DIY HAIRCUT | I CUT MY HAIR WRONG?!

 

After my last DIY haircut I decided to cut again my hair and this time it was my bangs!

For a change and something new to play with I cut my bangs 8 inches short and look what happened? 

I was thinking for a more shorter bangs but after my first cut I was a bit satisfied, but for some I cut it too short, haha! My hair can grow back very quick, hair cut or hair style is not permamnet

I liked it and I am loving the style, after 24 hrs I was able to style it more. 

What do you think of my DIY haircut?

Can you suggest any style for this kind of bangs? 

EDIFIER TWS1 TRUE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH EARBUDS I GOT MY PRIZE!

 

Last, October 20, I won in a Facebook page contest and here is my prize from Edifier Authorized Distributor Philippines!

Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds (mint green)! This is priced at Php 3000/ $60, the prize was supposed to be in black color but I like and love the color they sent me, mint green...I think the color suits me well, do you agree? Check out my #unboxing video link in the photo. 

See below for the details and specification of Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds: 

A new generation of wireless audio- Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

• Up to 32 hours of playback with Charging Case
• IPX5 splash and sweatproof
• Bluetooth v5.0 aptX for a strong connection with lower latency
• Up to 10m (30ft) connection distance (with walls)
• Low-profile, ergonomic in-ear design with touch controls
• cVc noise reduction for crystal clear calling

• Up to 32 hours of battery

Enjoy all day audio with 8 hours of playback on a single charge, and another 24 hours from the charging case.

• True Wireless

Experience true wireless audio, while maintaining Edifier's signature high quality sound.

• 10m (30 feet) Connection Distance

Need to be away from your phone for a bit? No problem. Keep your audio streaming without a hitch.

An Improved Experience with Bluetooth 5.0 aptX

Bluetooth 5.0 aptX technology helps reduce latency and improve the stability of the wireless connection for more seamless audio and video sync.

Comfort-fit for Longer Enjoyment

Built to be comfortable for all ear shapes, the included ear tips come in multiple sizes and offer a strong fit for everyone. 8mm neodymium drivers produce natural highs and deep bass for a fantastic listening experience.

Comfortable IPX5 Splashproof Design with On-ear Controls

Tired of looking like Frankenstein’s monster when you wear true wireless earbuds? The compact design of our TrueWireless(™) earbuds allows them to blend seamlessly with any outfit, while staying subtle and out of the way. Multiple included ear tips offer numerous options for ensuring a snug fit, while an IPX5 splashproof shell protects them from sweat and rain, so you can listen worry-free and focus on enjoying the music. Touch controls on each earbud provide easy access to a variety of functions without having to take out your phone. This allows you to change songs, or pause playback and even answer calls -- all with a tap of the finger.

Improved Mic for Clear Hands-free Calling

Communication is more than just transmitting your voice. You want to convey nuance and emotion. With cVc environmental noise reduction, you can finally get the mic clarity you need to express yourself clearly.

Magnetic Charging Case with Auto Connect and Shut-off 

The earbuds snap in easily for charging and storage thanks to the case’s magnet design. You can even turn it upside down, and they’ll stay completely secure, so you never have to worry about them falling out on a busy street or on the bus. The earbuds will shut-off when charging and automatically reconnect to the last connected device once it’s finished. That means you can spend less time fiddling with your devices and more time enjoying your favorite songs.

Comfortable IPX5 Splashproof Design with On-ear Controls

Tired of looking like Frankenstein’s monster when you wear true wireless earbuds? The compact design of our TrueWireless(™) earbuds allows them to blend seamlessly with any outfit, while staying subtle and out of the way. Multiple included ear tips offer numerous options for ensuring a snug fit, while an IPX5 splashproof shell protects them from sweat and rain, so you can listen worry-free and focus on enjoying the music. Touch controls on each earbud provide easy access to a variety of functions without having to take out your phone. This allows you to change songs, or pause playback and even answer calls -- all with a tap of the finger.

BDO Trust Group attains a milestone amid the pandemic

The Trust Group of BDO Unibank has achieved the P1-trillion mark in assets under management (AUM) on the back of the strong performance of its unit investment trust fund (UITF) business. 

AUM is the total market value of the securities a financial institution manages on behalf of its clients. 

Rafael G. Ayuste Jr., BDO senior vice president and trust officer, said its UITF business grew by close to 35% as of end September 2020 as clients flock to the product due to its ready availability for both subscriptions and redemptions as well as the ease of access through the branches and online.   

“We saw the UITF volumes increase substantially despite the pandemic. The clients see and appreciate the opportunities that the current market presents which will potentially result to significant growth in their investment returns as the market recovers,” he said. 

BDO Trust offers various peso- and dollar-denominated UITFs intended to meet the diverse objectives and risk appetites of investors in terms of growing their portfolio earnings. For only P10,000, investors can already invest in any of BDO’s peso-denominated UITFs such as the Peso Money Market, Peso Bond and Equity Index Funds. For the bank’s dollar-denominated UITFs, an investor would only need US$500 to start investing in Dollar Money Market Fund, Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund or any of the Global Feeder Funds. 

The bank also has the Easy Investment Plan (EIP) which doesn’t require investors to shell out a huge amount for investment. For as low as P1,000 per month, they can gradually build up their wealth to reach their financial goals. The EIP is BDO’s way to encourage Filipinos to develop the habit of investing to ensure stability of their future or even just to build an emergency fund.  If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is the need to be well prepared for emergencies.  The EIP can also be used for the purpose of “cost averaging” through a disciplined and regular approached to investing

Investors can turn to BDO’s Invest Online Facility, an internationally recognized online platform, for easy access to the bank’s UITFs; enrollment in an automatic savings and investment program through EIP; management of the EIP details; checking of the performances of the UITF investments; and cashing in of the UITF investments booked via Invest Online. 

Determined despite the crisis

Ayuste stated that majority of its clients moved their funds to the relative safety and security of money market funds given the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown to the financial market. 

¨This way they are able to generate positive albeit lower returns particularly during the height of the pandemic when there was so much uncertainty. We have likewise seen some long-term clients factoring in recovery and are taking the opportunity to buy more equities at current market prices which really presents great upside potential,” he noted. 

Even with the prevailing health crisis, BDO continues to embark on aggressive efforts to increase its penetration of the client base, to maintain if not to further increase its market share that is currently at 25%.

¨We continue to enhance our product and service delivery to ensure ease of access and simplification of client experience,” explained Ayuste. 

UITFs are ready-made investments that allow the pooling of funds from different investors with similar investment objectives. These funds are managed by professional fund managers and are invested in various financial instruments such as money market securities, bonds and equities, which offer higher return than traditional bank deposit products. 

'Ang leksyon ng buhay' - Isang Pagpupugay sa mga Guro mula sa BDO Network Bank

Mayroon talagang mga propesyon na maituturing na hindi lang basta hanapbuhay, kundi isang bokasyon lalo na kung halos araw-araw ay kakikitaan ito ng hindi matatawarang pagkalinga sa kapakanan ng iba. 

Ilan sa ganitong trabaho ay ang pagiging nurse, doktor, kawani ng pamahalaan, at iba pa. Pero sa lahat nang nabanggit, iba rin talaga ang taas ng pagtingin ng lipunan sa mga guro. 

Mula sa mga obrebo hanggang mga pangulo, mula siyentipiko hanggang bilyonaryo, walang makakapagsabi na may narating sila sa buhay nang walang tulong, maliit man o malaki, at malasakit mula sa kanilang mga guro. 

Malaki ang utang na loob natin sa mga guro. Kaya naman talagang nakakagaan ng loob kapag nakakarinig tayo ng kwento ng mga titser na umaasenso dahil na rin sa determinasyon, lakas ng loob, pagsisikap, at pagiging wais. 

Isang halimbawa dito si Veronica Delima, PhD. Isa syang guro na sa loob ng maraming taon ay lubos na namahagi ng kaalaman sa kanyang mga estudyante. Ang mga leksyon na itinuturo nya ay hindi lamang tungkol sa asignatura, kundi pati na rin mga aral sa buhay, tulad ng pagpupursigi, tiyaga, tiwala sa sarili, at tamang paggamit ng pera. 

Si teacher Veronica at ang kanyang asawa ay hindi nanggaling sa mayamang pamilya. Ikinasal sila noong 1991 nang walang ipon o kapital para makapagpundar ng anumang ari-arian. Ang asawa ni Veronica ay nagtatrabaho noon bilang pedicab driver at wala man lang siyang sariling pedicab. Ang ginagamit pa niya sa pasada ay luma na at parating nasisira. 

Si Veronica naman ay nagtuturo noon sa isang pribadong paaralan. Kahit pagsamahin ang kinikita nila, mistulang isang kahig-isang tuka ang kanilang pamumuhay. Madalas silang nagkakautang sa 5/6 kung saan sinisingil sila ng 20 porsyentong interes. 

Araw-araw silang nagbabayad ng utang. Paunti-unti man ito, tila wala namang katapusan. Gayunpaman, patuloy nilang naitaguyod sa ganitong paraan ang isa’t-isa at ang kanilang apat na anak. 

Sa pagnanais na magkaroon ng mas malaking kita, nag-apply si Veronica sa isang public school. Natanggap naman siya at salamat sa mas malaking sweldo, nakaipon si Veronica ng sapat na pera upang magpagawa ng maliit na bahay-kubo. Maliit man ang tahanan mas mabuti na rin dahil pag-aari na nila ito. 

Ayon kay Veronica, nagsimula ang pag-angat ng kabuhayan nila nang matuto siyang mag-ipon ng pera at kumuha ng loans para gamitin sa mas matalinong paraan. Aniya, hindi masama mangutang basta ang loans ay gagamitin para sa mga mahalagang bagay tulad ng edukasyon at sa pagtatayo at pagpapalawak ng negosyo. Lahat nang yan ay babalik bilang dagdag-kabuhayan. 

Naglakas-loob si Veronica na kumuha ng maliit na bank loan mula sa BDO Network Bank (kilala pa noon bilang One Network Bank). Ginamit niya ang pinakauna niyang loan para bumili ng bagong pedicab para sa kanyang mister. 

“Yung bagong pedicab ay naging inspirasyon para sa mister ko para magsumikap sa kanyang trabaho. Iba ang dignidad na dulot ng pagkakaroon ng sariling pedicab, lalo pa't di na kailangang mag-boundary ng pampasada,” sabi ni Veronica. 

Matapos mabayaran ang kanyang loan para sa unang pedicab, nag-reloan muli at bumili pa ng isa si Veronica para sa kanyang kapatid na lalaki. Unti-unti, natuto pa lalo si Veronica sa tamang paggamit ng loan. Dahil good borrower, naging maganda ang record niya sa bangko at mas madali nang maaprubahan ang mga susunod niyang loans. Nagpapasalamat rin si Veronica dahil maliit lang ang sinisingil na interes ng BDONB. “Mas mababa talaga ang interes ng BDONB loans kumpara sa ibang banko,” aniya. 

Ginamit ni Veronica ang mga loans na ito para suportahan ang kanyang nanay at mga kapatid. Natulungan pa niya ang isang kapatid na mabawi ang naisanlang sakahan nito. 

Sa mga sumunod na taon, unti-unti nakabili ng lupa at ari-arian si Veronica at naipasok sa kolehiyo ang tatlong anak. Ang bunsong anak niya ay kasalukuyang nasa Grade 8. 

Siya mismo ay natulungan ng loans para matustusan ang pag-aaral niya sa graduate school hanggang sa makamit niya ang kanyang Ph.D. Salamat sa natamong doctorate degree, naging karapat-dapat si Veronica para sa promotion at mas mataas na sahod mula sa kaniyang public school. 

Ang payo niya sa mga gurong tulad niya ay ang magpatuloy sa pagsisikap para makamit ang mas magandang buhay. Ani pa nito, dapat ay huwag mawalan ng pag-asa at laging kumilos para sa ikabubuti ng sarili at mga mahal sa buhay. 

Giit niya hindi hadlang sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap ang kawalan ng kapital. Kailangan lang maging madiskarte sa pagkuha ng loan at sa paggamit nito. Halimbawa, gamitin ang loans para magtayo ng maliit na negosyo at para sa iba pang pagkakakitaan. Sa ganitong paraan, madadagdagan ang income na pumapasok kada buwan. 

Para kay Veronica, ang BDONB ang naging ka-partner at kaagapay niya para magtagumpay sa buhay. “Dalawampung taon na akong natulungan ng BDONB (na nuon ay kilala bilang ONB). Dahil sa mga loan na nakuha, napabuti ko ang aking sarili, nakatulong sa aking pamilya at iba pang tao. Hindi man ako maituturing na mayaman, sumasaludo ako sa BDONB, dahil sa pagtulong nitong mapaunlad at mas maging maayos ang aming pamumuhay.” 

Makikitang si Veronica ay huwaran sa ibang guro, ina, at asawa. Kahanga-hanga rin na ang mga nakamit niyang mga pagpapala ay ibinahagi pa niya sa pamilya, kamag-anak, at iba pang nangangailangan. 

Tulong na hatid ng BDONB 

Sa loob ng maraming taon, patuloy ang BDONB sa pagtulong sa mga gurong tulad ni Veronica para makamit ang mga mithiin sa buhay. Kaya naman espesyal at makahulugan ang National Teachers Month para sa bangko. 

Isang inspirasyon si Veronica at hatid nya ang magandang aral para sa iba. Ipinakita niya na hindi masama magkaroon ng loan. May mga paghihiram ng pera na nakakatulong at mayroon ring nakakasama -- depende na lamang kung paano natin ginagamit ang mga ito. 

Ang mga ‘bad debts’ ay yung ginagastos lang natin para sa mga bagay na walang return of investment o ROI. Halimbawa, kung ang inutang ay naubos lang sa bisyo, nagiging masama ang resulta. 

“Ang mga loans na nakakatulong ay yung ginagamit natin para tustusan ang mga bagay na maaring pagkakitaan at magbalik sa atin ng dagdag na kabuhayan. Makikita natin sa kwento ng buhay ni Veronica na ang makabuluhang paggamit ng loans ang siyang tumulong sa kanya para magtagumpay sa buhay,” sabi ni J. Antonio Itchon, presidente ng BDONB. 

Maaaring makipag-ugnayan at magtanong ang mga teachers tungkol sa BDONB sa bagong official BDONB Facebook Page nito sa https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH/ para sila rin ay matulungang makamit ang mas magandang buhay. 

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO UNIBANK is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services and stock brokerage services.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,400 operating branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 13 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2020. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

BDO Regains Momentum in 3Q 2020

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) posted P12.3 billion in net income in the 3Q 2020 despite

the continuing impact of the pandemic. This brings earnings for the first nine months

of the year to P16.6 billion, a decline of 48% from the same period last year, due to

the upfront provisions booked in 2Q 2020 in anticipation of potential delinquencies

due to the pandemic.

Despite BDO’s promising results, the Bank recognizes that the pandemic difficulties

still lie ahead. The delinquency problem on loans have not yet peaked, interest rate

caps on credit cards will be instituted soon and there are added costs in doing

business as a result of necessary precautions inherent in the Bank’s operations. All

of these and more are seen to put pressure on the Bank’s earnings.

Loans rose at a more tempered 6 per cent to P2.2 trillion, driven by corporate and

consumer accounts. The Bank remained supportive of its borrowing clients, ensuring

continued access to their credit facilities to help them manage their funding

requirements during these challenging times, notwithstanding loan payment

deferments under Bayanihan I and II.

Asset quality remained stable, with gross non-performing loans (NPL) ratio at 1.97

per cent. Meanwhile, the NPL cover settled at 138 per cent. Total provisions for 9M

2020 amounted to P23.8 billion, inclusive of the pre-emptive provisions in 2Q 2020.

Total deposits grew to P2.6 trillion, driven by the faster growth in Current

Account/Savings Account (CASA) deposits, with almost all of the Bank’s branches

operational since 2Q 2020.The Bank’s CASA ratio climbed to a new high of 79 per

cent. Net interest income (NII) went up by 13 per cent year-on-year to P99.8 billion.

Non-interest income settled at P36.8 billion, led by fee-based income and insurance

premiums with P20.2 billion and P10.9 billion, respectively. Wealth management

remained resilient with trust volume and fees sustaining steady growth despite soft

market conditions. However, some of the Bank’s businesses, specifically those that

rely on face-to-face interaction, are still gradually rebuilding their volumes.

Operating expenses declined by 3 per cent to P83.6 billion on lower volume-related

expenses.

The Bank’s balance sheet remains solid with a capital base of P378.6 billion. Capital

Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio were at 14.3 per

cent and 13.2 per cent, respectively, remaining well above regulatory minimum.

BDO believes that its strong business franchise and robust balance sheet place the

Bank in a good position to leverage on a post-pandemic economic recovery.

About BDO
BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail
banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as
treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash
management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card
services.
BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,400 consolidated operating
branches and more than 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has 16 international offices
(including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North
America and the Middle East.
BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds
under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2020. For
more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

BDO Warns Against Scam Mobile Device Takeover Attempts

BDO Unibank, Inc. alerts clients to be cautious about attempts by scammers to mimic official banking communications. Using the name and logo of the bank, these scams claim to be legitimate security notices asking for personal information from customers, which the scammers can then use to access and steal money from online bank accounts. BDO reiterates that it would never send text messages or e-mails asking for personal information from customers.

A recent modus finds scammers tricking clients into initiating BDO’s “Add Device” security alert, which is part of the bank’s two-factor authentication process to protect clients from unauthorized transactions. When account holders reply “Add Device” to this bank-sent text message, scammers get access to their online bank account.

BDO reminds account holders: “Only add trusted devices to your digital banking app. Do not reply to Add Device text messages if you did not make an Add Device request.” For added protection, the bank advises clients to limit permission to just one device.

How “mobile device takeover” scam works

The modus operandi starts with an email or text message that urges clients to click on a link to verify their accounts and avoid deactivation. Scammers often get clients’ data from scraping the internet for email addresses and mobile numbers. BDO reminds clients to be prudent when sharing personal information online.

Worried of the potential inconvenience, many clients click on the link, which prompts a fake website to open. Clients “log in” the fake website with their online bank account username and password. Scammers get their victims’ login details from the fake website and key these in the mobile app.

As a security protocol, BDO sends a text message to the client’s registered mobile number in case an unknown or new device is being used to access his or her online banking account. The alert asks the client to reply “Add Device” to get a One-Time PIN (OTP) to register the known and trusted mobile device. 

Deceived by the scammers’ email, some clients reply “Add Device” to this prompt, thinking it will reactivate their “deactivated” online bank account.

BDO reassures clients that it will never ask clients to verify their bank accounts via email or a text message, or ask them to click on links to do so. The bank advises account holders to ignore or send these messages to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph.

Report unauthorized transactions to BDO

If clients mistakenly register the scammers’ device, scammers will then send money from their victims’ account to theirs. When a fund transfer is successful, the bank sends a confirmation email to clients’ registered email address.

If they receive confirmation emails about transactions they didn’t do, BDO advises clients to immediately report it to its Customer Care Hotline at 8631-8000. They may also reach out by logging in Messenger and looking for BDO Customer Care with the blue verified checkmark from Facebook.

Again, never share OTPs

Scammers obtain their victims’ OTPs through the fake website. OTPs add another layer of protection for online banking. As the last part of the bank’s two-factor authentication process, the unique six-digit numbers register a mobile number to BDO Online Banking and confirm an online transaction. They can be used once and only within a short span of time.

BDO reminds clients not to give their bank account login information, such as username, password, and OTPs to protect their online bank accounts from theft.

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO UNIBANK is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services.  These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services and stock brokerage services.  

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,400 operating branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide.  It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 13 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2020. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

Bouncing back with BDO Cash Agad

 

Entrepreneurs and workers in small and medium-sized enterprises are the hardest hit by the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. There are almost 1 million MSMEs in the country, and data from the Department of Trade and Industry showed that their businesses were closed by more than 50 percent of this amount, or around 525,000. This has left millions of unemployed Filipinos.

On the macro level, the Asian Development Bank announced that the Philippine economy had crashed in May or June and that, for the rest of the year, economic contraction is expected at 7.3% by the end of 2020. Recovery is projected to occur by 2021, when the pandemic is expected to be contained and the economy is expected to recover by 6.5 per cent.

Cash Agad Partner Agent

Even with the prevailing economic downturn, the country has seen signs of a gradual recovery , especially in some small and medium-sized enterprises/MSMEs.

One of them is Krystal Bantic of Quirino province in the Cagayan Valley region. Krystal runs a grocery store in her town and she became a Cash Agad partner agent last year. 

Krystal Bantic, owner of Ivee’s Sari Sari Store and a Cash Agad partner agent in Quirino, Cagayan Valley facilitating a withdrawal transaction.

Cash Agad is a service provided by BDO to far-flung and unbanked communities where residents have little to no access to bank services. Many faraway places in the country do not have banks or ATMs where residents may conveniently get cash. This is due to several reasons.

It could be that communities are located in distant islands where motorized boats are the only means of transportation. Some towns and barrios are located in mountainous or hilly areas with rocky and uneven terrain. Others are separated by sheer hundreds of kilometers from urban areas and have no concrete roads nor highways. All of these factors and more prevent banks from building and maintaining physical branch offices in these faraway towns.

The Cash Agad service provides a simple, elegant, and practical solution to all that. By partnering with stores and shops already established in the community, BDO turns them into community-based ATM terminals. The shop owner receives a POS terminal for use in transacting locally-issued ATM cards, whether debit or prepaid and facilitates basic transactions like cash withdrawals and balance inquiries.

Best of all, Cash Agad accepts transactions using ATM cards from different local banks and non-bank financial institutions in the Philippines, not only those from BDO. It's really a service that benefits entire communities.

According to Krystal, she actually had few customers availing of Cash Agad in her grocery store in the year before the pandemic struck. This was because at that time, people were used to traveling all the way to Candon City in Ilocos Sur province, which is more than four hours away from Quirino, in order to go to banks and ATMs, enjoy fast food restaurants, and buy essential goods.

"People would make the trip to Candon even though it's quite far because it was a mix of both business and leisure for them. Also, goods are priced lower in Candon because over here in Quirino our shops are simply getting our goods from there as well," said Krystal.

The trip to Candon is quite far and the transport available are passenger vans. It takes more than four hours across 289 kilometers. The fare costs at least 200 pesos and even more if a person was also loading some baggage in the van for the trip. When going to Candon, residents of Quirino would have to allot an entire day and at least four hundred pesos for a two-way trip. They would spend more if they included food expenses.

From lockdown to opportunity
The pandemic caused subsequent lockdowns and quarantines which prevented people from leaving Quirino as they were used to. This meant that their usual access to cash (banks and ATMs) and goods in Candon was closed off. But fortunately, Krystal and her Cash Agad kiosk at her grocery store was available.

"Grabe po, noong nagka-lockdown dito sa amin. None of us could leave. The local government ordered all transportation to stop. No one was allowed to go out. People had nowhere else to go to get needed cash to spend for food and other basic needs. So more and more people come to my store not only to withdraw cash but also to buy essential goods," said Krystal.

Krystal faced her own challenges as a Cash Agad partner agent. She was also covered by the travel ban so she could not easily replenish the cash reserves meant for Cash Agad withdrawals. She was able to solve this by either renting a private vehicle to go to the BDO branch in Candon to get cash or she would get the help of the local government to provide transportation to Candon. After all, Krystal had become a frontliner and essential worker since she was the only source of cash for the residents in her town.

Soon enough, practically everyone in the communities around Krystal's store became her customers. Teachers, government workers, policemen, and even farmers and construction workers all depend on her store and its Cash Agad service to get their salaries. Her store also became the official channel for the government cash assistance given to 4Ps beneficiaries. This was done with the help of the local government.

It's not just Krystal's store that benefits from Cash Agad. Other business owners in the area, from other sari-sari stores to eateries, to hardware shops, and even stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish at the wet market--all of them thanked her for being able to provide cash to the community. This is because the amount of local spending had become greater than ever. People were spending their cash on local businesses instead of those in faraway Candon City.

"Krystal's experience really shows how the Cash Agad service expands financial inclusion in far-flung, hard-to-reach areas in the country. The result is a boost to the local economy. Established businesses earn more. More businesses are set up. The engine of local economic activity is revved up and eventually, there's improved quality of life for the residents.

"If the country's economy is ever going to bounce back from the pandemic, it will take all of us--big businesses, MSMEs, and both urban and rural communities and their local governments--to help each other and do our part. There's a certain inspiration, a beautiful sort of hope when you see communities working together to rise up and recover from a crisis. BDO is doing its part in helping communities recover economically through the Cash Agad network," said Mr. Jim Nasol, Head of Agency Banking, BDO Unibank.

For more information about Cash Agad, go to www.bdo.com.ph/cash-agad or send an email to cashagad@bdo.com.ph  for inquiries.

BDO Cash Agad: Your Partner for Recovery at this time of the Pandemic

 

Not just because of the fear of COVID-19, but also because of how it affected their livelihoods, the pandemic had severe effects on families and communities in the country. Many firms are closing down , causing widespread job losses. For those who still had any money left, since public transit was shut down during the lockout and quarantine periods, they could not access their cash so easily at banks and ATMs.

Still, some residents were fortunate that there were Cash Agad partner agents in their communities who were ready to provide banking services even amid the pandemic.  While Cash Agad partner agents were also affected by the restrictions of the community quarantine, they were still able to help their respective barangays and are now bouncing back and continuing with their recovery in order to further build their businesses.  

The Cash Agad partner agents network is comprised of small to medium business owners in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who are operating the Cash Agad service in their communities. This service aims to provide ready access to cash for distant communities, especially those who are not so easily reached by public transportation. These would include communities in places that were located in challenging terrain like mountains, hilly areas, or those in far flung islands only reachable by boat. 

Cash Agad is  the solution provided by BDO Unibank to unbanked and financially underserved communities, especially those places where setting up a building or bank branch or even an ATM machine would prove to be impractical and unfeasible.  

Community shops-turned-ATMs

A community shop owner (the business might also be a salon, drugstore, hardware store, etc.) is usually tapped to be Cash Agad partner agent. Since such a business owner has long been part of the locality, has an establishment close to the residents, and is a trusted  figure in the community, it’s much easier for the people to trust him or her with their money-related transactions. 

Once the shop owner becomes a Cash Agad partner, he or she is  given a POS terminal that is capable of accepting transactions using any Philippine-issued ATM card whether debit or credit.  And even though BDO Unibank is the one that runs the Cash Agad service, the POS terminal accepts ATM cards from all banks in the Philippines.  

Cash Agad and LGUs 

Another advantage of using Cash Agad is that it does not depend on banking hours. As long as the Cash Agad partner shop is open, it can accept transaction. This was modified, however, when the pandemic struck and community quarantines were imposed.  Local official had to set schedules and limit operating hours for Cash Agad transactions in order to follow physical distancing requirements designed to keep customers safe and prevent disease transmission. 

Even LGUs depend on Cash Agad to deliver government’s financial aid to those in need.  For example, the beneficiaries of 4Ps withdraw their monthly cash assistance  from Cash Agad.  Even the IPs or memberes of the indigenous people’s communities are able to get their financial aid through Cash Agad. All these are possible thanks to the cooperation between LGUs and Cash Agad partner agents. 

LGU employees, policemen, and teachers in the community likewise depend on Cash Agad for their salary withdrawals. Private employees, families of overseas Filipinos, all of them now access salaries and remittances from Cash Agad, too. 

All of these were a great relief to residents who, for several months during community quarantine, were unable to travel due to lockdowns and checkpoints. Their mobility had been restricted within their own or the nearby barangays. They could no longer go to urban areas to transact with banks or go to ATMs. 

Helping local businesses

According to Lorna Taruc, owner of Jan Pau convenience store and Cash Agad partner agent at San Simon, Pampanga, the Cash Agad service is a big help to their community.  

Lorna Taruc, owner of Jan Pau convenience store and a Cash Agad partner agent in San Simon, Pampanga facilitating a withdrawal transaction.

"It’s so much more convenient and easier for people here to go to my store and withdraw their cash. They no longer need to travel so far. Especially during the lockdown when it was so difficult to find public transportation.  Apart from this, I had more customers buying from my store.”

Meanwhile, another Cash Agad partner agent, Roselyn Abela of Pitogo, Bohol, said that many residents were afraid to leave their town during the  community quarantine because they heard news that there were many COVID-19 cases in the city where they usually go to transact with banks and use ATMs. 

Roselyn Alaba, owner of FBA Merchandise and a Cash Agad partner agent in Pitogo, Bohol facilitating a withdrawal transaction for a local security guard.

This city is quite far from Pitogo. A person traveling there would need to ride a habal-habal (passenger motorcycle) then cross the sea by boat to another island. At the island, he or she would have to ride another habal-habal to reach the city. It takes half a day to an entire day to travel there and back again to Pitogo.  A two-way trip costs 500 pesos. 

"When the community quarantine was imposed, people were thankful that I have Cash Agad at my store. They withdraw their cash here and then afterwards, they buy some of the essentials they need at home. That’s why my sales at the store also increased,”, said Roselyn. 

Financial Inclusion
According to Jim Nasol, Head of Agency Banking (Cash Agad) of BDO, the bank has been planning to have Cash Agad partner agents in secluded areas for a long time. This is because they want to help rural areas across the country to be more progressive.

“Many Filipinos are smart and hardworking; they dream of better livelihoods. But they are being held back because of their lack of access to cash and capital. There are a lot of Filipinos who don’t have  enough money because just withdrawing it already takes a lot of time and a huge expense.”

“Our Cash Agad partner agents are the key to broadening financial systems. We see that in places like Pitogo, financial inclusion can go a long way in making lives easier for Filipinos in secluded communities,” he explained.

In addition, Arnold Katipunan, Head of Sales of Cash Agad in BDO, said that financial inclusion and access to money is very important during this time of the pandemic, when a lot of people and businesses need to rise up from the dampening effects of the crisis. Ultimately, their recovery will bring new life to the national economy.

The number of Cash Agad partner agents in the country continue to increase. For more information about Cash Agad, go to the BDO website
http://www.bdo.com.ph/cash-agad or send an email to cashagad@bdo.com.ph

5 Points to know when buying the Women's Best Waist Trainer

Are you looking for the right waist trainer for women and its Black Friday online deals season? 

Basically, as far as getting rid of those love handles is concerned, these products are easy but successful. We recommend you get a decent waist trainer if you are going to attend an event in the near future. 5 items you might want to consider when opting for a thigh and waist trimmer are provided below. To find out more, read on.

1. Comfort 

Comfort is another important aspect, after easy breathing, that you may want to consider when making this purchase. Below are the elements that can have a significant effect on the comfort level of the item you choose to buy, especially for plus size waist trainer.

• Product for manufacturing 
• Type of Fabric 
• The pin and hook positioning

2. Breathing 

Make sure that the product helps you to breathe without any trouble, first of all. As a result, it is of no use if you can not breathe properly when wearing the product. If you are driving, sitting or standing, you should be able to inhale and exhale. You may as well want to consider the range of motion.

3. Fit & Shape 

If you want to buy the right women's waist trainer, make sure you also remember your measurements. It won't take much longer than a couple of minutes. Regardless of the standard of the waist trainer, the desired results will depend on the product's fit and shape.

4. Bulge and Roll

You will want to take a closer look at your product to make sure it does not have a problem with bulging or rolling. You can swap the product if it has either of the two issues. Leading to the wrong fit, this problem occurs. At times, it occurs regardless of the estimating the measurement.

Usually, bulging is when the product is too tight or does not grip the waist properly. In simple terms , that means that there is not enough pressure or excessive pressure on the product. You have a serious issue in either case, which may prevent you from achieving your goals. 

Another sign that the fit is not right and you need to exchange the product is if the product rolls around your hips. Keep in mind that it will be of no use to you if the item does not offer the best fit.

5. Stretch & Shrink 

It is important to note that with the passing of time, your waist will keep shrinking. Therefore, depending on your waist size, you may want to invest in a waist trainer that can stretch. For proper overtime modification, it should have a lot of hooks. Make sure you try it first before you purchase one. 

In short, if you are looking for the best thigh and waist trimmer to get back into shape, these are 5 things that you might want to consider. Holding in mind these points would make it easier for you to get the right and best product.

I hope these points can help you decide on what waist trainer for women to get this coming Black Friday online deals.