Unlocking easier beginnings: UnionBank recognized for jumpstarting Filipino financial journeys digitally

 Opening a bank account is often the first step toward achieving financial goals, whether it is saving for the future, growing a business, or managing everyday finances. By making that first step simpler, faster, and more accessible through digital onboarding, Union Bank of the Philippines has been recognized by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) as the Digital Onboarding Excellence Champion 2026 (Southeast Asia). The award recognizes UnionBank's efforts to remove barriers to banking while balancing convenience, security, and human expertise in the customer experience. 

CFI.co highlighted UnionBank's customer-friendly onboarding journey, which features self-service applications, resumable forms, electronic identity verification, selfie liveness checks, and app-based account activation. These innovations allow customers to move from application to transaction within a single digital experience, making it easier and more convenient to start banking anytime, anywhere. The publication also noted how UnionBank thoughtfully balances ease of use with responsible verification measures, helping deliver a smooth onboarding experience while supporting a trusted and reliable banking environment.

"We are honored and humbled by CFI.co's recognition. It affirms our belief that innovation should create meaningful value for our customers," said UnionBank’s Digital Channels Head, AJ Atienza. "Every innovation we build starts with a simple question: how can we make banking easier, more accessible, and more relevant to our customers' daily lives? Our goal has always been to bring banking closer to them, remove barriers, and help them unlock financial possibilities so they can live life on their own terms." 

Today, UnionBank's digital onboarding capabilities support both individual and business customers, making it easier to access financial services through convenient and secure digital channels. From personal accounts and credit cards to payroll, investments, and business banking solutions, customers can begin and expand their banking journey anytime and anywhere. CFI.co recognized how the Bank has broadened its digital onboarding capabilities across these products, helping more customers access the services they need through a more convenient digital experience.

For individual customers, UnionBank's digital platforms provide seamless access to savings and deposit accounts, fund transfers, bill payments, and personal financial solutions. Customers can also apply for credit cards through the website, track their application status through the mobile app, and monitor their spending to stay aligned with their financial goals.

This same commitment to convenience extends to entrepreneurs and businesses. Through the UB Negosyante App, aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners can open a BizStarter Account fully online, without branch visits or paperwork, with just an initial deposit of P5,000. By simplifying business onboarding, UnionBank helps customers turn ideas into ventures and access the financial tools they need to grow.

As businesses scale, UnionBank continues to support their evolving needs through The Portal, the Bank's online corporate and business banking platform. The Portal enables corporate clients to manage payments, payroll, and checks digitally, reducing paperwork and streamlining processes that once slowed day-to-day operations. Through these solutions, UnionBank helps businesses operate more efficiently while staying focused on growth.

“From our retail to our corporate clients, UnionBank aims to make the banking journey as simple as possible. We will keep investing in technology and talent to elevate the banking experience. By listening to our customers and developing products and services that matter in their daily lives, we aim to unlock more possibilities and help them live a life unlocked,” said Atienza.  

The recognition reflects UnionBank's continued focus on creating experiences that empower customers to bank on their own terms. By combining technology, security, and human expertise, the Bank continues to unlock simpler and more accessible ways for people to manage their finances, pursue their goals, and participate more confidently in the digital economy. 

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P1 Million per depositor. For more info, please visit our website or contact us at (+632) 8841-8600. For more information, visit the UnionBank website at www.unionbankph.com, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube.  

https://cfi.co/awards/asia-pacific/2026/union-bank-of-the-philippines-digital-onboarding-excellence-champion-southeast-asia-2026/ 

Long Desk Days Made More Comfortable: Logitech Introduces Signature Comfort Plus Lineup

Logitech’s first cushioned palm support mouse and comfort keyboard for long, full work-life days.

 Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the launch of Signature Comfort Plus, the newest addition to Logitech’s Signature Series of everyday tools designed for modern work and life. Signature Comfort Plus is designed for long days at the desk where work and personal tasks overlap. It reduces the small, repeated friction of constant switching between your tasks and devices, and makes work-life smoother across the day through enhanced comfort, quieter mouse clicks, and simple controls. The new comfort-focused lineup includes the Signature Comfort Plus M850 L mouse with palm cushion support and the MK880 keyboard and mouse combo. The lineup also includes the M840 L mouse without a palm cushion.

“Filipino professionals are balancing more throughout the day, often shifting between work, personal tasks, and everything in between,” said Sally Yu, Head of Distribution and Retail at Logitech Philippines. “When you spend that much time at your desk, even the smallest interruptions can add up. Signature Comfort Plus is designed to take some of that friction away, with thoughtful touches that help make the workday feel quieter, more comfortable, and easier to navigate.”

Built for long, full desk days

Signature Comfort Plus is designed to enhance comfort and everyday ease. The M850 L mouse debuts Logitech’s palm cushion design, paired with a sculpted right-hand shape and rubber side grips for a more relaxed feel over long hours. Real-world tested by professionals, the palm cushion is tuned for the kind of long desk days people actually have. The MK880 keyboard features deep cushioned keys, a dual-foam palm rest, and curved typing angles designed for extended desk sessions.

Together, they support more comfortable hand positioning and quieter mouse clicks, with Easy-Switch across up to three devices plus customizable shortcuts, meeting controls, and AI launch access.

Ready for Business 

Signature Comfort Plus lineup is also adapted for enterprise deployment at scale. Signature Comfort Plus for Business combines employee comfort with secure connectivity and simplified fleet management. The Logi Bolt USB-C receiver is included for secure, reliable connectivity in high-density environments. Devices can be monitored through Logitech Sync*, giving IT teams centralized visibility into device and firmware status. Multi-OS compatibility, quiet operation, and customizable controls support employee productivity without adding IT complexity. With global availability and customer support, it’s built to scale seamlessly across your workforce.

*Logitech’s device management platform that provides a secure and scalable approach to remotely manage Logitech devices. Requires Logi Tune downloaded on individual devices.

Designed for Sustainability

Signature Comfort Plus is developed in line with Design for Sustainability principles. Plastic parts in the Comfort Plus lineup contain between 49% and 77% certified post-consumer recycled plastic, depending on the color, helping enhance circularity and lower the products’ carbon footprint. Products ship in FSC™-certified paper packaging and are designed for long battery life, reducing the frequency of battery changes.

Key features

• Cushion-first comfort design: Logitech’s first palm cushion mouse paired with a keyboard featuring a soft, dual-layer foam palm rest and naturally curved typing angles.

• Quiet productivity experience: Silent mouse clicks and lower noise typing help reduce distraction in shared and hybrid workspaces.

• Multi-device, multi-OS compatibility: It works seamlessly across operating systems with a multi-OS layout, and allows users to switch typing between up to three devices; your work computer, home laptop, tablet, or phone, using Easy-Switch keys. 

• Customizable controls with Logi Options+ and Logi Tune: With the Logi Options+ App, users can personalize their keyboard experience, assigning Smart Actions to automate common tasks, or using the AI Launch Key to instantly access preferred tools like Copilot, Gemini, or ChatGPT. With Logi Tune, users can assign functions for Zoom Workplace and Microsoft Teams applications.

• Long-lasting, multi-year battery life: Up to three-year keyboard battery life and up to two-year mouse battery life.

Core technical highlights 

Mouse*

• Palm cushion support design

• Right-hand sculpted shape with rubber side grips

• Silent clicking and scrolling

• SmartWheel precision and fast scrolling 

• Customizable buttons via Logi Options+

• Actions ring direct access via Logi options+ 

• Easy-Switch multi-device connectivity (up to 3 devices)

• Multi-OS compatibility

• Up to two-year battery life

Keyboard

• Dual-foam palm rest and curved typing angles

• Adjustable typing angles (0°, 4°, 8°)

• Deep cushioned keys 

• Easy-Switch keys (connect and type on up to 3 devices)

• Multi-OS layout (Windows/macOS/ChromeOS)

• Customizable AI Launch Key

• Supported by Logi Options+

• Spill-resistant design

• Up to three-year battery life 

*Signature comfort plus M840 L variant will have all the same features as above without the palm cushion

Business version

• Logi Bolt USB-C secure wireless receiver

• Compatible with Logitech Sync device management

• Enterprise deployment support

Pricing and availability

The Signature Comfort Plus M850 L palm cushion mouse and MK880 combo will be available starting August 2026 through Logitech’s authorized retail partners and on logitech.com for PHP 2,995 and PHP 6,295 respectively. Meanwhile, the M840 L non-cushion mouse is an online exclusive for Lazada and Shopee priced at PHP 2,595. All products will be offered in Graphite, Off-White, and Black colorways, with more color variants available by region and channel. Availability and configurations may vary. For more information, please visit Logitech’s official website or follow Logitech on Facebook.

Smarter Sports and Health on Your Wrist: HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3 Now Available for Pre-Order Starting at PHP 14,999

HUAWEI is bringing smarter sports performance and proactive health management to the wrist with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3, now available for pre-order in the Philippines starting at PHP 14,999.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series: Smarter Training Meets Premium Design

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series combines intelligent performance with premium craftsmanship, featuring an aerospace-grade titanium alloy case, a nanocrystal ceramic bezel, and sapphire glass on the Pro version. It also features HUAWEI's first-ever EasyCross strap, introducing an innovative tuck-under design that creates a cleaner profile and a snug, comfortable fit throughout the day.

Accurate and Comprehensive Sports and Health Tracking

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series helps users stay on course with the Sunflower Positioning System, enhanced by AI-XDR Positioning for precise GPS tracking even when signals are temporarily blocked. Complementing this is HUAWEI TruSense, which provides accurate cardiovascular health insights and other key wellness metrics.

Beyond everyday fitness tracking, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series brings together advanced sports performance and long-term wellness insights in one connected experience.

It features more than 100 sports modes, including advanced cycling plans and other outdoor sports, paired with detailed metrics tailored to different activities. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series also delivers the Diabetes Risk Study, while the Coronary Heart Disease Study is exclusively available on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro.

AI That Gives Smarter Training with Battery That Keeps Up

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series turns performance data into actionable guidance through AI-powered features designed to support every user's fitness journey.

AI Workout Analysis provides coaching and recovery insights after each session, while the Physical Readiness score helps users understand whether their body may be ready to push harder or may benefit from recovery. 

With up to 21 days of battery life, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series is designed to keep up with extended training and everyday use. It is also compatible with both iOS and Android. 

HUAWEI WATCH D3: Accurate 24/7 Blood Pressure Monitoring for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Health Management

For users taking a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 brings HUAWEI's latest health innovations into a slimmer, lighter, and more wearable design.

Building on HUAWEI's pioneering wrist-based Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) technology, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 introduces a more comfortable 24-hour blood pressure monitoring experience designed to make long-term monitoring less disruptive without compromising accuracy.

Its upgraded measurement schedule significantly reduces daily blood pressure inflations from 27 to just 7 while continuing to provide reliable 24-hour monitoring through its ultra-narrow airbag strap and internationally tested measurement technology.

The HUAWEI WATCH D3 provides a broader view of everyday wellness through Health Glance, which brings together multiple health metrics in one convenient view.

Users can also access CE-certified ECG and PPG, advanced health research features covering coronary heart disease and diabetes risk, and On-wrist Health Community, helping users stay more connected to their personal and family health management.

AI-Powered Insights for Everyday Health Management

The HUAWEI WATCH D3 extends beyond monitoring by helping users better understand and manage their daily health habits.

Multi-dimensional blood pressure reminders, Daily Blood Pressure Summary, and AI-powered Health Insights work together to transform daily readings into meaningful trends, helping users build greater awareness of their cardiovascular health over time.

Pre-Order Now and Enjoy Exclusive Launch Benefits

Customers can now pre-order the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7, HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro, or HUAWEI WATCH D3 and enjoy exclusive launch benefits.

	Color	Original Price	Promo Price
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 46mm	Black, Blue, Yellow	PHP 18,999	PHP 14,999
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 41mm	Pink, Blue White Grey (exclusive online)	PHP 18,999 PHP 19,999	PHP 14,999 PHP 15,999
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro	Green, Black, Yellow	PHP 22,999	PHP 18,999
HUAWEI WATCH D3	Black, Gold, Mocha Gold (exclusive online)	PHP 30,999	PHP 26,999

Pre-order Offers

• PHP 4,000 discount (applied to promo price)

• Free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 (worth PHP 1,999)

• Free 1-Month HUAWEI Health+ Membership (worth PHP 129)

• Free 1-Month HUAWEI Watch Face VIP (worth PHP 289)

• 2-Year Warranty (1-year standard + 1-year extended) worth PHP 1,999

HUAWEI Online Store

• Up to PHP 5,500 early bird discount (October 2-10), HUAWEI WATCH GT 7, HUAWEI WATCH D3.

Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop

• HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series: PHP 4,000 discount (October 2-10), Shopee, Lazada, TikTok

• HUAWEI WATCH D3: PHP 4,000 discount (October 2-10), Shopee, Lazada, TikTok

Lazada Exclusive Offers for HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series

Starting October 2, customers who pre-order the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series via Lazada can enjoy additional benefits as part of Lazada’s Super New Arrival Campaign:

• An additional PHP 400 discount when paying via GCash

• FREE ClassPass credits for both new and existing users

• FREE adidas bag worth approximately PHP 3,000 for the first 50 buyers during Lazada's Super New Arrival promo (only on October 7)

mWell Health Pass Gift Code

The first 100 customers at each participating HUAWEI Experience Store to claim their HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series or HUAWEI WATCH D3 orders will receive a free PHP 399 mWell Health Pass Gift Code. The mWell Health Pass Gift Code may be redeemed until December 31, 2026, and will remain valid for three months from the date of redemption.

Each mWell Health Pass Gift Code gives users a free 24/7 online doctor consult, which includes a free prescription, free medical certificate, and free lab referral, all easily accessible through their mWell Health ID. 

This offer is available only at select stores:

1. HUAWEI Experience Store SM Megamall

2. HUAWEI Experience Store Market Market

3. HUAWEI Experience Store Glorietta

4. HUAWEI Experience Store SM Cebu

5. HUAWEI Experience Store SM MOA

6. HUAWEI Experience Store  SM North EDSA

7. HUAWEI Experience Store  SM Marikina

8. HUAWEI Experience Store SM Davao Ecoland

9. HUAWEI Experience Store SM Sta Rosa

10. HUAWEI Experience Store SM Pampanga

Pre-order now and experience HUAWEI's latest generation of smarter sports and smarter health. Visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram) for more updates.

Sony Store Exclusive: Sony’s First Collaboration with Hello Kitty

Sony announced a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty, one of Sanrio’s most beloved characters. Available exclusively through Sony Centres in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and Glorietta, the special collection combines selected Sony products with exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration merchandise. 

Learn More: https://experience.sony-asia.com/ph/home/exploredetail/1545 

This limited-edition collaboration is available with Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones. The collaboration model includes exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise, designed specifically for Sony Centre customers. 

Sales will begin on October 16, 2026 at select Sony Centres. Customers who purchase WH-1000XM6 are eligible to add the exclusive Hello Kitty Collaboration for P4,999. The wireless headphones are available in a variety of headphone colors: Black, Silver, Midnight Blue, Sand Pink, or Sandstone.

Sony Centres

SM Mall of Asia

SM Megamall 

Glorietta by Ayala Malls

The Sony Centre exclusive collaboration goods have been thoughtfully designed to combine practicality with everyday style. Created to complement Sony products, these exclusive items incorporate Hello Kitty’s signature charm, bringing a touch of joy and personality to daily music experiences.

WH-1000XM6 

Building on the celebrated legacy of the 1000X series, Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM6 combines premium sound with next-generation noise cancellation in a seamless design, creating an immersive sanctuary of silence. Precision-engineered sound brings every note to life, delivering rich, detailed sound with remarkable clarity and depth. 

 Hello Kitty Collaboration Model Set

Available in limited quantities, this collaboration package includes the WH-1000XM6 along with a Sony Centre exclusive original Hello Kitty pouch (carrying case) for storing your device and personal belongings, and a Hello Kitty tote bag for everyday use.

The design incorporates Hello Kitty’s charming world into Sony’s signature premium and simple headphone design. It allows users to enjoy Hello Kitty’s appeal not only while listening to music but also when carrying the product throughout their day.

For more information, please visit: 

WH-1000XM6 x Hello Kitty: https://experience.sony-asia.com/ph/home/exploredetail/1545 

For inquiries regarding the collaboration goods, please reach out via Info.SPH@sony.com 

vivo V80 Lite goes exclusive on Shopee for 10.10 with up to 16% off

 

The vivo V80 Lite 5G will be available through an exclusive Shopee promo from October 9 at 8 pm to October 16, giving Filipino consumers a limited-time opportunity to purchase the new smartphone through the vivo Official Store on Shopee.

Retailing at Php 24,999 for 6GB + 128GB and Php 27,999 for 6GB + 256GB, the V80 Lite can be purchased during the promo with up to 16% total discount. Shoppers who choose Shopee SPayLater can also avail of 0% interest for up to six months, with monthly payments starting at Php 3,840.

Why the vivo V80 Lite fits a young professional’s day

For young professionals, a smartphone can be a work tool, navigation companion, entertainment device, and connection to family and friends. The vivo V80 Lite is designed to support these different needs while giving users the freedom to stay fully charged and fully free to focus on what matters.

Its 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery provides the capacity for extended use across calls, messaging, navigation, streaming, social media, and other everyday activities, reducing the need to constantly look for a charger.

The 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with HDR10+ and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness provides a bright, detailed viewing experience for everything from checking work content to watching videos and browsing social media.

With IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, the V80 Lite offers added protection against dust and water under rated testing conditions, making it suited for commutes, outdoor activities, and everyday use.

Together, these features make the V80 Lite a practical choice for people whose days extend well beyond the office, whether they are pursuing a side hustle, meeting friends, working out, or simply making time for the things they enjoy.

“Shopee’s 10.10 sale gives consumers another convenient way to get the V80 Lite, with payment options that make the device more accessible,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines.

Shop the vivo V80 Lite on the vivo Official Store on Shopee starting October 9 at 8 pm. For updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website.

vivo V80 Lite launches in PH with 10000mAh battery at Php 24,999

vivo has officially launched the vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines, bringing its 10000mAh BlueVolt Battery, IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, and high-brightness display to consumers looking for a smartphone that can keep up with demanding workdays and everything that comes after. The V80 Lite starts at Php 24,999 and will be available for pre-order from October 4 to 16, 2026.

The Guinness World Record holder vivo V80 Lite is designed for young Filipino professionals whose days do not end when the workday does. From meetings, calls, and commutes to side hustles, fitness, social activities, and staying connected with family and friends, the smartphone is built around the idea of staying fully charged and fully free to move from one part of the day to the next. 

Pre-order the V80 Lite and get more

Customers who pre-order the vivo V80 Lite from October 4 to 16 will receive a package of exclusive offers and freebies, including:

    • Limited-edition vivo Buds Air3, worth Php 1,799

    • vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app

    • Php 1,000 pre-order discount

    • Four-year battery warranty, worth Php 1,510

    • 100GB of Google One cloud storage for six months, which can be claimed until October 2, 2027

Customers can also get an additional Php 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. To claim the offer, use voucher code HCV80LITE.

The vivo V80 Lite will be available in the following configurations:

    • 6GB + 128GB - Php 24,999

    • 6GB + 256 GB - Php 27,999

Built for a day that goes beyond work

The vivo V80 Lite is designed for people whose smartphone use extends well beyond office hours, with three key features addressing different parts of an always-moving day.

For professionals who need their phones to keep going: The 10000mAh BlueVolt battery gives users more room to move through long workdays, commutes, and after-hours activities without constantly planning around their next charge. It is vivo’s largest battery capacity globally and is designed for users who rely on their phones from the first task of the day to everything that follows.

For people who take their phones everywhere: The V80 Lite’s IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance gives added protection for users who move between different environments throughout the day. Whether heading out for a commute, working outdoors, exercising, or meeting friends after work, the phone is built to handle exposure to dust and water under rated testing conditions.

For those who stay on the go: The V80 Lite’s 1.5k OLED high-brightness display helps keep content visible when users are navigating busy commutes, checking messages outdoors, or moving between indoor and outdoor settings. Its display is designed to support the same kind of flexibility expected from a phone that needs to follow users throughout the day.

“Today’s professionals are not defined by a strict 9-to-5 schedule, and their smartphones need to keep up with that reality,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “The V80 Lite was created for those moments when work ends but the day doesn’t — whether that means pursuing a side hustle, meeting friends, working out, or simply staying connected. We want users to have the freedom to keep going without constantly thinking about their battery or their environment.”

Stay fully charged, stay fully free

With its combination of a 10000mAh BlueVolt battery, IP68 and IP69 protection, and high-brightness display, the vivo V80 Lite is built around a simple idea: a smartphone should support the whole day, not just the working hours.

To be among the first to get the vivo V80 Lite, pre-order now through vivo physical stores and official channels via the vivo e-store and the vivo Store app. For the latest updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website.