Visa expands consumer choice with e-wallet partnerships in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is actively supporting Southeast Asia's journey into becoming a cashless society. As mobile wallet usage grows in the region, Visa enhances consumer options by enabling cardholders to use their cards directly with merchants or e-wallets such as Maya and GrabPay in the Philippines.

Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, said: “Visa’s research found that in the Philippines, 87% of surveyed respondents have used their mobile wallets in the last 12 months^[1]. Our partnerships with e-wallets in the Philippines enable Visa cardholders to cash in their wallets using their cards issued in the Philippines, which is in alignment with the growing preference for cashless transactions in the Philippines. These partnerships provide consumers with more choices and support small businesses by enhancing their ability to accept payments, keeping pace with the expanding use of digital payment methods like cards and mobile wallets. At Visa, we're committed to broadening access to diverse digital payment options that are seamless and secure, to promote financial and digital inclusion."

51% of women-led SMEs surveyed in the Philippines experience increased revenue after accepting digital payments

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, conducted a survey on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the Philippines. Findings show that 51% of women-led SMEs and 56% of micro-businesses experienced revenue growth with digital payments adoption. Given women constitute over half of Asia's population and SMEs' vital role in the economy, maximizing women's economic potential could add $89 billion annually to the Asia Pacific economy including in the Philippines.

SMEs are crucial for  economic growth in the Philippines, with more than a million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry data show that 99.5% of businesses in the country are MSMEs with almost 50% of them in wholesale and retail trade, generating 65% of total employment. Furthermore, the Asian Development Bank estimated that MSMEs contribute around 36% of the country’s GDP^[1].

The Visa study found that managing businesses has become easier for 72% of the surveyed SMEs in the Philippines. Wallets, predominantly GCash, dominate as the main provider of digital payment for SMEs, especially those that are female-led (61%) who were surveyed in the Philippines. Visa has partnered with GCash to introduce the new GCash Card – giving millions of unbanked Filipinos access to the benefits of owning a payment card.

Visa supports women-owned SMEs and youths in Southeast Asia with digital and financial skills

Visa, a global leader in payment solutions, is committed to promoting digital and financial inclusion by equipping women and youth in Southeast Asia with essential digital and financial skills, to foster sustainable growth and pave the way for long-term success. An OECD report^[1] found that rural communities, women, and certain ethnic minority groups face barriers to realizing the full uptake of digital options. Many frequently encounter growth hurdles due to cultural and institutional obstacles, coupled with a preference for informal financing.

Southeast Asia's young population, who constitute nearly a third of Southeast Asia, along with the region's SMEs and MSMEs, which constitute 99% of businesses, are key to economic growth. Visa is aiding this progress by enhancing digital and financial literacy for women SME owners and young individuals. In 2023, Visa digitally enabled 10 million SMEs in Asia Pacific. Visa Foundation has committed over $47M in the region, which has helped support two million women-led SMEs and sustain 500,000 jobs, and recently pledged $100M to APEC economies over five years.

Visa launches SME online toolkit to enable tourism merchants to maximize benefits of contactless payments

New resource provides step-by-step instructions so that businesses can maximize the benefits of Visa’s digital payment services, a key solution to boost tourism in the Philippines

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is introducing resources to help Filipino merchants, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), take full advantage of Visa’s digital payment solutions to optimize the customer shopping experience and increase sales, particularly in the tourism sector. This is part of Visa’s commitment to empower Filipino SMEs and boost tourism, a crucial growth sector for the economy, by helping more merchants offer seamless contactless payments. By partnering with Visa, merchants can leverage the trust inherent in Visa’s brand name, which was named the world’s most valuable payments brand and the sixth most valuable brand in the world^[1].

Cash-in to Maya wallets for free* using Visa cards

Visa cardholders are now able to cash-in their Maya wallets for free, as announced by Visa, a world leader in digital payments. As part of the “Cash-In for Free” program, which became effective from 1 May 2024, this offer is available to all Maya users who have a mobile number from any local telco provider and are currently residing in the Philippines. The initiative aims to expand consumer choice by allowing Visa cardholders to use their cards to fund their Maya wallets fee-free, to be used in Maya-accepting wallets.

To qualify, eligible users must cash into their Maya Wallet using their Philippine-issued Visa credit, debit or prepaid cards via the Maya app. Free Visa transfers are available for transactions up to P5,000. The typical P200 surcharge for cashing into Maya using cards will be rebated back to users. For larger transactions above P5,000, a discounted fee of 50% off or P100 per transaction will be imposed.

Visa Kicks Off Summer in Paris with Visa Live at le Louvre Concert, Headlined by Post Malone

The world is invited to watch the performances streamed on Roblox

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, will connect music, art and culture by taking over the Cour Carrée of the Louvre Museum for a unique show called “Visa Live at the Louvre.” Post Malone will headline the first-of-its-kind performance, also featuring a diverse group of superstars from around the globe. This unprecedented performance will take place on May 28, 2024 at 7:30 PM local time, and will be the first global IRL concert streamed exclusively on Roblox at 9PM local time/3PM EDT.

“Visa Live at le Louvre is an event of many firsts. It is Visa’s first major activation leading up to a memorable summer in Paris, which will also host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s the first concert of its kind at the Cour Carée, and the first global in-person concert streamed exclusively on Roblox. Post Malone’s live performance at Musée du Louvre and virtually in Roblox provides fans with a unique experience of music, art and technology that is both innovative and entertaining,” said Frank Cooper, CMO, Visa.

Visa collaborates with UnionBank and PayMongo to offer flexible payment options

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is partnering with UnionBank of the Philippines and PayMongo to bring Visa Installment Solutions to the country, an innovative program that will soon enable Filipino consumers to easily access “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) financing.

Visa Installment Solutions will offer all UnionBank credit cardholders the flexibility to pay in interest-free monthly installments for their purchases, both in-store and online. It will also allow PayMongo merchants to accept payments from UnionBank customers directly from their websites or online stores.

“We are proud to introduce Visa Installment Solutions very soon with UnionBank as our first-ever issuer in the Philippines, and with PayMongo as our  payment facilitator, who both share our long-term commitment to promote financial inclusion among Filipinos by offering secure and seamless flexible payment solutions. This initiative will not only benefit our valued partners but also contribute to our economy, particularly in light of the growing popularity of BNPL options among Filipinos,” Jeff Navarrro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam said.

Visa and AIG introduce travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage

 

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, and global insurer AIG Philippines Insurance Inc, announced the launch of a new travel insurance featuring Covid-19 protection, exclusive to Visa Infinite cardholders in the Philippines.

The travel insurance, which will be provided by AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., includes coverage for trip cancellations, travel inconveniences and medical expenses including Covid-19 medical expenses and allowances. The complimentary coverage is automatic for all for domestic and international trips between 4 December 2021 to 3 December 2022 paid for using Visa Infinite credit cards issued by Citibank, EastWest, Maybank, and RCBC Bankard. Terms and conditions apply.

Experience safe, secure, and convenient shopping with EastWest Visa Cards’ contactless feature

 

As the banking needs of consumers continue to evolve amid this digital, contactless era, universal bank EastWest and American multinational financial services corporation VISA, constantly look for ways to provide safe and convenient payment methods for their customers. As advocates of cybersecurity, EastWest and VISA aim to protect customers from scams like cloning and skimming, as well as COVID-19 and other viruses transmissible from exchanges of high-contact items like ballpens, money, and credit cards.

With the EastWest Visa credit and debit cards’ contactless feature, Cardholders experience fast, easy, and secure way to pay for everyday purchases.  Cardholders can also be assured of safety from some card scams. Contactless payments are protected by multiple layers of security and accepted by merchants across the country. For every transaction, a one-time code is created which secures the cardholder’s payment information. And since it is transaction-specific, the code cannot be re-used by fraudsters if they are somehow able to get ahold of it.

Visa’s Financial Literacy Program Educates More Than 36,000 Students and Teachers

Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog teaches young Filipinos the value of making wise financial decisions.

Photo from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Visa’s financial literacy program, launched in 2017, has educated over 36,000 students and teachers in 30 cities.

Teaming up with Tanghalang Pilipino and Teach for the Philippines, Visa launched the tagalog skit, Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog three years ago, with support from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The interactive play focused on Gwyneth, a young student faced with several money management decisions throughout the story. With the help of her best friend, grandfather, and national heroes who came to life from the money she held, Gwyneth had to make informed financial decisions.

Visa and Ayala Malls Cinemas Announce Contactless Acceptance in the Philippines

Visa has announced that Filipinos can now use their contactless cards to make payments at 19 Ayala Malls Cinemas across the country. This is part of Visa’s goal to expand contactless acceptance at more merchant outlets in the country.

The contactless terminals have been implemented across Ayala Malls Cinemas, in partnership with Global Payments. The introduction of contactless payments at Ayala Malls Cinemas brings greater convenience and payment options for Filipinos who are embracing a cashless lifestyle.

Exciting freebies and discounts await Visa cardholders at SM Cinemas nationwide

Filipinos can now enjoy complimentary treats and rebates when they purchase movie tickets at any SM Cinema branch using their Visa cards. Catch the following promos today until November 30, 2018.  

Online Wednesdays 
  
Beat the mid-week blues by making plans to watch a movie —for less. Get Php100 off when you purchase at least two (2) movie tickets at www.smcinema.com.  You can buy the tickets in advance to watch a weekend show, just make sure you purchase the tickets on a Wednesday to enjoy the offer. 

To redeem the discount, all you have to do is click “Visa Promo Offer” on the payment options upon check-out, and enter your Visa card details as you pay. Php100 will be automatically deducted from your total bill.

Tap To Pay Fridays

There’s no better way to start the weekend than by catching the latest blockbuster with your friends while you indulge on yummy snacks. At SM Cinemas, you can get a free regular popcorn and two (2) bottles of water from the Snack Time counter for a minimum purchase of two (2) movie tickets every Friday during the promo period. This offer is open to all Philippine-issued Visa credit cards with a Tap To Pay (or Contactless) functionality. 

To claim the goodies, simply pay for your tickets by tapping your contactless Visa credit card on the POS Terminal at the ticket booth, collect the charge slip from the cashier and present it, together with your card, to the Snack Time Counter. Make sure to tap your card when you make the payment. Swiping or dipping it into the terminal will disqualify you from the promotion.   

About Visa
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world's most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit, or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations; however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead of time with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit www.visa.com.sg, http://visaapnews.asia/ and @VisaNews.  

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Tickets For Disney’s “The Lion King” Go On Sale 3 November

Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions are excited to confirm that tickets to the Manila premiere of the world’s #1 musical, Disney’s THE LION KING, are going on sale to the general public on Friday 3 November 2017.

The production is also proud to officially introduce the sponsoring presenters of the Manila season – Globe and Visa.

After bringing a multitude of world-class musicals to the Philippines, Globe Telecom is honoured to announce they will be an instrumental part of the upcoming presentation of the world’s number one musical, Disney’s THE LION KING, to Filipino audiences. Senior Advisor for Globe Telecom’s Creative Marketing and Multimedia Business and the company’s live productions arm, Globe LIVE, Joe Caliro, said that the company is committed to having Filipinos experience the best first-class productions and international phenomenons, such as THE LION KING. “We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration and are looking forward to connecting our customers to this iconic global smash hit,” Caliro said. “This is one production that should not be missed,” he added

“We are privileged to sponsor and support Manila’s first staging of Disney’s THE LION KING, which is the most successful single piece of entertainment of all time. Through this partnership, our cardholders will now be able to enjoy early access to tickets when they purchase using their Visa cards. As part of the Epic Experiences by Visa platform we will continue to bring cardholders more unique and meaningful experiences in dining, travel, retail and entertainment in the Philippines,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for Philippines and Guam.

To celebrate this announcement, Globe platinum, Globe postpaid customers and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to THE LION KING before the general public whilst also enjoying 10% off tickets. This special priority booking offer is only for a limited time, from 25 October to 2 November. They can do online booking through www.ticketworld.com or visit any Ticketworld branches.

“We are delighted to announce these partnerships with Globe and Visa today. Globe, as the top telecommunications company in the Philippines, and Visa, one of the world’s most recognised brands,  are both leaders in their fields and we are excited to be able to share the experience of THE LION KING with their customers,” commented Producer of the international tour, Michael Cassel.

A talented international cast will star in the landmark musical event which begins performances in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on 18 March 2018. The Manila premiere is presented by Concertus Manila.

Earlier this month, the full cast for the international tour was announced. The principal cast includes Ntsepa Pitjengwho is returning to the role of ‘Rafiki’, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End production is Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of ‘Mufasa’. Also from the United Kingdom is music theatre performer Antony Lawrence as ‘Scar’.

Australian actor Andre Jewson will feature as ‘Zazu’; the charismatic New Zealand born performer Jamie McGregor will play ‘Timon’ and South African favorite Pierre Van Heerden will return as ‘Pumbaa’.

Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba will be Julien Joshua Dolor, Pablo Palacpac and Juan Gabriel Tiongson; sharing the role of Young Nala will be Sheena Bentoy, Uma Martin and Felicity Napuli.

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers Calvyn Grandling, playing the much-loved role of ‘Simba’, the up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as ‘Nala’, Candida Mosoma who returns to the role of 'Shenzi', Bjorn Blignautas ‘Banzai’ and Mark Tatham as ‘Ed’.

Joining THE LION KING ensemble is: Ricardo Baez, Dayan Kingsley Beukes, Tertia Coetzee-Dippenaar, Viridiana Cortés, Felipe Flores, Jabulani Gambu, Liso Gcwabe, Sheila Maria Hernandez, Phumelele Jili, Christine Kapswarah, Amanda Kunene, Sfiso Matlala, Lungile Mkhize, Fumane Moeketsi, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zodwa Mrasi, Lwazi Mzimase, Zolina Ngejane, Thato Nkwe, Thabani Ntuli, Peace Nzirawa, Nonofo Olekeng, Khanyisani Shoba, Phumelele Sikhakhane, Romy Jo Swales, Clifford Tlomatsana, Vuyelwa Tshona, Tlholo Tsotetsi, Benn Welford, Zi-Rong Wu, Daniel Guerrero Zazueta, Monde Zondi, and Sandile Zondi.

Beyond Manila, the international tour will enjoy additional seasons in Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa, with other engagements to be announced.

For further information about THE LION KING and to sign up to be the first in line for tickets, visit : TheLionKing.ph

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Create Your Own Epic Experiences With Visa

Visa cardholders can now create their own unforgettable experiences as the global payments firm launches Epic Experiences by Visa, an ever-expanding universe of exclusive privileges for Visa cardholders.

In its fourth year, Visa’s homegrown privilege platform is broadening its offerings beyond dining to cater to the different interests of cardholders. Over 80 dining, retail and travel partners nationwide have been added to the list of partner merchants this year. Simply present your Visa card at partner establishments to experience Visa’s signature VIP treatment and exclusive offers. Through this program, Visa gives its members the power to tailor-make their own lifestyle experiences: you can try out the most popular restaurants, keep up with the latest trends, and travel to exclusive vacation spots around the country.

Score the best deals with your Citibank credit card at the 20th Travel Tour Expo

 

The 20th Travel Tour Expo

SMX Convention Center

Feb. 15 - 17, 2013

Get a head start on your summer travel plans by visiting the much-awaited 20th Travel Tour Expo on February 15 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia.

Take advantage of huge discounts, special package rates and exclusive freebies offered by over 200 participating companies. Use Citibank Credit Cards to pay for your flights and travel packages and enjoy longer, lighter payments with the PayLite Installment Plan offered at select travel agencies, hotels and resorts. For Citibank PremierMiles cardholders, you can conveniently use your miles to purchase airline tickets and travel packages at the Rajah Travel & Tours and Cebu Pacific booths, available only during the Travel Tour Expo.   

A Mega Magical Christmas with Hong Kong Disneyland

Have a Mega Magical Christmas 

with Hong Kong Disneyland!

Finally, and for the first time, visit the first ever Hong Kong Disneyland mall event in the Philippines.  Visit SM Megamall from Nov. 9 - 11, 2012.  And enjoy the many magical sights and sounds that makes Hong Kong Disneyland still the vacation destination of choice in Hong Kong.

Also use your Standard Chartered credit cards in purchasing a deal, then you get a chance to win upgraded packages to further experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland.  See you there!

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Win 100 free flights with Visa Card and Cebu Pacific!

Win 100 free flights with Visa and Cebu Pacific!

Just book your Cebu Pacific flights online using your Visa card from October 3 to November 17, 2012 to earn a raffle entry into the Juan Hundred in 1 promo.  Each transaction is a raffle entry.

One winner will win 100 free flights to any Cebu Pacific destination.  1 Winner will be announced on November 28, 2012.  Good luck!!  Book and win!

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Win fabulous prizes with Jollibee Delivery and Visa

Win with Jollibee Delivery and Visa

Up for grabs:
- twelve (12) winners of a brand new Apple iPad2 16GB WiFi only
- twelve (12) winners of a brand new 11.6 inch Sony VAIO Y Series
- twelve (12) winners of a brand new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 digital cameras
- twelve (12) winners of a brand new Blackberry Playbook 16GB WiFi only
- one (1) winner of Ford Fiesta Hatchback 5Dr 1.4 MT.

The Promotion is open to all principal and supplementary card holders of Visa Debit, Credit, Prepaid and Electron cards issued in the Philippines and abroad and registered at www.jollibeedelivery.com.

An electronic raffle entry will be generated for every P250 worth of purchase. A single purchase can generate multiple entries (P1000 worth of single purchase will generate 4 electronic raffle entries).

Find out more HERE.  Promo is from 26 September 2011 to 25 September 2012.

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STOMP is coming to Manila

STOMP is finally coming to Manila!!!
October 18 - 23, 2011

The most invigorating and innovative musical spectacle that has gotten the world clamoring for more is finally coming to Manila.  I remember the first time I was able to feast my eyes on this musical ingenious show was from a DVD my friend brought with him to Manila from the USA.  And I just kept wondering when will they ever come to Manila.  

I have known of them coming to do shows in Macau and Hong Kong, but I'm finally glad they will be able to show their stuff here in Manila.  I would not miss this for the world.  And with this I am also happy that I will be able to get an additional 10% discount on the show with my Citibank Gold credit card.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!! 

Date of Performances:
October 18 8:00PM Tuesday
October 19 8:00PM Wednesday
October 20 8:00PM Thursday
October 21 8:00PM Friday
October 22 3:00PM Saturday
October 22 8:00PM Saturday
October 23 3:00PM Sunday
October 23 8:00PM Sunday 

10% discount is offered from July 20 - 26, 2011 only, using your Visa Gold, Platinum and Infinite cards only.
To know more about STOMP, click http://www.stomponline.com/show.php

	Opening Night	Weekday	Weekend
Price Zone A	7,210.00	5,150.00	5,665.00
Prize Zone B	5,665.00	4,120.00	4,635.00
Prize Zone C	3,605.00	2,575.00	3,090.00
Prize Zone D	2,060.00	1,545.00	1,545.00
Prize Zone E	1,030.00	772.50	1,030.00

 view seat plan HERE.

Free Starbucks Drinks from HSBC credit cards on now!!!

What are you waiting.... quick find those charge slips worth at least P2,000.00 pesos and head to you nearest Starbucks coffee shop and get your FREE tall drink with any add-on....

Mechanics: 
1.) You must be a HSBC credit card holder. (VISA, MASTERCARD issued in the Philippines)
2.) For a minimum single-receipt of P2,000.00. (higher transactions only count still as one.)

charge slips valid from April 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010
claiming of FREE Starbucks drink is from April 15, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2010.
Per DTI 1026. Series of 2010.