The Magic Number: How Much Should I Send My Loved Ones During the Pandemic?

Coronavirus has affected millions of Filipinos around the world. Many have experienced significant financial losses; others have lost their jobs. Because of such, some of your loved ones may turn to different financial institutions to help themselves and provide for their daily needs. But the problem would be, those institutions can’t give much flexibility in loaning money. Their second option would be borrowing money from you.

 

It would be fortunate for them if it’s amenable for you to lend them a substantial amount of money to help them get through the crisis. But it’s also natural if you have second thoughts on lending money because lending money can turn awry. On the one hand, it’s terrible for you if they won’t be able to return the money; but on the other hand, you’re helping a family member get back on their feet.

 

If you decide to help them out, the question that’s probably running in your head would be, what’s the fair amount to lend anyone during this difficult time?

According to the New York times, before sending money to someone, you should first reflect on what your intention is—if it’s a loan or a gift. If it’s a loan, you should advise your loved ones the terms of lending him money. You may tell them that he can give back your money as soon as he already has a new job or clearly state that you will need the money at a particular time and if he could pay you back by that time. It’s important to tell them these kinds of things as many families are almost torn apart just because of money.

 

In any terms, you should prepare for lapses. It’s because lending money can have certain consequences that may occur after.

 

Let’s say that you have six months of emergency money.  If you gave two months of it to your sibling who was laid off from his work, don’t expect him to pay you back soon because it’s unsure whether your sibling can find a new job within two months. You should also have extra money for yourself should your brother fail to pay you back at the agreed time.

If you’re not comfortable with that kind of setup, you should ask yourself if you can afford to loan a loved one. Moreover, you should also probably consider planning before lending some money. Set clear payment terms before giving your loved ones a loan. It can help you clarify the appropriate amount to be remitted during this pandemic and the time you want to get your money back in full.

 

You must know when to draw the line in lending money. It’s nice to provide when you can, but if you also have your own liabilities, it’ll be smarter to make sure that you’re able to cover yourself first. It will be better for you to be honest with your loved ones or relatives about your current financial capabilities, so they’d understand. You don’t need to bleed yourself out just to accommodate everyone.

 

It might be awkward, but it wouldn’t be nice if you can’t pay your bills just because you’re trying to be generous when you couldn’t afford it. If you think you have more than enough, then that’s when you can extend your help to anyone.

 

Furthermore, there are also alternative ways to help if you can’t lend a lot of money to your loved ones.

 

For instance, your brother didn’t lose his job, but his company cut his salary as they experienced financial problems brought by the pandemic. In this case, if you can’t afford to send him money, you can lend him your vehicle temporarily, so he can use it to go to work. If he needs an internet connection, you can let him stay with you for a while to continue his work remotely. You may also consider sending him some food necessities to lessen his burden on where to get money to buy his food.

 

These simple acts of kindness can help your loved ones know that they’re not alone during this health crisis. You are right in being a responsible sibling and family member. You must be thankful that you are blessed enough to provide help and assistance to other people. Be that as it may, don’t forget to keep your finances in check. Make sure you have enough resources before keeping others warm.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier can help you to be more financially secured. With their Micro Savings, you can  open your own bank account to save money without maintaining balance. You can also use their other services like Pera Padala and pawning, where remittances and transactions are fast, convenient, and safe. So, what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Limits: Cebuana Lhuillier Partners with Western Union for Cross-Border Remittance

You may be experiencing a hard time figuring out how you can send or receive money from your loved ones abroad and the Philippines, especially today that fewer banks are operating due to the pandemic. There are also longer lines because of the health protocols implemented in different banks. It’s good to know that, somehow, other businesses are teaming up to accommodate the people’s needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Two of the famous money-sending companies in the country and abroad joined forces for cross-border remittances.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier and Western Union have come together to give their customers a more convenient way to connect with their loved ones. This partnership allows CebuanaLhuillier customers to transact through its 2,500 branches and send and receive money via Western Union’s global network in more than 200 countries and territories. The wider reach and more accessible remittance process will meet the needs of the Filipinos locally and internationally.

 

According to Cebuana Lhuillier’s CEO and president Jean Henri Lhuillier, “This partnership with Western Union is a prudent step in ensuring accessibility for the millions of Filipinos around the world and in paving the way for a future-proof network with presence in almost all parts of the globe.”

 

Cebuana Lhuillier, as one of the microfinance services providers, and Western Union believe that they can help many Filipinos amid the COVID-19 pandemic as people find it challenging to get their needs, including financial services. Both companies know that their strategic collaboration will be reliable and a quick cash solution to reach more customers.

 

“In an age when speed, reliability, and convenience mean everything, we are increasing the number of touchpoints where our customers can access our services and connect with their loved ones around the world,” said Jean Claude Farah, president of the Western Union Global Network.

 

Because of the significant alliance between the two companies, Cebuana Lhuillier continued to put forward its vision to empower Filipinos through financial services. Western Union, on the other hand, can help other businesses to expand their global reach.

 

To guide you in sending money from abroad to the Philippines, you may follow these simple steps:

 

  • Visit Western Union and fill out the r form.
  • Along with your valid ID, submit the accomplished form.
  • Give the total amount to be paid to the branch personnel.
  • Remember to secure the official receipt or your proof of remittances.
  • Give the remittance number to the receiver or beneficiary from the Philippines.

 

We advise that the receiver should provide the control number and present it with an ID upon claiming of remittance.

 

For those who need to send money from the Philippines to a loved one abroad,

 

  • You should visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch and fill out the Pera Padala
  • With your form, present your valid ID and your 24k card (if you are a 24k cardholder) to the branch personnel.
  • Give the total amount to be paid to the branch personnel.
  • Secure the Pera Padala form.
  • Don’t forget to provide the receiver or beneficiary the 10-digit control number.

 

 

Aside from remittance, Cebuana Lhuillier acts as a cash agent for its rural bank and provides micro-savings bank account to millions of Filipinos. It also provides digital access such as eCebuana for a faster and more convenient way in transactions.

 

About Western Union

 

Meanwhile, Western Union serves customers worldwide through innovation– from a fast-growing digital network of web, app, and the largest number of Agent retail locations across the world. They also help not only the consumers but businesses offering convenient options to meet their business needs.

 

Lhuiller believes that their partnership will help nurture their growing clientele, as well as give more people a chance to be part of  faster and easier transactions to help each other financially, “We are more than thrilled to collaborate with Western Union as their company values line up perfectly with our core of facilitating financial inclusion for the underserved Filipinos and expanding our reach makes that all the more possible.”

 

As the Philippines is the fourth largest remittance-receiving country globally, the collaboration will surely help a lot of Filipinos. Giving them access to Western Union and vise versa, anytime and anywhere in the globe, will save a lot of time and can ensure safety during this health crisis. Through the simple procedure of Pera Padala and the use of digital applications, you can now send and receive money quickly.

 

To make it more convenient, Western Union provides you with their Agent Locator to help you find the nearest accredited remittance locations for your transactions. It will guarantee your convenience as you don’t have to travel and expose you to places with COVID-19 cases. In addition to this, you may visit the Cebuana Lhuillier website for their open branch locator and make an online transaction appointment before visiting your preferred branch. In this way, you won’t have to wait in line for your turn, and you can skip filling out the tedious forms. How easy is that? So, what are you waiting for? Transact with us now!

 

Safe Travels: The Dos and Don’ts of Travelling During the Pandemic

We bet that you’re longing for an adventure or a relaxing getaway! But because of the quarantine, many air, land, and water transportation have been banned bans and restrictions to travel both locally and internationally have been placed. This health crisis has left people around the world with limited travel options. We’ve seen as well that the government is putting guidelines before you’ll be allowed to travel.

With that, here’s what you should know before going on a trip.

Get yourself tested

Before you decide to go out of your house, you should make sure that you don’t have any of these following COVID-19 symptoms.

 

  • The most common symptoms are:
    • Fever
    • Dry cough
    • Tiredness
  • Less common symptoms:
    • Sore throat
    • Headache
    • Aches and pains
    • Diarrhea
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
  • Serious symptoms:
    • Loss of speech or movement
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Chest pain or pressure

 

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms you should isolate yourself first and intend not to go out anymore. You may also call the Department of Health (DOH) hotline ((02) 894 COVID (26843) or 1555) or your barangay for their instructions and/or medical care.

 

 

Wear protective equipment

People are required to wear protective equipment especially if you’re taking public transportation. These are highly recommended to use as everyday protection when going outside of your house. Such equipment includes the following:

 

  • Face mask – place it carefully to cover the mouth and nose and tie securely to minimize the gaps between the face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask when outside,
  • Face shield – this should cover your forehead down to your chin, and both your ears.

 

You may also put on a pair of gloves, if you want, so you can avoid direct handling of possibly contaminated items while you go shopping. Then, make sure that the equipment you used will be cleaned and washed after. If you’re using a disposable face mask, you should properly dispose of it by putting it in a separate ‘yellow color-coded plastic bag’ (for biomedical waste collection). This will help you prevent the virus from spreading into your house and helps protect garbage collectors too.

 

 

Carry all the essentials

Make sure that you all have with you the necessary things that you need for your hygiene. You can pack up some pairs of gloves, masks, wipes, alcohol, and hand sanitizers. Regularly use your alcohol when you’re not wearing gloves. You should treat everyone as a potential carrier to be more cautious. With that, you should avoid passing any of your essentials to another person.

 

You can also take some toothpick with you and use them to push the elevator or ATM buttons without directly touching them. Remember as well that it will be helpful if you put your devices and documents in polyethylene bags or containers while passing through security checks in different establishments.

 

 

Get medical and travel history

Part of the travel guidelines issued by the Philippine government and other countries, you should be prepared to show your medical and travel histories before allowing you to enter their province or country. These will prove that you haven’t been ill that might indicate that you were a virus carrier and their record in contact tracing. Make sure to have at least updated records from the past 14 days to help you get through the checks.

 

It’s understandable that most of us still need to go out for work and for some errands especially now that most of the cities and provinces are in a more relaxed quarantine. Just make sure that you will practice social distancing and know what you need to do and have.

 

Moreover, if you are part of a few who are privileged to have their own vehicle, you still need to be careful (not just with the COVID-19) as accidents may come in the way. To make you protected, Cebuana Lhuillier offers you its innovative microinsurance product for your vehicle. This vehicle insurance is called Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance ready to provide you financial protection against physical damage or bodily injury caused by vehicular accident. Plus, if you get insured, you may have a chance to win a new motorcycle to help you and your loved ones in their solo travel. With every purchase of CTPL, you can have a one (1) e-raffle entry.

 

If you want to know more about our services and products, visit us at our www.cebuanalhuiller.com

 

 

A Green Alternative to Saving Money During the Quarantine Period

Gardening is booming during this pandemic. Many are calling themselves “Plantitos” and “Plantitas” as they take care of plants and grow their own food amid the quarantine. People also make use of propagating plants to relieve stress and save money.

But why is gardening so comforting? How can it help you to save and gain profit? Here’s what we’ve gathered.

 

Keeping you and the environment well

Being healthy is important and taking your time to reconnect with the environment will give you experiences that help you improve your health both physically and mentally. Science champions the power of planting as it can be a therapy to reduce stress, hypertension, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. There are aromatic plants, that you can buy online or from physical stores, which help you remain calm. Meanwhile, the act of gardening is physically beneficial because you are using several of your muscles.

 

In addition, you can help the planet through planting or gardening. Plants give off the oxygen we breathe and take in carbon dioxide which helps the Earth’s atmosphere in providing you with fresh air and a cool climate. For some who don’t have outdoor space for this new hobby, you can make a small terrarium which can be installed inside your house as it doesn’t require much space. It will improve your household environment by minimizing extreme temperature and reduce energy consumption. You can also use this opportunity to learn or upgrade your waste management skills. It involves composting where you use decaying organic materials as a plant fertilizer. It will not only nourish your plants and crops, but also reduce your carbon footprint and generate less waste.

 

Furthermore, this new hobby can be good for family interactions. With everybody taking care of the plants, you can all reduce your dependency on gadgets and develop a deeper relationship with your family.

 

Access to food

There are different varieties of plants, vegetables, and fruits that can be found in our environment. Some establishments and businesses have seeds of such variety, but since it’s difficult to go outside because of the quarantine, there are online sellers whose products include organic seeds. You can also get some stems and seeds from the vegetables and fruits you bought or that are stored in your fridges such as peppers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, guavas, and papayas. By planting their stems and seeds in your garden or terrarium, you can now have a better supply of food that you can assure of its quality–also, chemical-free.

 

Own a mini farmer’s market and SAVE!

Taking care of plants and producing your own crops can earn and save you some money. By making your own garden, you can eventually build your own mini farmer’s market. The plants and crops that you get from gardening can save you money from transportation to the supermarket and buy a bunch of food items. Then, you can actually earn as your market can be your friends, neighbors, or people buying online. You can sell them a 100% organic and 100% fresh as you can easily pick them up in the garden and have them delivered to your customers in an instant. This, surely, can be a better way to earn because the pandemic has caused shortages in the grocery store.

 

And to keep your savings safe, why not try to secure them through Micro Savings.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier offers you its Micro Savings product with no maintaining balance needed. So, you can put as low as P50 into your account until you can earn more from your mini-farmers market.

 

Clearly, gardening is going to play an important role in our society, during and after this pandemic. Being in quarantine can make you explore biodiversity, practice simple living, and at the same time, be an entrepreneur. That’s why it’s important that at this point, you’ll have access to at least a small garden, so you can expand in the future to avoid any new sources of carbon emissions and gain more profit.

 

If you want to know more about our services and products, visit us at our www.cebuanalhuiller.com

 

 

 

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation gives donation proceeds to ALS teachers affected by new normal

CEBUANA Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) is making proceeds from its call for donations on the KINDerplatform available for the use of teachers under the alternative learning system (ALS).

The donations, coursed through the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. platform, are expected to help ALS teachers cope with the blended learning scheme implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd).

“I am glad that our advocacies are able to adapt to what our stakeholders currently need, and truly help those who have difficulty adjusting to the new normal,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of CebuanaLhuillier.

The donations will be used to equip teachers with a laptop unit, a printer, a projector, and a screen to help them adapt to DepEd’s learning continuity plan which includes the digitalization of teaching modules used for instruction.

“This recalibration of our thrust for call for donations comes at a most opportune time because we can only be sure that no student is left behind once we guarantee that no teacher is left behind,” said Jonathan Batangan, CLFI executive director.

KINDer is Aboitiz Foundation’s advocacy crowdfundingwebsite which houses various advocacy campaigns in the country. Through a few clicks, KINDer users can browse through the different campaigns and donate towardssupporting their chosen advocacies.

Sangla Papremyo 2020 Winners

Congratulations sa winners ng SANGLA PAPREMYO! Marami pa kaming papremyo para sa inyo kaya basta sangla, ipa-Cebuana!

Monthly Winners

R1A

R1B

R2A

R2B

R3

R4A

R4B

R5

 

Grand Draw Winners

R1A

R1B

R2A

R2B

R3

R4A

R4B

R5

 

 

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)