Its all about Family Fun this Christmas at Lancaster New City

When it comes to Christmas, there's no other country in the world that celebrates the season like we Filipinos do. 

Not only do we have the longest Christmas season, starting as soon as the  -Ber months start,  we also have the best festivities, night markets and  events to make everyone feel part of a bigger family.

In the Philippines, Christmas is always the best time to make memories with the people we love.

A few weeks ago, Lancaster New City, the flagship project of property developer PRO-FRIENDS proved just that as it ushered in the jolliest of seasons last  Nov. 25, with a stunning Christmas light show and a concert featuring the well-loved OPM band Rocksteddy.

This year, it celebrates its 10th anniversary by continuing its three-year Christmas tradition spanning the whole holiday season, promising a memorable bonding experience for families of homeowners and guests alike.

Lancaster New City is a thriving township that is home to families in Kawit, Imus, and General Trias in Cavite. 

From Nov. 25 – Dec. 26, every Saturday and Sunday, the Christmas Light Show at Lancaster New City will showcase a dazzling display of laser and stop-motion lights, a Santa’s Workshop exhibition, and Christmas medleys for the enjoyment of kids and kids-at-heart. The Dekada Food Bazaar will also be open on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 4 p.m. until midnight to let every family have a scrumptious dinner while watching the light show at the Central Greens.

On Dec. 9, there will be a grand reveal of the 20-foot family sculpture called “Perpetuity” created by award-winning Filipino artist Merlito Gepte. The artist is known for his classical realist style with a touch of contemporary inspiration. “Perpetuity” is the symbol for the happy, united, and active family that Lancaster New City is home to.

Families are then invited to come together at the Open Air Cinema in Central Greens for some fun Christmas-themed games and a free film showing of Star Cinema blockbusters “Love You to the Stars and Back” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

On Dec. 16, Imago, Six Cycle Mind, Banda ni Keggy, Stellar, and Grace Note will be holding a special Christmas concert at The Square, Lancaster New City’s own commercial establishment located in Downtown Lancaster where the township’s busy business and retail district is found.

Since no Filipino Christmas is complete without Simbang Gabi, Lancaster New City will be concluding its month-long lineup of holiday events with Simbang Gabi at the uniquely-structured Parish of the Holy Family from Dec. 16-24 at 4:00 a.m., with anticipated masses on Dec. 15-23, 7:00 p.m.

The community of Lancaster New City continues to flourish, and it may very well be attributed to its warm environment and ability to keep in step with the times. The 1,600-hectare mixed-use development houses more than just a residential area, a mall, and a church. It also has a bustling IT park called the Suntech iPark in Downtown Lancaster. This establishment prides itself in being the first IT park accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), proving its global competence as an ecologically sustainable business environment.

Not to mention the many conveniences offered by the township, namely, its own Transport Hub that gives residents easy access to buses and shuttles for an easy commute around the development. Also conveniently located inside Lancaster New City is St. Edward Integrated School (SEIS), a private school for students from kindergarten to high school. There is also the Leighton Hall Clubhouse with its own outdoor pool and ballroom for various events.

Parent or child, student or professional, the whole family may find home in the ever-growing community of Lancaster New City, a family-friendly city where friends and loved ones alike can come together to share unforgettable memories.

Lancaster New City is the flagship project by Property Company of Friends or PRO-FRIENDS, one of the country’s fastest growing property developers. Since its inception in 1999, PRO-FRIENDS has grown to provide houses, condominium units, and other estates for various markets.

Lancaster New City’s Christmas Events 2017 is open to all homeowners and guests.  To learn more about the Christmas events, contact 0917-537-3934 or visit https://web.facebook.com/LancasterNewCityOfficial/.

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.