UBX: Success in digital transformation should be rooted in customer-centric approach

UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, revealed during The Asian Banker Finance Philippines 2022 that providing a human touch to technical solutions is the secret behind the success of its commitment to #IncludeEveryone in the digitization of finance.

The Asian Banker Finance Philippines 2022 is the leading annual conference for fostering sustainable innovation not only among financial institutions but also among disruptors and related players. This year, digital transformation takes the center stage in the programme as banks, financial institutions, fintech and large technology companies discuss the future of the industry in the country.

UBX’s open finance platform also allows its partners to connect financial institutions to the largest payment networks in the Philippines. While it offers technological end-to-end solutions to individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes, the reality remains that the digital divide in the country has rendered some of them hesitant to take the leap. 

“UBX was born out of the digital movement of Union Bank in 2018. At the time, what was noted was that digital platforms were acquiring customers and this demanded a certain type of skill. Investment in developing platforms was a must and so #IncludeEveryone came from this. At the individual level, we definitely use human centered design principles and simple language as the customer onboards and creates the account themselves. For the corporate side, the challenge is how to invite them over to our ecosystem. To quote our CEO, sometimes you have to do non-digital and non-scaleable things, to bring them to scale. Data is key for us in the success of the product because trust in the system is very important in open finance. How do you build trust in the system to verify if there is a real person behind the application to open an account?” ~Iris Yacat, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Customer Experience Officer of UBX

Yacat explained that it is important to model the platform from different perspectives: the customers and the businesses. 

Hence, UBX is not satisfied with being just a digital finance platform, but it goes beyond its mandate by offering services, training, process review, developments to clients to help them understand how the system works.

One example of UBX’s groundbreaking innovations is AKIN, an open ecosystem which provides individuals with more control over their personal information, allowing them to transact freely and securely through one digital identity. At the core of AKIN’s operations is the concept of self sovereign identity (SSI), which empowers users to manage their own information and decide who gets access, anytime, anywhere. On the flip side, there is the ability to create an identity for the corporation and control data access as well through the know-your-customer (KYC) process. 

Part of the customer-centric approach, according to Yacat, is understanding where users are coming from. In the age of information, data security is the primary concern of both corporations and individuals.

She further explained that UBX has a data privacy officer to make sure they are compliant with the latest rules and regulations. 

The recent policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Open Finance has posed a challenge to banks and financial institutions to up their game when it comes to customer confidentiality. Now more than ever, major financial service providers are required to cooperate with each other and the public sector to achieve this goal.

“It is an honor to be alongside the biggest players in the industry, all like minded individuals and institutions who are just as committed to financial inclusion as UBX. More than giving us an opportunity to share our milestones and discoveries, it was truly an enlightening experience to participate in the discussions on the trends that are shaping the landscape of digital finance in the Philippine.” ~John Januszczak, UBX President and CEO

Among the other key points discussed in the conference are the psychological and cultural changes brought about by the digital transformation of banks, the risks and advantages of decentralized finance (DeFi), and the regulation of the digital market in the ASEAN region. 

For more information about the company and this article, please visit www.ubx.ph.

 

 

 

About UBX

UBX is the financial technology venture studio and fund of UnionBank of the Philippines. UBX is predicated on a future where financial services are invisible: seamlessly embedded into the experiences and activities that truly matter to businesses and people. For partnerships, email us at hello@ubx.ph. 

Travel international for less with Cebu Pacific

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), encourages everyJuan to fly international as it launches a special seat sale to support those who are raring to travel again to their favorite foreign destinations.

From October 17 until October 31, CEB will offer flights to top international destinations for as low as PHP 999 one-way base fare. Travel period is from October 17, 2022 until March 31, 2023 – allowing everyJuan to either fly immediately or plan trips ahead.

“We are excited to welcome more travelers on board our international flights. We continue to see an increased interest in leisure travel abroad, especially during the holiday season. We want them to fly once more through our guaranteed low fares.” ~Carmina Romero, CEB Corporate Communications Director

The airline has increased its flights to some destinations effective end-of-October. This includes top destinations such as Brunei; Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia; Bangkok in Thailand; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam;  Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; and Singapore. 

CEB will also resume its Davao to Singapore flights on October 30; as well as its flights from Manila to Kota Kinabalu on October 31.

CEB currently flies direct to 19 international destinations which also includes Fukuoka, Narita, Nagoya, and Osaka in Japan; Seoul in South Korea; Sydney in Australia; and Dubai.

CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure everyJuan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific. Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information.

Mrs. Garcia's Meatshop opens its first-ever Community Store in Quezon City

Every delicious Filipino dish has traditionally had meat as a key ingredient. Filipinos have embraced the practice of offering warm affection and fantastic food to gather around and reconnect with friends and loved ones, whether for ordinary food on the table or fiestas, celebrations, and holidays. 

(L-R) Sheila Padilla - Marketing Manager, Meatworld International; Bernadette Lee - Chief Operating Officer, Meatworld International; Zeny Mercado - Chief Finance Officer, Meatworld International; Miguel Macaalay - Business Unit Head, Meatworld International.

In keeping with this history, Mrs. Garcia's Meats has been winning over consumers who expect fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products, as well as excellent service for more than 25 years. 

From opening new outlets in major supermarkets and making itself accessible round-the-clock to convenience stores, such as Shell Select and 7-Eleven, Mrs. Garcia's Meats is delighted to share tender news with its clients as it carries on with its legacy. 

“Every home has grown to love Mrs. Garcia’s Meats as their companion in making every mealtime special. So, we are excited to announce that we finally opened the first-ever Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop this October 11, 2022, allowing more families to enjoy that extra special dining experience at home. As we open our new Community Store, located at Platinum Business Center, #188 Congressional Ave., Quezon City, we are eager to provide fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products to all Filipinos. The last few years have seen tremendous growth for Mrs. Garcia’s Meats. In many supermarket chains and eateries, people have come to trust our brand. As the core of MEATWORLD International Inc., Mrs. Garcia’s Meats has also hired a rising 1,500 butchers and merchandisers. By providing a franchise option to our customers, mompreneurs, and every Filipino looking for business prospects, we hope to spread the word about these success stories.” ~Bernadette Lee, Mrs. Garcia’s Meats Chief Operating Officer

The store will serve a variety of Premium Pork, Beef, Korean, and Japanese Cuts, including Short Ribs, Sirloin, Lean Ground Pork, Liempo, and Porkchop, as well as dJapanese Shabu-Shabu, Beef Yakiniku, Beef Woo Samgyeop, Korean Pork Steak Bulgogi, and Pork Samgyeopsal. 

All customers can also order in advance before picking up their items in Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop through its Pick-A-Meat Express. This service offering allows customers to order via phone call before picking up the items. All they need to do is to drop by the parking space in front of the store, where friendly staff members are ready to hand them the meat products or help load the items directly into their car.  

Meanwhile, as a way of marking this milestone, Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop will now be open for franchising to provide Filipinos with business and investment options. 
  
Mrs. Garcia’s Meats by MEATWORLD International, Inc. was founded in 1996. Since then, it has been helping ensure that fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products are available for every family and their recipes as it offers a wide choice of meat categories and cuts. 

For more information about Mrs. Garcia’s Meats and Meatshop, the latest news, promos, and how to become a Franchisee, check out https://mrsgarcias.com.ph/ and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrsGarciasMeats. 

OPPO unveils the A77s, A17, and A17k

As OPPO remains committed to providing Filipinos with a broad range of smartphones that cater to different lifestyles, the global smart device brand launches its three newest additions to the A Series -- the OPPO A77s, OPPO A17, and OPPO A17k.

 

With the arrival of these new devices, the A Series now offers more choices to fit varying budgets. For individuals who want to invest in their everyday driver, they can choose the #AbsolutelyStylishandPowerful OPPO A77s, while those with a limited budget can opt for the OPPO A17 and OPPO A17k as #ItsAllYouNeed to cover essential smartphone uses.

 

To find out what makes these latest OPPO smartphones stylish and powerful, here are their specs and features every user can definitely enjoy.

 

 

OPPO A77s: Designed to be powerful for the best gaming and entertainment experience

An #AbsolutelyStylishandPowerful smartphone, the OPPO A77s is packed with features powerful enough to handle different mobile games and recreation applications even at an accessible price. For an effortless and enjoyable experience, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset to provide lag-free performance and less power consumption.

 

This is accompanied by 8GB of RAM to enable users to run more apps in the background and 128GB of ROM for sizable storage, which can be extended up to 1TB of microSD card. It also has a RAM Expansion technology to boost its performance, enabling up to 5GB more RAM.

 

Supporting these features is a large 5000mAh battery for long hours of gaming and leisure time. For instance, this battery capacity allows users to stream YouTube videos non-stop for over 17 hours. Reducing the device’s downtime is the 33W SUPERVOOC fast-charging feature that charges the battery from zero percent to 100 percent in just 71 minutes.

 

For an immersive experience, it boasts Dual Stereo Speakers with Dirac 3.0 to provide a leveled-up sound in users’ daily activities. As it is integrated with Ultra Volume Mode, its maximum volume can be enhanced by at least 44 percent. This is complemented with a 6.56-inch Waterdrop Notch HD+ display for a better visual experience.

 

Other than that, OPPO A77s features an 8MP front camera and a dual rear camera system, consisting of a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth camera. It supports a wide array of features for high-quality photos, such as Extra HD to enable users to capture 108MP photos, Bokeh Flare Portrait for DSLR-like images, and Selfie HDR for brighter and clearer selfies in backlit environments.

 

The OPPO A77s also exhibits a fashionable look with the Ultra-Slim Retro Design, amplified by two premium colors. This includes Sunset Orange, which showcases the industry’s first fiberglass-leather rear cover, just like the OPPO Find X2 Pro, and Starry Black, which features the OPPO Glow design. Retailing at PhP 13,999.00, the device is available starting October 29.

 

 

OPPO A17: Reliable device with everything users need for work and leisure

The OPPO A17 proves #ItsAllYouNeed, as a value-for-money device with reliable features that suit users’ daily grind and downtime. For a seamless multitasking experience all day long, the device is equipped with a default 4GB of RAM, built with RAM Expansion technology to expand it up to 8GB. This enables users to run different applications simultaneously in their day-to-day productivity or entertainment activities.

 

Storage will also no longer be a problem because the device boasts a large 64GB internal storage, expandable up to 1TB, to store users’ important files. Such built-in storage can keep at least 26,000 2MB images. These features are powered by a 5000mAh battery for long-lasting power every day.

 

Clearer imaging quality is now also within reach, even with the OPPO A17. It sports an impressive 50MP main camera that users can use to capture their photos, which is uncommon for entry-level smartphones. It is accompanied by a 5MP selfie camera. All these are integrated with amazing features, such as the Night View Selfie to provide clear and bright photos at night, Portrait Retouching to enable realistic beautification effects, and Portrait Mode in the front camera to support background blurring.

 

For long-term use, the OPPO A17 underwent tougher testing to ensure it lasts. It endured 20,000 USB insertions, 28,000 micro-drop with 1.0m drop testings, 150,000 volume button pushes, 500,000 power button presses, and many more.

 

Available in Lake Blue and Midnight Black beginning October 15, its design features an exquisite look as it has a premium leather feel. It is also comfortable in the hands because it adopts an Ultra-Slim Retro Design, which is 8.3mm thin and weighs 189g. It retails at PhP 7,999.00.

 

 

OPPO A17k: A value-for-money device that can keep up with everyday demands

For a device with a more accessible price, here comes the OPPO A17k equipped with features to keep up with users’ hustle and relaxation. The smartphone is packed with reliable specs for everyday use, such as a 5000mAh battery capacity to provide users with the necessary power to use their applications the whole day.

It is built with a big internal storage of 64GB and supports a microSD card expansion of up to 1TB, which users can use to keep their photos, files, and many more. This is complemented by 3GB RAM equipped with a RAM Expansion feature that delivers up to 4GB of additional RAM for smoother functionality of apps and multitasking.

To guarantee its quality and durability, the OPPO A17k surpassed various stress tests, like the OPPO A17, which include water, high temperature, high humidity resistance, and 10cm micro-drop, among others.

Available starting October 29 for PhP 5,999.00, its appearance is also stunning as it embodies a super thin design with a Side Fingerprint Unlock. Showcasing an 8.3mm thickness and 189g weight, it exhibits two color options: Gold and Navy Blue.

Get the newest OPPO A Series devices this October!

Do not forget to mark the calendars, OPPO fans, because the all-new A Series devices will be available for purchase in all OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, and OPPO Official Stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop at their respective availability dates!

Additionally, purchasing these newest smartphones will give users access to a comprehensive OPPO Care Bundle from OPPO Service Centers. This includes a one-hour flash fix, free phone checkup, software upgrade, screen protector, phone disinfection, and many more.

To enjoy discounts on parts and more freebies, visit OPPO Service Centers during OPPO Service Day, which happens from the 10th to the 12th day of the month.

To know more about the OPPO A77s, OPPO A17, and OPPO A17k, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/. You can also check OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. For more information about the OPPO Care Bundle, check the OPPO Support website at https://support.oppo.com/ph/ or the official OPPO Care Philippines Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

The Moment is on at Palm Grove Bar

Century Park Hotel will open Palm Grove Bar tomorrow, October 14, 2022!  It has been a year since we launched our Unlimited Samgyeopsal at our poolside outlet.  This year, we want to elevate that poolside experience with the introduction of our special cocktails, beers and bar chows!

In 2021, Century Park Hotel’s poolside outlet, Palm Grove Bar, was transformed into a go-to Unlimited Samgyeopsal place in the heart of Manila. Guests marveled at the idea of enjoying their Korean grilled favorites amid a dramatic poolside setting as well as swimming to their heart’s content.  The outcome truly made an enjoyable gustatory experience for the hotel guests. The picturesque setting continues to be a perfect backdrop for all those Tiktok, IG and FB-worthy posts.

This 2022, Century Park Hotel is geared to elevate that experience with the Palm Grove Bar.  Pump up your Friday and Saturday nights (5:00PM – 11:00PM) with friends and family over drinks and yummy bar chows.

A bang for the buck deal, enjoy the Buy 1, Take 1 offer on our Frozen Fruity Margaritas, Frozen Sangrias, Heineken and Tiger beers during Happy Hour from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

For starters, try Century Park Hotel’s Wings & Dips (P495net), Beef Salpicao (P445net), or go for Pizza Flatbreads such as Margarita Flatbread (P395net) or Formaggio Quattro (P395net).  Burgers are also available for big appetites starting from P395net!

If you prefer to pair your drinks with Pinoy favorites, avail of our Street Food Treats and enjoy Kwek-kwek (P69net), Chicken Tail (P89net), Squid Balls (P139net) or Pork Skin (P349net) and a whole lot more!

Enjoy sipping your favorite cocktails like Feeling Korean (P245net), Banana Colada (P325net) or Mojito (P355net) while taking in the breathtaking nighttime view of the hotel’s poolside area.  Our Pitcher Deals are also available for as low as P249net (Gnarly Dude!) to P499net (Hard Lychee Soda).

Beers can also be availed for as low as P195net (Brew Kettle).  Asahi, Heineken and Tiger Beer Black and Crystal Light will also be available at your disposal (prices may vary).

“After the success of our Unlimited Samgyeopsal, we want to introduce to the market another refreshing poolside bar experience.  Palm Grove has been steadily gaining momentum nourishmenton top of our Korean grill specialties, this area is an ideal place to unwind and simply have fun with friends and loved ones over drinks and lovely food.” ~Anthony Tan, Century Park Hotel’s General Manager 

The Palm Grove Bar is set to open on October 14, 2022.  For reservations, call 0956-5232880.

Century Park Hotel has been duly awarded the Safety Seal Certification and Certificate of Accommodation to Operate as Staycation (CAOS) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).  One can look forward to a safe and pleasant stay while inside the property.

Guests must be fully vaccinated and present their vaccination cards.

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience. To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 8528-8888.

Cebu Pacific Super Pass this 10.10 Buy all you can, fly when you can for only PHP99

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), gives everyJuan an early PASSko as it offers its one-of-a-kind travel voucher, the CEB Super Pass, from 10AM on October 10 until October 13, 2022.

For only PHP 99, one-way base fare, customers can purchase an open-dated pass that allows one  to travel across the airline’s widest domestic network, whether via Cebu Pacific or Cebgo. Each passenger can also buy all they can and fly only when they can, from October 17, 2022, until November 30, 2023.

"We are very happy to relaunch this well-loved product right in time for the holiday season. Now it's even easier to give your loved ones the gift of flexible travel, which they can use up until next year." ~Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific Director for Corporate Communications

The CEB Super Pass is made available for Juans who place a high value on flexibility, convenience, and affordability for their travels, whether for leisure or business. This was initially launched in 2021 as part of its 25th anniversary celebration, in line with the airline's promise to keep making travel accessible for everyJuan.

Passengers who have existing Travel Funds may also make use of their virtual wallets to stock up on these vouchers. Get your CEB Super Pass for yourself and for your loved ones.

Visit the Cebu Pacific website: https://bit.ly/CEBSuperPass for more information.

Experience the unseen at SM Southmall’s The Blackout Zone

First batch of participants trying out the Blackout Zone challenges.

SM Cares recently launched its first-ever immersive exhibit that aims to promote blind awareness, The Blackout Zone, as part of its goal of creating a welcoming and caring environment for persons with disabilities, including the blind and the visually impaired, in all of its developments. The launch was held last October 6 at SM Southmall in Las Pinas City.

“On October 13 we will be celebrating World Sight Day, which focuses on global attention on vision impairement, including blindness With SM Cares, and through your help, we want to create a different kind of exhibit called The Blackout Zone. Through this, we will be able to experience the daily challenges of our fellow Filipinos who are visually impaired. This will allow us to broaden our knowledge on how we can help create an inclusive environment for them.” ~Engr. Bien C. Mateo, senior vice president of SM Supermalls and program director of SM Cares Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls SVP and Architect Jaime Silva, United Architects of the Philippines

The Blackout Zone is open until October 16, except October 10, at the 3^rd level of SM Southmall for free. Inside the Blackout Zone, participants take on different challenges in total darkness that unleash the power of their senses like tying a shoe, creating a sandwich, making their own coffee, and watching movies.

The goal of the exhibit is for the general public to develop a sense of care and affection for the blind, whether it is a loved one, a colleague, or a stranger; and to realize that in the world of the blind, things are possible. 

First batch of participants trying out the Blackout Zone challenges.

The Blackout Zone is just one of the many ways SM Cares is supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities."

Other initiatives in line with this include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with ASP, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week; the annual Happy Walk in partnership with DSAPI, held every February in celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month; the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs; and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.