Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 209 | Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

No stopping Davao City

BIG CITY COMETH

By MAYA M. PADILLO

With establishments, malls, offices, BPO firms, and commercial spaces mushrooming across prime locations, Davao City is cementing its position as the business hub of southern Philippines.

Let’s admit it, the popularity of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his resolve to make Davao City as the King City of the South contributed to this remarkable growth.

Investors, particularly major real estate players, started coming in, signifying their interest to develop large projects that started the growth of Davao’s Central Business District (CBD).

CBD is the term used to represent the commercial and business center of a city. It contains commercial spaces and offices, and in larger cities will often be described as financial district.

Property giant Megaworld’s 11-hectare Davao Park District township project in

Davao City is slowly taking shape.

Located along the S.P. Dakudao Loop, which used to be the Lanang Golf and Country Club, Davao Park District is envisioned to be one of Davao City’s leading CBDs and a major center for information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) in Mindanao.

The One Lakeshore Drive of the Suntrust Properties Inc. (SPI), a wholly- owned subsidiary of Megaworld, is a four-tower development within Megaworld’s master-planned smart township development.

The four towers are being constructed and finishing is underway. Tower 1 is expected for turnover by second half

of 2023 and other towers will follow every six months thereafter.

The four towers have a combined 1,260 residential units and commercial spaces on the ground floor.

Davao Park District also houses the Davao Finance Center, an office building targeted for information technology, business process outsourcing, offshore gaming, and other corporate clients.

The 250-bed Lanang Premiere Doctors Hospital, located within Davao Park District, adds to the medical facilities available in the city.

Being considered a prime area in Davao City is J.P. Laurel Avenue and is now considered the new financial destination because of

the number of establishments thriving in the area including Ayala and Alcantara groups’ township project, the Azuela Cove.

Envision to be a complete waterside community, Azuela Cove features a highend condominium, The Residences, located along the Davao City coast facing the Davao Gulf and Samal Island.

The 25-hectare mixed-use complex is a project of Aviana Development Corp., a joint venture company of ALI and the Alcantara Group of Companies.

Azuela already has a retail area called “The Shops”, which is anchored by G Center, the specialty department store of the Gaisano chain. It also features Pilates Plus Davao, Gal-

erie Raphael, Young Living Essential Oils Experience Center, and other lifestyle brands.

Last month, the group brought “High Street” experience to Azuela Cove, which is described as Davao’s seaside lifestyle district, Azuela High Street will offer a mix of retail and dining destinations similar to the Bonifacio Global City’s (BGC) High Street.

Heading south is the Davao Global Township (DGT) of listed property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI).

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) and its local partners formally inaugurated the 23-hectare Davao Global Township (DGT) project in July 2022, with road networks almost done and the first phase on

track to be completed by 2026.

The initial phase includes a condominium complex, a commercial area, and a cultural center, according to Frederick H. Yuson, president of YHEST Realty Development Corp., the joint venture between CLI and the Yuson, Huang and Tan families of Davao City’s Villa-Abrille clan.

They say that CBD is a key term in planning because of its importance to so many intersecting issues of the city that include the success and growth of the local and regional economy, the movement of goods and people, and the life and culture of a city.

And it seems that Davao City is heading perfectly well towards that direction.

By

EDITORIAL Davao City: Growing with globalization and decentralization

Two things that comprise the main elements for modernization are globalization and decentralization.

These two phenomena are said to be responsible for the changes in the spatial pattern of growth and development across several economies around the world.

Let’s not make it too big. Let’s zoom in on the Philippines for example. The past decade has seen massive transformation in the country involving the major metropolitan areas of Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao. As Metro Manila became too congested for businesses and for real estate development, Cebu and Davao raced to the occasion. Cebu might have the edge owing to its proximity to the Big City but Davao is not to be left behind most especially during the past six years of the previous Duterte administration.

Davao City benefited immensely from the Duterte leadership as it was able to level the playing field for urban areas outside the Metro Manila area.

Globalization has brought about a ‘world of cities’, wherein cities are

becoming more influential in international economies and politics. Davao City appears to be on track with globalization as it steadily gains traction in terms of inviting foreign investors and opening export opportunities for its agricultural products.

On the other hand, the wave of decentralization which has swept through many countries in response to growing international competition and to stimulate local development, is also a major reason of Davao City’s emergence as a force to reckon with among emerging domestic markets.

Davao City has been used as a case study to analyze the policies and strategies undertaken to manage the challenges of globalization and decentralization.

Based on a prominent research, whilst the primacy of the capital Metro Manila remains, other cities and metropolitan areas in the country are converging rapidly, most notable of which is Metro Davao.

At the forefront of this phenomenal growth by globalization and decentralization is Davao City.

JASPER

V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

PHILIPPINE

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO

MAYA

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

“Today’s ceremony reflects your drive and passion to spur economic growth in Davao City and make a substantial contribution to nationbuilding endeavors while enabling the Philippines to recover in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

working constantly on a slew of large-scale infrastructure development, you are improving Davao City’s capacity to serve more visitors, workers, and enterprises with world-class facilities and amenities.”

On the groundbreaking of new real estate development Aeon Bleu in Davao City:

VICE PRESIDENT SARA

DUTERTE

Reimagining urban life with Aeon Bleu

By MAYA M. PADILLO

It’s been a long and winding road for homegrown developer Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated (ALPI) to take. Finally, it has reached its destination.

What used to be just a dream has now become a reality as ALPI officially broke ground for its newest project in Davao City, the Aeon Bleu, along Bacaca Road.

“I once mentioned this in my speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of Aeon Towers, Aeon Luxe Properties Inc.’s flagship project, be careful what you wish for, you might get it. I dreamed for Aeon Towers to manifest and it did at the expense of a few gray hairs on my head. Nonetheless, I couldn’t be happier that we are finally fulfilling yet another wish, the Aeon Bleu,” said Ian Y. Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of Companies Corporation.

Aeon sets to redefine urban development to meet market demands from offices, leisure, commercial and residential.

To rise soon in a 1.6-hectare property, the project is a six-tower mixed-use development, which will be comprised of two residential towers, one condotel, one corporate tower, Club Aeon, and one future development. The tallest of the buildings will be up to 26 stories.

“Aeon Bleu’s phase 1 construction is now ready to begin. This will comprise

residential towers 1 and 2, the condotel at tower 3, and the Club at tower 5. Phase 2 will comprise the construction of Corporate Tower at tower 4 and the future residential development at tower 6,” said Cruz.

Towers 1 and 2 will house the residential flats of Aeon Bleu while tower 3 is a hotel-operated condotel equipped with revolutionary technology like a digital concierge, fiber optic backbone, and smart home features.

Tower 4 is a corporate tower that will be available to accommodate the needs of every business. It will feature shared workspaces, private offices, and everything in between.

Club Aeon at tower 5 is considered the crown jewel of the Aeon projects as it will feature a luxury lobby, basketball court, fitness facility, children’s playroom, and entertainment area. Moreover, Club Aeon will have a six-themed pool, the first of its kind in the Southern Philippines.

Tower 6, which is a premium residence, will house the most luxurious units in the futuristic skyscraper on its top floor, along with an infinity pool and large office spaces.

“We’ve planned meticulously to build such luxury in the heart of Davao. We

started with small steps then we picked up our pace and today we’re finally going to take a giant leap towards the realization of Davao’s Aeon Bleu,” Cruz said.

He said it took the company one and a half years to complete the necessary documents from the planning to the permits.

“It’s been a long road but now we are finally here.

Following the success of Aeon Towers, our revolutionary concept for urban reimagination, the Aeon Bleu, will soon be on display in the Davao Metro,” Cruz said.

The whole project has a master plan of six years with the completion of phase 1 targeted to finish

in three years and phase 2 in another three years.

“Aeon Luxe has built a name for itself by envisioning transformative communities and we recently laid the groundwork for yet another industry first, Aeon Bleu, a cluster of six towers with unparalleled amenities,” Cruz said.

More than just changing Davao City’s skyline, Aeon Luxe is committed to creating communities where people may live, work, and play conveniently.

“Like what Sir Winston Churchill has said ‘we shape our buildings, thereafter, they shape us,” Cruz capped his speech.

Bangladesh government to strengthen partnership with BARMM through BRAC

Bangladesh envoy to the Philippines

F.M. Borhan Uddin has vowed to strengthen partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) not only in education but also in governance and other sectors.

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The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC-Philippines) hosted the envoy’s visit to BARMM.

“The bilateral relationships between the Philip-

pines and Bangladesh are improving and my visit here is to know how we can improve and expand the programs,” Uddin said.

The envoy shared that his country celebrated its golden jubilee of independence last year and since then it has been consistently making development in many sectors, especially in some economic sectors.

“At the moment we have been making good in education, health and social sectors,” he said.

“We have a wonderful garment industry, this is the second largest in the world just like China, we are doing good in pharmaceuticals, we have been exporting medicine to about 160 countries all over the world including Philippines,” he told BARMM officials.

Uddin said his government is a willing partner in governance development in the Bangsamoro region.

During his stay, the envoy was joined by officials from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTEBARMM) and BRAC in class observation and community interaction at the Timbaluan Learning Center, a collaboration project on resilient community learning facility in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur.

It is under the “Abot Kaalaman sa Pamilyang Bangsamoro” (AKAP) Project of MBHTE implemented by BRAC Philippines and the Consortium of Bangsamoro and Civil Society (CBCS), and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/Australian Aid through its Pathways Program to Peace and Education in Mindanao.

The project is covering areas that have no schools and currently in operation in 106 barangays in the BARMM. One of them is the Timbaluan Learning Center.

Isa Bai Adao Mal, a learning facilitator for kindergarten, said if not for the BRAC program, they would have shouldered with their meager income the materials needed by the children.

She added this will result in an expected higher turnout of children from the community who will finish the early stage of education.

“BRAC has provided us a lot, they provided us with school supplies for the children, the learning facilities and materials. It brings a huge impact to our teaching performance in our day to day duties,” Mal said.

BRAC mainly provides coaching and mentoring to the MBHTE’s region-

al and division technical working groups, catchment schools, and the learning facilitators or the community teachers in Kinder, Grade 1 and Grade 2 in the AKAP centers.

These educators were provided with basic teachers training, refresher training, and materials development training that cater to their K-3 teaching needs.

BRAC also announced it had been providing teaching and learning materials to the learning facilities and to the learners.

Jo Villanueva, BRAC Philippines executive director, said BRAC intervention in BARMM education has gone a level higher with the education frontliners already adopted by the BRAC program.

“The learning center, the model that we brought into the BARMM was actually a model of what we did in Bangladesh. Initially we carried out the program but we have already handed it over to MBHTE,” Villanueva said.

“We have already shifted our roles, we provide technical assistance to coaching training the learning facilitators and community,” she said.

Uddin visited the BRAC learning center in Talayan.

Villanueva said BRAC will coordinate with various BARMM ministries for “our early child development program.”

She said BRAC is also considering working with the BARMM Ministry of Social Services on emergency response and preparedness for the project in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur and Bubong in Lanao del Sur.

“BRAC is working with barangay and municipal local governments as well as schools because we want to strengthen the capacity of schools to respond to disasters,” she said.

BRAC Philippines has offices in Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga and Iligan and in Manila.

BRAC began its operations in the Philippines in 2012 focusing on empowering marginalized people and helping them conquer extreme poverty, through its education programme, Ultra Poor Graduation Initiative and Covid-19 response.

The interventions are targeted in urban, rural and refugee settings, equitable participation of all groups, particularly women and youth, providing alternative education services, technical assistance, and advocacy to support governments and partners.

Founded in 1972 as the Bangladesh Rehabil-

Ambassador Uddin made the assurance as he ended his 3-day visit Thursday in the auton

omous region that was highlighted by a series of meetings and courtesies with BARMM Chief Minis

ter Ahod Ebrahim, Speak

er of the Parliament and other regional officials.

SSS urged to defer contribution increase as inflation quickens

The

government should postpone the scheduled contribution hike for the state-run pension fund to mitigate the impact of rising prices for both workers and employers, Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr said on Friday.

The Social Security System is set to raise members’ contributions by 1 percent in 2023.

“All agencies of the government are being asked to look at some ways how to assuage the people because of the increases in

prices, inflation. It’s a no brainer an increase that is pending is one way of doing that,” Ortiz-Luis said.

“I don’t think 1-year postponement will matter much to SSS life and therefore we are appealing that perhaps it can be

CebPac announces P699 seat sale for int’l flights

Cebu Pacific said on Friday it is offering a P699 one-way base fare seat sale for international destinations.

Promo flights are available starting 10 a.m. on Dec. 16 to Jan. 2, 2023, the airline said in a statement.

Travel period for the promotional seats is from Dec. 16 to May 31, 2023, it

added. “We know that many are raring to fly outside the Philippines as more neighboring countries ease their travel restrictions. It is very encouraging to see more people confidently flying again and this is their chance to travel affordably through our seat sales,” said Car-

mina Romero, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Director.

Cebu Pacific said it is continuously expanding its international footprint, adding more flights to Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

International flights out of Davao, with direct flights to Singapore, and

out of Cebu, with direct flights to Seoul and Singapore, have also resumed, it said.

Passengers with existing travel funds may use it for flights and add-ons, the airline said.

Currently, Cebu Pacific said it has a total of 34 domestic and 19 international destinations.

postponed to another year. Nowadays any increase, even P1 in the cost is felt by the workers and employers,” he added.

He said he hoped President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would enforce the authority to intervene granted to him by Congress.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines earlier said the intention of the increase might be

good but the timing was not right.

Inflation quickened to 8 percent in November, the highest since November 2008, which is hitting the spending power of Filipinos, especially the poorest households.

The 8 percent inflation last month is twice the upper limit of the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range.

BANGLADESH...

itation Assistance Committee and later known as the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, its operations have grown globally and with that growth, the organization changed to be known simply as BRAC.

Founded by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, BRAC is an international development

FROM A1

organization that partners with over 100 million people living in inequality and poverty globally.

BRAC operates in 10 countries and has been ranked the No. 1 NGO in the world for five consecutive years by the Geneva-based NGO Advisor.

(Ferdinandh Cabrera/ MindaNews)

Poblacion Market Central holds annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Christmas in Davao becomes a lot more festive this year as Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) held its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony last November 30, 2022, at Poblacion Market Central to usher in a host of offerings for the merriest season of the year.

Davao’s holiday revelers will be welcomed by a glowing 20-foot-tall Christmas tree made of bamboo and handmade banana paper that is an ode to Filipino resourceful-

ness and ingenuity. It reestablishes Poblacion Market Central as a hub that showcases Mindanao’s rich culture, as it continues to draw in crowds from across the region for its contemporary takes on art, retail, and food that promote homegrown identity.

The Christmas tree itself is steeped in meaning. The bamboo swirl in amakan pattern symbolizes Filipinos’ flexibility and adaptability to different situations. On the other hand, the stars and swags made of handmade banana paper in colorful trib-

al patterns of Yakan, Okir, and Ikat are symbolic of Mindanaoans’ deep-rooted connection to their culture and traditions. While we continue to adapt to the call of modern times, Alsons Dev continues to uphold core Filipino values through its projects and activities.

The tree was lit by Alsons Dev executives led by Vice President and General Manager Eric de la Costa and Jolla Soriaga, the Assistant General Manager of the Business Units Group. In the background, the Davao Suzuki String Ensemble,

consisting of student musicians led by Krizmagnum Ibaos, serenaded the crowd with a beautiful selection of classical and popular Christmas music. The cuts were specially selected to bring about a festive Filipino Christmas feel.

“Christmas is always a special time for everyone, and we wanted to make it extra special for Davaoeños with Poblacion’s variety of art, food, and retail offerings, and this beautiful Christmas Tree that not only evokes the joy of Christmas but also makes them

truly proud of their heritage,” shared Soriaga.

Over the past few months, Poblacion has brought in new concept stores and experiences to bring Davaoeños a memorable holiday experience. As Davao’s premier property developer and real estate pioneer, Alsons Dev is recognized for creating well-developed, green, livable communities of permanence and lasting value. As part of this portfolio, Poblacion Market Central, which opened late last year, offers a refreshing shopping

experience with its current facilities and selection of Davao’s best offerings this holiday season.

Whether you’re looking for a place to dine with family, a spot to hang out with your barkada, or shops to buy Christmas gifts from, Poblacion Market Central has it for you. Experience a truly modern Dabawenyo Christmas at Poblacion Market Central!

To stay up-to-date with its latest offerings and events, follow @ OfficialPoblacionMarketCentral on Facebook and Instagram.

Alsons Dev’s Poblacion Market Central hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony last November 30, 2022, officially welcoming the festive season in Davao City. Standing tall at 20-feet, the glimmering Christmas tree boasts its design meticulously decorated with bamboo and handmade banana paper, inspired by tribal patterns and core Filipino values that Alsons Dev upholds.

Poblacion Market Central’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was heralded by the Davao Suzuki String Ensemble, comprised of talented student musicians from across the city. This event is just one of the many holiday activities in store for Davaoeños at Poblacion.

France sets up World Cup final with Argentina

DOHA

2-0, on Wednesday.

Holders France stayed on course to become the first team in 60 years to successfully defend the trophy thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani at Al Bayt Stadium.

Morocco, the first African side ever to reach a World Cup semifinal, battled as they have done throughout the tournament and were roared on by a crowd predominantly decked out in red and green.

But Azzedine Ounahi’s shot in the final minutes that was cleared off the goalline by Jules Kounde was arguably their best chance.

France reached the final for the fourth time in seven editions and if they triumph at Lusail Stadium on Sunday they will be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.

They were congratulated in the dressing room by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had flown to Qatar on Wednesday to watch the match.

Delighted France coach Didier Deschamps said: “There is emotion and

pride.

“Obviously it was another important step today and now there will be another one.

“We’ve been together for a month. It’s never easy, but here it is -- it’s been a joy so far and my players have been rewarded.”

The final will inevitably be billed as a battle between Messi and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappe.

Despite not scoring himself, Mbappe had a hand in both French goals on Wednesday and created the second with a dribble and shot that was deflected into the path of unmarked substitute Kolo Muani to net with ease.

‘We’re dreaming’ Argentina though will look at moments of French defensive fragility that Messi and Julian Alvarez -- scorer of two goals in Tuesday’s semi-final win against Croatia -- will relish exploiting.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui’s plans for the biggest match in his nation’s history were rocked by injuries.

He was hoping to wel-

come back centre-back Nayef Aguerd, but he withdrew at the last minute, then captain Romain Saiss had to leave the field after just 21 minutes. By then Morocco were trailing.

Defying the whistles that greeted every French possession, Hernandez scored with an acrobatic

volley at the back post after Mbappe’s shot was deflected.

It was just the second goal Morocco had conceded at this World Cup. For a moment it looked as if the floodgates might open, but the Atlas Lions dug in and nearly drew level when Jawad El Yamiq’s

CHITO MALABANAN JABONG!

overhead kick was tipped onto the post by Lloris.

But the second half went France’s way and when Kolo Muani came on for Ousmane Dembele he scored with his first touch.

“I just can’t get my head round it, it’s crazy, we’re dreaming,” said 24-yearold Kolo Muani. “The final

isn’t just to be played, it’s to be won.”

Messi, playing in his fifth World Cup, has been a man on a mission in Qatar, desperate to crown his career by leading Argentina to their first World Cup crown since Diego Maradona inspired the South Americans to the title n 1986.

Next to golf, my second favorite sport is football or soccer thus the name of my son Bajjio, named after the star player Roberto Baggio of Italian team during the 94 World Cup in USA. Baggio’s canonization as a Saint of football however did not materialize due to injury causing their defeat to the mighty Brazilians bannered by Romario and Bebeto.

I could have named him Jesper, after the Swedish golfer famous for tight pants and colorful shirt and with the bill of his golf cap turned upside but the wife wouldn’t consent. How about Ernie or Jose, both winners of Masters and US Open in 1994? Nah! came the answer with finality thus the name Bajjio.

At the current 2022 World Cup, my teams are longer in contention with the departure of Brazil, Belgium and Germany. Some of the favorites however are

BATTLE OF M&M: THE WORLD CUP FINALS

following the dictate of the script and playing their hearts out after squeezing into the semis. Argentina, who came down to earth after that wake up call from the Saudis is emerging as the top favorite followed closely by the French after eliminating the Three Dragons of England.

Now ideally, I would love a M&M Finals. Meaning Messi versus Mbappe. Two of the most colorful football names today with contrasting style of play and character. Mbappe the younger one and emerging star on the rise is the heart and soul of France. Messi on the other hand, the elder statesman, needing a World Cup crown for his enshrinement to sainthood and veneration to the football gods, is fast fading and maybe paying his last world cup or even last international.

Mbappe loves to attack using his heavy built and brute force

but quick enough to deceived most of his defenders. Messi is small but more precise and clever as a fox that usually evade his much taller and stronger defender and he serves as a good decoy to attract the defense of his opponents.

But here’s the spoiler. Another 2Ms are standing on the path of an ideal World Cup Finals. Morocco and Moldric of Croatia. Luca Moldric is the team captain of Croatia who beats all the pundits by slaying the heavyweight Brazil in the quarters and now emerging also as the Penalty Shootout Kings.

Morocco meanwhile carries on their shoulders the hope and aspirations of the African and Arab world by barging into the semis and destroy the myth of European and Latino football domination. The Moroccans ticket to the Semis dance came at the expense of mighty Spaniards

and the demolition of Portugal. They will try to slay another European power ,the French at the Semis while Croatia will try to make the lives of the Argentines “messi”rable.

My dream World Cup of Messi versus Mbappe is now being threatened by another M&M. Whatever the results of the semis, my prediction still stands. It will be an M&M finals….

France’s forward (12) Randal Kolo Muani (C) celebrates with teammates after he scored his team’s second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup semi-final football match between France and Morocco at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. Giuseppe Cacace, AFP

-- France will face Argentina and Kylian Mbappe will do battle with Lionel Messi in a heavyweight World Cup final after the French beat underdogs Morocco,

EDGEDAVAOEDGEDAVAO COMPETITIVE EDGE

Tambunting partners with UBX to embrace open finance technologies

UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has teamed up with Tambunting (Tiwala Sa Padala Co. Inc.) to transform the country’s leading Remittance Service company into a modern hub that offers a spectrum of digital financial services.

Under the partnership, i2i, the banking banking-asa-service platform of UBX, will be empowering Tambunting counters to roll out its Open Finance Platform to its branch network, connecting it to platforms and agents in over 10,000 locations in the country.

With its ubiquity and reach bolstered by the reliable digital solutions of UBX, Tambunting is set to expand its financial services with ease and convenience, especially for those in the countryside.

“We believe in the spirit of collaboration to deliver financial services to our clients. As a mature organization with a storied history, we believe that actively embracing digitalization is not just an option, but a responsibility. Our alliance with UBX is a strategy and a testimony to our commitment to continuously deliver best-in-class services to our customers,” Tiwala sa Padala Director Ramon Tambunting said.

As the demand rises for more digital channels in everyday services, Tambunting brick and mortar branch, powered by i2i, can quickly deliver a wide range of financial services such as deposit taking, loan origination, remittance, e-wallet cash-in, bills payments, and other products and services to its clients with an added customer experience that is simple and reliable.

“UBX puts financial inclusion at the highest degree of importance. Powering Tambunting branches as it ventures into open finance is truly a great honor, as we both share a commitment to promoting accessibility of financial services and bringing these closer to the everyday Filipino,” UBX President John Januzczak said.

In a nutshell, i2i aggregates banking services and UBX’s ventures within one platform, allowing for a more democratized access to financial services for Filipinos through its network partners. Currently, i2i has three portals, a mobile application, a website, and a set of application programming interfaces (APIs).

A cloud-based platform, i2i is built on blockchain and open finance technologies, enabling fast, reliable, and secure financial transactions,

including but not limited to wallet transfers, domestic transfers, bills payment, mobile scoring, mobile ATM, and offline and online loan processing, among others.

i2i has seen its transactions ballooning by 5.4x

over the last three years, connecting customers to hundreds of financial institutions found in communities, such as rural banks and remittance centers with over 10,000 touchpoints, all over the country.

“UBX is in the business of including everyone in the country’s financial systems. Our partnership with Tambunting (Tiwala sa Padala Co. Inc.) brings us a step closer to our goal, encouraging us to continue to pursue more

meaningful collaborations to promote financial inclusion and provide better services to the Filipino people,” Januzczak said.

To learn more about i2i and its services, please visit www.i2i.ph

HOLI-HOOPS

TRMH Christmas Invitational cagefest set Dec. 19-20

Four top commercial squads are vying for the coveted The Royal Mandaya Hotel Christmas Invitational basketball tournament on December 19-20 at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The tournament is held in partnership with Congressman Pulong Duterte, the City Mayor’s Office and Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Region 11.

The four-team cast is composed of Davao Ching Printers Inc.-Montana Pawnshop, Arcadia Fitness Center, Junex Tuna Seafood Restaurant and Bullet Customs Brokerage.

The two-day tournament will use the knockout format of play with cash prizes and trophies at stake.

“We will be seeing some professional players from other pro leagues in the country who will come to entertain the local crowd,” said Aldin Celi of Basketball Avenue who spoke in the weekly sports Forum in behalf of tournament director Miguel Solitaria.

Entrance is free for the public.

De La Salle standout Francis Gabriel Escandor will banner the Arcadia Fitness Centre squad.