BDO Network Bank ATMs now accept VISA and KFTC Int’l cards

BDO Network Bank, the rural banking arm of BDO Unibank, has announced that its network of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) now accepts VISA and KFTC (Korea Financial Intermediaries and Clearing Institute) International cards, allowing the bank to serve the cash requirements of more ATM cardholders with internationally-issued cards.

VISA and KFTC cardholders can already withdraw and inquire their account balance from any BDO Network Bank ATM nationwide. The rural bank has over 250 strategically located ATMs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

BDO Network Bank President J. Antonio S. Itchon said this development can benefit foreigners who frequent major tourist spots where BDO Network Bank is also present. The enhancement of KFTC International Card acceptance, he added, will also benefit Korean nationals visiting and residing in the country. Koreans account for the country’s top foreign arrivals since 2010. In 2018, around 1.62 million Koreans visited the Philippines, besting Chinese and Americans tourists who came in only second and third, respectively. The Philippines is also home to more than 100,000 Korean migrants.

Founded in 1986, KFTC is a payment settlement institution that establishes and manages interbank payment networks in Korea. Its members include the Bank of Korea, Korea Development Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank, Kookmin Bank, Korean Exchange Bank, Standard Chartered Korea and Citibank Korea.

VISA, on the other hand, is also a global payments technology company with presence in 200 countries and territories worldwide. Established in 1958, it has an extensive network with 3.3 billion cards in use, connecting people through payments all around the world.

BancNet, one of the country's leading electronic banking network, has interconnection with KFTC and VISA, allowing KFTC and VISA cardholders to check their balances and withdraw cash through any BancNet enabled ATMs.

“The widening variety of ATM acceptance complements our continuous expansion, which in turn is part of our thrust to reach more unserved and underserved markets,” Itchon said. BDO Network Bank targets to double its number of branches in the next four years as it intensifies its lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

Apart from VISA and KFTC, BDO Network Bank ATMs also accept Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus and Bancnet cardholders.

The power of Mommy Bloggers and Influencers in today's digital platform

It is undeniable that no influence is so powerful as that of a MOTHER.

It has been observed that most of the noble characters and fine leaders of history have had good, God-fearing mothers. When it comes to questions of honesty, industry, kindness, and temperance - the children know and absorb a mother's example, attitudes, and beliefs. Indeed, a mother's influence cannot be measured as it is amplified every time she discovers something new. Her influence transcends and becomes a foundation not just within the four walls of their home but even outside of the community they belong to.

A mother's influence is felt around the world. It is in fact, being recognized and that gave every mother the chance to let their voices be heard and let their influence rule the digital platform and the influencer marketing industry.

The attention and importance being given to Moms gave rise to the so-called Mommy influencers. 

Who are mommy influencers?

Most Mommy influencers started as a mother who blogs about her children, motherhood, parenting, or any related topic. Mommy Influencers are products of the Mommy blogger revolution that was formed more than a decade now as current, future and experienced mothers took to the internet to share their unfiltered experiences with motherhood, careers, families, and everything in between.

These Mommy influencers are inspiring homemakers who are social media savvy. They can juggle a few kids, a camera, and a handful of contracts, at once. They have created a career and a brand around making the most of motherhood, and they do a pretty good job of capturing the good, the bad, and sometimes even the ugly. They boomerang the best moments and then blog about their setbacks—the spills, the sleepless nights, and the daily attempts to lose those last ten pounds. 

As a parenting influencer, these Moms use their voice to connect with other parents and share their work with the world around them.

The Rise of Mom Influencers and Bloggers

In the United States, there are 14% of American mothers with at least one child in their household who blog about parenting or turn to blogs for advice, according to a recent study by Scarborough Research. The same research found out that, there are about 3.9 million moms in the United States who identify themselves as bloggers.

Furthermore, the average mommy blogger in the United States is 37 years old and 89% of them have kids between the ages of 2 and 11. They are socially conscious and are 85% more likely to have supported a politician based on an environmental issue, 88% more likely to buy eco-friendly products, and 38% more likely to volunteer than the average mom; based on studies conducted about Mommy bloggers and influencers.

See how big is the world of a mother and how vast the topics they cover every now and then? Their world revolves around everything and anything under the sun. Sometimes their world becomes complicated but they manage to stay calm and compose.

The rise of Mommy bloggers and influencers has been a worldwide trend in the past decade, with some now earning a significant income from their personal ‘brand’ and role as social media influencers. Successful mum bloggers and influencers are often courted by international brands and organizations for projects and campaigns.

The mommy blogger has been around for several years now, but did you know the army of chatty, tech-savvy mothers was this large and they are today's advertising power players? You won't see them in a boardroom, they're usually hanging out at a playground but they are prized for their ability to sway other parents, mom influencers, or bloggers — who share everything from advice and product recommendations to snippets of their family lives on social media.

Mommy influencers are considered "new media." These powerful women have a tremendous reach and influence and they are trusted by other parents over celebrities and well-known personalities, endorsers, and brand ambassadors. Why? Because these Moms aren't brands telling you that their product is amazing. This is an actual mom who is living and experiencing exactly what you are living and experiencing, therefore her followers can relate to her on a personal level.

Are you following a few Mom bloggers and influencers? What are your preferences for following them?

SM, Globe team up to boost Supermall internet

Two of the most loved brands, SM Supermalls and Globe have teamed up to provide mall goers access to high-speed internet services, and together, bringing new and extraordinary experiences in SM malls across the country.

SM Supermalls together with Globe Telecom Inc., boosts free internet access in selected SM Malls nationwide starting November this year. 

From L- R Annie S. Garcia, Preaident Shopping Center Management Corporation; Jeffrey Lim, President SM Prime Holdings; Hans T. Sy, Cgairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Telecom Inc.; Willy Ocier, President Philippine Global Communications Inc.

Shoppers and mall goers will be able to access everything they need online with speedy and reliable internet making their mall-going experience enjoyable, seamless and convenient.

Being #AlwaysConnectedAtSM, customers can check out movie schedules, tune in to their social media accounts, book a ride and get first dibs on the latest dining spots and fashion finds that SM malls have in store for them. Mall goers only need to connect to @SMFreeWiFi via their mobile device, tablet, or laptop to enjoy one hour of free internet service.

To make the fun last longer, SM’s GoWiFi Auto will also be available for customers to experience up to 100Mbps of high-speed internet connection with affordable promo packages starting at P15/day. All they need to do is open their device’s WiFi settings, connect to @GoWiFi_Auto hotspot, and follow the easy step-by-step instructions on the pop-up screen.

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.