Manong Luis Chavit Singson's VBank Gets Launched in Quezon City

When things got complicated during the pandemic, Filipinos suddenly had to resort to digital payments and e-wallets to keep family safe at home, but still transact and conduct business during very dangerous times. This has not only given is access, but a variety of services that wasn't a norm to Filipinos throughout the country. From the need for access, internet connection has leveled the playing field and had given those in rural areas a very convenient way to pay, transfer and withdraw money even in remote areas in the country. Financial service should be easy, secure and could empower the underserved folks in the far flung areas. 

Manong Chavit Singsong knows this dilemma, and it has affected so many families nationwide. It's why he launched VBank, an app that is available in the App Store and Google Play.

VBank is quite different because it promises account creation entirely on the app, online, without the need to handle physical documents and suffer in long queues. Once registered, one can send money to banks, digital wallets, go pay your bills and buy mobile phone load in one place. If you prefer having cash, you can use it to cash in funds in over 6,000 of their partner outlets across the Philippines. This includes Tambunting Pawnshops, Puregold groceries, Alfamart convenience stores in the Philippines. 

They are also gearing to have VBank available in remote regions to make sure those who don't get financial connections would now be able to in a jiffy. Manong Chavit Singsong describes this as a way for people to participate in the economy for nation building and inclusion in financial services. The event was also witnessed by celebrity endorser and actress Ms. Aiai Delas Alas who was there at the venue to entertain guests and talk about the service. 

Manong Chavit also announced the start of his "58 days Pa-raffle ni Manong Chavit" which lets new users try out the app and its new features. He also did a daily raffle where users could get Php 5,800 , Php 58,000 and get a chance to win Php 580,000 on the 58th day. This would be best for the 77 percent of the population who until now has not been able to try the banking system. He wants to empower every regular joe. If you're asking about the significance of the number 58, it's his assigned number as he bids for a Senate seat in 2025. He's a man that's got "May Isang Salita" according to his slogan, I bet it's an opportune time to go do it!

8 Awesome Reasons To Travel North Luzon Now!

 

Now I'm no travel expert but I guess I'm a person hard to please. When it comes to traveling, sometimes I don't like places that I go to because it's too far, too crowded or the food sucks. Traveling North Luzon made me think about how this place is a little under appreciated, so I'm going to list down a few things that makes this an awesome travel spot for those who haven't done it yet!

1. The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)

Photo Bocaue Tollgate from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Luzon_Expressway)

It's easy to travel North now because the North Luzon Expressway made traveling faster and more efficient. The roads are perfect for long drives because it's maintained properly. The tollgates have EC cards which you can get prepaid so you don't have to queue. Compared to regular roads that can take you several hours to go to the north, this will cut the travel time enormously. The view is also spectacular and just needs a short turn to go to towns along it. It made everything freaking easy, I suggest you come along with friends so you can save up gas and toll fees. It'll be worth it!

2. The Festivals

7107 International Music Festival

If it's a FIESTA made for  a town's patron saint or a FIESTA made for thanksgiving, or a full pledged Music Festival with International acts no matter what genre it is, the North Luzon provinces are full of it! Our country is at least celebrating one fiesta per day, now imagine that done all throughout the year! This is the Philippines so we make it BIG!

3. The Old Churches

 

There's nothing even greater than seeing and believing in Churches as the house of God. For those who are religious, you'll be surely blessed by visiting these century old or more churches to renew faith and learn a little more about the country's history as we are around 80% Roman Catholic. You'll meet the locals in and around towns that are centered in these areas. The architecture, the details of the walls are all heavenly... surely it's something that should be seen!

4. Some of the World's Best Beaches 

You can have a view worthy of postcards even without leaving the island of Luzon. The spectacular beaches of Pagudpod of which some remains untouched and has got less commercialization just spells paradise. It's also windy up here so the Windmills of Bangui can get you electricity and supply the great part of the province without the need for other power sources that's nature friendly and safe. The water is cold while the weather is hot, perfect combination to relax in a hammock tied between coconut trees and have a beer on hand. Isn't that the perfect summer?

5. The Food

Taking a guiltless pleasure on some of the most unnoticed dishes in the country like "Dinengdeng" (Local Vegetables in Grilled Fish broth)  or the oh so crunchy "Bagnet" (Deep Fried Crispy Air Dried Pork) which is so good. Aside from that, they've also got Ilocos Empanada done in so many ways from Vigan to other cities in this province. The famous Vigan Longganisa also is the best thing for breakfast in the country. I could have kilos of this in one sitting and still want more. Do not hesitate to taste this and more when you visit the region. 

6. Cheap Accommodations

Azalea Residences Baguio City

North Luzon has varied rates for accommodations. You can opt for hotels or huge residences like this one or get cheap ones in bus terminals. You can also opt for transient homes in the suburbs for better chances to meet locals too. Just stay nice and friendly as they will return the smiles back at you. They are ample enough for those that are just passing by or to spend a few days in these provinces. It's a good thing to immerse yourself in the culture and live with the locals so you can experience what it's like in the North Luzon path. Some are cold, some humid, but all in all a spectacular place to be in when in the lovely cities you get lost in. Everyone speaks a little or more English so it's not a big deal to say you've got language barriers.

7. Vigan Vies for 7 Wonder Cities of the World

 They have now been able to get into the final 21 cities and they are vying for the final 7. Vigan has got lots of history. They have some of the most picturesque cobbled stone streets and tourist spots not seen in any Asian country. To learn more on how to vote for them, please read my article here.

8. NLEX "Tara Na Sa Norte!" (Let's go to the North!)

Going to the North is definitely one thing that anyone should try when in Luzon. Now it's going to be made even better as they'll showcase deals in travel, accommodation and their products in one venue right here in Manila. From July 25-27, 2014 they'll set up shop at the Glorietta Activity Center in the city of Makati. There will be over 100 vendors offering the best hotels, products, restaurants, small and medium enterprises from the best in the region on these dates. This is put up by the Manila North Tollways Corporation and co presented by the Department of Tourism Regions 1, 2 and 3 plus the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This is also supported by Ayala Malls, North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation, Maynilad, PhilHydro, Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. 

Now if that isn't enough reason to go to the North of Luzon, I don't know what will!

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Tara Na Sa Norte!

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Vigan Vies For 7 Wonder Cities of the World

One of the few places I've visited this year just became the talk of the town. Up north where there's a rustic, hispanic area and cobbled stone streets that probably spanned hundred or more years, the city of Vigan remains one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that lives up to its name. The only place in Asia where a mix of Filipino and Spanish heritage exists, it truly is a sight to behold every time you get to see its streets and buildings that dates back to 16th century. I know, it ain't enough I guess, that just spells this city needs to be recognized... not just here, but worldwide!

 

Mayor Eva Marie Medina of the city of Vigan says "Being in the finals has added to our pride as residents of this small city with big dreams and hard earned achievements. Officials from Vigan are relentless in their continued efforts to make this city the “best” place. We hold on to our commitment to sustain our gains in heritage conservation and excellence in governance because these are the very instruments that ensure the well being of our people".

Vigan City has been included in the 28 finalists for 7 Wonder Cities of the world. There will be another round where only 21 will be left. Now is the time to vote for them as another national historic site takes the front seat. It's not only the places that can actually be the sole reason to see Vigan as one of the world's best. Just look at the things we've loved from this Ilocos city all these years!

From the crunchy Vigan Chichacorn, to pottery and small trinkets made from wood, to small mementos of the houses, to the weaved cloths and baskets, to Malunggay/Moringga pasta and cookies, to the famous Vigan longganisa that's so garlicky in every bite, to the super crunchy and sinful Bagnet... the city of Vigan has it all!

Now it's time for us to help them win this for the Philippines, how to vote? It's easy! Just go to www.n7w.com/en/cities and choose 7 entries, login with your social media accounts and it's a vote. Make sure though to always include VIGAN in your entries so they qualify for the next round. You can also vote by texting VIGAN to 29290777, it's that easy! VOTE NOW so you can get the city of VIGAN recognized as the world's best! It's VIGAN's time to shine!

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Vigan

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