Asialink taps UBX for digitalization of finance business

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UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has been named the official technology partner of Asialink Finance Corp., one of the leading non-bank financial institutions in the Philippines that provides secured business loans, and personal financing and refinancing products nationwide, as it expands and improves its suite of financial services for the benefit of millions of Filipinos.

Under the agreement, UBX will support Asialink in digitally transforming its lending processes via UBX SeekCap and its payment collections, enabling it to expand the reach and operational efficiency of its already lucrative lending business.

“UBX and Asialink share the same goal of driving financial inclusion not only for individuals but also for growing businesses. Through this partnership, we will co-create various digital financial solutions that are sustainable and inclusive, promoting economic growth and recovery in the long run,” UBX Business lead for Lending Magelllan Fetalino said.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up around 99.51 percent of all businesses in the Philippines. Traditionally, these businesses have no access to financing to grow due to the stringent requirements imposed by banking institutions. The partners aim to further democratize access to this financial tool to empower small businesses to accelerate their growth and contribute even more to the economy.

The UBX and Asialink partnership will simplify the processing of business loans through a digital platform, cutting down the costs and lead approval time for loans. At present, most banks provide a minimum approval time of 30 days, with high-interest rates and burdensome requirements which are designed to discourage lenders from availing loans.

“Asialink’s vision is to be at the forefront of the financing industry, by providing inclusive financial access to MSMEs and their Communities, in the Philippines and Asia, a goal that we share with UBX. By providing accessible, fast, and convenient loans which will be powered with UBX’s technologies, we are several steps closer towards achieving our goals as strong government partners for economic growth, while making a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos both in the country and abroad,” said Eillen B. Mangubat, President and COO of Asialink Finance Corporation

In 2022, UBX doubled down on collaborations with various players in different industries such as the metaverse, insurance, the women’s sector, and even government institutions to advance its goal of including everyone.

“Our strategy is to join hands with like-minded organizations to advance our goal of inclusive finance. As the country’s leading open finance platform, we are always on the lookout to partner with companies–and recently, even government institutions–which aim to shape the future of finance and sustainability,” UBX President and CEO John Januszczak

Philippines’ healthcare mega app mWell strengthens global healthcare foothold with back-to-back international awards

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Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell continues to blaze trails in digital healthcare globally as it was named the winner of two Gold Stevie® Awards in the Innovation in Health & Wellness and Most Innovative Startup of the Year- Business Service Industries categories in the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. mWell is the only Philippine entry to bring home the Gold Award in these two categories. Bronze winners include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia.

The two Gold Stevie® Awards come at the heels of being chosen as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region.  The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business Awards® for 21 years. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the winners will be celebrated during a virtual (online) awards ceremony on Tuesday, 27 June. 

More than 800 nominations from organizations across the Asia-Pacific region were considered this year in categories such as Award for Excellence in Innovation in Products & Services, Award for Innovative Management, and Award for Innovation in Corporate Websites, among many others.  Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 100 executives around the world acting as judges in February and March.

“This recognition is a welcome affirmation of our work in healthcare,” says mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “The goal is to improve the lives of all Filipinos, and this will inspire us to keep pushing boundaries in creating innovative healthcare solutions.”

mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla said “As the Philippines’ healthcare mega app, this award fortifies our commitment to harnessing the power of technology as we make healthcare available, accessible, and affordable for more Filipinos wherever they may be in the world. Through our innovative digital solutions, we will continue being an ally in every step of the wellness journey—not just as an app but as a fully integrated, fully digital healthcare ecosystem worthy of global recognition.”

“The 10th edition of the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards attracted many remarkable nominations,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller.  “The organizations that won this year have demonstrated that they are committed to being innovative, and we applaud them for their perseverance and creativity.  We look forward to celebrating many of this year’s winners during our virtual awards ceremony on 27 June.”

mWell’s achievement comes soon after being recognized as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the recently concluded 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Recognized in the new Digital Everything category, mWell is the first in the Philippines to receive this most prestigious accolade in the mobile industry, judged by more than 200 independent judges from across the world, comprised of leading industry and subject matter experts, analysts, journalists, and academics. It celebrates companies, individuals, and governments who have driven the greatest innovation in mobile and adjacent industries.

The country’s fully integrated and fully digital healthcare platform consistently holds its spot among the top health and fitness app in Google Play Store.

The top health app for telemedicine

An accredited telemedicine partner of the Department of health, mWell has redefined telemedicine in the Philippines via a seamless, fully digital experience. Choosing a doctor, consulting on video (within 3 minutes waiting time), receiving an e-prescription and getting a medical certificate all happen in the app.

Patients may consult online 24/7 with over over 800 Primary Care doctors, specialists, and mind health experts. They can even have their medicines delivered to their doorsteps via MedExpress.  Furthermore, mWell provides a digital medical ID which empowers users to keep track of their own personal record which they can easily access. All records are stored in mWell’s secure platform.

Top global healthcare app for OFWs

mWell enables the delivery of healthcare services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families via a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers. Breaking barriers through digital healthcare, mWell gives over 1.8 million OFWs access to highly-trained Filipino partner-doctors —internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and more. In just a few taps, they can consult right away with Filipino-speaking doctors, 24/7 or book an appointment at their convenience.

mWell has also made the Healthsavers Plan available globally to Filipino migrant workers who sacrifice being away from families to provide food on the table and education for their children. They may easily send their families the health pass as a gift and allow them to conveniently consult with mWell partner-doctors. The Healthsavers Plan P399 comes with one consultation and free accident insurance worth P20,000.

Top name in wellness

On top of telemedicine, mWell promotes overall wellbeing through preventive healthcare features. mWell is the first and only health app in the PH which allows users to track their health for free using the mWellness Score. Developed by award-winning data scientists, it measures physical health based on daily activities – exercise, light activity, steps, sleep.  This serves as a guide to achieving a healthy physical lifestyle for long-term health. 

Specialized fitness programs, including diabetes prevention and post-partum exercise designed to assist new moms to get back in shape safely and healthily are also found on the app.   Calorie-controlled recipes created by nutritionists are also easily accessible.

mWell is the only healthcare app among the convenor organizations and supporting companies of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement. It has truly set the standards in digital healthcare and changed lives through the power of technology. More innovative features will soon be unveiled by the country’s first fully integrated, fully digital health and wellness app.

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.            

                       

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ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare.

Petron co-presents Manila International Auto Show 2023

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Industry leader PETRON Corporation is co-presenting one of the most highly-anticipated events for car enthusiasts, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), happening from April 13 to 16, 2023, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. There will be some 200 cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display, and the organizers expect 120,000 visitors over the four-day auto show.

As co-presentor, Petron will have a booth in the World Trade Center lobby to welcome visitors. Here, motoring enthusiasts will have the chance to channel their karting/racing dreams by posing for photos in the racing go-kart display, or at the finishing podium with a checkered flag backdrop. This emphasizes Petron’s extensive support for Philippine motorsports.

In the main hall, the Petron lounge will showcase the full range of Petron fuels, and visitors can avail of special offers on Petron lubricants. You can also get a personalized Petron Value Card for only PHP100. Coffee is available courtesy of the Petron Treats convenience store, while prizes can be won by playing fun games.

Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6, recognized as the best gasoline in the country, is bannering the MIAS-Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition, one of the highlights of the 4-day event. In this people’s choice knockout competition with different categories, car enthusiasts and the general public will decide which cars they like best in a tournament bracket format.

Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is the Philippines’ first 100-octane and Euro 6-level premium plus gasoline, exceeding European fuel quality standards for Euro 6 technology vehicles. It is proven to offer the following performance benefits: improved fuel efficiency; powerful engine performance and acceleration; guaranteed cleaner engine on just one full tank; improved combustion with its unique fuel and additive formulation; and reduced maintenance costs due to prolonged catalyst life for after-treatment emission system. Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 benefits all vehicle types, from well-loved classic vintage cars to the latest ultra-performance muscle cars.

Not to be left behind, Petron Turbo Diesel is another showcase fuel, perfect for the supercharged turbo-intercooler diesel engines powering the increasingly popular SUVs, MPVs, vans, and pickups. With a number of new brands launching new models for Filipino motorists, Petron Turbo Diesel is the recommended fuel for the new diesel-powered vehicles debuting in the MIAS Mobility Marathon.

Petron Turbo Diesel is a technologically advanced fuel, enhanced with C-booster and combustion enhancer to provide smooth and premium performance. With its advanced additive system, it offers improved fuel economy; better engine torque for superior acceleration; efficient and complete combustion to give maximum and smooth power; excellent detergency that keeps the engine and fuel injector clean; reduced smoke and exhaust emissions; and improved cold start performance.

Having served the fuel needs of the country for almost 90 years, Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads, with Petron fuels and lubricants designed to meet the motoring needs of Filipino car enthusiasts.

HONOR starts opening experience stores nationwide, unveils limited-edition HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black

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Check out the first-ever HONOR Experience Store at SM Fairview Cyberzone and get the chance to avail the limited-edition of HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black.

HONOR GTM Manager Steven Yan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, HONOR Star Sanya Lopez, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga

HONOR Philippines, the leading global provider of smart devices, celebrates the opening of the first-ever HONOR Experience Store at SM Fairview, 3/F Cyberzone.

“In just four months this year, HONOR has introduced four new HONOR X series devices that truly uplifted the lifestyle of our consumers. Aside from that, we’ve expanded our brand presence and partnerships with our dealers, establishing more than 500 kiosks across the country,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Experience HONOR nationwide

In addition to HONOR’s early feat, the leading technology brand, has officially announced the start of the opening of experience stores in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao targeting at least 100 experience stores to unveil until the end of the year.

“We truly felt the support of our HONOR fans that’s why, starting today, April 15, we will commence at opening HONOR Experience Stores nationwide to provide best service to our consumers,” added by Mr. Cheng.

Here is the upcoming schedule of HONOR Experience Store Openings :

Undeniably stunning in Midnight Black

Due to popular demand, the limited-edition HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black is finally here! This crowd-favorite sports a 120Hz Premium OLED Curved Display bringing users a large screen with an impressive screen-to-body ratio. HONOR X9a 5G has an impressive 64 MP Super Triple Camera and a 2-Day Battery Life.

To get first dibs on this viral smartphone, visit the HONOR Experience Store in SM Fairview or any HONOR kiosk and partner dealer store near you to reserve. HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black will officially be available on April 20 including your favorite online stores Shopee (https://bit.ly/3oh9VGt), Lazada (https://bit.ly/3L0VuyT), and TikTok Shop (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8WXk7ow/), priced at P16,990.

HONOR has also announced its Summer Video Contest where fans can win an HONOR Smartphone! Interested participants can just capture their best summer trip and post a video on their social media accounts with the hashtags #HONORPH, #GoBeyond, and #HONORPHSummer2023.

For full mechanics and more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

 

Your best summer unfolds with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, new limited edition colors available for pre-order starting April 14

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Just in time for the season, Samsung is bringing a stylish new update to everyone’s favorite foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip4, with its new limited edition colors, making it the perfect companion for all your summer adventures.

Exclusive to the 256GB variant, the Galaxy Z Flip4 will be offered in two new bespoke colorways. The sophisticated Indigo Black dons green and blue glass panels with a black metal frame, while the equally chic White Gold features yellow and white glass panels with a gold frame.

With new colors added to the mix, trend-savvy fashionistas have more stylish options to choose from, aside from the previously available Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue. The selection of colors perfectly accentuates the Galaxy Z Flip4’s refined overall design with its slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass, and glossy metal frames.

While you're at it, make sure to utilize the Galaxy Z’s hand-free selfie or “Flex Cam” feature to easily share your summer outfits and adventures for memories that will last a lifetime. Capture summer nights in vivid detail with the Galaxy Z Flip4’s Nightography features on the rear and wide camera or through video with enhanced OIS and VDIS for better stabilization and with its Super Night solution to minimize noise.

However you choose to spend your summer, the Galaxy Z Flip4 is one trendy addition to your barkada to take on any adventure. Whether you're spending your days lounging on the beach or embarking on thrilling escapades, the Galaxy Z Flip4 has got you covered. Its new design features a splash-resistant coating, so you can relax without worrying about water damage during beach trips. But that's not all—the Galaxy Z Flip4 is incredibly durable. It's the only flip phone on the market with an IPX8 rating, and it's made with exclusive Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ and an Armor Aluminum hinge frame – Samsung’s toughest aluminum frame. This phone is built to last, and you can trust that it will withstand even the most rugged outdoor excursions. And with Samsung Care+, you can spend your summer exploring and remain worry-free!

But summer style doesn’t mean compromising on performance. The Galaxy Z Flip4 plays hard but works hard too with its 4nm Snapdragon processor, which helps it run seamlessly through your different tasks. With the Galaxy Z Flip4, you can keep up with anything you need to do while on the go no matter how your summer unfolds.

The new Galaxy Z Flip4 256GB in Indigo Black and White Gold will be available for pre-order at PHP 62,990, starting April 14 until April 30, 2023. Get these stylish flip phones during the pre-order period to enjoy freebies of up to PHP 23,500. This includes a FREE Galaxy Buds2 Pro worth PHP 12,990, along with a 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage, and a clear cover. Pre-order will be offered via samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and other authorized stores nationwide. Claiming will be on May 12, 2023 onwards.

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/.