Cebuana Lhuillier launches quick, easy remittance service app in US through Pangea Connect

Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s largest microfinancial services provider, has launched a mobile remittance application, Quikz, in the United States, through its partnership with Pangea Money Transfer.

“Partnering with Pangea allows us to help improve the lives of our customers and better connect them to their family members overseas,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. “Pangea’s secure, quick, and easy money transfer technology supports better financial security and more opportunities for Filipinos who want a convenient way to send and receive funds.”Through the money remittance application, Cebuana Lhuillier customers will soon own more of the transfer process and directly connect to senders in the US. 

“We are excited to work with Cebuana Lhuillier on this groundbreaking service for Filipino customers in the United States. This partnership expands our mobile remittance technology to even more senders, contributing to our goal of bringing effortless money transfer to those who need it most.” said NishuThukral, Pangea Money Transfer CEO, as the partnership is expected to bring Pangea’s international money-sending solution to a massive user base.

Available on the Apple App and Google Play stores for customers in the United States, Quikz is powered by Pangea Connect and is the company’s new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) offering. Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission of enabling more Filipinos to have access to financial solutions ties perfectly with Pangea’s goal of financially empowering underserved communities. Pangea’s technology, meanwhile, works well with Cebuana Lhuillier’s brand salience and its extensive network of 2,500 branches nationwide to create a seamless money remittance service. As Cebuana Lhuillier Quikz continues to gain momentum, Pangea and Cebuana Lhuillier will make adjustments to further tailor fit the mobile app to the needs and preferences of users worldwide. Pangea plans to kick off more brand partnerships, expanding its RaaS offering to companies in other territories around the globe.

Budgets and Groceries: Tips on How to Maximize Your Monthly Supplies

Every month or so, everyone goes to the grocery store to replenish their family supplies. Food, ingredients, toiletries, and even beverages are bought in order to fill up stocks for the whole month. There are times in which they’d be consumed exactly by the end of the month, but there are also shortages from time to time, urging every household to visit the grocery once again in order to fill in that void. This can be more costly, and thus, adds an unwanted dent to the family budget. In such case, proper usage of supplies should be implemented in order to have enough even before the month ends. Here are a few valuable tips in doing just that:

1. The more you have, the more you’ll spend.

There’s nothing wrong about buying an extra amount when it comes to your supplies, but purchasing too much may do more harm than good. This is more evident when it comes to food products. Remember, they are only as good as their expiration date allows them to be, and stocking on perishable goods is not money well spent. You may need to invest more on food which will last for more than a few months. Toiletries and non-edibles are exempted from this, so stock up on soap and shampoos if you have to.

2. Properly preserve leftovers.

Food wasted is equivalent to money wasted as well. If there are leftovers, at least put them in the refrigerator. You may “repurpose” them the next day, mix them up with other fresh ingredients to add to taste, just as long as you’d never have to throw them away. You may also consider storing them in air-tight containers so they may not be contaminated with bacteria. If you can’t really consume them within a certain period of time, then at least give them away to a kind neighbor. Who knows, they might return the favor one of these days.

3. Make sure that nothing goes to waste.

Avoid applying too much toothpaste on your brush, the same goes for your soap and shampoos. Soap should not be left submerged in water, unless you want them to go out fast. When applying shampoo, be sure to take a small amount, then spread them on your palm, at least you’ll be able to maximize them. Roll up your toothpaste tube, never leaving any amount to waste. When it comes to edibles, cook only the right amount for that particular meal; never prepare anything in excess, unless you’re planning to have leftovers for the next day.

4. Manage your budget before proceeding to the grocery.

Live within your means. If your budget dictates smaller supplies for the month then at least orient everyone in the household. Let them know that no amount shall go to waste, regardless if it’s edible or non-edible. Supplies are scarce and the budget is tight, hence you may need to maximize every resource at hand. One main consequence of unwisely using up your supply is that there may never be another stock until the next month. If you need to sacrifice a bit of the toiletries, then feel free to do so. Do not disregard food products though, as everyone in the household needs their nutrients.

Now that we’ve discussed how you would maximize your monthly budget, it would only be proper that we discuss your options when it comes to keeping that budget safe. You’re probably looking to open a bank account in the Philippines that you’d be able to trust with all of your hard-earned money. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s MicroSavings Account. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus Cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Needs vs Wants

Most of the time, you may find yourself spending more on things which you do not need. Yes, we always have countless necessities when it comes to achieving convenience, but are they really that necessary? There’s nothing wrong about attaining your wants, but once they start to get in the way of your budget, certain steps have to be taken in order to halt expenditures. You may ask, “How may I distinguish my needs from my wants?” Well, look no further than our valuable tips:

1. No one can survive without needs.

Food, water, nutrients, medicine, you name it. All of the things which add to your good health are the perfect examples of needs. Just take a look at your monthly grocery list – more than half of those written are food and beverages, basic sustenance which provides those well-needed energy and nutrients for your body. Wants, on the other hand, are those which you can live without. They may add ease, pleasure, and convenience, but even when they’re not present, you can still survive.

2. Wants will always be costlier than needs.

Just think about it, you’d be able to save more if you were to cook your own meal, rather than buy them ready-to-eat through fast food or a restaurant. The same goes for cellphones and other forms of gadgets. If your unit still works then you would no longer need to buy a new one, or until such time that your current unit fully gives up due to overuse. Wants are basically costlier than needs. This is due to the fact that wants dwell more on the brand and aesthetics, rather than basic functionality. Consider our first two examples, expensive meals from fine-dining restaurants provide a perfect setup for social media photos, the same goes for expensive gadgets; you’re merely paying for the brand name, and not for its functionality (you’d only need it for call and text, after all).

3. One will always outweigh the other.

Needswill always top wants as a priority. When you’re trying to decide whether you’re going to avail that new cellphone unit or that delicious pack of organic vegetables, consider which would be most advantageous to you. The main thing about wants is that they would only provide temporary comfort, temporary happiness. Needs are more long-term, and you’ll feel the advantages for years to come. That example we mentioned earlier, that tough choice between a new cellphone and a pack of organic vegetables, you’re more inclined to experience the latter’s benefits than the former.

While mastering to differentiate your needs from your wants would be most beneficial to you in the long run, you must also consider saving up for the future. There are countless expenditures along the way, sudden expenses, emergencies, etc. So much that you would at least need to set aside a few amounts every month to make up for your “needs.” You may have to open a savings account if you’d want to achieve that. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings Account. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus Cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Safety Tips in Banking

We all go to the bank every once in a while to do a few transactions. Most of the time, we approach the ATM machines to withdraw, but sometimes, we incline towards depositing a particular amount to add to our savings. In such case, the duration of time we spend in the bank may not be that long, but those short, important moments should be spent in caution, as the safety and privacy of our money and account details should be a top priority. With that being said, here are a few banking safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Never share your account details.

This is always rule number one. Yes, there are tellers to assist you in your transactions, but remember that all bank personnel should be in proper uniform, complete with an official bank ID. If someone were to approach you offering to help, yet not in proper bank uniform, then feel free to report them to the security guard or personnel. And as much as you are in a hurry, never leave your details to someone offering to do your transactions for you. Remember that your details should be “for your eyes only,” not for anyone else.

2. Properly fall in line.

This may seem unworthy of a safety tip, but think about it, you want to make the most out of your busy schedule, and getting in the wrong line would be a waste of time. Not only that, there are people out there, “fixers” if you may call them, who would offer to do your transactions out of line in favor of you catching up to that other appointment. This is risky and should never be tolerated. If you want to finish your transactions early, at least arrive early to avoid long lines, and once you arrive, inquire which line would best assist you in your transactions.

3. Mind your belongings. Keep your cards and IDs secured.

The only time that you’d take out your cards is when you’re presenting them to the teller for verification, other than that, you should secure your items of interest in your wallet or purse. There is a reason why they’re called items of interest – others may find interest in them as well, but not in a very good way. Scams are rampant nowadays and you wouldn’t want to be next on their list.

4. Write your account details legibly on the form, and hand it only to the teller.

Keep your filled form with you at all times and don’t hand them to anyone else. Remember to write your personal info legibly so that the teller wouldn’t need to verbally clarify on them. This may be overheard and used by scammers, so make sure that your penmanship is readable by the bank teller’s standards. Also, don’t just keep them in your back pocket while in line, at least be cautious enough to hold them all throughout, folded to prevent anyone from peeking your info.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, which now is a cash agent of Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank that offers Micro Savings. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our branches to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Teaching Your Kids to Save

Teaching your kids to save is not an easy task. They do not understand yet the concept of money earned and money well-spent, which is why you should think outside the box when trying to orient them about how they handle their own money. Especially at an early age, kids are prone to learn about the basic things in life, which is why you should strike whilst the iron is hot and take this very opportunity to teach them about the importance of saving. Here are just a few valuable tips:

 

1. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

First of all, make them realize that money isn’t something that pops out of nowhere, neither is it easy to attain. Each centavo is hard-earned and you should make them realize that. Let them know that there is a reason why you do not spend all your money in one go. Be creative in explaining, using examples and metaphors for the message to sink in. There are also various fables concerning this life lesson, hence, dust off those old story books.

 

2. The advantages of saving.

While explaining the importance of saving, you may encounter this particular topic. There are always advantages in saving money, and what better way to convince your kids to save than to inform them of these advantages. Your kids may not realize it at first, but these advantages can go a long way. Letting them save for their toys for example can develop their awareness with how saving can help them achieve their dreams. They may also develop this into a habit, saving every month so they have something to spend come Christmas time.

 

3. The disadvantages of not saving.

Okay, you’ve discussed the advantages once they save, but never forget the disadvantages once they don’t. As much as you wouldn’t want them to learn of the ugly things in life, like the lack of money and thereof, you should not sugarcoat the reality of too much spending. Any resource which is unwisely spent would run out, and money is no exemption. Let them know that once they’ve used up their pocket money, you wouldn’t give them anymore of the same amount, as you are sticking to your tight budget as well.

 

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings (and perhaps a Kids Savings Account for your little ones as well). Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Cebuana Lhuillier wins international customer service awards for second time

 

 

Cebuana Lhuillier officers join Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO in posing with the International Service Excellence award was during the company’s Client Experience Awards. (from left to right : Rolando Dario, Regional Manager, Jose Miguel Jimenez, First Vice President and Head of Pawnshop Operations, Ergilio Ong, First Vice President and Head of Information and Communications Technology, Marissa Ancog, First Vice President and Head of Corporate Planning, Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO, Feliciano Vizcarra, Regional Manager, Vincent Gomez, Regional Manager, Joel Da Costa, Regional Manager)

Cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippines’ largest micro-financial services provider, won once again the distinction of being the ‘Best of the Best’ at the recently concluded 2018 International Service Excellence Awards (ISEA) by the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA). The award cemented the company’s legacy as a global leader in the service experience.

“To receive this award for the second time validates the positive results of our tireless efforts to continuously improve and provide only the best customer experience to every client we serve,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. The well-respected Filipino businessman and philanthropist added, “On behalf of the company, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to CSIA for recognizing Cebuana Lhuillier once again as a pillar of excellence in quality customer service. We will continue to find new and innovative ways to offer products and services that are more accessible and relevant to our patrons and that adhere to international customer service standards.”

 

CSIA Managing Director Christine Churchill noted that the winners of this year’s ISEA are organizations and individuals that are committed to service excellence by using a brilliant combination of their people and cutting edge technology to enhance their client experiences.       

“The 2018 awards race was absolutely outstanding! The calibre of entries and variety of industries represented were the most to date,” added Churchill who is also the vice president of the International Council of Customer Service Organizations (ICCSO). “It is exciting to see the great strides these organizations and leaders are taking.”

ISEA adheres to the International Customer Service Standard (ICSS), which provides a comprehensive and practical framework to assist organizations in delivering consistently high levels of service. This standard, based on the balanced scorecard methodology, reviews organizations to determine if the customer is the focus of the business and how that is supported through culture, processes, procedures, training, hiring practices, and daily actions.

 

It was in 2016 when Cebuana Lhuillier bagged its first “Best of the Best” award. In the same year, the company also secured its re-certified ICSS Gold status and achieved an overall average score of 8.70, the highest achieved by an organization, for the second year in a row.

CORPORATE AGENT PARTNERS

  • ACTION.ABLE, INC.
  • ALL ACCESS GATEWAY INC.
  • ANTRECCO (AGUSAN DEL NORTE TEACHERS, RETIREES, EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE)
  • ACM VIP
  • ALL CASH
  • AGRILIFE/ AGRIVET
  • ASENSO PINOY STORE, INC. (EASY DAY SHOP)
  • AVICOM ENTERPRISES
  • AYALA ALABANG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
  • BAUG CARP MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • BAGUIO BENGUET COOP
  • CARD BANK INC
  • CARD MRI RIZAL BANK INC
  • CARD SME BANK
  • CARITAS BANCO NG MASA, INC.
  • CEBU PEOPLE’S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • CIS BAYAD CENTER, INC
  • COOPERATIVE BANK OF BOHOL, INC
  • COUNTRY BUILDERS BANK
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • AEON CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (VIA ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE INC.
  • ALPHA FUND SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMADEO WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMYA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC. AND FINANCING CORPORATION (LENDPINOY)
  • ANGAT WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANGELES ELECTRIC COMPANY ANGELICUM SCHOOL , INC. ILOILO CITY (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANJELMAN REAL ESTATE LEASING
  • ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOP, INC ANTRECCO (BILLS PAYMENT)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (via ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (via ECPAY)
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

List of Accepted Government/ Valid IDs

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  • OFW ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR)
  • Barangay Certificate or ID (with picture and signature)
  • Birth Certificate (applicable to minors only)
  • Firearm License
  • Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Marriage License
  • National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
  • New TIN ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Student ID
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Government Office or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID (e.g. AFP ID, HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund) ID, etc.
  • Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP)
  • Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or IC (Insurance Commission)

IDs Accepted

As required by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), clients who engage in a financial transaction with covered institutions for the first time shall be required to present the original and submit a clear copy of at least ONE (1) valid photo-bearing identification document issued by an official authority. For our clients’ convenience, Cebuana no longer requires submission of the photocopied ID. IDs are captured using a webcam in all branches. Clients are also required to submit an updated photo and other relevant information whenever the need for it arises.

Forms of identification accepted are the following;

Pawn Accepted IDs
1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5. Police Clearance
6. Postal ID
7. Voter’s ID
8. Philippine Identification (PhilID) card
9. Social Security System (SSS) Card / Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
10. Barangay Certification
11. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
12. Senior Citizen Card
13. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
14. OFW ID
15. Seaman’s Book
16. Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration (for foreigners)
17. Government Office and GOCC ID, e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID)
18. Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)
19. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
20. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
21. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
22. Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission or Insurance Commission
23. ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)