Extended! Multiple Entry Visa for BPI and BDO Cardholders and How To Get Yourself One

There was a time that I thought that gaining a single entry Korean visa is impossible, let alone a multiple one. I've also always thought that with way to much Koreans in the Philippines, it is really unfair that we Filipinos are given a hard time entering their country. Thanks to BDO and BPI, more Filipinos are able to get multiple entry visa for being a Gold or higher credit card holder. Yes, getting a credit card is still quite hard for some Pinoys but if you have the will, BDO (and BPI) have the way. :)

Here's some tips on how to get at least a Gold credit card with BPI and BDO.

1. Get a secured credit card. 

I for one did this trick. See my blog post here. In a nutshell, a secured credit card is a type of credit card wherein you have a hold amount as a collateral for the card. It functions like a normal credit card and is also eligible for the promotion. As of writing, you need at least Php75,000 credit limit. This means that your hold out amount should be at least Php94,000 as BPI promises a credit limit of  80%-90% of your hold amount. To make sure that I meet that point, I kissed my Php100,000 goodbye for a year.

BDO on the other hand is a different story. It is not that well known but BDO offers a secured credit card, they just don't have it publicly announced. You have to go to your branch of account and hope that a manager knows about it. It may mean opening a time deposit account. To have a gold credit card, its credit limit should at least be Php50,000.

2. Ask for a credit limit increase

This is applicable for those who has a regular credit card with BDO or BPI but in a lower tier. As soon as your card turns 6 months, you can request for a limit of at least Php75,000 for BPI and Php50,000 for BDO. Pray hard for it to be granted then request for a card upgrade to Gold. This was how my friend got his Gold BDO card. He was luckily given a Shopmore card with Php50,000 limit. He immediately requested for an upgrade upon receipt and after one month, went on to successfully secure himself a three year multiple entry.

This Credit Card promotion was introduced  way back in 2015 and is extended up to December, 2019! You can check it here in the Korean Embassy’s announcement section.

Cheers!

Bank Codes in the Philippines

In line with my blog post about adding a bank account to your PayPal account, you need to enter a bank code. as with PayPal Philippines, to complete your PayPal withdrawal, you will need to enter the name of your bank, your bank account number and the corresponding 9-digit bank code, which identifies your bank.

Here's a summary of the different bank codes in the Philippines. 

BANK NAME	9 digit bank code
ALLIED BANKING CORP	010320013
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND	010700015
ASIA UNITED BANK	011020011
BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS	010030015
BANGKOK BANK	010670019
BANK OF AMERICA	010120019
BANK OF CHINA	011140014
BANK OF TOKYO	010460012
BANCO DE ORO (& EPCIB)	010530667
BANK OF COMMERCE	010440016
BANK OF THE PHIL ISLANDS	010040018
CHINA BANKING CORP	010100013
CHINA TRUST COMML BANK	010690015
CITIBANK N.A.	010070017
DEVT BANK OF THE PHILS	010590018
DEUTSCHE BANK	010650013
EAST WEST BANK	010620014
EXPORT & INDUSTRY BANK	010860010
FUJI BANK	010640010
HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK	010060014
INTL COMML BANK OF CHINA	010560019
INTL EXCHANGE BANK	010680012
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK	010720011
KOREA EXCHANGE BANK	010710018
INTL NEDERLAND BANK	010660016
LAND BANK OF THE PHILS	010350025
MAYBANK OF THE PHILS	010220016
METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO	010269996
PHIL BANK OF COMMUNICATION	010110016
PHIL TRUST COMPANY	010090039
PHIL NATIONAL BANK	010080010
PRUDENTIAL BANK	010150018
PHIL VETERANS BANK	010330016
RIZAL COMML BANKING CORP	010280014
SECURITY BANK & TRUST CO	010140015
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK	010050011
UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK	010299995
UNION BANK OF THE PHILS	010419995
UNITED OVERSEAS BANK	010270189

Cheers!

How to Add a Bank Account to your PayPal account

I'm an occasional online seller, and in times of sales, I usually prefer cash on collection or meet ups as it is more reliable and no fees are charged. However, venturing on eBay's international selling, I have no choice but to add PayPal as my accepted payment method. When a buyer pays, I would need to withdraw it to my bank account. At this point, I found another use for my Eastwest account as I've read that no fees are charged when withdrawing funds. Will confirm that when I have a balance to withdraw. Unionbank is another option but it charges php10 per ATM withdrawal. Every peso counts. Haha!  What I know is that it would be PayPal who would charge Php50 for each withdrawal instances. So, here's my mini guide on adding your bank account details on your PayPal account.

1. Log in to your PayPal account
2. Click on the "Wallet"link on top of the page.

3. Click on the "Add bank account"link.

3. Enter your bank details, then click the "Save"button. Make sure you provide correct and similar details as to your PayPal details to avoid that Php250 returned fees.

4. Congratulations! You have added your bank account. Easy peasy!

5. You should also receive a confirmation email to your registered email address.

I've read somewhere that PayPal sends a confirmation code to your bank account whenever you add one. I didn't receive any and was not asked to check my online account for a PayPal code. I guess it's because I already have a credit card on file. Or maybe I will  be once I try withdrawing funds. For now, I wait,

Cheers!

Credit Card Promo - Citi Bankwide Member Get Member Program

If PNB holds a special place in my heart for being the first credit card issuer to grant me a regular credit card, Citibank also holds another place for a different reason.

Citibank, being an international bank, is one, if not the most recognizable brand in terms of credit card brands. Ask anyone for the top three credit card issuer in the country, I'm 100% sure that Citibank would be on the list. This is why aside from having a gold credit card from BDO or BPI for my 3 year multiple entry to Korea hopes, I tried my luck in getting a Citibank credit card.

And I tried. And tried. And yet still tried.

Yes, I tried for at least 8 times before getting approved. I have had one planner, an umbrella and 6 tubs of Chef Tony's popcorn before getting their elusive "Yes".

Now that they have this referral program until March 31, 2017, I hope yours will be a bit easier.

See full terms and conditions here.

Cheers!

Credit Card Promo - PNB Member Get Member Program

Being the first bank that gave me my first regular credit card when all the others have declined me, PNB will always have a special spot in my heart. Arte. Haha! Aside from being  a part of the free for life promo last February 2016 and recently being given another free for life card (The Travel Club Card), it is very easy to connect to their customer support, and they offer one of the most, if not the lowest balance transfer rate among credit card issuer in the Philippines. These were a few of the things I love about PNB. Another credit limit increase would put the icing on top. Hopia.

Kidding aside, this is why I'm making this post. To share, and make others experience what PNB has to offer, and receiving cash credits while doing so. Haha! There are other cards other than BDO, BPI, Metrobank, at Citibank. :)

I know I don't have a lot of readers but at least its worth a try. This is a year round promotion and it covers all referrals received from March 1 to December 15, 2017. All you have to provide me your full name, contact number and email address. I will be the one to forward it to PNB. Do drop a comment with your email address so I can get back to you.

Promo Mechanics:

1. This program is open to all existing PNB Credit Cardholders in good credit standing, excluding Corporate and Distribution Cards.

2. The promo period covers all referrals received from March 1 to December 15, 2017.

3. Existing PNB Credit Cardholders may refer their personal network to apply for PNB Credit Cards. If the referral is approved, the PNB Credit Cardholder who referred the the account shall receive P500 cash credit to his own PNB Credit Card Account.

4. There are no restrictions to the type of card being applied for.

5. Cash Credit Incentive cannot be transferred to another PNB Credit Cardholder nor it can be converted to cash or any other form.

6. Process for Referral:
6.1. PNB Credit Cardholder has to send via email to mgm@pnb.com.ph the following   information regarding their referral:

Complete Name
Contact Number
Email Address
6.2. Only complete referrals shall be processed.
6.3. PNB shall send PNB Credit Card Application form to the referrals within two days from receipt of referral.
6.4. Referred individual to accomplish the application and submit the following to mgm@pnb.com.ph for processing:

Filled out and Signed PNB Credit Card Application Form
Valid Government-Issued ID
Income Documents
For Employed applicants: (any one of the following)

Latest ITR/W-2
One Month Payslip
Latest Certificate of Employment
Latest Credit Card Billing Statement
For Self-employed applicants:

Latest ITR with DTI/SEC Registration and Audited Financial Statements
6.5. Only complete applications shall be processed.
6.6. Once the referral is approved, the cash credit incentive will be credited to the referrer's PNB Credit Card Account within 30 days from date of approval.
6.7. A notification will be sent to the referrer if the referral/application has been approved via email.
6.8. For follow-ups regarding the status of referrals, PNB Credit Cardholder Referrer may send an email to mgm@pnb.com.ph or call 24/7 PNB Customer Service at (02) 818-9-818. Email must contain the name of the referral.
6.9. The PNB Credit Card has to be active at the time of referral and incentive crediting.
6.10. Only new-to-bank, principal approved referrals shall earn cash credit incentive.
6.11. PNB shall have the sole right whether to approve or reject an application. PNB shall have the sole right whether to disclose the reason for rejection of an application.

Official page can be found here.

All the best!

Applying for an Eastwest Bank Basic Savings Account

Image from eastwestbanker.com

First, let me admit that the main reason why I opened an Eastwest Bank basic savings account is because of the hopes that I would be asked to apply for their credit card. I've tried applying for an Eastwest credit since last year both via online, direct to bank, or though an agent, and was declined four times already. This time, armed with some knowledge I gathered from the PinoyExchange community, I tried my luck. True enough, during the mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) phase and while filling up their application form, I was asked if I wanted to apply for a credit card. Mission accomplished. Getting approved or not would be in another blog post.

At the same time, I had the need to open a savings account solely for the purpose of maintaining money I make for a small money-making business I am in with an officemate. I would need a savings account with no or minimum maintaining balance, zero ATM withdrawal fee, zero annual fee and easy accessibility within my home and workplace. With these reasons, the choices I have came down to Eastwest and Unionbank. Since I already have the GetGo Debit Card with an annual fee of Php500 and Php10 ATM withdrawal fee, plus the fact that a lime colored debit card is nice to look at, Eastwest took the cake.

Here's a rundown of its features:

Though I have no use of this information at the moment, one would be delighted to know that Eastwest Bank is affiliated with PayPal, and you can have your PayPal earnings be withdrawn to your account with no additional charge.

My Experience

REQUIREMENTS:

1. 2 Valid IDs
2. Billing Statement
3. Initial deposit of Php100
4. Recent photo

I initially opted to open an account on a branch that's nearby my workplace.  However, they were kind of strict when it comes to having complete requirements. I only have one valid ID with me at that time and have no recent ID photo. Good thing the branch that's near my residence address allowed me try apply without a recent photo. It's also a plus factor that the branch in P. Tuazon is more accomodating than the one in Eastwood. That's one important aspect of banking I am looking on a bank. Application only took about 30-40 minutes depending on how fast you fill up the application form. I was then told to wait 5-7 banking days for the card to be claimed.

Fastforward. After only 4 banking days, a representative from the P.Tuazon branch called up my home landline and informed that my card is ready for pick up. That was fast indeed. I just hope that they also approve my credit card application, but for now, it does not matter. I'll just wait for a no annual fee for life promo should I get declined. I'm more excited in using the lime colored card at the moment. Hehe.

Cheers!

2017 Starbucks Philippines You Are Here Series Mug Collection Batch Two

Barely a month after releasing the new You Are Here Series mug collection, Starbucks is at it again with three more designs. Still at Php525 a piece, but you will need to exert more effort in acquiring since all of them are outside of Metro Manila.

Now let the nitpicking begin. Haha! I mean, let's take a look on these three new designs, shall we?

Boracay

Another rehash of the original Global Icon series. They kept the sky blue colorway and the Boracay sand art from the second edition and added some beach stuff. I'm not totally a fan of the island, although I've never been there to justify this but I prefer a more secluded beach where you can be at peace just watching the waves and the sand and at night time, the stars above. Being one if not the most famous beaches in the country, I would not be surprised with its inclusion to the series. Fun fact: Palawan or Puerto Princesa does not have a Starbucks branch and this may be the reason why it does not have a representative to the old global icon series or to this new collection. Bummer.

Baguio

Sunflowers and strawberries from the global icon series edition also grace this design for the summer capital of the Philippines, but this time, red is the dominant color coming from the greens of the old collection. I'm not familiar with the gazebo like structure as the centerpiece (Minesview Park, perhaps?) but I feel I have been on one in Tagaytay at the picnic grove. The design also reminds me of a small Chinese temple. Representations of the summer Malacanang and Burnham Park also made the cut.

Tagaytay

Yet another familiar design from the global icon series, but I do believe Tagaytay is indeed best represented by the Taal Lake and nothing more. I would not settle for anything else. A sunflower also made an appearance. I believe it is because of the cool weather on these areas but I'm never seen an actual sunflower in bloom. Poor me.

Final Thoughts

I may be a bit biased here but if you intend to release a new edition of a collection, would it be better if it would be attacked in a fresher or a unique manner? Seeing these three designs still reminds me of the global icon series. Maybe Starbucks intends to be seen it that way. After all, the You Are Here series collection also aims to remind you of the place they feature. Just my two cents.

Images take from Starbucks Philippines Facebook page.

2017 Starbucks Philippines You Are Here Series Mug Collection Batch One

I know this is a bit late, as they have outed the first batch last February 7, 2017 and has just recently released the second batch (another post, Haha!) , but Starbucks You Are Here Mug Series is finally here in the Philippines!!! But I do not know if I'm gonna be happy about it.

You see, I've been a collector of their Global Icon '08 Series tumblers. I have always meant to post about my collection here since I started blogging again and I believe I have one lurking among my drafts. As always, I tend to forget about it or I'm feeling too lazy to continue writing it. Now that the You Are Here series is here, I guess it would forever remain that way. The launch of this series means the end of the Global Icon series. I may be wrong, but I no longer see it whenever I chance upon a Starbucks Store. Good thing I have managed to collect all except for one (Naga, which I'm still hunting online).

That's the reason why I'm not too happy about the release of the You Are Here (YAH for short) series here in the Philippines. Nevertheless, as the old saying goes, out with the old, embrace the new. Though I will not be collecting one, I will be happy supporting those who wish to collect them all. In fact, I have an officemate who has just started collecting Starbucks mugs and I'm happy to help him on this endeavor.

Now presenting...

Philippines

Starbucks used the Banaue Rice Terraces (Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) to represent the Philippines in this collection. Commonly referred to as a potential candidate to be the "Eight Wonder of the World," these are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people.

My thoughts: I do love the Banaue Rice Terraces when I've been there so many years ago, I personally think the Philippine Eagle would better represent the country. Don't get me wrong, but rice terraces are common among Asian countries and would not make an excellent recall.

Manila

They went with a combination of the previous Global Icon series: "Kalesa" and "Jeepney", along with what I believe will be the Manila Baywalk.  I love it! These two icons really best describe what Manila is to me: traditional and modern; the old versus the new.

Quezon City

I really don't get the icons featured here on this design. The buildings may represent the various government buildings located in the city. That's just according to me. The film roll actually represents Quezon City being called the "City of Stars", according to my officemate. While one addicted to Starbucks mugs blog, actually pointed out that this film roll detail can also be seen on the "Cannes" YAH mug. This is also another reason for me not to really love these YAH series. Though it is a vibrant and colorful, it lacks the uniqueness that I find with the Global Icon series. And no, this is not an excuse to hate the YAH series. Haha! Anyway, of the first five YAH designs from the Philippines, this is my least favorite, as I find it to dull when compared to the four and totally lacks recall. Sorry.

Cebu

I see that they have also integrated the colorway and the Guitar design from the first version of the Cebu Global Icon series on this one, plus a building that I'm not sure what it represents. You see, another reason why I'm not too gaga over the YAH series. Cebu is best represented by Lapu-lapu, who graced the second edition of Cebu Global Icon Series, or by a danggit (rabbitfish), which I think is represented anyway by the clusters of fishes near the back of the mug, or the Mactan-Mandaue or the Marcelo Fernan bridges. However, their designs are too complicated to be translated into a simpler manner that the YAH series is aiming for, hence the feeling of being borrowed from a database of designs in a Microsoft's clipart kind of way. I hope you get what I mean. Anyway, using green and orange (two of my favorite colors) places this just above the Quezon City design.

Makati

I also see that they have also used the orange colorways of the original Makati Global Icon Series. I believe the design shows Makati as the business and shopping district of the Philippines, plus traffic (Haha!) as represented by buildings, buses and shopping bags. As mentioned, too lame and no recall factor. The fact that it is orange is just the reason I love this mug. Sorry.

There you go. The first five You Are Here Collection mug from the Philippines. Not bad, but not great, at least for me. Good thing another three (Boracay, Baguio, and Tagaytay) went out, which I will write about the next time. Costs Php525 a piece. If I were to rank them in order of purchase, I will be buying them in this order: Manila, Philippines, Makati, Cebu, then Quezon City.

Edit: I did post something about my Global Icon Series after all. Haha!

All images are from Starbucks Philippines' Facebook page.