Reminder to qualified UMID applicants: Upgrade to UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card today

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SSS members with pending UMID ID releases may avail of free upgrade online

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is reminding members of the Social Security System (SSS) who are qualified for a free upgrade to the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card to avail of the offer now so they can enjoy an easy and convenient way to receive their SSS proceeds.

Announced a few months ago, the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card is a government-issued ID card and fully functional ATM card that is linked to a UnionBank savings account, where SSS members can receive the proceeds of their benefits, loans, and refunds. The savings account doesn't require maintaining balance.

SSS members who are registered on My.SSS and have applied for the standard UMID card but have not received it yet may avail of the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card upgrade for free. To let them know about the upgrade option, SSS also sent invitations to qualified members via email, so they may want to check their email. The upgrade will be available to all SSS members applying for the UMID card eventually.

Qualified members may upgrade their card by logging in to their My.SSS account, or register if they haven’t yet. They will then need to go to the "E-Services" tab, access the "Data Sharing Consent for UMID Pay Card" option, and give their consent to share their information with UnionBank.

Next, they must download the UnionBank Online app, which is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. They can also visit https://www.unionbankph.com/unionbankonline and or scan the download QR code.

On the app, they need to select the "Open an Account" option, choose "Government ID," click "SSS UMID Pay Card Account," and then click “Agree to the Terms & Conditions and Data Privacy Consent” to continue. After making sure that their SSS information is updated and correct, they will need to complete the form to open their savings account. More details are available at https://www.unionbankph.com/sss-umid.

Upgrading to the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card comes with a few perks. Once the free upgrade is completed, funding the account with a minimum of PHP1,000 entitles the owner to a free Jollibee eGC worth P200 and a chance to win a brand-new Mitsubishi Xpander GLS sponsored by UnionBank. Account holders must fund their account on or before Feb 28, 2023 to enjoy these perks.

Because the card is linked to a UnionBank account, users will be able to enjoy fully-featured ATM transactions, as well as digital banking services and advanced features like financial goal setting and payment requests via the UnionBank Online app.

UnionBank has been a long-time partner of the government in the issuance of two-in-one ID and pay cards that have benefited countless Filipinos over the years, and the new UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card is just one of the many innovative offers that have come from its partnerships with government agencies like the SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), to name a few.

To learn more about the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card, visit https://www.unionbankph.com/sss-umid.

Globe Roaming showcases travel offers at Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Travel Fair

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With international travel picking up steam, it's time to dust off your passport and start planning your next adventure. Globe Roaming is here to make sure that your foreign trips are worry-free so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.

Join Globe Roaming at the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Travel Fair on January 13-15 at the Glorietta Activity Center, where it will showcase the latest offers and deals, and exclusive discounts and freebies for all revenge travelers.

“As we see a sustained resurgence of travel, we’re here to offer Globe Roaming as a travel essential that caters to the evolved needs and preferences of travelers while ensuring that they stay connected while in their favorite international destinations,” said Coco Domingo, VP for Globe Postpaid and International Business.

“We're excited to meet travelers at the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Travel Fair to help plan their next trip overseas. We want to empower them to confidently explore the world once again with roaming offers that they can conveniently enjoy at more affordable rates,” he added.

One of the highlights of Globe Roaming’s offers is the Roam Surf Longer Stay promo, which allows you to enjoy all-access data roaming for as low as P200/day. This data roaming service is meant for longer travels and becomes more affordable the longer you stay abroad. It offers a range of data allocations and price options that match other products in the market but with the added benefit of being able to conveniently connect from your phone without the need to lug around another device or buy a local SIM card in your destination.

Unlike other alternatives, Roam Surf Longer Stay also has no limitations on speed and bandwidth, and it's meant for cross-country travels so you only need one promo when you travel to different destinations within the offer's validity.

Globe Roaming is also excited to introduce its new roaming channel - the GlobeOne app. GlobeOne makes registration and management of roaming promos easy, hassle-free, and contactless. With GlobeOne, you can easily track your data promos and get 24/7 assistance on your data roaming abroad.

To make sure that everyone has a great time at the travel fair, Globe Roaming is giving away cool and useful travel-related items and hosting fun games where you can win a Globe roaming sponsorship for your next trip abroad. Plus, you'll have the chance to catch awesome roaming deals that you can book when you're set to travel.

The event will be packed with travel deals, interactive activities, and an experiential showcase that will inspire and excite you to book your next trip.

Mark your calendars and don’t forget to visit the Globe Roaming Booth at the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Travel Fair on January 13-15 at the Glorietta Activity Center to discover travel activities and book in-destination services at the best price! Enjoy worry-free travel when you #RoamWithGlobe!

To learn more about Globe, visit glbe.co/roam.

Upgrade your 2023 lifestyle with these must-have tech items

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From smartphones to home items, Xiaomi has the gadgets you’ll need to start the new year right

The new year calls for new tech gadgets and upgrades that can meet the demands of work, school, and just daily life in general. With so many devices on the market right now, it’s important to find ones that are multifunctional and can last a long time.

This is where Xiaomi products come in. The brand is known for its diverse line of smartphones and smart AIoT home products that can fit everyone’s lifestyles. So, if you’re on the hunt for new gadgets that make your everyday more convenient, here are must-haves for your shopping list to kickstart 2023:

Student-friendly phones

For parents looking for a capable and affordable smartphone for their kids, Xiaomi has entry-level and midrange devices that are suitable for tasks like schoolwork, social media, streaming, and more. Its latest model, the Redmi A1 (P4,499), has 3GB + 64GB memory space and 5,000mAh battery with 10-watt fast charger, which are perfect features for all-day use. If you want to explore, other Redmi models, the Redmi 10 (P7,799), Redmi Note 11S (P11,999), and Redmi Note 10 Pro (P13,999) can also deliver power and functionality that students can make the most of wherever they are, whatever schoolwork they have to do.

Shoot like a pro

Start dabbling into photography with a reliable camera phone such as the Xiaomi 12 (P48,999) and Xiaomi 12 Pro (P39,999). This series boasts of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and pro-grade cameras, allowing you to take gorgeous landscape and portrait photos. Not only is this a great way to document memories in 2023, it’s also an opportunity to learn a new creative skill.

For the love of food

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, it’s important to have the right tools that make preparing food and beverages easier. The Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L (P3,699) is a great device for oil-free frying and baking different dishes, and even for heating up leftovers. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly thanks to its smart functions. For smoothies and soups, the Xiaomi Smart Blender (P5,699) can do the job with its high-power motor and easy controls. These smart devices can definitely help whip up meals to perk up your every day.

Immersive sound experience

This year, it’s time to invest in noise-canceling earbuds that will not only give you immersive music and audiobook experience, but also help you focus without any distractions. The Redmi Buds 4 (P2,499) and Redmi Buds 4 Pro (P3,999) deliver high-quality sound for up to nine hours. With these on, you’ll feel like you’re in your own little world while accomplishing your tasks.

Up your fitness game

Upgrade your 2023 workout routine with the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 (P2,499) and Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (P4,599), which support over 100 sports modes that you can easily access on their high-resolution AMOLED screens. These can also monitor your heart rate and sleep, so you can keep track of your wellness progress closely. Design-wise, you can easily personalize the bands and watch faces to match your style.

Home life improvement

Transform your home with smart devices that will improve your quality of life, like the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact (P5,199) and Xiaomi Smart Camera C200 (P1,799). The former can remove allergens and improve overall air quality in any room. Meanwhile, the smart camera is a low-key security device with night vision that captures 1080p full HD footage, perfect for keeping an eye on kids and pets. Both these Xiaomi home products can also be controlled via the Mi Home mobile app.

More information on Xiaomi’s 2023 must-haves can be found here. For more details, follow the Xiaomi official Facebook page and visit the Xiaomi official website.

MFT Group Praised for New Cage-Free Egg Policy

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Private equity firm MFT Group won praise today from international non-profit Lever Foundation for its new commitment to source only cage-free eggs by 2025 for all of its food-related brands.

MFT Group's portfolio includes financial services, real estate, healthcare, and food and beverage brands. Its subsidiary Waterwoods Group Corporation produces ready-to-eat products for several leading retail and convenience chains in the Philippines, including FamilyMart. The Group also operates Mimi & Bros in the Philippines, La Lola Churreria in Singapore, and SaladStop! restaurants in Vietnam.

“Our company strives for excellence while always keeping an eye on community impact and social responsibility. Committing to the finest ingredients is paramount for us, which is why we have decided to switch to using only cage-free eggs and egg ingredients by 2025 for all of our food-related brands,” said Astrid Serrano, Head of F&B Operations for MFT Group.

“We applaud MFT Group for this important cage-free commitment, which will benefit Filipino consumers, while also improving the welfare of animals in the company’s supply chain," said Robyn del Rosario, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which worked with MFT on its pledge. “MFT is the first fresh food manufacturer in the Philippines to announce a cage-free commitment, and we encourage other companies to follow MFT’s great example in order to protect food safety and animal welfare.”

Leading animal protection and food safety organizations worldwide encourage a switch to cage-free eggs, which are less cruel to animals and safer for consumers. On caged egg farms, each egg-laying hen is confined in a cage so small she can barely turn around for nearly her entire life. Research by the European Food Safety Authority and others has found that cage-free egg farms are up to 25 times less likely to be contaminated with key salmonella strains than hens raised in cages. Battery cage egg production has been banned throughout the European Union as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, India, and parts of the United States.

Demand for cage-free eggs is flourishing in the Philippines, spurred by consumer demand for healthier options and concern for animal welfare. In recent years a growing list of restaurant, hospitality, retail and packaged foods brands have pledged to use only cage-free eggs in the country. In response to the growing shift, in 2020 the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) initiated the development of a national Code of Practice (COP) for Cage-free Egg Production, a comprehensive set of animal welfare guidelines for the growing cage-free egg sector.

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About Lever Foundation

Lever Foundation is a global NGO based in the United States and operating across southeast Asia. Lever Foundation works with leading food companies in the Philippines and across the region to help them upgrade their protein sourcing for a more humane, safe and sustainable supply chain, with a focus on cage-free eggs and alternative protein.

Three things you need to get started on a healthier life

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As the old adage goes, health is wealth and you are what you eat. In more recent times, there has been an increasing desire among Filipinos to create new lifestyle routines and habits—whether that means integrating wellness practices into your schedule, trying to stay active, or eating healthy for maintenance.

Recent reports had shown that 89% of Filipinos had a specific moment during the past two years when they realized they needed to change their diet and live a healthier life. They are now more conscious of taking care of themselves with consistent physical activity and better nutrition. Now, with the New Year coming up, today is the best time to get started on the path towards a healthier you.

Registered nutritionist-dietitian Dr. Dexter Macalintal offers these simple tips to get started on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

TIP 1: SIMPLE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Doing a moderate-intense physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily can go a long way. Start with one day and then try to gradually increase it to five times a week. Be sure to compute your target heart rate, based on your age, and try to consistently reach that to make each physical movement count.

It also helps to find workout styles that you actually enjoy doing. That way, it won’t feel as draining or like a chore. Simple choices such as taking the stairs or taking short walks can be just as effective.

TIP 2: A PROPER DIET

Eating right means going beyond what the stomach and gut want. Instead, choose what is ultimately good for the heart to maintain healthy living. Heart health is typically tied to your blood cholesterol levels and it’s important to eat foods that help you keep control of it.

“A person with an increased level of cholesterol in their blood may lead to a possible condition called atherosclerosis that could develop when different substances form a plaque in one’s arteries and may link to stroke and heart disease,” said Dr. Macalintal.

When planning your dietary meals, it would be best to have a combination of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats to provide the energy, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients essential for daily living. You can have a healthier option for your merienda by having a vegetable burger cooked in canola oil, partnered with wheat bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber as the other ingredients

TIP 3: USE HEALTHY OILS

Having heart-healthy food means using heart-healthy ingredients, especially with daily essentials like cooking oil. A staple for most Filipino households and dishes, choosing a heart-healthy cooking oil is good in replacing bad fats as this can manage the risk of heart disease and stroke.

“Canola oil with phytosterols is a good option as it has unsaturated fats in it and is known for being better and generally safe for most home cooking uses, which in this case, the dietary meals,” added Dr. Macalintal. “It also has positive effects on the body by providing nutrients such as Vitamin E which helps act as an antioxidant that is highly needed in one’s personal daily life.”

Furthermore, Dr. Macalintal advises that it is important for one to take into consideration moderation, variety, and balance when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

On your next grocery run, try Golden Fiesta Canola Oil - the healthy cooking oil with 0% Cholesterol, 0% Trans Fat, and Phytosterols that can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the body.

As a leading cooking expert, Golden Fiesta Canola Oil is made good for the heart and comes with the assurance of uncompromised quality and health with every prepared meal. According to a recent study, 8 out of 10 doctors highly recommend Golden Fiesta Canola Oil to their patients—making it the perfect and credible partner in healthy cooking backed up by its nutritional benefits.

 

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About Golden Fiesta

Golden Fiesta is the number one branded cooking oil in the Philippines. Our wide portfolio of cooking oils helps homecooks prepare high quality dishes without any compromise on health.