UnionBank doubles down on digital, invests in San Pedro Innovation Campus

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Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is set to break ground on its Innovation Campus in Laguna on May 26 in a virtual ceremony.  The Campus is a first in the Philippine banking industry and will integrate UnionBank’s institutes on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, as well as its digital bank EON in one roof.

Located in a one-hectare real property development in San Pedro, Laguna, the five-story building will be the hub for research and development to further boost the Bank’s digital capabilities by creating solutions for the future of banking, fintech as well as other industries.

“The UnionBank Innovation Campus is a testament to the commitment of Management and the Board to innovation as a major strategic thrust of the Bank,” said UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista.

Set as the peak of its digital transformation that started five years ago, the Campus provides a digital native environment which will allow research and discovery of digital initiatives that will amplify the Bank’s thrust to Tech Up Pilipinas and enable inclusive prosperity making sure that no one gets left behind. 

“I am really looking forward to inviting our customers and our partners to a place where we can showcase the great things we are doing and share what we have learned, so that the Filipino companies can be globally competitive in this new digital age as we continue our efforts to ‘Tech Up Pilipinas’ while pioneering innovations for a better world,” Bautista said

Vitamin C, a Secret Weapon to Fighting Diseases

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The Stronger your immunity, the higher your chances in fighting diseases, says an Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor

Pasig City, Metro Manila—May 25,2021— As we live in incredibly perilous days, we need to value our health even more, especially amid these uncertain times. But one particular vitamin can provide the added protection that you need—Vitamin C, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is an essential, the safest, and one of the most efficient medicines needed in maintaining your health.  

Vitamin C is considered an essential medicine because it helps wounds heal faster and decreases the chances of chronic diseases like cancer. It is involved in repairing tissues and the enzymic production of certain neurotransmitters.   

 

Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor Mike Vergara said that strengthening our immunity must be the focus amid the new normal, and Vitamin C can be a primary weapon in making it stronger and fighting diseases better.  

Doctor Mike Vergara

"Vitamin C helps our immune system fight diseases, whether it is a bacterial or viral infection like cold or COVID-19. The best way to prevent yourself from getting sick is by focusing on your immune system. If it is strong, then you are far away from getting infected. Of course, there are many factors in strengthening your immunity, but intaking Vitamin C daily must be the core practice, even when you get vaccinated," Vergara said.  

 

A Healthy Dose of Vitamin C  

Suppose we want to experience the benefits of Vitamin C at its best. In that case, the recommended daily nutrient intake of vitamin C for adults is 70mg for males and 60mg for females, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). However, Vergara said 3000mg of Vitamin C per day for an adult is the best, according to Nobel Award Winner Dr. Linus Pauling.   

 

Vergara added that intaking at least 700mg per day already decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 25 percent. A study from Pauling famously claimed that large doses of the vitamin help prevent cold. Scientific Journals from Biomolecules also showed that Vitamin C has the power to kill cancer cells or change how cancer stem cells behave.   

 

Daily Vitamin C intake helps cleanse the body of harmful toxins, which is why diarrhea is a common side effect for taking too much of it, but the pros still outweigh the cons.   

 

Vitamin C also has other perks: managing high blood pressure, reducing uric acid levels, preventing gout attacks, improving memory and thinking, and preventing iron deficiency. It also helps prevent scurvy, which is a result of vitamin C deficiency.  

 

It can help make skin healthier since it stands as a precursor for collagen production. Vergara said that aging is all about inflammation and oxidation. That is why it is the perfect anti-aging nutrient because of its antioxidant effect.   

 

"When finding where you can take a good dose of Vitamin C, you have to include it in your diet. Your body does not produce it on its own. Yes, the body can produce many important chemicals, hormones, and vitamins by itself but not vitamin C. We need to take it from outside sources like your diet or supplements," Vergara said.  

 

The Richness of Vitamin C  

For Vergara, it does not take much to have a healthy heart and immune system. "Practicing healthy habits like eating properly, exercising, taking away stress, and taking vitamin C daily. You don't have to take expensive medicine when you can take the nutrients from natural products like food and supplements with Vitamin C, which is very affordable and carry less to no side effects."  

 

"The answer to solving all these diseases is in the food we take. God gave us the right to food, yet we are complicating our lives by trying to make and buy expensive medicines. We are creating our problems. Stick to proper nutrition and involve vitamin C and all green foods in our diet. That's our staple –our natural diet, the greens," Vergara said.  

 

When looking for the perfect Vitamin C source, Vergara highly recommends the Daily-C of Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider. Daily-C is is sodium ascorbate for easy and comfortable digestion, especially for sensitive individuals.  

 

Daily-C now comes in 750mg variant in vegetable capsules, appealing to younger people living the vegetarian lifestyle. It also has a pH range of 7.00 to 8.00, making it safe for daily consumption. It gives an extra level of protection since it contains 843.64mg of Sodium Ascorbate, helping prevent and treat scurvy and vitamin C deficiency.  

 

"We at Santé firmly believe that prevention is always better than cure. Daily-C is our way of helping everyone have a natural source for their vitamins and live a healthy lifestyle. We encourage everyone to take action now and manage your health and diet so nothing bad happens," said Santé CEO Joey Marcelo.  

 

Daily-C is just one of the many other natural health and wellness products offered by Santé. Known for its flagship, Santé Barley™, the company has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are made with organic barley grass, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.  

 

Santé is one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally. Aside from New Zealand and the Philippines, Santé is also present in key markets, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Abuja, Lagos, and Cyprus. It offers premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services designed to improve people's quality of life so they can live more and do more. 

 

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.  

Ben&Ben come to terms with loss and grief on “Magpahinga” music video

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The poignant music video stars award-winning actor Joel Torre and actress-filmmaker Bela Padilla.

Ben&Ben took the month of May by storm, teasing fans with the grandest way possible to announce a new era in music. First, there was “Upuan,” a cinematic piece of pop music that swirls intimately against a backdrop of nature retreat. And then there’s “Magpahinga,” a lovingly sparse ballad that embraces the importance of healing on one’s own terms. Instead of recapturing old glories, both songs are bold enough to leave us ending in places both infinite and enduring, widening our sense of appreciation for the band on a purely intimate level.

Today, the nine-piece collective have set the bar high with the release of “Magpahinga” music video on YouTube. Touching on delicate matters such as death, grief, and the final moments spent with a loved one, the visual narrative carries the weight of losing someone special in the most uncertain of times, and puts its arms around you with a reassuring message that everything will be alright.

“The video explores the relationship between a father and a daughter, and the emotional burden that comes with having to say goodbye,” says guitarist and lead vocalist Paolo Benjamin. “It isn't easy to come to terms with mortality, but it also brings out the most tender moments and cathartic resolutions.”

The music video of “Magpahinga” stars multi-awarded veteran actor Joel Torre and acclaimed actress-director Bela Padilla as a father-daughter tandem spending their last moments together. Guitarist and lead vocalist Miguel Benjamin points out that by “observing two very different but distinct generations of artists,” the band had a great time learning about the award-winning actors’ process and technique. “We loved seeing them get deep into character and really owning their roles wholeheartedly. There was a clear respect for the craft, and the message we all wanted to convey was there.”

Keyboardist Patricia Lasaten echoes Miguel’s observations, praising the astounding craftmanship and chemistry between the two leads. “There was a moment in the filming of the video where you could really feel the thickness of heightened tensions in the room because of the nature of the scene. That’s how real it was.”

The visual accompaniment of “Magpahinga” was helmed by filmmaker and frequent collaborator Jorel Lising. According to bassist Agnes Reoma, Lising was unanimously picked for his ability to bring out tender, intimate and raw moments in a narrative context. “Since he has been based here at the Ben&Ben House as well, he was with us even during the writing and recording of the song, and thus he deeply understands the context and message of the song as well.”

Ben&Ben’s “Magpahinga” music video is out now on YouTube and all other video platforms.

 

 

UNIQLO Philippines Celebrates its 9th Anniversary with Exclusive Offers and Promotions

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Manila, Philippines - Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, is celebrating its ninth anniversary in the Philippines with special offers and promotions as a way to thank its loyal customers.

UNIQLO opened its first retail location in the Philippines in June 2012, with a 1,550 square meter floor space at the SM Mall of Asia. Since then, the Japanese retailer has expanded its presence in the country to 65 stores nationwide and launched its online store to offer the complete range of LifeWear to more Filipinos.

“Since our launch in 2012, we have been very grateful for the warm welcome that we received from everyone. As we mark another milestone in the country, we want to say ‘Salamat, Pilipinas’ to our loyal customers for making LifeWear as their everyday clothing through our exclusive offers and promotions,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines.

To celebrate this special occasion, UNIQLO will reward its customers with novelty items and exclusive offers:

NOVELTY ITEMS

For every Php 3,000 worth of purchase from any UNIQLO store and online, customers will get one (1) free pack of gray AIRism Mask. They are available from small to large sizes for physical stores and medium for its online store. Customers must have their UNIQLO App Membership ID scanned at the store to claim. The promo is valid from May 28 to May 30, 2021 only.

LIMITED OFFERS

Customers may avail of exclusive prices when they purchase the following items:

Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This t-shirt is made with 100% cotton to make it soft and comfortable. The cuffs and hem are made with an advanced mechanism called blind hem stitching for added comfort.

Now available at Php 390.00 from of Php 590.00

Men’s Packaged Dry Color Crew Neck and V Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirts

The quick drying technology makes these shirts comfortable to wear, even after sweating. They can be worn as an inner wear thanks to its neckline and fit, but can be used on its own with its wide range of colors.

Now available at Php 245.00 for Php 290.00

Men’s Stretch Slim Fit Shorts

The sleek slim-fit cut and compact cotton twill material enhances any ensemble, while the added stretch gives it a laid-back feel.

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Women’s Ultra Stretch Cropped Leggings Pants

The satisfying fit of the Ultra Stretch fabric and flattering cut allow wearers to move freely throughout the day. DRY technology promises all-day freshness.  

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Women’s U AIRism Cotton A Line Short Sleeve Long Dress

AIRism technology makes this cotton dress lightweight and breathable. The A-line fit is sleek on top and gradually flares towards the hem, flattering the figure.

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

UNIQLO FLAGSHIP STORE EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS

For a minimum purchase of Php 2,500 at the UNIQLO Manila global Flagship Store at Glorietta 5, customers will receive one (1) stamp card with rewards from partner merchants. Each card entitles customers to a free one-week trial pass at Anytime Fitness and a waived joining fee if they enroll at the Glorietta 5 branch, a buy 1 take 1 promo of the Cold White Brew at Bo’s Coffee, and Php 200 off for the Fully Booked discount card. The promo is valid at branches located in Glorietta Mall.

Once they complete their stamp cards, they are qualified to receive an exclusive UNIQLO Manila tote bag.

Customers may claim their cards and rewards from May 14 to 27, 2021. They must show their stamp card and the UNIQLO receipt when redeeming at partner merchants. Customers will receive their tote bag upon presenting the completed stamp card from May 28 to August 3, 2021 at the Flagship Store.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph and download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

realme hailed no.1 smartphone brand in the PH for Q1 2021

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 How this 'young' brand gained the trust and loyalty of Filipinos in just three years

realme, a three-year-old brand continues to strengthen its foothold in the Philippine smartphone market as it once again takes the No. 1 spot in the Top smartphone vendors for Q1 2021. The fast-rising tech brand first achieved this position back in Q3 2020, just two years after the brand's entry in the market in late 2018.

Data from several research firms underscore realme’s remarkable growth and market leadership during this quarter. Canalys reports a 23% unit share for the brand, driven by a 95% annual growth. In addition, realme also takes the no. 1 spot in a separate report by IDC, accounting for 21.3% of total market share. The report notes that this position is highlighted by the opening of new realme stores in the first quarter of 2021 further expanding the brand's channel reach in high growth potential areas outside of Manila.

Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, realme still showed the highest YoY (year on year) growth during the quarter at +142%, according to Counterpoint Research. The brand also leads in the e-commerce space, having the highest proportion in online sales at 34%.

Winning customer-centric philosophy

Beating out every big player in the category and becoming the top choice for the young generation were made possible by realme’s customer-centric philosophy. Offering top-notch customer service from end-to-end, realme has consistently focused on catering to the needs of its customers right from the point of purchase to down to utilizing the product to its full capabilities.

The brand continues to expand its presence both offline and online to ensure availability and accessibility of its products and services wherever the customers are. To date, realme has over 550 concept stores, kiosks, and partner dealers nationwide that cater to product inquiries and sales, empowering customers with expert product knowledge before purchase. realme is also available through e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, which offer convenience and safety to customers especially during this pandemic.

16 service centers located in different parts of the country have also been activated to support after-sales services and other end-user needs, fulfilling their commitment of providing better customer service to every Filipino.

In line with its goal of actively listening to its customers, realme also launched the realme Community app. It serves as the brand’s official community forum where realme users can ask questions and receive guidance about realme devices, share their ideas and insights, and stay up to speed with all the latest news and events. Available for download on Google Play, the app serves as a platform by which the brand connects and engages with their customers, providing better support and guidance all throughout the journey.

Championing the youth

Apart from these efforts in sales and marketing, realme continues to be a brand for and by the youth. It continuously pushes for product innovation geared towards championing the interests and passions of its young customers. This includes notable features and upgrades in its smartphones that are important and relevant for content creation, gaming, and other relevant youth passion points.

The realme 8 is a powerful mid-range smartphone that comes packed with a 64MP camera

and impressive gaming capabilities.

The realme 8, which was launched just this month alongside the realme 8 Pro, is a perfect example of the brand’s youth-driven innovation. Perfect for gaming enthusiasts, the realme 8 boasts a powerful MTK Helio G95 processor that delivers the best in mobile gaming. It also features 30W Dart Charge and 5,000 mAh battery -- a sleek package ideal for the youth on the go with the growing demand of a smartphone that can keep up with their needs and style. The realme 8 Pro, on the other hand, comes packed with a powerful 108MP quad rear camera setup, making it the top choice for aspiring content creators and multimedia enthusiasts.  

In terms of aesthetics, realme also champions the youth’s bold and expressive style. The unique design of the realme 8 Series embodies the youth’s trendy and fierce personality, not being afraid to express their emotions and dare to stand out.

Promising better innovations in the months to come, realme is set to continue its streak in leading the smartphone and TechLife categories with its customer-centric approach in developing new products and services that users can enjoy.