Nissan Navara, Nissan Livina Specs and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour Naga

Nissan Philippines Inc. brings to Bicol the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour #NIMTour from February 3 to 5, 2023 at SM City Naga with a one of a kind venue to share to Bicolanos that Nissan is more than just the air-conditioning. Nissan has set up interactive monitors for us to fully understand and imagine what the Nissan Intelligent Mobility features are all about. 

The #NIMtour was also an opportunity for us to test drive not just one but three Nissan units and share to you our experience here just in case you were not able to visit the 3-day activity. There's a whole fleet of Nissan available at the tour such as from the executive and mighty Nissan Patrol, Nissan Terra, Nissan Almera, Nissan Navarra Pro-4X, Navara Calibre-X and the all new Nissan Kicks E-Power

More photos of the event HERE 

Test Drive available: Nissan Patrol, Nissan Navara, Nissan Livina, Nissan Terra, Nissan Kicks E-Power

First off with Nissan's ultimate pickup truck but with a ride full of comfort and safety features. If your journey always calls for adventure at any kind of terrain the PRO-4X (4X4) best fits for you. It's fully boxed and fully capable, ride with confidence and take charge with full strength in any road conditions because you get All Terrain Tires or this unit. 

NAVARA PRO-4X (4X4)

2.5 L Turbo Diesel Engine

Multi-Link Rear Suspension with Dual Rate Coil Spring (this provides a smoother ride even in severe conditions, provides more comfortable ride even for those seated at the back)

190HP Max Power, 450NM Max Torque

All Terrain Tires

1 Ton Payload Capacity*

NISSAN INITELLIGENT MOBILITY FEATURES*

Intelligent 360 Round View Monitor with Off-Road Monitor

Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking

Blind Spot Warning

Lane Departure Warning

Zero Gravity Front Seats

Apple Carplay / Android Auto

Interior Design

Enjoy premium comfort with black leather and orange accent stitching.

NAVARA CALIBRE-X (4X2)

Aggressive Grille

Quad LED Projector Headlights with DRL

LED Tail Lamps

17" Gloss Black Alloy Wheels

With 5-Year Warranty or 150,000KM which ever comes first

The Nissan Calibre-X on other hand has the same exact features except that it’s only 4X2, but same Nissan Intelligent Mobility is in your pickup which can also carry 1 TON payload capacity for your business or family needs. The Zero Gravity leather front seats is definitely a game changer and yes both for the PRO-4X and Calibre-X. The price differences of these two units is just because of the 4X2 and 4X4 capability of the units. Up to you guys!

Now let's go to the latest addition to the Nissan fleet which is the 7-Seater Nissan Livina which is very ideal for families. If you are a car enthusiast you'll automatically notice Livina's resemblance to that of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Well, it's a public knowledge that Nissan now owns 34% of Mitsubishi, so it does make sense that they share the same blood by this time. As I have mentioned that we are really looking into considering a 7-Seater Car for our family for quite a few months now. From among the available units in the market in this segment, it was the Xpander that has grown so much into me because I have driven and used it also for quite some time. I have also driven once a Toyota Rush just to get a feels of it and an old Avanza just for reference of which is also a big competitor. I have also seen the new Honda BR-V but no test drive experience yet.

With that said, it's between the Xpander and the Livina VL. Everything is almost the same for these two, and I will say it in Bicol, nakalamang na gayo si Livina VL variant sa 5-year Warranty or 150,000KM (which ever comes first) because Mitsubishi only has a 3-year warranty or 100,000km. Plus PMS of Nissan is only TWICE A YEAR or every 10,000km. That's the better advantage of Nissan this time. Just to add despite this advantage, I just wished that the top of the line variant of Livina has an available roof rail already. Luggages in our roof rack is a feat that comes in handy especially for our family who do a lot of long drives as we want a comfortable seat inside the cabin.

Livina is a reliable partner for any of your activities.

Ideal for families

Multiple Storage Spaces (plus an under-seat shoe tray) 

Large Cargo Space 

Fordable Rear seats with multiple charging ports

Exceptionally cool air-conditioning

Entertainment on-the-go 7" touchscreen display audio with phone link and Bluetooth connectivity

SAFETY FEATURES

Vehicle Dynamic Control

Hill Start Assist

Traction Control

ISO-Fix System

SRS Airbags

Anti-lock Brake System

Parking Sensors

Rear View Camera

Under-seat Shoe Tray

Just in case you missed the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour just visit the showroom

Nissan CamSur

Maharlika Highway, San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur

I'll be doing a separate post about the Nissan Kicks-Epower but as a quick description as to how does this unit work? This vehicle is 100% electric motor-driven but gas-charged, so you don't plug it in get power from the grid. The e-POWER system offers full electric motor drive, meaning that the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. e-POWER is comprised of a high-output battery and the powertrain which is integrated with gasoline engine, power generator, inverter and a motor. 

This car may not be solar-powered but I can relate so much into it because we live in a solar-powered home where there is an inverter and a battery. So the Nissan Kicks really got me so interested to learn more about it. 

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Branch expansion help boosts job creation in PH

While many Filipinos are going abroad to find a job, there are still many employment opportunities in the country that await job seekers with the continued expansion of businesses in various industries. 

According to the latest Labor Force Survey, employment rate increased to 95.5% in October 2022. 

BDO’s community bank BDO Network Bank, for one, continues to reach remote communities through branch expansion in the provinces. Over 800 job positions which include branch heads, service officers, account officers and marketing assistants are waiting to be filled to support the 106 branches and loan offices the bank opened in 2022. 

“Providing opportunities to local talents from different communities will not only support the growth of BDO Network Bank, but it will also help propel the country’s economy,” shared Jesus Antonio S. Itchon, president of BDO Network Bank (BDONB).  More job vacancies are expected to be announced as BDO Network Bank plans to open additional 100 branches nationwide this year.  

Opportunity to live and work near loved ones 

For Rikko Martin Guillermo, BDO Network Bank Lahug, Cebu branch -Management officer, being assigned to his hometown helps him manage his finances well.

BDO Network Bank intends to help every kababayan find a job in their hometown and be near with their families. 

Rikko Martin Guillermo, network management officer of BDO Network Bank-Lahug, Cebu is one example. 

“I am very thankful to BDO Network Bank for allowing me to be assigned here in Lahug, Cebu City office. I am now able to manage my finances because I live with my loved ones,” shared Rikko.   

BDO Network Bank Sultan Kudarat branch account representative Allan Mark Nobleza is thankful to the bank for giving him the opportunity to be transferred to a branch near his family, allowing him to be more productive at work.

Allan Mark Nobleza, a former credit assistant at BDO Network Bank Makati office, has likewise expressed his gratitude to the bank for giving him an opportunity to work at its branch in Sultan Kudarat, Esperanza as an account representative. 

His transfer back to his hometown is a big help as he no longer worries about his parents, making him more productive at work. 

“I am happy that I can go home to my family every day,” said he said. 

For those interested to be part of BDO Network Bank, visit BDO Network Bank official FB page (https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH ) for the list of job vacancies. 

Resumes or CVs may be sent to the email addresses assigned per location. Just follow the subject or title format below:

<position you are applying for>,<Location>,<Name>

Example: Field Sales Officer_Tagbilaran_Juan Dela Cruz

NCR & Central Luzon: devera.michelle@bdo.com.ph

North Luzon: stodomingo.marianovita@bdo.com.ph

South Luzon: malinao.eunice@bdo.com.ph

Visayas: clitar.jojean@bdo.com.ph

Mindanao: bagares.marymagdalene@bdo.com.ph

BDO Network Bank does not require payment of fees for job application. To ensure your safety and security, contact only the authorized BDONB HR officers or send a private message to BDO Network Bank’s official facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH).

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BDO Foundation celebrates the season with those who have less

BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, celebrated Christmas with thousands of underserved Filipinos as it provided food assistance in line with its gift-giving program dubbed Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation.

For the third consecutive year, BDO Foundation implemented its Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation Christmas gift-giving initiative, providing noche buena food packs to 25,000 families in underserved communities.

A total of 25,000 families all over the country received bags containing food items that beneficiaries could use for noche buena.

The foundation started the annual initiative back in 2020 as part of efforts to aid economically disadvantaged communities during the Christmas season.

Now on its third year, Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation was implemented in partnership with Caritas Philippines, the social arm of the Catholic Church in the country, as well as Tanging Yaman Foundation, a non-profit organization that links donors with beneficiaries. Conducted simultaneously over two days in various locations, the program was also made possible by BDO and BDO Network Bank volunteers from head offices and branches.

Volunteers distributed food packs in Caloocan City, Quezon City, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Novaliches, Pasay City, Pasig City and Taguig City.

Handog sa ‘Yo also reached communities in Aurora, Biliran, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cotabato, Davao, Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Romblon, Sorsogon, Sulu, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac and Tawi-Tawi.

Writing on behalf of the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Quezon City, Parish Pastoral Council secretary Charles Mercado thanked BDO Foundation, saying, “Christmas is truly a season of joy, happiness and charity. It was a fulfilling and meaningful experience to see the smiles of our parish volunteers and neighbors after receiving these gifts.”

“We thank our sponsors, who served as instruments of God this Christmas season,” he added.

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Explore the world again with the new explorer credit card by BDO and American Express

 EXPLORE THE WORLD AGAIN WITH THE NEW EXPLORER 

CREDIT CARD BY BDO AND AMERICAN EXPRESS

Manila, Philippines, 12 January 2023 – BDO Unibank, Inc. and American Express have launched the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card (“the Explorer Card”) in the Philippines for the aspiring and frequent travelers eager to explore the world again. Cardmembers earn American Express’ Membership Rewards® points, which never expire, and can be redeemed for air miles with a wide range of airlines including award-winning ones and for hotel loyalty points with thousands of hotel properties – giving them greater flexibility and choice, and allowing them to travel for less. 

Every P40 spent entitles Cardmembers to earn one Membership Rewards® point. Each point can then be redeemed for one air mile at six frequent flyer partners: Mabuhay Miles, KrisFlyer, Cathay Membership, Royal Orchid Plus, Enrich, and Delta SkyMiles. The points can also be converted into hotel loyalty points from Marriot Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which both have thousands of properties worldwide including in the Philippines. In addition, the Explorer Card has one of the best rewards rates in the country and no conversion fee.

“We have seen substantial growth in travel-related spending among our American Express Cardmembers. In 2022, airline ticket purchase alone has increased exponentially versus the previous year,” says Rolando C. Tanchanco, BDO Senior Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Group Head. “With the return of consumer confidence in travel, the American Express Explorer Credit Card is a timely addition to our extensive line-up of credit card products with our partner American Express.”

“After three years of the pandemic and with borders reopening, travel is back. Our American Express Explorer Credit Card launched in partnership with BDO, gives our Cardmembers in the Philippines, whether they are travelling solo, with family or with friends, the ability to earn rewards and travel for less, while doing what they are passionate about.’’ said Mr. Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, SouthEast Asia and South Pacific, American Express.

The Explorer Card was first introduced by American Express in Australia in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2021. Now, American Express with BDO are bringing the Explorer Card to the Philippines—a first in Southeast Asia. The new card forms part of the extensive range of BDO-issued American Express Cards.

Cardmembers can redeem their Membership Rewards points from a wide choice of local and international airlines and hotel loyalty programs. 

Frequent Flyer Partners

• Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines)

• KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)

• Cathay Membership (Cathay Pacific Airlines)

• Royal Orchid Plus (Thai Airways)

•  Enrich (Malaysia Airlines)

• Delta SkyMiles (Delta Airlines)

Hotel Partners

• Marriot Bonvoy

• Hilton Honors

Other benefits include: 

• Up to P10M Travel Accident and Inconvenience Coverage

• 2,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points upon reaching P600,000 spend per year

• Year-round deals, rebate or cashback, and instant savings from BDO partner merchants 

• Complimentary Annual Fee for the 1st year (Principal and Supplementary)

• Waived Annual Fee upon reaching P450,000 spend per year

For more details or to apply for the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card, visit www.americanexpress.com.ph or go to any BDO branch near you.

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beep™ expands in Bicol Region with new transport coop partners

beep™ operator AF Payments Inc. brings the efficiency of its automated fare collection system (AFCS) to commuters in the Bicol region. In partnership with the Barcelona Gubat Sorsogon Transport Cooperative and Prieto Diaz-Gubat-Sorsogon City Transport Service Cooperative, a new era of safe and convenient inter-city travels dawns, along with the rollout of modern jeepneys under the government’s PUV Modernization Program.

Locals, and even tourists, traveling between Gubat and Sorsogon City have begun to enjoy the convenience of cashless and contactless fare payments. An AFCS device is installed in each PUV in the fleet (also possible to install in the transport terminal), and passengers simply tap in and out to pay their fare. Currently, the beep™ card can be bought online on Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook Marketplace while stocks last, and reloaded from the partner transport operators, digital banking and e-wallet partners, and via the beep mobile app.

On the other hand, transport operators experience a modern system that offers not only more efficient payment collection, recording, and remittance but also combats the ills of the manual one, which may include human error and pilferage.

“AF Payments is one with the government and private sector alike in making the transportation system in the Philippines better and more responsive to the needs of the riding public. We offer a robust cashless payment solution that can easily be tailored to the particular requirements of the localities we engage with and bundled with our other PUV modernization-related solutions,” said Sharon Fong, Chief Commercial Officer of AF Payments Inc.

The company has partnered with transport cooperatives all over Metro Manila and in key provinces nationwide. In the Bicol Region, it has previously collaborated with the Bulusan Transport Service Cooperative and Gubat Transport Service Cooperative. This month, the Bulan Transport Cooperative is also gearing up to roll out AFCS in its own fleet.

For the transport sector, beep™ offers a full ecosystem of related business solutions. Apart from the AFCS, this includes a Fleet Management System, QR Ticketing / QR Payment System, Barrier and Gate Solutions, Central Ticketing Solutions, and Queue Management System, all designed to help transport operators manage their daily operations and passenger flow more efficiently. These may also be bundled as packaged services to make it more economical and convenient for the client.

In addition, beep™ helps its partner transport operators make commuting a rewarding experience for the latter’s own customers. This is done through itsloyalty program that allows users to earn points for every spend (PHP1 spent = 1 point). They only have to register their card in the beep™ app and then convert their points to freebies or load that can be used as payment in all transportation and retail partners within the entire beep™ network. The app also empowers users to check their balance, monitor their spending, and even reload their card (for NFC-enabled smartphones).

AF Payments Inc. is the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. that introduced the stored value beep™ card currently in use in the elevated trains (LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3), select buses and PUVs nationwide, and in partner retail merchants.

Interested cooperatives and transport operators may get in touch via <beep.com.ph/beep-business>. AF Payments Inc. is also tapping into businesses that can provide reloading and card distribution services in the Bicol region to support its aggressive expansion and be able to better serve Filipino consumers.

More information is available at the website <beep.com.ph> and its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

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