February 20, 2022
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UnionBank joins PSE Investment Forum 2022, talks crypto as future of banking, finance
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer and Chief Transformation Officer Henry Aguda joined discussions on digital and crypto assets as the future of financial investments at the recently concluded PSE Investment Forum 2022.
As the country’s first bank to successfully carry out financial transactions through blockchain, UnionBank attests to the use of technology in banking securely and efficiently. Blockchain can thus, be applied in a wide array of use cases.
“In fact, one of the very good applications we started with early on, was how to address the problem where rural banks don't have access to one another; and to the basic banking requirements in the industry,” Aguda explained.
“We found a cheaper solution, and we gave this to the rural banks in the form of i2i, a platform that allows us to provide them a channel to interconnect with each other. And we wouldn't have been able to do that if not for blockchain, specifically because of its low-cost operations and how easy it is to program,” he added.
Asked whether blockchain-based transactions are the future of banking and finance, Aguda agreed. "If you follow trends in history, we went from gold to paper, now it's moving toward digital. So, if you go by that trend, everything is going to be digitized form of transactions. It's no longer going to be a transfer of record of value, it will be a digital transfer of value."
As to crypto being a viable investment, the UnionBank executive answered in the affirmative but expounded. "Yes, but subject to the following. First, keep it to the top 10 coins. Second, it shouldn't be above five percent of your total investible portfolio, meaning it's money that you can afford to lose. And third, do your own research," Aguda said.
To conclude his talk, Aguda reminded the attendees: "First, on blockchain technology, it's something that every company should explore. We've proven that it's useful in terms of increasing efficiency in operations, and it's easy to use. Second, as an investment instrument, (crypto or currency based on blockchain) it's in the early stages. If you want to experiment and include it in your portfolio, it's at your own risk. The regulation is still evolving, so treat it as a high-risk instrument and then explore,” Aguda said.
“Hopefully, venues like these where it is discussed, help the regulators form the right risk management framework and policies around it."
Filipino Gen Z stars share what they love about the Redmi Note 11
Rise to the challenge with some of the nation’s most popular Gen Z stars, Darren Espanto, Kyline Alcantara, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and P-POP boy group BGYO using Xiaomi's newest Redmi Note 11, the smartphone that can conquer any challenge with its flagship-level specs and features.
Xiaomi recently launched in the Philippines the Redmi
Note 11 Series, starting with the mid-range king, the Redmi Note 11, bringing powerful
upgrades that push the limits of any mid-range smartphone with an upgraded
camera, display, and performance.
Among the Redmi Note 11
ambassadors is P-POP by group BGYO composing of JL
Toreliza, Nate
Porcalla, Gelo
Rivera, Mikki
Claver, and Akira
Morishita who made Xiaomi trend on social media when they posted
about the phone. Gelo talked about how the Redmi Note 11 is his perfect partner
for his busy schedule. “With training, shows, and interviews here and there, all
of us need a phone that can keep up with our super fast-paced lifestyle and the
Redmi Note 11 does just that with its capable processor and large-capacity
battery with fast-charging. We don’t need to worry about our phones dying in
the middle of a packed day,” shared Gelo.
Another one of the most
excited about the release is the total performer, Darren
Espanto, who shared his first impressions over his newest
smartphone. “I’m so excited to game…on my new Redmi Note 11. It’s such a sleek
phone. [I]f you guys are looking to upgrade your phone right now, switch to the
new Redmi Note 11, you guys will not regret it,” shared Darren.
Sparkle Sweethearts, Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara, also
gushed about how the Redmi Note 11 helps them bond during the pandemic.
“Redmi Note 11 offers us a new and powerful entertainment experience and it helps us conquer our boredom this pandemic. That’s why we really enjoy watching videos together especially with its immersive dual stereo sound and even its screen looks bright and seamless and has smoother transitions,” said Mavy.
Meanwhile, Kyline shared, “When
we are not together, our video calls are now smoother with the Redmi Note 11’s
50MP main camera, plus the battery lasts really long and is also fast-charging so
we can talk continuously for hours on end.”
The First Lady Star, Cassy Legaspi also expressed her love for the phone. “As someone who is always on the phone, the Redmi Note 11 really exceeds my expectations of any smartphone that I have experienced especially with its powerful fast-charging battery. Plus, with this phone, I feel like I’m always on the trend because of its sleek design and beautiful display. It really suits my taste,” said Cassy.
The Redmi Note 11 4GB +
64GB variant will retail at PHP 8,999, while the 6GB + 128GB variant is priced
at PHP
9,999. Check this out on Xiaomi’s official Shopee and Lazada stores. Stocks and availability for the freebie will be limited.
Stay tuned to the official Xiaomi Facebook
page for upcoming appearances of the
newest members of the Xiaomi family and for updates and exclusive promo deals.
*Data from Xiaomi Labs. Actual results may
vary.
UNIQLO Launches Its 2022 Spring/Summer LifeWear Collection
Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, shows us the joys of clothing as it presents its Spring/Summer collection for 2022. The collection provides fresh, comfortable, functional, and stylish pieces perfect for the season, whether one is in the city, nature, at home, or the seaside.