Spend, save and give back

MANILA, Philippines - It’s no secret that women have an affinity for spending and saving at the same time. Nothing captures our attention like a humongous “Sale” sign. With this unique characteristic in the female psyche, up-and-coming website Ensogo.com.ph might just find itself crashing, due to the number of visitors, before the year ends or, god forbid, even before the end of this article is read.

Ensogo, whose name is coined from the terms “entertainment, social and go,” is a social commerce site that offers the best of the city at unbelievably marked-down prices. Partnering with local establishments in promoting its products and services, the site offers visitors discounted vouchers that they can buy, print out or have as an SMS, and present to the establishment upon availing the featured service.

These deals range from monstrous discounts on restaurant meals and spas, to plunging rates on hotel accommodations. “We offer a little bit of everything, but the most popular deals are those for restaurants and spas,” says country manager Alejandro Cruz. Their past deals include a jade stone massage or herbal infusion therapy massage at Soneva Spa; a choice between a stress relieving detox massage and a Cleopatra mud scrub; an intense diamond peel with facial at YSA Skincare Center; and an authentic Indian meal at Legend of India. Ensogo has also offered a one-month unlimited gym use at 360° Fitness Club; a variety of beauty and slimming packages at Vigen Body Care; hair rebond treatment with hot oil at Confetti Spa & Salon; and an overnight stay for four, with breakfast, at Mines View Hotel.

(From left) Children’s Hour trustees Bernido Liu and Patricia Licuanan, Alejandro Cruz, Ensogo sales director Anna Hizon and marketing manager Jay Padua.

All you need to do is visit its website, check out the available deals on offer, decide which one you want to get, and then click on “Buy” to get the discounted voucher. No prior registrations required, no other requirements asked. “You don’t have to be a member; you can just go to the site and click on ‘Buy.’ And then you finish this process,” says Alejandro, referring to a form with blank fields for your name, e-mail address and a password. “That’s pretty much your membership. So we don’t ask you to be a member first before you can buy.”

Users have the option of paying for the voucher via Bancnet, Paypal or over-the-counter deposits with BPI, BDO and Metrobank. Those who choose to pay over the counter will need to keep the deposit slip and fax or e-mail a copy to the Ensogo team, as a form of verification in order to get their vouchers. Once signed in, users may also opt for the SMS service, which sends them the voucher in a text message that they could show to the establishment (available for select merchants). The processing of your order takes anywhere between 24 to 48 hours, at most.

(For more information, visit www.ensogo.com.ph)