PH, SG sign agreement enhancing ASEAN digital payment cooperation in World Fintech Festival

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BSP-MAS CA benefits MSMEs, OFWs, tourism, payments, cybersecurity

The Philippines and Singapore deepened their fintech-based relationship with various cross-border collaborations that will strengthen ASEAN regional payments and provide financial inclusivity to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and micro-small-to-medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

During the recent World Fintech Festival Philippines (WFF) 2021 - Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Managing Director Ravi Menon signed the expanded Fintech Innovation Function Cooperation Agreement. One highlight was the linkage of the two countries’ QR and real-time payment systems. In his statement following the signing ceremony, Gov. Diokno said that "the BSP is taking the initial step in linking the Philippine payment system with those of our ASEAN neighbors, beginning with Singapore.” He added that the agreement will enhance safe, efficient cross-border payments through smoother and seamless international fund transfers. Managing Director Menon called it “a concrete step towards the vision of an ASEAN network of interconnected real-time payment systems."

(Upper row, L-R): Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno; Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assistant Governor Edna Villa

(Middle row, L-R): Michelle Ong, Leading Business Journalist as Host and Moderator; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Director Raymond Estioko, Payments System Oversight; Carmelita Araneta, General Manager, Philippine Payments Management Inc.

(Bottom row): Leila Martin, President and CEO, Overseas Filipino Bank; Todd Schweitzer, CEO of Brankas; Amor Maclang, Convenor, Digital Pilipinas

MAS’ launch of regional tech platforms strengthens the growth of ASEAN cross-border transactions: Proxtera, which enables seamless trading for SMEs; the non-profit open-architecture API Exchange (APIX) which supports ASEAN and global financial innovation and inclusion; and Oxygen, APIX’s knowledge-upskilling platform that provides masterclasses from industry experts.

SFF 2021’s discussions are shaped by new changemakers as well as central banks’ impact-makers, policymakers, and financial gurus. MAS Chief Fintech Officer Sopnendu Mohanty gave one advantage of this approach for MSMEs: “We are democratizing the unique and valuable content into a signature knowledge certification program and a special SME day with an upskilling programme.”

Amor Maclang, Digital Pilipinas Convenor, expressed support for the enhanced BSP-MAS Cooperation Agreement through “the whole-of-society approach in solving today's and tomorrow's technological needs.” Digital Pilipinas, which helped launch WFF 2021 with the MAS, will “continue to be at the service of both the BSP and MAS as this agreement is a very important pillar in tech-ing up our country,” said Maclang.

Tech education and certification

Digital Pilipinas is a national movement that solves Philippine industry-wide challenges through digitalization, tech education with certification, and the creation of industry sandboxes. With the support of the Department of Trade and Industry, its program Business Without Borders and its partnership with Proxtera will connect SMEs with the greater ASEAN network. The upcoming Digital Pilipinas Academy will hold educational micro-certification courses on the blockchain; its academic program, the Incremental Industry-Driven Technology Education Resources Authentication Testing Ecosystem (I-ITERATE), will feature courses on Open Finance, Fintech, and other nascent technologies.

With the BSP and MAS models serving as their guide, the sandboxes that Digital Pilipinas will develop with national line agencies can accelerate innovation in alignment with regulatory policies. Digital Pilipinas’ partners in this initiative are Proxtera, APIX, and Oxygen.

Safe, secure, and swift digital payments

Through Business Without Borders, Digital Pilipinas will operationalize plans for tech-ing up entrepreneurs and connect MSMEs with international trade. Its opening up of the ASEAN market to local companies through digital gateways is in alignment with the BSP-MAS’ updated Cooperation Agreement.

Built on an earlier 2017 agreement between the BSP and the MAS, the updated Cooperation Agreement will also provide opportunities to the tourism, payments, and cybersecurity sectors. Raymond Estioko, BSP Director for Payments System Oversight, said that the 2021 agreement will make cross-border payments “cheaper, more inclusive, and more transparent."

BSP Assistant Governor Edna Villa named another new development: “Collaboration specifically on payments innovation and the linking of the two payment systems of the Philippines’ InstaPay and Singapore's PayNow."

Brankas CEO Todd Schweitzer described how the alignment of financial access and tech education can improve the lives of underserved Filipinos: “Allowing them to connect to the new payment systems can help drive financial inclusion. This can be beneficial to OFWs in their decisions about which insurance product fits their needs."

Carmelita Araneta, General Manager of Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI), acknowledged that economic and tech “power is starting to move in Asia.” Their P2M (Person-to-Merchant) system is designed to connect with Singapore-based OFWs who are Instapay users.

Leila Martin, President and CEO of OFBank, acknowledged that through the new BSP-MAS digital payment network, OFWs “can look forward to a strong, enabling environment that will ensure that cross-border payments are safe and devoid of fraud.”

The BSP-MAS extended Cooperation Agreement and the new Digital Pilipinas partnerships are expected to trigger more collaborations across the ASEAN. As Maclang put it, “They will help speed up cross-border financial transactions between the Philippines and Singapore, and move Philippine industries forward towards economic integration among the ASEAN.”

Teen star Jhassy Busran wins international acting awards

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Jhassy Busran, 15-year-old pretty young miss, singer-actress makes the country proud by winning two international acting awards – the Jury Award Best of the Best Performance Short Film (Male or Female) at the 2021 International Film Festival Manhattan-New York and a best child actress award e at the Gully International Film Festival in India for her performance as young child forced into hard labor in the film “Pugon” by Gabby Ramos.

A true artistic feat for a newcomer indeed since she does not belong to the roster of talents of a major television network or a star-maker talent management agency.

Jhassy’s name obviously comes from the fragrant flower that is jasmine, usually white or yellow, and thrives in the temperate regions of Eurasia and Oceania.

Born under the astrological sign of Virgo, this fifteen-year old 9th grader from the Mission Christian School, declares the e King’s Language, English as her favorite school subject. On the side, she is a varsity player of their table tennis team.

Of her scholastic achievements, Jhassy is most modest: “I graduated salutatorian with 7 awards. With the guidance of my parents, teachers and God definitely, I am a consistent honor student since kinder. I also played Table tennis in BULPRISA before and won a silver medal. I’ve became title holder of Bb Kalinisan twice and Ms. Intramurals 2019.”

A certified Swiftie, listens and appreciates all the penned compositions of international singing sensation Taylor Swift. Locally she idolizes Pop Royalty Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, the Pinoy Pop Kings SB19 and the ripe to become a supermodel, Maymay Entrata.

When it comes to her top picks in acting, Busran says: “I’m an avid fan of Ms. Kathryn Bernardo since 2012 I really love how she acts and her personality. I look up to Ms. Sylvia Sanchez too because of her versatility.”

Her current eye candies are SB19’s Ken Suson, Daniel Padilla and Donny Pangilinan.

She was part of the “Caught In the Act” where she played the part: “I am Daisy Sison, the best friend of Elaine Cruz which Andi Abaya portrayed,” says Busran. “My character in the movie is a nerd but not the typical one. She has a social life. She has great friends. She prioritizes her studies pero di niya kinakalimutan maging masaya.”

Her role preparations, she shares: “When I have a new role to portray I just always think that I have to wear the shoes, the feelings and thoughts of my character. And Daisy and I are somewhat similar. I am also I am also prioritizing my studies but at the same time, I balance it with quality time with my family and friends.”

“My experience in being part of ‘Caught In the Act, I would never forget,”Jhassy avers. “I made a lot of fun and good memories with my co-actors. They were guiding me all throughout the shoot. I also discovered that I can focus pala ng matagal.” She cannot help but guffaw after that reveal.

What makes her unique, she comes clean: “A lot of people say that I have a matured mindset despite my young age. Having that as my uniqueness, I think can invest more emotions and truth to the characters that hopefully will be offered to me.”

She does not say nay to the possibility of having a love team. Her explanation: “I will accept it for as long as alam ko naman po na masaya ako sa ginagawa ko with my partner and together, we bring joy and positivity to people.”

The short film, that gave her first two international trophies, also had seasoned actor Soliman Cruz as cast. It was presented as a short film in an exhibition in the online edition of Ciemalaya, the most prestigious film festival for independently produced motion pictures.

Busran promises: “I know that I always do my best in everything. I can promise them na di ko sila bibiguin at kaya ko. I am a strong-willed person and I am confident with my talents.”

Without a doubt, with her talent and charms, Jhassy Busran’s showbiz career is bright and exciting.

Finding refuge amidst nature in Hamilo Coast

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WITH the onset of COVID-19, Filipinos and the rest of the world have had to deal with an unprecedented upheaval in their lives: lockdown. Being confined in one’s home for an uncertain duration, with limited movement and access, required drastic adjustment, with some people inevitably experiencing higher levels of anxiety.

Mechanisms for survival took many forms, including preserving as much of a sense of normalcy as strict quarantines allowed. For many, this meant relocating out of the city, away from urban congestion and higher risks of COVID-19 infection, to more open spaces. Communities like Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, a mere 90-minute drive from Manila, cradled between mountain ridges and the sea, provided ideal locations close to what has proven to be the most powerful antidote to modern chaos: nature itself.

Staying close to nature improves physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

For many Hamilo Coast residents like human resources manager Jessica Clara Belardo, relocating, for the time being, was not a difficult decision. “Due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, we decided to look for a secure and less crowded place nearby where we could stay for at least a year and avoid exposure. We found out that Hamilo Coast was the perfect fit for our family.”

Hamilo Coast is obviously on to something. In a February 2021 article on the website PositivePsychology.com, Madhuleena Roy Chaudhury wrote about “The Positive Effects of Nature on Your Mental Well-Being.” where she also cited that “staying close to nature improves physical, mental, and spiritual well-being; it makes us feel alive from the inside, and we should not compromise it for recent developments like urbanization, technology, or social media.”

Chaudhury, a psychologist, mentioned a host of other benefits of being close to nature, including emotional regulation and memory, fighting depression, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, and improving focus and creativity.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Hamilo Coast such as biking while enjoying the views of nature.

This is validated by people who now live and work in their Pico De Loro Cove homes in Hamilo Coast after work-from-home arrangements became the norm. With the stress of traffic and commuting eliminated and the option to hold virtual meetings with a view now available, productivity and well-being have increased significantly. “As a working mom, one of the best benefits I have experienced and am still enjoying is the perfect work-life balance,” says Belardo. “I can do my work remotely and take care of my child and family while enjoying the beach and other facilities. Plus, my son is really having a great time here.”

“The free strong WiFi and internet connection are among the benefits,” says finance executive and general manager Willard Mosquito. “Then there are lots of places to work even outside the unit, such as the Beach Club. You can bike and swim during free time on weekends, enjoying the beauty of nature. There’s also a very nice chapel where you can pray, reflect, and meditate.”

Developed by SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., Hamilo Coast is considered the first premiere sustainable community in Nasugbu, combining nature and man-made excellence in residential properties and amenities. Many homeowners had, in fact, chosen to settle here even before the lockdowns. When the pandemic came, extra safety and security measures adopted by the Property Management Team on a 24/7 basis, including seeing to homeowners’ needs, made life much easier.

Many homeowners had chosen to settle in Hamilo Coast because the ambience is relaxing, the security is tight, the place is less crowded, safety protocols are being strictly implemented, and the staff is very helpful.

“The ambience of the place is relaxing, the security is tight, the place is less crowded, safety protocols are being strictly implemented, and the staff is very helpful,” says Belardo. “More important, the guards, receptionists, and maintenance guys are very respectful, friendly, and firm on the rules and guidelines,” agrees Mosquito.

Indeed, despite all the chaos in the city, some people have fortunately found an ideal pandemic cocoon.

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas, developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. 

For inquiries, call (632) 7945-8000, check out www.hamilocoast.com, or follow them on www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph or Instagram @hamilocoastph.

Still Hot: Lots’a Pizza Turns 35

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Husband and wife Ed and Tess Ngan Tian — the founders of Lots’a Pizza — are celebrating a significant milestone this year. The Filipino pizza brand is marking its 35th anniversary.

Starting Fresh

Ed — started business by opening the snack food stall R&W Foods at Virra Mall Greenhills in 1980. In 1986 he told Tess that he wanted to open food stalls in San Beda College (SBC), Mendiola. Tess, who worked as a finance and administrative director for San Beda - Alabang, didn't immediately get on board with his idea. "I was hesitant at first because I didn't have any academic preparation and experience to be in the food business," she said.

Despite Tess's apprehensions, Ed was able to convince her that it would be a good venture. He pointed out that the odds were in their favor since there was high foot traffic in the location he had picked out.

Tess disclosed: "Our plan was to put up and sublease 12 stalls. We operated three of these stalls under the R&W Foods foodprints." However, their plan didn't really work out at first. "There were no takers," she recalled. "So, we ended up taking over three more stalls. Tenants later occupied the rest of the stalls."

The couple stayed in the SBC location for eight profitable years. They only moved out because the school started constructing the College of Law building there.

Pinoy Pizza 

Perfection

Aside from serving lunch fare and the usual snack items, Ed and Tess thought about serving "Pinoy style" pizza. To make sure that they did everything right, Tess took up a course in pizza technology at the prestigious American Institute of Baking (now known as AIB International) in Kansas City. When she was done with the course, Tess was able to develop Lots’a Pizza's signature parbaked crust and sauce.

The couple's investment in crafting the perfect Pinoy pizza paid off. Customers loved Lots’a Pizza. Soon after the brand took off, Tess resigned from her day job and focused on the business. Ed and Tess have been overseeing the pizza-making process since then. Lots’a Pizza's operates commissaries in Las Pinas, Pampanga, and Cavite. Lots’a Pizza is among the Top Five (5) Pizza Companies in the Philippines and foremost in the Take Out and Quick Serve category.

Franchise-Friendly

In 2000, Lots'a Pizza started expanding. Ed presented the idea of franchising to Tess. Once again, she didn't immediately agree with him. "There were no franchising schools at that time," she reasoned. "Natakot ako na baka hindi maalagaan ang product."

Eventually, Ed was able to convince Tess to give franchising a try. "Kami na ang nag-aral kung paano gagawin ang franchising namin," she said.

The decision to get into franchising proved to be another win for Lots’a Pizza. In fact, its success has been recognized through several awards as Best Franchising Support, Best in Local Franchise, Best in Homegrown Franchise, Most Promising Franchise, Fastest Growing Franchise and finally in The Hall of Fame for franchise awards by Entrepreneur Magazine. And more, Best Business Award from BPI-Family Savings Bank, Aside for being the bank’s Best List of franchisors.

Thriving Amid the Pandemic

In 2020, many businesses had to shut down due to Covid - related restrictions. However, it is worth noting that almost all Lots’a Pizza outlets managed to stay open.

Tess revealed, "The pandemic didn't really stop us. We were only restricted due to the curfew imposed during lockdowns. But we were able to continue our operations. We have a number of outlets that are located in supermarkets. So, when supermarkets opened, they were also allowed to operate." Our take-out and delivery options sustained us during these trying times.

Pizza itself also proved to be resilient because it's something that can be shared with the whole family. It appeals to all age groups — from kids to senior citizens."

The numbers back Tess's statement. Today, it has 130 franchised outlets and 23 company-owned outlets included spread throughout Luzon.

Priceless Advice

These days, though, Tess noted that the market has gotten extremely competitive. Thus, Lots'a Pizza continues to innovate, keep up with trends, marketing and the latest technology. "We haven't stopped learning," said Tess. "We do have an advantage because we are pioneers in our level of business. We have also maintained our integrity, credibility, and the quality of our products. These are things we will never compromise on."

As for Filipinos who are thinking of putting up their own business, Tess advises: "You should know every aspect of your business. You should know how everything is done — be it in Human Resources, Purchasing, and all other departments. You should be able to answer any question about your business immediately. Hindi pwede 'yung tatawag ka pa ng ibang tao to find out what's going on. Kasi mahirap when you don't have full control of your business."

In fact, Tess revealed that her son, Robert, who is now serving as Lots’a Pizza's Vice President/ General Manager started out as a bodega helper. He also had a stint as part of their service crew. After successfully graduating with honors at Ateneo Graduate School’s Masters in Entrepreneurship course, he is adequately prepared to take over.

Looking Forward

That said, Tess likewise said that the company treats its employees like family members. "We want them to feel that this business is also their own. Importante na may malasakit rin sila sa negosyo. I don't see them as mere employees. For those who later move on to other companies, I also want them to use what they learned from us. It would be great if they are also able to start their own businesses," she said.

This year Lots’a Pizza celebrates 35 years of making Pizza a part of every Filipino’s time for bonding and celebrating life’s milestones.

Holiday traditions made more special with El Real

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Blurb: Traditions are what make the holidays extra special. Make your holiday traditions even happier with these easy tips.

In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts as early as the ‘ber’ months hit and that means that come September, the countdown begins. Normally, Christmas carols can be heard from just about anywhere. Holiday decorations start to be seen in every city and barangay - from the usual lampposts and center islands, all the way to houses fully-decked with blinking colorful lights. Christmas is one of the seasons that Filipinos always look forward to, year after year.

Even though going outdoors for long periods of time or flying out for vacations are not advisable just yet, enjoying the coming holidays with family and loved ones at home continue. Our Christmas traditions remain and, in fact, can still be made more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Here are just some ways to make your holiday traditions even merrier:

Noche Buena

Noche Buena is easily everyone’s favorite tradition. Having that “salu-salo” of the family’s favorite dishes has always been an integral part of Filipino Christmas celebration. Bonding over good food and delicious desserts, surrounded by the most important people in one’s life, is what makes for a truly memorable holiday celebration.

And what better way to celebrate the season than with El Real, the pasta that’s packed with iron, protein, fiber, and vitamin-A. While families have their go-to recipes for Noche Buena, they can make this year’s feast extra special by exploring unique dishes from El Real’s Real Pastabilities website. They can discover recipes like Pork Belly Pasta, Pasta Valenciana, and many other pasta dishes that the family will surely love.

Gift Giving

Of course, the highlight of every Christmas celebration are the gifts. The fun starts during the shopping period as people think of the most thoughtful items to give their loved ones. Sometimes they opt to send over home-made food gifts, like a Pizza Pasta or Sushi Bake, to show their appreciation, especially those who can’t celebrate with friends or family in person.

On Christmas day, the joy continues as kids and kids-at-heart excitedly open their gifts. Their smiles and thank-you messages make gift giving all the more worth it.

Make your Noche Buena even more memorable by serving new dishes like this Pizza Pasta and Pasta Valenciana. These and many other recipes are available at El Real’s Real Pastabilities website.

Nightcap

Just seeing the joy, love, and excitement in everyone’s faces, make the celebration all the more worthwhile, memorable, and priceless. Capping off the Christmas eve surrounded by the comfort and warmth of family and loved ones is truly what everyone could ever ask and hope for.

Whether one is going to small home gatherings with family and friends or celebrating virtually, the holiday spirit can still be felt in a lot of ways. It’s all about finding fun ways to show love and appreciation to family and friends this season -- from thoughtful gifts to inventive meals made with El Real pasta.

There are still a few days left to finalize Christmas plans. Make it more special by visiting Real Pastabilities by El Real for recipes that everyone at home will love.

For more information, visit www.realpastabilities.com.

El Real Pasta is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), makers of popular food and beverage brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Pitattos, Nips, Magic Flakes, C2 Cool and Clean and Great Taste Coffee.