Shop, Earn, Fly: The Game-Changing AirAsia-SMAC Rewards Hack You Can’t Miss!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

AirAsia rewards, the loyalty platform of Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group), has partnered with SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the Philippines' largest retail loyalty program under the SM Group. This collaboration, unveiled on March 5, 2025, at the SM Retail Headquarters in Pasay City, introduces the "My SMAC, My MOVE" campaign, enabling seamless conversion of points between the two programs, thereby enriching both shopping and travel experiences for members. 

Seamless Points Conversion: A New Era of Rewards

The crux of this partnership lies in its innovative two-way points conversion system:

For SMAC Members: 200 SMAC points can be converted into 300 AirAsia points via the AirAsia MOVE app. 

For AirAsia Members: 500 AirAsia points can be exchanged for 125 SMAC points through the same platform. 

This integration allows members to maximize the value of their points, transforming everyday shopping into travel opportunities and vice versa. 

Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership

Key executives from both organizations have expressed their enthusiasm:

Nicole Tan, Chief Business Officer of AirAsia rewards, stated, "We are excited to team up with the Philippines' biggest loyalty program to offer a truly rewarding experience for both SMAC and AirAsia rewards members." 

Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC, remarked, "By combining shopping and travel rewards, we're enhancing the value of our loyalty program and offering more meaningful experiences to our members." 

Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines, added, "We are positive that this partnership will further boost the appetite of travel tourism in the country." 

AirAsia MOVE App: The Ultimate Travel Companion

Central to this partnership is the AirAsia MOVE app, formerly known as the airasia Superapp. This all-in-one platform offers a comprehensive suite of travel services:

Flight Bookings: Access to over 700 airlines, including AirAsia, allowing users to compare prices and book flights that fit their budget. 

Hotel Reservations: Availability of over 900,000 hotels worldwide, catering to various preferences and budgets. 

Additional Features: The app also offers ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance, and more, underpinned by integrated financial services provided by BigPay. 

The app's recent rebranding to AirAsia MOVE reflects its commitment to evolving and enhancing user experience. The refreshed interface aims to provide a more intuitive and seamless navigation experience for users. 

FACES: Pioneering Contactless Travel

AirAsia MOVE also introduces FACES (Fast Airport Clearance Experience System), a facial recognition technology designed to offer a fully digital and contactless travel experience. This feature allows guests to check-in, clear security, and board flights using facial biometrics, enhancing convenience and safety. 

Conclusion

The partnership between AirAsia rewards and SMAC signifies a transformative approach to customer loyalty, blending shopping and travel rewards into a cohesive system. With the AirAsia MOVE app at its core, members are poised to enjoy a more integrated and rewarding experience, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of loyalty programs in the ASEAN region.

Digido Finance Corp. Leads the Charge in Coastal Conservation with Bataan Cleanup Drive

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are becoming increasingly crucial in fostering sustainable communities. In a commendable effort, Digido Finance Corp.—operator of the fintech platforms Digido and UnaCash—has spearheaded a coastal cleanup drive in Barangay Camachile, Orion, Bataan, strengthening its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.

A Collective Effort for a Cleaner Future

Held on February 28, 2025, the cleanup event gathered over 70 volunteers from various sectors, including:

Digido Finance Corp. staff

Local residents

Municipal workers

Fishermen from Samahang Magdaragat of Camachile (SAMACA)

Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)

The Philippine National Police (PNP)

Together, the volunteers collected 136 sacks of waste and debris, making a tangible impact on the local coastline.

More Than Just a Cleanup

Before the activity, a MENRO representative conducted an awareness session, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystem protection and how sustainable practices can mitigate environmental degradation.

This initiative marked Digido’s second major CSR project in Barangay Camachile. Less than a year ago, the company collaborated with the local community to plant over 1,100 mangrove trees, reinforcing coastal resilience and biodiversity restoration.

Introducing “Lend A Hand” – A Long-Term CSR Commitment

This cleanup also launched Digido’s revamped CSR advocacy, “Lend A Hand.” Inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this program embodies Digido’s core values by prioritizing long-term community-focused projects.

According to Rose Arreco, Digido’s Business Development Manager, “Genuinely lending a hand is not a one-and-done situation. As a company, we believe that intentional focus on communities is more favorable in order to achieve significant and long-term impact. Building on our past initiatives, we saw the activity as an opportunity to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and creation care. We implore communities to remain proactive in finding ways to protect our marine ecosystems.”

Addressing the Philippines’ Marine Waste Crisis

The Philippines is the world’s third-largest contributor to marine plastics, largely due to the overuse of single-use plastics and challenges in waste management. Digido’s initiative is a step toward tackling this crisis, promoting sustainability while setting an example for other corporations to integrate environmental responsibility into their operations.

Digido and UnaCash: Financial Innovation with a Social Purpose

Beyond their environmental efforts, Digido and UnaCash continue to transform the Philippine fintech industry by offering inclusive lending solutions and innovative financial tools. Their commitment to bridging financial gaps is now complemented by their dedication to corporate social responsibility.

A Call to Action for Sustainable Communities

The success of Digido’s Bataan Coastal Cleanup Drive underscores the power of collaboration in environmental conservation. As companies take the lead in sustainability efforts, communities and individuals must do their part in protecting the environment.

With initiatives like “Lend A Hand,” Digido Finance Corp. is setting an inspiring precedent—proving that businesses can thrive while making a lasting, positive impact on society and the planet.

BPI AIA Secures Top Spot in Philippine Bancassurance, Celebrates 7th Consecutive World Finance Award

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Driving Innovation and Excellence in Philippine Insurance

BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (BPI AIA) has once again proven its dominance in the Philippine bancassurance sector, securing the #1 ranking based on New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reported by the Insurance Commission as of December 31, 2024. This milestone further cements BPI AIA’s status as a market leader, as it also celebrates its 7th consecutive win as the Best Life Insurance Company in the Philippines from the prestigious World Finance Awards.

In addition to its top bancassurance ranking, BPI AIA has demonstrated impressive financial strength, placing #2 in Net Income and #4 overall in the Philippine insurance industry. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, customer service, and financial security for Filipinos.

Winning Strategies: What Sets BPI AIA Apart?

According to BPI AIA Chief Executive Officer Karen Custodia, the company’s success in 2024 was driven by a strategic combination of product innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions.

"2024 was a year of both challenges and significant wins for the BPI AIA team. We navigated a highly competitive landscape and emerged stronger, driven by our unwavering purpose to build a better everyday life and future for all Filipinos," Custodia stated.

Here are the key factors that contributed to BPI AIA’s dominance:

Product Innovation – BPI AIA introduced three groundbreaking insurance products—Future Ready, Wealth Advantage, and Aspire Premier—which resonated well with Filipino customers and significantly boosted sales performance.

Highly Trained Sales Force – A dedicated team of financial advisors stationed across BPI’s extensive network ensured that more Filipinos had access to tailored financial solutions.

Enhanced Digital Services – Recognizing the shift towards digital banking and online services, BPI AIA ramped up its technological capabilities to provide seamless and convenient insurance solutions.

Strong Bank Partnership – Leveraging its strategic alliance with BPI, the company maximized cross-selling opportunities within BPI branches, effectively expanding its customer base.

A Testament to Leadership and Excellence

Winning the World Finance Award for Best Life Insurance Company for seven consecutive years reflects BPI AIA’s consistency in delivering world-class insurance solutions. The award evaluates industry leaders based on key factors such as:

Financial performance and stability

Innovation in product offerings

Market leadership and customer satisfaction

Corporate governance and ethical practices

As BPI AIA continues to strengthen its foothold, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing accessible, reliable, and customized life insurance solutions for every Filipino.

Looking Ahead: The Future of BPI AIA

BPI AIA is poised for further growth as it leverages new technologies and emerging market trends to provide even more personalized and flexible insurance solutions. The company aims to empower more Filipinos to take control of their financial security and prepare for the future with confidence.

With its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, BPI AIA is set to remain a dominant force in the Philippine insurance industry—delivering financial protection and peace of mind to Filipinos nationwide.