Drive world class with Petron Blaze Racing engine oil, fortified with TS3 Formula

Industry leader Petron Corporation continues to bring world-class products to Filipino motorists with its line of Petron Blaze Racing engine oil with Thermal Stress Stabilizing System (TS3) formulation. To provide ultimate protection from engine stress, TS3 technology keeps the oil stable even under extreme temperatures. Engineered and tested to perform, Petron Blaze Racing engine oil has been proven to improve the performance of gasoline engines. This top-of-the-line automotive lubricant enhances engine protection and ensures excellent engine protection for remarkable power and efficiency.

Petron Blaze Racing gasoline engine oil is offered in various grades for different types of vehicles and to suit motorists’ diverse requirements.

Petron Blaze Racing HTP 0W-40

A polyalphaolefin (PAO)-based fully-synthetic engine oil, this is specially formulated to meet the most severe and stringent requirements of today’s high-performance gasoline engines. The premium, high-quality base oils and advanced additive system ensure outstanding properties, such as:

· Excellent engine protection against extreme driving conditions and high temperature

· Outstanding oxidation and thermal stability for superior engine protection

· Outstanding engine cleanliness for maximum efficiency and power

· Exceptional protection against wear and corrosion for longer engine life

Petron Blaze Racing BR830 Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-30

Petron Blaze Racing BR800 Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40

Formulated with TS3 technology, the BR830 and BR800 are top-tier fully synthetic gasoline engine oils. Delivering excellent engine protection even under extreme driving conditions, these are recommended for use in modern, high-performance gasoline engines. Their performance benefits include:

· Improved fuel economy (B830 variant)

· Enhanced emission control

· Protection in engines operating on ethanol-blended gasoline fuels

· Improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers

· Stringent sludge control

Petron Blaze Racing BR630 Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-30

Petron Blaze Racing BR600 Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40

These multigrade semi-synthetic gasoline engine oils with TS3 technology are designed to provide maximum engine protection for all passenger cars and light-duty trucks and vans powered by gasoline engines. They are proven to deliver:

· Excellent engine cleanliness for optimum performance

· Superior ability to withstand heat for longer oil drain interval

· Unsurpassed wear protection for longer engine life

Petron Blaze Racing BR450 Premium Multigrade SAE 20W-50

Petron Blaze Racing BR400 Premium Multigrade SAE 15W-40

Premium multigrade engine oils formulated with mineral base oils, a special additive package, and TS3 technology, the BR450 and BR400 offer the following performance features:

· First-rate protection against wear and corrosion for longer engine life

· Overall engine cleanliness through effective control of sludge, rust deposits, gums, and resins

· Optimum thermal stability for longer oil drain interval

Petron Blaze Racing BR200 Multigrade SAE 20W-40

Enhanced with TS3 technology, this multigrade gasoline engine oil combines mineral base oils with high-quality additives. It provides maximum engine protection for day-to-day driving. In addition, it also offers:

· Anti-wear protection for cylinder rings, liners, and valve trains

· Protection against sludge, varnish, rust, and high-temperature thickening

· Optimum thermal stability for longer oil drain interval

For every type of gasoline-powered vehicle, there is a Petron Blaze Racing gasoline engine oil designed to meet all types of driving conditions. It is custom-engineered according to global standards to ensure that Filipino motorists can enjoy not only a world-class driving experience but also the highest levels of engine protection.

The Petron Blaze Racing product range is available at Petron Car Care Centers, Petron service stations, and retail outlets nationwide. It can also be purchased from the official Petron store on e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada.

Having served the motoring needs of the country for almost a century, Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads, with Petron fuels and lubricants designed to meet the needs and lifestyle of every Filipino motorist.

Lalamove and Pag-IBIG ink partnership to empower partner drivers in reaching financial stability

Lalamove, the leading on-demand delivery platform in the Philippines, has recently partnered with Pag-IBIG Fund to bring its partner drivers one step closer to reaching their dreams of a financially secure future and homeownership.

A significant partnership for accessibility

The signed memorandum of agreement between Lalamove and Pag-IBIG Fund ensures that partner drivers of the same-day delivery app gain access to the many benefits and services offered by Pag-IBIG Fund. This includes opportunities for high-yield savings, as well as access to cash and housing loans.

“Pag-IBIG Fund’s primary objectives have always been centered on helping Filipinos earn from their savings and to attain their dream homes. We laud Lalamove for actively offering these benefits to its partner drivers. This is hopefully the first of many partnerships of this kind,” said Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta.

For Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario, this partnership is exciting news that solidifies the goal of both Pag-IBIG and Lalamove to make accessibility tangible for partner drivers, stating, “This partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund is part of our objective to continuously empower our partner drivers and help them through meaningful partnerships like this in turning their dreams into reality for themselves and their families.”

Better access to Pag-IBIG benefits for partner drivers

Lalamove’s partner drivers can now find assigned Pag-IBIG Fund personnel, aptly called Lingkod Pag-IBIG, available in Lalamove’s offices and through timely events in Mega Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu to aid those looking to enjoy Pag-IBIG Fund’s benefits of savings and home financing.

Nacario mentioned that he is looking forward to “more partner drivers who will enjoy their improved quality of life through this partnership.”

He adds, “We now have a lot of partner drivers across Luzon and in Cebu who fulfill same-day motorcycle and truck delivery, ranging from those driving motorcycles, sedans, MPVs, pick-ups, and trucks (1,000KG, 2,000KG, 6-wheel wing van, and 10-wheel wing van). This community of hardworking individuals deserves nothing but the best services, and this is something that we will continue to do for them.”

Julio Fabian, who has been with Lalamove as a partner driver for almost three years now, is thrilled about the partnership and what it means for the partner driver community.

“Magandang balita po ito para sa akin at sa mga kapwa ko Lalamove Bossing! Iba rin talaga kapag mas napapadali ang proseso lalo na sa mga housing loans at iba pang benefits ng Pag-IBIG (This is really good news for my and my fellow ‘Lalamove Bossings! Nothing beats making processes easier for concerns like house loans and other benefits offered by Pag-IBIG),” he shared.

Good news for the partner driver community

Apart from this, Lalamove partner drivers – whether full-time or part-time – can get a chance to be one of the lucky winners of 10 brand-new motorcycles in the Pag-IBIG Asenso Rider Raffle Promo.

Who can join?

●      Any Lalamove partner driver who is an active Pag-IBIG member and has been contributing for the last 6 months;

●      Lalamove partner drivers who are not yet Pag-IBIG members can still join and pay the minimum savings/contribution requirement for each draw.

How can Lalamove partner drivers join?

●      Qualified partner drivers can join and register in the Pag-IBIG Asenso Rider Raffle Promo through this link: https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/AsensoRider/Default.aspx?a=F009738EB465B74A56942CB162CC6742897C0CD3001A06A2

What are the mechanics?

●      1st Preliminary Draw: Contribute/pay at least Php 100 in their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings from May 25 to June 30, 2023.

●      Preliminary Draw: Contribute/pay at least Php 100 in their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings from May 25 to September 30, 2023.

●      Grand Draw: Contribute/pay at least Php 400 in their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings from June 1 to November 30, 2023.

Looking for delivery driver jobs? Sign up today and be a Lalamove partner driver! Visit www.lalamove.com/en-ph/driver for more information.

 

Dengue Health Reminders

The dengue virus, also known as DENV, is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Due to the frequent rainy seasons, the virus is commonly present in tropical and subtropical countries^[1] like ours. To protect our communities from dengue, Watsons wants to raise the alarm on the severity of this infection and educate the public on the preventive measures against it.

Photo : Thanh Hue Dao

The Philippines has an average of 185,008 cases of dengue over a five year period of 2012-2016, and an average death count of 732.^[2] As of April 29, a total of 39,947 dengue cases were recorded in 2023. Compared to the same period in 2022, this number is 43% higher.^[3] Children between ages 5 and 9 years old made up almost half of the fatalities in the 2019 Philippine dengue virus outbreak.^[4]

Although there is no cure for dengue, the disease can be managed early^[5] and there are many ways to prevent getting infected by it. Watsons recommends using products that will keep you and your family safe from mosquito bites. Since the virus originates from the bite of a dengue-carrying mosquito, it is also advisable to take preventive measures to keep mosquitoes away from your home. To keep you protected against dengue, here are some easy tips from Watsons that you can follow:

1. Remove standing water around your house where mosquitoes could lay eggs.^[6] Cover and change the water in any storage containers. Make sure to repair any cracks or gaps in pipes or septic tanks.
2. Use an insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, carports, or garages.^[7]
3. Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by installing or repairing window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.^[8]
4. The first line of defense against the dengue virus is boosting our immune system. Multivitamins such as Watsons Vitamin C + Zinc can help strengthen our body’s defense and heal wounds faster by protecting and keeping your cells healthy, and also maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones and cartilage.^[9] Zinc also helps grow cells, build proteins, and heal damaged tissues.^[10]
5. To also protect yourself from other potential disease-carrying insects, insect repellent lotions and patches provide a safe and skin-friendly repellant that you can have on your person. These work great for traveling or when you’re outside frequently.
6. Putting small drops of citronella essential oil around your home is a stylish and a more organic way to keep your home safe from disease-carrying insects. It’s also safe to apply on your skin!
7. After being exposed to harsh weather changes or when we work ourselves beyond what our body can handle, getting sick can’t be avoided. If you start getting headaches or body pains, or you’re starting to feel a fever setting in, Watsons Paracetamol is your friend.
8. The rainy season brings various illnesses so make sure you stock up on Watsons Ambroxol and some lozenges as well to combat colds and coughs. Ambroxol clears congestion in respiratory diseases because it thins down and breaks up phlegm.^[11] Meanwhile lozenges relieve sore throat, throat irritation, and also help with cough relief.^[12]

Watsons offers more medicines, vitamins, and supplements that can help build immunity and maintain your health. You just need to listen to what your body needs and take a trip to your nearest Watsons branch. They have a wide selection of options and prices that suit your preferences. In the Watsons app, more discounts and exclusive offers are waiting for you! Download it on  iOS and Android and have your items delivered to you, or you can pick them up from your desired branch. Don’t let the rainy season slow you down. With Watsons as your health partner, it’s easy to stay safe and protected from any illnesses, even if it’s as serious as dengue.

 

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^[1] Dengue and severe dengue. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[2] Dengue. Republic of the Philippines Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Dengue. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[3] Update on the Dengue situation in the Western Pacific Region. World Health Organization. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wpro---documents/emergency/surveillance/dengue/dengue_20230525.pdf?sfvrsn=b4a28654_62#:~:text=The%20cumulative%20number%20of%20dengue,9%20death%20cases%20in%202022. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[4] Why are children highly vulnerable to dengue infection? https://pjhrd.upm.edu.ph/index.php/main/article/view/697 Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[5] Dengue. Republic of the Philippines Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Dengue.  Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[6] Controlling Mosquitoes at Home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[7] Controlling Mosquitoes at Home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[8] Controlling Mosquitoes at Home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html. Accessed June 8, 2023.

^[9] Vitamin C. National Health Service UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/. Accessed on June 8, 2023

^[10] Zinc. Harvard T.H. Chan. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/zinc/. Accessed on June 8, 2023.

^[11] Ambroxol Hydrochloride. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ambroxol.html. Accessed on June 8, 2023.

^[12] Throat Lozenges 32.5 Mg - Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3867/throat-lozenges-mucous-membrane/details. Accessed on June 8, 2023.

From daily hustle to all-out entertainment, achieve more with narzo

Whether we’re catching up on social media, working on-the-go, or pursuing an interest or passion, our smartphone is there with us through it all. As our daily companion, it needs to be able to keep up with and cater to various parts of our lifestyle.

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Here’s how you can stay on top of your game all the time with narzo and catch big discounts this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale!

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When affordability, function, and that something “extra” come together, consumers can win—and this is what a narzo can deliver. The narzo smartphones are part of the diverse portfolio of realme Philippines, the #1 brand in Counterpoint’s Smartphone OEM Market Share Report for Q1 2023 and the two-year champion in Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published in 2021 and 2022.

Known for its leap-forward technology and above-and-beyond experience, realme assures that whichever narzo its customers choose, they can be assured of getting value for their money and being able to power through their days:

narzo 50A Prime for the style icons. For those who prioritize style in a smartphone, this offers one of the most premium designs in the narzo 50 Series. It features a 6.6” Full HD+ LCD display, speed texture design, sleek and minimal aesthetics, and color accuracy for wallpapers that match OOTDs.

narzo 50i Prime for the thrifty users. The narzo 50i Prime may be one of the most affordable smartphones, but it gives you more than what you pay for—a 6.5” HD+ large display for ease of use and a 5000mAh battery that lasts all day!

narzo 50 Pro 5G for the gamers, binge-watchers, and photography enthusiasts. This smartphone powerhouse is fueled with 5G connectivity for reduced lag in video games, faster loading time for streamed content, and a 48MP Nightscape Camera and Dimensity 920 5G Processor to help produce superb images even at night.

Get ready to achieve more with narzo this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Those who are interested in availing of a narzo can do so at the much-awaited #realmeRealDeals 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, as realme announces the great discounts and perks available at their official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

From July 7-11, fans can save up to 28% on Lazada along with Free Shipping! This is the perfect time to grab your very own narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB) as it will be retailing at PHP 6,000 OFF only during the Lazada 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.

Lazada 7.7 Mid-Year Sale (July 7-9)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,399
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,999

Meanwhile, those purchasing on Shopee from July 7-9 can enjoy 15% OFF vouchers to be able to score up to 30% savings during the sale. Snag the narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB) with PHP 5,000 OFF during the sale period.

The fun doesn’t end here because everyone who is to purchase the narzo 50 Pro 5G on Shopee and Lazada will get a TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh for free!

Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale (July 7-9)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,399
narzo 50A Prime (4GB+128GB)	PHP 7,999	PHP 5,082
narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB)	PHP 12,999	PHP 7,999
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,999

And for TikTok shoppers, you can get up to PHP 7,000 worth of savings when you buy until July 8. Similarly, every purchase of the narzo 50 Pro 5G will also come with a FREE TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh.

TikTok 7.7 Super Sale (until July 8)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50A Prime (4GB+128GB)	PHP 7,999	PHP 5,914
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,184
narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB)	PHP 12,999	PHP 7,279
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,053

For more information and updates, visit realme Philippines’ official website at https://www.realme.com/ph/ and like the official Facebook page for narzo athttps://www.facebook.com/narzoPhilippines.

 

Piso Sale and Up to 30% Discount on Selected Devices, and More, Await You this Coming HONOR Super 7.7 Sale!

Leading smart devices provider in the Philippines, HONOR, has dropped their much-awaited deals for the 7.7 HONOR Sale on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop! Up to Php 2,350 worth of discounts are up for grabs with exciting bundles and free shipping nationwide from July 7 to 11, 2023.

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Catch HONOR’s Flash Sale discounts, exclusive freebie bundles, and free shipping nationwide on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok!

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“Now is the best time to gift yourselves with our lineup of HONOR devices, currently offered at discounted prices! From smartphones, laptops, tablets, and accessories, there’s certainly an HONOR item perfect for you. Make sure to check our Online Partner Stores, and avail these awesome deals this 7.7 HONOR Sale!” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Treat yourself with hot-selling HONOR gadgets this 7.7 HONOR Sale! HONOR Philippines’ latest flagship phone will also be available at a discounted price until July 11! Available in two colorways, Meadow Green and Midnight Black, you may now purchase HONOR Magic5 Pro for only Php 57,690, with HONOR Band 6+ and HONOR Earbuds X3 Lite as exclusive freebies!

Receive a FREE Magic Keyboard worth Php 5,990 when you buy an HONOR Pad 8, and get a FREE Premium HONOR bag worth Php 2,000 for every purchase of HONOR MagicBook X 14 or MagicBook X 15. You may also avail the brand’s latest flagship phone, the HONOR Magic5 Pro, at a discounted price and with freebies worth Php 6,000 – and yes, all with Free Shipping across all platforms!

Get up to 30% off on selected HONOR devices during the HONOR 7.7 Flash Sale! The campaign will also include another round of Piso Sale, where you can purchase an HONOR Device for as low as Php 1 across all platforms. Get these and more when you check out via Lazada (https://bit.ly/3ZsS0Jx), Shopee (https://bit.ly/3J1Zv5n) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/3IMaizo) from July 07 to 11, 2023.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines

Calling Galaxy J series users! Get P1,000 off when you trade-in your J series phone for a new Galaxy device

If you have yet to upgrade your Galaxy J mobile device, this might just be the perfect time to level up your productivity and entertainment and switch to a new Samsung Galaxy device.

Upgrade to a new Samsung Galaxy device to get a P1,000 discount when you trade-in any of your old Galaxy J phones until September 30, 2023.

You can also trade your old Galaxy J Series to any new Galaxy smartphone, including the Galaxy S23, S22, S21 series; Galaxy Z series foldables; and A12 to A73 series*.

If you’re still not sure which Samsung Galaxy device is for you, check these new line up of smartphones to choose from:

The new epic phone for you

If you have always wanted a phone with an epic camera and performance, the Galaxy S23 series tops your list of options. Snap epic moments and selfies with the 12MP front-facing cameras and capture cinematic Nightography videos. Enjoy your favorite games and series and need not worry of charging as it has an extended battery life with its revolutionary chip, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy - the most powerful and efficient platform ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the fastest12 Snapdragon available today. The Galaxy S23 series come in Phantom Black (a classic), Green, Lavender, and Cream.

Unfold your world

If you have always wanted the experience of a flip or fold phone, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 might just be the new phone for you! With its massive screen, the Galaxy Z Fold4 makes watching videos and playing games more exciting and multitasking more efficient with a 7.6-inch main screen and Samsung’s innovative Multi-Active Window for multiple application access. The Galaxy Z Fold4 comes in Beige, Phantom Black, Graygreen, and Burgundy.

For a more compact and fashionable option, Galaxy Z Flip4 won’t feel bulky in your pocket. Get creative with the FlexCam, which uses the phone’s hinge feature for taking photos and selfies hands-free. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is also splash resistant and incredibly durable as it’s constructed with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ and Samsung's toughest aluminum frame, the Armor Aluminum hinge frame. It comes in the colors Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold and Blue.

Enjoy awesome phone self-expression and entertainment

Enjoy creating awesome content and recording, as well as tuning in to your favorite entertainment with the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G. Both phones deliver clear images and are equipped with creative editing tools, photos and videos, and feature immersive Super AMOLED displays with FHD+ resolution for realistic awesome colors. They are also built with fast 5G connectivity for downloads, streaming, and gaming possibilities, and offer super-fast charging. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G are available in awesome colorways Lime, Violet and Graphite.

For a more pocket-friendly option, you can display and capture awesome with the Samsung Galaxy A24 LTE has an upgraded display with its 6.5-inch Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and Super AMOLED for crystal clear and crisp graphics for unwinding with viral videos or enjoying mobile games with your besties.

Curate the best angle for your selfies and snap unforgettable memories with its improved 13-MP selfie camera, 5-megapixel ultra-wide, 50MP OIS Main Camera, 2-MP Macro and the new 2-MP depth for sharp images and videos. Capture more content with its Mediatek 6789 processor that supports higher memory bandwidth. It is also packed with 8GB memory and a storage of 128GB as well as a Micro SD card slot. The Galaxy A24 LTE comes in Awesome Lime and Awesome Graphite.

The promo is applicable to all participating Samsung trade-in retail stores and participating online partners.

Note: Only smartphone devices are accepted for smartphone trade-up models and only tablet devices are accepted for tablet trade-up models.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-170068 Series of 2023

For more information, visit www.samsung.com/ph/.

* Not applicable to Galaxy A0X devices below (e.g. A04, A03, Eider, etc.).

UnionDigital Bank Poised to Accelerate Growth in Digital Loans with P 900-M Capital Approval from UnionBank

UnionDigital Bank (UD) secured a capital infusion approval of up to P900 million from its parent bank, Union Bank of the Philippines. This latest additional infusion will help drive the digital bank’s expansion, particularly in digital loans which will soon be launched in the UD app.

This capital boost will enable UD to expand its digital loan offerings via its app and APIs, providing customers with faster access to credit and a seamless loan application process. The capital infusion is still subject to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulatory approval.

“This approved funding indicates UnionBank’s confidence in our strategic growth plan and strong financial performance. We will use this to fuel our growth trajectory and allow us to better serve the financial needs of our customers,” said Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank. “Nearly 70% of our customer base comprise of individuals with limited means at the base of the income pyramid - these are the people we want to help and include in the financial system.”

UD also recorded net profits in the first quarter of 2023, driven by its ecosystem-led business model. Moreover, the digital bank’s push towards embedded finance enables new avenues for customers to engage with banking services.

UD kickstarted this with their recent partnerships with mWell, implementing embedded financial services for its 1.5 million customers and 5,000 doctors and health professionals, as well as HUAWEI, tapping into their 7 million customer base and ecosystem of services.

“We have built a strong pipeline of partnerships and are actively scaling up our digital channels to help us diversify our deposit base and loan book,” said Mike Singh, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, UnionDigital Bank. “The approved capital will not only improve our financial strength but also unlock a lot of opportunities, especially in driving our mission to improve access to credit for every Filipino, regardless of their location. As we accelerate our digital loan offerings, we will empower more Filipinos to achieve their financial aspirations, wherever they may be.”

UnionDigital Bank is on a mission to bring financial inclusion, uplifting one community at a time. With this in mind, the digital bank is committed to break down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing financial services, empowering Filipinos everywhere to build a secure future.

QC government launches Cohort 2 of Startup QC to aid more business startups

Recognizing the startup community’s immense potential to stimulate the local economy and bring about positive change, the Quezon City Government is ready to accept applications for a new batch of incubatees or Cohort 2 of the Startup QC Program.

The Startup QC Program aims to create jobs, cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit, promote innovation, and develop the City’s start-up ecosystem by providing qualified entrepreneurs with equity-free financial grants of up to ₱1,000,000. This program is in line with Mayor Joy Belmonte’s vision to make Quezon City the startup and innovation capital of the Philippines.

Backed by esteemed institutions such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Thames International Business School, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Launchgarage, the Startup QC Program is gaining considerable traction within the Philippine startup community.

For its initial run, five (5) startups were chosen to be a part of the StartUp QC’s first cohort last May 11 at the program’s launch.The five startups are Bamboo Impact Lab, EdukSine, Indigo AI Research, ITOOH Homestyle, and Wika.

“These startup finalists went through an extensive and rigorous application and screening process following a set of criteria that places high standards on innovativeness, creativity, sustainability and social relevance, among others, which I believe reflect the shared values and ideals of our City,” Mayor Belmonte said.

In addition to being eligible for the Php 1,000,000 financial grant, these selected startups have participated in numerous tailored Learning, Engagement, and Development (LEAD) Sessions on a variety of topics to support their respective business goals.

For the second cohort (Batch 2), the application period will be until 5PM of July 12, 2023, For more information about the program, applicants can visit the Startup QC webpage at qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.