By EDD K. USMAN
Twitter: @edd1819, Instagram: @bluestar0910, Facebook: Science, Digital & Current News
(SDN) — FOR fans of Japan’s widely popular cartoon character “Hello Kitty” owned and popularized by Sanrio, here’s another chance to own another limited edition.
It also means you canalso use the second editon of the Hello Kitty beep™ cards when taking the country’s elevated rail transits, and other modes of transportation. Or buy something.
It’s because AF Payments and Daiso Japan have entered into a partnership for the marketing of a new batch of beep cards that can be used in your Metro Manila commute.
It can be recalled the two partners earlier issued limited edition of the beep cards for Filipino fans and collectors of all ages.
The latest offering has four designs, a salute to Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary.
AF Payments brings back the iconic character in time for the holidays owing to its successful first launch earlier in 2019
The second batch will also be on a limited edition basis, though it is not known how many cards would be made available to buyers.
Although on a “limited” edition, Daiso Japan is making available 20,000 of the cards in every outlet across Metro Manila. Those outside the metropolis may buy them through Daison Japan’s online store an on Shopee.
The Hello Kitty beep cards’ four new “kawaii” designs are now being sold in all Daiso Japan outlets. It’s availability was first made at the shop’s Robinsons Magnolia outlet along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
Each card sells for Php188; buyers need to load the card to use it on Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1, LRT-2, and Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 loading stations.
AF Payments also made the beep cards usable on a few bus companies, such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Bus, Citylink, DNS, RRCC, TAS Trans, HM Transport, San Agustin Transport, UBE Express, Lancaster New City, and Bellefort Estates.
It is not only on the transportation systems the cards be used, they are also for payments in North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).
The cards can also be used on Clemenisle e-trikes in Intramuros; modern jeepneys; select retail partners including Robinsons Movieworld, Auntie Anne’s, Binalot, Worship Generation, Wendy’s, FamilyMart, and Ministop.
You may keep them for four years of use, and they are re-loadable.
AF Payments Marketing Head Agnes Padilla cited the reason for Hello Kitty beep cards’ comeback, noting the wide acceptance.
She said the launch in March this year received a “phenomenal” adoption, with the cards “sold out only days after the release.”
“So, this time we are calling all Hello Kitty fans and beep cards collectors to stock up on the new designs before they run out.
“It’s a great addition to any collection, especially as we commemorate the 45th anniversary of the iconic character,” Padilla said at the second launch.
The Hello Kitty brand is a popular item among Daiso Japan’s merchandises, making them all-time bestsellers, said Daiso Japan Markeing Services Manager Bernice Jayne Chioa-Bunoan.
“(S), we are really excited for our customers. This is to accommodate requests from our loyal customers outside the metro who also like to get their hands on the limited edition cards, as well as those who simply enjoy the convenience of online shopping,” said Chioa-Bunoan. (SDN)