Excite your retail senses, get your shopping bags ready and say YES with SM City Marilao’s End of Season Sale happening on June 24 to July 3, 2022.
Say Y.E.S to an interesting line-up of fashion discounts, entertainment, and mall-wide shopping promotions from The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, Miniso, The Body Shop, Watsons and at over 200 stores at the mall.
Start sprucing up your abode by shopping for that much-coveted appliance at SM Appliance Center, furniture at Our Home, or handy tools at Ace Hardware. Don’t miss the unbelievable discount of up to 70% off and load your shopping carts with everything you need for all year round!
Update your wardrobe with the latest fashion collection from SM’s fashion boutiques and recharge your beauty batteries with the most sought after beauty boosting treatment promos from Bioessence, Dermclinic, Dermstrata, Dermtrend, Flawless, Let’s Face It, Skin Station and Surgilight. Shoppers may also check out the newly opened BEAUTeDERM that offers popular products for 10-step Korean skin care routine and essential glowing skin regimen. Treat yourself to a fab haircut and hair color at Serom Hair, Bench Fix Salon, Freshhaire and David’s Salon where you can bid dull, dry hair au revoir at a special discount!
Because nothing bonds people better than food, enjoy a sumptuous meal at the SM Foodcourt. SM Foodcourt in SM City Marilao houses new food stalls like Gû-chia-chúi where shoppers can indulge in the authentic Singaporean style street food.
Foodies may also take comfort in Chee-su’s “blooming’ Korean buns oozing with creamy, cheesy filling. Chee-su’s cream cheese garlic buns will definitely keep you full and satisfied while you shop for the things you love the most. Don’t forget to treat your loved ones at specialty restaurants such as Ramen Kuroda, Botejyu, Samgyeopmasarap, Conti’s, and Gringo.
With infinite reasons to love SM Supermalls, you definitely have to make it the coolest place to hang out. Stretch that hard- earned peso and don’t miss the unbelievable discounts and amazing bargains only at SM CITY MARILAO! Shop now and say YES!
Upgrading your home is always a great idea to keep up with the ever-changing trends and to show off your personality to guests who visit your humble abode. And where else can you find a variety of quirky and functional home items? Only at Shopee of course! From trending items online, to Nordic-inspired pieces, and even home accessories you didn’t think you needed, discovering new budols on #ShopeeFinds can help everyone achieve their room goals each time they check out.
#ShopeeFinds is the destination for cool kitchen essentials, the freshest bedroom accessories, and even popular TikTok recommendations. Just type “#ShopeeFinds” on the search bar, or visit the Shopee Finds page to see the newest and hottest items in store for shoppers.
We’ve rounded up our latest #ShopeeFinds favorites to give you inspiration on how to upgrade each room:
Have a statement piece in the middle of your living room when you checkout this iron metal coffee table, which has a sleek and multipurpose design where you can store extra items for more space. Got too many shoes and not enough space? This Nordic-designed two-door shoe cabinet is a lifesaver thanks to its 2-layer shoe storage compartment where you can store all pairs of shoes with ease. Lounge in your living room comfortably with this minimalist lounge chair, designed in leather to help accentuate the look of your co-living space.
Bring your Nordic mood board to life when you dine at home! Maximize your dining space with this foldable dining table, which can accommodate up to four people and has multiple compartments for your kitchen essentials. Feel fancy with a gorgeous lace-embroidered placemat, which you can use for fine dining and special occasions. Checkout this vintage-style fruit basket, which you can even use to take IG-worthy photos of your ingredients and meals.
Creating the perfect ambience for your bedroom is a must and non-negotiable for a lot of us. To help set a more relaxing vibe in your sacred space, try out this moon-designed night light, embossed with cute lunar details which you can appreciate at nightime. Unwind after a long day and enjoy better rest using the plush pillow cover that’s soft on the skin and easy on the eyes. Have a minimalist portable USB humidifier situated near your bed so you can relax and keep your room’s tranquility while you sleep soundly through the night.
Upgrade your usual cup of coffee into an IG-worthy one with this Nordic-inspired ceramic bamboo mug, which comes in different earth colors, a wooden cover, and a free teaspoon. This unique espresso measuring cup is designed with an eye-catching wooden handle that helps you craft the perfect espresso cup with ease. Been wanting to try your hand at latte art? This milk frothing pitcher should be your next buy as it allows you to hone your microfoaming skills at home before you share your work to the world on social media.
To make you even more excited to enhance your home, you can watch out for the #ShopeeFinds Home & Living Takeover this June 23 to July 6 to know the trending items to add in your home aesthetic. For the takeover, you can scroll through a collection of trending items and home inspirations where you can discover home upgrades and essentials that best fit your needs!
Before you go shopping for your #ShopeeFinds, make sure your ShopeePay is all set. Checkout with ShopeePay and enjoy free shipping vouchers and cashback vouchers—cash in for free when you link your BPI or Unionbank account or use InstaPay to get up to P25 cashback on your first two cash in transactions per month. Share your budol and surprise multiple friends when you send money for free with ShopeePay Ang Pao. Don’t miss out on ShopeePay’s exciting features and rewards like Happy Hour where you can win up to 100 coins daily for your next shopping haul. Discover more promos when you visit and follow ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) today, launched a program for the development of local micro and small enterprises (MSEs) called BPI Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL), with its first track, Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEGA), in partnership with Bayan Academy.
BPI SEAL-SEGA is a search for start-up businesses that are ready to develop their viable business ventures. This project is designed to meet the needs of start-up businesses through training, mentoring sessions, and cash grants. The training program aims to help the startups assess their enterprise’s products, services, operations, and marketing and assist them in developing their start-up enterprise development plan.
“It’s no secret that the past two years have been extra tough for the entire business community, most especially for the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) which faced multiple challenges including the lack of funds to maintain their businesses after a series of lockdowns. To help address the pressing need for an intervention and spur growth to the MSE sector, we are excited to kick-off the pilot run of the BPI SEAL-SEGA,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo.
In 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that 99.51% of all businesses across the country belong to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. Micro enterprises account for 88.77%, while 10.25% are small enterprises.
According to a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies in 2018, this sector continues to struggle in the value chain, primarily due to lack of access to finance, labor and technical and management know-how. SEAL-SEGA aims to help bridge the gaps.
“Startups proved to us that crisis can also be a strong driving force for creativity and innovation,” DTI Undersecretary of Regional Operations Group Blesila A. Lantayona noted. “If this new normal has taught us anything, it is harnessing the benefits of digital technologies and transformation that could be an opportunity to create sustainable and adaptable businesses.”
Bayan Academy President and Chairman Prof. Francisco “Jay” Bernardo said, “BPI SEAL SEGA is dedicated to helping startups sustain, develop and scale up their businesses. We are here to be part of the nation-building efforts that SMEs have been providing us.”
Fifty (50) MSEs will be chosen to join the boot camps and showcase their plans through a business pitch to a panel of judges. The Top 1–10 will receive a cash grant of P100,000 each, while the Top 11–20 will bring home Php50,000 each.
The business challenge is open to start-up entrepreneurs who are 18 years old and above, and whose enterprise’s asset size is Php1 million and below. The application period will run until July 15, 2022.
To know more about SEAL, visit https://bpifoundation.org/page/bpi-seal-sega and follow BPI Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.
Father’s Day comes on June 19, so it’s time to start considering a present for dear old dad. And while you could give your father yet another funny-looking tie or weird-smelling bottle of cologne, why not make this Father’s Day especially memorable by giving him something that he’ll actually use?
Because we know that Father’s day can be a tough one and you are stumped on what to get Dad this year. SM Supermalls round up great gift ideas and cool finds that would surely be appreciated by your dad.
1. A relaxing reward. Incorporating a few of dad’s favorite things with a relaxing deep tissue massage can be the best combination for stress-free Father’s day weekend. The slow, short strokes with firm pressure will surely release the tension and break up knots in the layers of muscle and connective tissue. SM City Grand Central’s Nuat Thai and Vibes Massage in SM City Novaliches and Valenzuela offer pampering massages fit for a king. SM Malls in Bulacan also feature fun way to de-stress and make every dad feel rejuvenated with Bioessence in Marilao, SKS Massage in Pulilan, Gintell in Baliwag as well as Vanity K Face and Body Spa in San Jose Del Monte.
2. A haircut at GQ Barbershop. A classic, a short pompadour or a dapper cut will definitely give every dad that fresh, youthful glow and extra “pogi” points. And because men’s haircut is not one-style-fits-all, give your dad a first class service, quality and professional haircut for only P250 at GQ Barbershop. Check out their Bulacan branches in SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, SM City San Jose Del Monte and SM Center Pulilan as well as their SM metro branches in Novaliches, Valenzuela and Grand Central in Caloocan.
3. A sportswear or sports gear. Give your dad the gift of movement this Father’s Day with an exercise inducing presents from Toby’s in SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag. Get the perfect gift from a wide range of sportswear and sports gear for the sports-loving dad at Sports Central in SM Center Pulilan and SM City San Jose Del Monte. Sports Central also have metro branches in SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central.
4. A tool kit for Mr. Fix it. We all know that every dad out there loves fiddling with tools to fix any problems in the house or in his car. Put a smile on his face by surprising him with a brand new tool kit from Ace Hardware. He’ll gladly thank you for it. SM Center Pulilan also houses MR.DIY that provides wide range of household products for home improvement. Dads will enjoy spotting low prices and great deals at MR.DIY
5. A must-have for your “auto-enthusiast” dad. Your auto-obsessed dad would surely love a new car gadget or auto accessory to add to his baby.Choosing the right accessory within the budget is as easy as pie with a plethora of accessory options available from Concorde in SM City Marilao, Digimoto in SM City Baliwag and Spyde and Blade in SM City San Jose Del Monte.
6. A cool gadget from Cyberzone, IT Zone. Is your dad the type of guy who always has the latest iSomething, or the guy who has a variety of gadget and gear? Then check out SM’s Cyberzone and IT Zone. SM’s one-stop-shop tech destination houses the leading devices, telecommunication brands, and computer software. From gadgets to serious gear, SM’s Cyberzone and IT Zone always have something that your dad will love unwrapping. Shoppers may also check out Digital Walker in SM City Grand Central and SM City Marilao as it offers premium gadget from wireless earphones, smartphones to cameras.
7. A brand-new barong from Onésimus. His favorite barong is already outdated so give him a modishly new one for a change of look. Or if you have a bigger budget, buy him a new suit. This won’t give him any reason to back out from an occasion due to lack of formal outfit. Onésimus branch is located at SM City Baliwag and The SM Store in SM City Marilao.
8. A new instrument for the Rock Star Dad. Whether your dad is practicing musician or simply a fan, new instruments or musical accessories are sure to hit a high note. SM City Baliwag’s MusikWizard and SM City San Jose Del Monte’s DJM Music Center offer great tools and musical instruments to add a little more flavor into your dad’s jam sessions.
9. A movie date. Dads would definitely be delighted with the blockbuster films currently screening at SM Cinema this month. Make the occasion an exclusive cinema experience for dad with “Book-a-Theater” for the entire family to enjoy. Catch Jurassic World Dominion, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen.
10. A craft beverage. Beer is always a great gift for dads. Make the day extra special by giving unique craft beer with Father’s Day hampers from SM Hypermarket and gift boxes with special glasses, food nibbles, as well as custom memorabilia from The SM Store. Non-alcoholic alternatives like traditional ales, champagnes from SM Supermarket are also show-stopping present to demonstrate how much our dad means to us.
Give your dad the most wonderful time that he deserves. Treat him this Father’s Day at your favorite SM Bulacan malls in Marilao, Pulilan, Baliwag, and San Jose Del Monte. Don’t forget to check out the unique mall happenings at SM Malls in Novaliches, Valenzuela, Sangandaan and Grand Central in Caloocan.
Limited market information and market access are two major obstacles to increased smallholder farmers’ income. According to studies, farmers in grassroot communities often lack access to profitable, value-added markets. In the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision – farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. Buyers, on the other hand, such as wholesalers, find it difficult to get the quantity and quality of produce that they need for processing on a timely basis.
Because of this challenge, SM Foundation collaborated with various government agencies, and engaged various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program have venues where they can sell their produce amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
SMDC Weekend Market
From training KSK participants in practicing sustainable farming technologies via technology transfer and product development, SMFI, together with various SM business units used the power of collaboration to create farm-market linkage – which intends to create a powerful driver of rural poverty reduction.
Team social good
The Good Guys Market is a weekend market set up in SMDC properties to connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers—condo residents. This initiative links around 26,000 small-scale farmers directly with consumers.
Together with SM Supermalls, SMFI launched the Green Lane initiative. Led by the wives of the KSK farmers, the social enterprise offers a wide variety of quality yet affordable indoor and landscape plants which cater to every enthusiast’s preference. In addition, the team also launched the KSK Farmers’ Market Day to provide farmers with market exposure in select SM Malls nationwide.
KSK Pop-Up Booth
Meanwhile, SMFI also partnered with SM Markets in creating market for onion farmers. Through the partnership, SMFI was able to establish specialized onion pop-up booths creating a stable market for small-scale onion farmers.
Millions of smallholder farmers are seeking ways to improve the productivity of their farms and to improve their market performance. Modern farming technologies, paired with market linkage, such as the SM KSK, plays a vital role in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers and their families.
SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) is SMFI’s Social Good program on sustainable agriculture that intends to uplift the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture via technology transfer, product development and farm-market linkage. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.
MANILA, JUNE 16, 2022 – At home and at work, fathers provide, safeguard, and endure. In celebration of Father’s Day, three fathers from Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, share how fatherhood has allowed them to become better versions of themselves, including at the workplace.
Martin: Evolving as a Leader and as a Father
Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu has been leading teams to help businesses shift online through Shopee since 2017 and has seen the platform grow. As a father of two young boys, Martin has observed a common aspect between being a father and a leader that he now applies every day: the need to evolve. “When Shopee started in the Philippines, I had to be more of a coach, but as we grew and built up a larger team, I had to adjust my leadership style. I tried to foster a culture where my team is encouraged to speak up and contribute their ideas and initiatives. Now, my role is to ensure these align with our bigger business objectives.”
As a Father, Martin is mindful of how fast his sons are growing up and how he needs to similarly adapt his parenting style to keep up with their changing needs. “I encourage my children to try new things and try to be their buddy. I talk to my sons like we are friends now because they are developing their interests, and I want to encourage them to discover who they want to be in this fast-changing world. Looking ahead, I know I must adapt even more as they become teenagers and young adults.”
Martin’s ultimate hope is that his work will inspire his kids to pursue impactful careers. “My sons are still young, but I think it’s never too early to teach them the value of meaningful work that significantly impacts society and empowers them to pursue a career path that offers that opportunity.”
Michael: Building more Meaningful Relationships
Before coming to work for Shopee Xpress as a partner rider two years ago, Michael worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan, just like his father. Growing up, he found it difficult to form a solid connection with his father since their relationship mainly consisted of online video calls. When Michael became a father four years ago, he knew he wanted to be a more present figure in his daughter’s life.
As a Shopee Xpress partner rider, not only is Michael able to provide for his family’s needs, but he can also play a more active role in the lives of his two children, aged two and four. “Bago nagsimula ang pandemya, balak ko talaga bumalik sa Taiwan para masuportahan ko ang aking pamilya. Nagpapasalamat ako nang lubos na nakakauwi ako sa aking mga anak araw-araw dahil sa aking trabaho bilang Shopee Xpress rider. Dahil dito, mas nagkakaroon ng meaning ang aking buhay at trabaho.” (Before the pandemic, I planned to return to Taiwan to continue providing for my family. I am grateful that my job as a Shopee Xpress partner rider allows me to come home to my children everyday. Being able to play an active role in their lives has given my life and my job more meaning and purpose.)
One of the things Michael is most proud of in life, is being a present father in the lives of his children. “Ang pinakamalaking inspirasyon ko sa buhay ay ang aking mga anak. Ipinagmamalaki ko na natutupad ko ang aking tungkulin bilang tatay sa kanilang buhay.” (My children are my biggest inspiration in life. It is very meaningful for me that I now get to fulfill my role as a father in a better way.)
Mark: Giving His Best as a Father and a Seller
Since becoming a father, Mark has learned what it truly means to work hard and persevere. He nearly lost his daughter nine years ago to biliary atresia, a rare condition that affected her liver and required her to undergo an expensive procedure abroad. By selling customized pillows on Shopee’s platform, Mark has been able to provide for his family’s needs, including his daughter’s regular medication.
As a father and a seller, Mark said, “Nine years ago, I fought to become a father, and I continue to fight for my family every day. When I started my online business, I struggled to get orders, but I persevered and gave my all for them. Selling through Shopee has allowed my family to reach many milestones like building a home and a warehouse. Everything I do, whether as a father or a business owner, is driven by my love for my wife and daughters. Till today, I continue to give my best every day, not just for my family, but also for my customers.”
By embracing their roles as fathers, Martin, Michael, and Mark have come to understand better how to serve their customers and their teams in their respective roles as employees of Shopee and partners of Shopee Xpress. Their meaningful careers have enabled them to make a difference in the lives of others – both at home and in the workplace.
Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, launches “Para sa Life” campaign that shares a message of hope for a better life for Filipinos. This new initiative of Home Credit is launched through a campaign video with a song performed byFilipino singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre.
With the hope to inspire new beginnings, Home Credit positions itself as a reliable financial partner that assists Filipinos as they begin a new chapter in life. Apart from providing financial assistance and literacy, Home Credit aims to empower Filipinos to claim what they deserve and to jump-start a new life through various opportunities they offer.
“This new song of Home Credit encapsulates the brand’s promise of companionship through the use of their easily accessible and affordable finance products, especially for the underbanked and underserved customers. Furthermore, the songrelays that Home Credit is ideal for young families and starting individuals who aspire to establish their lifelong plans and helping them turn small dreams into reality,” shares Sheila Paul, HCPH’s Chief Marketing Officer.
The campaign video is posted on Home Credit’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
A guide “Para sa Life”
More than a financial service provider, Home Credit also promotes inclusivity and gives opportunities to all Filipinos through various platforms.
Aside from the new song and to continue its campaign for financial literacy Home Credit will be launching “Payo Para sa Life”, a two-minute daily radio show. The show is produced in partnership with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), and local independent media agency PraXis.
The show aims to reach different communities and individuals across the country to discuss fundamental financial literacy issues and to educate them about the intricacies of finance, from primary budgeting to help them make the most practical personal purchases. The radio show airs on DZRH primetime between 4:00 to 5:00 a.m. daily.
Home Credit continues to serve its consumers with safe and world-class financial services and champions financial inclusion and literacy even in these uncertain times while exercising its core principles, promoting sustainability and social responsibility. It remains steadfast in guiding Filipinos in every step of their journey towards securing a better and brighter life ahead.
Learn the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines by visiting their official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow them on their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the My Home Credit app on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.
Now available in SM City Baliwag is Egg Dropinoy, the original Korean-Filipino sandwich.Inspired by Korea’s popular egg sandwich, Egg Dropinoy offers variety of flavors with a Pinoy twist.
Choose among Ildan (Egg and Cheese), Ham, Tuna, Tapa, Bacon and bestsellers Spam Nori and Hubgarian. Hurry now to avail Egg Dropinoy’s Go2s Promo where patrons may avail 2 Ham for only 175, 2 Hubgarian for 195 and 2 Spam for only 235. Visit Egg Dropinoy store located at the Ground Level of SM Foodcourt from 10am-9pm.
Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. It has become imperative for both the public and private sectors to continue to band together to primarily, safeguard the welfare of the people and to step up to strengthen the resilience of the nation.
The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.
The private sector is called upon now more than ever to align with the principles of sustainable development and to take on the same firm stance on environmentally sound practices in its operations.
Mr. Hans T. Sy
“I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Water conservation
Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.
For one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.
Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come.
Renewable energy
SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.
In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.
Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.
Through these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations.
Collaboration toward resilience
As a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country.
In 2012, Mr. Sy joined the United Nations Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) for Disaster Reduction. In 2015, he was also inducted as the first and only Filipino member UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board. He currently serves as co-chair in the ARISE-Philippines network and National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines, representing the private sector. He continues to help develop multi-sectoral partnerships in the country to strengthen the ability of corporations, including MSMEs, to prepare and respond to disasters brought about by natural hazards such as earthquake.
“Climate change is looming over our Mother Earth. If we can contribute no matter how little and if I can get everybody to be aware of it, I think we will make an impact. It’s never too late,” said Mr. Sy in a video interview for the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders initiative.
Thanks to online food and groceries delivery services, getting your food is so much easier now. With platforms like foodpanda, you can order instantly and enjoy a delicious meal within minutes. And nothing beats the excitement of getting a call from a Kuya or Ate Ka-Panda rider/biker/walker to tell you that your order has arrived.
As the leading quick commerce digital platform, foodpanda lets you order from your favorite restaurants and shops offering a wide variety of choices – meals, snacks, groceries, and other daily essentials. With 8 years of delivering food and more in the Philippines, life would never be the same without our favorite pink panda brand that has captured the hearts (and tummies!) of many Filipinos. But aside from satisfying your cravings, your curiosity will also be captured by these mind-blowing facts about the country’s go-to online food and groceries delivery app.
As foodpanda turns 8 this year, we’re treating you to some interesting trivia that you probably don’t know about them yet.
From orange to pink
If anything, foodpanda is best associated with their logo – the pink panda. But you’d be surprised to know that it was originally orange before they made the switch to pink, back in 2017. The fuschia-pink look is definitely a lot of fun, and clearly shows that foodpanda is ever-growing, expanding, and not afraid to take that big leap to cater to all of your food needs.
Leadership at a crucial time
Transitions are hard enough to begin with, but to do it at the most crucial of times would require exceptional skills – one that Daniel Marogy, managing director of foodpanda Philippines, proved to have when he joined the team a day before the lockdown. “That was a very challenging time for me, but it was made bearable because of the competitive foodpanda team led by very compassionate leaders and dedicated team members who helped me steer the ship in the right direction,” shares Dan.
Revolutionizing the food delivery space
foodpanda was the first online delivery service in the Philippines to house all of your favorite restaurants in an app and deliver food right at your doorstep with just a few taps on your mobile phone. Before foodpanda, do you remember how you would collect delivery hotline numbers, so you know who to call when ordering food? Or how frustrating it is that some of your faves are not available for delivery? Now, Ka-Panda riders not only deliver the meals you’re craving, but so much more – you can shop for groceries from pandamart, pick-up your ordered food if you’re in the area, or enjoy exclusive discounts for dine-in offers from their restaurant partners.
Putting the digital in digital delivery
It’s called quick commerce for a reason because in as fast as 30 minutes or even less, your order is already at your door. The reason behind this fast delivery service, aside from having a massive fleet of riders, bikers, scooter-riders and even walkers, is that foodpanda pioneered the use of internet connection to their vendors. Prior to that, other online food delivery services had to manually use fax and call center agents to relay the orders to the restaurants, so imagine how long it would take. As the first one to automate the ordering process, they definitely transformed the way online food deliveries work so your food will be delivered still hot and fresh – just the way you like it.
Shining the spotlight on “dark” kitchens…
The term ‘dark kitchen’ might sound a bit scary, but a delivery-only restaurant is all there really is to it. It means these food brands do not have physical stores; just take-out outlets designed to deliver only. For foodies who are tired of eating from the same restaurants, you might want to try foodpanda’s concept brands for your next meal. They are present in key cities in Metro Manila and the North Luzon area. (Extra fun fact: some of these brands are created by foodpanda so you can only get it exclusively from their platform).
You can never go wrong with pizza and burger!
Any time is pizza and burger o’clock. It’s probably why these two fast-food staples hold a special place in foopanda’s 8-year journey in the country. The very first order to be placed in the app is none other than everyone’s OG snack, pizza, while topping the order list in the app are burgers. As the leader in the online food delivery marketplace, foodpanda continues to offer food items that will meet the fast-paced lifestyle and current needs of their consumers.
Employee #1 is still with them
Kristine Luneta, who is part of the Commercial team, currently holds the title of foodpanda’s longest-tenured employee. Like the company, she is also celebrating her 8th year anniversary with them as their employee #1. When asked what made her stay for that long, Kristine shared, “I am drawn to how progressive the mindset is and how connected the people are.”
FP = For the People
Making a difference in the community is also part of the company’s advocacies. One of the many initiatives they do to nurture and help the communities they serve is the ‘BuyAnihan Palengke’ program, aimed at assisting enterprising Filipinos become resellers of fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers. To date, more than 10,000 kilograms of fresh produce have been sold to consumers at an affordable price through various partnerships with local government units since the program was launched last year. Watch out for their next food bazaar exhibit to get your stash of fresh fruits and vegetables.
For 8 years, foodpanda has been a prominent presence in the digital food space in the Philippines – and they vow to continue deliver food, groceries, and more for many years to come.
Celebrate with foodpanda’s Pau-tastic birthday: be on the lookout for surprises and announcements for special treats made just for you!