New Product Alert! FARMSKIN

Farmskin Fresh Food Facial Cleansing Foam For Dry Skin - Pomegranate 100ml SRP Php179 SALE Price: Php152 15% off Add to cart na!

New Product Alert: Farmskin is An all-natural and eco-friendly skincare brand that is made in Korea. So here's another must-try skincare goody for all the Korean skincare fanatics out there! Farmskin, is the new skincare and personal care brand from Korea. Known for its natural ingredients, ethically conscious in all its processes and practices, including being cruelty-free and safe on animals.

Click Farm Skin Official Store to Start Shopping Now!

Farmskin Superfood Facial Sheet Mask Honey (Illuminating) 

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/szahpux

Farmskin Superfood Facial Sheet Mask Mangosteen (Balancing) 

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/d2xg9nx

Farmskin Superfood Facial Sheet Mask Blueberry (Strengthening) 

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/p4qq2ux

Farmskin Fresh Food Fig Missing Puzzle Soap (Brightening) 

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/kf9fs9x

Farmskin Fresh Food Orange Missing Puzzle Soap (Refreshing)

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/qsehbvx

Farmskin Fresh Food Cucumber Missing Puzzle Soap (Soothing)

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/gwnjc2x

Farmskin Fresh Food Charcoal Missing Puzzle Soap (Purifying)

Add to cart now! https://shp.ee/mqxbhhx

Aside from the key ingredients that will surely address your skincare problems, I bet you'll love it, even more, knowing that this new product line from Korea, Farm Skin is an ethically conscious brand. Made from All-Natural Ingredients, Eco-friendly, Cruelty-free, and Animal-safe products. And the best part? Farmskin is available on Shopee and it's on SALE! *selected items up to 49% off!

One True Pair The Movie, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, is now streaming in the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel

Jollibee Studios proves that true love is one that transcends romance in new John Lloyd-Bea film

Many people are looking for the one and a love that lasts and while many have been fortunate to find it and keep it, many are still searching for that person, or what the one means to them. In Jollibee Studios’ newest 30-minute film, it discusses what makes a love that lasts in a poignant and heart-tugging story that brings together the country’s most iconic love team, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

The pair’s much awaited on-screen reunion definitely brought a lot of excitement among long-time fans. The anticipation and joy from the public was truly felt back in October when leaked photos from their shoot came out. When it was revealed that it was for a Jollibee project, this excited people further, as Jollibee has been known to produce memorable short films that never fails to bring joy and touch one’s heart.

“At Jollibee, we have told so many stories about love and its different kinds. Now, we are looking at a love that goes beyond romance--a love that’s unflinching and a love that lasts,” said Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Foods Corporation Philippines Country/Regional Marketing Head and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head. “With One True Pair The Movie, we wanted to deliver that powerful message of how some pairs are perfect because their love is one that goes beyond romance. And what better way to do that than having John Lloyd and Bea star in the film. In fact, we wanted this film to be very meaningful, not just to the fans but to John Lloyd and Bea as well. So, during the development process, we made sure that they could share their personal insights and creative input about the story.”

The celebrity pair themselves have also expressed how pleased they are to be working together again after such a long time, especially when they found out that the project with Jollibee won’t just be a regular fast-food commercial, the usual romcoms, or follow the typical Pinoy drama plot.

In one of John Lloyd’s social media posts he said that, “Excited ako ibahagi sainyo ang #JollibeeOneTruePairMovie dahil isa to sa mga projects kung san nabigyan rin ako ng pagkakataon to share my thoughts and ideas”.

“It didn’t even feel like a shoot; it felt like I was hanging out with an old friend, so easy and comforting. Ganun siguro talaga kapag matagal mo nang nakasama, kahit lumipas pa ang panahon, may mga bagay talagang masarap balikan,” Bea Alonzo also said in her Instagram page.

Also true to Jollibee-produced films, One True Pair The Movie is directed by multi-awarded director, JP Habac. “I was very happy to take on this Jollibee project about a different kind of love. When we talk about love, it’s always about either finding the right person and spending the rest of their lives with them. But in reality, love is such a complicated emotion with so many facets. People can also love a person with all their heart without being romantically in love with them,” said direk JP. “With Jollibee Studios’ One True Pair The Movie, we wanted to talk about the powerful truth of loving someone means loving them always.”

Catch One True Pair The Movie in the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel which will be streaming on December 1.

One True Pair The Movie is only the first of many other Jollibee Studios exclusive and original content that stars box office celebrities. Subscribe now to the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and never miss new, exciting, and heartwarming films and series.

Foster your child’s curiosity with this simple at-home experiment

 Foster your child’s curiosity with this simple at-home experiment

The world around us is surrounded by the thrilling wonders of science. Growing up, be it we are swinging on a monkey bar, mixing colours for an art project, or even talking to our best friends using paper cup phones attached to a string, it is science that explains how these ‘magical’ moments are possible.

Since children do not know what they don’t know, it is up to us parents, guardians, and educators, to intentionally explain the science behind each of these little joys and fill their minds with knowledge. This also helps to preserve their sense of wonder as they pursue big questions about the world, even if they are stuck at home due to the pandemic.

Today, we are seeing more young people value science and STEM subjects. Findings from this year’s 3M State of Science Index (SOSI), an annual, third-party study commissioned by global science company 3M, echoed this sentiment. In the Asia Pacific region, 73% agree that young people are more engaged in science and science-related issues than ever before (vs. 69% globally). Amongst those who believe corporations should be involved in supporting STEM education, the top action they wanted corporates to prioritize include creating resources for kids to get involved in science at an early age (46% vs. 44% globally).

To ensure that the appreciation of science remains high, we need to continue fostering curiosity and encouraging our young ones to unleash their inner scientists. Through this easy and engaging at-home experiment, you can help contribute to the growth of STEM by stimulating your child’s mind and having fun in the process.

Be sure to test out the experiment yourselves before trying it with your little scientists as the activity listed below would require parental supervision.

Blast off with a paper rocket

Preparing our children for different stages of life may seem like rocket science but let’s take a step back and enjoy the time we have together with some paper rocket science.

Materials needed: 2 pieces of paper, scissors, drinking straw and tape

In science, we learn that variables may affect the outcome of an experiment. Let’s explore how different designs can change the way your rocket propels:

1. Fold a piece of paper into four and cut them into smaller rectangles.

2. Take one of the small rectangles and roll it around the straw to make a tube (not too tight). Tape the tube you have made so it stays rolled up. 

3. Next, pinch and tape one end of the tube to make the nose of the rocket.

4. With a different piece of small rectangle paper, cut some right-angled triangles to make fins before taping them onto the tube.

5. Repeat steps to make a few rockets with different tube lengths and/or different numbers of fins.

Place the rocket on the straw and blow for blast off. When you are experimenting, you may realize that some changes make a bigger difference than others. Once you have an idea of what changes are the most important, try designing a rocket that can go the farthest, or fly the most accurately.

Learn more about this experiment at the 3M Science at Home website.

Find out what other experiments 3M scientists are sharing by watching the videos at the Science at Home webpage. Hopefully, these experiments can help inspire your child and ignite their passion for science and learning.  

Shopee Wraps Up 2021 and Introduces its Newest Brand Ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes, at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

 

Shopee Wraps Up 2021 and Introduces its Newest Brand Ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes, at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Users can enjoy fun content from the celebrity father-and-daughter duo, free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily at Shopee’s most anticipated year-end sale

MANILA, NOVEMBER 26, 2021 – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, closes the year with its annual 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, the most joyful year-end celebration in the region. 12.12 is set to bring a smile to users as they shop from the widest variety of products to reward themselves and their loved ones during the happiest time of the year. Through the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can also spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses, with 2 times more items sold by local businesses this year.

Users can look forward to a delightful celebration throughout the festive season. In the past year, Shopee has brought fun to users with exciting giveaways and exclusive content, recording over 13 billion engagements and views across its social media channels. This 12.12, users can expect even more entertainment and engagement with a brand-new commercial featuring international superstar Jackie Chan and performances by popular K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together. To get into the Pinoy family spirit of the holidays, Shopee also welcomes first-ever celebrity father-and-daughter brand ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Every 12.12, Shopee comes together with our users to celebrate the milestones and achievements over the past year. This year, we would like to show our appreciation to all our users for letting us be part of their daily lives. Many more users are now using digital services, and local businesses are increasingly embracing the shift online. We are glad to have been able to adapt to their evolving needs this past year and we will continue to help more people benefit from the digital economy as we head into a new year. We look forward to celebrating the year-end with all our users as we bring smiles to one another this holiday season.”

1. Celebrating the happiest time of the year with the best deals

As shoppers hunt for the best gifts,  Shopee is thrilled to bring users the most exciting deals this 12.12. These include: 

• The best promotions: Shoppers can enjoy the best deals for all their gifting needs with deals such as free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily.
• Big discounts: They can also get discounts up to 90% off on the biggest Shopee Mall brands:

 

2. Celebrating the holidays with entertainment for the whole family 

Users can also expect non-stop entertainment from today until the big finale on December 12. Highlights include: 

• Fun-filled 12.12 TV Special: Filipinos can tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this  December 12, 10:30pm, to catch Tomorrow X Together, Korea’s hottest rising boy group, grace the stage with a very special performance. Celebrities such as Michael V, Ysabel Ortega, Kate Valdez, Rayver Cruz, Julie Ann Jose, and Andrea Torres will also join host Willie Revillame for a fun and star-studded evening.
• Entertaining content from Shopee’s newest brand ambassadors: Fans can catch Dingdong and Zia’s festive new TV commercial, which features the beloved Pinoy Christmas tradition bunutan ng pera, on local TV networks and on Shopee’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts. Users can also check out Shopee’s YouTube and Tiktok accounts for heartwarming videos featuring Dingdong and Zia, wherein they recreate social media challenges, go shopping on Shopee, and more.
• Exciting games and contests: Users can win voucher giveaways by joining Dingdong- and Zia-themed games and contests on Shopee’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. From December 1-12, users can win a total of ₱12,000,000 in prizes from their favorite local celebrities, including Dingdong and Zia, by playing Shopee Celebrity Pamasko on the app. Users simply have to tap on the angpao to win a prize from the celebrity of the day.

3. Celebrating local businesses and culture 

Local businesses represent a significant part of local culture and as the need for digitalization increases, Shopee is committed to supporting these sellers and helping them thrive:

• Shopee Celebrates Local: Shopee launches ‘Shopee Celebrates Local,’ a special contest to share and promote beloved local sellers. Users can read their stories on the #TatakPinoy page and on Shopee’s social media channels, and vote for their favorites until December 5. Winning sellers stand to win prizes they can use for their businesses, while users stand to win Shopee vouchers. Through the Tatak Pinoy page, users can also enjoy exclusive deals when supporting these sellers.

4. Celebrating wider communities

Through 12.12, Shopee will continue to uplift local communities through its platform. In the spirit of Christmas, Shopee launches the Frontliner Holiday Package to show gratitude for local heroes. Starting December 10, frontliners can avail of this package, which includes vouchers they can use for their holiday celebrations.

For more information about Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

Download Shopee for free on App Store or Google Play Store.

 

Jollibee Studios to welcome a new era of original and truly Pinoy storytelling

 

The country’s leading Filipino fast food chain, Jollibee, has long been known for more than its langhap-sarap favorites. There is no question about the food’s taste and quality, which every Filipino is delightfully familiar with.  

Jollibee has also proven to be among the pioneers of quality branded entertainment, with its stories about the real and truly Filipino experiences that have resonated with generations. Who has not seen -- or been moved -- by famous Kwentong Jollibee short films Vow, Crush, and Date; Choice, Space as well as First Date from this year’s Valentine series which won in the Asian Creativity awards? Or the equally addictive One True Pair Series – Checklist, Fight or Flight and Cam the Chameleon?

Beyond its much-anticipated love-themed short films, Jollibee has also produced a variety of entertaining short films and series from a wide range of genres through the years– 14/29 Petsa de Peligro Serye, JolliDance Showdown, and this year’s A Message from the Future short film. All these can be found in the brand’s own Jollibee Studios channel in YouTube. 

 

The power of Pinoy stories

“Jollibee Studios is welcoming a new era of joyful, inspirational, and truly-Pinoy films that are sure to touch the hearts of every family member, friend, or loved one,” said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Philippines’ Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing. “With the pandemic, we also felt it was time to amplify the message of hope, love, and family that is at the core of our storytelling identity.”

Currently, Jollibee Studios has amassed nearly 700,000 subscribers with almost 558 million total views for all its videos. The brand anticipates that its new batch of engaging content will enable this community of engaged fans to grow. “At the end of the day, we at Jollibee know the power of our stories to entertain, to touch lives, to start conversations, to reflect what is true or good about us Filipinos,” Adeva added.  

 

A new hit from Jollibee Studios 

Starting December 1, Jollibee Studios will be releasing original, exclusive content. Its first salvo, One True Pair The Movie, is headlined by no less than the country’s most iconic love team, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. The film directed by JP Habac premieres on December 1, exclusively on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel.

 

“What I like about directing Jollibee Studios films is how they give us free hand to be creative in how we tell stories and how grounded it always is to the realities of being Filipino. And at its core, it’s always about hope and love,” said Habac.

 

Habac (who also helmed the widely received 2017 and hit rom-com film ‘Im Drunk I Love You’), says that the crux of his every film is to tell a story that is universal to the Filipino experience.

Subscribe to the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel to keep up to date with its exciting films and take a sneak peek of the upcoming One True Pair The Movie here.

Edukasyon ba and solusyon sa kahirapan?

Lacson to reduce poverty through education

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson plans to solve the country’s serious poverty problem by providing more people the opportunity to get an education.

In his latest video, the presidential aspirant, who has battled government corruption throughout his career in public service, points out that many young people are forced to drop out of school because of the need to help their families and because being in school is  proving to be a heavy financial burden. Thus, they remain mired in poverty because without a good education their prospects are limited so they often have to settle for jobs that do not pay much.

He will launch an innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected President that will provide free education and institute a government internship program. Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.

“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.

Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.

Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.

With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.

“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.

Lacson and his running mate, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, are running on the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo.” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.)

For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

RCBC's True Digital Banking Now

 

Got a few minutes? Switch to another bank account right now

If you – or anyone you know – still puts up with out of date and inefficient banking services just because it seems too difficult to open a new account, then switch to a bank that makes it easy for you to go digital right away. No need to go to a branch for all the paperwork or do zoom interviews. RCBC Digital will help you through the process, right here, right now.

It takes just a few minutes. All you need is a secure internet connection, one valid ID, and the gadget you’re using right now to read this article. Not only will you be able to open your own RCBC Digital account, but you can also upgrade with an ATM debit card, a virtual prepaid card or ewallet, and a checkbook without needing to submit any other document.

RCBC has truly gone out of its way to make online banking accessible to everyone and, dare we say, simple and easy enough for the technologically challenged. Imagine, with a few taps or clicks on your gadget, you instantly get to save, transfer local or international funds, pay your bills, buy load, invest, convert your money to foreign currency, and all other bank transactions you can imagine.

You can even withdraw money from any RCBC ATM without your physical card – just your RCBC Digital app! If you want to deposit a check to your account, just take a photo of it and send the image through the app. For other transactions like requests for bank certificates, ATM card replacement, checkbook reorder and the like, the app has a digital concierge to help you out.

All these for zero maintaining balance! There is an ongoing promo until November 30, 2021, which involves cash gifts under the following conditions: 

●        P100 cash gift for P1,000 -P3,000 initial deposit

●        P300 cash gift for P3,001 -P5,000 initial deposit

●        P500 cash gift for P5,001 and up initial deposit

 

The best thing about RCBC’s digital banking service is that it has been recognized by various local and international bodies as one of the country’s best digital banks. That should mean it is considered to have best-in-class digital features and services.

What else is there to think about when you can do an easy, secure, and complete way to do digital banking? All it takes is a few minutes of your time with RCBC Digital.

Vibrant Glamour Skincare Essentials

Vibrant Glamour Skincare Essentials

From hair care to makeup, Shopee Beauty has all your makeup and skincare needs! Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 90% off, new launches, and exciting offers fit from various brands for every makeup & skincare haul--only from Shopee Beauty!

Experience the anti-aging effects of Retinol with these Vibrant Glamour skincare essentials, Now up to 75% off only on Shopee Beauty!

Vibrant Glamour was the first to discover a method for stabilizing retinol, combining it with ingredients like Vitamin E to make it safe & effective for daily use. This VIBRANT GLAMOUR Natural Retinol Anti Aging Whitening Face Cream (30g) contains 2.5% pure Retinol which helps combat the five visible signs of aging: wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, rough texture, and loss of firmness. Increases skin elasticity, promotes collagen production and stimulates skin cells renewal. 

Get it here: https://shopee.ph/product/170551704/3866694941/

VIBRANT GLAMOUR Hair Removal Cream Painless Depilatory Cream. Is a painless hair removal solution that you can do at home with results that last longer than shaving. The unwanted hair can be easily removed using a spatula. This repair lotion soothes and calms the skin after hair removal. It also helps restore its normal chemical balance. Get it here: https://shopee.ph/product/170551704/2699643917/

VIBRANT GLAMOUR Bamboo Charcoal Blackhead Remover Mask contains powerful bamboo extracts that easily removes pore-clogging dirt and extra oils, effectively preventing blackheads and tightening skin for a cleaner, clearer, and more youthful appearance! Get it here: https://shopee.ph/product/170551704/2684426260/

VIBRANT GLAMOUR Skin Renewing Double Retinol Face Serum 30ml. Double Retinol, clear superoxide free radicals, does not only reverse photoaging, but also accelerates skin self-renewal, inhibits the formation of wrinkles, promotes collagen synthesis, fade fine lines, helps the corneous layer update, and brighten skin tone for delicate and firm skin. Get it here: https://shopee.ph/product/170551704/6691867885/

Add to cart na sa Shopee!

 Nestlé Philippines Named Among Top Workplaces in Asia at the ACES Awards 2021

 

In time for the celebration of its 110th year presence in the country, Nestlé Philippines was recently named as one of the top workplaces in Asia by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards. This distinction is given to companies that “take on a people centric approach and demonstrate strong commitment towards employee empowerment and enrichment.”

Today, Nestlé prides itself with a highly engaged and diverse team of 5,000 individuals, unified by its shared purpose of delivering Good food, Good life all over the country. Its brands are some of the country’s leading and most trusted today, and have become staples in every Filipino household. 

As a community that comes together with a shared purpose, its people drive the strength of its brand, the quality of products, and the impact of its work. Nestlé cultivates an inclusive and collaborative environment that empowers people and teams to shape a happier, healthier future for individuals and families, for communities and for the planet. 

A force for Good in Diversity 

In its drive for diversity and inclusion, Nestlé has actively created programs that foster a workplace culture that generates equal opportunities for everyone, where people are treated with dignity and respect. Through its evolving workplace policies, Nestlé employees enjoy flexible work arrangement options and maternity protection for women as well as expanded benefits eligibility for employees in same gender and common law partnerships.

 

Its deliberate actions and strategic approach towards gender balance acceleration the past years have resulted in increased representation of women in management positions and key business critical positions. Nestlé’s global monitoring also affirms no significant pay gap exists between men and women at Nestlé.  

As a people-inspired company, respect and trust are the greatest strengths of Nestlé. The organization places high value on the unique perspectives that people bring to the team, which sharpen performance and drive the business. 

 

A force for Good in Well-being 

As an organization committed to offering good nutrition, Nestlé applies the same duty of care for the health and overall well-being of the people behind its products to nurture the best ambassadors for Good food, Good life. Through its advanced health and wellness programs, employees are supported across life stages with above-industry standard medical coverage and interventions focused on holistic health.  

Nestlé Philippines’ response to the pandemic for its employees has been remarkable. Beyond flexible work arrangements and workplace safety protocols, it increased focus on mental health and equipped people managers on mental first aid as the first line of support for employees. The company continues to encourage employees to seek mental health assistance through the Employee Assistance Program hotline.  

 

A force for Good in Talent Development 

Nestlé prides itself in attracting, retaining and developing talented people driven to be a force for Good. Through the years, the company has consistently demonstrated high employee engagement and kept attrition rates at remarkably low rates versus the industry standard.  

Through Nestlé’s presence in almost every country in the world, Nestlé Philippines continues to bring local talent to the global stage with over 37 Filipino expats leading teams in different markets across the globe. 

Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) recognizes Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) as the Top Workplace in Asia. In the photo, NPI SVP and Head of HR Mitzie Antonio, and NPI Chairman and CEO, Kais Marzouki.

As one of Nestlé’s key markets, Nestlé Philippines is an excellent training ground that provides holistic development opportunities for individuals across all career stages. It also takes pride in being local-led, with over half of its current executive committee composed of Filipinos and mostly home-grown talent from the company’s Management Trainee Program.   

 

With a proud heritage built over 110 years for the Filipino families, Nestlé celebrates the people behind its iconic brands and products and commits to nurture a culture of Good to keep its employees inspired and engaged to fulfill their purpose and help others fulfill theirs. 

UnionBank UPAY for MSME: Helping level the playing field for the country’s growing number of MSMEs

 

UnionBank UPAY for MSME: Helping level the playing field for the country’s growing number of MSMEs

 

Filipinos are now utilizing digital payments more than ever. Last month, the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that digital payments made up 20.1 percent of all transactions in 2020, more than double the figure from two years ago of 10 percent. This strong momentum is creating opportunities particularly for enterprising Filipinos who engage in e-commerce.

To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country capitalize on this growing trend, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), the region’s digital trailblazer and the country’s foremost bank for MSMEs, has launched a groundbreaking feature that will make e-payments easier and secure not only for customers but also for MSMEs—the new UPAY for MSME.

Jaypee Soliman
UnionBank Vice President and MSME Segment Head

This was unveiled at the Bank's 12th E-TalkTales media event, wherein UnionBank Vice President and MSME Segment Head Jaypee Soliman, and UnionBank Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Head Gerry Austria led discussions on the critical role of digitizing payments in the country's fast evolving market.

Soliman began the discussions by talking about the state of digital payments in the country, citing the significant growth in the number of Filipinos who utilize these payment solutions. This is an indication that Filipinos are now more open to the idea of becoming a cash-lite society.

“This shows how the consumers are now transacting digitally. They are ready. They are there. The number of Filipinos having e-wallets and bank accounts continue to grow. But the question is, are the MSMEs ready to accept digital payments?"

This is where UPAY comes in. UPAY is a groundbreaking digital payments solution designed to make acceptance of multiple payment options accessible to MSMEs. It offers a fully integrated, single platform payment collection complete with other features that can make inbound payments easier for entrepreneurs, including the option to generate payment links with multiple collection channels, and the option to generate InstaPay QRPH for digital and physical channels.

"UPAY for MSMEs is a payment gateway that is embedded in our MSME Business Banking App. Businesses of all sizes and types now have the power to generate payment links, request payments, send it to their customers and provide multiple payment options, all these reconciled and credited to a single UnionBank account," Soliman said.

What makes UPAY convenient for accepting payments is that customers can choose their preferred payment channel either via Unionbank Online, InstaPay, Other Digital Wallets, Credit/Debit Cards and even over-the-counter through UnionBank’s expansive network of partner channels nationwide.

Gerry Austria
UnionBank Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Head 

"When we conceptualized UPAY for MSMEs, we wanted to do away with all the different hassles that the merchant is experiencing to set up his payments, one of which is having to connect to a point-of-sale system, having to have different devices, having to have to download different apps," Austria said.

"Second, it's the efficiency in doing business. You don't need to be in your physical store to actually have a customer pay you. You can actually be vacationing somewhere else and someone wants to buy a product which they saw through your post on Instagram or Facebook. You can actually just create a payment link and send it to that customer, so it's very convenient for both the merchant and the customer," Austria added.

Through the new feature, UnionBank wants to level the playing field for MSMEs by making the feature accessible to them, which was previously only available to the bigger merchants as part of enterprise platforms that are too technologically demanding and expensive for smaller players.

 

For more information about the company and this article, please visit

www.unionbankph.com/msme/upay

 

 

CreativeFest brings together ad heavyweights, industry leaders to unlock creativity

Manila Luzon and other creative heavyweights headline PHL’s largest ad event

 

The largest gathering of creative professionals, marketing experts, and thought leaders from a wide variety of fields is coming together once again to celebrate the power of creativity to move the world and drive it forward at CreativeFest, to be held virtually for the second year in a row this November 24 to 26, with "Creativity Unlocked" as the theme.

The media and representatives from allied industries had a sneak peek into the event through a Media and Industry Preview held online last November 9. Details of the event were discussed during the exclusive preview, including the list of speakers and the topics they’ll tackle. The good news is that admission to it will remain free for everyone.

“The [Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies in the Philippines] believes that imagination and inventiveness should be always celebrated in whatever form or scale,” Melvin Mangada, Chairman of the 4As and Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of TBWA\ Santiago Mangada Puno said. “This year’s theme, Creativity Unlocked, is again a call of defiance—creating stories from our dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. And despite cramped spaces, limited movement and physical interaction, we’ve proven that the creative mind knows no boundaries.”

“The theme is actually to celebrate those who have surpassed the challenging times and difficult as it is to cope with the situation, it is even more inspiring that people were able to come up with wonderful work despite the circumstances. Creativity Unlocked is not only our theme but our battle cry to continue to do inspired and fresh work even in the confines of our own homes,” Teeny Gonzales, Seven A.D. CEO and 4As Co-Trustee in-charge of Creative Services furthered.

One of the expected highlights of this year’s CreativeFest is the Keynote Address that will be delivered by one of the most famous drag queens today, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and soon to be host of the much-anticipated Filipino Reality Drag competition Drag Den, Manila Luzon. Luzon made a special video appearance during the media preview and she invited her fans and creative professionals to join her for CreativeFest.

“I’m so excited for you to hear my keynote and how drag has helped millions in its relentless pursuit of effective protest and people’s embrace of drag as an art form. For everyone watching, please don’t forget to register for CreativeFest happening on November 24th to November 26th,” Manila Luzon said.

Aside from Manila Luzon, many creative heavyweights are also expected to attend CreativeFest 2021 to deliver inspiring talks and take part in thought-provoking roundtable discussions.

Madonna Badger, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of Badger and Winters will deliver the Day 2 Keynote Address for the CreativeFest. Other expected speakers are Cannes Spokesperson Susie Walker; Dentsu Taiwan Executive Creative Director Alice Chou; Lego Creative Lead and Trese Creator Budjette Tan; OPM Band Ben&Ben; and many others.

“We’re very excited that the full line-up of the CreativeFest, from November 24 to 26 is huge, it’s global, and hopefully it inspires everyone to stay creative and keep creativity unlocked in our blood,” JC Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of Propel Manila and CreativeFest Chairman said.

This year will also see the return of the Kidlat Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Philippine advertising. The Kidlat Awards was not held last year because of the pandemic, and as such this year’s recognition will cover the period between 2019 to 2021. The awards night will be the culminating activity of this year’s CreativeFest and will happen on November 26.

“Kidlat Awards is back!” Russel Molina, Chief Creative Officer of Seven A.D. and Committee Chairman of the Kidlat Awards said. “It signals a new chapter for us in the industry and it gives us renewed energy for the advertising industry.”

Just like last year, CreativeFest 2021 remains free for everyone. The event will also benefit Silid-Aralan, an organization that educates and empowers low-performing learners, and is committed to creating a better and more sustainable nation.

This year’s CreativeFest is brought to us by Bench, JTI, and Ginebra, in partnership with Cignal, TV5, One Sports, Provill, Google Creative Works, Grupo Agatep, Adobo Magazine, Hit Productions, and Plan B.

To register for the event for free, please visit this link https://4asphilippines.com/creativefest2021/.

To know the latest about CreativeFest and Kidlat Awards, please visit www.4asphilippines.com and like and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4asPhilippines.