Payroll efficiency matters: How three businesses upgraded theirs with BDO

Payroll efficiency matters

How three businesses upgraded theirs with BDO 

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), managing payroll can be a time-consuming and daunting task. Calculating salaries, handling taxes, and releasing bi-monthly pay can be prone to errors, especially when done manually. By choosing the right bank, businesses can streamline payroll management, freeing up time for growth expansion without distractions. 

Three SMEs—spanning beauty and wellness, real estate, and freight forwarding—turned to BDO Unibank's Cash Management Services (CMS) for effective payroll systems, each using digital tools for more seamless operations and financial management.  

 

Peace of mind. Prioré Beauty and Wellness can now relax knowing their payroll is automated.

Prioré Beauty and Wellness: Reducing payroll stress

Prioré Beauty and Wellness Center, a company advocating self-care, is not immune to payroll-related stress, taking a chunk out of its staff’s personal time. Finance Head Cherry Mia Lamanosa is left to handle all the load of issuing checks and approving payroll disbursements. "I had to sacrifice weekends to handle our payroll and check disbursements manually for our suppliers." 

The beauty industry demands continuous learning, making efficiency crucial to remain competitive. "There are always new treatment methods to learn or equipment to invest in. Most of the time, deliveries happen on a weekend so I have to go to the clinic to take care of that," Lamanosa lamented. 

Thanks to BDO Business Online Banking, Prioré’s processing of salaries and checks is no longer tedious, allowing Lamanosa to focus on business growth and personal well-being. 

Upgraded. Sequioa Inn signs up for a better payroll experience with BDO.

Sequioa Inn: Cutting payroll time in half

Hotel chain Sequoia Inn initially enrolled in the bank’s digital solutions before the pandemic hit but had to pause operations due to lockdowns.  

Now, co-owner Stephanie Lynn Hao is ready to reintegrate into the modern system and expects to cut its payroll time from two hours to less than 60 minutes. "Manually inserting cash into envelopes took me around two hours to complete. With BDO’s payroll system, I can do it in way less than an hour."

Remote management also became crucial especially when Hao had to negotiate with suppliers while abroad. "I had to talk to the vendors if we could delay the issuance of checks. Thanks to BDO, I can now disburse checks even while traveling,” she added.

World Concord International: Promoting better financial habits

Emylin Ubaldo, owner of freight forwarding and brokerage firm World Concord International, considers her business as an opportunity to help employees especially in advancing their careers. She sees payroll automation as a tool for financial empowerment. 

A win-win for everyone. With an automated payroll, employees of World Concord International get their own bank account.

If the salaries are in the ATM, employees become more mindful of their spending. When they receive their bonuses, they can easily keep track of how much they have in their account. Seeing their hard-earned money grow encourages them to save more as against spending it right away,” Ubaldo noted.

By adopting the bank’s digital solutions, these SMEs achieved three levels of success: improved operational efficiency, mental well-being, and financial discipline among staff through innovation and secure banking. To know more about how BDO CMS can help SMEs thrive, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph or the nearest BDO branch in your area

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EastWest Ageas Insurance Strengthens Presence in Luzon with Three Successful Agency House Openings

Manila, May 15, 2025 – EastWest Ageas Insurance, the fastest growing insurer in the country, kicked off 2025 with three successful agency house openings in Makati City, Angeles City in Pampanga, and Naga City in Camarines Sur. This expansion will help more Filipinos in Metro Manila and the surrounding regions achieve their purpose for their people. This strategic move will also strengthen its current sales forces by recruiting talent to help spread its PURPLE (Purpose + People)  message throughout the Philippines. 

(L-R) EastWest Ageas executives Sjoeard Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas together with Marlon Vicente, Chief Agency Officer of EastWest Ageas and Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of EastWest Ageas at the opening of EastWest Ageas Naga Agency house

Making insurance accessible for more Filipinos

Through its Luzon expansion, EastWest Ageas can reach out to more potential policyholders and guide them on the path to financial security. The three newly opened agency houses offer policyholders various insurance plans, including the new Life Advantage, Future Assure, and Future Assure MAX. 

“Our goal is to root ourselves where our people are,” EastWest Ageas Insurance President and CEO Sjoerd Smeets shares. “By opening our agency houses in key strategic locations, we get to bring our brand of financial solutions and advice closer to the customers. We want to make insurance easy to understand and appreciate for more Filipinos.” 

Growing in grassroots 

EastWest Ageas’ Luzon expansion will also provide career opportunities to Filipinos eager to start a career in financial consultancy. 

“Strengthening our sales force is a top priority for us this year,” shares Chief Agency Officer Marlon Vicente. . “A good sales force can drive and define our success, and a great one can propel us further and higher in the industry. And who else can best understand the needs of their community than those who live in and love them?” 

This localized approach of spreading EastWest Ageas Insurance’s PURPLE message has seen success in the market with strong profit returns for the business. This will also be replicated throughout the country in other key cities such as Cebu and Davao. 

PURPLE for the Philippines 

The three agency house openings for EastWest Ageas Insurance mark the company’s drive to serve Filipinos looking to pursue their purpose for the people that matter most to them.

“Our mission as an insurance company is really to help people,” Vicente explains. “And we are fueled by that drive to paint the Philippines with our brand of PURPLE so that more Filipinos can achieve a life that they deserve with protection that’s uncomplicated and works for them.” 

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Filinvest Land Breaks Ground for Futura Monte’s Building B in Naga City

Trusted property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has officially started the construction for the latest addition to Futura Monte, Building B. With this in progress, Naga City’s first master-planned condo community is set to offer more opportunities as it becomes the standard for quality living within reach.

The recent milestone celebration was attended by FLI executives, sellers, local government unit officials, and other guests. It was held at the project site along Roxas Avenue in Brgy. Triangulo, an accessible location at the heart of the city.

Now on its second building, Futura Monte is opening more doors for Nagueños to achieve their ideal modern city home in a healthy and breathable environment. It is designed with the residents’ well-being in mind, dedicating 60% of the property to generous open spaces and refreshing amenities. 

From Left to Right:

Reuel Oliver - Executive Director of Naga City Investment Board (LGU)

Cecilia Veluz-De Asis - Naga City Vice-Mayor (LGU)

Gerard Marcelo - Regional General Manager (Filinvest Land Inc.)

Arthur Butac - Planning Head (Share Pro Inc.)

Nelson Talagtag - PMCM Area Head (Share Pro Inc.)

Niko Gallego - AVP Marketing (Superior BT Inc. (contractor))

Ronald Anselmo - Project Development Manager (Filinvest Land Inc.)

The charm of living in this community is its various venues for relaxation and recreation. Futura Monte’s clubhouse is where unforgettable memories take place—from hosting gatherings, celebrating occasions, engaging in spontaneous activities, and simply unwinding. It features a game room and a fitness gym inside for residents to keep track of their active lifestyle and exercise routine. 

Right beside the clubhouse is an invigorating swimming pool surrounded by lush scenery. And to complete the family bonding, kids also have their own safe and fun haven at the children’s play area.

Futura Monte’s 12-storey Building B is comprised of 76% Studio Units, while the remaining units are 2-Bedroom Units. These efficiently crafted living spaces have optimized layouts to offer for young professionals and growing families to comfortably embrace their independence. Additionally, this latest building features basement parking for the safety and security of the residents’ vehicles. 

With a prime location close to essential establishments and leisure destinations, Futura Monte is indeed the ideal community for settling down, pursuing passions, and nurturing family ties. Its attractive features and facilities create promising potential for property appreciation over time, giving homeowners a future-proof investment.

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Financial Security, Closer to Home: EastWest Ageas Insurance Opens Doors in Naga

Naga City, Camarines Sur, February 10, 2025 – For many Filipinos, securing their financial future can feel like a distant goal — something to think about "later." But what if expert financial guidance was within your reach? EastWest Ageas Insurance, one of the fast-rising insurance providers in the Philippines, is making that a reality with the opening of its first agency house in Naga City. This is the second agency opening of the insurance provider outside Metro Manila, marking a major step in EastWest Ageas Insurance’s mission to help more Filipinos take control of their financial future—bringing expert advice, insurance solutions, and investment guidance closer to home.

EastWest Ageas Insurance opens its agency house in Naga City to provide financial solutions to more customers in the Bicol region. In the photo: Sjoerd Smeets, President & CEO, Marlon Vicente, Chief Agency Officer and Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer

The Naga agency house will serve as the hub of EastWest Ageas Insurance’s financial consultants. This will allow the insurance provider to connect with interested policyholders throughout the Bicol Region.

“We strive to extend our reach and touch more Filipinos,” shares Sjoerd Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas Insurance. “And with our agency house opening here in Naga, we are living up to our promise of helping more Filipinos build a financially secure tomorrow. We’ll be even more accessible to those who want to have expert financial advice and solutions that can protect their life, wealth, and health.” 

The newly-opened Naga hub will also allow EastWest Ageas Insurance to pursue its advocacy of spreading financial literacy. “For us to make a real impact, we plan to clear up misconceptions about financial literacy. We want to help more Filipinos understand that securing their financial future is more than just having a savings account or insurance –– it’s really about how they spend their money to bring them closer to their financial goals,” explains Marlon Vicente, EastWest Ageas Insurance Chief Agency Officer. 

To support this effort, EastWest Ageas Insurance held a client forum with expert speakers who shared the basics of investing and how to best maximize investments with a reliable insurance provider’s financial solutions. EastWest Ageas Insurance’s Investment Head, Mitch Lumabi and Product Management Head, Jessa Cuaresma led the forum.

This investment forum was held at the Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga, and was attended by select clients and VIPs.

“At EastWest Ageas Insurance, we strive to make investing and getting protected with insurance simple, more accessible, and easy to understand,” says Greg Martin, EastWest Ageas Insurance’s Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer. “Our ultimate goal is to cultivate even deeper and stronger ties, not just with the people of Naga, but with all Filipinos who are keen on building their better tomorrow. And we’ll be there ready to help them all the way.”

The EastWest Ageas Insurance agency house is located on the 2nd Floor TDM Bldg. Panganiban Ave. corner Dinaga St. Naga City.

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Fall in love with good fortune in Power Mac Center’s ‘Charms & Treasures’ promo

 

Power Mac Center (PMC) kicks off 2025 with its annual double celebration of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, setting the stage for a host of seasonal events throughout the year.

As the world welcomes the Year of the Wood Snake, the season of giving continues with abundant offers and exclusive in-store and Web Store freebies. With the theme “Charms & Treasures,” customers can look forward to an array of discounts, special gifts, exclusive offers, and a fun photo contest.

“The year of the snake is largely associated with transformation and rebirth, and it’s the same vibe we wish to see our customers continuously pursue. Power Mac Center will keep fostering an environment of creativity and community to support our customers’ journey to self-improvement and innovation,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.

Show up in-store, enjoy exclusive promos

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29, drop by any of the over 120 Power Mac Center or The Loop branches to enjoy up to 50% off on select Apple accessories and Apple TV when purchased with any Apple device via non-installment modes of payment. Offer is valid from January 25 to February 16, 2025.

Be one of the first customers to make any purchase on February 8-9 or February 14-15 in select stores and receive two complimentary Polaroid souvenirs.

Tap tap your way to free shipping, discounts, and gifts with purchase

Over at the Web Store <powermaccenter.com> and The Loop by Power Mac Center store on Shopee and Lazada, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on select Apple accessories and Apple TV from January 25 to February 2, 2025.

Shop online and get 14% off on participating premium accessories plus free shipping from February 3 to 13, 2025 and up to 50% discount on participating premium accessories plus free shipping from February 14 to 16, 2025.

Customers who check out select Apple devices online can also receive a gift from Power Mac Center from January 25 to February 16, 2025. Get the Anker SoundCore R50i True Wireless Earphones for every purchase of participating iPad models, Before Anything Else Dual Port 30w Wall Charger for every purchase of participating iPhone models, or STM NetGain Backpack for every purchase of participating Mac models.

Upgrade with UpTrade for additional trade-in value

If you’ve been planning to switch to the Apple ecosystem or upgrade your device this new year, take advantage of exclusive offers from PMC’s trade-in program “UpTrade.” From January 20 to February 20, 2025, customers can receive up to P3,000 top-up trade-in value they can use to purchase new items in PMC and The Loop stores nationwide.

Take a selfie with the giant Ang Pao, get a chance to win GCs

From January 25 to February 5, 2025, PMC and The Loop are having an online photo contest where customers get a chance to win up to P2,500 worth of Power Mac Center gift certificates.

Spot the giant Ang Pao at select Power Mac Center or The Loop stores including SM Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 3, Power Plant Mall, SM Megamall, Robinsons Magnolia, SM North EDSA – Annex, TriNoma, Ongpin, S Maison, Bonifacio High Street, U.P. Town Center, Alabang Town Center, SM City Sta. Mesa, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Araneta City, and Ayala Malls Feliz. Take a photo with it and share on Facebook and/or Instagram along with the hashtags #PowerMacCenter and #PMCCharmsandTreasures. Don’t forget to tag Power Mac Center!

Always be in the loop for exciting happenings by tuning in to the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram.

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Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) Announces Change of Company Name to Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc. (CCEAP)

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (15 January 2025) — Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) has changed the company’s legal name from “Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.” to “Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc.” (CCEAP).

Following the announcement on 23 February 2024 on the completed acquisition of CCEAP by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc (CCEP) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), the company has obtained approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission for the change of its company name.

“Our new name signifies an exciting new phase in our journey as we reaffirm our commitment to serving our customers, supporting our people and communities, and driving long-term growth for the country. In the 113 years that Coca-Cola has called the Philippines home, we look forward to a hundred more years of refreshing our consumers and making a difference through our Great People, Great Beverages, Great Execution, and Great Partners — Done Sustainably,” says Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCEAP.

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Banking public warned against prevalence of text or SMS hijacking scam

 

THE banking public should be wary against the prevalence of text or SMS hijacking, a type of scam wherein fraudsters impersonate legitimate SMS senders to dupe recipients into believing that the messages they receive are authentic.

 

According to reports from law enforcement agencies, illegal cellular sites, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, are using sender IDs of trusted brands like BDO to make scam texts appear legit. 

 

These spoofed messages usually entice clients with claims of prizes won, free gifts, or claims of account problems. In all these cases, the scammer instructs the client to click on a link included in the spoofed message. 

 

Once clicked, the fake link will lead to a fake website, wherein the victim will be instructed to enter his/her account details including username, password and One-Time PIN or OTP. After this information has been shared, the scammer will then use these bank credentials to gain access to the victim's bank account and steal their money.

 

BDO emphasized that it will never send messages containing clickable links to its clients. To help avoid falling victim to SMS hijacking scams, the Bank shared several important tips: never click on links, as BDO will never send links in its messages—if a message contains a link, it’s a scam; never share personal information via SMS; and always be cautious of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true. These precautions are essential in protecting oneself from fraud.

 

The Bank also advised its clients to report and forward any suspicious messages to 22567888.

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BDO, nagbabala laban sa mga ‘vishing’ scam

PATULOY na pinag-iingat ang publiko laban sa tinatawag na "vishing" o voice phishing scam na kadalasang tumatarget ng mga bank depositor o online bank account client para nakawin ang kanilang pinaghirapang pera.

Ang vishing ay isang modus ng scam kung saan ang scammer ay tumatawag upang makumbinsi ang kanilang nabiktima na magbigay ng sensitibong impormasyon tulad ng bank account details. Kapag nakuha na ang nasabing impormasyon, dito na maaaring nakawin ng scammer ang laman ng bank account ng biktima. 

Ayon sa BDO Unibank, narito ang ilan sa kadalasang ginagamit na modus ng mga vishing scammer upang mangbiktima:

 

1.     Tatawag sa biktima at magpapanggap na representante ng isang ahensya ng gobyerno, bangko, o di kaya'y magpapadala ng text o direct message para sila na mismo ang tawagan ng napili nilang biktima.

 

2.     Upang makumbinsi ang biktima na sya ay lehitimo, gagamit ang scammer ng impormasyong tungkol sa credit card o bank account ng biktima bilang dahilan ng kanyang pagtawag. Ang mga impormasyong ito ay maaaring makuha ng mga scammer sa mga dokumentong may sensitibong detalye na hindi naitapon ng maayos, o sa mga posts sa social media ng mismong biktima. May mga pagkakataon din na bumibisita o sumasali mismo ang mga scammer sa mga "credit card o bank account groups" sa social media para doon sila maghanap ng mabibiktima.  

 

3.     Gagamit ng pananakot o mabilis at kapani-paniwalang pananalita ang mga scammer upang tuluyang makumbinsi ang kanilang biktima, tulad ng mga katagang "na-hack ang iyong account", "may na-detect na problema sa account mo", "Congrats! Nanalo ka ng...," "Special Offer! Effective only today!," o inaatasan ang biktima na i-activate ang isang offer sa ATM kapalit ng isang reward.  

 

4.     Habang tumatagal ang usapan, tumataas din ang posibilidad na makumbinsi ng scammer ang biktima. Dahil inaakala ng biktima na lehitimo ito at hindi nya makayang putulin ang tawag o ibaba ang telepono, mas malaki rin ang posibilidad na sundin nya kung anomang instructions ang ibigay ng scammer tulad ng pagbibigay ng Card Verification Value o CVV ng credit card, username at password ng online bank account, One-Time PIN o OTP, o ang pag-click sa isang link na ipapadala ng scammer.

Sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na scenario, ang pinakakaraniwan dito ay ang pagmamadali ng scammer sa biktima nila na umaksyon na agad habang kausap ito sa telepono. Dahil dito, maaaring mataranta ang biktima at sumunod sa mga ibibigay na utos ng scammer.

Upang hindi maging biktima ng vishing scam, nagpapaalala ang BDO sa publiko na laging maging mahinahon kung makakatanggap ng text o tawag lalo sa mga hindi rehistradong numero. Dagdag pa ng bangko na kahit na alam ng scammer ang numero, pangalan at trabaho nila, huwag kaagad maniniwala sa binibitawang mensahe o susunod sa mga instruction nito. Marapat na tapusin na ang tawag lalo na kung may pagmamadali, at tumawag sa official customer service hotline ng sinasabing ahensya o bangko, dagdag pa ng BDO.

Ayon pa sa BDO, matapos ma-verify na peke ang nasabing tawag, i-block na agad ang numerong ginamit ng scammer at i-report ang insidente sa Customer Contact Center nito.

Para alamin ang iba’t-ibang uri ng scam at tips kung paano makakaiwas dito, marapat na bumisita lang sa www.bdo.com.ph. #BDOStopScam

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