Twenty-Nine years after Rufo’s Famous Tapa has cemented its root in Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, its management moved to relocate a few steps away to its current location in A. Venue Mall, Makati Avenue. It’s now a two-level restaurant, which seats 150 people, with multiple aircon and al-fresco sections, function rooms for parties and seminars, and a second floor balcony.

               The relocation also signified the beginning of Rufo’s rapid expansion through franchising as more stores are geared to open this year. After establishing branches in A. Venue, Shaw, Eastwood, Ortigas, Las Piñas, Vito Cruz, SM Makati, Mckinley Hill and Macapagal Avenue, more are under construction in SM North Edsa, Retiro, University of Santo Tomas and Timog. Its president, Paul Izon Reyes, projects that by April of this year, there will be 15 Rufo’s stores in Metro Manila and nearby municipalities through its Rufo’s Famous Franchise Program. Partnering with Francorp and with the help of China Bank Savings’ supportive SME (small and medium enterprise) programs, Reyes plans to have 30 stores by end of 2013.

                Since 1984 Rufo’s has been a favorite go-to place for delicious and affordable Filipino dishes. But it was not until the concept was acquired in 2003 by Reyes that the company considered expansion through Rugo’s Famous Franchise Corp. From 16 employees in 2003, Rufo’s now employs 186 people.

               “We are passionate in pursuing our mission of building and giving value – not only to our customers but also to our employees and our franchises. At Rufo’s, we believe that success is a product of doing the right things and not just doing things right. And we want to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to enjoy financial freedom through our franchise program,” Reyes said.

Seated from left are Pilipinas Water Resources, Inc. President William A. Maceren, China Bank Savings VP and Commercial SME Division Head Maria Consuelo S. Ruffy, Pilipinas Water Resources Inc. Chairman Michel J. Lhuillier and China Bank Savings SM and Team Head Raymond Martin C. Rosas. Standing from left are PWRI’s VP for Operations Edgar R. Sibonga and Ma. Anna Socorro S. Senining, Resource Manager and Support Group Head and CBS’ Cebu-Lahug Branch Head Mark Sy. Not in photo is Engr. Jose Gonzalo S. Tumulak, PWRI’s Project Manager – SRP Total Water Management.

PWRI was awarded a 30-year contract by the Cebu City government to deliver potable and non-potable water and provide waste water management for all the locators of the South Road Properties. The SRP is a 300-hectare reclaimed land, envisioned to be a premier lifestyle destination in the Southern Philippines. The SRP will host retail and commercial establishments, dining and entertainment outlets, upscale retirement facilities, mid-rise residential condominium buildings, office blocks, hospital, the campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) and other tourism-oriented facilities

Headquartered in Talamban, Cebu City, Pilipinas Water Resources, Inc. is a water supplier company which started operations in 2007. It is a joint-venture between Michel J. Lhuillier, the country’s pawnshop king with over 1,500 M. Lhuillier pawnshops all over the country, and Mactan Rock Industries, a water-treatment company which has been in the business for nearly 30 years.

China Bank Savings’ roots can be traced to China Banking Corporation’s acquisition of Manila Bank in 2007. The newly established thrift bank first focused on deposits, consumer loans and trust services. From a lone branch in Ayala Avenue, China Bank Savings now has 36 branches nationwide. Complementing its network is the Bank’s On-line service through its redesigned and re-energized website, www.cbs.com.ph.
 

Today, China Bank Savings lives up to its promise of being “Madaling Kausap” by providing diverse products and services to the consumer market. And to better serve its customers and strengthen its channels nationwide, the Bank will be rolling out a series of branch opening in the next few years.  
 

The Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) and the BAP Credit Bureau Inc. has signed a memorandum of agreement to launch the positive data sharing system (PoDS) for thrift banks.In the photo are: (from left, seated) CTB executive director Suzanne I. Felix; CTB president Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco(president of BPI Family Saving Bank); Bap Credit Bureau managing director Leonilo G. Coronel;CTB consultant Benjamin J. Yambao;(from left, standing) Len Agbayani of China Bank Savings; Teresita Mondoza of Isla Bank; Ma. Lourdes Aldecoa of RCBC Savings Bank; and Francis E. Avellana of BAP

CBS China Bank Savings held its 1st Brokers’ Night last February 13, 2013 at Milky Way Café in Makati. Together with CBS account officers, the event was attended by several partner and accredited developers from various real estate corporations. Mr. Alberto Emilio V. Ramos, CBS President, led the opening remarks discussing the business partnership between China Bank Savings and the respective developers. The highlight of the night was the presentation of the Easi-Livin’ Home Loan features and Easi-Livin’ Easi-Lifestyle Promo, courtesy of Mr. Jan Nikolai Lim, FVP and Head of Housing Loans Division. Raffle prizes were given away such as an Apple iPad. To cap off the night, Ms. Kristine Chavez, AVP for Home Loans, personally thanked the brokers for attending the event.

In Photo (standing from left to right): Yvette Santos, Ayala Land Premier Property Specialist; Richard Manuel, Ayala Land Premier Senior Sales Manager; Donald Pascua, DMCI Sales Manager; Kristine Chavez, AVP CBS Home Loans; Jimmy Velasquez, Ayala Land Premier Property Specialist; Alberto Emilio V. Ramos, CBS President. (seating from left to right): Eric Geronimo, Ayala Land Premier Property Specialist; Verna Florece, Ayala Land Premier Property Specialist

China Bank Savings, Inc plans to quintuple its number of branches in the next three to five years. The bank, a subsidiary of China Banking Corporation, the Philippines' fourth largest universal bank by market capitalization, intends to open 100 new branches to add to its existing 25 branches.

China Bank Savings President Alberto Emilio Ramos said attractive lending rates; low inflation and strong remittances from overseas Filipinos has led to strong personal spending. The Philippine economy is expected to grow from 4% to 6% this year on the back of strong public and personal spending.

“We want to ride on the crest of strong private consumption,” Ramos said.

Remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks hit a record US$20.1 billion last year, up 7%. Apart from spending more, Filipinos are starting to save more, investment more or their own businesses.
Ramos expects the retail market to make aggressive loans and his bank wants to be in the right place to meet demand.

CHINA BANK SAVINGS OPENS 34^TH BRANCH (From left) Eleanor Motemayor, China Bank Savings Las Pinas – Almaza Uno branch head; City Councilor Ruben Ramos; and CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos pose before cutting the ribbon to open the bank’s newest branch on Alabang Zapote Road, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City. The branch offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an automated teller machine for 24/7 convenience, and is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on China Bank Savings, visit www.cbs.com.ph

Last December 17, China Bank Savings (CBS) marked its 33^rd branch opening in Filinvest Corporate City, making it the last for the year 2012. Among the special guests were Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and Councilor Neptali Santiago. CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos spearheaded the branch inauguration together with the Branch Head, Ms. Marites Nubla. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. CBS Filinvest Corporate City Branch is located at BC Group Bldg., East Asia Drive near cor. Commerce Ave., Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The branch is now open to serve you from Monday to Friday at 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

IN PHOTO (L-R) Councilor Neptali Santiago, CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos, Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and CBS Branch Head Marites Nubla.

IN PHOTO (L-R) CBS Branch Head Edwin Guevara, Ms. Mildred Panganiban and CBS Controllership Group Head Emmanuel Geronimo.

China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 2^nd branch in the province of Batangas, making it the 36^th branch. The inaugural ceremony was led by CBS Controllership Group Head Emmanuel Geronimo together with CBS Branch Head Edwin Guevara and Ms. Mildred Panganiban. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. CBS Batangas City Branch is located at Miriel’s Place, National Road, Pallocan West, Batangas City. The branch is now open to serve you from Monday to Friday at 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 33^rd branch in the country, with new Filinvest Corporate City branch. The launch was CBS’ last for the year 2012. Among the special guests at the opening were Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and Councilor Neptali Santiago. CBS president Alberto Emilio Ramos spearheaded the branch inauguration together with the branch head, Marites Nubla. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. CBS Filinvest Corporate City branch is located at BC Group Bldg., East Asia Drive near cor. Commerce Ave., Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The branch is now open from Monday to Friday at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, visit www.cbs.com.ph.

Friday, 23 November 2012
Business World Banking and Finance

CHINA Bank Savings, Inc. will swallow Pampanga-based Unity Bank, A Rural Bank, Inc. as it expands its national footprint by taking advantage of incentives under a program established by the central bank and the state deposit insurer to spur mergers and consolidations in the thrift and rural banking industry.

    In a disclosure to the stock exchange yesterday, China Banking Corp. said will infuse P360 million in fresh capital in Unity Bank and use up P40 million to by 99.95% of the rural bank's outstanding subscribed capital stock.

   China Bank, China Bank Savings' parent firm said the Monetary Board green-lighted the transaction on Nov. 15.

   Unity Bank, which has 15 branches, will be merged with China Bank Savings, which has 32 branches at present, "within six months."

   The thrift bank will also gain 24 branches under the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks Plus (SPRB Plus). It will be allowed to establish 18 branches in restricted areas in Metro Manila and will gain six more branches upon final approval of its merger with the rural bank.

   SPRB Plus, launched in August, added universal, commercial and thrift banks to the list of white knights that can take over ailing banks. It also included thrift banks as among those that are subject to takeovers.

   The previous program, SPRB, which expired in August, allowed only rural banks to rescue weak rural banks.

   Universal, commercial and thrift banks may avail of branching incentives from the Bangko Sentral under SPRB Plus. Rural and thrift banks may enjoy financial assistance from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

   Special branch licensing fees will be waived by the central bank, equivalent to the amount of capital infused into the acquired bank. Thrift banks pay P15 million, and universal and commercial banks, P20 million, to be able to establish a branch in so-called "restricted" areas in Metro Manila.

   Furthermore, depending on how much branch licensing fees are waived, universal, commercial and thrift banks may establish branches in restricted areas for free.

   Asked why China Bank purchased Unity Bank, Alexander C. Escucha, China Bank first vice president and corporate planning head, in an interview said: "Part of the business case was the number of the rural bank's branches."

   China Bank Savings targets to have 40 branches by yearend and 81 by end-2013. The 39 branches acquired through the Unity Bank deal will be added to the bank's branches next year.

   Regarding Unity Bank's employees, Mr. Escucha said: "We might ask everyone to resign and hire those who we think will help us in the bank. This would be similar to what we did when we acquired Manila Bank."

   China Bank acquired Manila Bank in 2007.

   In the same disclosure, China Bank said its board of directors approved the appointment of directors in Unity Bank. China Bank Savings President and Director Alberto Emilio V. Ramos will sit as Unity Bank's chairman, while China Bank Savings Executive Vice President Jaime Valentin L. Araneta will sit as the rural bank's president and vice chairman. - Ann Rozainne R. Gregorio

China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 32nd branch last December 7 in Malolos, making its second CBS in Bulacan. The ribbon cutting was led by Mr. Marcelino Garcia with CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos and Branch Head, Rosanna Martinez. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. You may now visit the CBS Malolos Branch located at Canlapan Street, Sto. Rosario, Malolos City Bulacan from Monday to Friday at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

IN PHOTO (L-R) CBS Malolos Branch Head Rosanna Martinez, G&G Gaslink Corporation Owner Mr. Marcelino Garcia, Fr. Prospero Tenorio and CBS President Mr. Alberto Emilio V. Ramos.

(From left) Rosanna Martinez, China Bank Savings - Malolos branch head; Marcelino Garcia, G&G Gaslink Corp. owner; officiating priest Fr. Prospero Tenorio; and Alberto Emilio V. Ramos, CBS President; pose during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

CHINA Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 32nd branch at the city of malolos, Bulacan province, on December 7, 2012. The second CBS branch in the province, the latest branch - located at Calapan Street, Santo Rosario, Malolos - offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an automated teller machine for 24/7 banking convenience. It is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

CHINA BANK Savings (CBS) is re-launching its well-rounded range of services and products, not only to let consumers save with ease but also instills the virtue of saving despite challenges.

            The re-launch includes the introduction of a new logo and bank promise of "Madaling Kausap", which seeks to attract the target market with accessible and tailorfit products to meet the demands of its start-up clientele.

            Unlike other banks that focus only on loans and deposits, CBS has diversified product offerings, offering whatever the clients may need. From up-and-coming entrepreneurs and junior executives to yuppies and rank and file employees, China Bank Savings has a plethora of market-sensitive loan, deposit, trust, checking and ATM services meet their income and financial constraints.

            As a subsidiary of China Banking Corporation, CBS gives its customers peace of mind that their hard-earned money is well entrusted with a savings bank with a strong record of stability and reliability.

            The thrift bank likewise puts high premium on customer service, noting the importance of building relationships with each client who entrusts their hard-earned money to the bank.

            Each client is treated like a royalty of a VIP, with steaming hot coffee or cocoa served to every one who transacts such as deposits or loan application, in selected branches nationwide.

            China Bank Savings' roots can be traced to China Banking Corporation's acquisition of Manila Bank in 2007. The newly established thrift bank first focused on deposits, consumer loans, and trust services. From a lone branch in Ayala Avenue, China Bank Savings was able to branch out to six locations in just one year. The expansion allowed them to double their assets by 55.6% in 2009 and introduce three new products - the Easi-Earn High-Five, a five-year time deposit account that earns interest tax-free; Easi-Save for Kids for little savers aged 12 and below and the Easi-Checking with Diary, a checking account with passbook for easier monitoring.

            In 2010, China Bank Savings opened 10 more branches, which increased the number of deposits by 38%. They alos launched Easi-Drivin' Auto Loan and Easi-Save Basic, a savings account with zero initial and maintaining balance. CBS also launched its Instant ATM service that lets clients instantly get their ATM cards as soon as they open an account.

            Last year, the number of account holders increased by 93% and deposits by a record high of 99%. The Easi-Drivin' Auto Loan drove the 103% increase in assets and a 135% boost in auto loans. An additional nine more branches were also opened in the same year.

            Today, China Bank Savings lives up to its promise of providing market-sensitive products and services to the consumer market. It is set to launch new loans products such as personal, housing and terms loans, affordable deposit products and entry-level trust offerings.

China Bank’s acquisition of Pampanga-based Rural Bank, Unity Bank, was recently approved by the Monetary Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The acquired bank will be merged with China Bank’s thrift bank subsidiary, China Bank Savings (CBS), considerably expanding the savings bank’s footprint.

CBS has 31 branches to date, 42 by year-end. The acquisition will boost CBS’ network with 15 Unity Bank branches and additional 24 branch licenses in the restricted areas granted by Bangko Sentral ng (BSP) under the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks (SPRB) Plus. The additional branches licenses will increase the presence of CBS to 28 in the restricted areas by next year.  

According to CBS President Alberto Emilio Ramos, the acquisition fast- tracks the savings bank’s branch expansion program. “From this deal alone, we will have at least 80 branches by 2013, on track to meet the target of 100 branches by 2014,” he said.

China Bank’s purchase of Unity Bank supports BSP’s SPRB Plus, a program that aims to effectively serve the countryside and improve the delivery of financial services to rural communities by strengthening the thrift and rural banking industry. 

Unity Bank was established in 1970.  Its head office is located in San Fernando Pampanga.  It has 15 branches, of which, 11 are in Pampanga, two are in Bataan, and two are in Bulacan, and employs 182 people.  Unity Bank has total assets of P1.1 billion, total loans of P660 million, and total deposits of P1.2 billion.  

CBS began operations on September 8, 2008, following China Bank’s acquisition of Manila Bank in late 2007. CBS is focused on the retail market, offering products and services that match different life stages, and its "madaling kausap” brand of personalized service. 

China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 30^th branch last November 12 in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, making its first CBS in the area. Among the special guests were City Mayor Rey S. San Pedro and Retired Colonel Prudencio Legaspi. The branch inauguration was led by Executive Vice-President Jaime Valentin Araneta together with the branch head, Mr. Othello Mendoza. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions, including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. You may now visit the CBS San Jose Del Monte Branch located at G/F, Giron Building, Gov. Halili Avenue, Tungkong Mangga, City of San Jose Del Monte from Monday to Friday at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

CHINA BANK SAVINGS OPENS IN SAN JOSE DEL MONTE:China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 30th branch recently in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. San Jose Del Monte is the first branch of CBS in Bulacan. It is located at G/F, Giron Building, Gov. Halili Avenue, Tungkong Mangga. Photo shows (from left) CBS executive vice-president Jaime Valentin L. Araneta, Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra, San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Rey S. San Pedro, CBS branch head Othello C. Mendoza, Conrado L. Giron, Ret. Col. Prudencio P. Legaspi and Romeo H. Viloria

IN PHOTO (L-R) CBS Branch Head Eleanor Montemayor, Councilor Ruben Ramos and CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos.

To start the new year, China Bank Savings opened its 34^th branch in Las Piñas Almanza Uno last January 18, making it the first branch to open for the year 2013. The branch inauguration was headed by CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos together with Branch Head, Eleanor Montemayor and with special guest, Councilor Ruben Ramos. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. CBS Las Piñas Almanza Uno Branch is located at Alabang Zapote Road, Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City. The branch is now open to serve you from Monday to Friday at 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved applications, a record  for 171 new bank branches in the third quarter of last year, official data showed. Of the 171 new outlets, 78 were for universal and commercial banks, 67 for thrift banks and 26 were for rural and cooperative banks.

The third-quarter approvals were the highest made for a particular period since the fourth quarter of 1998. These offices may be put up within three years from the date of approval.
“This is another good sign of a growing economy and a dynamic and healthy banking system,” BSP deputy governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. told The STAR. “The branch expansions will further enhance access to financial services especially in areas outside Metro Manila,” he added.

BSP has encouraged lenders to put up branches in far-flung areas to ensure financial inclusion. Financial inclusion involves the availability of credit to finance livelihood and, in effect, trickles down economic growth to the grassroots level. More bank offices also create easier access to payment centers for timely bill settlements.

In June last year, the central bank issued Circular 759, effectively lifting bank branching restrictions and allowing lenders to put up as many offices as they intend for as long as their capital can support their expansion. The circular followed an earlier order that removed “restricted areas” in Metro Manila where banks could put up more offices. In June 2011, banks were again allowed to branch out to cities of Mandaluyong, Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan and Makati.

These areas were left out by BSP in a branching liberalization measure in 2005, saying they were already adequately serviced by banks. “Ultimately, we should also rely on banks’ sound decision-making. After all, they are the first to suffer from wrong business decisions,” Espenilla said when asked on the possibility of bank congestion.

Leading other big banks, China Banking Corp. was granted 22 additional branches nationwide, data showed. It was followed by East West Banking Corp. (16 branches), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) (12 branches), Robinsons Bank Corp. (10 branches) and Land Bank of the Philippines (five branches). Asia United Bank Corp., Security Bank Corp. (four branches each), Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (three branches), Development Bank of the Philippines and BDO Unibank Inc. (one branch each) were also given the go-signal to put up more offices.

Among the thrift banks, China Bank Savings got most of the approvals, with 40 new offices, followed by Ty-led Philippine Savings Bank with 11. The thrift banking arm of the United Coconut Planters Bank and RCBC were next with six and five new offices, respectively. Meanwhile, five branches of One Network Bank, the country’s biggest rural bank, were also approved.

The new branches, when completed, will add up to the local banking network, consisting of 9,301 offices as of September 2012.

Last January 25, China Bank Savings (CBS) opened its 35^th branch in Calamba, making it the 3^rd branch in the province of Laguna. Among the distinguished guests who attended the branch blessing and inauguration were Vice-Mayor Severino Lajara, Atty. Toti Lazaro and Mr. Antonio Ho who together with CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos and Branch Service Head, Fernando Dawal, Jr led the ribbon cutting ceremony. The new full service branch offers a wide array of banking solutions including an ATM for 24/7 convenience. CBS Calamba Branch is located at HK Bldg II, National Highway, Brgy. Halang, Calamba, Laguna. The branch is now open to serve you from Monday to Friday at 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

IN PHOTO (L-R) CBS Branch Service Head Fernando Dawal Jr, CBS President Alberto Emilio V. Ramos, Mr. Antonio Ho, Calamba Vice-Mayor Severino Lajara and Atty. Toti Lazaro.