Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms & About Us

Kabayan Connect is a trading name of Spacefor Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 09240617), with its registered office at 77 Sotheby Road, London, N5 2UT, United Kingdom. VAT number GB 216 6063 26. ICO registration number ZC182413. In these Terms, "Kabayan Connect," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Spacefor Limited.

By accessing or using Kabayan Connect's website and services (the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Platform.

These Terms apply to all users, including visitors, registered members, event organisers, restaurant and business owners, advertisers, gift card senders and subscribers. Additional terms may apply to specific features or services.

2. Description of Service

Kabayan Connect is a community platform that connects Filipino communities worldwide by providing:

• Event Discovery & Creation: Browse, search, create, and promote community events, fiestas, cultural celebrations, and gatherings
• Restaurant & Food Business Listings: Discover and list Filipino restaurants, bakeries, karaoke venues, and other community experiences
• Event Ticketing & QR Check-in: Purchase, manage and validate tickets through our Platform
• eGifting Gift Cards: Purchase digital gift cards from Philippine retailers for SMS delivery to recipients in the Philippines
• Community Marketplace: Buy and sell items within the Filipino community
• Housing & Flatshare: Find and list accommodation, flatshares, and housing opportunities
• Professional Directory, Jobs Board & Kabayan Services: Connect with Filipino professionals, employers and service providers
• Filipino Recipes, Creators Hub & Kabayan News: Share and discover community content
• Useful Links & Kabayan Finds: Community-curated directories
• Remittance & Balikbayan Comparison: Compare published rates and shipping costs from third-party providers
• Reviews, Ratings & Favourites: Share, save and read reviews of listings
• Map View & Nearby Discovery: Find events, food businesses and transit options near your location
• Messaging: End-to-end encrypted (AES-256-GCM) direct messaging between users and listing owners
• Activity Feed: Share posts, images, and updates with the community
• Kabayan Points & Rewards: A loyalty programme where users earn points through check-ins and engagement, redeemable for partner discounts
• Kabayan Pro: A premium subscription with exclusive benefits and discounts
• Advertising: Hero, banner and native promoted listing placements for organisers and business owners
• Analytics: View performance metrics for your listings (for owners)
• Multi-language Support: Full Tagalog translation via /tl/ prefixed routes
• Native Android App: Distributed via Google Play with native Google Sign-In, Google Play Billing and push notifications

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, you must create an account using a valid email address and password. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. You must verify your email address before your account is fully activated.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) if you wish to add an extra layer of security
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised access

3.3 Account Types

Users can register as either a Member (to discover and save events/restaurants, earn Kabayan Points, participate in the community, buy and sell on the marketplace, and subscribe to Kabayan Pro) or an Owner (to create and manage listings, access the Owner Dashboard, analytics, and advertising features). Owners have access to all Member features plus listing management capabilities.

4. Event Listings

4.1 Creating Event Listings

Event organisers may create listings for community events. All event listings are subject to review and approval by our moderation team. You represent and warrant that:

• All information provided is accurate and complete
• You have the authority to organise and promote the event
• The event complies with all applicable laws and regulations
• You have obtained necessary permits and insurance
• Any ticket prices and capacities listed are accurate

4.2 Event Cancellation

If you cancel an event, all registered attendees will be notified via email. You are responsible for any refund obligations to ticket holders. Kabayan Connect is not liable for losses arising from event cancellation.

4.3 Disclaimer

Kabayan Connect does not organise, sponsor, or endorse any events listed on the Platform. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or any other aspect of events. Attendees participate entirely at their own risk.

5. Restaurant & Experience Listings

5.1 Creating Listings

Business owners may list their restaurants, bakeries, karaoke venues, and other Filipino community experiences. All listings are subject to review and approval. You represent that:

• You are the owner or authorised representative of the business
• All information (hours, pricing, availability) is accurate
• Your business has proper licences and certifications
• You will keep listing information up to date

5.2 Listing Expiry

Restaurant and experience listings have an expiry date. You will receive an email reminder before your listing expires. Expired listings are automatically deactivated unless auto-renewal is enabled.

5.3 Reviews

Users may leave reviews and ratings for restaurants and experiences. Reviews must be based on genuine visits. We reserve the right to remove fraudulent, abusive, or inappropriate reviews. Business owners may respond to reviews through their dashboard.

6. Event Ticketing

6.1 Ticket Purchases

Some events offer tickets for purchase through our Platform. When you purchase a ticket:

• You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket code and order details
• Each ticket includes a unique QR code for check-in at the venue
• Ticket availability is subject to the organiser's capacity limits
• A platform service fee may apply to ticket purchases
• Tickets are non-transferable unless otherwise stated by the event organiser

6.2 QR Code Tickets

Each ticket generates a unique QR code that can only be scanned once. Event organisers can use the built-in ticket scanner to validate tickets at the venue. Duplicate or fraudulent tickets will be rejected at the door.

6.3 Refunds

Refund policies are determined by individual event organisers. Kabayan Connect facilitates payment processing but is not responsible for issuing refunds. In cases of event cancellation, contact the event organiser directly for refund arrangements.

7. Community Marketplace

7.1 Listing Items

Users may list items for sale on the community marketplace. You represent that:

• You own the items or have authority to sell them
• Item descriptions, conditions, and pricing are accurate
• Items comply with all applicable laws and are not prohibited goods
• You will honour agreed-upon transactions with buyers

7.2 Transactions

Kabayan Connect provides the platform for listing and discovering items but does not process marketplace payments or mediate transactions. All transactions are conducted directly between buyers and sellers. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or delivery of items, nor for any disputes arising from marketplace transactions.

8. Housing & Flatshare

8.1 Listing Properties

Users may list housing, flatshare, and accommodation opportunities. You represent that:

• You are the property owner, landlord, or authorised agent
• Property descriptions, images, pricing, and availability are accurate
• The property meets local safety and habitability standards
• The listing complies with all applicable housing and tenancy laws

8.2 Disclaimer

Kabayan Connect is not a letting agent or property management service. We do not verify property conditions, conduct background checks on landlords or tenants, or mediate tenancy disputes. Users should conduct their own due diligence before entering into any housing arrangement.

9. Professional Directory, Jobs & Services

9.1 Professional Listings

Professionals may create profiles to advertise their services. You represent that:

• Your qualifications, certifications, and credentials are accurate and current
• You hold any required licences to practise in your jurisdiction
• Your service descriptions and pricing are accurate

9.2 Job Postings

Employers may post job opportunities. You represent that:

• Job descriptions, requirements, and compensation are accurate
• The position complies with employment laws and regulations
• You have authority to recruit for the position

9.3 Kabayan Services

Service providers may list community services. All service listings are subject to review and approval.

9.4 Disclaimer

Kabayan Connect does not verify professional credentials, conduct background checks, or endorse any professionals, employers, or service providers. We are not responsible for the quality, legality, or outcome of any professional services, employment, or transactions arranged through the Platform. Users should independently verify credentials and conduct due diligence.

10. Recipes, Creators & News

10.1 Recipe Submissions

Users may submit Filipino recipes. By submitting a recipe, you represent that the content is original or that you have permission to share it. Recipes are publicly visible and may be rated by other users.

10.2 Creators Hub

Filipino content creators may apply to be featured on the Platform. Creator profiles are subject to review and approval. We may display publicly available social media statistics and content from linked platforms. Creators can manage and update their profiles through their dashboard.

10.3 News

News articles are published by administrators and authorised contributors. Kabayan Connect endeavours to ensure accuracy but does not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of news content.

11. Kabayan Points Programme

11.1 Earning Points

Members can earn Kabayan Points through various activities including QR code check-ins at participating restaurants, leaving reviews, and other engagement activities. Points values and earning methods may be updated at any time.

11.2 Redeeming Points

Points may be redeemed for discount rewards. The following conditions apply:

• Points have no cash value and cannot be transferred between accounts
• Rewards have an expiry date (typically 14 days from redemption)
• Only one active reward can be held at a time
• Kabayan Connect reserves the right to modify the points programme, including earning rates and redemption values, at any time
• Points may be forfeited if your account is terminated for violation of these Terms

11.3 Anti-Fraud Measures

We employ GPS verification, daily check-in limits, and streak monitoring to prevent fraudulent point accumulation. Abuse of the points system may result in point forfeiture and account suspension.

12. Kabayan Pro Subscription

12.1 Subscription Plans

Kabayan Pro is a premium subscription offering exclusive benefits including restaurant discounts and other perks. Subscription plans and pricing are displayed on the Platform and may change with prior notice.

12.2 Billing & Payments

Subscriptions are billed through Stripe on a recurring basis (monthly or annually). By subscribing, you authorise us to charge your payment method at the start of each billing cycle. You will receive a renewal reminder email before each billing date.

12.3 Cancellation

You may cancel your Kabayan Pro subscription at any time through your account dashboard or the Stripe customer portal. Upon cancellation:

• You will retain access to Pro benefits until the end of your current billing cycle
• No partial refunds are provided for unused portions of a billing period
• You will receive a cancellation confirmation email

12.4 Pro Discount Redemptions

Pro members may redeem discounts at participating restaurants. Redemptions are limited to once per restaurant per calendar month. Discount percentages are set by individual restaurant owners and may vary. We use real-time timestamp verification on membership cards to prevent misuse.

13. Advertising

13.1 Promoted Listings

Listing owners may purchase advertising slots to feature their events or restaurants in premium positions on the Platform. Advertising purchases are non-refundable once the display period has begun.

13.2 Third-Party Advertising

The Platform may display third-party advertisements served by Google AdSense. Kabayan Connect is not responsible for the content of third-party advertisements or the practices of advertisers.

14. Messaging & Social Features

14.1 Messaging

Our Platform provides direct messaging between users and listing owners. You agree not to use messaging for spam, solicitation, harassment, or sharing harmful content. We reserve the right to monitor and remove messages that violate these Terms.

14.2 Activity Feed & Social Features

Users can post content, follow other users, and mention users using @username tags. Content posted to the activity feed is publicly visible. You are responsible for the content you share and interactions you initiate. Mentioning another user will trigger a notification to that user.

15. Email Communications

By creating an account, you consent to receiving the following email communications:

• Authentication Emails: Account verification, password resets, and welcome emails (required, cannot be opted out)
• Transactional Notifications: Listing status updates, event reminders, ticket confirmations, message alerts, points milestones, reward notices, Pro subscription updates, and advertising notifications

Individual transactional email types can be enabled or disabled by administrators. We do not send marketing or promotional emails unless you explicitly opt in.

16. User Content

16.1 Ownership

You retain ownership of content you post (listings, reviews, images, recipes, activity posts). By posting content, you grant Kabayan Connect a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content on the Platform and in promotional materials.

16.2 Content Guidelines

You agree not to post content that:

• Is false, misleading, or inaccurate
• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Is unlawful, harmful, threatening, or offensive
• Contains malware or harmful code
• Violates the privacy of others
• Is spam or unsolicited advertising
• Impersonates another person or entity

16.3 Content Moderation & Removal

All listings are subject to review and approval. We reserve the right to reject, remove, or edit any content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable, without prior notice. Listing owners will be notified via email of approval or rejection decisions.

17. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Create fake accounts or listings
• Manipulate reviews, ratings, or the Kabayan Points system
• Share or screenshot Pro membership cards for fraudulent use
• Post fraudulent marketplace listings or scam other users
• Post fake housing listings or misrepresent properties
• Misrepresent professional qualifications or credentials
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
• Use automated scripts or bots without permission
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform
• Collect user data without consent
• Abuse the QR check-in system or falsify location data
• Circumvent rate limits or security measures

18. Intellectual Property

The Kabayan Connect name, logo, and all Platform content (excluding user-generated content) are owned by Kabayan Connect and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks without written consent
• Create derivative works based on our Platform

19. Payments & Fees

Web payments on the Platform are processed securely through Stripe. In-app purchases made through the Android app are processed through Google Play Billingin accordance with Google's billing policies. The following payment-related terms apply:

• All prices are displayed in the applicable currency at the time of purchase
• VAT: Spacefor Limited is registered for UK VAT under number GB 216 6063 26. Prices for the following services include UK VAT at the prevailing rate where applicable: Kabayan Pro subscriptions, advertising and ad slot bookings (hero, banner and native), the eGifting platform service fee, and platform service fees applied to event ticket purchases. The gift card face value itself is not subject to UK VAT as it is a face-value voucher issued by a Philippine retailer.
• A VAT invoice can be requested for any qualifying purchase by emailing hello@kabayanconnect.com with your order reference.
• Kabayan Pro subscription fees are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or annually)
• Advertising slot purchases are charged as one-time payments and are non-refundable once the display period has begun
• eGifting gift card purchases are final and non-refundable once a gift card code has been issued and delivered
• You are responsible for any applicable taxes, currency conversion fees, or bank charges levied by your card issuer on your purchases
• Consumer cancellation rights: Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, the 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply once digital content (including gift card codes, ticket QR codes and digital subscription access) has been supplied, and you expressly consent to immediate supply at checkout.
• Kabayan Connect is not a party to transactions between event organisers and attendees, marketplace buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants, or employers and job seekers

20. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

We do not warrant that:

• The Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Information on listings is accurate or complete
• Events or restaurants will meet your expectations
• Marketplace items are as described by sellers
• Housing listings accurately represent the property
• Professional qualifications listed are verified or current
• Job postings are genuine or comply with employment laws
• The Platform is free from viruses or harmful components
• Kabayan Points rewards or Pro discounts will always be available at specific locations
• Email notifications will be delivered without delay

21. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, KABAYAN CONNECT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Personal injury or property damage at events or restaurants
• Actions or omissions of event organisers or restaurant owners
• Disputes between marketplace buyers and sellers
• Issues with housing, tenancy, or accommodation arrangements
• Quality or outcome of professional services obtained through the Platform
• Employment disputes arising from job postings
• Unauthorised access to your account
• Failure of loyalty rewards, discounts, or promotional offers
• Issues with third-party payment processing
• Non-delivery or delayed delivery of email notifications

22. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Kabayan Connect, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights.

23. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse of the Kabayan Points or Pro membership system
• Posting fraudulent marketplace, housing, or job listings
• Extended inactivity
• Any reason at our sole discretion

You may request account deletion at any time through your Dashboard Settings. The deletion process works as follows:

• You must re-enter your password to confirm the deletion request
• Deletion is blocked if you have an active Kabayan Pro subscription — you must cancel it first
• Deletion is blocked if you have upcoming events with sold tickets — your account will be eligible for deletion 60 days after your last event to allow for ticket refunds
• After submitting, your account enters a 7-day grace period during which your profile is deactivated but you can cancel and reactivate
• After the grace period, deletion is permanent and irreversible:

• Your listings (events, restaurants, marketplace, housing, services, recipes, creator profiles) will be hidden
• Your reviews and activity posts will be anonymised (attributed to "Deleted User")
• Accumulated Kabayan Points will be permanently forfeited
• Active rewards and discount codes will be voided
• Your followers/following connections will be removed
• Your profile data, messages history, and favourites will be deleted

24. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on our Platform or sending you an email. Your continued use of Kabayan Connect after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

25. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. You and Spacefor Limited agree that the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute, except that consumers resident in Scotland or Northern Ireland may bring proceedings in their local courts. Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

26. eGifting Gift Cards

Our eGifting service enables you to purchase digital gift cards from participating Philippine retailers for delivery to a recipient by SMS. The following terms apply to all eGifting purchases:

• Currency & conversion: Gift card face values are denominated in Philippine Pesos (₱). You are charged in British Pounds (£) via Stripe using the live exchange rate displayed on the checkout page at the time of purchase.
• Service fee: A service fee is added to each order to cover payment processing, fulfilment, and SMS delivery. The fee amount is shown before you complete checkout.
• Pro discount: Active Kabayan Pro members receive a 50% discount on the eGifting service fee, applied automatically at checkout. The discount applies to the service fee only, not to the gift card face value. The discount ends immediately when a Pro membership lapses or is cancelled.
• Delivery: Gift cards are delivered by SMS to the recipient mobile number you provide, typically within minutes. You are responsible for entering the correct recipient number.
• Refunds: Once a gift card code has been issued and delivered, the purchase is final and non-refundable. If delivery fails and no code is issued, you may request a full refund.
• Retailer terms: Gift cards are subject to the issuing retailer's terms, including expiry, redemption locations, and any usage restrictions. We are not responsible for retailer policies.
• Fulfilment partner: Gift card issuance is performed by our third-party fulfilment partner. By placing an order you authorise us to share the order details necessary to deliver the gift card.

27. Contact Us & Company Details

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at hello@kabayanconnect.com or in writing at our registered office below.