GCash launches GLoan Sakto “Nano Loans” to help Filipinos thrive everyday through accessible financial solutions

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Users can apply for loans as low as PHP 100 to help with day-to-day essentials

In a pioneering move to help underserved and unserved Filipinos quickly bridge the gap between daily essentials and take the first step towards creditworthiness, leading finance app GCash, through its lending arm Fuse, has unveiled the expansion of its GLoan with an extended feature: the GLoan Sakto. This game-changing fintech innovation is designed to empower Filipinos, especially in the D&E sectors, allowing them to afford day-to-day essentials.

Designed to help Filipinos thrive every day through responsive and inclusive digital services, GLoan Sakto reflects GCash’s commitment to develop meaningful financial solutions that support the everyday needs and long-term financial well-being of many Filipinos.

Based on the 2021 Financial Inclusion Report of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), approximately 43% of the Filipino adult population rely on informal sources for borrowing money for daily expenses. This behavior reflects a significant lack of access to formal financial services, as only 22% of Filipinos are served by formal credit institutions. The heavy dependence on informal lending for everyday needs, such as transportation and school expenses, underscores the urgent need for more inclusive financial solutions to improve accessibility and reduce the reliance on potentially strained personal relationships.

This is the financial gap that GCash aims to bridge with GLoan Sakto. Filipinos will benefit from GCash’s nano loans by gaining quick and easy access to funds for daily essentials without relying on informal sources or straining personal relationships. This service offers a structured and reliable way to manage small, urgent financial needs, enhancing financial inclusion and convenience.

Loanable amounts for GLoan Sakto are P100 and P300, payable within 14 days. No interest is charged on the loan and borrowers only pay a processing fee of P6.5 and P19.5, respectively. More than just a loan product, GCash envisions GLoan Sakto as a stepping stone for Filipinos toward lasting financial freedom. It is the first step in helping users build their creditworthiness, eventually graduating them to GCash’s core loan offerings, such as GCredit, GGives, and GLoan, thereby integrating them further into the formal financial system.

“GLoan Sakto represents our commitment to empowering ordinary Filipinos with essential financial tools by providing them access to formal credit through this easy entry-level loan product. With this new financial tool, we are not only addressing their immediate needs but are also helping users build a good credit history," said Fuse Lending president and CEO Tony Isidro.

Accessible nano-sized loans a transformative leap in the PH lending landscape

The launch of GLoan Sakto, Fuse, and GCash has marked a transformative leap in the lending landscape in the Philippines. By seamlessly integrating accessible, nano-sized loans into the everyday financial practices of millions, especially the lowest income segments of Filipino society with 89% of users coming from the D&E market segments; 78% of which reside outside the National Capital Region. GLoan Sakto has not only broadened financial inclusion but also empowered individuals with the tools needed for personal growth and stability. This innovative solution has significantly boosted lending activity, driving economic participation and fostering a more dynamic, resilient financial ecosystem in the country.

For instance, 3 out of 4 first-time borrowers return for additional loans, setting a new standard for financial integrity and customer confidence, especially in lending. Likewise, 9 out of 10 borrowers repay their loans on time, despite having no prior formal credit line, and 15% of unique borrowers have already taken out more than five loans. By enabling Filipinos to easily and conveniently borrow loans using only their mobile phones, GLoan Sakto has not only simplified the borrowing process but has also cultivated a renewed sense of trust among borrowers, demonstrating a commitment to responsible lending and contributing to a more credible and inclusive financial landscape.

As GCash continues its mission to foster financial inclusion, GLoan Sakto stands as a significant milestone, particularly in serving the most marginalized sectors of society. It is a powerful tool in GCash’s ongoing effort to strengthen its role in nation-building through financial empowerment.

For more information on how to get started, visit www.gcash.com.

UA&P vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament kicks off with exciting matches

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The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament officially kicked off on September 21, 2024, with thrilling matches and an exciting start to the season.

Organized in partnership with vivo, the UA&P Physical Education Department and the Men’s Futsal Varsity Team, the tournament promises weeks of intense competition among top university teams.

In his opening remarks, Glenn Chiu, vivo Assistant Brand Marketing Manager, highlighted vivo’s commitment to fostering both fitness and innovation. He shared, “We’re proud to partner with UA&P’s Futsal Team, as it aligns with our passion for promoting an active lifestyle and excellence. This tournament is a testament to the positive impact sports bring to communities.”

vivo Assistant Brand Marketing Manager Glenn Chiu (in black shirt) is accompanied by Tournament Chair Nikko Alquiros, University Chaplain Father Carlos Estrada, and University Officer John D Borra during the opening kick.

This year’s league showcases some of the country’s best university futsal teams, including UA&P, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Enderun Colleges, Rizal Technological University, University of Makati, and Treston International College. The tournament will run every Saturday until November 2024, held at the UA&P gymnasium.

In a dominating performance, the UA&P Men’s Futsal Team secured a resounding 13-3 victory over UPLB, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.

Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges and Treston International College also delivered a thrilling match on opening day, giving fans a taste of the fierce competition ahead. Enderun won with a score of 7-2.

vivo raffled off exclusive prizes during the event, including a speaker, bags, and Bluetooth earbuds, adding more excitement for attendees.

In addition to the tournament, vivo set up a two-day booth inviting students to join the vivo Club. This platform offers students exclusive perks, including internship opportunities, special event invitations, and other exciting experiences designed to help them connect with vivo and explore career-building opportunities.

Catch the games live at the UA&P gymnasium every Saturday or stream the matches through the UA&P Men’s Futsal Varsity Facebook page.

The collaboration marks vivo’s continued support of both local sports and community engagement, offering a platform for athletes to showcase their skills

Nightscape Photography: Taking low light photos with the realme 13 Pro+ 5G

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• The realme 13 Pro+ 5G takes night photography to a whole new level with its Ultra Clear Camera with AI

Ever walked through the city at night or enjoyed a candle-lit dinner, only to find it challenging to take clear, low-light photos? Without the perfect smartphone, these moments fade into the dark, missing the chance to be captured and cherished.

Fortunately, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G excels at capturing vibrant colors and intricate details in low-light settings thanks to its dedicated Night Mode and 3x Nightscape, making each scene unique.

Additionally, it has cutting-edge camera features that complement Night Mode and 3x Nightscape. These features include AI Ultra Clarity, AI Smart Removal, and 120x SuperZoom with a dual-camera setup featuring a Sony LYT600 Periscope Camera and a Sony LYT701 Camera.

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G was taken for a spin in a museum filled with breathtaking low-light art installations. The result is captivating Nightscape photos highlighting details that ordinary phones would miss.

Night photography made easier

One of the standout features of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is its ability to capture crystal-clear photos in low-light settings, all while maintaining crisp details.

Take, for example, the photos below taken in a dome-shaped room with a bright LED backdrop. In the left picture, taken in standard photo mode, the room's darkness overwhelms the subject, leaving them barely visible against the LED backdrop.

While most phones would struggle in low light, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G’s Night Mode reveals the subject in the second photo with stunning clarity, adding depth to the background with softened lines and reduced glare.

This shot showcases the power of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G’s high resolution and large-sized sensors, which maximize light intake. What’s even better is that capturing this detail requires no effort; just switch from the standard photo mode to Night Mode and take the shot.

Improve photos with AI Smart Removal

On top of Nightscape, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G offers AI Smart Removal, a feature that lets users refine their images by removing unwanted objects.

Consider the left photo below, where an unsightly air vent ruins an otherwise perfect shot. AI Smart Removal can easily remove this element using just a few simple steps.

AI Smart Removal is a handy post-processing tool that simplifies photo editing. To use it, simply open the gallery, select the desired photo, and tap Edit. From the editing menu, choose AI Eraser, then use the Smart Lasso feature to outline and identify the object that needs to be removed.

The phone's AI expertly detects and removes unwanted objects, leaving a seamless photo without distractions. Plus, the Paint Over function can enhance the background further, ensuring a flawless shot.

Zoom in with clarity

Another standout feature that works with Nightscape is 120x SuperZoom. The realme 13 Pro+ 5G, equipped with the Sony LYT600 Periscope Camera, allows for effortless capture of portraits and distant scenes even in low-light conditions.

In the sample shots below, ranging from 1x to 3x Zoom, the phone delivers stunning clarity despite challenging lighting.

Thanks to the powerful Sony LYT600 Periscope Camera, every detail remains sharp and noise-free at any zoom level. With up to 120x SuperZoom, users can capture photos at any distance, all with the same impressive clarity.

Overall, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G makes night photography a breeze. Whether wandering through charming, low-light venues or enjoying a night out with friends, this smartphone effortlessly captures every moment in low light, turning every snapshot into a vibrant memory.

Don’t let another moment slip by—head to any realme stores nationwide or visit realme's official e-commerce platforms on TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Shopee to get the realme 13 Pro+ 5G today starting at P28,999.

For more details about the realme 13 Pro+ 5G and other announcements, head over to the official realme Facebook page and website.

OPPO is Set to Partner with UNESCO to Empower Youth Innovation and Cultural Preservation through Imaging Technology on Its 20th Anniversary

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To mark its 20th anniversary, OPPO is set to forge a partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with the goal of empowering cultural education and diversity through technology. Using imaging technology, this initiative aims to preserve and transmit cultural heritage, enabling youth to explore the world and connect with diverse cultures, truly embodying the spirit of "Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Futures."

Empowering Cultural Education through Imagining Technology and A Call for “Culture Donation”

As part of this collaboration, OPPO will donate 1000 OPPO tablets to support the development of local youth education in Africa and Asia. These devices will feature cultural programming courses developed under the ‘Youth Coding Initiative’, jointly launched by UNESCO and CODEMAO, children's programming education brand. The initiative aims to promote the inclusive and safe use of technology, advance equitable education in Africa and Asia, and help preserve local cultural heritage through digital learning.

Firmin E. Matoko, the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, stated, “OPPO’s dedication to advancing youth innovation and education is highly appreciated. I am sure that the students and teachers from Africa and Asia will better benefit from the new partnership with OPPO following UNESCO vision and requirements.” The partnership will be launched officially after completing the relevant UNESCO procedural reviews. OPPO's initiative has received strong support from the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO.

In addition to the donations, OPPO is launching a global campaign #CaptureMyCulture, encouraging users worldwide to contribute to cultural preservation by sharing photos and stories that celebrate their local traditions. Participants in this campaign will have the chance to witness the donation ceremony.

OPPO’s Continued Commitment to Cultural Preservation

OPPO's commitment to cultural education extends beyond its partnership with UNESCO. Earlier this year, OPPO joined forces with Discovery Channel to launch the “Culture in a Shot” project, a global initiative aimed at spotlighting and protecting cultural diversity through imaging technology. The project captures the efforts of dedicated individuals: Thailand’s Lisu group preserving their heritage through music; Indonesia’s artisans practicing the ancient craft of batik with a visual representation of local traditions; and Spain’s flamenco dancers embodying Andalusian culture through their art form. Every single group tells the unique cultural story through the distinct art form.

Besides, OPPO launches AI Studio in the Reno12 series, allowing users to generate a studio-quality portrait, such as transforming into a flamenco dancer, offering an immersive cultural experience from anywhere in the world.

OPPO continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation, using its expertise in AI and imaging to enhance cultural preservation and education. By providing tools for creative expression and storytelling, OPPO is helping to connect cultural and inspire the next generation.

As OPPO celebrates its 20th anniversary, the company remains dedicated to its mission of “Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World”, Moving forward, OPPO will continue to harness technology to contribute towards positive impact on society. OPPO remains dedicated to promoting cultural preservation and youth education, contributing to the inheritance and development of global culture.

The OPPO 20th anniversary #CaptureMyCulture campaign is open for submissions until September 25, 2024. Click here to share your cultural photos and stories, connecting cultures, inspiring futures!

Spread hope and happiness with UNICEF Christmas cards by Manuel Baldemor

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UNICEF Philippines ushers in the start of the Christmas season with the joyful art of Pinoy folk artist Manuel “Manny” Baldemor—this year’s featured artist for UNICEF Christmas Cards.

This 2024, UNICEF Cards feature the joyful works of Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. Get one box of UNICEF Cards for every P1,000 donation and help more vulnerable children survive and thrive. Get your own set of UNICEF Cards at https://donate.unicef.ph/.

A Filipino artist from Paete, Laguna, Manny Baldemor is renowned for his paintings, wood prints, and wood carvings featuring simplified geometric forms and folk art characters. He would often depict his hometown, its people, their daily activities, and traditions in his art. Baldemor participated in various national and international art exhibitions and received numerous prestigious awards.

The works of Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor are featured in this year’s UNICEF Cards. Go to https://donate.unicef.ph/ to get your own set today.

Having been a part of the UNICEF Cards roster of renowned artists since the 1990s, his works have been reproduced and sold in countries around the world for almost two decades.

The 2024 limited-edition UNICEF Cards feature four artworks from Baldemor’s vast collection: Pasko sa Aming Bayan (1992), Christmas Lanterns Festival (2006), Graces from the Land (2008), and Pasko ng Pamilya Pilipino (2024).

“My dream is for all children to be healthy and happy because they are our hope, our future. I am happy to contribute my time and talent to support UNICEF’s programs for children and I am very proud and honored to be a UNICEF artist,” says Manny Baldemor.

“It was a natural decision to have Manuel Baldemor as our contributing artist for UNICEF Christmas Cards. His passion for sharing the joyful spirit of Filipino values and culture is apparent in every piece he makes. By donating through these cards, you not only get to own a piece of Baldemor’s art, you are also supporting lifesaving programs for the most vulnerable children,” shares Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF Philippines.

Make someone happy today and help more children with UNICEF Cards! For every P1,000 donation, you get one box of UNICEF Cards featuring the art of Manuel Baldemor. Every donation supports UNICEF's lifesaving programs for children. Go now to https://donate.unicef.ph/.

Get one box set of UNICEF Cards for every P1,000 donation and receive 12 individual cards featuring Baldemor’s four artworks. Experience the unique joy of writing personal messages, sending Christmas cards, and making someone’s day with these limited-edition cards while helping the most vulnerable children through UNICEF’s lifesaving programs in health & nutrition, education, protection, and emergency support.

Go to https://donate.unicef.ph/ to get your own set of UNICEF Christmas Cards today.