RCBC empowers Calauan’s Digital Transformation

Calauan, a 2nd class municipality in Laguna, takes a big leap to promote greater financial inclusion and massive digital transformation of its local government and residents in its quest to become a “Smart City” by collaborating with the country’s multi-awarded and leading challenger bank, the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).

In a grand ceremony during the celebration of the municipality’s Pinya Festival, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva and Calauan Mayor Roseller Caratihan, with the presence and support of all the members of the Municipal Council, sealed the partnership between RCBC and Calauan LGU through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding as the initial step towards developing a framework that will propel Calauan’s economic growth and create a thriving digital payment ecosystem for the municipality.  Under this engagement, RCBC shall provide a payment gateway and digital disbursement solution for the LGU, and access to banking services in the barangay level through its various digital innovations such as DiskarTech, ATM Go, and NegosyanTech digital mSME, among others.

In the same event, RCBC launched its Moneybela Barangayan Banking to kick-off initiatives to go down to the communities of Calauan and directly engage with the people as part of its financial inclusion advocacy. The RCBC Moneybela aims to onboard the unbanked and underserved individuals in Calauan to the formal financial system by spreading digital financial literacy and assisting in the opening of Basic Deposit Accounts through RCBC DiskarTech.  RCBC strongly supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap which targets to onboard 70% of the adult Filipino population into the formal banking system and digitize 50% of all retail  payments by the end of 2023.

In his message, Villanueva said, “This day marks a historic chapter, both for the Municipality of Calauan and RCBC. It signifies the beginning of a meaningful public-private partnership for the people of Calauan. We are very excited for this, and we fully support your vision for Calauan to be a Smart City.”

Villanueva also added, “Through our technology, it will be easier for Calaueños to pay taxes and other fees to the local government, the delivery of financial assistance to those in need will be expedited, and essential financial services will be brought closer to every Calaueño.”

Speaking to the attendees from various barangay in Calauan, Mayor Osel Caratihan commended RCBC and underscored the significant benefits that the partnership brings to the residents of Calauan. He highlighted the positive impact of the collaboration, stating that it will facilitate the accessibility of assistance to the local community. By simply registering and visiting the barangay, individuals can receive the support they need. Mayor Caratihan proudly mentioned that Calauan is at the forefront among LGUs in Laguna, being the first to establish such a program.

Launched in October 2022, the RCBC MoneyBela Barangayan Banking is a flagship program of RCBC to bring banking services closer to remote and rural communities. Last year, RCBC piloted this initiative during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City and Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, and early this year, in the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City.

Festival highlights conservation of Coral Reefs

ZAMBOANGA City- The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) has lauded the initiative of the city government in conserving the coral reefs as part of their Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

Justine Robin Brett, SPC Goodwill Ambassador said that she was invited by the city government and their tourism office to give an inspirational speech during the program.

“We in the North express our voice to the South, we recognize the importance of the Ocean and that we shall continuously support all activities to protect our Ocean and marine ecosystems. The devastating effects of climate change, drought, floods, dwindling live fish catch and ocean level rise, affect the South as well as the North,” Brett who hails from Baguio City said.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Celebracion de Colores) is a month-long celebration commemorating the Feast of Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of Pillar) and to introduce the Patroness of Asia’s Latin City. The said festival is held month long in October.

One of the highlights of the said festival is the holding of a dive safari at Pink Island in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Zamboanga.

Brett said that the SPC lauds City Mayor John Dalipe, Councilor Vino Guingona, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian and the Zamboanga Divers for their efforts in saving the coral reefs of Zamboanga. “The Southern Philippines is not alone. We have no more time and the time to act is now. Zamboanga City serves as our inspiration with its progressive plans to integrate ecosystem conservation, tourism and industrialization,” she added.

Baguiotte rallies residents to help conserve ocean

BAGUIO City- A Baguiotte rallies fellow residents to help conserve the ocean as part of her advocacy in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Justine Robin Brett, the granddaughter of sports hero the late James Brett is currently serving as the goodwill ambassador of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC).

Serving as a keynote speaker on the coastal clean up locally known as Biaydagat 2022 at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) the young Bret far reaching devastating effects

” These affect not only coastlines but the highlands as seen in the recent heavy flooding in Banawe,” she said.

“According to scientific studies, the next 10 years will be a critical time before we reach the tipping point in the Ocean if nothing is done. The devastating effects include flooding , ocean level rise and no more fish catch,” she added.
Brett hopes to replicate the best practices of the SBMA in Baguio to attain progress without sacrificing its unique ecology niches and environment .

” Progress and society advancement should include the environment as its priority . SBMA as a lead example , has created a balance between industrialisation and its environment creating a role model for other progressive areas to follow,” noted Brett.

A Successful Inaugural Race Weekend for the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge

METRO MANILA, Philippines — Radical Cars Philippines, in partnership with SEAOIL Philippines Inc., kick-started the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge last August 27, 2022.

It takes its spot in Philippine motorsport history as the first and only local race series featuring an all-Radical grid, making it the fastest race series in the country. The championship is powered by SEAOIL Extreme 97 Octane as its official fuel. Motul Philippines, a co-presenter of the race series, provides the whole grid with its 300V Performance Oil.

The driver line-up features many familiar faces such as young talent Iñigo Anton, seasoned racers Stefan Ramirez, Jason Choachuy, Gibson Yu, JV Colayco, rookie racer Brian Poe, and Mark Bumgarner; a seasoned racer in his youth, now making his much-awaited return to motorsport. These drivers represent the well-known and respected teams participating in the series: Motul PartsPro (Iñigo), Illa Racing PartsPro (Brian), EnSport (Stefan), OTR Motorsport (Mark), and TrackHos (Jason, Gibson, and JV).

The race weekend started early last August 27 with a driver briefing. Race Director Marlon Stokinger welcomed the drivers and team heads at the Motul paddock and briefed everyone on the rules and regulations of the championship, followed by a full day of 5 practice sessions for drivers and teams to prepare for Sunday’s races. At the lunch break, the organizers initiated a practice start session for drivers to get used to the rolling start procedure at the beginning of the race. Qualifying took place as the last session for the day. It was a race against the weather as a light rain began to dampen the track at the start. Despite the sudden change in conditions, Iñigo Anton put out a dominant performance to secure pole position, followed closely by Mark Bumgarner in P2 and Stefan Ramirez in P3.

Sunday’s races saw another dominant performance by Iñigo, the young driver winning all three races in his Motul SR1, securing the top spot in the driver standings. Not far behind were Stefan and Mark in a heated battle for P2 in the standings with Stefan getting the upper hand in Race 1 and 2. Mark remained consistent throughout all three races by securing three consecutive podium finishes in P3 with his SEAOIL livery SR1. Jason Choachuy surprised everyone during Race 3 by starting in P4 and finishing in P2 in the only SR3 on the grid, securing big points for his team. Brian Poe started at the back of the grid after not being able to participate in qualifying but was very much still in the fight after close battles with JV Colayco in Race 1 and Gibson Yu in Race 2.

There was a decent number of spectators in attendance during race day; a good sign for any motorsport event, especially for a championship’s maiden race weekend. Among the crowd supporting the race was SEAOIL Vice President for Corporate and Consumer Marketing Jayvee Dela Fuente and official dealer for Motul Philippines, Charlie Ong.

It was a fantastic first race weekend for the SEAOIL Radical Challenge and one for the history books. Two more weekends remain in the schedule from the 23rd to the 25th of September at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Tomorrow’s Nation Builder: Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste

 

“Being Batangueño is the best thing ever,” began Ronin Leviste, the uber-passionate and ultra-proud yet humble recently elected 23-year-old Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas.

“We have the most beautiful province in the entire country — beyond the instagrammable mountains and world-class beaches, it is our people [my fellow Batangueños] and their stories who can showcase all the best my province has to offer. We’re already so near [Manila], but we still have a lot more infrastructure coming in soon, surely putting us in a sweet spot for rapid development.”

Politics was never an alien concept to Ronin. His father is Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, whose flourishing career began over two decades ago. As soon as he could walk, Ronin was already accompanying his father to constituent consultations, sessions, and the campaign trails. Seeing his father work closely with communities inspired the young man to follow in his footsteps.

As a student at Xavier, Ronin developed outreach programs growing up and played a role in the social action arm of the school. He recalls a great memory when he started a movement of the solar light building with his barkada in the school’s science lab and then installed them in underprivileged dim communities in Batangas and Mindanao.

While in college at De La Salle University, Leviste received two of the highest honors, the Br. Gabriel Connon Award and the Gawad Francisco Ortigas Jr. Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Award. In his final year at school, he served as Vice President for External Affairs of the University Student Government. To top it all off, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Development Studies with the Best Undergraduate Thesis Award.

During the university’s 192nd Commencement Exercise, Leviste gave a rousing valedictory speech to his fellow graduates, encouraging them to make a positive impact. “Everyone here has a different timeline, everyone here has a unique story, but the commonality that binds us is that we all have talents, opportunities, and skills worth sharing when put together, with almost no limit to what the world can expect from us. More importantly, we all have an equal role to play in the development of the Philippines that we call our home.

So when our country needs us, we, as Lasallian leaders, must always respond with unconditional service to the nation because to build the nation is to love.” It was Leviste’s wake-up call to his peers: that no act is too small to make your country better.

Ronin soon began building his political career, serving as Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad in Makati and as the Youth Affairs Head of the office of the Vice Governor. He then ran as Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas, as an independent candidate.

While he is one of the youngest vice mayors in the country, Ronin never takes it for granted. Apart from what he learned from his father and other mentors, he humbly credits his success to his education — learning loads from school and the people around him.

The Batangueño says that education is one of his main advocacies as Vice-Mayor. “Education can uplift people from poverty and give them an extra sense of fulfillment. I learned so much from it, but it also taught me that there is still so much more to learn, so much more to do, so much more to serve,” he muses.

“Everything starts with a vision,” he says. “And mine begins by building a Tomorrow Together. For me, this means we leave absolutely no one behind. I want the Philippines where everyone can wake up in the morning knowing they have food on their tables, that they have jobs sufficient to provide for their family, and that their kids go to school and now have the means to do so. All of this will help uplift families to a better future — giving everyone equal opportunities in life. It is a daunting task ahead, but our generation has shown that if anyone can lead this change — it’s us.”

(Sponsored) New South Korean Cuisine to shine best in BGC

Taguig City – A new and the best South Korean cuisine ever will now shine at the heart of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, Metro Manila, a must for food lovers especially for South Korean specialties.

The Chung Dam in BGC is set to open Friday June 10 at 11 am.

John Lee, president of the Hwayo Trading Incorporated said the Chung Dam guarantees authentic South Korean cuisine and would ensure satisfaction to all of their patrons. “Chung Dam has a long history in the restaurant business in the Philippines. It started from Tongkeunso Restaurant in Remedios Circle , Malate Manila. We had tons of effort to be unique and excellent to satisfy the customers. And the endeavor brought the Chung Dam-Malate,” Lee said,.

“This 2022, we dare to stand out for the new Chung Dam, the finest authentic South Korean Cuisine on BGC.”

It plan to attracts not only Filipinos who loves South Korean foods but also to other nationalities craving for a high quality foods,

The said restaurant has two top South Korean chefs namely Master Chef Jang and Head Chef Kim.

“They are passionate and experts in giving their patrons Filipinos, or foreigners and even millennials alike a tasteful experience of high quality South Korean Cuisine,” Lee said.

Among their specialties includes premium beef, king crab, sashimi, and other South Korean specials.

 

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#bgc

 

Guided by ‘correct’ information? Anxious Filipino voters choose new leaders

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MANILA (The Filipino Connection) — The Philippines awaits anxiously the outcomes of a May 9 national election and a new government’s pathways to moving forward from a pandemic and from a rowdy political climate.

At stake for over-66 million Filipino voters are hopes of rebuilding their economic lives, of electing “better” leaders, and of having an improved political landscape.

Electoral outcomes, however, all depend on how these registered voters process the “correct” information they get, which may have confused their supposedly informed vote.

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[Sponsored content] Shop online via Buyandship PH this Black Friday

 

 

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TLDC opens 2nd tower in Tierra Lorenzo Lipa

Lipa City – Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation has just launched on Thursday its second residential tower in Tierra Lorenzo Lipa, said to be the first urban lifestyle center and mixed use development in the city.

The new tower builds on the success of Tierra Lorenzo Lipa Tower 1 that features thoughtfully planned units that have redefined urban living in the area.

Situated near Robinson’s Place Lipa and De La Salle Lipa, Tierra Lorenzo Lipa brings condo living to Batangas and offers residents the convenience of living within close proximity to the necessities ofeveryday living.

Thoughtfully designed to advance and elevate the quality of living for Filipinos, the residential buildings are built smarter for their changing needs.

TLDC saw opportunity in Lipa City because of its vibrant economy that has continued to grow through the years. The most populous city in Batangas, with more than 300,000 residents and a relatively young population, Lipa has evolved from a sleepy agricultural district into a robust and dynamic community, opening its doors to various industries.

“To be named as a ‘Next Wave City’ means it has an abundant talent pool, a world-class infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment. For us this means, there’s a promising market for the TLDC brand of premium living,” said Tomas Lorenzo, TLDC CEO.

“Data shows that Filipino lifestyles in these emerging urban centers are continuing to evolve. Once the lockdown starts to ease up, Filipinos will slowly move back into a lifestyle where their careers are balanced with passions. This new lifestyle is one that values a mix of security, amenities, convenience and maintenance of a standard of living that they have achieved over time,” he adds.

Whether for end-users looking to upgrade their quality of life, or for investors looking for a practical investment haven in the south, Tierra Lorenzo Lipa is the region’s most dynamic real estate development.

True to CEO Tomas Lorenzo’s vision of providing premium living experiences, every TLDC property today reflects the Company’s clear mission: to advance and elevate the quality of living for Filipinos, building smarter for their changing needs. TLDC is known today for the quality of its developments in prime locations in key growth areas across the country.

The TLDC Lipa multi-use development complex brings the premium experience to the thriving Batangas community. It features a spacious playground, a fully-equipped fitness center, a stylishpool deck, wide open spaces for relaxation, , and a multi-purpose pavilion perfect for various functions.

As with all TLDC properties, 24/7 safety and security using latest systems will promote peace of mind.

“The best thing about Tierra Lorenzo Lipa is the opportunity that our residential units offer as vehicles for investment,” adds TLDC Chief Operating Officer Cathy C. Ko. “All our properties have proven to be successful investments that give a significant return. Our property owners have the option to upgrade their units, turn them over to our property management team and we will do the rest. We take the headache of unit leasing and maintenance away from those who invest in our properties as vehicles for recurring income.”

Hijos Tours Grabs Finalist Spot in Sustainability Innovations Pitch

CARD MRI Hijos Tours was selected as one of the finalists in the Society Category of the Sustainability Innovations Pitch on February 22, 2021.

The Sustainability Innovations Pitch is part of this year’s Philippine Innovation Month that plans to support projects that tackle one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and aid in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hijos Tours chose to present its travel box, one of its innovations in response to the challenges faced by the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even when the tourism industry is hardly hit by the pandemic, we continue our mission of supporting communities through our innovative services. We thought that while our mobility is limited due to physical restrictions and health protocols, we can still travel in the comforts of our homes virtually. Thus, our team conceptualized a travel box that contains products of various locales and that makes use of virtual reality technology,” Mr. Raffy Antes, Hijos Tours Deputy Director said.

The travel box includes a VR glass which you can use to view the 360° tour; souvenirs like pins, ref magnets, post cards found in the locale; and food items that is unique to the city. Each purchase will help the locals that contributed to the making of the box, providing a source of income from tourism amidst the pandemic.

Hijos Tours aims to build and support communities by helping them showcase their heritage stories and products, in line with CARD MRI’s goal of community building. This provides opportunities for local communities as well as for e-travelers to have a quality, virtual tour at the comfort of their home.

“We hope to produce more travel boxes to reach more communities in the future. Post COVID, we would like to use the Travel Box as a gateway to the local communities and give e-travelers a glimpse of what to expect when they can physically tour the place. With this, we hope to feed the minds and bodies of the Filipino people through these challenging times,” Mr. Antes as he concluded Hijos’ plans for the future.

Hijos Tours is an institution under CARD MRI that promotes local tourism that builds tourism communities by engaging local sources, talents and skills and presents its clients with impactful and currently relevant experience. Currently, Hijos Tours offers virtual tours and online classes related to history based on their tour packages.