Leading consumer electronics company TCL Electronics has introduced its new 98-inch TCL 4K QLED TV model C735 to the Philippines. TCL went big in 2021 with its XL Collection of 85-inch Google TVs. The company upped the size ante again, introducing a new 98-inch this year. As a superior QLED 4K entertainment center, the 98-inch C735 is designed to deliver a comprehensive range of entertainment experiences with Google TV and exceptional video gaming performance.
“With the help of deep supply chain vertical integration, TCL has been committed to Quantum Dot Display Technology since 2014. With the exciting momentum driven over the years, now is the perfect time to introduce 2022 TCL QLED TVs to more consumers in different parts of the world,” said Shaoyong Zhang, CEO of TCL Electronics, “We are proud to say that our 2022 TV additions will reinforce TCL’s leading position in the global consumer electronics industry.”
Gaming fans are expecting more games that support 120 FPS this year, so the 98-inch C735 has taken a step further by applying 144Hz VRR, providing faster responsiveness, sharper imagery, and smoother gameplay. Whether users are competitive gamers who want to experience demanding high FPS games—or casual gamers, the 144Hz VRR displays can be a huge benefit, giving users an edge, especially in multiplayer games.
To provide users with a convenient game experience, C735 also has an exclusive game mode function. With Game Master, C735 optimizes the display in video game use. It allows all-in-one optimization, for example, turning on functions such as VRR/ALLM is done with one key.
In addition, through the TCL Game Bar, C735 offers users real-time display statistics, aiming aid, toolbox functions, as well as the quick setting dashboard that helps users achieve the ultimate gaming experience.
With Dolby Vision IQ, C735 enhances the demonstration of Dolby exclusive contents, by displaying a greater number of colors, increasing contrast, and boosting brightness levels.
Adding to the cinema experience, the 98-inch C735 supports Dolby Atmos, which places sounds within multi-dimensional space and puts the user in the middle of their favorite sport, TV, movie, or video game.
C735, with a screen size of 98 inches, also has a theatrical-level sound system. Its ONKYO sound system, and Dolby Atmos brings an exceptional immersive audio experience—letting the sound flow around in three dimensions.
C735 also supports both Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation (MEMC) as well as HDMI 2.1 to deliver the best possible smooth imagery and audio for both TV and multimedia. Enhanced with TCL’s proprietary software algorithm, these technologies ensure images are always smooth, even for sports and fast-moving action scenes.
With Google TV, it means that users will get hundreds and thousands of content options aggregated across streaming services.
Key features include:
144Hz VRR
Game Master
Dolby Vision IQ & Dolby Atmos
4K QLED
Google TV
MEMC
HDR10+
ONKYO Audio System
AIPQ Engine
DTS-HD
HDMI 2.1 eARC
Hands-free Voice Control
* Product Appearance, functionality, and availability may differ between countries/regions.
The TCL FreshIN Series air conditioners have been brought to the Philippine market by TCL Electronics, a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics —the latest premium addition to the TCL Smart home ecosystem, different from conventional AC, which circulates air inside the house. TCL FreshIN Series features an all-around fresh air system that transports the fresh air from the outdoors to the indoors helping increase the oxygen and humidity level to offer users an unprecedented intimate experience of health and care.
FreshIN Series is available in 1.0HP and 1.5HP models, which can complement any space.
The FreshIN Series includes premium key features, such as its “FreshIN+” that will let you know when the fresh air enters your room with a blue light. The Temperature Balancing feature avoids uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. After the fresh air is drawn in, it will be either cooled down or warmed up to match the level required with ±0.5°C precision control.
FreshIN models feature a high-powered air engine, so you can enjoy up to 60 cubic meters of fresh air per hour, which could easily deliver pure clean air for most indoor spaces.
Air purification has now become a priority for consumers. The FreshIN Series features a highly efficient system using QuadruPuri Filters: the fresh air will pass through 4 different layers (a preliminary filter, a silver ion antibacterial layer, a HEPA high-efficiency filter, and a high-density filter).
TCL FreshIN Series also features Gentle Breeze Mode with more than one thousand micro-holes to create a soft laminar airflow, offering a comfortable breeze without a harsh, direct cold draft.
Connected with the TCL Home App, the FreshIN Series is compatible with Google Assistant, which gives users control of the air conditioner 24/7 with a smartphone or TCL TV with simple voice commands.
Only a clean air conditioner can keep the air in your home fresh. The CleanXpress function reminds you when it’s time to clean and makes it easy to keep it pristine. Controlled through the TCL Home app, the auto clean function is an efficient system that utilizes water molecules in the air to eliminate impurities. And, for effortless manual cleaning, the unit is designed to be taken apart and reassembled quickly.
Key features
FreshIN+
QuadruPuri Filter
Temperature Balancing
Air Engine
Gentle Breeze
Smart Inverter Technology
CleanXpress Innovation
Smart Control (IoT)
Native Style Cooling
360° Airflow
4-Way Airflow
Sleep Mode
Fast Cooling
Deep Clean
Ion Generator
*Product availability, appearance, and functionality may differ between regions. For regional sales information, please consult the TCL representatives in your community.
Aptly titled HOUSE 628 LIVE: THE RENAISSANCE BALL, the event provided an outlet for the queens of Drag Playhouse Philippines to express themselves freely without judgment, while sashaying to Beyoncé’s club-thumping 2022 album, Renaissance, and classic hits.
Aside from high-profile Drag Performances of OV Cunt, Marina Summers, Prince, and Eva Le Queen—three of them currently getting valuable airtime at Drag Race Philippines, the drag show also hosted friendly battles in several categories namely Drag Face, where contestants showcase exceptional makeup skills by serving mug on the runway; Drag Runway, where contestants exhibit head-to-toe fierceness during their runway walk; and Lip Sync Challenge, where they pull their most creative tricks in synchronizing their lips to a prerecorded track.
A special drag performance featuring Viñas DeLuxe added more star power to an already eventful night as she performed a medley of Beyoncé’s hits, with House Of Mizrahi Philippines, a local chapter of the Voguing community, joining in some of the performances. A purely Beyoncé-themed DJ set tucked in between the program segments also hyped the crowd, prompting them to sing and dance along to the Homecoming Queen’s iconic bops from the late ‘90s to the present.
Marina Summers, a fan favorite and frontrunner at this year’s Drag Race Philippines, expressed how Beyoncé shaped her youth. “Her work has been an inspiration for a lot of queer artists, and personally, I’ve always loved performing to her songs. And ever since the Renaissance album came out, just like Queen B herself, my creative path has been challenged to be more innovative and unique.”
Another Drag Race Philippines favorite and drag icon, Eva Le Queen, spoke adoration for Beyonce, pointing out how her music is a gift to the world. “Beyonce has always been an icon and inspiration to the community. Her strong and alpha energy resonated so much to a lot of us Drag Queens who are essentially the face and front liners of the equality movement for the community. Her music, her soul, her POWER has allowed me to live my life in my own terms and take Eva Le Queen to greater heights. Being a female, POC, and be THE QUEEN B is a permission for all of us to be the best that we can be.”
Like Summers and Eva Le Queen, fellow Drag Race Philippines contestant and queen extraordinaire PRINCE, considers Beyoncé as an important figure in influencing her drag persona. She also considers Renaissance as an envelope-pushing record that deserves its place in the pantheon of pop music greats. “It’s totally different from her past records. Most songs were sampled from classic disco hits but somehow Beyoncé made it sound fresh and that’s what makes it great.”
OV CUNT, another royalty in the contemporary drag scene, also showered Beyonce praises, particularly her new album Renaissance, for empowering listeners to be unapologetically themselves. “It has awoken parts of the colorful history of our community, whether it’s intentional or not. It gave the world possibly new names of icons that may or might not be forgotten by the past. The mention of houses from ball culture, the use of Moi Renee’s Miss Honey in the Pure/Honey—it gives you every opportunity to reference every icon that contributed to our community today.”
Watch the video for the roundup of HOUSE 628 LIVE: THE RENAISSANCE BALL, Category is: A Night of a Thousand Beyoncé.
If you’re looking for a sign to finally make that trip out of the group chat, this is it for you! Starting October 3, 2022, Filipino travellers may now book their next trip through the GCash app for up to 50% off. This new partnership between GCash, the country’s No. 1 E-Wallet, and Klook allows Filipinos to access over 490,000 experiences across 1,000 destinations and easily purchase these all within just a few taps through the GLife icon on their GCash app.
With eased up restrictions for outbound travel to Singapore and Thailand, more Filipino travellers are clamouring for new experiences in these countries. For Singapore, Klook has made planning easier for adventurous travellers by offering an exclusive Klook Singapore Pass which allows tourists to get access to multiple attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay Singapore, Singapore Cable Car, Skyhelix Sentosa Singapore, Singapore Flyer ticket, Singapore Zoo, Singapore River Cruise, Big Bus Singapore tour, and many more. There is also a variety of experiences in Thailand available on Klook for tourists who are after food-trips or even history and cultural tours.
For weekend warriors, there is a wide selection of activities, resorts, and staycation hotels that can be booked to make bonding with family and friends even more special. Perhaps a day-trip to Enchanted Kingdom, Avilon Zoo or Manila Ocean Park or even book a relaxing getaway to Batangas or Tagaytay for the weekend.
Travellers can avail Php500 off, minimum spend of Php1,000 for all Klook products from October 3 to November 2, 2022 by using the promo code KLOOKNOW500, exclusive to purchases done through GLife.
Now, there is no more excuse not to make that long-planned trip finally happen. Klook your World through GCash! Download the GCash app now!
[MANILA, PHILIPPINES] As a leading brand in True Gaming hardware, MSI is proud to share its take on NVIDIA®’s exciting new GeForce RTX® 4090 and RTX® 4080 series GPUs, with graphics cards that unite the latest in graphics technology, high-performance circuit board design, and advanced cooling.
Powered by the new ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, the 3rd generation of RTX®, GeForce RTX® 40 Series graphics cards are beyond fast, giving gamers and creators a quantum leap in performance, neural rendering, and many more leading platform capabilities. This massive advancement in GPU technology is the gateway to the most immersive gaming experiences, incredible AI features and the fastest content creation workflows. These GPUs push state-of-the-art graphics into the future.
Overview of MSI GeForce RTX® 4090/4080 Series graphics cards
MSI introduces the following graphics card series based on the new NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture:
SUPRIM
SUPRIM cards are designed for performance, efficiency, and prestige. Cooled with TRI FROZR 3S, MSI’s most advanced air cooling system, heat is effectively dissipated from critical board components with TORX FAN 5.0, up to 10 Core Pipes, Airflow Control fins featuring new Wave-curved 3.0 edges and air antegrade fins. At its heart, the RTX® 4090 and RTX® 4080 16G based models have a vapor chamber, while the RTX® 4080 12G based model will boast a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate. Brushed aluminum on the exterior of the cooler and the backplate impart an armored aesthetic while reinforcing the length of the card. RGB Mystic Light flows with millions of colors and an array of customizable dynamic lighting options will dazzle onlookers. With Dual BIOS, users can quickly opt for low noise or for additional performance with the flick of a switch.All SUPRIM models are just as impressive in size as they are in performance, with the RTX® 4090 based model taking up 3.75 slots, while the RTX® 4080 models are a whopping 3.75 and 3.5 slots respectively.
SUPRIM LIQUID
Besides the air cooled versions of the SUPRIM series, this generation will also introduce a version with the name SUPRIM LIQUID. Only available on the GeForce RTX® 4090, this series applies a closed-loop liquid cooling system that keeps temperatures even lower to allow new levels of performance. The 240 mm radiator is cooled by a pair of MSI Silent Gale P12 120 mm fans, designed to provide massive air pressure at extremely low noise. A single TORX 5.0 fan on top of a dedicated heatsink ensures more than adequate cooling for the power delivery components.
GAMING TRIO
GAMING TRIO has been refreshed with a new, yet familiar look while maintaining the same great balance between performance, cooling, and low-noise that gamers have come to trust. Leading this updated product series is the new TORX Fan 5.0 design with pairs of three fan blades bound together with an outer link, forming a rim that focuses airflow into the updated Tri Frozr 3 cooling system. At the core of the heatsink, the RTX® 4090 and 4080 based models featured the proven nickel-plated copper baseplate. The new GAMING TRIO series is fitted with a Dual BIOS to allow easy switching between Silent mode or Gaming mode for more performance. A brushed-metal backplate with flow-through design reinforces the graphics card, while also providing passive cooling action through the implementation of thermal pads. Mystic Light adorns the exterior of the graphics card, illuminating color in synchrony with the rest of the PC through Mystic Light Sync and Ambient Link. These new GAMING TRIO cards feature an impressive size with the RTX® 4090 based model taking up 3.75 slots and the RTX® 4080 based model coming it at 3.25 and 3 slots each.
VENTUS
The popular VENTUS series is back, now fitted with three of the award winning TORX 4.0 fans. The embodiment of a no-frills Spartan design philosophy, VENTUS cards maintain the essentials to accomplish any task at hand. A robust cooling system, reinforcing brushed aluminum backplate, and well-rounded aesthetic make this graphics card suitable for any build. Being the more understated series, the two remaining RTX® 4080 based VENTUS 3X models are even slimmer at 3 and 2.5 slots each.
SUPRIM, SUPRIM LIQUID, GAMING TRIO and VENTUS will form the spearhead of MSI’s GeForce RTX® 40 series line-up, however, more series are planned to arrive in the near future.
More information about these new MSI graphics cards can be found on our dedicated landing page.
MSI will also provide an exclusive detailed first preview of the new series during the upcoming Insider livestream on Wednesday the 21st of September @ 16:00 CEST / 07:00 PDT / 22:00 Taiwan.
Join the online community of the fastest-growing smartphone brand worldwide to get exciting deals and exclusive perks
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022, MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Heads up, OnePlus fans! It’s your time to be part of a community that never settles as OnePlus Philippines launches its exclusive online community – the OnePlusFam.
Are you curious about this exclusive online community? Here are some other exciting reasons why you need to join the OnePlusFam:
Bringing OnePlus brand closer to Filipinos
OnePlus wants nothing but the best for Filipino tech-savvy consumers. As OnePlus takes over the local smartphone scene, they created the #OnePlusFam community to show love and appreciation to the growing OnePlus community.
The OnePlusFam aims to bring together tech-savvy smartphone enthusiasts nationwide. With this community group, it aims to foster an online community where OnePlus fans can meet and share the same enthusiasm for OnePlus with other members of the OnePlus Fam.
OnePlusFam members are also free to open discussions and post OnePlus-related content via the exclusive OnePlusFam community Facebook group. Plus, they will be the first to know about the latest news, events, and promotions of OnePlus. Exciting perks, giveaways, big discounts, contests within the online community, and exclusive access to offline events, such as product talks, await those who will become official members of the OnePlusFam.
How to join the OnePlusFam
To be part of the OnePlusFam, you just need to follow these three easy steps:
Visit the OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page and look for the pinned post, which you need to share.
Select participants will proceed to the next step and get a Php500 OnePlus Lazada voucher. If you pass the final step, you can get a chance to have a free OnePlus phone and merch, get big discounts, and exclusive access.
Other exciting deals and promos will also be posted on the OnePlusFam community page in the coming months. So, hurry! Join this promo now and be part of the #OnePlusFam!
For updates and detailed promotion mechanics, visit OnePlus’ official Facebook page at OnePlus Philippines.
At the Gamer Gathering Event last September 13, MSI, one of the leading brands for gamers, creators, and business elite, regally treated the media and its customers with a grand showcase of the most powerful gaming notebooks available in the market today.
Co-hosted by NVIDIA, the event also crowned MSI as king of gaming laptops, with its range of superior models that can also serve the dual role of drivers of business growth.
Ira James Garcia, product marketing manager, MSI Philippines, said, “The latest addition to the RTX-powered MSI laptops offers the gaming environment that delivers experiences that go beyond expectations, so gamers keep connected, excited, and entertained every time they’re on their MSI laptops. The innovations we’ve invested in allow people from diverse backgrounds—rookies, seasoned veterans, and occasional adventurers—to make gaming a larger part of their lives.”
Jerome Matti, consumer sales lead for NVIDIA, added, “The NVIDIA technologies embedded in the new MSI laptops ensure gamers are fully immersed in their adventure, and will experience the Ultimate gameplay. Not only that. The power built into each new MSI laptop will have mobile workers in today’s hybrid workplaces to be on the go and productive at the same time. MSI’s latest mobile computers are workhorses that elevate experiences for practical, professional, and all-around use.”
TITAN GT77 – The Ultimate Desktop Replacement
Top of the royal hierarchy is Titan G177 which has finally come on its own as a desktop-grade gaming notebook. Key to its incredible performance is the Cooler Boost Titan technology which boasts of four fans and seven heat pipes to allow the latest GeForce RTX® 3080 Ti to reach its full potential. Thanks to the dependable Cooler Boost technology, the Titan GT77 taps fully into 175W TGP (Thermal Graphics Power) processing power to the delight of hardcore gamers and sophisticated users alike.
Added muscle comes from the exclusive OverBoost technology which delivers a whopping 250W of combined power to CPU and GPU for desktop-caliber performance in a light, on-the-go package. Also, desktop-level expandability is built in the four memory slots and four M.2 slots that support up to 128GB of memory and 32TB of storage.
THE ROYAL COURT
The other contenders to the crown easily shuttle between gaming excellence and business productivity and the MSI models in this category include: STEALTH Series – Full Power for Every Need
One of the thinnest and lightest gaming laptops, the Stealth 1.5 caters to all your needs, anywhere you go. Its sleek and light design blends well with urban style and street fashion so you can be what you want to be and do what you want to do in any situation. RAIDER GE Series – Brute-Force Performer
The Raider GE66/76 takes you on an awesome trip through time and space. With its irresistible design, it delivers the best gaming experience you can imagine with the latest GeForce RTX® 30 series graphics.KATANA GF series – Slashing through the competition
Katana GF66 is optimized to unleash the slicing power of a sturdy blade during gameplay. With the exclusive red illumination keyboard, it runs at optimum performance so you can shine in any battlefield.VECTOR GP Series – Sleek and uncompromising
The Vector GP66 series is a pioneer in the field of science. It uses the “Vector” as a starting point, forming 2nd and 3rd dimension by tapping into the massive resources of the latest and GeForce RTX® 30 series graphics. PULSE GL Series– Pulsating with Supremacy
The Pulse GL66 gets you up and ready quickly to conquer gaming space. Featuring a sturdy grey metal armor and futuristic design, its full power comes from the Dragon Warrior concept designed by the legendary 3D artist Maarten Verhoeven.
With these powerful gaming laptops, gamers are sure to dominate in three dimensions as they can have a chance to get 3 PC games: Assetto Corsa, Ghost Runner, and Control through a purchase of participating GeForce RTX® 30 Series gaming laptop. Find out more about this promotion through the link below:
Live selling has seen a tremendous boom in recent years as it has become a key part in enhancing the whole online shopping experience for both sellers and buyers. In time for its 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee launched its first ever Shopee Live Star Seller Awards to give recognition to 99 hardworking and talented sellers who reached milestones in their online selling journey.
Shopee Live has become a platform for Shopee sellers to engage with buyers in real time and enhance their customer service experience. Sellers on the live streaming platform also have access to an array of seller tools that can maximize their streaming sessions to help increase their sales and boost customer engagement. With this, three Shopee sellers shared their personal stories on how Shopee Live helped them grow their business and more importantly, changed their lives.
ADVERTISEMENT
It only takes a mobile phone and determination to start
Cecille, shop owner of Cilebritee and a mother of two, started live selling when she chanced upon the Shopee Live feature on the platform. “Noong nakita kong may Shopee Live button sa Shopee ko, tinesting ko lang. Hindi ako prepared. Wala akong kahit anong gamit o equipment. Ang meron lang ako ay talent sa pagtitinda at cellphone,” she shared.
When Cecille first started using Shopee Live, she sold women’s bags while sitting on the floor with her phone. She was thrilled that she sold out on her first night so she decided to keep going. From only 50 orders a night, she now gets over a thousand. Cecille shared how the Coins Giveaway feature helped her stand out and get more sales, especially during Double Day campaigns. “Tinutulungan rin ako ng Shopee Livestream team kung paano i-improve yung sales ko at maging isa sa mga top sellers.”, Cecille said.
Today, she is consistently a top performer on Shopee Live. She has her own Live Room with advanced equipment and a full livestream set-up. Cecille even manages a staff of 15 to provide them with means to generate income. “Nakakabili na kami ng mga pangangailangan namin sa pang araw-araw. Madami kaming nagagawa ngayon hindi namin magagawa kung hindi namin sinubukan ang Shopee Live.”, shared Cecille.
Making the brave decision to go online with live selling
ADVERTISEMENT
Jeferson, shop owner of Shoppup2, transitioned from the BPO sector to being a full-time Shopee Live seller. “In 2017, I decided to resign with only ₱35,000 in my pocket. In every decision we make, we have the responsibility to face it, and it’s up to us to make it work”, Jeferson shared.
He started selling women’s bags and accessories, as there was a big market for it. As years passed, he was able to grow his business and even employ more than 15 staff to help with quality control, packaging, and customer service. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it didn’t stop them and they grew their orders by the thousands.
He shared that the In-App Business Insights tool was a key feature that helped him succeed, as it helps keep track of his streams’ performance. They are able to improve on his live selling strategy to generate more orders. Another was the Chat Broadcast feature which builds excitement about the upcoming items that they can expect on his next stream.
“I no longer have to worry about my bills, and I’m now more able to provide more than enough for my loved ones being the breadwinner of my family,” Jefferson shared.
ADVERTISEMENT
Choosing to stay and grow with Shopee Live
Trixie, shop owner of Mercatofinds, took a leap of faith when she chose to become a full-time Shopee Live seller over working in Italy. “It wasn’t an easy decision – never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I could earn more online than working abroad,”Trixie shared. “I was a fresh graduate and I didn’t have any experience. All I had was my love for fashion and my dreams to reach.”
Months before her flight, she started selling clothes on Shopee Live, and she was surprised that her stock was sold out. As she continued selling women’s apparel on Shopee Live, she learned how to maximize its features, specifically the Polling feature, as it helps her gauge what items her customers are interested in. When her business grew, she made the choice to make a living with Shopee live, and not go abroad.
At present, Trixie now employs her own staff, has her own office space and has invested in
other ventures as well. More importantly, she shared that she gets to do all of this while still being able to spend time with her family. “I cannot imagine where I’d be without Shopee, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. Salamat, Shopee!”, she shared.
If you want to be a Shopee Live Seller and drive your business forward, learn more and Get Started on Shopee.
Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares (fourth from left) and Geocycle account officer Dia Cruz (fifth) during the signing ceremony for the waste management partnership with the municipality on August 31.
Holcim Philippines Inc. and its waste management unit Geoycle will help the municipalities of Binangonan, Cainta, and Taytay in Rizal sustainably manage their municipal wastes by converting these materials to low-carbon fuels in making cement.
Holcim Philippines sealed the partnership with the leaders of the municipal governments on different dates in August. The three municipalities will send to Holcim’s Bulacan plant non-hazardous and non-recyclable residual wastes such as plastics, laminates, textiles, and rubber for pre- and co-processing. Holcim will receive up to 650 tons of such materials annually.
The company will also extend technical assistance and training on waste segregation to the municipalities to ensure a sustainable solution to their waste management woes. The partnership will help the municipalities reduce the wastes sent to landfills and expenses related to this.
Holcim Philippines supports 28 municipalities and cities throughout the Philippines in waste management with 18 added this year. In 2021, the Company co-processed sorted municipal solid waste equivalent to the annual output of 17,500 households, helping local governments divert these away from landfills.
Co-processing is a government-approved and globally-recognized waste management technology that repurposes non-recyclable qualified discarded materials from various industries into alternative low-carbon fuels and raw materials used in cement kilns. Among the environmental advantages of co-processing are the extremely high temperatures of kiln and longer treatment time materials that prevent formation of harmful gasses. There are also no residues to be landfilled.
Holcim Philippines is increasing its use of low-carbon fuels in cement manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions, cut use of virgin raw materials and contribute to managing wastes in the country in a sustainable manner.
Fintech mavericks: GoTyme Bank co-CEO Albert Raymund Tinio and President and CEO Nate Clarke are set to bring more accessible banking financial services
Marathoner Albert Tinio and surfer Nate Clarke are suiting up to make banking more accessible through GoTyme Bank.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reveals that as of the 2nd quarter of 2021, there are 41 million Filipinos who are unbanked. This means that they do not use or don’t have access to traditional financial services such as savings or checking accounts and credit cards. There are still those who stash their cash at home. Their financial services such as loans and money transfers are met through institutions such as pawnshops, remittance centers, or even personal lenders. While the pandemic has introduced Pinoys to the convenience of e-wallet services, the usage is often limited to buying cell phone load or engaging money transfers for purchases.
Two bankers are on a mission towards better financial inclusion, so that more Filipinos can enjoy a more secure future with savings and investments made easier to access through digital banking. Nate Clarke, President and CEO of GoTyme Bank and Albert Raymund “Abet” Tinio, GoTyme Bank Co-CEO and Chief Commercial Officer are rolling up their sleeves to help more unbanked Pinoys enjoy secure and convenient banking through “high-tech and high-touch” fintech services.
Banking on experience
This pair of C-Suite executives have a combined experience that matches their advocacy for financial literacy and inclusion. Their expertise includes changing mindsets about banking by making it more approachable, accessible, and convenient.
Nate’s background spans general management, product, and strategy to include leading the rollout of Tyme’s digital proposition in Indonesia, growing the MTN Mobile Money in South Africa to a customer base of 4 million, and most recently heading product and strategy for Tyme in the creation of Africa’s fastest growing bank. Abet, on the other hand, started his career in logistics and shifted to telco before joining the financial services industry as president and CEO of GCash. He was also the founding president of the Philippine E-Money Association and prior to joining GoTyme, he was SVP for Digital Payments and Agency Banking at Robinsons Bank.
Both say that kind of fell into fintech. Nate is an American who grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He worked in Management Consulting for US clients with audit and advisory firm Deloitte, but his travels abroad have exposed him to emerging markets. “In 2010, I felt I wanted to do something different and I stumbled into this conference on mobile money. There were speakers from M-PESA in Tanzania, which was the first global success on e-wallets. I remember telling my colleague, this is what I want to do.”
Nate Clarke has extensive experience in expanding the reach of financial services in South Africa
Nate had a stint in Tanzania to work on a mobile healthcare project before becoming involved in a mobile money project in South Africa, which led to the establishment of Tyme in 2012 as a fintech service provider. “In 2018, we got our first bank license and launched that bank. One of our shareholders took us to Indonesia and that sparked the idea of expanding to Southeast Asia. We actually identified that Philippines a couple of years ago as the ideal market, and we were lucky to meet JG Summit, which is our partner for GoTyme.”
Albert counts financial inclusion as one of his main advocacies. “There’s a huge part of me that’s always looking to build a legacy, and I think that this is what GoTyme Bank can help me achieve. I wanted to build something on my own that can answer the needs of my fellow Filipinos who are unbanked or underbanked,” he shares.
Albert Tinio brings his expertise in e-wallet transactions to elevate fintech touchpoints
Albert says e-wallets have given people the idea that there are better ways to do things, and the evolution of the internet have made it possible for more people to access financial services. “Our househelp used to send money to her child through a pawnshop, and to receive her remittance, the child had to travel for a few hours to a branch in their province. Now it is easier for people to send and receive money.” He adds that it’s time to take that a notch higher. “Through digital banking, we will bring in quality, bring in consistency, and bring in a lot more convenience. What we’re out to prove is, ‘Hey, we are as convenient or even more convenient than a wallet, but as safe — or even safer than a traditional bank’. It is already happening in other countries why should the Philippines be left behind?”
Nate shares this success story in the South African setting. “Pat, a woman entrepreneur, launched a t-shirt printing business but with the Covid outbreak, her sales significantly slowed and she could not even manufacture anymore. She opened a personal and SME account with TymeBank and was awarded a spot at a trade fair where she did really well. For her success, she was awarded US$310,000, partially in a loan and partially in a grant.” He says Pat is participating in the pilot for TymeTrybe’s community platform for education and business tools.
Albert says that digital banking will also be of big help to the Philippines’ Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, as it will allow them to avail of loans more easily. “The advent of digital banks using technology and data derived from that technology helps make lending or advancing much easier. Alternative forms of data can create that kind of algorithm and credibility to help entrepreneurs who are good borrowers to avail of better credit.”
The GoTyme Bank kiosks that will be set up in high traffic areas are a nod to Pinoy culture. “I’m sure you’ve lined up behind a person in an ATM machine who asks manong guard for assistance. Kasi meron pa rin tayong innate fear of doing something that we’re not familiar with. I think Filipinos are very much social and in order to introduce a new concept, we need to go phygital or physical and digital. You make them go digital but you guide them through it. That’s the reason behind why there are ambassadors with our kiosks so that if you have any questions, they will be there.”
Check and balance
Outside the office, these two fintech mavericks are active in their personal pursuits. Nate admits that one of the few things he knew about the Philippines before moving here with his wife and 4 daughters is the surfing scene. He rides the waves as a hobby and has even stayed in Siargao for a month. “One of the things that I love about surfing is that when you’re out waiting for waves, people in general are very relaxed and friendly. I think it’s an equalizer of sorts because no one’s looking at your work or the car we drive.” He says that this is what they want to deliver with GoTyme Bank. We want to deliver high-quality banking to everyone and treat everyone to be as important as the next client.”
Nate Clarke enjoying the sights of Siargao with his family
It’s off to the races with Abet as he chases after the Abbott Six-Star Medal which means finishing the world’s six major marathons held in New York, Chicago, Boston, Berlin, London and Tokyo. I was a runner in grade school and high school, stopped in college and took up the sport again in 2016.” He has already participated in the Berlin and Chicago Marathons and was gearing up to run in New York when the pandemic hit.
Albert Tinio showing off his form at the Chicago Marathon
He applies the lesson from his marathon runs towards the direction for GoTyme Bank as well. “Marathon is about endurance and strategy, but they are also about the right timing and opportunity. You look at the route of a marathon and strategize when to run fast and when to conserve energy. I even plan where my wife should meet me to cheer me on because at that point I would already be exhausted. You can apply that same strategy to business. In our case with GoTyme Bank, we are about to launch and we took a lot of preparations, planning what we will focus on in the first three months, and so on. It’s a new field. It’s a new technology, so we’re being very, very conscious of how we deploy and use it.”
Abet is also an advocate for adoption having grown up with adopted siblings and has one adopted child who joined their family when he was less than two years old. He is active with NorFIL Adoptive Parents, a non-profit group that espouses adoption where he has noticed that there is a bigger demand to adopt children from abroad rather than within the Philippines. He says that the future of digital banking can have an effect on this too. “I think it is because the foreigners are better off financially. We actually have more foster families from the middle income to low income [brackets]. So the capacity to love is there, right? With more Filipinos having access to better financial services, there will be more who can open their home and hearts for fostering and adoption.”
These two fintech leaders bring together their expertise, spirit of innovation, and heart for service as GoTyme Bank makes it their mission to bring Filipinos convenient banking experiences and better access to financial services. Find out more about GoTyme Bank through https://www.gotyme.com.ph/.
