Pluxee is Here, your New Global Partner in Employee Benefits and Engagement

In a strategic move to strengthen its commitment to elevating the overall experience of its clients, partner merchants, and consumers, Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services Philippines is now Pluxee. The spin-off from the Sodexo Group is a global initiative announced last year to give its gifting business a digital-first brand that reflects its ambition to offer personalized, sustainable solutions to the evolving market. 

In the Philippines, Pluxee builds upon the strong foundation laid by Sodexo Philippines, a joint venture with SM Investment Corporation. 

Launched in 2003, Pluxee became the pioneer and biggest issuer of gift certificates in the country. Over the years, it introduced industry firsts such as an e-commerce platform to make GCs instantly accessible to businesses and consumers, SMS and email based GCs, and a rewards app enabling partial redemption of GCs and acceptance in online stores. As a proud partner of SM, the country's retail giant, Pluxee also powers the SM Gift Pass and their latest digital rewards solution, the SM Gift Pass Choice. Pluxee ramped up its partnership with the country’s most preferred brands and now boasts of over 17,000 accredited merchants.

Pluxee Gift

A trusted brand in navigating the landscape of the 21st-century workplace, Pluxee addresses the unique needs of each client. At the forefront of Pluxee products is the Pluxee Philippines app, where clients can send Pluxee Gift credits to their recipients via web portal. The credits are partially redeemable in over 10,000 merchants and can also be used in app-exclusive brands such as Angkas, Grab, Klook, Lazada, Shopee, and more. Pluxee Gift also comes as codes that can be distributed via SMS or email. This is API-enabled and can seamlessly integrate with clients’ systems to fully automate incentive programs. Codes can also be customized and accepted at specific brands or for specific products to cater to clients’ preferences.

Pluxee introduces another innovation with the Pluxee Gift card, a physical card that comes with digitally powered codes and may be used instantly in stores. These codes can be converted to Pluxee Gift credits in the Pluxee Philippines app to enable partial redemption and access to app-exclusive brands. 

"Being one of the leading global partners in employee benefits and engagement, we’re dedicated to unlocking opportunities to enhance people’s lives at work and beyond,” says Mert Cetin, CEO of Pluxee Philippines.  “We cover areas such as food, recreational activities, gifts, wellness,  mobility, and more. We harness the power of digital to help our Clients give meaningful, sustainable rewards that foster a motivated and satisfied workforce. We make it easy for Consumers to use their rewards and maximize their choice with the continued expansion of our merchant network. We support our Merchants by accelerating traffic and reach so they can thrive in a competitive market,” he adds.

Live Joyful with Pluxee

In line with the launch of Pluxee in the Philippines, the brand kicks off its “Live Joyful” digital campaign, which highlights the many ways that Pluxee Gifts enable memorable experiences. 

 “A Pluxee Gift is more than just a reward or benefit. It’s a personal, immersive experience from making the most of what you have and enjoying what really matters to you. The campaign is an ode to the vibrant and optimistic spirit of Filipinos who never run out of ways to create and spread happiness,” says Sharon K. Velasco, Marketing Director of Pluxee Philippines. 

Pluxee invites clients, partners, and the public to explore its products and services, and the countless joyful moments that these can bring. Watch out for more exciting developments in store. For more information, visit bit.ly/PluxeePhilippines. For gifting needs, you can purchase Pluxee Gifts at shop.pluxee.ph, call the Customer Care Hotline at 8689 4700, or email support@care.pluxee.ph.

Explore Love and Self-Discovery in 2024: Must-Visit Places from Your Favorite Filipino Movies

Manila, Philippines– As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to map out your adventures for 2024. If 2023 was all about Revenge Travel to make up for lost time, 2024 is being hailed as the year for more personal travels. Booking.com's Travel Predictions for 2024 suggest a shift towards journeys motivated by a quest for deeper connections and self-discovery.

If you’re already planning your travels to find love or find yourself and need a little inspiration on where to go, here are some Filipino films that not only brought compelling stories of love but also highlighted how the destination itself (and the journey of getting there) is sometimes all that one needs to find what they’re looking for.

“Traveling is all about personal experiences. Whether you're with friends or going solo, there's always something special you discover along the way, giving you unique moments and memories. As a regional insurtech, we at Igloo, are all about providing people-first insurance services and making sure everyone can have those amazing experiences without dealing with the hassles that can mess up trips. This is why we created Travel Master, because we want to provide our travelers a stress-free experience and let them enjoy the best adventures without any interruptions,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager. 

Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master offers coverage for travelers, encompassing personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and protection against COVID-19.

To get Travel Master coverage, just go to the GInsure page in your GCash app. Choose Travel and select Travel Master. Fill out the form with your travel info, and it'll quickly show you the coverage benefits and the premium cost. Once that's done, you're good to go.

Whether you're heading out locally or internationally, Travel Master is there for you, making it a flexible and essential travel companion wherever your journey takes you.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - Broken Hearts Trip (2023)

Maira-ira beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte/ Source: Blue Lagoon Inn and Restaurant, Klook

One of the entries for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Broken Hearts Trip, is a story about five LGBTQ individuals who are given the chance to heal from their heartbreaks as they journey across the Philippines. One of the spots they explored is Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, often referred to as the "Boracay of the North." Accessible via land and air, Pagudpud is famed for its stunning beaches, including Maira-ira (commonly known as Blue Lagoon), Saud, and Pansian. These beaches boast white sands and emerald waters, making them an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude with their thoughts or desiring more intimate moments with loved ones as unlike other Filipino beach destinations, Pagudpud tends to be less crowded, offering a tranquil escape.

Fujiyoshida City, Japan – When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)

Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida City, Japan/ Source: Japan Guide

Another entry from this year’s MMFF brings us not only a tale of finding love at the most unexpected times but finding love in some of the most beautiful places in the world. In When I Met You in Tokyo, two old hearts–one battered and bruised and one lonely and seeking comfort–find each other in Tokyo. While much of the story took place in the Japanese capital, the film also took its audience to Fujiyoshida City and the famous Chureito Pagoda, basking in the majestic view of Mount Fuji. A 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, the city offers spectacular views of the mountain. The best time to visit is either during the cherry blossom season in mid-April or in the first half of November to experience the changing colors of autumn. Here, like the stars of When I Met You in Tokyo, you may be able to find healing from past hurts and discover new beginnings against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

Sagada, Mountain Province - Write About Love (2019)

Sagada, Mountain Province/ Source: Gem Muzones, Guide to the Philippines

In Write About Love, an aspiring writer sought help from a veteran yet disillusioned indie film writer to complete an unfinished script for a love story. Their collaboration eventually led them to a pilgrimage to Sagada, where upon seeing the magnificent sunset and sea of clouds, allowed the two writers to reconcile their personal issues and figure out the ending for their own love stories. For travellers who want a little more adventure and don’t mind putting in the work just to experience breathtaking views, there’s Sagada. A small town in the mountains of Mountain Province, Sagada requires more than a half day’s ride from Manila and another couple of hours trekking to get to the top of Marlboro Hills, the highest point of the town and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise and a sea of clouds.

San Juan, La Union - I’m Drunk I Love You (2017)

San Juan Beach, La Union/ Source: La Union Tayo.com.ph

A beloved romantic drama film, I’m Drunk I Love You is all about taking the chance before it’s too late. The movie revolves around two college best friends who embarked on a final road trip to San Juan, La Union, aiming to determine if their bond will remain platonic or evolve into something more. While La Union, also known as Elyu, has earned its reputation as one of the Philippines' top surfing spots, "I'm Drunk I Love You" shines a spotlight on the town's laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Here, bars resonate with reggae beats, serve delectable food, and are adorned with eclectic decorations reflecting both local and foreign influences.

Beyond the shoreline (surprising as it may sound), you can explore more of La Union's natural beauty by trekking to the impressive 40-feet high Tangadan Falls. With its unique blend of attractions, it's no wonder La Union has become a go-to destination, providing a comforting retreat for many travelers.

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016)

Park Güell, Barcelona/ Source: Getty Images, Conde Nast Traveler

Set within the romantic and vibrant city that is Barcelona, Barcelona: A Love Untold is about two people each carrying their own emotional baggage, viewing the city as either a distraction or a chance for a fresh start. Amid the colorful ambiance of the capital of Catalonia, it becomes the setting for two people seeking different things but irresistibly drawn to each other. With Barcelona’s vibrance, it's no wonder that so many people come to immerse themselves in its rich culture. From the stunning mosaics of Park Güell to the timeless art at the Picasso Museum, there's an abundance of beauty to explore and enjoy. Barcelona is not just a city to appreciate art and culture; it's also an ideal place to discover love or realize that, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, you're also a beautiful work-in-progress.

Learn more about Travel Master by visiting the GCash GInsure Marketplace and ensure that your trips to find love or find yourself are seamless and hassle-free.

Klook Travel Fest 2019!

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – September 2019 - Last September 7 & 8, Klook, the world-leading online booking platform that has revolutionized the way we travel, brought Klook Travel Fest 2019 —the biggest and most out-of-this world travel sale yet at Halls A and D of the World Trade Center.

On its third run, the first and only mobile-led Klook Travel Fest was powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the Philippines' fastest fixed internet. Thanks to this year’s most awaited travel fest, thousands of guests flocked to the World Trade Center with the hopes of booking tours and attractions in their dream travel destinations with the best price guaranteed!

The grandest travel fest yet

By the time gates opened, Klook got ready for takeoff and wowed their early bird attendees with an explosive and out-of-this world deal that allowed people to book with up to Php 6,000 off on any Klook activity!

Global Leaders Ethan Lin (Klook’s CEO and co-founder), Eric Gnock Fah (Klook’s COO and co-founder), Marcus Yong (Klook’s Senior Marketing Director for Southeast Asia), and CS Soong (Klook's General Manager for Southeast Asia) together with the Department of Tourism’s Regional Director for Region 4A Joseph Francisco Ortega, joined forces on stage to formally welcome everyone to Klook Travel Fest 2019!

Since its first ever travel fest in 2018, Klook’s deals, partners, and sponsors doubled in number, which led them to a bigger and out-of-this-world travel fest for 2019! Attendees scored amazing deals from Asia’s most popular attractions and travel services like Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Resorts World Sentosa.

With the rise of Klook’s trusted partners, the World Trade Center was jam-packed with thousands of attendees who were all just one click away into having their next vacation!

Shocking deals and attractions

Klook definitely did not disappoint when it comes to the most sought-after deals! Thousands of participants were amazed at how fun, easy, and affordable traveling could be with the help of booking stations, country-themed booths, and beautifully instagrammable areas during the travel fest. What’s even more amazing is that extremely hot deals were announced every half hour during the actual 2-day fest!

The hottest deals included Buy Two, Get One deals in top tourist destinations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and USA. Aside from these incredible offers, guests enjoyed extra discounts on their purchases with Klook's round-the-clock surprises.

Learning the twists and turns of traveling

Klook certainly started this year's out-of-this-world travel fest with amazing surprise discounts and a great line-up of guest speakers. Kapuso star Bea Binene gave a powerful talk about her advocacy on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism that surely opened the minds of many. Binibining Pilipinas Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman shared tips on how to make the most out of every trip. Parents had a great time as well as PLDT brought loving couple Edric and Joy Mendoza to share their secrets on how to travel smart with children. Patricia Reyes then talked about being a budget traveler thanks to Klook and Shopback. Travel buds Dominic Roque and Patrick Sugui along with the Singapore Tourism Board showed everyone just how thrilling Singapore adventures can be. And to cap off the day, KPOP fans had a blast as Korean groups Weki Meki and Monsta X joined Klook’s cosmic celebration of their second birthday in the Philippines!

Klook Travel Fest’s second day was just as jam-packed as the first one as well-loved guest speakers graced the event! Team Kramer shared some of their most FAM-tastic travel memories as a family, while aspirational travel couple Jack Morris and Lauren Bullen of Do You Travel gave an eye-opening talk on how to experience different cultures like a local. Next up, Liza Soberano wowed everyone with her never before shared secrets on becoming a globetrotter. Lastly, foodies also got the chance to learn more about the different flavors of the world with Michael Chen of Strictly Dumpling!

Extending the travel fest to everyone

To ensure that everyone got to partake of these great offerings, Klook stayed true to its 2018 promise of bringing the travel fest to Cebu. Satellite stations were put up at the North Wing of SM City Cebu where thousands of travel junkies enjoyed the same deals as that of Manila. Cebuanos definitely had a blast curating their next best travel destination with the best price guaranteed!

“Thousands of Filipinos making their dream vacation happen at Klook Travel Fest 2019 is beyond what we ever imagined for this year! By stepping up this year’s travel fest, we were able to merge both travel and entertainment in one out-of-this-world event, which helped us get one step closer to our goal of making travel seamless, fun, and affordable for everyone. We’re delighted to see everything come to life and we’re beyond grateful to all those who joined and supported us. This is only the beginning and there will definitely be more to look forward to with Klook Philippines!”,said Michelle Cruz, Market Lead of Klook Philippines.

Thanks to Klook, you can explore your dream destinations with affordable, hassle-free, and well-thought out deals that you definitely cannot resist. Be sure to check Klook's official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/klookph/ for more amazing deals and promos in the future.

Get Ready for the Biggest Star-Studded Travel Sale Yet

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – September 2019 - Are you itching to go on your next getaway? If so, there’s good news for you. Klook, the world leading booking platform that has revolutionized the way we travel, is holding Klook Travel Fest 2019 — the biggest and most out-of-this world travel sale yet. Scheduled on September 7-8 at Halls A and D of the World Trade Center, this is the first and only mobile-led travel festival in the country.

Now on its third run, expect bigger and better as this year’s mobile-led Klook Travel Fest is powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the Philippines’ fastest fixed internet, to ensure that guests get uninterrupted access to all the deals. Gush over great deals on the most famous attractions around the world and imagine eye-popping surprises for just about every popular destination you can think of!

Step into the #KlookUniverse for out-of-this-world deals and promos

In line with providing everyone with an out-of-this-world experience, the Klook Travel Fest serves as a universe where travelers can enjoy buy two, take one deals for Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park; Taipei Pass and Taipei 101; Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Pass in Japan; Universal Studios Singapore; Discover Seoul Pass and Everland in Korea. And for the first time ever, you can also enjoy the same deals at Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

On top of that, you can score up to P15,000 off on your purchases to  Big Bus Hong Kong, Sky 100, Madame Tussauds, and Ngong Ping 360, all in Hong Kong; JR West and Harukas passes in Japan; Resorts World Sentosa and the Wildlife Reserve in Singapore; and Ktourstory in Korea.

You will definitely be amazed at how affordable traveling can be with these deals and promos. Enjoy extra discounts on all your purchases with Klook’s round-the-clock surprises - so be sure to check Klook’s Facebook page for the official schedule!

Curate your next vacation in the most entertaining way

Not only can you get the best price for tours and attractions at Klook Travel Fest, but you can also get entertained while you book for your next vacation. On the first day of the travel fest, KPOP fans will surely barge their way to the World Trade Center as Klook brings Korean groups Monsta X and Weki Meki to celebrate its second birthday in the Philippines.

Travel fest goers have a whole lot more to look forward to as Klook Travel Fest 2019 merges travel and entertainment through various performers, experiential booths, and fun games. Celebrities Liza Soberano, and Team Kramer will also share their tips on how to be a globetrotter and on how to make the most out of family vacations. Youtube content creator Mike Chen of Strictly Dumpling will also impart his broad knowledge on food and world class taste. Last but not least, Lauren Bullen and Jack Morris of Do You Travel will let consumers in on their secrets on how to live like a local!

Klook extends its Travel Fest to Cebu

To ensure that everyone gets to partake of its great offerings, Klook is also taking the Travel Fest to the North Wing of SM City Cebu. Cebuanos no longer have to travel to Metro Manila to get the same exciting deals that people rave about.

Go ahead and make your travel plans happen! Thanks to Klook, you can explore your dream destinations with affordable, hassle-free, and well-thought out deals that you definitely cannot resist.

To join the biggest, and most out of this world Klook Travel Fest 2019, sign up at https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/24283-travel-fest-2019-manila/. For more details, you may also check out Klook’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/klookph/.


Founded in 2014, Klook is a world leading travel activities and services booking platform. Klook provides travelers with a seamless way to discover and book popular attractions, tours, local transportation, best foods, and unique experiences around the world on its website and award-winning app (consecutive Best of Year awarded by Google Play and Apple App Store). With Klook’s innovative technologies, travelers can book on-the-go and redeem the services by using QR code enabled e-vouchers. Each day, Klook empowers countless travelers to indulge in their wanderlust and spontaneity through over 100,000 offerings in more than 300 destinations.

With a team of more than 1,000 across over 20 offices worldwide, Klook's services are available in 9 languages, supporting 41 currencies. It has raised over US$520 million investment from world-renowned investors including Sequoia Capital, Softbank Vision Fund, Matrix Partners, Goldman Sachs, and TCV. Get inspired by Klook at www.klook.com, the company blog or @Klook.