Monday, April 28, 2025

Canon revolutionizes filmmaking with powerful Cinema EOS camera lineup


Canon Philippines presented their revolutionary Cinema EOS lineup at an exclusive event held at Yellow Studio, Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City. The showcase featured the EOS R5 C, EOS C80, and EOS C400 – a comprehensive line of cameras designed to address the diverse needs of directors, modern cinematographers, from independent creators to established production houses.


"Today's filmmakers need tools that push beyond conventional limitations, adapting to their creative vision rather than constraining it," said Jian Liu, Canon Philippines Director for Consumer Information and Imaging. "Our Cinema EOS lineup is a significant upgrade from our previous cameras in both performance and versatility. We've engineered these cameras to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility, setting a standard for what filmmakers can expect from their equipment."


The EOS R5 C is a hybrid solution that combines CINEMA EOS and EOS R capabilities, offering both 45-megapixel still photography and 8K/60p RAW video recording in a single compact body.


The EOS C80 is an ultra-portable full-frame camera with RF mount, weighing just 1300g and designed for mobile filmmaking on gimbals and drones.


For more demanding production environments, the EOS C400 comes equipped with a 6K full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor and expanded SDI and Ethernet terminals for live production workflows.


Media representatives and industry professionals tested all three models during the hands-on portion of the program. Technical advancements across the ecosystem, including stunning image quality, shallow depth of field, and beautiful bokeh, were central to the product demonstrations. 




The event also featured hands-on testing by a diverse group of industry professionals. Husband and wife photography and videography duo Jayson and Joanne Arquiza explored the EOS R5 C's hybrid capabilities for commercial and advertising setups, while producers and directors Paolo Ruiz, Ian Celis, and Wesley Villarica put the EOS C80's mobility to the test. Filmmaker Zig Dulay joined Neil Daza for a filmmaking and cinematography panel showcasing the features of the EOS C400.



Through these interactive demonstrations, Canon showcased its commitment to making professional cinema tools accessible while pushing technical standards in digital filmmaking. The comprehensive Cinema EOS lineup creates an ecosystem where filmmakers at every career stage can find the precise tools for their creative vision, from independent productions to high-end commercial projects.





Tap into the Future: GCash and Mastercard bring the future of payments with Tap n' Pay

 

In a move to once again transform the way Filipinos experience cashless transactions, GCash, the leading finance super app in the Philippines, and global technology company Mastercard have teamed up to introduce Tap n’ Pay – a contactless payment solution designed to make everyday transactions faster and more convenient.



As digital payments continue to shape modern lifestyles, consumers seek seamless and hassle-free ways to transact. Tap n’ Pay meets this demand by enabling users to make purchases effortlessly—simply by tapping their NFC-enabled Android phone on a compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminal that accepts card payments. With every tap, consumers take a step toward greater convenience, security, and efficiency, transforming daily transactions into an empowering experience tailored to their evolving needs. 


This collaboration between GCash and Mastercard enhances the digital payment landscape nationwide. By integrating GCash’s accessibility with Mastercard’s extensive, trusted payments network, Tap n’ Pay provides Filipinos a smooth and secure payment experience for both users and merchants, allowing the users to make contactless purchases via the GCash app with just a tap – wherever Mastercard is accepted in the Philippines.


“This collaboration further solidifies our commitment to offering Filipinos convenient and secure cashless payment solutions, making everyday transactions easier and more seamless,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-XChange, Inc. the mobile wallet operator of GCash.


Currently, Tap n’ Pay is available for local transactions, with plans for international availability soon. This initiative is part of GCash’s ongoing efforts to improve financial access and convenience for Filipinos, whether at home or abroad. With Mastercard, users can tap to pay at merchants nationwide that accept contactless payments. This enhanced feature simplifies payments delivering a faster and more convenient cashless payment experience. 


Simon Calasanz, country manager, Philippines, Mastercard added, “Mastercard is thrilled to collaborate with GCash, powering Tap n’ Pay with NFC technology to introduce a new avenue for contactless digital payments in the Philippines. The collaboration advances Mastercard's commitment to providing greater choice for cardholders and enabling a more frictionless payment experience. Now, all GCash Wallet app users can simply activate Tap n’ Pay in their GCash app and pay by just tapping their phones wherever Mastercard is accepted — making transactions faster, easier, and secure.”  


At the core of this seamless and secure payment experience is OpenFabric, GCash’s trusted partner for digital payments. OpenFabric plays a crucial role in enabling the provisioning of Mastercard’s tokens and managing the transaction gateway between GCash and Mastercard merchants. This technology ensures that GCash users enjoy a smooth, secure, and effortless Tap n’ Pay experience at Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals across the Philippines. 


Users must have an active internet or cellular data connection to ensure secure and uninterrupted transactions with every tap. 

With an extensive range of digital payment solutions, GCash and its partners remain committed to driving financial inclusion and innovation in the country providing millions of Filipinos with convenient financial services.  


For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.


UnionBank Sustains Revenue Growth Momentum in 1Q25

Unionbank of the Philippines generated P19.4 billion in revenues in the first quarter, translating to a year-on-year growth of 8.4%. Topline performance continues to be driven by a growing consumer business, expanding net interest margin, and increasing fee-based revenues.


Currently, consumer loans account for 62% of the total loan portfolio, nearly 3x higher than the industry average. This is attributed to a diversified strategy with credit cards, personal loans, and teachers’ loans exhibiting the fastest growth. The Bank’s retail client base is now at 17.6 million, providing a solid foundation for growth in the future.


Net interest margin improved by 69 basis points to 6.3% on the back of higher-margin consumer loans and lower funding costs. For the latter, the Bank benefitted from the continuous growth of its

low-cost deposits and easing monetary conditions. Furthermore, fee-based income grew 21.3% to

P3.7 billion as the larger customer base resulted in higher transactions. Fees-to-assets increased to

1.3% from 1.1% previously — one of the highest in the industry.


The strong topline performance gave the bank room to absorb the impact of one-time, tax-related

write-offs from a subsidiary and front-loaded non-recurring costs. As a result, net income is down

year-on-year to P1.4 billion in the first quarter.


“The underlying drivers of our financial performance remain solid. We continue to see substantial new client acquisitions month-on-month as well as expansion of our net interest margin and fee-based income. These indicate that the strong revenue trend will be sustained. Moreover, if we normalize for the impact of one-offs, our net income would be comparable to prior quarters. Moving forward, we expect performance to get back to this trajectory and we remain confident that we will exceed our 2024 performance,” said Manuel R. Lozano, Chief Financial Officer.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

AXA PH Wins 3 Prestigious Awards at the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2025

AXA Philippines wins Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category at the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards. From Left to Right: AXA Philippines Senior Business Manager Dave Catorce, Retail and Sales Advertising Director of Reader’s Digest for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines General Insurance (GI) Propositions and Product Development Director Othello Monzon.

AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, has once again proven its leadership in the insurance industry by winning multiple prestigious honors at the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2025. For the second consecutive year, AXA Philippines secured the Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category. The company also earned Gold Awards for the Health and Life Insurance categories, marking a remarkable third consecutive year for the Health Insurance Gold Award and the second consecutive year for Life Insurance.

The recognition highlights AXA Philippines' award-winning products across multiple insurance categories. AXA Philippines received the Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category for its AXA Smart Traveller plan, offering 24/7 travel and medical assistance and with the highest emergency coverage of up to PHP 3.5 million in case of sickness, and another PHP 3.5 million in case of accident. In the Health Insurance category, AXA Philippines earned a Gold Award for its comprehensive health protection portfolio that provides coverage for healthcare and critical illness. With a Gold Award in the Life Insurance category, AXA delivers all-around coverage plans—combining life, accident, and critical illness protection with built-in savings and investment features.



AXA Philippines wins Gold Awards for the Health and Life Insurance categories, marking a remarkable third consecutive year for the Health Insurance Gold Award and the second consecutive year for Life Insurance.
From Left to Right: (Photo 1) AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Angel Rodriguez, AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara,  Reader’s Digest Retail and Sales Advertising Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Jenny Clemente; (Photo 2) AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara,  Reader’s Digest Retail and Sales Advertising Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Paulo Sulit. 




 











Now in its 27th year in Asia, The Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards celebrated brands that have earned the highest levels of consumer trust through unwavering reliability, quality, and integrity, and AXA Philippines stood out among these esteemed brands. The annual Most Trusted Brands survey, conducted by Reader’s Digest, highlights the critical role trust plays in consumer decision-making, especially as AI and technology continue to shape the market. As consumers become more informed and discerning, brands that demonstrate transparency, authenticity, and responsible practices rise to the top.

“We’re proud to be recognized once again by Filipino consumers as one of the most trusted insurance providers in the country,” said AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara. “This recognition shows our commitment to protecting what matters to our customers—from their health and well-being to their life journeys and travel experiences. Their continued trust inspires us to keep improving, build stronger partnerships, and offer smarter, more reliable solutions that address the changing needs of Filipinos.”

AXA Philippines’ continued success in these prestigious awards highlights the trust Filipinos place in the brand. More than just offering reliable insurance solutions, AXA is committed to being a true partner to every Filipino—empowering them to take charge of their future with confidence. With AXA, Know You Can be financially secure, protected, and ready for life’s biggest moments.

More information about AXA Philippines’ insurance solutions is available on its website www.axa.com.ph and its partner platforms.


Hapag Movement meets target one year early, helps over 120,000 families facing involuntary hunger


The Hapag Movement, Globe’s hunger alleviation program, has reached its impact goal one year ahead of schedule, supporting over 120,000 Filipino families through the collective support of Globe and TM customers, corporate donors, and mobilization partners. 


Originally targeting 100,000 families by the end of 2025, the initiative raised Php 25.37 million in 2024 alone, bringing total funds raised to Php 53 million since 2022 and enabling it to provide meals to 120,455 families facing food insecurity.


“The overwhelming support for the Hapag Movement reflects the dedication of individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our vision of addressing involuntary hunger in the Philippines. Reaching this milestone sooner than expected strengthens our resolve to expand our efforts and create lasting change,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.



Since its launch, the Hapag Movement has worked with the Ayala Foundation, Scholars of Sustenance, Tzu Chi Foundation, and World Vision. In 2024, it brought in three new mobilization partners—Rise Against Hunger and international organizations UN World Food Programme and Project PEARLS. This aimed to draw international attention to persistent hunger incidence in the Philippines, allowing the Hapag Movement to reach more communities in need.


The Hapag Movement has received support from over 1.1 million Globe and TM subscribers, who donated Php 11.67 million in Rewards points through the GlobeOne app.  Total contributions to the program have accounted for 23% of all assistance provided through the platform.


In addition, 1,871 Globe employees took part in various Hapag Movement activities in 2024, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference.  


To grow its impact, the Hapag Movement launched innovative fundraisers like the “Ibalik ang Sarap ng Pasko” holiday drive with SM’s shopper loyalty program SMAC, integrating donations into holiday shopping, and the Gourmet Giving Series, featuring fine dining fundraiser events with 12 top Metro Manila restaurants in partnership with Facebook community Fine Dining Club Philippines.


The Hapag Movement also tapped into the power of fandoms, enlisting support from Blackpink and BTS fan communities, Electronic Sports Gaming Summit gamers, ToyCon collectors, Lyropera enthusiasts, and Kwentoon artists to encourage contributions.  


The program also gained invaluable support from the Rotary Club of Makati Business District, BPI Foundation, and Kumu, among others. 


With its initial target surpassed, the Hapag Movement is now focused on scaling its livelihood training programs nationwide to provide families with sustainable means of supporting themselves. 


The initiative is also exploring ways to contribute to the fight against child stunting, ensuring that Filipino children receive the proper nutrition they need in their critical early years.  


The Hapag Movement remains committed to addressing hunger and poverty in the Philippines. Supporters can continue contributing through the GlobeOne app and GCash to help sustain and expand its impact.


For more information on Hapag and to donate directly to the cause, visit this website.

Atasha Muhlach shares how she enjoys capturing core memories using the OPPO Reno13 5G

 


Known for her vibrant personality and unique perspective, multi hyphenate singer, dancer, and TV host Atasha Muhlach has quickly gained popularity on social media, especially on Instagram (@atashamuchlach_) where she shares moments of her life, fashion inspiration, travel adventures, and creative pursuits.


Now, with the OPPO Reno13 5G in hand, Atasha is stepping up her content game, offering her followers an even more immersive experience.


"The OPPO Reno13 5G has completely transformed how I approach content creation,” she says. “The camera quality is incredible, and the 5G connectivity makes everything seamless, allowing me to upload, share, and engage with my audience in real-time. Whether it's capturing moments on the go or editing my photos and videos with ease, this phone is my new go-to tool for creating content."


  1. Step Up Your Photography Game and Maximize AI 


Whether she’s documenting the streets of a new city, capturing a candid laugh with friends, or filming a breathtaking sunset Atasha is able to turn everyday moments into share-worthy masterpieces with the OPPO Reno13 5G. 

Photo taken by Atasha Muhlach using the OPPO Reno13 5G


One of her favorite features? The incredible 50MP Ultra-Clear Camera System that lets her snap crisp, vibrant photos without all the heavy gear. “I’ve seen content creators with huge teams and lots of equipment just to capture photos. But with this phone, it’s so easy—pocket-friendly and with no bulky cameras!”


For Atasha, content creation isn’t just about clicking a button—it’s about capturing a feeling, a moment, a story. And the OPPO Reno13 5G makes that easier than ever.


Photo taken by Atasha Muhlach using the OPPO Reno13 5G


One of her go-to features is the AI Livephoto. This is a game-changer for capturing the essence of a moment. Instead of just freezing time in a single frame, AI Livephoto records 1.5 seconds before and after a shot, transforming still images into dynamic, moving snippets of life. “It’s like having a tiny movie for every photo I take,” Atasha explains. “I can see the waves crashing, the wind playing with my hair, or that priceless laugh I just had with my family or friends —it’s so much more than just a single static photo.”



With the AI Livephoto, Atasha is able to relive the energy and emotion behind each moment. “It makes my gallery feel alive. Every time I scroll through my photos, it’s like I’m back in that exact moment, experiencing it all over again,” she adds.


  1. Be Creative with AI Editing Tools

For Atasha, efficiency is key. The OPPO Reno13 5G’s AI-powered editing tools make it easy to enhance photos and videos on the fly.  “Editing is such a huge part of content creation, and the OPPO Reno13 5G makes it so much easier,” Atasha shares. “I don’t even need third-party apps most of the time because everything I need is already built into the phone.”


Photobombers and crowded places sometimes disrupt the beauty of attraction or the photo you’re taking. But Atasha doesn’t worry about that anymore with the OPPO Reno13 5G’s AI Eraser 2.0 that removes any unwanted element with a simple tap. If she needs to get rid of glare from a shop window or water reflection from her snaps, the AI Reflection Remover has her covered making each photo clear without a hint of any distractions. 



And when it comes to capturing the best angles, AI Portrait Mode ensures a professional, depth-enhanced shot—perfect for both solo and group selfies. “It makes every photo look like it was taken on a high-end camera,” Atasha gushes.


  1. Choose the AI That Works for You

It’s always a struggle trying to capture the perfect selfie, with most of the time ending with a blurry shot or an awkward angle. With AI Unblur and AI Best Face, Atasha never has to second-guess her selfies. “I love how I can snap a quick selfie on the go, and AI Best Face makes sure I look my best every single time. It’s like having a built-in glam team!” she laughs. 


No more retaking dozens of photos to get the right one. Every selfie can be crisp and clear in just one snap. 


The AI Clarity Enhancer also ensures that Atasha’s night shots shine just as bright as it is at daytime. With the AI Clarity Enhance of the OPPO Reno13 5G, every detail is enhanced without losing the ambiance. “Taking photos at night or with poor lighting used to be tricky, but now, I don’t have to worry about grainy, dark photos. The AI does all the work, and I get high-quality shots every time.” Atasha says. 



With the OPPO Reno13 5G, Atasha knows that no moment—day or night—will ever be missed. “It’s all about capturing real moments, and this phone makes it so easy. I can focus on enjoying the experience while my camera ensures I have the perfect shot to remember it by.”


Your Turn to Create!

For Atasha, content creation is all about having fun, letting your creativity flow, and telling your story. And with the OPPO Reno13 5G, she believes anyone can jump in and bring their ideas to life. “If you’re thinking of starting your content creation journey, just go for it! And make sure you have the right phone to back you up. The OPPO Reno13 5G has everything you need—awesome camera quality, powerful AI tools, and amazing battery life. It’s my creative partner, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”


Ready to kickstart your own content journey? The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G is now available in all authorized OPPO stores nationwide.


Choose the perfect partner for your discovery and exploration:

  • The OPPO Reno13 F is priced at Php 17,999 and comes in Graphite Grey, Skyline Blue, and Plume Purple.

  • The OPPO Reno13 F 5G is available for Php 22,999 (12+256GB) or PHP 25,999 (12+512GB) and comes in Plume Purple, Luminous Blue, and Graphite Grey.

  • The OPPO Reno13 5G is priced at Php 34,999 in Plume White and Luminous Blue.

  • The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is available for Php 43,999 in Plume Purple and Graphite Grey.


My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration Promo

OPPO has reached over seven million registered members on the My OPPO App, marking a milestone for its growing community.


To make the celebration even more exciting, OPPO is hosting the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration Promo until April 30, 2025, offering exciting rewards to registered users.


How to Join:

  1. Open the My OPPO App and log in.

  2. Click on the 7M Celebration campaign banner on the homepage.

  3. Access the 7M Capsule Carnival and tap the "Click & Win" button to enter the raffle.

  4. Get three free plays per day or redeem 30 OPPOints per extra attempt.


Prizes include:

  1. E-gift vouchers from Zalora, Jollibee, KFC, Chatime, and VIU.

  2. OPPO devices, including the OPPO Find X8, OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G, OPPO Reno13 F 5G, OPPO A5 Pro 5G, OPPO Enco Air 3, and OPPO Watch Free.


The My OPPO App is a loyalty platform designed for OPPO users, offering exclusive rewards, OPPOints, and special services. This promo gives members a chance to win prizes while staying engaged with the OPPO community.


To know more about the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. 


LAST CALL: You still have a few more days to score big with My OPPO App’s 7M Celebration!

 

You still have a few days left to join the fun of the My OPPO App 7M Celebration, a special promo to celebrate My OPPO App's milestone of having seven million registered My OPPO App members nationwide!

As part of the festivities, OPPO is still giving away ₱500 off the ultra-durable OPPO A5 Pro 5G—a smartphone built to keep up with your busiest summer days and spontaneous adventures via the My OPPO App until April 30!

Don’t miss your chance to grab this exclusive deal. Just open the My OPPO App, tap the “7M Celebration” banner on the homepage, and redeem your voucher. Show it at any participating OPPO Brand Store or multi-brand retailer to claim your discount. Time’s almost up—make your move before April 30!

More reasons to celebrate

Registered My OPPO App users also have the chance to win exciting daily raffle prizes including OPPO smartphones like the Find X8, Reno13 Pro 5G, Reno13 F 5G, and A5 Pro 5G, OPPO Enco Air 3 and OPPO Watch Free, and E-gift vouchers from Zalora, Bonchon, KFC, Chatime, and VIU.

Don’t Miss Out—Time is Running Out

This is your last chance to enjoy these limited-time offers, exciting prizes, and exclusive OPPO perks. Whether you’re a working student juggling responsibilities or simply someone making the most of the summer season, now is the time to upgrade your device and unlock even more value.

The My OPPO App experience is just getting better—don’t miss your chance to be part of it.Hop on the fun and celebrate this milestone with OPPO! Go to your My OPPO App or visit this link to know more about the 7M Celebration.

Visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for more information. You can also join the OPPO Circle group on Facebook to stay updated on the latest news.