UnionDigital Banks 1.73-M Customers in Four Months, Onboards PDAX as First Corporate Account Customer

UnionDigital Bank, the digital banking subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, today announced that it has acquired 1.73-M customers, reached US$ 70-M in loan book size, and collected US$ 50-M in deposits from its first four months of operations in the country. UnionDigital Bank has achieved double digit growth in digital loans to mass market communities through ecosystem partnerships powered by UnionBank.

“Since our launch, UnionDigital Bank has been focusing on serving the needs of the underserved communities within UnionBank by offering digital deposit and lending products to our ecosystem, and we will continue to support the needs of these customers with additional products overtime,” shared Arvie de Vera, co-founder, President, and CEO, UnionDigital Bank. “The series of milestones that we have been able to achieve is a testament to the strong execution power of the team, in accordance with our community-led business model.”

de Vera further credits this achievement to the Digital Bank’s “laser focus” on the fundamentals: prioritizing the balance sheet.

“As a bank we’re very clear: it’s not just about having a cool app or millions of users who don’t generate revenue - it’s about a balance sheet. It’s about growing the loan book because that’s where the revenues come from- it doesn’t come from payments, it doesn’t come from sign ups. Valuation is great, but it’s not profitability.”

As a subsidiary of the Philippine’s largest techglomerate, UnionDigital Bank’s success in growing its loan book is due in part to its sophisticated use of available data of consumer behavior within the larger Aboitiz ecosystem to create tailor-fit loan products.

“If you’re lending within an ecosystem, you have an anchor community, and that’s a robust way to provide credit because you have more data. Rather than using payments data, which is really not a good proxy for someone’s capacity and willingness to pay. But if you have robust set of data with context on their financial behavior, then you can properly price the risk, because you have historical data on the customer, you know you can give him a customized interest rate. A one-size-fits-all pricing is an inappropriate lending business strategy and sub-optimal consumer experience.”

UnionDigital Bank’s mission to drive financial inclusion begins with improving access to credit to the underserved communities by capitalizing on technology and decades of alternative data from the UnionBank ecosystem to create robust credit models that fit the Philippines.

In yet another milestone, UnionDigital Bank onboarded its first corporate account customer, Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX), marking the commencement of accumulating corporate account openings at UnionDigital Bank. Following PDAX, UnionDigital Bank aims to expand its partnership base with other leading communities and corporates, following its commercial launch.

Starting with PDAX, UnionDigital Bank has been expanding its partnership base with other leading communities and corporations. UnionDigital Bank looks to provide a smooth customer experience for corporates to make payments, transfer money, and even more core banking services such as treasury services, empowering businesses to do more with their financial assets.

"Corporate partnerships are vital to helping us reach the communities who need it the most. They are integral to the cohesive network the bank seeks to build and I believe their involvement is critical to reaching a fully digital Philippines," said de Vera. "With this in mind, the start we’ve had with PDAX joining us on our journey affirms my excitement to include more corporate partners. We look forward to collaborating with partners of the same caliber to maximize the difference we bring to the financial lives of fellow Filipinos.”

The PDAX corporate account partnership demonstrates how UnionDigital Bank is committed to being approachable to fintechs and regulated institutions by offering products relevant to them, their community, and partners.

“We are confident that UnionDigital Bank offers the banking solutions that digital natives, such as PDAX, need to continuously grow,” said Nichel Gaba, Founder & CEO, PDAX.

UnionDigital Bank dares to make bold strides that result in direct changes to how Filipinos interact with their finances digitally. A homegrown fintech expert, PDAX, being the digital bank’s first customer is a good start to kick things off, continuing our rally to support our higher purpose of Tech-ing Up Philippines.

The UnionDigital Bank app is now live for a limited set of customers. For now, the app is currently available by invitation only. Future updates on the launch will be available through the digital bank’s social media channels on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

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About UnionDigital Bank

UnionDigital Bank is a digital bank entity wholly owned by UnionBank of the Philippines. We are a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) licensed digital bank that aims to empower the country’s journey towards a fully digital economy. We enable Filipino communities, businesses, and regulators to leverage FinTech, Blockchain, and Open Finance technologies to achieve inclusive prosperity.

UnionDigital Bank is primed to pave the way for the future of finance and for the democratization of access to digital banking and virtual assets, empowering the lives of Filipino communities. Learn more at www.uniondigitalbank.io.

PDAX believes that blockchain technology and digital assets are the key to financial inclusion in the Philippines and can create a level playing field that can empower Filipinos. For more information on PDAX, visit www.pdax.ph.

REP CAROUSEL stars share the thrill and weight of mounting one of musical theater’s masterpieces

Karylle Tatlonghari and Gian Magdangal talk about the challenge of bringing ‘troubled’ roles to life

How does it feel being part of a restaging of one of Broadway’s iconic musicals? For the stars of the upcoming Repertory Philippines (REP) production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, the opportunity is both a thrill and a responsibility. 

Sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal and singer, actor, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari, who are both headlining a REP show for the first time, have shared their experiences in the past months of preps and rehearsals. CAROUSEL is directed by writer, director, producer, and congressman Toff De Venecia.

“As theater actors, we are all just so enthusiastic to be given this chance to do what we’re passionate about. As for me, I couldn’t be any more grateful to be working with the best of Philippine theater,” says Karylle who plays Julie Jordan, a sweet yet naïve millworker. “I’m trying my best to keep up with them and it’s a great feeling because I’m learning a lot. My mind is expanding, and every inch of my body is excited and living in this beautiful moment. It’s been a personal rediscovery for me, too.”

“It has been an exhilarating experience, being reunited with theater friends and working with REP for the first time. We can’t wait to see what we have been preparing for the past months. It has been an out-of-the-box experience, and it feels like home at the same time,” shares Gian who plays Billy Bigelow, a swaggering and charismatic carnival barker. “There is simply nothing like live theater.”

A masterwork by the legendary theater-writing duo of Richard Rodgers (Music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (Book and Lyrics), CAROUSEL’s original 1945 production won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, and was hailed by Time Magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century. Its revivals picked up Tony, Olivier, and Drama Desk Awards, a testament to this R&H classic’s timeless and universal appeal.

CAROUSEL isn’t only a love story between Billy and Julie, it is also a moving tale that underlines the transcendent power of love and hope in changing the course of one’s destiny. It features some of musical theater classics like If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Toff de Venecia, who has a contemporary, self-aware, and socially conscious vision for REP’s comeback musical, has nothing but praises for the two leads and the rest of the ensemble who have all been dedicated in bringing the show to life in a way that feels right for today’s theatergoers.

“Gian and Karylle are both thinking actors. They keep me on my toes,” he exclaims. “We are discovering new things every day, and their viewpoints and commitment to their craft and the kind of story we want to tell bring a lot of gold and brilliance to the production.”

Now on its fifth decade of bringing acclaimed classics and original productions to Filipino theatergoers, REP has been consciously moving towards progressive, dynamic, and culturally relevant narratives—something that CAROUSEL is expected to concretize and kickstart.

The leads have also weighed in on this challenge and its impact on how they portray their characters. “You’re thinking it’s such a happy musical but if you dig deeper and read the lines, you’ll see that Julie is suffering so much. We are already in a mindset that what Julie is going through is something that’s happening in real life,” Karylle explains.

“Billy was such a troubled soul, but aren’t we all troubled souls at some point in our lives? But since we’re all different from each other, we also have different ways of coping with life’s challenges,” Gian emphasizes. 

Theater stalwarts Loy Martinez, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Noel Rayos, Mia Bolaños, Roxy Aldiosa, Red Nuestro, Cara Barredo, Steven Hotchkiss, Paula Paguio, Roby Malubay, Gia Gequinto, Julio Laforteza, Kyla Rivera-Soong, and Czar Decena round out the ensemble.

Catch REP’s CAROUSEL from November 26 to December 18 at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets will be available through the CCP Box Office and TicketWorld. Ticket prices are ₱3,000 for Rows 1 and 2, ₱2,500 for Row 3, ₱2,000 for Row 4, ₱1,500 for Row 5, and ₱1,000 for Row 6.

For updates, like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram and check out https://repertoryphilippines.ph. Companies, educators and school representatives who are interested in the show can email sales@repphil.org.

#GirlsCan make a difference as World Vision culminates initiative for young Filipina

As the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl last October 11, World Vision Philippines successfully mounted its #GirlsCan campaign which highlighted the need to support and empower girls for a brighter future. The advocacy was able to gain over 700 sponsorships since its launch last August, with the help of various celebrities, partners and sponsors.

Multi-awarded actress and World Vision Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith, together with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 candidate and fashion entrepreneur Ericka Evangelista and content creators Janina Vela and Lyqa Maravilla led in voicing out that empowered girls, empower girls.

The Women Business Council of the Philippines (WomenBiz) along with the other partners – Globe Kmmunity, Ever Bilena, Hello Glow, Lazada, Shoppee, Club of Marikina North Rotary, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Hera and Plus Network, made it big for the campaign. Adarna House pledged part of their sales to aid programs for girl empowerment.

Papemelroti paved the way for International Day of the Girl by offering an exclusive and personalized #GirlsCan articulated paper dolls as freebie when you visit their stores! You can collect the rest of the dolls each time you donate Php1,000 to World Vision’s #GirlsCan campaign.

Today, various issues surrounding girls in the country remain and violence against children is one of the major concerns, in fact there is an increase of 264% cases in online sexual exploitation. In education, over 2 million girls drop out from school while more adolescent girls get pregnant and give birth every day.

“Despite the many advances that we have achieved over the years in promoting the rights of children, unfortunately, there are a lot of issues still affecting girls around the world. The harsh realities faced by girls underpin the necessity for us citizens to advance their rights,” said Ms. Vanessa Retuerma, World Vision Director for Strategy Management, Impact and Learning.

While poverty remains to be the leading cause of these alarming problems, there are always ways on how to empower girls to break free. Just imagine what #GirlsCan do if we give them a better future ahead. They can be an influence for good and they can change lives.

To know how you can support #GirlsCan, visit https://t.co/RAUn2HPxP7 or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

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About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Start your smart home journey with Xiaomi's 11.11 Mega Sale

Enjoy up to 50% off select Xiaomi products from November 11-15

Xiaomi is pulling out all the stops for its 11.11 Sale on Shopee and Lazada.

From November 11-15, 2022, your dream of setting up a smart home system for your specific needs will be within easier reach as Xiaomi offers up to 50% discount on Shopee and Lazada for some of its best smartphones and AIoT devices (artificial intelligence of things).

From security cameras to air purifiers, Xiaomi offers over 70 smart products on sale that will help you make your home smarter. Available at even lower prices during the promo, they're also great gifts for Christmas, to make your loved ones' lives easier and more connected.

For smartphones, there’s the Redmi Note 11 (4GB+64GB) which will be available for only Php 5,990 (down from Php 9,490); the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (6GB+128GB) which is going for Php 6,990 (down from Php 10,990); the Redmi Note 10 Pro (6GB+128GB) which is priced at Php 9,490 (down from Php 12,590) and the Xiaomi Pad 5 (6GB+128GB) which is pegged at Php 15,999 (down from Php 18,999).

For AIoT devices, there’s the Xiaomi Smart Band 6 which will be available for just Php 899 (down from Php 1,090); the Xiaomi WiFi Range Extender which is going for Php990 (down from Php 1,990); and the Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Pro, which is at Php 1,799 (down from Php 2,990).

Here’s the full list:

Product Name	SRP (PHP)	Promo Price (PHP)
Redmi 9A (2+32GB)	5,199.00	4,699.00
Redmi 9C (4+128GB)	6,590.00	5,790.00
Redmi Note 10 Pro (6+128GB)	12,590.00	9,490.00
Redmi Note 10 Pro (8+128GB)	13,590.00	11,490.00
Redmi Note 10s (6+128GB)	10,990.00	6,990.00
Redmi Note 11 (6+128GB)	10,999.00	8,999.00
Redmi Note 11 (4+64GB)	9,490.00	5,990.00
Redmi Note 11s (6+64GB)	10,499.00	7,999.00
Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (8+128GB)	17,499.00	14,999.00
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (8+128GB)	19,999.00	16,999.00
Xiaomi 12 (8+256GB)	39,999.00	35,799.00
Xiaomi 12 Pro (12+256GB)	48,999.00	44,799.00
Redmi 10A (3+64GB)	5,999.00	5,299.00
Redmi 10C (4+64GB)	6,999.00	6,299.00
Redmi 10C (4+128GB)	7,899.00	7,099.00
Xiaomi Pad 5 (6+128GB)	18,999.00	15,999.00
Xiaomi 5 (6+256GB)	20,999.00	17,999.00
Xiaomi Smart Band 6	1,990	899
Xiaomi Smart Band 7	2,499	2,099
Xiaomi Band 7 Pro	4,599	3,999
Redmi watch 2 Lite	2,899	2,299
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active AP	8,999	7,299
Xiaomi Watch S1 AP	10,999	8,799
Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Strap	349	199
Redmi Watch 2 Lite Strap	299	159
Redmi Buds 3	1,799	1,299
Redmi Buds 3 Pro	2,899	1,999
Redmi Buds 4	2,499	2,199
Redmi Buds 4 Pro	3,999	3,499
Xiaomi Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 Global Version (White)	888	369
Redmi Buds 3 Lite	1199	799
Mi In-Ear Headphones Basic	888	179
Xiaomi Buds 3	4,999	3,899
Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro	6,999	5,799
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Grey)	1,699	999
TV Stick	2,099	1,699
TV Stick 4K	3,599	2,599
WIFI-PRO	599	349
Mi Camera 2K (Magnetic Mount)	1,599	1,099
Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Pro	2,990	1,799
Xiaomi Smart C200	1,799	1,599
Xiaomi Smart C300	2,299	2,199
Xiaomi Mi High-capacity Ink Pen (pack of 10 - Black)	349	129
Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 Bluetooth 5.0 Range	1,999	1,299
Mi Smart Scale 2 Global Version	899	599
Mi Router 4A	1,499	999
Mi Router 4C	699	399
Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Mini	1,990	1,290
Mi Smart Electric Toothbrush T500	1,699	1,299
Xiaomi Mi lonic Hair Dryer H300	1,799	1,299
WIFI-PRO AC1200	1,990	990
Xiaomi Mi Braided USB Type-C Cable 100cm	299	99
Xiaomi Mi USB-C Cable 1m White	299	99
Mi 2-in-1 USB Cable (Micro USB to Type C) 100cm	299	199
Xiaomi Casual Daypack Lightweight Backpack Global Version	599	199
Xiaomi Computer Backpack	1,495	999
Xiaomi City Backpack 2	1,899	1,299
Xiaomi Mi Electric Shaver S500 Global Version	1,699	1,299
Mi 65W Fast Charger with GaN Tech EU	1,399	999
Xiaomi Mi 20W Charger (Type-C)	345	299
Mi 37W Dual-Port Car Charger	599	399
Xiaomi 20W Wireless Charging Stand Global Version	995	799
Xiaomi 120W Charging Combo (Type-A)	2,299	1,899
Xiaomi 67W Charging Combo (Type-A)	1,199	999
Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp 1S	1,790	1,490
Xiaomi Bedside Lamp 2	2,490	1,999
Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb (Warm White) Global Version	799	599
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4	9,999	8,999
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite	7,999	6,999
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact	4,799	4,699
Xiaomi Smart Pet Fountain	3,299	3,299
Xiaomi Smart Doorbell 3	5,199	5,199
Xiaomi 33W Charging Combo (Type-A) Global Version	999	699
Xiaomi Conference Tapcast	5,499	5,499

Bannering the theme “Unbox your smart life”, Xiaomi’s 11.11 Mega Sale is part of the company’s much-awaited, global sales event. Offering customers everywhere huge discounts on the most innovative Xiaomi products, the sales event will extend throughout Black Friday – the biggest shopping event in the United States.

So, set your reminders now and tune in at Xiaomi’s official Facebook page for the livestream of 11.11 Mega Sale at 11am-12nn

If you're looking to stock up on Xiaomi gadgets, head over to Lazada and Shopee.

To enjoy huge savings on AIoT devices, visit Lazada and Shopee.