UnionBank continues as Asia’s digital trailblazer beyond the tipping point of digital adoption

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From its entrepreneur-focused solutions to its heavy investments in AI and blockchain, IDC Asia/Pacific Digital Trailblazer awardee Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank)’s SEVP, Chief Technology and Operations Officer and Chief Transformation Officer Henry Aguda talked about the Bank’s digital plans for this year in the eighth installment of its E-TalkTales series.

One of the main points of Aguda's discussion was UnionBank's commitment to supporting the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through various digital solutions designed to address the different pain points of their businesses. “These are all geared towards a focus of helping the MSMEs not just survive, but thrive during this pandemic,” Aguda said.

UnionBank’s current solutions offered to entrepreneurs include the newly launched SME Business Banking app, which is equipped with features for improved security and convenience such as biometrics, as well as platforms such as Bux, SeekCap, and Sentro, which are offered by the Bank’s fintech spinoff UBX, that enable customers to build secure foundations for their e-commerce ventures.

In addition to these topics, Aguda talked about the Bank’s plans for two of the biggest focus areas in the next phase of its digital transformation roadmap, which are AI and distributed ledger technology (DLT), particularly blockchain and cryptocurrency, two technologies enabled by DLT.

For AI, Aguda said the Bank plans to utilize the said technology so that its services can become even more personalized for customers. Aside from this, the Bank is also creating solutions that help address cybercrimes committed against customers, including a concept the Bank calls “integrated financial crimes framework” where all types of cybercrime are analyzed by the Bank’s AI engine to anticipate fraud patterns.

Aguda underscored the importance of being a vigilant and responsible digital banking account owner given the ever-growing threat of cybercrime, saying that malicious entities are becoming even more creative in finding new ways of exploiting vulnerabilities in digital ecosystems through user endpoints, especially those of banks and other financial institutions. He added that the best way to keep them at bay is for stakeholders to work together in creating a safe digital ecosystem for everyone.

“Threat actors will only prey on the weak, but if it’s a community that’s protecting everybody, they will move to a different jurisdiction altogether.”

In terms of DLT, the Bank is now working on expanding its blockchain-based digital financial network i2i in scope and scale, as well as expanding its proprietary stablecoin PHX. UnionBank is also testing various other blockchain use cases and proofs of concept that the Bank plans to share with partner government agencies and corporate clients in the coming months.

When asked if UnionBank is planning to apply to become a digital banking entity under the recently approved regulatory framework of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that classifies digital banks separately from commercial banks, rural banks, thrifts, and cooperatives, Aguda said that the Bank is now reviewing all possible options.

“UnionBank is excited because it’s a validation and affirmation of the things that we’ve been doing. And if we do get a digitalized license, we’ll welcome it and we will continue to advocate the adoption of digital banking services,” Aguda said.

SAMSUNG brings together #TeamGalaxy ambassadors for an EPIC livestream event for Galaxy S21 Series 5G

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The new year calls for new ways to create epic experiences. With this, Samsung recently unveiled the latest Galaxy S21 Series 5G that enables users to take action and make the most out of every moment. 

On January 26, 2021, Samsung will gather #TeamGalaxy creators who will impart tips on maximizing the Galaxy S21 Series 5G through a livestream event on Facebook, Youtube, and Samsung.com. 

BJ Pascual, the most sought-after editorial and fashion photographer, will share tricks when using the device’s epic multi-camera, especially its 108MP camera. Go-to celebrity wedding filmmaker Jason Magbanua will demonstrate how to use the pro-grade video tools, such as the newest feature, Director’s View. Meanwhile, trailblazing sisters, Chi & Gabs Gibbs, will share their fun approach to creativity when making online content with using Vlogger View. Lifestyle blogger and also the newest member of #TeamGalaxy, Nicole Andersson will host the event.

Know more about the online event in the coming days through the Create your Epic Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2788090608081231/

Last week to pre-order!

The Galaxy S21 Series is still up for pre-order until January 28, 2021. Customers who prefer to take home the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are entitled to an epic bundle worth up to P20,000 through Samsung Experience stores, select Abenson and SM Appliance Stores, and Authorized Samsung online partners. The epic bundle includes Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Tab A 8.0, Galaxy SmartTag, and a 25W Travel Adapter. Offer is also available through Globe and Smart until January 24.

Customers can also pre-order through Samsung.com to get as much as P16,000 worth of freebies including Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy SmartTag and a P5,000 discount.

On the other hand, those who want to pre-order the Galaxy S21+ 5G can get a special bundle worth up to P19,000 including Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Tab A 8.0, Galaxy SmartTag, and a 25W Travel Adapter. These offers are also available through Globe and Smart until January 24. 

Customers can also pre-order through Samsung.com to get as much as P13,000 worth of freebies including Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy SmartTag, and a P3,000 discount.

For more information about Samsung’s latest flagship devices, visit samsung.com/ph.

New Year means new appliances from Beko

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Manila, Philippines —The new year signals a fresh start for everyone. While things are not looking too bright right now, we still need to prepare ourselves and our homes for the year ahead.

It’s not unusual for peple to upgrade their appliances at the start of every year. Choosing the right brand is very important. Beko, Europe’s No. 1 appliance brand, has cookers, range hoods, refrigerators, gas hobs, ovens and washing machines that harness technology to your advantage. These appliances have features that work for you and make your life easier.

The "Beko Bigger, Better" promo offers discounts of up to 15% on select models of no frost refrigerators, freestanding cookers, ovens, gas hobs and washing machines from January 15-31, 2020.

"The beginning of a new year is the best time to upgrade and update household items so that our homes are comfortable and everything is more efficient," said Beko Philippines Country Manager Gurhan Gunal.

Participating outlets are SM Appliances, All Home, Ansons, Robinsons, Great World, Asian Home, Manila Imperial, and Savers, and e-commerce sites such as Lazada and  Household Appliances Trading nationwide.

Beko products are also available on Lazada and their official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bekoph/. 

PRSP grows network with VisMin chapters, announces upcoming 27th PR Congress

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Manila, Philippines. January 22, 2021 – The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country’s premier association of PR and communications professionals, PRSP is expanding its network to the Visayas and Mindanao with the creation of regional chapters.

As the pandemic puts industries and businesses under immense pressure to adapt to the new normal and recoup losses, PRSP underscores the crucial role of communication and hopes to help synergize the efforts of communications professionals across the country. The newly instated chapters will provide more avenues for collaboration and learning through shared knowledge, technology, training and best PR practices.

Jones T. Campos, APR, former PRSP president and proponent of the chapter creation, said: “Aside from strengthening relationships among PR practitioners nationwide, having PRSP chapters in Cebu, Davao and other key cities in the Philippines will open more opportunities and integrate a common aspiration to professionalize the industry. Likewise, it will enable a nationwide way of combatting fake news, disinformation and misinformation while inculcating competence and ethical practice among PR and communications professionals.”

The new chapters will be created initially through a partnership with VisMin PR agencies PR Works, Selrahco and Bigseed. Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, founder and managing Director of Bigseed, gladly accepts the idea of having a PRSP chapter in Cebu: "We welcome this opportunity to connect and collaborate with other agencies and practitioners from around the country. With public relations evolving as the world around us changes, an organization such as the PRSP opens opportunities to set industry standards and provides an avenue for us to support and learn from one another.”

The same sentiment is echoed by Doris Mongaya of PR Works, who stated that the creation of regional chapters will result in greater cooperation between VisMin-based PR professionals and their Metro Manila counterparts, which could in turn lead to the faster development of the whole Philippine PR industry. “We recognize the efforts of PRSP in congregating PR professionals and agencies in a national scale. Through this, we have more avenues for collaboration, which is especially apt in these times. We’re looking forward to what’s to come,” Charles Lim of Selrahco adds.

PRSP President Norman Agatep, APR shares, “We appreciate how receptive our fellow PR practitioners in VisMin have been when we brought up our intention to create regional chapters of PRSP. These challenging times further highlight the importance of good communication both for brands and their audiences. With this new development, we reaffirm PRSP’s commitment to uphold ethics and elevate the PR practice nationwide.”

 

PRSP’s First 3-day Digital PR Congress

The biggest and most-awaited annual event of PRSP is the National Public Relations Congress. Now on its 27^th year, the upcoming PR Congress is marking several firsts -- the first to go full-digital and the first to run for three days. These changes, particularly the shift to digital, reflect how the PR industry is adapting to the new normal and embracing new technologies to continue telling the story of brands and organizations.

The Congress, which will be held on February 17 to 19, 2021, will be headlined by topics such as the post-pandemic Philippine PR landscape, industry recovery efforts and pressing issues such as mental health in the workplace. With the theme “Transcend”, the 27^th PR Congress hopes to inspire PR and communication practitioners across the country to go beyond conventional thinking and step out of their comfort zone to address pressing issues and collectively move forward to create a better normal for all.

Ana Pista, Congress chairperson, shared: “As the PR Congress has done since it started, we are bringing together a powerhouse roster of local and international speakers and delivering a lineup of timely and relevant topics this year. This year, more than ever, the Congress will highlight the role of PR in building a society that works for all.”

PRSP expects to welcome more than 1,000 PR and communications practitioners to this year’s Congress. For more information about PRSP and the upcoming 27^th National Public Relations Congress, please visit the event’s website or official Facebook page or contact Lessa Azcarraga at lessa.azcarraga@ardent.com.ph.

 

Make Every Meal Feel Like a Feast with Fiesta to Go

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There are more reasons to celebrate and feast this 2021 with Fiesta to Go.

A delivery and carry-out food service, Fiesta to Go is the newest business of Hortaleza Group of Companies, the same people behind Barrio Fiesta Foods. 

Fiesta To Go answers the call of the new normal where food delivery and carry-out has become the next best thing for families and corporations for their events and other celebrations. It will be serving the commonly sought and typical food fares loved by most Filipinos, but infused with creativity.

What's the story behind this new business venture?  

Dr. Rolando Hortaleza said:  “We have been eyeing to expand our food business from packaged/processed foods, and the series of lockdowns have validated our track that the dine-in restaurant business would eventually be taken over by delivery and carry-outs.” He added that “we are very excited to add Fiesta To Go to our portfolio and we choose the City of Pasig for our first branch because of the vibrant economic activities in the area.”o

As their tagline says ANYTIME IS FIESTA TIME, as they hope to make every customer feel the Fiesta vibe with the tastes and textures of Filipino cuisine. Take a bite of their delicious and to-die for Fiesta Sisig, Soy Garlic Chicken, Lumpiang Shanghai and Pork Barbeque. Complement it with their rich-tasting noodles like Pancit Canton, Malabon and Spaghetamis. Another item on the menu which has enticed quite a loyal following as early as now is their Fiesta Halo-halo Shake.

Dr. Hortaleza envisions Fiesta To Go “To be the TOP choice for food delivery for every Filipino household” and plans to have 15 company owned branches and 35 to 50 franchise stores in the next 5 years. 

The Pasig Kapitolyo store is open from 10 am to 8 pm and is located at 4K Plaza Bldg. 677 Shaw Blvd, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.  Check out their Facebook page for a sneak peak on their food offerings https://www.facebook.com/fiestatogoph/