Moving from resilience to renaissance –UnionBank President and CEO

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Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) held the seventh iteration of its E-Talk Tales webinar series last December 9, wherein UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista gave an overview of the Bank’s milestones in the past year and how it went from providing help for Filipinos to survive the pandemic to creating a better digital normal for everyone.

UnionBank made headlines in May this year after being named ‘second most helpful bank in Asia-Pacific’ in the BankQuality Consumer Survey on Retail Banks that was conducted in April. 

This helpfulness was evident in UnionBank’s commitment to ensuring that its essential banking services remained accessible and reliable 24/7 during the enhanced community quarantine period, a time when uncertainties ran rampant and the needs of customers could change at any time. 

The Bank helped the government in the disbursement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash assistance to 700,000 beneficiaries amounting to P4.9 billion. It also assisted partner Local Government Units (LGUs) in the distribution of cash or loan proceeds to constituents. 

UnionBank has also helped countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) digitize amid the pandemic through its MSME platform GlobalLinker, and through MSME-leaning platforms Sentro, SeekCap, and bux, which are offered by its fintech spinoff UBX. To date, more than 27,000 online shops have already been made using Sentro, SeekCap now has more than 16,000 MSME signups, and bux has over 92,000 users. GlobalLinker's user base is also now at more than 38,000. 

Another sector of society that UnionBank was able to assist especially at the height of the pandemic were teachers, with the help of its thrift bank subsidiary CitySavings Bank. To date, CitySavings has extended a total of P26.1 billion in teachers' loans, P3.2 billion in motorcycle loans, and 2.9 billion in MSME loans to beneficiaries. 

And now, with the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, UnionBank has begun the next major phase in its digital transformation journey, going full-speed ahead from merely displaying its resilience in the face of an unprecedented global health crisis, toward a renaissance in innovation and co-creation. 

UnionBank has been a leader in the practice of the agile methodology, which enables the Bank to react quickly to any situation and achieve innovation at a much faster rate. But the Bank knew it had to become much faster. So, to do this, the company started migrating to an even faster way of working: DevSecOps. 

Short for “development, security, and operations,” DevSecOps is an ideology that aims to integrate security into every stage of the development-deployment cycle. With this new methodology, the Bank has been able, among other advantages, to test new features that they develop much faster and deploy the said features on an almost real-time basis. Moving forward, DevSecOps will play a key role in the creation of new services for the Bank. 

Aside from DevSecOps, another key element of the Bank’s digital renaissance is data science and AI. This will be implemented across various verticals within the Bank, from mobile banking to credit, from algorithms to operational enhancements, among others. 

"This is really the time wherein, together we can usher in a renaissance in the area of banking and technology. It's an area where the Philippines can not only be a fast follower but can actually be a trailblazer in the banking world,” Bautista said. 

To know more, visit their official pages: 

Unionbank of the Philippines at https://www.unionbankph.com/, UBX at https://ubx.ph/, Unionbank GlobalLinker at https://unionbank.globallinker.com/login, and CitySavings at https://citysavings.com.ph/.

All the fun tricks you can do with just a smartphone camera to show #ClearlyTheBestYou

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Uncover how to do all the popular camera tricks on social media with 

the trendiest smartphone built for content that stands out 

These days, your social media presence is more important than ever. It’s a way to escape, to stay informed and connected, and to show off your personality especially in the socially distant normal. The content you share is a way for you to express yourself and your creativity on your own terms. 

The latest from global smart device brand OPPO is the Reno4, a smartphone packed with powerful camera features to make sure your feed is always on point. In the palm of your hand are a 48MP high-definition quad camera, which includes ultra-wide, macro and mono lenses, and a 32MP selfie camera, so your photos and videos are sure to be clear and crisp from every angle. The OPPO Reno4 camera is also equipped with the most innovative features so you can tap into their creativity to show off #ClearlyTheBestYou and take your content game to the next level. Here are five easy tips to keep your content on fleek at all times: 

Stand out against your surroundings 

Ever wonder how scenes are so beautifully captured in your favorite movies? Apart from the years spent honing their craft, the tools and software that filmmakers have at their disposal is key in enabling them to create those iconic scenes that we get to know and love. The technique of isolating color has been employed by filmmakers to highlight the plot or relay hidden messages, or just make a character stand out against a crowd. 

With AI Color Portrait and Monochrome Video Mode on the OPPO Reno4 series, you can now do the same with your smartphone - no edits required! Simply bring your subject into focus when in AI Color Portrait Mode or select colors like red, green, blue while recording in Monochrome Video Mode to make your subject pop! 

Stay vibrant even at night 

Every photographer, amateur or pro, will tell you that lighting is key to recording outstanding photos. This comes as a no-brainer, but there are still ways for you to capture stunning images even during the night. 

Here to capture the beauty of your subject, the Reno4 series’ Ultra Dark Mode and Ultra Night Selfie Mode helps make your shots bright, even in extreme low light environments. To bring your night photography up a notch, OPPO has also introduced its new Night Flare Portrait Mode which adds a bokeh effect against a vivid background to produce eye-catching results! 

Get into super slow motion 

Time flies when you’re having fun. However, the OPPO Reno4 enables you to capture those epic moments and slow it down for you to enjoy every millisecond of it! The 960fps AI Slow-motion feature captures the finer details - the beauty of a raindrop as it hits the ground or the turn of a Formula1 racer as it whizzes by the track. Practice tracking and panning in the direction the object is moving towards - this will help keep the object you’re filming focused in the center of your screen to produce jaw-dropping shots! 

Take stability to another level 

In an action film, car chases and fight sequences are key elements that provide an immersive experience. But owning a professional gimbal is not for everybody, especially those who are exploring videography. 

This is where the OPPO Reno4 Ultra Steady Video 3.0 Mode will come in handy, especially for all aspiring action directors, extreme sports enthusiasts and vloggers. Powered by its in-built electronic image stabilization (EIS) technologies, the Reno4 can accurately sense and reduce any shake from your hands, allowing you to capture adrenaline-pumping action with ease. Available in its main lens, ultra-wide and in the front-facing camera, you can now share the energy and adrenaline rush you are experiencing without the blur in your vlogs or videos! 

Edit videos directly on your phone without downloading an app 

Everyone knows that the key to creating an outstanding video is adding the right sound and visual effects — but it can be a pain to send all your videos to your desktop, look for the right video editing program, and fiddle with a mountain of settings just to make your vlog on point. 

These pains disappear with the OPPO Reno4 built-in video editing app Soloop! Just add your videos to the Soloop Smart Video Editor app and put on the finishing touches in a jiffy. Developed independently by OPPO’s ColorOS team, Soloop turns your footage into a professional looking vlog by adding music, filters, subtitles, captions and transitions — perfect for making your videos go viral on TikTok or YouTube. 

Retailing at PHP18,990, the OPPO Reno4 is available in all concept stores nationwide, dealer partners, and e-commerce partners Shopee and Lazada, as well as via Globe Postpaid, free with ThePlan 1499 with Rock Space EB100 Stereo Earbuds. 

In keeping the Christmas celebration joyful, OPPO is offering special bundles for OPPO Reno4 as part of the #OPPOJoyFullSale. You can avail (1) Parkland backpack and 2 Viu 3-month if you purchase during the last episode of the Joy-Full OPPO Sale Livestream this coming December 19 at 5pm on OPPO Philippines official Facebook and Lazada pages. 

To know more about the latest OPPO Reno4 and the ongoing OPPO exclusive Christmas deals and events, visit the official website or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Christmas season made more exciting with JuanCash JuanGrabehan Raffle Promo

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It is the season of giving and JuanCash is making your Christmas better and more exciting by giving away a Smart TV, Smartphones and P500 worth of recharge cards! All these will be drawn on December 18, 2020 via a live raffle draw on JuanCash Facebook page. 

Over 80 exciting prizes were given away last November by JuanGrabehan Raffle Promo and it just keeps getting bigger and better as at stake for the grand prize is a brand-new Toyota Vios!There will also be lucky winners of Honda Beat, Honda Click, Mountain Bikes and more!

The promo is open to all existing and new users of JuanCash app. To qualify for JuanGrabehan Raffle Promo, simply download the JuanCash app in this link bit.ly/All-in-JuanOnlineWallet, upgrade to Silver Tier and transact for as low as P20. The promo period is from November 1, 2020 and extended until February 28, 2021. The grand raffle draw is set on March 1, 2021.

Powered by Zybi Tech Inc, JuanCash, Your All-in-Juan Online Wallet, is a mobile app that provides cashless transactions enhancing your lifestyle to be more convenient, safe and secured. With just one click, you can seamlessly pay bills, buy load, remit, scan-to-pay and more! It also accepts payments from WeChat Pay and AliPay users. Available on Google Play and App store, JuanCash is accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Top 5 Christmas gift ideas you can give via the GCash App

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This 2020 holiday season is unique because of the pandemic, community quarantines and lack of opportunities to socialize with family and friends. So it’s no surprise that consumers will find other ways to give gifts -- or even give non-conventional gifts -- for Christmas.

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, suggests that Filipinos go for digital gifts readily available within the GCash app for Christmas. This is not only very practical and usable, but will also keep consumers safe from the pandemic by being contactless.

“This holiday season is the first in recent history where some friends and families won’t be able to see each other because of the pandemic, preventing much needed social interaction. However, through fintech, we can still make our loved ones feel the Christmas spirit. This is possible with GCash,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

Here are some top recommendations users can check out for a Merry GCash Christmas:

Gift idea #1. Send aguinaldo to your inaanaks, family, and loved ones!

Physical aguinaldos on envelopes are a thing of the past. Go digital with GCash instead! Just navigate to the Send Money section of the GCash app, select Send Pamasko, and add the numbers of the recipients and the aguinaldo amounts you’re going to give them!

Users also have the option to customize their Send Pamasko through a variety of digital envelopes, and even add a holiday message to it, too! It will save everyone a lot of time and effort, plus your younger pamangkins and inaanaks will appreciate it more since it’s digital (because they’re the digital generation) with a dedication.

Gift idea #2. Gift prepaid load to others, and get the chance to win back load for yourself!

Sure, prepaid load isn’t something one thinks of immediately when it comes to Christmas gifts, but in this weird time of being contactless, having prepaid load is a key way to stay connected with family, friends, and loved ones.

Great thing is that GCash is also holding a promo this holiday season where you can win back the load you purchase.

Every regular, combo, or broadband load you purchase using the GCash app entitles you to one digital scratch card where you get a chance to win up to 100% of the load you bought back! Just enter the mobile number you used to purchase, and the transaction reference number you received from 2882 on www.load2win.com!

Gift idea #3. Getting your loved ones insurance is a great gift this Christmas

We have heard a lot of unfortunate stories about one’s health and well-being this year, especially relating to illnesses. That’s why having your friends, family, or loved ones insured is something that they will appreciate, knowing well that they can have something to fall back to regarding their health.

Powered by Singlife, GCash is offering medical coverage against dengue for as low as PHP 300 a year! The first 10,000 customers will also get free COVID-19 coverage when they avail.

If you want to have your immediate family protected with this gift, simply just log-in to the GCash app and go to GInsure. If you want to have your friends and extended family covered with insurance as well, you can use Send Pamasko and use the customized Singlife digital envelope to make sure they use it for purchasing insurance!

Gift idea #4. Pay someone’s bill for the gift of peace of mind

The pandemic has brought people to their knees physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have someone close to you that you know has been experiencing troubles and catching up with their monthly dues, why not pay it for them as a gift? Not only will they thank you for it for their peace of mind (imagine not having electricity for December because they weren’t able to pay their bill) , you’ll also buy them more time to get a better start for 2021!

To start, you can get their account number or bill reference details and the amount due, input it on the Pay Bills portion of the GCash app, and pay! The bill will be settled in as fast as 24 hours.

Gift idea #5. Donate to your favorite charity and make their beneficiaries’ Christmases a memorable one

People used to do feeding programs and other public social activities to celebrate their Christmas pre-COVID. Unfortunately, this is not really practical and safe to do anymore because of quarantine restrictions. However, there’s another way you can help -- by donating to a charity or NGO of your choice via the GCash app.

Through the GCash app, you can directly send funds to organizations such as the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, Caritas, Childhope, Operation Smile, UNICEF, World Vision, and the World Wildlife Fund. Donations will greatly help their advocacies.

GCash is also holding its Merry GCash promo, where customers get a chance to win one of over PHP 30 million in prizes just by simply using the GCash app. For more information, visit facebook.com/gcashofficial.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

Don’t Eat Your Heart Out: Understanding the ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’

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This year, we have been faced with an unprecedented pandemic which has taught us never to take our health for granted. But as we near its end and gear up for the holidays, there are still plenty of things to watch out for when it comes to our health. 

“That is because while the holidays are a time for merriment and indulgence, it has also been linked to a high incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and rising blood pressure, leading to the phenomenon called ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome,” said Dr. Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, The Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. [1][2]

But what is it about the most joyous time of the year that causes this unfortunate spike in cardiovascular-related health concerns and how do we avoid it? 

Overindulging 

“During the holiday season, many of us tend to overindulge or consume food excessively. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these may be high in sodium content,” Amal forewarns. 

Why is this a problem? For some people, eating too much salty food may cause their blood pressure to rise. However, this shouldn’t deter you from indulging during the holidays, but just learning to be mindful of what you eat and avoiding excess salt can help minimize the risk for heart problems. 

Frequent binge-drinking 

With holiday get-togethers come frequent social drinking. Just like the overindulgence of food, the festive season is often marked by the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. 

“The danger of binge-drinking as frequently as we do during the holidays is that it can lead to atrial fibrillation which is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm that may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure,” she warns. 

Festive fatigue 

The holidays bring with it added excitement and fatigue. For some, this can mean going from one party to another, night after night, until the wee hours of the day, leading to very little sleep which adds extra stress on their hearts. Combined with binge-drinking and overindulging, and one can be very susceptible to an unhealthy mix of triggering factors. “That is why moderation is key, especially when it comes to indulging in salty foods, alcoholic beverages, or knowing when to call it a night,” the Sanofi country lead explains. 

Know the risks 

Going into the holidays, it is definitely crucial to be aware of any potential risk factors or pre-existing conditions that can affect your health. If you are currently overweight and/or a heavy smoker or have a history with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease then you or your family may be at a higher risk of experiencing heart problems, so it is best to be mindful of your health and keep watch of your holiday activities. 

When should you get help 

In the event that you start feeling symptoms such as chest pains, you should already start calling for help. Don’t forgo treatment just because you don’t want to spoil the holiday mood. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your health. 

“The greatest gift that you can give to your family is the gift of health so we must encourage everyone to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Amal intimated. “This is why we continue to educate Filipino families to have a better understanding of the disease, beyond the medicine, to empower every single person for self-monitoring and the improvement of their lifestyle. This is our commitment to building a healthier Philippines." 

[1] https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/316938/beware-of-the-holiday-heart-syndrome/

[2] https://www.webmd.com/heart/features/the-truth-behind-more-holiday-heart-attacks#3