalists has been recognizing outstanding vehicles since 2004. This group ensures that the vehicles undergo extensive qualitative and quantitative testing before they award the best vehicle. The group is also here to help heighten consumer awareness about finding the best vehicles available by making informed choices.

The said “Dealer Talks” also serves as a preamble to the group’s annual test fest in September and October with the culminating  activity—the awards night set in November this year.

For more information about CAGI and its series of activities, please contact

Ronald De Los Reyes at 0917-5260324 or Nikka Ramos at 0927-8484533 or visit CAGI's website

ALBAY CRAWL, HISTORIC SITES AND MAGAYON

Albay is one province with many hidden and known beauties, it bears beauty that is pure, basic and grand.  Albay has a certain charm that will sweep you off your feet and bring you to the time that was or give you a majestic feeling that is simply indescribable.  With fifteen  15 municipalities and three 3 cities, Albay bears so many things to see and experience. 

Governor Al Francis Bichara was a gracious host as he welcomed us to his place. Hospitality reflected on the people, from the people  and this was reflected by the people of the various local government units (Dept of Tourism and Dept of Agriculture) and that of Human Explore Travel and Tours.  The tour given to us was both informative and time worthy.  Tiring as it may be BUT truly worth every moment. Our gratitude to Ms. Dorothy Colle and her people from the Department of Tourism Provincial Division Region V – Albay, Ms. Che Rebeta of the Provincial Agriculture Department and Ms. Farah Sobremisana – owner partner of Pepperland Hotel.  They truly made our visit such a wonder thru their efforts and time generosity.

Albay is filled with old churches, old craft making, worthy places to go to, old houses, natural beauties and beautiful festivities.  With magnificent places around the majestic Mayon Volcano, if you do a whole 360 tour like the one we did ours, one would get to see this natural wonder in all its beauty.  Try to learn also the story behind this famous volcano and and unconver the Daragang Magayon mystery.

From the ruins of Cagsawa (with a average guest of 150pax per day) to the churches in Camalig, Ligao, Sto. Domingo and Daraga, to the calm Sumlang Lake and the historic Japanese caves in Quituinan Hills, to the traditional way of metal smiting in Tabaco, farms and various beautiful parks and landmarks all over Albay, you will never have a dull moment when you decide to do a full exploration of the province.  It is also filled of noteworthy food places that you could and should try out (story and review in another write-up).  Albay also has spring resorts with water source coming from near the volcano or underneath the ground making it cool or even cold depending on the time of the year – such resort is D’ Hacienda Spring and Nature Resort in Guinobatan, Albay.

For active people, I would highly recommend for you to try out the Japanese tunnels/caves in Quituinan Hills.  The trek is not that stressful but the crawling (should you be adventurous enough) is like having an archeological dig.  For historical buffs, try seeing the various churches of the different municipalities and compare notes in terms of its style and story behind it.  Should you wish to see various craftsmanship of the place, go to Sumlang Lake to see the woven beauties of Albay, the metal smiting of Tabaco, pottery shops in Tiwi and pili delicacy making in Legazpi.  Don’t forget to visit the various farms in the province that show the resiliency of the people as reflected in their farms – some of them are IG worthy too.

Experience Albay and, you get to see this natural beauty in all its grandeur.  With clouds or without, Mayon will surely captivate you may it be morning, noon, mid afternoon or sunset.  With its romantic yet tragic story behind this beauty, you will definitely want to be welcomed by it every time you are in the said province.

Albay is truly beautiful! The people reflect their place and the place live through its people.

-Arnold “Arnie” Alesna-