No tellers, no lines-- Enter the Ark by UnionBank

                

Consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country, UnionBank launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines.

Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.

“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.

Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space.  It could also be used as a 3^rd space for different communities to get together.

The ARK, as a concept branch/ “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking.

Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.
For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.

“The ARK provides a service unlike any other.  There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.

At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction.  The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction. The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet.  Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests.

UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.

“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.

UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards.

Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector.

BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years.

“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.

Casa Ibarra opens its doors for your grand celebrations

The name Ibarra’s is now associated with the best events memories in generations of Filipinos. Starting with Ibarra’s Garden in Padre Faura in the early 2000s, countless brides, debutantes and other celebrants have found an Ibarra’s location for their special occasions.

            Today, Ibarra’s Party Venues and Catering officially unveils its fifth and grandest events venue, Casa Ibarra in MOA Complex, Pasay City. The impressive Casa Ibarra stands out from other buildings in this business and commercial district for its modern Filipino design.

            Guests drive up to the porte-cochere for drop-off and enter the lobby dominated by the 11 x 3.5m Homage to Monet artwork of French-Filipino artist Olivia d’Aboville. Specially commissioned for Casa Ibarra, this artwork is made of 365 meters of handwoven silk from Palawan and Aklan. It is the artist’s largest work to date, and evokes an air of lightness and romance.

            Putting the grand in grand ballroom is Casa Ibarra’s main centerpiece, the 600-sqm. Sala de Amor on the second floor. The grand ballroom accommodates as much as 350 guests and features six majestic capiz chandeliers and lighted onyx pillars. Each chandelier is made of over 20,000 capiz shells. On one side of the room is a grand stairway where steps light up one by one as the celebrant comes down to meet guests from a landing with two facing staircases. If a bride and groom ever wanted to make an entrance ala Beauty and the Beast, this is the way to do it.

            For smaller events or parties, Casa Ibarra offers two function rooms on the ground floor, the Alegria and Hermosa rooms. Each room can fit 140 persons or can be combined to become a larger room.

            An even more intimate venue would be the porte-cochere’s balcony, offering lively views of the district, or of the moonrise. The area can fit as much as 80 guests for a small wedding set-up or for open air cocktails. It is also often used for photo shoots.

No party would be complete without glorious food and Ibarra’s has become known for offering a wide Filipino and international selection. Casa Ibarra carries Western, Mediterranean, Oriental, Spanish, and Filipino menu choices. Some of their specialties and signature dishes are Ibarra’s hickory pork spare ribs, braised beef shank and seafood paella. Ibarra’s also provides off-site catering services for parties and corporate events. Clients range all across the metro and provinces, and yes, even international clients searching for great food and service.

Ibarra’s has over 17 years of experience in the party venue and catering business. Each location is distinctive in design and architecture. Ibarra’s Garden in Manila is a classic home from the 1920’s, with a garden inspired by American Art Deco architecture. Plaza Ibarra along Timog Avenue, Quezon City is a Mediterranean-themed garden with elegant ballrooms and lighted grand staircase. Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue was built around a timeless and elegant theme and is suited for both small and large gatherings. Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay is a small hotel offering stunning views of Taal Lake. It has often been booked primarily for weddings.

Casa Ibarra offers a modern Filipino take in its design and concept. Wood, capiz, raffia fabric and T’nalak, a special handweave from Mindanao, accentuate a lot of the interiors. The venue exudes quiet sophistication and Filipino pride. No wonder it gained many bookings upon its soft opening. Weddings, debuts, a baptismal, corporate events and a golden wedding celebration have made Casa Ibarra very busy, very fast.

A typical Ibarra’s package starts at about P133,000 all-in. This already includes numerous amenities but all still customizable to the client’s preferences. The company believes in giving great value for money for a hassle-free and enjoyable client event.

Ibarra’s banquet sales associates are also knowledgeable about many fine details like a church schedule or the duration of a ceremony. They assist a client from the preparation stage all the way to the end of an event. Now who wouldn’t want that kind of service?

So if you’re planning a baptism, a kiddie birthday, debut, wedding, product launch, graduation or the company’s next big office party, consider Casa Ibarra as your new partner in memory- and merrymaking.

Fashionable and selfie-centric OPPO F5 6GB in Limited Edition Red is now avail in the PH

 OPPO, the leader in selfies, just made a mark in the selfie-centric Philippines with the launch of the new OPPO F5 6GB in limited edition red color. The new smartphone is set to raise the bar high with an upgraded 6GB RAM for the ultimate multi-tasking, along with bigger internal storage of 64GB. Aside from having strong technical specifications, the OPPO F5 6GB is a fashionable statement phone with the company’s flagship color red as the iconic symbol to have this season. 

Performance Beyond Concern
Carrying the latest 2.5GHz Octa-Core Processor paired with a future-ready 6GB RAM, it’s ready to take on any challenges in today’s internet-revolving world. Storage is now also bumped up to 64GB internal for more photos and videos ready to be taken with the 20MP A.I. Front Camera and 16MP Rear Camera.

Connectivity won’t be a problem as it comes with a dedicated tri-slot tray for two nano-sim cards open to all networks, and a MicroSD card of up to 256GB expandable storage. Finishing tasks will also be made easier with the F5 6GB’s 3,200mAh battery for an all-day smartphone usage.

Flagship Features 
The OPPO F5 6GB carries consumer-centric flagship features such as the 6” FHD+ 18:9 Ratio Full Screen Display for the most immersive visual experience. Security is also upgraded with Speedy Facial Unlock to quickly access your smartphone by detecting the face of the owner and unlock the phone, this is on-top of the fingerprint sensor at the back for double security.

With the latest ColorOS 3.2, the F5 features the easiest smartphone usage with intuitive controls and multi-tasking features such as the split-screen for opening two apps in one screen. Accompanied with other software features like anti-distraction features when gaming like avoiding interrupting calls, SMS, and even unnecessary notifications.

Stand Out from the Crowd
The OPPO F5 6GB is a phone that can represent yourself, stand out among the rest with its strong red color and silver chrome finishes. In a light package of 154g and a minimized 18:9 6” screen, it’s sleek and perfect to carry for anyone.
“The new OPPO F5 6GB shows that a smartphone is not just powerful, but can also be a lifestyle statement with its loud and stylish red color. We’re sure that people will adore our outstanding A.I. Beauty Technology selfies along with its upgraded RAM and storage in a standout color,” said Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng.

 
Arena Of Valor x OPPO F5 6GB

In addition, the OPPO F5 6GB is also ideal for mobile gaming. With every purchase of the F5 6GB, customers are entitled to a free Joker character in Arena of Valor, the fast-growing mobile game by Garena. Customers will also get a chance to win more in-game items through lucky draws in the coming weeks.
Watch out as well for tournaments here in the Philippines. Make sure to watch Arena of Valor and tune-in to OPPO Philippines Facebook page for more details soon.

Exclusively available at OPPO concept stores nationwide, the limited edition OPPO F5 6GB will be available starting December 9, 2017 for Php21,990. It comes with a free Olike Bluetooth speaker worth Php2,990.

For more exciting updates, stay tuned on OPPO’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/