UnionBank joins PSE Investment Forum 2022, talks crypto as future of banking, finance

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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

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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

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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.

THE JOYS OF CLOTHING

For this season, UNIQLO focuses on the simple joys that come to life when people and clothes find each other. In its latest lineup, there’s a blazer or dress that captures modern life in the city, a relaxing and roomy pair of shorts for that trip to the great outdoors, and breezy linens and madras shirts in lively colors that can be worn at the beach. UNIQLO presents four sub-themes this season and what ties all these together is that they bring happiness and comfort to its wearer during these sunny days.

The Joys of Skyline

City-dwellers enjoy the convenience of a cosmopolitan lifestyle: a neighborhood cafe with friendly baristas, a deli selling artisanal cheeses, and restaurants serving farm-to-table food. This urban way of life needs contemporary and modern clothes that can be worn at work or off-duty.

The Joys of Landscape

Relish life off the grid, the rustling of the wind in the trees and the crunching of leaves under the shoes, with colors and textures that blend in with the scenery of nature.

The Joys of Imagination

Art and sophisticated designs stir the senses. Imaginations are supposed to wander and enter brilliant new worlds so UNIQLO found inspiration in vibrant and uplifting colors.

The Joys of Sun and Seaside

An afternoon by the beach while soaking in the sun and feeling the breeze calls for natural textures, linen fabric, and clothes that drape effortlessly over the body. These are comfortable to wear and more importantly, easy to shed off when it’s time for a dip.

UNIQLO U

This season’s collection for UNIQLO U aims to support the daily rhythm of all sorts of lifestyles. Artistic director Christophe Lemaire and the design team in Paris produced relaxed, loose-fitting, and clean silhouettes for the ultimate in comfort.

This is also reflected in the palette, featuring earth tones in brown, khaki, and olive. Warm, neutral colors, such as faded tones of orange and green, and military blue also make an appearance. A kids’ collection will be offered again this season.

UT

For this season, UNIQLO’s exciting range of t-shirts inspired by art, music, movies, manga, and other elements of culture, UT promises a diverse range of interests, including film, art, and photography.

A highlight this season is a line of monochromatic Mickey Mouse art by Joshua Vides. The artist is known for his immersive installations and products that embody the essence of pop art. Next is the collection in collaboration with Magnum Photos, a cooperative that has visually documented most of the world's major events and personalities since the 1930s. The collection includes iconic photographs shot by Alec Soth, Eli Reed, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Gueorgui Pinkhassov, Elliott Erwitt, and Martin Parr.

These are accompanied by a collection that features Keith Haring’s debut exhibition at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York City in 1982. Joining Haring are collections showcasing the art of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

COLLABORATIONS

Apart from the sub-themes, UNIQLO is offering collaborations that reflect different aesthetics, but are all grounded by joy:

Hana Tajima

Hana Tajima returns to create UNIQLO’s first collection dedicated to dresses. This season, the New York-based fashion designer created garments that are made to be lived in, with understated yet iconic styles.

The collection features deep greens and blues inspired by nature and flower patterns found in Tajima’s garden. These patterns can also be found on hand-drawn scarves.

Inès de la Fressange

Inès De la Fressange turns to the colorful Moroccan city of Marrakesh in creating this season’s collection. The designer crafted high-quality and elegant yet casual items that liberally use cotton, linen, and silk.

The womenswear lineup is infused with menswear elements in natural colors and warm accents in reds, oranges, and pinks. The collection stays true to de la Fressange’s DNA of effortless chic that is truly French, truly Inès.

JW Anderson

Jonathan Anderson, who is never far from the sea, was inspired by sailing and the culture of seaside towns and ports when developing this collection. The sapphire blues of the sea, the soft browns of seashores, and the calming beiges of chalk cliffs are combined with red, green, and blue elements, reminiscent of maritime signal flags.

The nautical narrative is expressed through rope details, performance fabrics, patchwork, and asymmetrical elements.

UNIQLO’s 2022 Spring/Summer collection will be available starting February in all stores nationwide.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial) and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph, and download the UNIQLO App.

The five benefits of using the Cherry Dehumidifier Pro

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Summer is fast-approaching and that could only mean one thing—extra humidity. If that muggy indoor air bothers you, Cherry Home has a solution—the Cherry Dehumidifier Pro. Check its top five benefits below:

Large size. When talking about dehumidifiers, size actually pertains to moisture removal capacity. The Cherry Dehumidifier Pro can remove up to 12L of excess moisture per day, thanks to its 2L large water tank capacity. This is relatively larger in comparison with other similar products available in the market.

Wide area coverage. Not only does this boast of a powerful removal of excess moisture, it also significantly covers a 20sqm room. Now, you would have to worry less about maintaining your home as you have the power to regulate the growth of molds, mildew, and more caused by damp air.  

Energy-saving. Owning a dehumidifier may sound fancy but you shouldn’t let yourself be intimidated. Even if you use it all year round, jaw-dropping electric bills wouldn’t pose a problem as this is equipped with an energy-saving feature.

Low noise. With its huge build, you wouldn’t believe that it doesn’t produce the usual annoying buzzing sound. Therefore, you can keep it running even at night time without waking up the entire household.

Intelligent Dehumidifying technology. Since the Cherry Dehumidifier Pro can detect the humidity level of the room and independently decide to turn off once it reaches the ideal level, imagine not having to move a finger anymore.

Avoid allergies and other health problems as well as damaged walls and furniture by adding the Cherry Dehumidifier Pro to your home. Get it for P7,500 at:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

No more Sana All as Globe brings #LoveForAll with ‘2gether The Movie’ this V-day

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No more #SanaAll this Valentine’s Day! Globe brings #LoveForAll with the much-awaited international release of “2gether The Movie,” a film that perfectly fits the you-complete-me theme this season of love.

You don’t need to wait for that special day to enjoy this Thai romantic comedy-drama. No matter your relationship status, Globe is there to give you kilig feels with a date with Sarawat and Tine in the comfort of your own home.

Through video-streaming platform UPSTREAM, Globe gives Pinoy fans access to the certified kilig movie for just P249 from February 11 until March 13.

Aside from having the dibs on the highly-anticipated series finale of “2gether The Series” and “Still 2gether,” you can enjoy exclusive treats from Globe through upcoming promos if you get tickets via UPSTREAM.

Watch out for Globe's new offerings to complete your "kilig 2gether experience" as they give out exclusive merchandise such as the limited edition Bright and Win plush dolls wearing traditional Filipino dress shirt Barong Tagalog, posters with the original signature of BrightWin, “2gether” shirts, tote bags, and many more.

“2gether The Movie” stars loveable Thai celebrities Metawin "Win" Opas-iamkajorn and Vachirawit "Bright" Chivaaree, who play Tine and Sarawat, respectively, in this college love story. It is based on JittiRain’s “2gether” novel.

The Boy Love series’ completed edition doesn’t only bring Bright and Win closer to your eyes and hearts. It also presents more of Sarawat's point of view.

Get the story behind the first meeting of the two beloved characters and why Sarawat said, "Keep looking at me like that, and I will kiss you 'til you drop!” And to better stitch the storyline together, expect newly-filmed hidden scenes and a different ending for a more exciting experience.

“This season of love, wala nang #SanaAll because there’s enough #LoveForAll with Globe. This BL movie is indeed a perfect date for all as it brings romance, comedy, drama all-in-one— the perfect match for Valentine's day!” said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe Chief Marketing Officer.

Celebrate this special day with Bright and Win by getting your tickets from upstream.ph. Stay tuned for special and exclusive prizes.