SOCIAL MEDIA

McDonald’s makes your favorite burgers Fresh N Tasty, just the way you like it

Friday, August 5, 2022



Experience a fresh new way to enjoy your McDonald’s favorites with the addition of lettuce and tomatoes!


Burgers are undeniably on top of everyone’s not-so-guilty pleasures. And why not – the savory goodness of beef patties or chicken fillets paired with oozing cheese and hefty buns are just too satisfying to ignore.
And while we enjoy the filling taste that burgers provide, McDonald’s is here to give us the food fixes we never knew we needed through Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers – your favorite McDonald’s burgers now with slices of zesty tomato and refreshing lettuce!

You heard that right – there’s more to love in the McDonald’s burgers you already love and enjoy! Have a more delectable dining experience with Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers as McDonald’s now offers tomatoes and lettuce to the classic favorites Burger McDo, Cheesy Burger McDo, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Double Cheeseburger, and Quarter Pounder with Cheese!
Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers are now available at your nearest McDonald’s branch via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery. Be sure to follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on everything #McDoFreshNTasty and McDonald’s!

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Have a safe online shopping experience with Shopee Cares PH

Thursday, August 4, 2022

 


With more Filipinos relying on e-commerce to get their essentials, this has also increased the need to protect them due to the growing number of fraudulent activities happening in the digital space. In a Consumer Pulse Survey conducted by TransUnion in February 20221, of the over 1,000 Filipino adults polled, 53% said they were targeted by fraudsters in the previous 3 months. From the same survey, 42% said they were scammed by Phishing, 38% were victimized by money and gift card scams, while 30% were scammed by third-party sellers via online retail shops. While businesses in different industries are continuously upgrading their platforms, fraudsters also search for ways on how they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and discover new vulnerabilities. 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to enhance user protection and security by educating customers on vulnerabilities, and how they can avoid being a victim of fraud. With the recently launched Shopee Cares PH – an online community platform where Shopee provides customer education and support – the goal is to empower consumers with proper know-hows and tips on how they can protect themselves from phishing scams, money and gift card scams, and third party seller scams. 

Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s online shopping experience is safe and reliable, and Shopee Cares is a testament to that. Through this platform, we aim to equip them with knowledge on how to shop safely and combat these online scams together so that they can continuously enjoy shopping online.” 



With Shopee Cares PH, users are also encouraged to seek help for any product inquiry or concern, and inspire other users through their memorable Shopee finds and experiences. Sale tips and tricks are also provided to ensure online shopping is made enjoyable with exclusive deals and promos. 

“As more Filipinos rely on e-commerce, we continuously ensure that measures are in place to make their experience with Shopee more secure. What we want is for our shoppers to continue enjoying the benefits of online shopping, as this has become an essential part of their daily lives,” Yu added. 

Be part of the community! 
Visit the official facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/ShopeeCaresPH and the official twitter page at https://twitter.com/ShopeeCaresPH.

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Emirates expands its Tel Aviv schedule with second daily flight

 

A little over a month since it inaugurated its first flight, Emirates has announced plans to boost connectivity and increase travel options for customers flying between Dubai and Tel Aviv with a second daily flight, starting October 30, 2022. The additional morning frequency is in response to high demand for travel to/from Israel, and builds on the success of Emirates’ existing operation, as the airline reaffirms its commitment to growing its presence in the country.

The second daily flight will be served by the modern and efficient Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in a three class configuration. The new schedule will operate as follows: EK 933 departs Dubai at 0815hrs arriving in Tel Aviv at 0950hrs. EK 934 leaves Tel Aviv at 1150hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1650hrs*.

The second flight provides Emirates customers from Israel with additional travel options to Dubai, as well as convenient onwards connections to popular destinations. The new flight also unlocks enhanced connectivity to a multitude of points within Emirates’ global network such as Auckland, Brisbane, Perth, Bali, Seoul, and Singapore, as well as points across India, among others, making it easier for Israeli travelers to discover new places with shorter transit times.

The service will also provide customers traveling to Israel with more flexibility when planning their trip with the choice of a morning arrival at Ben Gurion airport, in addition to the existing EK931 service which arrives in the evening. Customers can also take advantage of Emirates’ partnership with flydubai when planning their travel, which includes a robust schedule of multiple daily codeshare flights.

Travelers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky, with thoughtful product touches and exceptional service provided by its multinational cabin crew. Customers across every class will be able to enjoy Emirates’ ice entertainment system with over 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment to choose from, including numerous Hebrew language movies and programs, regionally inspired menus complemented by a wide selection of beverages, as well as specially prepared kosher meals, available for pre-order on all flights.

Emirates’ second daily flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv will also provide another 20 tonnes of cargo belly-hold capacity for businesses, further opening global trade lanes through enhanced import and export opportunities.

Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Offices, via travel agents or through online travel agents.

Customers connecting through Dubai are encouraged to check the latest travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination.

*All timings are local.

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Feeling lucky? Shop exciting promos and freebies at the OPPO 8.8 Brand Day Sale!



Enjoy exclusive discounts up to 56% off, discount vouchers, and more during the OPPO Mega Brand Day Sale on Shopee and Lazada from August 8-12


Time to check out those gadgets you’ve been eyeing and be lucky enough to score huge discounts, awesome freebies, and more this month as global smart device brand OPPO celebrates its 8.8 Sale! Add your dream smartphone and wearables to your Lazada or Shopee carts from August 8 to 12.

Spend the whole week shopping for your favorite OPPO smartphones and wearables, with up to 56% off on the bestselling A16 and A55, and the Portrait Experts OPPO Reno5, Reno6, and Reno7 5G, OPPO Band and Enco Buds.

For buyers who want to try their luck on 8.8, OPPO is giving away freebies, like G25 Bluetooth earphones for each smartphone purchase (per order ID) from 12:00-2:00pm only, and A8 Long Speakers for every purchase (per order ID) of A55 from 9:00pm-11:59pm only. If you’re not one of the early bird shoppers, there are still more freebies in store for you! Throughout the five-day sale, you can also take home a 32GB SD card for extra storage of every A16 3GB buys and TG113 Bluetooth Speakers for all A55 purchases. If the Portrait Expert Reno Series is more for you, you can also take home Neon Island Deskpad for all Reno6 orders, and free A8 Long Speakers and Neon Island Deskpad for all Reno7 Series buys. 

If you’re also in the market for a bundle deal, the OPPO 8.8 sale is your chance to add to cart Enco Buds plus your gadget of choice for a steal! OPPO offers the Band + Enco Buds bundle for only Php 1,999; the A55 + Enco Buds for only Php 9,499; the A94 + Enco Buds for Php 11,999; Reno5 + Enco Buds for Php 15,999; and Reno5 5G + Enco Buds for Php 19,999. 

Don’t forget to redeem your free shipping vouchers during the sale period - that’s Php50 off for Shopee and Php55 off for Lazada, with a minimum spend of Php500. Plus, collect store vouchers worth Php200 and Php400, for every minimum spend of Php9,999 and Php14,999 respectively. Lazada shoppers can take home a little extra, as you can also redeem Php50 vouchers for every Php500 spent, and get 10% coins cashback with every purchase.

Giving you more ways to try your luck and look forward to 8.8, OPPO will also be hosting livestreams through their Tiktok account, and giving away special flash deals and prizes! Tune in on August 7 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, August 8 from 11:00am to 9:00pm, August 9 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and August 10 from 11:0am to 7:00pm to fill your cart with exciting freebies and vouchers.

Add to cart with OPPO this 8.8 Super Brand Day Sale!

Start filling up your carts through OPPO’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada, and catch the 8.8 Livestreams through OPPO Philippines’ Tiktok page. For more updates and detailed promotion mechanics about the sale, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or the official Facebook page.
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Make Bayad part of your complete shopping experience at Shopwise Business Centers

Tuesday, August 2, 2022


As the pioneer and trusted brand for bills payment services in the Philippines, Bayad takes on a more proactive approach in amplifying its “Pay Anywhere” stance, offering a whole suite of financial products and solutions.

Despite the massive shift to digital payments during this time of pandemic, Bayad equally ensures the availability of its physical touchpoints to cater to Filipinos who still depend on cash transactions.

Aside from its Bayad Centers, Bayad has continued to partner with several industries to offer the convenience of over-the-counter transactions. In line with this, Bayad has intensified its partnership with Robinsons Retail Holding, Inc. as it recently relaunched its supermarket brand, Shopwise, establishing its name into an International Grocery Shopping Center, that offers a wider selection of imported and local products.

The said partnership then enables the perks of having to pay bills at Shopwise Business Centers, making the shopping experience a one stop shop solution for customers who are always on the go.

Through Shopwise’s interoperability with Bayad, its Business Centers now accepts bills payment services covering brands from household utilities, government contribution, bank loans, and credit card payments. 

Apart from these, they also accept airline ticketing payment services and loading services for telecommunications and transportation.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared “We at Bayad are keen in providing efficient and secured financial solutions as we respond to the ever-changing needs of our customers and stakeholders. As Filipinos gradually navigate their way in the new normal and adjust their way back to a face-to-face lifestyle, we continue to strengthen our partnership with brands like Shopwise to foster a better customer experience and drive financial inclusion.”

“We value not just the way people do payments but also all the activities associated with payments.”, added Ferrer.

“For us at Shopwise, we make it a priority to offer to our customers the convenience and access to vital services such as bills payments. Through this convenient service offering from Bayad Center, who has been our trusted partner to deliver value added services to our shoppers, we ensure that a customers’ trip to Shopwise becomes worthwhile and a truly satisfying experience for them,” shared Stanley Co, managing director of the Supermarket segment of Robinsons.###
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Filipina singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo and Singapore-based artist Benjamin Kheng team up one more time with new song “Panandalian"

Monday, August 1, 2022



The stripped-down track is a Tagalog rendition of “Good For A Time,” released in May 2022 as a collaborative effort between these two Asian acts

Filipina singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo teams up with Singapore-based artist Benjamin Kheng for the second time with the release of “Panandalian,” a Tagalog rendition of their initial collab track “Good For A Time.” The folk-pop track is also accompanied by the original and an acoustic English version in this bundle. 

“Good For A Time,” previously released in March 2022, has nearly 2 million streams to date and growing.

With lyrics translated by Jarlo Bâse, “Panandalian,” meaning ‘momentary’ in Tagalog, breathes new life to its English counterpart and comes with a lyric video featuring the same dreamy visuals that accentuate the bittersweet transience of a relationship.

Kheng adds, “being separated by miles due to the pandemic gave an added depth to the reality of the song. The song’s story felt like it could live in any world or language, and singing it in Tagalog gave it such a deeper sense of longing.”

Filipino singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo, best known for her prowess with the kalimba, was brought on as a feature to turn the song into a duet, highlighting the shared experience of heartbreak. Lorenzo describes the song as the seconds of silence between two people facing the realization of no longer being good for each other.

“Panandalian takes that brief moment and stretches it into a bittersweet 2-and-a-half minutes, painting a picture of young love and the peace that can come with letting go,” Lorenzo reminisces. 

Benjamin Kheng will be visiting Manila in early August 2022. 

Panandalian” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

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Binibining Pilipinas crowns 2022 queens to represent PHL in international pageants

 

Binibining Pilipinas crowned new beautiful, brilliant, and elegant Filipinas during the 58th Grand Coronation Night on July 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nicole Borromeo from Cebu took home the Bb. Pilipinas International title, Gabrielle Basiano from Eastern Samar earned the Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental crown, Chelsea Fernandez from Tacloban City bagged the title of Bb. Pilipinas Globe, and Roberta Angela Tamondong from San Pablo, Laguna won Bb. Pilipinas Grand International. Nicole Budol from Rizal and Stacey Daniella Gabriel from Cainta, Rizal were named Bb. Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up, respectively.

“We are all beaming with pride for all of our winners tonight,” Irene Jose, Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Executive Committee member, said. “These women have exemplified perseverance, sophistication and intellect, and we are proud because all their hard work has finally paid off. We are all so excited to see them flourish in the next stage of their journey, and we will always be here to support them.”

Special titles were also awarded during the Grand Coronation Night of Bb. Pilipinas. The Best in National Costume is Graciella Lehmann from Oriental Mindoro, while Gabrielle Basiano from Eastern Samar won Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. Ma. Isabela David was named Best Talent, Ylla Marie Aduana from Laguna was awarded Face of Binibini, Eiffel Janell Rosalita from Catanduanes is Bb. Friendship, and Roberta Angela Tamondong of San Pablo, Laguna is Bb. Philippine Airlines. Other special titles are Bb. Moist Diane Shampoo which was given to Karen Laurrie Mendoza from Iloilo City, while Chelsea Fernandez from Tacloban City is Bb. Ever Bilena.

Meanwhile, Nicole Budol from Rizal bagged seven special awards: Bb. Shein, Bb. Pizza Hut, Bb. Kumu, Jag Queen, Bb. Silka, Bb. World Balance and the Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice Award.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves returned to host the much-anticipated event, making this year the second year in a row that an all-female pair hosted the Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night. 

The event was judged by Hellenic Republic Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon, Founder and Model Director of Slay Model Management Cecilio ‘Cece’ Asuncion, Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis, Miss International First Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo, actress Jane De Leon, actor Joshua Garcia, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and members of the BPCI Executive Committee. 

Pinoy-pop (PPOP) group SB19, the artists for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas theme song, performed during the opening of the pageant as well as before the new queens were named as winners. Actress Maymay Entrata also gave a dazzling performance of her hit single AMAKABOGERA during the swimsuit round, where the candidates sizzled in designs by veteran stylist and official swimwear provider Justine Aliman.

“Through the years, Bb. Pilipinas has always been about empowering Filipinas to strive for something greater. And in the past two years, our Binibinis also helped inspire our nation to work together through the most difficult challenges. And now as we see glimmers of hope that a return to normalcy is finally upon us, our queens will continue to uplift our people. This year, we celebrate #BinibiniSisterhood and its power to overcome any challenge that we face,” Jose said.

This year’s Grand Coronation Night was the second year that the pageant was broadcasted live through various platforms both on TV and online, and it also marked the return of a live audience since 2019. This follows after the Bb. Pilipinas pageants were put on hold due to restrictions brought by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

The Binibining Pilipinas 58th Grand Coronation Night was broadcasted live on channels TV5, A2Z, The Kapamilya Channel and the Metro Channel, and was streamed online through iWantTFC and the Binibining Pilipinas official YouTube Channel.

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas, visit the new and improved https://www.bbpilipinas.com/. You can also download the new Bb. Pilipinas mobile app, it’s available for both Android and iOS users. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to Bb. Pilipinas on YouTube

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Allianz PNB Life honors Insurance Protection and Life Changers through fun new video campaign


Allianz PNB Life recently launched its latest digital campaign entitled “Who’s A Good Hooman?” featuring man’s best friend through a golden retriever named “Yanzy”. 

“Who’s A Good Hooman?” continues June’s “Seeds of Tomorrow” campaign, the aim of which was to communicate the message that insurance is one of the best ways to prepare for whatever the future may bring. This time, “Who’s A Good Hooman?” shines a spotlight on insurance protection, as well as Allianz PNB Life’s hardworking and dedicated Life Changers, the company’s most qualified individuals who can help potential customers to a more confident tomorrow.

“Allianz PNB Life firmly believes in securing the future of every Filipino. One of the best ways to achieve this is by educating them on the importance of insurance, and encouraging them to get insured,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO, Alexander Grenz. “This latest campaign was created to show how insurance can be like “man’s best friend”, who protects you, and to connect you to the people responsible for this protection, our Life Changers.”

Apart from recognizing the important role of Life Changers in guiding prospective and existing policyholders when it comes to their insurance needs, “Who’s A Good Hooman?” also aims to inspire viewers and show the fun side of protection, as well as to encourage them to join Allianz PNB Life in this endeavor.

“To the viewers who enjoyed the video, I would like to personally invite you to become part of Allianz PNB Life’s roster of Life Changers,” Grenz added. “There’s a reason we are called Life Changers. Whether you are a policyholder who trusts us with your future, or a Life Changer who has discovered a purpose in helping others, our end goal is always to change lives for the better.”

Become an Allianz PNB Life Changer by visiting the website here. The “Who’s A Good Hooman?” video can also be viewed here.

For more information on Allianz PNB Life’s Life Changers, as well the products and services Allianz PNB Life offers, please visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.

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SM Cares holds Emergency Preparedness Forum for senior citizens, PWDs anew


In celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares held its annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs and Senior Citizens, aimed to teach these most vulnerable groups on how to become prepared and resilient in times of emergencies and disasters. This is the 6th iteration of the project.

The event attended by more than 700 people was held at the SM North EDSA Skydome in Quezon City last July 22. This is the second of six venues where SM Cares will hold the forum for this year. 

“Being resilient is not just for the young and strong. We should always consider the PWDs and seniors when creating programs specially on disaster preparedness. That’s why we do this every year in different venues so we can reach and educate as many people as we can,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls SVP for Mall Operations.

SM Cares invited different groups to listen to the forum. One of which is the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) as they continue to banner their “always ready” mantra. “We always have to be prepared in everything that we do. Where SM is, Girl Scouts is there,” said GSP National President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also thanked SM Cares for their “hearts and compassion for PWDs and senior citizens” through a video greeting during the forum.

Joan Cruz-Salcedo from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) kick-started the event with topic about seismic hazards and its immediate effects. She also explained the different levels of intensity and the right time to evacuate in case of an earthquake. 

Weather Facilities Specialist Adelaida Duran from Philippine weather bureau PAG-ASA delivered the second session and discussed about flood disaster hazards, and flood mitigation measures that could be taken to lessen the impact of storms such as structural and non-structural methods.

The highlight of the session was the practical lessons given by Survival and Dis aster Management Expert Dr. Ted Esguerra. The audience were thought basic survival tactics designed for those who are physically limited or impaired. Esguerra also conducted earthquake simulation exercises that jolted the crowd with energy and enthusiasm.

The annual Emergency Preparedness Forum is just one of SM Cares' many initiatives in line with its programs for PWDs and senior citizens. The forum will also be held in other venues across the country, such as in SM Legazpi on July 27 and SM Seaside Cebu on August 3. SM Baguio already hosted its own emergency forum last July 13. 

This initiative supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities."

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for programs that support communities and promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the creation of bike-friendly SM Malls.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.



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UBX partners with WomenBizPH, SeedIn to boost women-led enterprises in PH


UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, cemented its role in empowering women in business by signing a groundbreaking partnership agreement with Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH), the leading voice of women in Commerce, and mobile financing powerhouse SeedIn.

Under the memorandum of agreement, the three groups will collaborate to build a Women-to-Women (W2W) Investment and Lending Portfolio, a basket of financial assets that will help empower Filipino women to become successful entrepreneurs. 

The W2W Investment and Lending Portfolio will provide beneficiaries with financial tools such as investment products and credit lines to empower them in their journey to become entrepreneurs. 

Women in SME businesses will have the opportunity to borrow using AI credit scoring fintech platforms starting with Seedin Philippines Inc. Qualified borrowers can be chosen by women investors. The network of top women business leaders and entrepreneurs of WomenbizPH will have priority to choose and act as investors for their chosen portfolio.

UBX’s SeekCap, an online lending marketplace, will facilitate the beneficiary onboarding, while disbursements and payments will be coursed through i2i, the banking-as-a-service venture of UBX, and BUx, the country’s leading payment gateway.

On the other hand, SeedIn will play the role of the primary lender. SeedIn will connect female investors to the portfolio both from WomenBizPH and its existing investor pool. Beneficiaries can request for a loan for as low as P300,000 or investment in a portfolio with just P1,000.

“UBX recognizes the gender gaps that hinder women from reaching their maximum potential. Thus, our vision of finance for all means eliminating these obstacles by providing women with innovative digital business tools and credit options through Open Finance,” UBX Chief Product Officer Anne Yosuico said.

WomenBizPH is the lead private sector partner of the government, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Commission on Women, and represents the Philippines in APEC and ASEAN events. 

“With the help of our fintech partners UBX and SeedIn, what we hope to do with is to be able to provide opportunities for women led businesses to get funding and hence would have a chance not only to survive but thrive,” said WomenBizPH Trustee/Treasurer Ida Tiongson.

SeedIn, on the other hand, is a mobile and web-based P2B Financing Platform where local businesses seeking short-term financing can match with individuals and institutions seeking short-term investments and has been considered one of South East Asia's largest Business Financing Platforms with funded projects in several countries throughout the region.

“This partnership with UBX and SeedIn, fortifies our commitment to support local small businesses and this extends to the elimination of gender disparity as well. Women play a major role in the country’s microeconomy, and empowering them by providing alternative financial solutions will undoubtedly make a big impact in improving the economic landscape in the Philippines”, said Mylene Abiva, Chairperson of WomenBizPH. 

In the Philippines, 54 percent of MSMEs are run by women. According to a study by the Asian Development Bank, women-led businesses are less likely to get bank loans and resort to reducing the number of employees. With the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, these businesses suffered even more, as the majority of them faced lack of funding and were forced to close down due to financial decline.

“This partnership will have a positive domino effect which will redound to boosting economic growth in the Philippines. This is real financial inclusion,” Tiongson said.

More fintech players are expected to be included in this endeavor to truly achieve finance for all. Soon enough, women entrepreneurs from across the archipelago will have access to Fintech Financing and Education, Fintech Investments, Platform for financial education through UBX.

To learn more about UBX, please visit www.ubx.ph.
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