Bank of the Philippine Islands' Online Banking and Mobile App

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has 36 services for open banking and the most extensive list of online banking and mobile app features of any local bank  announced today its digital ecosystem to make everyday financial transactions more convenient with nine partners.

  

BPI Chief Operating Officer Mon Jocson said BPI has made mundane financial tasks such as loading beepTM cards or e-wallets, ordering meals or splitting bills, sending and receiving money, scheduling branch appointments, or placing money for investment accounts easier with just a smartphone or a computer. 

“This digital ecosystem will enable our clients to shift to digital behaviors for their everyday tasks, said Jocson. “Digital transformation is not just about applying technology. It’s also about changing mindsets and culture, from the inside out.”

“Culture is a key determinant of a successful digital transformation, we acknowledge this and we are working on it. We can’t afford to adopt the latest in digital technology tools without changing the way we think of ourselves and our place in customers’ lives,” he added. 

The nine partners for open banking are businesses with which BPI has agreed to open up its API, or application program interface, and vice versa, in order to facilitate transactions of mutual clients of BPI and each of the partners. APIs are communication protocols that determine how software components should share information or interact. 

These partners include fintechs and online merchants such as GCash, Paymaya, and Lazada, to name a few. 

Noel Santiago, BPI Chief Digital Officer, added that another component of BPI's ecosystem are the digital channels that include the BPI Online website, bpi.com.ph, and BPI Mobile app. 

He said BPI has the most number of features available among local banks: 70 for online banking and 40 for the mobile app. 

“BPI's digital ecosystem make digital financial transactions frictionless for clients. We are proud to say that we are leading the industry with these features that we come up with almost every month. Being relevant to our customers is important to us as we expand and integrate our presence in their everyday needs and lifestyle," he said. 

Some of these new features include scheduling appointments via BPI Online, taking control of card usage through withdrawal limits, setting for into international use, and temporarily blocking debit cards. 

Furthermore, the bank launched its upgraded digital banking assistant, Bea, which is the first conversational banking app in the Philippines. This makes the banking experience more convenient and easy for clients to transact via voice.

In the last ten years, there was an increase of 656% in BPI's enrolled digital users, and a 1,683% increase in transaction volume. As of end-2018, there was a 37% penetration rate for digital users. 

Video courtesy of www.occasionsofjoy.com

Four Christmas Gift Ideas at The Luxe Series by BPI

This Christmas, break away from your old gift-giving patterns and up the ante with luxurious iconic brands for your friends and loved ones. Before you say you’re too broke to shop, check out one of the biggest Christmas sales at the upcoming The Luxe Series by BPI, which will be held on select weekends starting October 11 until November 24 at The Preferred Center, BPI Shangri-La Shaw branch, Level 1 Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza. 

Organized by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), exclusive access will be given to BPI Preferred Cardholders on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and for all BPI Cardholders from Saturdays to Sundays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy as much as 50% off and Real 0% installment up to 24 months on premium brands of watches, jewelry, fashion items, and gadgets as well as travel deals. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, generous, or just a plain practical gift-giver this Christmas, BPI and its partner merchants got you covered.  

Here’s a peek of what awaits BPI cardholders during the exclusive weekend events:

1. Watches – The Christmas season is a perfect time to indulge yourself or your loved ones with luxury watches. From October 11 to 14, BPI cardholders get special discounts and Real 0% installment up to 24 months on Breitling, Longines, Pandora and more.  

2. Jewelry – Pamper your loved ones with classic pieces from Jewelmer and Sunjewel. All unique and exquisite selections will be showcased from October 25 to 27.

3. Fashion – Whether you’re gifting for someone who’s a trendy, preppy, classy, or chic fashionista, take your loved ones’ ensemble to a whole new level with one-of-a-kind fashion finds from top luxury brands when you shop from November 15 to 17.

4. Travel – We all have that one friend or family member who can’t resist going out of town or country every now and then. Surprise them with the gift of luxury stays and travel essentials made more affordable only from November 22 to 24 with BPI cards.

BPI Sales and Service Channels Division Head for Northern Metro Manila Jose Raul Jereza said the bank’s goal is to provide clients better access to relevant financial solutions and make an impact via the best deals for some of the most luxurious iconic brands, made more affordable to cardholders this Christmas season.

“We continue to organize activities and programs that aim to optimize our clients’ buying capacity and responsibly improve their lives. The Luxe Series by BPI is an excellent opportunity for early Christmas shopping, which is the smart thing to do to avoid the Christmas rush. We have entered into partnerships with select merchants and negotiated on behalf of our clients to get the best deals,” Jereza said.   

He added non-cardholders may also join by applying for a BPI or BPI Family Savings credit card during the event.

For promos and updates, like BPI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bpi/

Ponce

One of the hashtags that Joy and I use for the events we attend is #husbandandwifetandem. Having said that, it is very nice to meet power couple – Dick and Mars Balajadia as they welcomed media and guests in Ponce, located at 124 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. 

The restaurant is named after Maximo Ponce, the father of Dick, who grew up in Tarlac, loves life to the fullest, and has great appetite for good food. 

The newly opened restaurant offers Spanish cuisine, tapas and a wide variety of wine, inspired by the many Europe trips of Dick and Mars.

Dishes you must try are Calamar a la Andaluza, a Tapas y Entradas offering of Andalusian squid fried to crisp golden perfection served with a side of garlic aioli,  Cochinillo Asado del Chef, Paella, and a lot more!

Joy and I normally don't stay up late in events but the great tasting food served, the stories we shared with Mark, Bennet, Simon and Joseph made the evening amazingly fun. I guess this is what Ponce hopes to achieve so what are you waiting for, head on at Ponce and spend a great evening with friends and family as you all enjoy their exquisite Spanish specialties, thoroughly curated by the owners together with Chef Angelo Santicruz.

So there if craving for Spanish Cuisine, Ponce is now open to fulfill your culinary cravings!

UNIQLO Fall and Winter Collection 2019

It was an afternoon of HEATTECH, Flannel, Jackets, Coats as UNIQLO unveiled its Fall and Winter Collection 2019 yesterday at SM Mall of Asia. 

Fashion and Travel Stylist Pam Quinones did a make-over presentation with the three winners of UNIQLO online contest. She also gave tips on what to wear and what to do when travelling to cold countries. 

Rica Peralejo Bonifacio graced the event and shared tips to parents when travelling with kids. 

 

For more updates, download UNIQLO app, UNIQLO Philippines

Website: www.iniqlo.com/ph

Facebook: facebook.com/uniqlo.ph

Twitter: twitter.com/uniqloph

Instagram: instagram.com/uniqloofficial

Samsung Smart Oven

It was an afternoon of yummy sampling of dishes as Samsung launched its first-ever Pop-Up Restaurant at Robinson's Magnolia earlier today with the use of  Samsung Smart Oven.

The Samsung Smart Oven allows you to do so much more than just reheating leftovers. With this 6-in-1 kitchen solution, you can also bake your favorite desserts, fry chicken without the use of oil, grill steaks, steam dumplings, and even whip up your own yogurt from scratch!

Samsung Smart Oven has 2 models, namely, Samsung Smart Oven 32L MC32K7055KT/TC priced at P15,995 and Samsung MC35J8088LT/TC priced at P29,995.

 

Watch my wife's vlog below to know more about Samsung Smart Oven's functions :

The Food Hall New Menu by Chef Carlo Miguel

John and I were lucky enough to preview Chef Carlo Miguel's latest creations at The Food Hall, SM Aura, where   he   has   had   free   reign   to   stretch   the   limits   of his  culinary   imagination. 

Acknowledged   in   the   local   culinary   scene   as   a   master   of   premium   and   innovative burger creations, Chef Carlo has not only perfected his burger recipe, he has also come up with a host of new creations from seafood, steaks, flat breads, pasta, and desserts.   

These unique culinary creations inspired by various cuisines across the globe are now on full display exclusively at The Food Hall SM Aura for your dining pleasure!

 

   

 

For his latest pasta creations, there are new dishes for both meat lovers and seafood lovers alike!  There is the Seafood Spaghetti of Squid Ink Spaghetti with shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, chili, lemon, & olive oil.   

The new meaty pasta on the other hand is the cream based Sausage & Mushroom Pasta of Italian Sausage & Mushrooms in a creamy mushroom sauce. 

Off the grill, there is the generously portioned Wagyu BBQ Brisket Platter with 36 hour Sous Vide Wagyu Beef Brisket & Half Rack BBQ Ribs served with French Fries & House Coleslaw and the Miso Glazed Hamachi Collar of char-grilled & miso glazed Hamachi tuna collar and Miso eggplant with steamed rice.

For more exotic Asian & Central American fare, you can savor Chef Carlo’s 3rd generation Beef Cheek Rendang recipe of slow braised beef cheek with Coconut milk and Asian spices served with rice & Shrimp Krupuk or his NEW BBQ Pork Belly with Chimichurri & Pickles starring a Sous Vide Spanish Pork Belly complemented by Salsa Verde, Pickled Onion & Cucumber, and Fresh Cilantro.

For more down home country fare close to the Filipinos’ hearts, there is the NEW Juicy Fried Chicken Basket of Crispy buttermilk battered Chicken Leg Quarter, Homemade Bacon & Corn Muffin served with crispy Fries.   Because nothing spells comfort food better for Filipinos than Juicy Fried Chicken!

As an exclusive sneak peek, you will also get to sample ahead of everybody else, Chef Carlo’s special dish for Thanksgiving: the 2 Part Turkey Steaks in Peppercorn Gravy w/ Cranberry Relish& Pumpkin Puree.   

And, of course, we all know that a showcase of NEW dishes from Chef Carlo would never be complete without a plethora of his latest burger masterpieces of Steak Cut All Beef patties! A singular treat for cheese lovers, the Molten Cheeseburger with a melted Cheese Blend, lettuce, tomato and  mustard   relish   is   oozing   with   creamy   &   cheesy   goodness.

     

 

 

 

Elevate   your   taste experience with the Truffle Bleu Cheese Burger with Gorgonzola Cheese, Caramelized Onions, & Truffle Aioli.  

A surefire smash hit is the NEW Double Smash Burger of all beef smashed patties, Cheddar Cheese crust, homemade Bacon jam, and Secret Sauce.

For  those looking for  over   the  top   combination   burger  creations,   there  are   several  delightful selections for you to choose from!  

For the burger version of the steak & seafood, there is the Surf & Turf Burger with Steak Cut All Beef Patty, Mozzarella Cheese, Crispy Shrimp, Thai Sweet Chili & Cilantro Cream.  

Want beef 2 ways in a burger? Try the NEW Wagyu Brisket of steak cut all beef patty, 36   hour  sous   vide   Wagyu   Beef   Brisket,   American   Cheese,   Grilled   Onion,   & Homemade BBQ Sauce. 

Want a burger recommendation from them if you wanted to eat a burger like there was no tomorrow?  Well, that looks like a job for “The Kitchen Sink” (everything except the kitchen sink) – Steak Cut All Beef Patty, Wagyu Brisket, Pork Carnitas, Bacon Slab, 3 kinds of Onion, and American Cheese!

And lastly, the piece de resistance, their Foie & Fig Burger – a decadent combination of Steak Cut all beef patty, Brie Cheese, Seared Foie Gras, Balsamic Figs, & Mustard Relish.  Now that’s a handheld burger with a fine dining feel!