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RCBC provides last mile banking to 4Ps/CCT families in Lake Sebu

Philippines’ leading challenger bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), through its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully assisted hundreds of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)/Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries to easily and quickly cash out aid from the national government through RCBC ATM Go partner merchants in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, an identified geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) by the DSWD.

RCBC’s partner sari-sari stores – Ebanen, Sigfred, and Negros Rice – were able to facilitate over P2 million cash withdrawals by 4Ps/CCT household beneficiaries in three days.

RCBC ATM Go is the country’s first grassroots-based, bank agnostic, and last mile handheld automated teller machine which utilizes mobile point-of-sale devices to dispense financial services in unbanked and underserved communities.

RCBC is currently the only Philippine private universal bank that has the most extensive reach covering 100% of the country across all its 82 provinces with close to 2,000 terminals operated by thousands of its partner merchants. More than 65 percent of RCBC ATM Go’s financial transactions are social grant cash withdrawals by CCT/4Ps household beneficiaries of the national government mostly residing in remote communities. RCBC  is also the only Philippine bank that has the most number of ATM Go terminals in excess of 100 units servicing  all five provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao covering Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi Tawi.

Under the RCBC-DSWD Memorandum of Agreement signed in December 2022, RCBC will provide alternative payout channels for 4Ps/CCT beneficiaries.  Prior to this engagement, RCBC has already collaborated with DSWD during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, RCBC was able to assist the national government in distributing more than Php 21.3 billion through its social amelioration program to over 5.6 million household beneficiaries benefitting 28 million aggregate-covered individuals.

“RCBC has been tirelessly working to make banking available and meaningful for all Filipinos through our RCBC Moneybela Barangayan Banking and RCBC ATM Go  servicing millions of Filipinos in the countryside,” says RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva.

“RCBC’s mantra has always been innovations with empathy, and this is best relayed through digital-forward and frictionless banking services such as what RCBC ATM Go provides to those who live in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Lake Sebu,” Villanueva added.

As Lake Sebu is a remote community,  there is a limited presence of financial institutions that can provide brick-and-mortar branches or ATM kiosks. Residents need an hour of travel and spend costly transportation of as much as P200  just to be able to withdraw financial aid given by the national government.  There are more than 13,000 4Ps/CCT beneficiaries in Lake Sebu and not all can be served by existing financial service providers in the area.

“The pilot testing conducted in the three (3) barangays of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in partnership with RCBC has been truly successful. The 4Ps beneficiaries were able to withdraw their grants quicker and more efficiently – it only took them less than a minute receiving the money. We would like to extend our thanks to RCBC for this initiative,” says DSWD SOCCSKSARGEN  Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya. SOCCSKSARGEN covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos in Region 12.

Aside from RCBC ATM Go, RCBC has effectively implemented other pioneering, high-impact, human-centric, and demand driven digital financial innovations such as the one-stop-shop digital banking app RCBC Digital; RCBC DiskarTech, the Philippines’ first multi-lingual financial inclusion super app for the Filipino mass market in the vernacular Tagalog-English or Taglish and Cebuano; and RCBC Moneybela Barangayan Banking, the Philippines’ first physical-digital or phygital banking services that use sustainable e-trikes to serve geographically distant and disadvantaged and conflict areas of the country.

RCBC is one of the country’s fastest-growing banks, and the most awarded for its banking innovations.  It is now the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank that breached the P1-Trillion asset mark by the end of June 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. RCBC’s continuing digital and business transformation further enhanced its value and reach.

With this, RCBC has become the most awarded bank in the Philippines. Among its global and local recognitions include a three-peat award as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital by Asiamoney, back-to-back wins for Best Financial Inclusion App by The Asian Banker’s Financial Technology Innovations Awards, and the YouTube challenger award for its viral and out-of-the-box digital ad campaigns generating combined views of over 17 million. Just recently, RCBC was also hailed as Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines.

 

#RCBC #LakeSebu #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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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 at 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 opening 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 about this and 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. Individuals can receive the support they need by simply registering and visiting the barangay. 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.

 

RCBC is one of the country’s fastest-growing banks, now ranked as the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank in terms of assets from 8th in 2019, and the most awarded for its banking innovations. Among its global and local recognitions include a three-peat award as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital by Asiamoney, back-to-back wins for Best Financial Inclusion App by The Asian Banker’s Financial Technology Innovations Awards, and the YouTube Challenger award for its viral and out-of-the-box digital ad campaigns generating combined views of over 17 million. Just recently, RCBC was also hailed as the Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines.

 

#RCBC #Calauan #Laguna #financialinclusion #digitaltransformation #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Men in Business & Power – collaborating for business and social progress

On a very rare occasion, leaders from various organizations gathered for an afternoon coffee and tea session recently held at the Rockwell Club in Makati. The event fostered exchanging of thoughts and best practices on how each of their businesses can continually improve in creating a positive impact in the country.

The event was coined as the Men in Business and Power meeting, as indeed attended by seasoned and influential entrepreneurs in the country. Former AFFI Executive Director, Raffy Galang Canare, a socially active business community builder and social entrepreneur, championed the event. The event was highlighted by the powerful talks presented by Potato Corner Co-Founder, Jorge Wieneke, Rairaiken CEO, Joey Garcia, Social Spiritual Entrepreneur Leader and Tangere Partner, Jonathan Camcam, and ASEAN Business Leader Awardee, Rosanna Llenado.  The event was attended by key business organization leaders such as the Rotary Club of Greenfield District, JCI Makati, Philippine Marketing Association, Assn. of Filipino Franchisers, Inc., Financial Executives Institute Inc., Philippine Ecommerce Assn of the Philippines, World Trade Center Business Club and members of the Business Press Corp.

The event aims to provide a venue to gather key opinion leaders and businessmen to network and exchange business thoughts and ideas. MBP Lead Convenor, Raffy Canare envisioned to continue to bridge big players and small business players in collaborating for business and social progress.

 

#MBP #businessleaders #entrepreneur #RockwellClub #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Asia CEO Awards returns to honor the movers and shakers shaping Philippine Business

Nominations are open for the 2023 awards season.

 Manila, Philippines — Over the past year, business leaders all around the world and across the country had one goal in mind – growing the economy in a post-pandemic setting. The industry landscape experienced numerous ebbs and flows in recent months. Companies with leaders who can pivot and diversify their business are the ones changing the game. The Asia CEO Awards 2023 returns to give recognition to these movers and shakers, honoring their commitment to the progressive Philippines.

Now in its 14th year, the Asia CEO Awards is reimagining its overall mission and vision, in line with the rapidly-shifting world around it. ACA founder Rebecca Bustamante hopes to further reinforce the Philippines’ standing as a center of business excellence and sees the awards as a platform to develop future industry leaders. “The Philippines has so many business leaders waiting in the wings for their chance to drive the economy to greater heights. They are strong, compassionate, and resilient,” shares Bustamante. “We see this every year, and now we want to do our part to help nurture this potential.”

For 2023 and beyond, the ACA’s rallying cry is ONE TRUE PRIZE. Bustamante and her team were inspired by the idea of the awards being the first, genuine, and among the highly-regarded peer organizations in the country. They hope to set a standard for excellence for others, and that their recognition will inspire a positive impact on the community.

Asia CEO Awards – Rebecca Bustamante and Richard Mills present their donation to Globe’s Hapag Movement.

Nominations for the 2023 batch of game-changing and accomplished organizations are now open.

Philippine-based individuals and corporations who have shown exemplary leadership achievements in their work in the region over the past year are eligible for the awards. Criteria for each category zeroes in on a positive contribution to the development of the country’s economic capabilities and international reputation through their work, business involvement, or heritage. Coupled with a heart for the Filipino people, these nominees will be paving the way for a brighter future for the country.

The award categories open for nominations are

Airspeed SME Company of the Year  

Figari Entrepreneur of the Year

Foundever Young Leader of the Year

Kyani Wellness Company of the Year  

Lionheart Farms Sustainability Company of the Year   

Microsourcing Service Excellence Company of the Year 

PLDT Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year

iCXeed Diversity Company of the Year

Reed Elsevier Top Employer of the Year

Sprout Solutions Technology Company of the Year
United Neon Most Innovative Company of the Year

CSR Company of the Year

Expatriate Executive of the Year

Executive Leadership Team of the Year

 Nominations are now open and will end on August 15, 2023.

At the recently concluded media launch, the esteemed panel of judges for this year’s awards were announced. Reviewing the entries will be the likes of Architect Jun Palafox, business leaders Bing Sibal-Limjoco, and Don Felbaum, PWC Chairman Alex Cabrera, public and private sector figure Darlene Berberabe, and economist Bernie Villegas. Finalists for each award category are announced once a shortlist has been made by the panel.

The Circle of Excellence Awardees and the Grand Winners will be presented at the 2032 Asia CEO Awards to be held in October of this year.

Going beyond just the pageantry of an awards night, the ACA is putting in the work. During this year’s presentation, Bustamante will be launching the Learning Excellence & Active Development (L.E.A.D.) Center. The promise is a transforming experience, aligned with the idea that “Together we can do more.” It is focused on producing highly competent, well-rounded, proactive individuals who will be the future drivers of the nation. Through diversity, equity, and inclusion, they hope to build a foundation for informed and intelligent business practices across all sectors. The leadership development framework will also include advocacy and outreach work for poverty and hunger alleviation. The L.E.A.D. programs  will be initially offered online this April, but they hope to hold sessions in their soon-to-be-built Tagaytay facility.

The ACA and its programs are made possible by valuable partners who have shared the same vision over the years. For 2023, Globe Telecom returns as the grand title sponsor. Their participation extends beyond the awards, highlighted by their support of the L.E.A.D Center program through nation-building initiatives. In turn, the ACA presented a donation to Globe’s landmark project, The Hapag Movement, during the media launch.

PWC’s Alex Cabrera delivers the welcome remarks at the Asia CEO Awards media launch.

Asia CEO Awards Elite award sponsors include Airspeed International, Figari, Foundever, Kiyani, Lionheart Farms Corporation, Microsourcing, PLDT Enterprise, Reed Elsevier, Sprout Solutions Philippines, Inc., IcXceed, and United Neon. Prestige sponsors are Beepo, and PSG Global Solutions. Stepping in as a knowledge partner is PWC. Official Venue Partner Marriott Hotel Manila. Media partners are ANC, BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, The Philippine Star, The Manila Times, SMNI, Net25, and The Philippine Business And News. PR Partner is A-List Partners and Consulting, Inc.

As the Philippines moves forward into the future, the Asia CEO Awards is focused on supporting the business community and its nation-building efforts. They continue to work to achieve a stronger economy and first-world status for the Filipino people.

For more information, visit the Asia CEO Awards website, and on Facebook.

 

#AsiaCEOAwards #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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20% of mobile phone users may lose digital payments access

“We urge mobile phone users to register their SIM cards now that the SIM registration deadline has been extended for 90 days. They have more time to comply with the law,” said Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of the FinTech Alliance Philippines. As of recent development, the SIM registration deadline has been extended for 90 days, announced by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday.

The  Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act (RA 11934) mandated that all SIMs in the country be registered by April 26, 2023, to safeguard consumers against nefarious practices, including scams. But the major telecommunication companies in the country complained about the low registration turnout and have requested an extension, bringing up the lack of valid IDs and digital literacy as hindrances.

The fintech industry greatly encourages everyone’s adherence to this mandate as unregistered SIM card users may hinder digital payment processes, electronic transactions, and one-time-pin authorizations. With more registered SIM card users, we can continue to onboard more and more unbanked Filipinos into the financial ecosystem with ease and without interruption.

“Under this law, we aim to dramatically reduce cases of mule accounts, bots, and fraudulent transactions. This will improve the security, safety, and trust among digital users,” Villanueva added.

As of April 20, 2023, a total of 76,927,923 subscribers have registered their SIMs, equivalent to around 45 percent of the 168 million subscriber base nationwide.

Based on telcos’ estimate, a huge portion of the 168 million subscriber base are “disposable” SIMs, which are used temporarily.

“Their actual estimate is close to 100 million active SIMs. If we use that figure as the basis, then we have 78 to 79 million registered SIMs. The registration rate is hitting almost 80 percent,” said Secretary Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Fintech Alliance. ph is the Philippines’ largest association of fintech startups and unicorns generating over 90 percent of digital financial transactions in the country today.

#FintechAlliancePH #SIMregistration #DICT #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Canadian Embassy ties with FinTech Alliance.PH to elevate Filipino FinTech in global scene

FinTech Alliance. ph, the Philippines’ premier digital trade organization, which is composed of startups and unicorns that account for over 90% of digital-initiated transactions volume in the country, has teamed up with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines to showcase the Filipino fintech talent at upcoming global events including AsiaTech x Singapore (ATxSG) and Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) happening in Singapore, and Collision 2023 that will take place in Toronto, Canada.

This collaboration aims to promote excellence, ingenuity, and diligence of the Filipino FinTech players on the world stage by connecting them with global partners for cross-border digital technologies and services, including e-commerce payments and remittances for expertise building, knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and investment stimulation. The Embassy of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service in the Philippines will be facilitating business-to-business meetings between Filipino FinTech players and Canadian companies exhibiting at these events.

“This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to leverage our collective strengths and expertise as Filipino FinTech players, and bring innovative financial solutions to the global stage. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem for FinTech innovation, and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Philippines,” said Lito Villanueva, Founding Chairman, Fintech Alliance. ph.

“The Canadian FinTech ecosystem is highly competitive and is home to over 850 companies and several financial hubs, the largest being Toronto. This collaboration would open opportunities for Canadian FinTech players to connect and do business with key partners in the fast-growing economy of the Philippines, as well as foster and sustain a successful FinTech innovation ecosystem,” said Guy Boileau, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Canada.

AsiaTech x Singapore is the gateway to the world’s fastest-growing digital economy and leading platform where the international tech and enterprise communities congregate for conversations and networking that set the agenda for key tech trends, governance, and innovation impacting businesses and society in the region. This year’s conference will happen in Singapore.

The Singapore Fintech Festival brings together the global FinTech community to engage, connect, and collaborate on issues relating to the development of financial services, public policy, and technology. As the world’s largest FinTech festival, last year’s edition brought together over 62,000 participants from 115 countries. SFF is organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Elevandi, and Constellar and in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore.

Collision 2023, North America’s fastest-growing tech conference dubbed as the “Olympics of Tech,” will feature sessions that gather tech experts, cultural icons, and global policymakers, as well as interactive Q&As, masterclasses, roundtables, and speaker experiences.

 

#FinTechAlliancePH #CanadianEmbassy #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Fintech Alliance aims to address the financial sector’s biggest issues today during the INDX Summit 2.0

Fintech Alliance.PH, the country’s leading and largest association of fintech and digital players, is hosting the second edition of Inclusion and Digital Transformation (INDX) Summit 2.0 on November 22-23, 2022 at the Enderun Tent, McKinley Hill, Taguig City. This high-level summit will focus on accelerating the new administration’s massive digitalization thrust under its 8-point socioeconomic agenda and the country’s first-ever Medium-Term Fiscal Framework.

The FinTech Alliance membership collectively generates over 90 percent of digital-initiated transactions volume in the Philippines today. It was established in November 2017 and was launched at the BSP with the late BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., championing inclusive digital finance and financial education.

Following a successful event pre-pandemic in 2019, Fintech Alliance.PH will again bring together the economic policy-makers, industry leaders, practitioners, legislators, and government partners involved in digital finance, digital transformation, innovations, and strategy to build an in-depth discussion and actionable ideas through presentations, panels, insights, and collaborative learning opportunities that will evolve within the core pillars of transformation, people, technology, and process.

The Summit is being staged in collaboration with the Department of Finance, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Transportation, National Economic Development Authority, Insurance Commission, National Privacy Commission, Credit Information Corporation, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and other key government agencies.

Among its keynote speakers include Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Emil Aquino, Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa, and other local and international shakers and movers in the fintech and digital space discussing national digital transformation focusing on inclusive finance, healthtech, agritech, eductech, quantum technology, metaverse, digitizing mSMEs, digital assets, decentralized finance, blockchain, and open banking, to name a few.

Given the exponential growth of these industries, INDX Summit 2.0 will empower key sectors to achieve their goals towards the digital future and support those who seek advancement in the fintech landscape—progressively closing a gap in terms of producing high-quality digital talents.

The two-day INDX Summit will be capped by an Ambassadors’ Gala where key heads of missions and other international development agencies as well as partner regional and global partners will gather. One of the highlights of this event would be the inaugural launch of the Fintech and Regulatory Innovation (FTRI) Programme in the Philippines on November 23, 2022 at 6:00pm. This exciting new programme will be delivered by the Mapua University and the FinTech Alliance.ph, and powered by the Cambridge Centre of Alternative Finance, University of Cambridge Judge Business School.  This initiative is the first off-campus Cambridge FinTech and Regulatory Innovation Programme by the CCAF, University of Cambridge Judge Business School in the ASEAN region.

“This FinTech Alliance INDX Summit 2.0 will be the biggest gathering of movers and shakers not only in the Philippines, but globally, with the common aim of accelerating inclusive and sustainable Philippine digital economy,” said Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of FinTech Alliance.ph and executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC.

During the press conference, Mr. Villanueva was asked different questions on concerns about online lending, digital payments, and the web 3.0 space. He mentioned that all of these issues have a vital impact to the direction of the sector in the future and the INDX conference was rightfully established to create a stage where different stakeholders and decision makers can discuss and address these.

To register for the event, please visit: https://indx2022.enderunconferences.com/.

 

#FinTech #indx2022 #enderun #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy: How a couple’s love revolutionized aromatherapy

Lloyd and Judith Barran seemed to have it all– a blossoming business, a great marriage, but one must simply know how they came to achieve all of this. There is one word for it: love.

 

A couple’s shared love and passion

 Before they married and had three wonderful children, Lloyd and Judith were in different worlds– almost literally. Lloyd was born in Guyana, South America while Judith first saw the light of the world in Davao, Philippines. Even as a young man, Lloyd did everything with passion and grit. He was a stellar student– up till he entered college at the University of Saskatchewan, he continued his love for science by taking up Pharmacy.

However, science took a break for a while when he went back to Guyana to become a corporate secretary to six companies in the Booker, McConnell Group of Companies. It was a great undertaking, but his love for science still prevailed as he went back to Canada, eventually opening up a retail pharmacy that lasted for 25 years. That was the time when Lloyd met Judith– an encounter like no other.

 

Judith and Lloyd Barran: The couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights.

 

Judith was a Commerce graduate, but she was also keen on discovering and making new paths for herself. She studied interior decorating, and affluent people from Davao would acquire her to decorate their mansions. She followed her heart and married Lloyd in 1992, and moved to Canada a year later. In 2000, She attended Aromatherapy school, and Lloyd followed her the next year. Their love for each other and their interest in aromatherapy brought forth the existence of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare– a testament of dedication and passion to their craft.

 

Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022.

 

A product of their love and dedication 

The Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare features a wide range of products that seek to enlighten one’s well-being and promote a healthy and invigorated lifestyle as well. Like the name Cleopatra, which originated from Ancient Egypt, they also want their customers to experience beauty in its most refreshing form. They have several products that seek to help people feel naturally better. They have several aromatherapy blends for Muscle & Joint Pain, Cold Sores, Headaches, and Cold & Flu, among others. All of their products are made from 100% essential oils and are used and recommended by doctors and dermatologists alike.

During the pandemic, they have also created their skincare line, Cleopatra Luxury Skincare. It features a variety of luxury serums–the Scar and Stretch Mark serum, the Youth Serum Elixir, and the Acne Blend. Customers from all over the world have been raving about it, as it enhances their youthful beauty and nourishes the skin!

On to greater heights

 Despite all the odds, the couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights. Their partnership, sense of duty, and love for each other have helped them grow together and as individuals. In turn, the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy is now growing and thriving, never backing down.

 

Lloyd and Judith are now hand in hand in managing their business, which has also helped people from all around the world discover what it takes to take their health and beauty to a higher level. Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022. One thing is for sure– their love for aromatherapy and each other will never waver, much like the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy’s success.

For more information, visit www.essenceofcleopatra.com.

 

#EssenceofCleopatra #luxuryskincare #LloydandJudithBarran #AlbertaCanada #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Market Reach boosts best of Filipino brands through its international distribution platform

The Philippines, with all its 7,107 islands, is a fusion of unique flavors, ingenuity, and creativity. As a hot pot of culture, it’s not surprising that this is seen in the many products that Filipino entrepreneurs have to offer.

What started as a small hub against its neighboring Asian giants, the country has shifted into the “Franchise Hub of Asia,” with external trade and export sales seeing positive growth. And championing these efforts to make Filipino brands and products known to the rest of the world is Market Reach International (MRI), the trusted distribution partner in the world of global FMCG logistics and supply.

“The Philippines is a net importer—a lot of our products are imported. And due to current external factors such as supply chain disruptions, us being an archipelago, and also currency which is now close to PHP 60, importing anything has become very expensive,” says Jiten Lalwani, CEO of Market Reach International. With this challenge in sight, MRI has put the focus on boosting Filipino exports in the country and on the international stage. And this drive and excellence have earned the trust and business of some of the largest brands in the industry while bringing various local products to consumers in over 28 countries.

MRI Sales team with DTI EMB Director, from left to right: Nelby Oquendo, Jazzi Dayao, DTI EMB Director Chris Arnuco, and Gale Hapita.

Starting with the goal to make Filipino products accessible to OFWs, MRI is now enabling and carrying the dreams of local entrepreneurs by being the ship with which they are carried globally. “We’ve been in the industry for 15 years. This may be short compared to other giants in the industry, and yet we’ve quickly risen to one of the top consolidators in the country. That’s because we’re not here for the business; we’re here because we’re passionate about sharing Filipino brands with the rest of the world,” also shares CEO Jiten Lalwani.

The Philippines is home to many innovative products and homegrown raw materials from big, small, and medium businesses. With that, Market Reach International sees this potential to grow the market and has been pivotal in this mission since 2008. The pioneer business exports the nation’s best of the best products worldwide while supporting many local entrepreneurs in the process.

Their support for the locals goes from being engaged in causes to staying true to the products of these entrepreneurs. “What the suppliers deliver to us, we export. We just provide translations and comply with the municipality’s regulations and conditions. And of course, we offer fair prices,” says Jazzie Dayao, Sales Development Manager of Market Reach International.

CMO Nas Arcayan also adds, “We apply an extra layer of meticulousness when we export. We study each of the markets that we enter and ensure that we find the best brands and products that will fit it the best. It’s a win-win-win situation: for us, our partner brands, and our partner buyers around the world.”

Just recently, MRI was part of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX), a biennial global trade show and the premier international sourcing hub where local F&B companies can promote their products globally and establish and strengthen links with international buyers, importers, and retailers. Their booth featured a variety of Pinoy food favorites from beloved brands in the country in the hopes of making the local F&B industry known and sharing the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine.

IFEX Philippines September 2022

As Market Reach International continues to grow, so do the local brands, partners, and their communities—all this to show success is achieved across the board from all sides of the equation. From a simple goal to reach Filipinos abroad to now exporting to over 28 countries and counting, MRI is leading the charge in bringing the best of Filipino brands within arm’s reach, anywhere in the world.

CEO Jiten Lalwani shares a hope to expand MRI’s reach internationally. But his bigger goal is for the Philippines’ export industry to flourish, the global market to diversify, and most importantly, for Filipino products to be recognized and distributed worldwide. “Filipinos have such unique flavors and products that are unlike any other in the world, and therefore, deserve to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.”

 

#MarketReachInternational #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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SeedIn Technology Makes Financing Accessible for Everybody

SeedIn Technology is a mobile app, a web-based investment platform that matches Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with potential investors from around the world.  As the only SEC-licensed P2B SME Crowdlending platform in the country, this easy-to-use app has taken the finance world by storm, making financing and investment accessible for everybody.  The model has been widely successful and SeedIn Technology is now one of the biggest P2B (person to business) crowdfunding platforms in the region, having put over US $200 million into SMEs across Southeast Asia in 4 countries (Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cambodia).

 SeedIn was brought to the Philippines by Edison Tsai, Anson Uy, and Dexter Tiu, successful entrepreneurs in the Information Technology, Finance, and Energy space.  They were looking for the next big thing and saw the potential in SeedIn’s financially inclusive model, along with the benefits it would give to both SMEs and investors in the country. They tirelessly worked to bring the brand into the country, eventually launching operations in 2017, and forged strategic partnerships with banks like Unionbank, fintech organizations such as FintechAlliance.ph and Fintech Philippines, and other government institutions and payment gateways in the country.

Planting the Seed for SMEs

SeedIn Technology has democratized the world of finance through crowdfunding and by tapping into SMEs—a sector that is often overlooked by banks due to their heavy risk portfolios or low credit scores.  The company’s crowdfunding model has found a decentralized solution to financing. While banks are financially centralized, SeedIn pulls together the resources of tens of thousands of investors who use their app.  Tsai calls SeedIn “The People’s Bank.”  As a result, many struggling businesses are now able to gain access to credit and continue to thrive and be part of the comeback economy.

SeedIn Technology Executive Director Edison Tsai.

The process of becoming a borrower on SeedIn’s website is easy. SMEs simply need to register as Ïssuer” and make a “Loan Request” once their profile has been approved. SeedIn then contacts the Issuer and performs the necessary due diligence by analyzing the company’s financials and business plans to come up with a Credit Score.  Once the project is approved, it will go live and be displayed in the marketplace on the app, where it becomes available to SeedIn investors around the world.  The investors then select the project and their desired investment amount.  With SeedIn’s platform, the possibilities for SMEs and investors are endless.

Financial Inclusion

SeedIn makes financing more inclusive by allowing anybody to be an investor.  With a minimum per investment amount of only Php 1,000 and an average of 10% per annum returns, investments now become accessible to anyone 18 and above with a Philippine bank account or e-wallet.  The process is easy: download the app on Google or Apple store, upload your ID and fill up required fields, and complete the eKYC process within 10-15 minutes. Now the fun begins, and you are introduced to the fascinating and prosperous world of finance.  SeedIn provides investors with the profile of the SMEs they are investing in and pertinent loan information such as interest rate, tenure, and repayment method. tenure, interest rate.

 

Tsai believes that what they are doing will have a positive social and economic impact on the country.  “It is really about connecting people and allowing them to invest in an easy, convenient way,” he says. “We are not lending [to the big conglomerates] because they do not need us.  We are thinking about the other 99%. That is our mission—our social purpose.”  The company encourages “social lending” and “ïmpact investment” by ways of providing local businesses with accessible decentralized capital to help them grow and prosper.

Serve the Deserving

Having operated in the Philippines for five years, SeedIn Technology has continued to serve Filipino SMEs, and retail and institutional investors.  Today they have served hundreds of businesses and over 80,000 investors across 80 countries around the world.  As one of the largest P2B SME crowdfunding platforms in Asia, SeedIn plans to further educate SMEs and investors on alternative financing and investment by expanding to other regions in the near future.

 

For more information, please go to Seedin’s social media or visit https://www.seedinph.tech

 

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