Digitizing Financial Services in PH with Blockchain, UnionBank partners with Microsoft to pursue blockchain technology in PH

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Today, digital technology is pushing people, businesses, and governments to rethink the way they work and operate. In the banking and financial industry, fintech companies are disrupting conventional methodologies and introducing innovative products to cater to mobile and connected customers that demand state-of-the-art digital services.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is in the midst of a digital shift as it pursues a three-point plan. This aims to transform its operations with digital technology, put up a digital bank, and engage fintechs in catering to the local market.

As part of its endeavours, UnionBank has partnered with Microsoft to conduct blockchain trials on Azure.

“Similar to our mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more, UnionBank is committed to making lives better and enriching the lives of Filipinos through greater financial inclusion. We stand together in the belief that financial service institutions need to ramp up digital transformation efforts to engage users and transform products,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director and Country General Manager of Microsoft Philippines.

Blockchain for greater financial inclusion

A recent BSP survey found that 86 percent of Filipino households remain unbanked. Blockchain can push for greater financial inclusion by allowing financial institutions to provide accessible, useful, and affordable products and services that meet client needs. Whether it’s transactions, payments, savings, credit, or insurance, these can be delivered in a responsible and sustainable way via blockchain.

Arvie de Vera, Head of Fintech at UnionBank, said: “Blockchain technology will revolutionize financial services, and more so in a context like the Philippines where financial inclusion is such a challenge.”

Blockchain is transformational technology that brings down the cost to serve the mass market. At its core, it is a form of data structure used to create a digital transaction ledger that, instead of resting with a single provider, is shared among a distributed network of computers. This promotes financial inclusion by:

Modernizing legacy banking infrastructures. With blockchain technologies, banks can increase efficiencies by addressing the settlement process across the board. Speeding payments, trading of all financial instruments, and automatically outputting regulatory information will massively disrupt the industry and shift labor into better customer service.

Securing transactions. Blockchain technology offers secure transactions through an encrypted ledger. This addresses cyber threats by establishing authenticity and tamper-proof record systems. The decentralization of the command systems in blockchains is critical to safeguarding cyber security.

Azure – a secure blockchain platform

UnionBank is currently conducting and has had successful blockchain trials on Azure.

As an open, flexible, and scalable platform, Azure supports a rapidly growing number of distributed ledger technologies that address specific business and technical requirements for security, performance, and operational processes. Microsoft’s data and AI solution provides unique off-chain data-management and analysis capabilities not offered by others. The vast Microsoft partner ecosystem extends the capabilities of UnionBank’s platforms and services in unique ways that fit specific workload and industry needs.

Azure is secure and provides a rapid, low-cost, low-risk, and fail-fast system for organizations to collaborate on by enabling them to experiment with new business processes—all backed by a cloud platform with the largest compliance portfolio in the industry.

“The Microsoft partnership has also been about sharing best practices and experiences. UnionBank is grateful to have the guidance of such a technology leader—one who has also undergone its own transformation,” de Vera said.

Revolutionizing PH banking

As a tech-savvy organization, UnionBank is embracing digital transformation through its strong culture of innovation and leadership. It is the first bank in the Philippines to pursue blockchain trials.

“It’s an exciting time. The arrival of blockchain in the Philippines is groundbreaking and can revolutionize the financial services industry and lead to greater financial inclusion in the country. As the first bank to pursue blockchain, UnionBank is making big strides in its digital transformation, and Microsoft is committed to helping them make Filipino lives better,” said Bayaborda.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (@microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Microsoft Philippines, the local subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, has been constantly bringing innovation and making its technology available to Filipino businesses and individuals since 1995. As a committed and trusted partner in nation-building, Microsoft Philippines has made it its mission to fuel growth and healthy communities, as well as transform locally-based businesses and empower them to compete in the global economy.

UnionBank Launches The ARK , the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines

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UnionBank officially launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines last November 27. UnionBank, consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country,  continues enhancing digital banking.

Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.

“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.

Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space.  It could also be used as a 3^rd space for different communities to get together.

The ARK, as a concept branch/ “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking. 

Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.

For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.

“The ARK provides a service unlike any other.  There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.

At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction.  The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction. The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet.  Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests.

UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.

“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.

UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards. 

Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector. 

BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years. 

“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.

The ARK is located at the Insular Life Building at Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas in the Makati Central Business District. 

GetGo, KLOOK, and UnionBank make travel adventures more rewarding with exciting new promo

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Traveling around Asia becomes even more rewarding as GetGo partners with Klook to provide new members with additional GetGo points for even more opportunities to #FlyForFree! 

GetGo, the country’s fastest-growing lifestyle rewards program by Cebu Pacific, continues to provide the most rewarding experiences to its members with the launch of yet another exciting promo together with Asia’s leading in-destination travel services booking platform, KLOOK, and UnionBank of the Philippines.

To make travel even more enjoyable with new adventures, newly registered GetGo members can earn an extra 250 GetGo points on their first booking with Klook. From adventure thrills at Universal Studios Japan, one-of-a-kind experiences like shipwreck diving in Bali to the Hong Kong Airport Express, and Pocket Wifi rental across Asia, things are definitely getting more rewarding for GetGo members this year!

This offer is on top of the regular 1 GetGo point earned for every P100 spent on the Klook platform. With more GetGo points up for grabs, this means more free flights with Cebu Pacific!

“The Philippines is one of our fastest growing travel markets. We are very excited to join forces with GetGo to provide even bigger and better rewards for Filipino travelers all around. With new exciting verticals such as restaurants and wellness coming to Klook, strong partnerships like these put us at the forefront to capitalize on the growing trend of intra-region travel within Asia Pacific,” said Klook Travel Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah.

Wait, it gets better! Cardholders of the Cebu Pacific GetGo Debit and Credit Cards by UnionBank, approved during the promo period, can enjoy an additional P250 discount on KLOOK when they use their cards to book. So that’s double the perks in just one booking!

To avail of the bonus GetGo points, simply visit www.klook.com/getgo, choose the destination and the desired activity or attraction to experience, and provide the payment details and GetGo membership number in the required fields. To get the KLOOK discount, cardholders should provide the debit or credit card details in the payment section and enter the unique promo code. Promo runs until November 20, 2017 only.

Cardholders of Cebu Pacific GetGo Debit and Credit Cards by UnionBank can enjoy P250 discount on KLOOK when they use their newly-approved cards to book.

Bonus and regular GetGo points will be awarded to the member’s account within 35 working days after the completion of the scheduled activity. Booking cancellations or a “no show” will not earn any bonus and regular GetGo points.

So, what are you waiting for? Start the most rewarding adventure yet with GetGo, KLOOK, and UnionBank to experience an exciting and worry-free travel escapade!

Not yet a Cebu Pacific GetGo Debit and Credit Card by UnionBank cardholder? 

Visit getgo.unionbankph.com to apply and start earning GetGo points from everyday purchases.

For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph, or call +632 71-GETGO (43846). 

The latest updates are also on GetGoPH's official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About KLOOK

Klook is Asia’s largest in-destination services booking platform. They are dedicated to giving travelers a simple, fast and convenient access to popular attractions, experiences and services so they can discover the sounds, colors, and even tastes of places around the world. Travelers can easily customize their itineraries on klook.com or on Klook’s award-winning mobile app to satisfy their wanderlust and last-minute plans. Each day, the company inspires countless of travelers with over 10,000 activities in more than 90 destinations available at their fingertips.

Boost your earnings online!

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Nowadays, traveling to the office to clock in eight hours of work just isn’t ideal anymore. Precious time that should be spent with loved ones is wasted being stuck in traffic during commute.

This is why more and more Filipinos are venturing into online freelancing. Aside from freedom from the grueling commute, freelancing also offers opportunities to earn more while getting control of your time. But, how do you really standout from others? Here are some tips to help you win more e-gigs.

1. Update your profile constantly. Your profile page is your resume. Make sure to put your best foot forward. Properly list your credentials, education background and updated work experience. Also, take time to curate your work for the portfolio section.

2. Bid for projects that suit your skills and interest. Take advantage of your work experience and skills. Whether you are into writing, graphic designing, programming, or working as a virtual assistant, make sure that you put the relevant details of your past jobs to show that you are the best for the project.

“Before submitting a bid, freelancers should carefully read the project description. That way you can properly assess the timeline and provide details that are relevant to the projects. Don’t send generic bids because employers are more impressed with freelancers who prove they clearly understood what the employer wants out of the project,” said Monica Martinez of Freelancer.com.

3. Communicate with your client and make sure everything's clear. Once you get the job, make sure that you are on the same page with your client. Update your client regularly and be disciplined with your time to meet the deadlines. In this way, you will earn good reviews that will be instrumental for you to get more projects in the future.

4. Join freelancer groups and online communities. There are many other useful tips you can get by just joining freelancer groups and online communities. You can also learn from experts like Genesis Reonico, the founder of onlinejobslifestyle.com, a website that helps people to get started on freelancing.

Genesis has been spreading the word about freelancing in the country for years now. “My primary motivation in pushing online work and digital career here in the country is to let others have the opportunity to also experience what I had experienced as an online worker; the flexibility of time, being location independent to do the work and the amount of money you can possibly earn,” he shared.

5. Link your Paypal account to an e-money account that doesn’t charge withdrawal fees. Powered by UnionBank, EON doesn’t charge anything on top of the minimal fees charged by Paypal. To link EON to your PayPal account, enter Union Bank of the Philippines as your bank, enter 010419995 as the bank code and your EON Account number.

You can easily grab an EON Starter Kit at the counter in 7-Eleven stores or have it delivered in packs of 2s to 5s through Lazada. But before you do, check out EON's many cool innovations on www.eonbankph.com, Facebook /eonbankph, or Twitter @eonbankph.

“UnionBank’s EON has been a part of [the lives of] many online freelancers for years now. With the release of the new EON and the features it has to offer, using EON will be a much more enjoyable way of doing financial transactions,” said Genesis.

Remember that just like traditional jobs, online freelancing requires focus, professionalism, and efficient time management. You can contact Monica at monica@freelancer.com and Genesis at connect@coachgen.com for more tips on getting more projects online.

UST, UnionBank launch massive multivolume catalogue of rare books and documents

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UnionBank of the Philippines together with University of Santo Tomas (UST) thru Miguel de Benavides Library and Archives of UST launch Semper Lumina (Always the Light),  massive multivolume catalouge of rare books and documents at the Garden Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La in Ortigas. UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. and UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz lead the launch  on May 5, 2017.

In an effort to share to a wider world the priceless collections that have “nourished the minds of countless generations of Filipino students" Semper Lumina launched a six-volume catalogue of rare publications, a two volume catalogue of the UST Archives, and the Heritage digital library.

The Herculean project titled “Semper Lumina” (Always the Light) features the vast treasures found at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library and the Archivo de Santo Tomas. It is a follow through of “Lumina Pandit” (Spreading the Light), an international exhibit of the rich collection of Asia’s oldest university with accompanying two-volume catalogues showing such holdings.

Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P.

“The collection of rare books of the UST Library is an eloquent witness to the role of this institution in nurturing the values that have contributed to the birth and growth of this nation,” wrote UST prefect of libraries Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., in the Volume 1 prologue. He served as the catalogues’ general editor.

Volumes 1 to 3 feature catalogues of rare books housed at the UST Heritage Library section dated 1492 to 1900, while Volume 4 covers rare Filipiniana periodicals up to 1945.

Among the 466 books printed between 1492 and 1600 included in Volume 1 are Josephus Flavius’ “De Bello Judaico” (The Jewish War, 1492), Nicolaus Copernicus’ “De Revolutionis Orbium Coelestium Libri VI” (1542), and the Biblia Regia Plantin or Polyglot Bible (between 1569 and 1573), among others.

Totaling to 5,861 entries and presented in three parts, Volume 2 focuses on the collections of UST acquired in three centuries (17th to 19th centuries) and used as textbooks by the University. Among the books in the collection is Pope Leo the Great’s “Opera Omnia” (1614). This volume is one of the catalogues of Lumina Pandit II.

Volume 3 showcases the UST Filipiniana rare collection, which is considered one of the richest of its kind in the Philippines. Publications included are the first edition of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” one of the three original copies preserved by UST.

Rare Filipiniana periodicals like “La Solidaridad” and “La Independencia,” are shown in Volume 4

Meanwhile, a separate catalogue in two volumes for the collection of the UST Archives (becerros, folletos, and libros) will also be released with archivist and respected Philippine church art and architecture historian Prof. Regalado Trota José as editor.

Documents included in the catalogue are the Foundation Act of 1611, Apolinario Mabini’s 1898 Decalogo, copy of Rizal’s “Ultimo Adiős,” and documents in baybayin (1623), recently declared National Historical Treasures by the National Archives.

Digitized versions of books and periodicals from the UST library (834,000 pages) may be accessed through the UST Digital Library (digilib.ust.edu.ph). As of date, a total of 1.5 million pages has been scanned, which will also be uploaded on the website.

UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P

UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz

Asia’s only Pontifical University finds its roots to the donation by Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., second Archbishop of Manila and founder of UST, of his personal library collections.

Ready, Set, Swipe! Earn points to #FlyForFreeFaster with GetGo and UnionBank

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Ready, set, swipe! Media participants with celebrity host Suzi Entrata-Abrera (second from left) and actress-turned entrepreneur Bettina Carlos (center) take on the Swipe-a-thon Challenge to experience the rewards of shopping care of GetGo and UnionBank.

Doing everyday shopping and paying through debit and credit cards have never been more rewarding as Cebu Pacific GetGo, together with UnionBank and its new fleet of cards, gives cardholders the chance to earn free flights, faster, using rewards points earned from swiping.

Five personalities, including actress-turned entrepreneur Bettina Carlos and TV host Suzi Entrata-Abrera, have experienced the rewards of shopping with GetGo and UnionBank when they took on the “Swipe-a-thon Challenge”.

Bettina Carlos uses her co-branded Cebu Pacific GetGo Visa Credit Cards by UnionBank to purchase a set of themed items and race to reach the highest amount of GetGo points under a P10,000 credit card limit.

Using their co-branded Cebu Pacific GetGo Visa Credit Cards by UnionBank, the participants raced along grocery aisles to buy various items, including travel-related ones—and be the first to reach the highest number of GetGo points upon check-out, without exceeding the P10,000 budget.

The challenge enabled the participants to experience earning GetGo points from both grocery and travel-related spend which allows them to redeem free flights to local and international Cebu Pacific destinations. 

“Our Swipe-a-thon challenge showcased how members’ shopping for everyday essentials can be turned into free Cebu Pacific flights using their UnionBank cards and GetGo. With Cebu Pacific’s GetGo Visa debit and credit cards, the money you spend truly does go further as far as Cebu Pacific can take you—for free!” said Nik Laming, GetGo Loyalty Division general manager.

Cebu Pacific GetGo Visa Debit and Credit Cards by UnionBank are the only cards that directly earn GetGo points and are automatically credited to a cardholder’s GetGo account. Cardholders of Cebu Pacific GetGo Visa and Platinum Credit Cards by UnionBank will also enjoy earning GetGo points at one of the best earn rates in the market, 1 GetGo point for every P30 spent.

Suzi Entrata-Abrera finishes the Swipe-a-thon Challenge not just with groceries in hand but GetGo points instantly earned by using her co-branded Cebu Pacific GetGo Credit Card by UnionBank to #FlyForFreeFaster to Cebu Pacific destinations.

Exclusive benefits such as priority check-in at select airport terminals, an additional 5kg baggage allowance, complimentary airport lounge access to the Skyview Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 and the MAISCOR Lounge at the Davao International Airport, as well as free travel insurance, are some of the perks offered to Cebu Pacific GetGo Visa Platinum Credit cardholders.

Cardholders are also entitled to exciting Cebu Pacific benefits which include early alerts to Cebu Pacific seat sales, exclusive promos on seats, and GetGo points sales.

Swipe-a-thon Challenge winner Trixie Mendoza of Yummy.ph (center) is joined by Unionbank Visa Marketing Manager Tricia Apostol (left) and Cebu Pacific Air Campaign Manager for Loyalty Division Elia Soon.

Indeed, GetGo and UnionBank’s new fleet of cards, make daily spending transactions the easiest and most convenient way for every Juan to fly for free to Cebu Pacific destinations. So, hurry! Start earning GetGo points and #FlyForFreeFaster! Visit getgo.unionbankph.com to apply for a Cebu Pacific GetGo Debit or Credit Cards by UnionBank.

Not yet a GetGo member? Visit www.GetGo.com.ph or call +632 71-GETGO (43846) to discover how you can avail of a GetGo membership card, learn about the loyalty program, its partners, promos, and how to start redeeming rewards points. The latest updates are also on GetGoPH's official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About GetGo

GetGo is the lifestyle rewards program by Cebu Pacific that gives its members free flights just by flying Cebu Pacific and from everyday spend. Use the points to book your dream Cebu Pacific destination—for free!

About UnionBank of the Philippines

UnionBank of the Philippines is a publicly-listed universal bank that distinguishes itself through superior technology, unique branch sales and service culture, and centralized backroom operations. It is consistently recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies in banking and finance, ranking among the country’s top 10 universal banks in terms of key performance ratios in profitability, liquidity, solvency and efficiency.

Cebuana Lhuillier and UnionBank teams up for more convenient bills payment service

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The country’s leading financial solutions company, Cebuana Lhuillier, partnered with one of the leading banks in the country, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), to provide clients with a new option to pay their bills, through a Memorandum of Agreement signed recently in Makati City.Through this partnership, UnionBank clients and collection partners can settle their payments at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch. 

“With Cebuana Lhuillier’s large network of branches-- we have more than 1,700 branches to date --and UnionBank’s elevated system and standards, clients’ payment transactions will be quicker and easier than ever,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. "I am very excited about this partnership. This is a symbiotic relationship between Cebuana and Unionbank. With Cebuana’s extensive branch network and UnionBank’s large customer base, we will give both our customers more access and convenience. We are excited to work together and are committed to grow this relationship into a successful partnership that adds value to both our franchises," said UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz.

Through the partnership between Cebuana Lhuillier and Union Bank, clients across the country can settle their bills at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch. With its large network of branches and Union Bank’s use of high-end technology, clients’ transactions will be quicker and easier than ever. 

In this photo are (from left): Cebuana Lhuillier Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier; Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier; UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz; and UnionBank Senior Executive Vice President Edwin R. Bautista. 

For more information about Cebuana Lhuillier bills payment services, visit any of the more than 1,700 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide. \

You may also visit the official Cebuana Lhuillier Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cebuanalhuillierpawnshop and follow its official Twitter account: @kaCebuana