Society Pass, Inc. (SOPA) / NusaTrip Expands Services to Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




NusaTrip, Indonesia's first IATA-certified online travel agency (OTA) and the travel vertical of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq:SOPA), today formally announces the opening of its second Southeast Asia (SEA) regional office in Philippines.

The market for Filipino tourists and foreign workers is sizable. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) data, approximately 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deployed in 2019. In 2021, OFW was estimated to be 1.83 million, up from 1.77 million in 2020. Based on the Department of Tourism's November 2022 report, 73% of the 2.025 million visitors to the Philippines are foreign tourists, whereas 27% are OFWs. In 2023, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) aims to increase the number of overseas Filipino workers. The majority of OFWs work in the service sector, such as domestic help, healthcare, engineering, and construction. By 2020, Asia employed 83.6% of OFWs, followed by Europe, America, and Australia.

NusaTrip CEO Johanes (Joe) Chang elaborates, "Considering the market's size and potential, the Philippines is an essential market for our ecosystem. NusaTrip aims to be the promotion partners for the Philippines tourism boards and become the travel hub that helps to connect overseas Filipinos with their home country. We are excited to collaborate with the local businesses. It will accelerate and improve the quality of our synergies and customer growth rate in Southeast Asia. In addition, given Philippines' countless scenic spots and picturesque beaches, NusaTrip will focus on promoting thousands of hotels into our platform and provide leisure alternatives for international travelers".

Leveraging the momentum of the travel and tourism industry recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, NusaTrip is expanding its offering beyond air travel. NusaTrip aims to extend its flight content with more travel inspirations and relevant options, so everyone will always find something to explore and somewhere to fly to. On the business side, NusaTrip connects worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables global distribution at ease via its proprietary technology, the NusaXchange platform.

Nusatrip regional offices will focus on creating more variety of marketing initiatives and managing existing business relationships with airlines, hotels, and tourism promotion board partners.

"We are very excited to welcome NusaTrip and look forward to the collaboration with our local businesses. I believe it will benefit our business partners and customers," said Arbie Christie Pagdangan, Country Manager for Society Pass in the Philippines.

About NusaTrip

Founded in 2013, NusaTrip is an IATA-licensed online travel agency that serves both local and global customers and partners by optimizing cutting-edge technology and providing 24/7 customer-centric support team-as-a-service. NusaTrip is now a member of Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) ecosystem. For more information, please visit: https://www.nusatrip.com.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa's data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

LPU MMA students dominate Rotary PSA Festival

Wazzup Pilipinas!



Third year Multimedia Arts majors from Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila emerged victorious at the 6th Rotary PSA Festival after three years of landing as semifinalists in the annual competition of public service announcements geared towards the Rotary International’s Areas of Focus.

LPU Manila barged into the win column after MMA student Hazel L. Ampon placed third in the 30-second video making contest designed to create and promote awareness about the Rotary’s efforts. Her animated PSA “Primary Lines” illustrates the boundaries set by the lack of education in the Philippines.

“The concept was greatly inspired by optical illusions on lined paper, which eventually developed the idea of something or someone existing on the other side. The primary lined paper then became the symbol for basic education as it is used early in the elementary stage of education,” Ampon explained.

“I wanted to emphasize the reality that not every child has access to quality education, which deprives them of their growth and development. And so, using the lines as cage bars construes that the lack of basic education limits the child to the better life that they deserve,” she added.

On the other hand, fellow LPU MMA major Roniel Justine T. Sañez’s entry “ApoliPOLIO” won a special award in highlighting the Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.

“This certain issue regarding one of the latest movies asking why Mabini is always sitting in the movie triggered me and made me think on how I can introduce him again and also to help on how to gain knowledge about polio,” Sañez revealed.

In addition to the two winners, five other PSAs from LPU MMA students, namely “A Mother’s Love” by Eunize-Anne D. Dalena, “Bawas ang Bukas” by Aaliyah Frances Damilig, “Folds” by Aina Zarinah E. Dela Cuadra, “Hashi” by Earl Lance C. Sta. Maria and Marie Nicole Domingo, and “Paano Naman Sila?” by Ron Vincent R. Dumalay were declared semifinalists.

Ampon brought home 10,000 pesos while Sañez bagged 5,000 pesos. The seven entries from LPU Manila also received 2,000 pesos each for being semifinalists.

The Rotary Club of Circuit Makati has been organizing the event since 2017. Three semifinalists were chosen for each of the seven Rotary Areas of Focus, namely Peace and Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Supporting Environment, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Economic and Community Development, Disease Prevention and Treatment, and Basic Education and Literacy, and a special category on End Polio Now.

In 2021, LPU MMA students Eunice Angelica G. San Juan’s “Boto Para sa Pagbabago” (Vote for Change), Mark Wilson S. Catindig’s “Kain-Basura” (Food for Trash), Dan Enrico P. Picardal’s “Billiards,” Rikki Lou Bonifacio’s “Laro Tayo, Resiklo” (Let’s Play, Recycle) and Venus Mariel Orbon’s and Lovely Rose Veroya’s “Hide and Seek” made it as semifinalists among 355 submissions from 27 different schools nationwide.

In 2020, recent LPU MMA graduates Ashley Cordero’s “Alone,” Francis Alba’s “Mother Tongue,” Austin Banaag’s “TULOy Tuloy,” and Rochelle Philippe Jedidah Urag’s and James Nadora’s “Ang Ating Gubat” (Our Forest) were selected as semifinalists in the contest. In 2019, “Coindolence” by LPU Broadcasting majors’ Uno Productions entered the semis under the Economic and Community Development category.

Hop into good fortune and indulge in the abundant Chinese New Year 2023 Menu offering of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Kung Hei Fat Choy on the year of the water rabbit!!!

We got invited by Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria for their Chinese New Year Menu Tasting. It is an honor to be among the few who were there to experience their Chinese New Year Menu offering for 2023.

On January 22nd, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria will be filled with a cheerful energy brought by the Dragon and Lion Dances starting from 11AM onwards. This will be accompanied by the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony and Exchange of Gift Ceremony!

Indulge in the abundant offerings of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria this Chinese New Year! From January 15 to 23, celebrating this occasion with your loved ones will made even more special at Xin Tian Di.

Give them a treat of the restaurant's Nian Gao and Yu Sheng. Relish the unique flavors from the auspicious and mouthwatering selections of a la carte menu and special set menu. Toast for good luck and health as we welcome the year of the water rabbit!

Here's a literally quick overview of what transpired at the event including the ceremonial Yu Sheng toss where everyone happily participated "tossing in the good fortune and abundance".

They are offering a special menu (3 appetizers, soup, 6 main dishes, special rice, and 2 desserts) called Fortune Set Menu that's good for 5 or 10 pax and available for the Chinese New Year celebration.

One of the appetizers served are these adorable Lunar Jade Rabbit Dumplings with XO Sauce are savory shrimp bits wrapped in rice starch paper.

Another appetizer served is the Chao Chew Hometown Flavor Platter featuring 8 delightful ingredients - flavorful pork belly, smoked duck breast, rich cuttlefish, tasty chicken meat, tofu, jelly fish, century egg, topped with peanuts. It is served with ginger and hoisin sauce on the side.

The Fish Maw and Dry Scallop in Sea Cucumber Dumpling Soup is a warm bowl of seafood medley that you'll also enjoy at the Chinese New Year special menu of Xin Tian Di. The soup, from the name itself, features fish maw, dry scallop, and sea cucumber.

After all the appetizers, we did the ceremonial Yu Sheng salad toss.

Yu Sheng is a staple in celebrating Chinese New Year. This dish must not to be missed sabot symbolizes good luck, good health and good wealth!

Upon placing the Yu Sheng, say Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru Yi, and Shenti Jiankang to be prosperous, that all your wishes be fulfilled, everything you do be smooth-sailing and to have good health.

Everyone got to add in an ingredient to complete the dish and say some Chinese words:

When adding the Calamansi say Da Ji Da Li to have good luck, good fortune and great prosperity..

When adding the raw Salmon say Nian Nian You Yu to enjoy abundance throughout the year

When sprinkling the minced peanut and sesame seeds say Sheng Yi Xing Long and Jin Yin Man Wu to have a flourishing business and a household filled with gold and silver.

When pouring the oil, say Yi Ben Wan Li and Cai Yuan Guang Jin to enjoy a ten thousand fold profit from your investments and to be blessed with many sources of wealth

When adding the plum sauce, say Tian Tian Mi Mi to have a sweet life and loving relationships

When scattering the crackers, say Man Di Huang Jin to signify the floorbbeing covered with gold, and for you to obtain abundant wealth

When tossing the You Sheng, say Lo Hei then ramble any auspicious phrase that comes to your mind.

Plus every other ingredient of the Yu Sheng symbolizes something, and the higher you toss, the better fortune for the year.

Carrots is for blessing and good luck, Pomelo is for luck and smooth journey throughout the year, cabbage is for hundred years of good wealth, abalone is for guaranteed good fortune, green cucumber is for wealth and fertility, melon and coriander is for family unity, jellyfish is for wealth, taro is for rising fortune and property, ginger is for good health and longevity, red beet root is for luck and happiness, and radish is for prosperity in business and promotion at work.

Among the main dishes served is the Wok Fried Prawns in Shanghai Spicy Style featuring delectable stir-fried prawns in rich flavors of Shanghai Spicyand garnished with breathtaking flying, or is it floating, noodles.

This will surely be a conversation piece...and would be another favorite dish for photo ops.

The Stewed Stuffed Grouper with Beijing Style Sauce is boneless Lapu-Lapu with minced siomai filling flavored with savory Beijing sauce. This is among my favorites.

The desserts served at the Chinese New Year special menu of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

The traditional Pan Fried Sweet Tikoy that's soft, chewy and sticky rice cake that will surely usher in continuous success as we welcome the 2023 Chinese New Year

And there's also the Shanghai Hot Massachi which is sweet sticky rice balls made with glutinous rice, ground pants and black sesame cream filling.

I took some photos and videos (many are uploaded on our official Facebook page) of the restaurant while waiting for others to arrive for our Chinese New Year Menu Tasting for content creators.

With this preview, I could already say that celebrating #CNY2023 at CPMG would be more than satisfying.

Let's hop into good fortune this 2023! Make your reservation today! Contact them now at 02 98790 3100, fandb.reservations@ihg, or +63 927 163 0128.

Hop On to the Year of the Water Rabbit with Xin Tian Di, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria!

Green Convergence, DENR to hold 4th PH Environment Summit

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Tagaytay City will host the 4th Philippine Environment Summit with the theme “Caring for Earth: Scaling up Solutions to the Climate Emergency.” On February 21-23, 2023 at Taal Vista Hotel.  Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy (GC), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are organizing the event as co-convener, together with supporters from other sectors.

The Philippines needs to go into a path of decarbonization in order to survive the looming global catastrophe our world could face if no action is done today.  After the pandemic there is the greater responsibility to scale-up solutions to address the current climate crisis.

Like the previous summits, the 4th Philippine Environment Summit is a celebration of the Philippine environmental movement, a showcase of programs and projects that contribute to the social and economic advancement, while protecting our God-given ecology and an invitation to enhance convergence among sectors to accelerate the drive towards sustainable development. In addition, this fourth summit is a call for each Filipino to take personal responsibility for our country’s response to the climate emergency.

The biennial Summit is unique to most fora on the environment that present the dire state of our planet for it recognizes the valiant efforts of many Filipinos who are taking positive steps to counter the destruction. 

Parallel sessions feature the main programs that bring about sustainable development like renewable energy, organic agriculture, safe food manufacture, native trees reforestation, ecological solid waste management, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, ecotourism among others. 

An exhibit area features the above programs as well as many other programs of government, LGUs, communities, NGOs, business, academe, and other sectors.   

Plenary speakers include Federico Lopez, CEO of the Energy Development Corporation and Bobby Chan, Environmental Lawyer, Palawan NGO Network Inc. DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga is the speaker for the keynote address.

Hosting of the summit is rotated among the three major island groups of the country. The Summit was first held in 2016 in Luzon at the SM Mall of Asia, Metro Manila, while the 2018 event was held in Visayas at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City. In the 2020 Summit, it was the first time that Mindanao hosted the event at the Grand Caprice Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

The 3-day Summit carries the themes of Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy. Each day has plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon. Around 1000 participants from all over the country are attending. 

Interested participants can pre-register at bit.ly/gcsummit2023