UnionBank Talks Digitizing Corporate Clients in the New Normal at 5th E-TalkTales

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Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) held the fifth installment of its E-TalkTales series last October 20.

The Head of Transaction Banking Mon Duarte discussed the Bank’s various transaction banking solutions, particularly The Portal, its all-digital banking platform for corporate clients.

Duarte began the discussion by differentiating UnionBank’s Transaction Banking solutions, which he defined as simply offering customized solutions to help digitize our corporate clients. Traditional transaction banking helps manage flow of funds by facilitating collections and payments, over-the-counter check deposits, to the provision of armored car services for high cash transaction situations, among others.

The main focus of Duarte's discussion was UnionBank's The Portal, its digital banking platform specially designed for corporate clients. Offering a host of solutions that include bills payments, payroll, fund transfers, check writing services, merchant payment gateway systems, and credit facilities, The Portal provides corporations with all their essential banking needs in a single platform.

Knowing that each corporate entity has needs and priorities that are uniquely theirs, UnionBank designed The Portal in a way that allows it to provide utmost flexibility to clients, making it the preferred platform for those who don't want the one-size-fits-all approach of most competitors when it comes to the corporate banking solutions they offer.

Part of the flexibility offered by The Portal comes by way of various customization options available to clients. Depending on the current needs of their organization, clients can choose only the solutions that they want to avail of at the moment, and then adjust later on. To make it easier, the Bank created a number of packaged solutions based on what it thinks would make sense for clients, which they can avail of anytime via The Portal website.

Another key feature of The Portal in terms of flexibility is the possible configurations for transaction approvals. With this feature, corporates will be able to establish a specific maker-checker process for each transaction made by their team members. This will give them free control over who can make which transaction, as well as the maximum amount for each transaction depending on who makes it, among others.

With The Portal, UnionBank aims to make transaction banking as seamless for users as possible, and the Bank wants to make this very clear right from the moment a client starts using the platform—the onboarding process.

Onboarding is typically one of the most stressful phases of using a new platform for many corporates, since it involves learning a new set of interfaces and processes. This phase can take a few days or weeks or even a few months to finish. With The Portal, however, UnionBank also digitized the onboarding processes so that clients can get into the platform in less than a day, usually within a few minutes, with no further training needed.

These are only a few innovative features of The Portal. As the Bank continues its digital transformation journey, more services will become available in the coming months.

The Portal is not based on any third-party digital framework. Instead, it was built from the ground up. In creating The Portal, UnionBank was guided by the principle of having a simple integrated platform in order to ensure the best user experience for customers. For the Bank, providing superior transaction banking experiences to users is a top priority, and The Portal is the perfect representation of what it believes transaction banking should be.

realme PH elevates style ! The realme 7i launch headlined by certified 'kakaibabe' Donnalyn Bartolome

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realme Philippines completes its latest 7 Series with the realme 7i.

The top 2 smartphone brand in the country, realme Philippines joins every passionate young Filipino as they start their quest for success with powerful and reliable technology. Starting October 22, the latest realme device -- realme 7i -- will be available in the Philippines. 

The realme 7i launch was headlined by certified kakaibabe Donnalyn Bartolome, the official face of realme 7i.

A stylish and dependable lower midrange smartphone that gets the job done for the country’s next top students, artists, vloggers and photographers. Donnalynn led the reveal of realme 7i’s stylish design, 64MP quad-camera setup that captures every style, large display with a 90Hz refresh rate and large-capacity 5,000mAh battery with 18W Fast Charge technology.

All these features and power come packaged in a trendy design inspired by the whimsical scenes of the Arctic and the Northern Lights. The realme 7i comes in two colorways: Polar Blue and Aurora Green. The back of the phone has a mirror finish at the top and a matte finish at the bottom perfect for the users’ inner fashionista.

“Although quarantine measures restrict travel and gatherings and require us to stay indoors, this doesn’t mean that life stops. People still have to work, get an education, enhance their skills and pursue their passions. We want to make adjusting to the new normal easier through the realme 7i, our midrange offering that can help young Filipinos start pursuing their passions and succeed in their daily adventures. Whether it be doing work or school requirements during the day or gaming and binge-watching at night, the realme 7i delivers an elevated and uninterrupted smartphone experience, a fitting cap to the launch of our 7 series,” shares realme Philippines VP for Marketing Austine Huang.

The launch coincided with the announcement of realme 7i’s ambassador, Philippine Social Media Sweetheart Donnalyn Bartolome. Bartolome gained online popularity by unapologetically being herself across her work, from music to online content. The social media star walked the audience through the best features of the realme 7i and showcased how the new device can be the youth’s stylish partner in pursuing their passions, skills and interests.

 

For those always on the run

Young go-getters constantly juggling roles and responsibilities -- deadlines to meet, emails to answer, friends to catch up with, modules to finish, phone calls to make -- will find the perfect partner for their high-maintenance schedule with the realme 7i.

The newest  smartphone from realme Philippines, as revealed by Donnalyn, boasts a 5,000mAh battery and 18W Fast Charge technology that needs less than two hours to fully charge and lasts up to 34 days on standby mode. The realme 7i’s large-capacity battery is perfect for aspiring content creators, students and digital buffs who are looking for a stylish and heavy-duty smartphone that can support their daily lifestyle activities.

When used in Super Power Saving Mode, the phone can last up to 41.1 hours on standby even with only 5 percent power, a very helpful tool especially if you don’t have a powerbank on hand.

 

Ready for your close-up?

Developing creative skills, especially if you’re a beginner, gets easy with the new UIS Max Video Stabilization feature of the realme 7i. Besides a wider field of vision, it ensures an anti-shake effect for that smooth shot even while running or jumping that’s just perfect for that next vlog. The realme 7i’s powerful camera also has built-in night filters such as Cyberpunk, Flamingo and Modern Gold for ready-to-go artistic shots.

Young Filipino users eager to take their mobile photography a notch higher can rely on realme 7i’s quad-camera module with four different lenses -- 64MP primary camera, EIS 119-degree ultra-wide lens, macro lens and B&W portrait lens -- ready to capture even the minutest detail of that new artwork, and a perfect buddy in unleashing the inner fashionista. For even better selfies, the realme 7i’s 16MP front camera is developed for different skin types, face shapes and features, allowing users to take more accurate and natural-looking shots.

The realme 7i is powered by a 16MP front camera sensor that supports AI beauty, bokeh effect, and  HDR. With these superb camera features, vloggers, influencers and enthusiasts can take bomb selfies and enhance their Instagram feeds while investing in their hobbies without having to drain their wallets in the process. 

 

Immersive experience that never goes out of style

A few hours of relaxing and de-stressing never hurt anybody, right?

Donnalyn flaunted realme 7i’s 6.5 inches large display, perfect for binge-watching favorite series on TV or Netflix with family or hours of video games with friends. With the realme 7i’s 90Hz refresh rate, videos play smoother and snappier and video game details look sharper -- and all without lag. Users can now enjoy multitasking without worrying.

 

Price and availability

The realme 7i available in the Philippine comes in the 8GB RAM+128GB storage configuration and retails for Php11,990. This latest 7 series device will initially be available exclusively on the official stores of realme Philippines on LazMall and Shopee. In celebration of the new device’s launch, customers can enjoy a Php1,000 discount during the flash sale of the two e-commerce giants on October 22.

As one of the smartphone brands with the most channels, realme Philippines will also be making the realme 7i available in all offline stores and kiosks nationwide starting October 24. Purchasers of the latest realme 7 series device on October 24 and 25 will get a free realme Band worth Php1,390.

realme Philippines has forged strong partnerships with key industry players over the years to make its products much more attainable and available. realme customers may purchase the realme 7i at 0% interest on a six-month plan from Home Credit. Holders of major cards may also avail of the device at 0% interest on a six-month plan.

For those interested in 64MP photography offered by the realme 7 series, watch out for more discounts for the entire lineup at successive flash sale events on LazMall and Shopee starting October 23.

Fans are encouraged to follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of realme Philippines for the latest updates on the top 2 smartphone brand in the country and all its products.

 

Sanofi pledges to take good care our family through WeHealth program

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Family's health matters the most. The health of one family member can influence the health and well being of other individuals within the family and the family as a whole.

We all feel that caring for Diabetes and Chronic Diseases takes a whole community, a village, it’s a family affair where no one should be left behind. 

Last year, I was in my check-up, (regular, once every 2 months) because I have problems with my heart. But my husband felt something was wrong, he said he might have just an upset stomach, but I pushed him to have a check-up, even with my doctor. After the check-up and a few lab tests, he was diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes and heart problems does not have to derail one’s life and marriage. Communicating regularly about diabetic care, expressing support and affection, solving problems together, and seeking external support can increase the odds of successfully managing heart problems, diabetes, and protecting the family for a lifelong.

Life partners, husband and wife, and with children, must set goals and solve problems together. Maintaining lifestyle changes is a lot of effort. We set up new diet and exercise habits. It helps us maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Good health should also include some daily physical activity, proper rest and sleep, personal hygiene, cleanliness, fresh air, water, etc. When it comes to eating, we should eat balanced meals every day, including fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. 

The more risk factors you have, the more you should be concerned about anything that might be heart-related. Everyone can agree that communication is the key in any relationship.

This is why Sanofi, our trusted health partner in chronic diseases, puts to heart a lifetime commitment to every Filipino family. As a healthcare institution with a solid background and track record related to Diabetes care, Sanofi continues to be a loud voice in advocating programs to improve the state of Diabetes in the Philippines.

And to build a healthier Philippines, Sanofi Philippines has been aiming to bridge the gaps that many Filipino families face when it comes to accessing consultation and treatment by launching an e-health ecosystem called WeHealth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rtVtTWOgyw&feature=emb_title

WeHealth is a convenient option to secure medical advice, treatment or medical access especially to those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension through holistic solutions and innovations. With WeHealth, you can get medical consultations anytime or have your medicines delivered straight to your home since they’ve partnered with SeriousMD, AIDE, KonsultaMD, HealthNow and Medifi along with Watson’s and SouthStar Drug as our pharmacy chain partners.

It is very important to be aware of your health and visit your family doctor for regular check-ups and in the present situation, we have connections to doctors online. We should never forget that the real wealth in life comes from our health. It is true for all the Health is wealth.

Truly that in this fight, we are one Family and we will move together for a healthier Philippines. Pagmamahal sa kapwa. Pag-alaga sa bawat isa. Panata ng pagkalinga at malasakit ng isang pamilya!

We always need to have - love and care for our family - #PanataNgPamilya, #PanatangSanofi 

For more info and updates, visit https://www.sanofi.ph/en/healthier-philippines/wehealth

Ilocos Norte launches Phase II of “Ridge and Reef”

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 Ilocos Norte officially launched Phase II of reopening for tourism within the “Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor” yesterday, at the Robinsons Place Ilocos, San Nicolas.

From L-R: DOT Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco R. Ortega, Ms. Arlene Magalong, wife of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, Councilor Elaine Sembrano and Councilor Lilia Farinas of Baguio city, together with Provincial tourism officers of Region 1[back row]  during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor Mini Travel Fair held yesterday (October 20) at the Robinsons Place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Phase II of the “Ridge and Reef” is the amplified inter-regional travel bubble that includes other provinces and regions in Luzon as tourist generating areas.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who arrived earlier in the province, will grace the formal launching ceremony, along with DOT Region 1 Director Mr. Joseph Francisco Ortega at Sitio Remedios, Currimao. Among other guests, DOT officials have witnessed “Biag ni Lam-ang” and “Fiesta Empanada” cultural performances as one of the highlights of the launch.

  

“Now, nauna si Governor Matthew [Phase II]. Nagbukas siya noong October 15 for all Luzon residents. Ang kagandahan kasi, pinagmasdan muna ng ibang provinces sa bansa ang nangyari sa Baguio at Region I. Noong nakita nilang successful, gumagaya na lang sila. Actually, you are the leader [Region I]. You are the number one. And I would like to thank Ilocos Norte for leading the way. Dahil sa inyo, magkakatrabaho na yung mga walang trabaho sa mahigit anim na buwan,” Secretary Puyat expressed.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO), prepared a series of activities: the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Mini Travel fair at the Robinsons Place, and the Region 1 Tourism Convention, also included the launch of Region Tourism Branding and the inauguration of Region 1 Tourism Council Interim Officers at Sitio Remedios.

Last October 13, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has established guidelines for the second phase of the reopening of tourism through Executive Order No. 98-20. Among the salient points of the guidelines include mandatory COVID-19 tests, registration to a software application called SafePass, a validated Health Declaration, and signed Affidavit of Understanding, among others.

“I’d like to reiterate na our tourists are not roaming freely. Talagang monitored, regulated, and accompanied ang movement nila kasi one of our safeguards is delineating and minimizing yung socialization ng mga turista sa local community. But at the same time, we’ll find ways so that our tourists can patronize our local businesses.

“In addition, I’ve always believed that our tourism has been growing very steadily and quite rapid. We’re hoping to make a climb to one of the first or top-of-mind destinations in the country. We know that when people actually come and visit, they are often very happy and impressed. So kahit malayo, we invite everyone to take a trip in our province. Surely, the land travel will be forgotten soon after they enjoy the beauty of Ilocos Norte,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc remarked.

Ilocos Norte has already started welcoming tourists since October 15, recording its first four travelers from Baguio City and Antipolo City.  

Globe launches KonekTayo School Bus WiFi in Manila

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In line with its continuous efforts to make internet accessible to Filipinos especially during this time, Globe Telecom officially launched the School Bus WiFi program in Manila City today. The kick-off also marks a new, bigger vision of Globe and KonekTayo WiFi to provide fast, reliable, and low-cost home internet connectivity in underserved markets in the locality.

Using KonekTayo WiFi, Globe deployed school buses equipped with special antennas that will broadcast WiFi signal from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday in covered areas including Pasaje del Carmen St., Remigio St., 853 Gonzalo Gil Puyat St., 924 Bilibid Viejo St., Tomas Mapua St., Alfonso Mendoza St., Dalupan St., Oroqueta St., and Basco St. in Manila.

The use of KonekTayo WiFi service will be free for the first hour for public school students and teachers in Manila who were provided 289,000 Globe SIM cards.

Through the School Bus WiFi campaign, Globe also extends support to school bus operators whose main source of livelihood was put at stake by the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the crucial need for connectivity like never before. For underprivileged communities, access to internet connectivity — or the lack thereof — determines whether demands of the new environment, such as distance learning and remote working, will be met by families belonging to these communities.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation Chairman , CEO and Globe Telecom Chairman said, “Against the backdrop of COVID-19, internet access has become a lifeline more than a luxury. Internet access is needed by students to pursue online education, by workers to continue earning a living while working from home, by families to stay connected with each other. With Globe’s School Bus WiFi in the City of Manila, we are able to help in ensuring that residents have access to affordable WiFi connectivity. We look to partner with other local governments to expand this initiative.”

Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said, “We recognize the difficulties faced by the private school transport industry, especially now that classes have started. We sought to develop an innovation that will not only provide this industry with a new opportunity but will also bring connectivity to students and communities in areas that need it most.”

Formerly known as KapitWiFi, KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that aims to provide households with affordable internet. The School Bus WiFi campaign is part of KonekTayo WiFi’s bigger purpose of making internet connectivity more accessible for underserved families and communities across the country. With KonekTayo WiFi, customers simply need to connect to a KonekTayoWiFi hotspot, purchase a promo, and surf all day.

Available to all mobile networks, KonekTayo WiFi requires no device cashouts monthly fees and modems.

With the School Bus WiFi Project, students or people who work from home can avail of the KonekTayo WiFi service for as low as P15 a day.