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.

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.

"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

SM Megamall is going " Bright 2021 " this Christmas

 

SM Supermalls are bringing out your holiday spirit with exciting deals, scrumptious feasts, and snap-worthy spots where you can create and share wonderful moments with your loved ones dahil siguradong #ChristmaSayaAtSM.

SM is bringing out the fun at every SM Supermall. Celebrate with SM in the most wonderful season of the year where you and your family is certified to have a safe and fun Christmas #TogetherAtSM. #EverythingsHereAtSM

Christmas may be different from years past, but the meaning behind this season remains. Although the pandemic has forced us to downsize our traditionally large Noche Buena gatherings, we have hope in better days ahead that will allow us a merrier celebration – the blessing of once again being able to gather with fully-vaccinated loved ones around the same Christmas tree.

SM Supermalls brings this same celebration to its shoppers with a series of memorable Christmas celebrations, all while implementing strict #SafeMalling protocols.

Christmas reimagined. To help reignite and uplift the hearts & spirits of Filipinos this holiday season, SM has reimagined safe bonding experiences with dazzling indoor and outdoor attractions that allow for picture-perfect shopping and dining activities for the whole family from November 5 to January 6. There will be Christmas markets, parks and villages, Santa appearances, character meet and greets, Christmas medleys, magical firework displays & drone shows, and other surprises. You can also look forward to an online Simbang Gabi which you may attend with your loved ones via SM Supermalls’ official Facebook page on https://facebook.com/smsupermalls/.

Noche Buena favorites during SM Holiday Resto Week. Noche Buena is the hallmark of every Filipino’s Christmas Eve celebration. Now that you’re able to celebrate with your loved ones, make this year’s Christmas spread more festive with delicious meals & treats available at SM. From December 13-25, you can look forward to SM’s Holiday Resto Week and enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants.

Explore, shop, and win at SM Christmas Saya Village. Though online shopping has become more accessible during the pandemic, we still find ourselves missing the experience of being physically present at the SM Malls. With that in mind, SM has made shopping and dining much more safe, convenient, and exciting by launching the SM Christmas Saya Village! Register online at smchristmasayavillage.ph or through SM Supermalls’ Facebook page to join this fun tech experience where you can play and create your own avatar to immerse yourself in a virtual Christmas zone at SM– from dining & shopping, to exquisite Christmas centerpieces and a fun play area! Plus, you can collect coins to redeem tons of exciting deals and vouchers from SM. Just be sure to pre-register from November 5-14 so you can enjoy an online shopping experience on a whole other level! This promo, which will run from November 15 to December 25, is not to be missed!

Share smiles with SM Bears of Joy. This pandemic has taught us to share what we have with those who have less. Every year, SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom come together to give shoppers a chance to share the holiday season cheer with children in need. Starting November 12, shoppers can purchase the bears at P200 per pair – one to keep, and one to be donated to charity. This simple act of kindness can go a long way, especially during a time when empathy is needed most.

ndeed, Christmas has evolved with the times, but knowing that SM has our happiness and safety in mind, we are able to relive great holiday memories with our loved ones in the malls we call home.

SM implements strict #SafeMallingAtSM protocols nationwide and offers an equally convenient online shopping option with the SM Malls Online app on the Google Play or App Store. For more information, visit http://www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

SM Aura Premier Lights Up A Christmas To Fall In Love With

 

In true fashion to the BGC-based upscale mall, saying that the holidays will be grand is something of an understatement. Going with an extravagant theme of reds and golds with shimmering bright lights, SM Aura Premier invites all to experience a Christmas that makes one feel like they’ve popped into their very own Christmas romance movie, like a wonderful scarlet dream.

What’s so wonderful about these movies is that, apart from being aesthetically beautiful, they evoke heartstring tugging feelings of hope, wonder, joy and love. These are the very same emotions that SM Aura Premier is bringing this holiday season.

As mallgoers visit SM Aura Premier to complete their Christmas lists, they’re greeted not just by the glimmering mall decorations. An abundance of seasonally festive offerings are also in line to experience, enjoy and love.

The Christmas tree centerpiece features giant red trees, Broadway-light adorned archways and larger-than-life romantic swans. Integrated into this is a safe designated dining area that’s decorated to match. The mall-based Christmas tree tradition is made more special as visitors are allowed to just admire but to also dine among and within a move set-like experience.

The opportunity to dine and get fancy is heightened with a by-reservation-only high tea service. Hosted by the mall’s newly opened store, T2, which is an Australian tea brand, will be open to accept reservations and to serve their selection of delectable teas in their exquisite teaware. The Royal High Tea with T2 will be available from Thursdays to Sundays of December 2021.

The Christmas tree set-up will also play host to a Santa Meet & Greet. The much awaited appearance of the iconic Christmas symbol of laughter and love is a yearly tradition and will return to SM Aura Premier on December 24th and 25th, 3pm onwards.

These immersive experiences aren’t just contained at the centerpiece vicinity. An equally spectacular experience awaits at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. At 7pm on all Sunday nights of December and December 25th itself, a jaw-dropping show will entrance and excite all who visit the Skypark’s red carabao sculpture. They can stop and enjoy the choreographed audio and visual performance, titled Nights of Dazzling Music & Lights.

All the holiday features and activities aren’t the only offerings to fall in love with. There are amazing deals and discounts from participating stores around the mall. This can even be enjoyed online through SM Supermalls’ new shopping app, SM Malls Online which SM Aura Premier is now a part of, just in time for the holidays. From November 1st until the end of December, app customers can enjoy a discount of 15% OFF when they use the special code: SMAURA.

For more information on SM Aura Premier’s holiday offerings, visit @SMAuraPremier on Facebook and Instagram

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It’s 100 Days ‘til Christmas and it’s all about caring and giving at SM Supermalls

The past years have always had us counting down to the most wonderful time of the year when the ‘ber’ months roll in; Christmas carols fill the air, dazzling tree lights dot the streets, shopping for gifts becomes a sport, and everyone else goes on a diet to make way for Christmas feasts.

This year may not be as festive as previous years, but it will most certainly be more meaningful. SM showed us the most uplifting way to best celebrate the season with “100 Days of Caring”; featuring 100 days of spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care for one another and for the communities surrounding our favorite SM malls. The virtual event showcasing the pledges happened last Thursday, Sept 16, 2021 over FB Live and WatchSM on YouTube.

“100 days of Caring”. To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM pledged to donate to over 10,000 beneficiaries, namely communities in need, hardworking SM employees, medical frontliners and dedicated delivery partners, among others. Some of the beneficiaries and their partner malls are as follows: 

• SM North EDSA is giving 100 pairs of World Balance rubber shoes to seniors from Graces Home for the Elderly in Quezon City.
• SM Megamall, The Podium, and SM Center Pasig chose delivery partners who will be recipients of 100 raincoats and rain boots.
• From SM Mall of Asia, 100 sets of care packages like face masks, face shields, Ensure milk, vitamins, supplements, and more, will be handed over to senior citizens within the community.
• SM Southmall chose SOS Children’s Villages as to receive various story and educational books.
• Metro Manila and Rizal malls chose several orphanages, namely: Associacion De Damas Filipinas, Bahay Aruga, White Cross Orphanage, and The Little Children’s Home to receive 100 toys and essential goods each, especially prepared by SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Taytay and SM Center Angono.
• In North Luzon, 100 Aeta families from Zambales and Tarlac will be given grocery packs by SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Olongapo Central, and SM City Tarlac; fishermen in Pangasinan will be handed with fishing supplies by SM City Rosales, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM Center Dagupan; while select tricycle and jeepney drivers in Bulacan will be given 100 pairs of shoes by SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.
• SM City Bacoor will give 100 brail books to the Deaf & Blind Foundation Philippines.
• In the Visayas, SM City Cebu will bring smiles to kids of Kythe Foundation with 100 toys; while SM City Iloilo will give 100 25kg sacks of rice to healthcare and peace & order frontliners. SM City Puerto Princesa on the other hand, will have 100 grocery bags to displaced tourism personnel.
• SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier will be handing out 100 farming tools to local farmers; while SM City Butuan will be giving 100 Fiesta Food Packs to Por Cristo Foundation, Inc.

‘Gift’ for your mental health. Aside from our physical health being at risk during a pandemic, our mental health is also affected due to the stress and anxiety these times bring. And since SM believes in the value of taking care of our mental health, Dr Gia Sison, MD DPCOM gave a  ‘Call to Share’ talk during the virtual launch. Dr Gia Sison is a mental health advocate and co-founder of PH Leader Livestrong Foundation. Her talk centered on how to cope during this stressful time and still find hope in a better tomorrow.

100 voices that care. If there’s one thing that binds us all Filipinos together, it’s our passion and love for music. While we may not be allowed to have big gatherings this year, SM entertained the audience with the performance of the 3 Divas – Rahda, Frenchie and Bituin Escalante; later on joined by 100 artists, singers, and SM employees and stakeholders who came together to sing during the virtual launch on Sept 16.

We may be in the middle of a pandemic, times may be tough, and many of us may be physically apart, but let’s not forget what this season truly means. To view the event, go to WatchSM on YouTube.

For more information, bookmark www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Blued hosts new platform for gay talents with “Super Idol”

This September, the gay social networking and dating app Blued is launching “ Super Idol ” a talent competition to showcase LGBTQ+ talents from around the globe.

“The year 2021 is shaping up to be a promising year for LGBTQ+ talents despite limitations set by the pandemic. Recently, famous drag personalities announced the premiere of two drag shows in the Philippines,” said Liam Lu, Head of Blued International. “This time, Blued is proud to host a new platform for even more gay talents with ‘Super Idol’.”

Blued is the world’s first LGBTQ+ app to introduce a live streaming feature in 2016. It also introduced Voice Chat Rooms and Quick Chat—functions for live audio conversations and video call speed dating, respectively.

Recently, the app launched its global #LiveYourPride campaign in celebration of this year’s Pride Month. Additionally, Blued Philippines celebrated gays of all shapes and stories through “Living My Gay Life,” a local campaign which featured notable personalities such as viral content creators Sassa Gurl and Pipay Kipay, along with filmmaker and HIV advocate Wanggo Gallaga.

Set to be hosted on the Blued app, “Super Idol” is an upcoming talent competition open to all its 60 million plus users worldwide. The grand winner, as well as active audiences, both stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to $22,000.

To join, aspiring contestants must post their entries on their social media, tag the official Blued account, and have prior access to Blued Live. Auditions run from September 6 to 8, 2021.

Among all registered hopefuls, 30 will be selected to perform a series of tasks in the semifinal round. From there, the top five contestants will compete for the title of Blued’s first “Super Idol.”

Actor and comedian Awra Briguela is also set to appear as a guest judge in the final round.

“Filipinos are known to be a pageant and talent show-loving people. This is evident in their active participation in both local and international competitions,” said Lu. “With ‘Super Idol,’ we hope that the next big Filipino LGBTQ+ talent will be able to showcase their unique brand of star power and charisma on a larger, global stage.”

From the colorful gay pageants of small barrios to the anticipated “Drag Cartel” shows of popular bars, LGBTQ+ talents have long been carving their own niche in the local scene. With the boom of more competitions like this both on television and online, Blued is also out to create and redefine its own safe space for talented Filipino gays—even in the time of the pandemic.

Those interested to join “Super Idol” may see the full mechanics here.

Calling all batang 90s: Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster just released a new flavor!

Remember Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster? Yes, that delicious and iconic ring-shaped potato snack continues to capture the hearts of Filipinos. Many Pinoys who fell in love with these cheesy playful rings will be thrilled to find out about its quirky new look and exciting new flavor -- barbecue!

Roller Coaster Barbecue comes in two sizes--solo pack for snack times by yourself, and buddy pack, which is perfect for sharing. Let the balanced sweet, savory, and smokey barbecue taste tickle your taste buds. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with your fave refreshing drink.

Universal Robina Corporation, the maker of Roller Coaster and other famous Jack 'n Jill snacks, released a barbecue variant to delight snack-loving Pinoys. What better way to surprise them than with a flavor that Filipinos especially love, which is why URC chose to make this new delicious creation.

Good call, yes? 

The classic Roller Coaster Cheddar Cheese also debuted its brand-new look that screams “Keep the Fun Rolling!” If you haven’t seen it yet, perhaps now is the time to grab a bag of these yummy chips and have yourself a playfully fun snack experience!

Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster snacks are available in Shopee, all leading supermarkets nationwide, and in select grocery apps. To know more, you may follow @RollerCoasterPH on Facebook.

This new meaty creation from Taco Bell is calling out to your beef-loving soul

 

What’s your go-to protein when dining at Taco Bell? Maybe you prefer the Mexican-style beef options. Maybe you are more for the equally tasty chicken-based dishes. Or maybe you love to chow down on some garnishing of juicy pork from time to time. But don’t go picking your ultimate fave meat just yet, because Taco Bell has cooked up something new that will surely shake things up for you, fellow meat lover!

Get ready for Taco Bell’s new Beef Carnitas protein option! Savor the taste of slow-cooked chunks of beef made all the more delicious by a delectable blend of tangy garlic sauce and a bit of sweetness, amping up the meatiness and bringing a new world of flavor to many of your Taco Bell favorites!

You can have your pick between two fan-favorite options, Quesadillas and Burritos. Enjoy Beef Carnitas nestled between layers of gooey melted three cheese blend and all wrapped up in a deliciously toasted flour tortilla with Taco Bell’s Beef Carnitas Quesadilla. You can also have this new protein option in your Burrito, made with a hearty bedding of rice, veggies, and the new Beef Carnitas! That’s more than just chunks of beef, that’s greatness in every bite!

Satisfy your cravings for a Mexican-inspired meal with Taco Bell! Prices start at just ₱159, and you can add ₱70 for Nacho Sprinkles and a 16oz soda to go with your meal.

If you’re looking for a meal to satisfy even the biggest craving, there are also two new Big Bell Box options to choose from featuring the new Beef Carnitas!

First is the Beef Carnitas Burrito Big Bell Box, which comes with 1 Beef Carnitas Burrito, 1 Crunchy Taco, a serving each of Nacho Sprinkles and Cinnamon Twists, and 16-oz soda, starting at P299. You can also go for the Beef Carnitas Quesadilla Big Bell Box, which comes
with 1 Beef Carnitas Quesadilla, a serving each of Fiesta Potatoes, Nacho Sprinkles, and Cinnamon Twists, and 16-oz soda, starting at P369.

This promo lasts only from August 24 to October 18, 2021, so don’t miss out on your chance to try this special offer from Taco Bell.

Head to the nearest Taco Bell restaurant to discover the wonderfully meaty Taco Bell Beef Carnitas Burrito and Quesadilla today. You may also call 8911-1111 to place your order and have it delivered to your doorstep. You can also enjoy these brand-new offerings with just a few taps on your smart device, as Taco Bell is available in GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Pick.A.Roo.

For more information about the promo as well as other deals and offers, like and follow Taco Bell on Facebook and Instagram.