EastWest Honored as Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024

Tweet

EastWest has been recognized as the Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines by The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024. This internationally recognized and highly prestigious award further highlights EastWest’s focus on providing exceptional wealth management services and its continuing efforts to innovate and enhance its offerings in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

From L to R: Richie Tamayo, SVP and Head, Wealth Management; Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head, Financial Markets and Wealth Management; Daniel Yu, Editor-In-Chief of the Asset; Raul Victor De Guzman, FVP and Trust Officer; and Bayani Cruz, Executive Editor of the Asset

EastWest Priority: A Segment Focused on Elevating Affluent Clients

EastWest’s dedication to serving affluent clients is especially evident through its EastWest Priority segment. This segment, which has seen a 20% increase in AUM and a 17% growth in client count, offers a suite of bespoke services designed to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. The bank’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine traditional, high-touch banking with cutting-edge digital solutions.

“Our affluent banking services are unmatched in the market,” said Jerry G. Ngo, CEO of EastWest. “From economic briefings with top economists to personalized investment advice, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service, tailored to their specific financial goals.”

Going Further for You

“Ultimately, this award is a symbol of EastWest’s promise of excellence in wealth management and our dedication to going ‘Further for You.’ As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition reinforces the strength of our ‘East meets West’ philosophy—blending the best of both worlds to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly meet the needs of our affluent clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and ensuring that our clients always receive the exceptional service they deserve as we continue our journey of growth and transformation into the next 30 years,” Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management concluded.

The Asset launched the Triple A Private Capital Awards for Private Banks, Wealth & Investment Bank Advisers, Solutions and Index Providers mainly to shine the spotlight and showcase the change agents among high net worth individuals and the private banks, wealth managers, bank solution advisers and index providers that partner with them. These awards cover the Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Australia.

For more information on EastWest’s wealth management services and digital initiatives, you may visit https://priority.eastwestbanker.com.

Just Like A Splendid Love Song: Linya-Linya and Orange & Lemons Collaborate for 25th Anniversary Concert

Tweet

Iconic Filipino brands join forces to celebrate music and arts

Filipino clothing brand and content creator Linya-Linya is proud to announce a special collaboration with the legendary Filipino rock band Orange & Lemons for their highly anticipated 25th Anniversary concert, NOW AND THEN: Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary Concert. The event will be held on October 18, 2024, at 8:00 PM, at the Metrotent Convention Center, Pasig City.

To commemorate this milestone, Linya-Linya has designed two exclusive limited-edition shirts featuring the band's iconic branding. Loyal fans are bound to love the Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons greatest hits shirt, showcasing a compilation of their hit albums throughout the fruitful 25-year journey. A timeless classic, the Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons: Hanggang Kailan shirt features the iconic lyric, “Umuwi ka na baby” that has since resurfaced in popularity on TikTok among new and younger listeners.

"Orange & Lemons' music has touched the hearts of countless Filipinos, from generations of Millennials to Gen Zs and beyond," said Ali Sangalang, Creative Director at Linya-Linya.”

"We are honored to collaborate with them on this special occasion and create something that fans will cherish for years."

“‘Di kami hype band. We’re a listening band,” said Clem Castro, lead vocalist of Orange & Lemons as they shared about how they focus on the band’s longevity and producing music during their podcast guest appearance at The Linya-Linya Show. “When we reformed [the band], what are we going to do? Do we repeat ourselves? Do we ride the times, or ano bang uso ngayon? We did the opposite.” Castro added as they shared their process on making their concept album, La Bulaqueña (You may listen to The Linya-Linya Show podcast episode here).

The limited-edition shirts are now available exclusively at www.linyalinya.ph and will be sold at the Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary concert. Shirts are priced at ₱849 each alongside other merchandise from this collaboration such as a limited-edition Linya-Linya x Orange & Lemons mug coaster and sticker pack.

Tickets for the concert are available at https://orangeandlemons.helixpay.ph/.

****************************************

About Linya-Linya

Linya-Linya is a Filipino clothing brand and content creator known for its witty and relatable designs that capture the Filipino spirit. Founded in 2012, the brand has become a cultural icon in the Philippines. For more updates, follow them on their social media pages on Facebook at facebook.com/linyalinyaph or Instagram and X at @linyalinya.

About Orange & Lemons

Orange & Lemons is a Filipino rock band formed in 1999. Known for their unique blend of Britpop and OPM, the band has produced numerous hit songs and albums over their 25-year career. Stay in the loop with the bands’ latest releases and hits on facebook.com/orangeandlemons or visit their website at www.orangeandlemons.co

Charge, Play, and Dominate: Professional gamers react to the brand new realme 13 Series 5G

Tweet

When it comes to gaming, every second counts. From perfectly timed headshots to executing complex moves in the heat of battle, gamers know that all-around performance is key. And it’s not just about one’s skills, the device of choice plays a huge factor in racking up all those victories.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The latest lineup from realme focuses on benefits that will help gamers get 

“Limitless Speed to Victory”

------------------------------------------------------------

The brand new realme 13 Series 5G, launching on October 24, is poised to redefine mobile gaming with its promise of "Limitless Speed to Victory." Already making waves as the Official Gaming Smartphone for this year's international Esports tournament for Honor of Kings, the 2024 Honor of Kings Championship, the realme 13 Series is proving its dominance with unmatched performance and gaming prowess.

Featuring the realme 13+ 5G and realme 13 5G, this series is set to impress with its exceptional gaming performance, advanced cooling systems, and unrivaled charging speed. To further win over Filipino consumers, top names in the local gaming scene like Falcons AP Bren and the iconic duo OhmyV33nus and Wise Gaming are already praising the realme 13 Series 5G for its game-changing capabilities.

MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy

Gamers, particularly competitive players, will appreciate the exceptional performance of the realme 13+ 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor. This advanced processor effortlessly handles the most demanding games while supporting high frame rates at 90FPS or higher, depending on the game.

It balances power with efficiency to boost overall gaming performance while conserving energy, running graphics-rich games, and helping reduce overheating.

Paired with realme’s software, this processor supports other flagship features, including Geek Power Tuning. This feature lets players customize CPU and GPU speeds to match their gaming needs, ensuring they can push their performance to the limit and unleash their true potential. Whether aiming for maximum speed or optimizing battery life, the realme 13+ 5G gives users the power to game on their terms.

“Ang galing kasi ang bilis makakeep-up ni realme sa needs ng mga mobile gamers kagaya ko. Pag naglalaro ng mobile games, sobrang importante na smooth yung experience. Malaking bagay yung nakakasunod sa pace ng laro yung device. Kaya swak talaga yung realme 13+ 5G (realme is impressive because it quickly keeps up with the needs of mobile gamers like me. When playing mobile games, having a smooth experience is really important. It makes a big difference when the device can keep up with the pace of the game. That's why the realme 13+ 5G is a perfect fit),” Falcons AP Bren member Pheww said.

80W SUPERVOOC Charge

Power and charging are crucial for gamers. They need a device that can keep pace with their relentless training schedules and the high demands of professional Esports. A smartphone that never runs out of battery and charges at lightning speed is essential to staying in the game and maintaining peak performance.

“Sobrang importante ng battery life kasi sa isang araw ilang games ang nilalaro namin. Pag madali malowbat ang phone, hassle para samin lalo na during training. Yung scrims namin inaabot ng ilang oras. Pag matagal mag charge yung phone tapos kailangan na gamitin, nakakaabala sa routine (Battery life is extremely important because we play several games in a day. If the phone quickly runs out of battery, it hinders our training. Our scrims can last for hours so if the phone takes too long to charge when we need to use it, it disrupts our routine)," Pando from AP Bren said.

With the realme 13+ 5G’s 80W SUPERVOOC Charge, the battery can charge to 50% in 19 minutes and 100% in 44 minutes, wherein one full charge allows up to hours of gaming for significant game titles even at high settings.

“Pinakacommon na problema sa phones ngayon yung madali malowbat pag ginagamit tapos ang tagal pa mag charge kaya na-appreciate ko yung mabilis mag-charge at di madaling malowbat na feature ni realme 13+ 5G (The most common problem with phones today is that they run out of battery quickly when in use, and they take a long time to charge. That’s why I really appreciate the fast charging and long-lasting battery feature of the realme 13+ 5G),” AP Bren’s Owgwen added.

The charging optimization also retains 80% of its battery health even after 1,000 charging cycles, ensuring the device’s battery will perform at its best and last long. And with 38 Safety Protections in place, including the charging interface, adapter and cable in the box, overvoltage protection, and fireproof design, the realme 13+ 5G ensures that fast charging isn’t just efficient but safe.

GT Mode and Vapor Chamber Cooling System

Both phones in the series are equipped with realme’s flagship GT Mode, designed to optimize gaming performance. When activated, GT Mode directs the device’s resources toward delivering smooth, high-quality gameplay, with stable high frame rates at 90fps or higher on the realme 13+ 5G and 60fps or higher on the realme 13 5G, depending on the game. This feature enhances overall gaming performance, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

For professional Esports players OhmyV33nus and Wise, the realme 13 Series 5G ensures smooth gameplay during training or even friendly matches outside of tournaments.

“Ngayon na lang ulit ako gumamit ng Android phone for gaming and I could say na sobrang advance na talaga ng realme phones now, especially the realme 13+ 5G. Sobrang smooth niya for MOBA games, as in. I’ve tried the maximum settings for those MOBAs and talagang kayang kaya niya (This is the first time in a while that I’ve used an Android phone for gaming, and I can say that realme phones have really advanced, especially the realme 13+ 5G. It’s incredibly smooth for MOBA games. I’ve tried the maximum settings for those MOBAs, and it handles them effortlessly),” said OhmyV33nus.

It’s not just the frame rates that get an upgrade. The realme 13 Series 5G also features a Vapor Chamber Cooling System that maintains optimal device temperatures, even during intense gaming sessions.

OhmyV33nus and Wise noted how the realme 13 Series 5G stayed noticeably cooler than other phones, even during marathon gaming sessions.

“Less overheat yung realme 13+ 5G which is yung pinaka-nagustuhan ko sa kanya. Yan kasi problem ko now with the current phone na ginagamit ko especially during long gaming sessions (The realme 13+ 5G overheats less, which is what I like most about it. That’s the problem I have with the phone I’m currently using, [it overheats] especially during long gaming sessions),” shared Wise.

Lower temperatures help keep frame rates stable during long gaming sessions and ensure the device does not overheat even when performing at its peak.

The realme 13 Series 5G features a Victory Speed Design, crafted with bold colors and sleek curves that evokes a sense of speed and performance. The realme 13 5G comes in Speed Green and Dark Purple, while the realme 13+ 5G is available in Victory Gold and Dark Purple.

Gamers can trust the realme 13 Series 5G to bring unmatched power to their fingertips, with extraordinary performance, an advanced cooling system, and lightning-fast charging to keep them ahead of the competition. Whether climbing the ranks in competitive play or enjoying a casual match, the realme 13 Series 5G delivers on all fronts, delivering Limitless Speed to Victory every time.

To stay updated on the realme 13 Series 5G and other announcements, head to the official realme Facebook page and website.

GCash reaps accolades at HR Asia, HR Excellence, and Stevie Awards

Tweet

GCash, the Philippines' leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, shines as an Employer of Choice at the prestigious HR Asia, HR Excellence, and Stevie Awards, taking home accolades in multiple categories.

“We strive to make our standards for workplace excellence at par with international standards. These accolades at the HR Excellence Awards and Stevie Awards affirm we are headed in the right direction,” GCash chief people officer Robert Gonzales said. “At GCash, we pursue a multi-faceted HR approach, encompassing workplace compensation, leadership opportunities, streamlined hiring, diversity and inclusion, mental health, and anti-harassment, among many other initiatives. We are also intentional with the culture that we build and nurture, in view of our mission to enable Finance for All.”

GCash celebrates its second consecutive win as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For, an honor given to top employers in the region based on metrics such as employee engagement and workplace culture.

GCash also won HR Asia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) award for the first time, which recognizes companies that have become an outstanding example in promoting belongingness. For the company, these initiatives begin in the hiring process, where the company actively seeks out employees from relevant groups, such as women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and more, in various settings such as schools, seminars, and expos.

All employees are required upon onboarding to undergo sensitivity training, which covers various topics such as inclusion principles, anti-harassment and micro aggressions, among others. This is on top of company-wide initiatives such as the banner program, DEI x DEI, a foundational course that will enable employees not just to speak the language of inclusion with each other but to be able to practice inclusive responses that create safe spaces for all.

Meanwhile, employees with same-sex partners are also entitled to GCash’s Life Partner benefits, offering health insurance, disability and accident insurance, bereavement coverage, wellness allowances, and access to mental health apps like KonsultaMD and Mind You.

Moreover, inclusive communities and networks are encouraged at GCash, such as the “Queer Peers CommYOUnity”(for LGBTQIA+ employees) and the Limitless League CommYOUnity (for persons with disabilities). GCash also rolls out regular internal campaigns and events, such as “True You”, which covers various initiatives like the SheCan! recognition program for women, employee self-declaration survey, basic sign language classes, and many more.

GCash is also a partner of advocacy-led organizations such as the National Council on Disability Affairs and Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride.

Meanwhile, at the HR Excellence Awards, GCash was honored as the Gold Winner for Excellence in HR Communication Strategy, which recognizes companies with effective communication strategies within their HR function. The company’s HR team was also named the Best HR Team. With these awards, GCash proves it is consistently seeking feedback on employee needs and preferences, implementing strategies to address these.

In other categories, GCash bagged silver for Excellence in Total Rewards Strategy, and bronze for Employer of the Year and Excellence in Retention Strategy.

Moreover, GCash scored a back-to-back victory at the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, winning gold for Employer of the Year (Financial Services) for a second consecutive year. This solidifies GCash's dominance in the financial technology industry, not only in terms of scale and performance but workplace excellence—crucial in promoting digital financial inclusion.

GCash was also awarded gold for Achievement in Benefits Design and Administration, which recognizes notable single achievements, or a series of achievements, related to benefits design and/or administration.

GCash's other accolades at the Stevie Awards include silver for Recruiting or Talent Acquisition Team of the Year and Best Youth Employment Strategy, and a bronze for Achievement in Employee Engagement.

“We listen to the pulse of our employees, who are now more discerning in what they are looking for in workplaces,” said Gonzales. “GCash is delighted to be meeting their needs and priorities.”

“GCash has come a long way in becoming the Philippines’ first and only US$5B unicorn. It was a team effort we've built throughout the years,” GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said. "Thanks to our brilliant, creative, and hardworking employees, we have an empowered organization that enables millions of Filipinos to thrive every day, prepare for a rainy day, and plan for their one day. To pursue our mission of Finance for All, we need an empowered workplace where everyone is valued and inspired to make a difference."

vivo V40 Lite with fastest 80W FlashCharge in its price range to launch on October 19

Tweet

vivo is set to unveil its latest mid-range smartphone with the fastest yet safe charging capability among its competitors in its price range on October 19, 2024. The upcoming vivo V40 Lite is designed for on-the-go individuals needing a phone to keep up with their busy lifestyles.

Available in both 4G and 5G variants, the vivo V40 Lite boasts an impressive 80W FlashCharge feature, setting a new standard for fast charging in its price range.

Unmatched 80W FlashCharge for fast-paced lifestyles

With vivo's 80W FlashCharge technology, the V40 Lite can power up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The feature is a game-changer for those with hectic schedules. It powers up your phone in a fraction of the time and reduces downtime so that you can get back to your tasks faster.

Whether you're commuting, running errands, or attending back-to-back meetings, you won’t have to wait long to recharge. The vivo V40 Lite's 80W FlashCharge ensures you're always ready for the next task, making it perfect for those who rely heavily on their phones for work, navigation, or entertainment throughout the day.

To further optimize charging, the phone incorporates "Optimized Battery Charging", which intelligently adapts to your usage patterns. This real-time adjustment guarantees that the phone charges efficiently, whether you're actively using it or the screen is off, all while extending the battery’s lifespan.

Smart Charging Engine 2.0: Protecting battery health

The vivo V40 Lite’s Smart Charging Engine 2.0 goes beyond fast charging by adapting to your sleep schedule.

When the battery reaches 80% during your rest, charging is paused to prevent battery aging. The system resumes charging just before you wake, ensuring the battery is fully charged and ready for the day ahead.

This intelligent charging management not only speeds up the process but also protects battery health, delivering a reliable and safe charging experience.

Catch the official launch and pre-order deals

The 80W FlashCharge of the vivo V40 Lite is just the first of many awesome features. Join the livestream launch on October 19, 2024, on vivo’s official Facebook page, where tech experts Abe Olandres and Miguel Ty will walk you through the V40 Lite’s full set of features.

During the event, vivo will also announce the official pricing and pre-order promotions. Early buyers can enjoy special discounts and exclusive freebies, making it the perfect time to upgrade to this fast-charging powerhouse.

Stay tuned and don’t miss out on the chance to experience the game-changing vivo V40 Lite.