Keeping it simple with Citi Simplicity+ Card

Citi Simplicity+ offers 10% back on interest charges for on-time payments, no annual fee,
no late payment fees and no overlimit fees.

Citi Philippines recently launched its newest credit card product, dubbed Citi Simplicity+, which is touted as an industry first for the country – offering no annual fee, no late payment fees, and no overlimit fees, as well as 10% back on interest charges for on-time payments. The introduction of Citi Simplicity+ responds to the needs of consumers for a card that’s well-suited for busy lifestyles, by providing a remarkable customer experience that’s simple and convenient.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed said, “Citi Simplicity+ is an example of Citi’s commitment to putting our clients’ interests first while creating economic value.  With Simplicity+, we simplify the client experience and make it more convenient and beneficial for our clients to undertake everyday purchases and transactions.”  

Other benefits available to Citi Simplicity+ cardholders include Citi PayLite for easy installment purchases, Click for Cash for emergency cash loans, Citi One Bill for hassle-free auto-debit payments, and a world of special privileges on shopping, travel, and dining.

Says David Stoughton, head of Credit Payment Products at Citi Philippines:
“With a growing urban population in the Philippines where people are living in a much more fast-paced environment, Citi Simplicity+ offers  consumers peace of mind with its simplified terms and conditions, no annual fee, no late fees, and no overlimit fees. This is extremely convenient for people who are constantly on the go, managing multiple tasks and schedules. Through Citi Simplicity+, we are also showing our appreciation to those who pay on time by giving them 10% back on interest charges.”

The Citi Simplicity brand has been rolled out previously in the US, Australia, UAE, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

To apply for the Citi Simplicity+ Card, please visit https://www.citibank.com.ph/simplicity

Tsinelas to Superheroes: The Elmer Padilla Story

The artist shares the secret ingredient for his quality work.

From salt-powered lamps to the legendary karaoke machine, stories of Filipino ingenuity and creativity have always inspired us, as well as people all over the world. Now, we take a look at the latest among our countrymen to be recognized on the international stage for his brilliance.

Last September, Elmer Padilla made headlines when his handmade action figures, made of recycled tsinelas, were posted on Facebook. He has since made an appearance on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, and his work was even handed to Thor: Ragnarok actors Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, who praised Elmer’s depictions of their characters.

Elmer has always loved action figures, though he could never really afford them as a child. He turned to his creativity at a young age so that he could make his own. “Nine years old po ako noong magstart ako sa paggawa. Hindi pa po character ang mga ginagawa ko noon. Bangka-bangka lang po gamit ang mga tsinelas na sira hanggang sa nakakabuo na ako ng mga robot sa sarili kong imahinasyon. Hanggang sa nahilig ako sa mga action figures sa movie. Sinubukan ko na po gumaya ng mga action figures. (I was nine years old when I started making these. At the time, I didn’t make characters. I just made boats out of broken flip-flops until I was able to make robots of my own imagination. Then, I began taking an interest in action figures from movies. At that point, I tried imitating action figures.),” he said.

Originally hailing from Samar, Elmer, his wife, and two daughters recently moved to Imus, Cavite to try and fulfill his dream of making and selling action figures. It was here that he was discovered selling his tsinelas action figures on the streets, and from there, his fame skyrocketed.

Today, Elmer receives guidance from Jerry Santos, a toymaker who makes life-sized statues for his store, Jerry’s Life-Size Statues and Collectibles. Orders for his work have piled up so much, he can barely keep up with demand. “Actually, sa isang araw, nakakatanggap kami ng 70 orders. Yung iba hindi na niya nasasagot sa social media dahil nga medyo busy na rin talaga. Akala nila suplado si Elmer pero talagang marami lang talagang dating ng order. (Actually, in a single day, we can receive up to 70 orders. He can’t respond to the others on social media because he’s really busy. They think Elmer is being snobbish, but really, there are just so many orders coming in.),” Jerry Santos said.

Elmer’s primary expense in making his action figures has been the purchase of MIGHTY BOND. Sometimes, when he runs out of money, he’d just buy ordinary shoe glue, but this lowers the quality of his work. “Kapag ordinaryong shoe glue lang talaga, madaling matanggal ang dikit kapag natutuyo na. Kapag MIGHTY BOND ang gamit ko, mabilis dumikit at matibay kahit na yung sa mga parte pa ng action figures na mahirap dumikit gaya nung mga wires at plastic. (When I use just ordinary shoe glue, the stickiness easily fades when it dries. When I use MIGHTY BOND, it sticks quickly and it stays sturdy, even with the parts of the action figures that are hard to glue like wires and plastic.),” he said.

Right now, Elmer’s income from his craft remains a little slow, as it’s just him working on fulfilling the orders. Already, though, he’s being courted by international flip-flop brands hoping to become his supplier. And in the coming days, he’s going to personally hand action figures to President Duterte and President Trump, during the ASEAN Summit.

In spite of rising fame and fortune, Elmer’s dreams remain squarely grounded at home. He wants to be able to buy a house for his family, and buy whatever they need. With all the hard work he puts in for his family, he truly is as good as the superheroes he depicts.

It’s a #Lucky2018 with Edu, Luis, and the new Shakey’s meal deal

How do you ensure good luck in 2018? It's simple - surround yourself with family and good friends, spread good vibes, and gather around a heart-warming meal with the people you love spending time with.

This is exactly what father and son Edu and Luis Manzano intend to do this year. Luis has been part of the Shakey’s family since last year and has been renewed to be joined by his father, Edu. Both are known for their playful nature and are mostly followed on social media for their hilarious videos and posts.

They appear in the newest advertisement where Edu is dressed in polka dots from head-to-toe, while Luis debunks this popular belief and shows his dad how to truly get lucky this New Year – by availing Shakey’s hottest 2018 Meal Deal.

Shakey’s president and chief executive officer Vicente Gregorio is very enthusiastic about their new tandem. “Edu and Luis embody the brand in every way, which is why we are excited to welcome them into the Shakey’s family this 2018,” he said. “Guests will surely be lucky with this meal deal, since Shakey’s is centered on exceeding their expectations. Each year, it has become a tradition for Shakey’s to offer something more fun and family-friendly with our meal deals, and this 2018 is no different as we present the 2018 Meal Deal,” he added.

With these savings, guests are indeed lucky with Shakey’s 2018 Meal Deal! Get two large Thin Crust pizzas, two platters of pasta, ten pieces of Chicken ‘n’ Mojos, ten pieces Mozzarella sticks, a platter of salad, and two pitchers of iced tea. And this year, there’s the new addition to their pasta choices – Bacon & Cheese Fusilli Pasta, a delicious creamy blend of parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar, plus crispy bacon bits baked with fusilli pasta! On top of all the fun, you also get a free SuperCard! Experience the full #Lucky2018 by Shakey’s with this sweet deal only for P2,018.

“Since way back, Shakey’s has always been a staple whenever there are family get-togethers and whatnot. I’m really glad and honored to be a part of the Shakey’s family,” said Edu.

For Luis, it is a win-win situation. “I am a big fan of the brand. I tweet about it and constantly order pizza when I’m home or at work,” he said. “Aside from that, I get to work with my dad, which makes it a lot more special,” he added.

Whether it be bonding time with the family, hanging out with the entire barkada, or just simply spending some alone time, you can always count on Shakey’s to give you a great experience.

Now you know how to achieve a #Lucky2018! Spend time with your loved ones, and make it more special by availing Shakey’s 2018 Meal Deal. You will never go wrong.

To learn more about the 2018 Meal Deal, visit their website www.shakeyspizza.ph, their official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ShakeysPH/ and Instagram page www.instagram.com/shakeysph.

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