Hands-Free, Hassle-Free: Huawei, GCash Bring First-Ever Wearable Payment Innovation to the Philippines

With more Filipinos seeking faster and more convenient ways to pay, GCash continues to innovate in simplifying everyday transactions through its partnership with Huawei—introducing Watch Pay, the first-ever wearable payment innovation in the Philippines. Through this new way of paying, users can make secure, hands-free payments directly from their wrist, offering a seamless way to pay

 

“As digital payment solutions become increasingly essential, GCash Watch Pay eliminates the need to pull out a phone or wallet during purchases.  Users can link their GCash account to a compatible Huawei smartwatch and generate a QR code directly from the device,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange, Inc.

 

The GCash QR code in the Huawei smartwatch can then be scanned by any merchant with a scanning point-of-sale system, completing the transaction instantly and securely.

 

This feature is designed for those who are always on the move, whether during a workout, commute, or errands, when reaching for a phone or wallet might not be convenient. By bringing payments to a wearable device, GCash, together with Huawei, is responding to the growing need for simple and secure payment options in today’s fast-paced, mobile-centric world.

 

Moreover, this partnership with Huawei reinforces GCash’s commitment to enhancing digital payment convenience, with a focus on compatibility and security. Recently, GCash Payment Innovations Head Dani Gil Librojo also joined the Huawei Developer Conference in Dongguan, China, as the two companies further highlight their collaboration, with QR payments now available for 7 million Huawei Smartwatch users in the Philippines.

 

Watch Pay is currently available for Huawei smartwatches and is compatible with select merchants using Business Scan Consumer technology. This marks an important step in expanding wearable payment solutions for users seeking efficiency and security in their transactions.

 

For a complete list of all Watch Pay compatible devices, visit this website: https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/39714168606105-GCash-Watch-Pay

Filipino Talent Dominates Major Categories at the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023

© Domcar Calinawan Lagto | Filmmaker, Author Dragon Clouds | HUAWEI P30 Pro | Grand Prize Winner

Manila, Philippines – The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards showcase how the XMAGE brand has inspired users' creativity with smartphone photography through amazing photos and videos captured with Huawei devices around the world.

This year's winners were selected from more than 600,000 entries from nearly 100 countries. After China, the five countries with the highest number of entries were Malaysia, Türkiye, Poland, Philippines, and the UAE.

And for the first time, a Filipino filmmaker won this long-standing competition with his stunning photo of a lightning coming from the clouds using the HUAWEI P30 Pro.

The winning photo, “Dragon Clouds” by Domcar Calinawan Lagto, was taken in the evening of January 12, 2020, where a lightning coming from ash clouds formed by the phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano was seen

from Nasugbu, Batangas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by six p.m. that day, eruptive activity generated steam-laden plumes up to nine miles tall, causing extreme weather events.

The judges commented favorably on Lagto's winning image, praising how well the timing of the photograph worked. “Nature is an excellent artist. Extreme weather turns into a violent dragon in the photographer's lens. The photographer took full advantage of the long exposure feature of his phone to capture this stunning moment.” Li Changzhu stated.

“Unique and unrepeatable moments make the most memorable photos. This image has all the hallmark signs of a world class capture, with stunning exquisite light, grabbing the viewers attention and allowing the eyes to travel through the different elements of the scene. A classical example of being in the right place at the right time, following careful planning and creating a masterpiece.” José Ramos added.

During the HUAWEI’s Community Party, Domcar Calinawan Lagto expressed his excitement after receiving the award and quickly shared what he experienced taking this photo. "The photo was taken during the Taal Volcano eruption. When I saw it on the news, as a photojournalist, my mindset was to capture that moment. But since I can’t physically be on site, I used what I had on hand so I took a photo using my HUAWEI P30 by the rice field." he shared.

“I went back to take another shot in the afternoon and by then you can actually see the landscape view of ashes and clouds coming from the Taal Volcano. At that time, lightning was visible and the visual before me showed how beautiful and so powerful nature can be. With just my smartphone, I immediately started capturing this amazing moment so I can share this story with more people.” Domcar added.

Several Filipinos also won from the other categories including Rhon Paolo C. Velarde who was awarded the Best in Category for #Portrait using HUAWEI P40 Pro, and Melvin Anore who also won the Best in Category for #Night Walk using HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro.

© Rhon Paolo C. Velarde | Photographer

Child's Future | HUAWEI P40 Pro | Best-in-Category winner of the Portrait category

This photo of a child looking towards the future and keep dreaming also received praises from the judges. “This image is so simple yet so effective. The black represents night or space. It is this negative space in the image that gives the viewer room for their imagination to run. The light on the child is

warm, and the child’s stare goes on for 100 miles. The helmet, the light and the gaze all combine to take us to another universe.” said Jessica Hromas.

© Melvin Anore | Musician, Visual Artist

Skating Rink | HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro | Best-in-Category winner of the Night Walk category

This photo captured the moment of skaters at the skating rink during the Disco Light Show Skating. The colorful lights at the show adds mood to the scene. While seeming to be fun, shooting in low light conditions can be challenging especially with a mobile phone camera.

Aside from the grand prize and category winners, the Philippines secured spots as runner-ups using the HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro smartphones. Jamir Lyndon Lumbao, Ferdinand Bedana, Philip Am Guay, and Jan Martin Sy won in #Hello Life, #Portrait, #Art and Fashion, and the #Night Walk categories respectively. Kuya Less also won the Best in Category for videos for “Treasured Memories” using the HUAWEI P30 and HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro.

HUAWEI Philippines also announced the top 3 winners of the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines for the #ZoomIntoPhilippines competition. Daragang Mayon by cradleofklien received a HUAWEI Sound Joy as the Second Runner-up along with a HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 for winning the #ZoomIntoPhilippines Special Award, while Parallel World by bebe15 won a HUAWEI Watch GT Runner as the First Runner-up, and a HUAWEI P60 Pro for the Grand Prize, Fishing Under The Rising Sun by chaiasher15.

First Runner Up: Parallel World by @bebe15

Second Runner Up: Daragang Mayon by @cradleofklien

Grand Winner: Fishing Under The Rising Sun by @chaiasher15

For the full list of award winners, please visit HUAWEI’s official website: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/campaign/xmage

Tell a story to inspire the world. Capture a moment of action that moves you and join us in the next XMAGE Awards!

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HUAWEI Brings Great Gifts For You and Your Loved Ones this Season!

Christmas in the Philippines is a culture known globally so what better way to slay the holiday season than by ticking off everyone’s wish list and getting those HUAWEI gadgets to delight you and your loved ones. Nobody enjoys festivities with a Grinch-like atmosphere, so ensure your merry presence at family reunions, office parties, and friend group gatherings by playing the role of Santa.

There is something exciting for everyone and every budget so be sure to check out and grab these gifts from HUAWEI with discounts and freebies until December 31, 2023 available in all HUAWEI Experience Store, HUAWEI online store, Shopee, Lazada and authorized retail outlets near you. 

 

GIFTS UNDER PHP 20,000

 

WATCH GT 4

Celebrate the holidays in style with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4, a sophisticated blend of contemporary design and wellness-focused functionalities. This intelligent timepiece showcases a chic geometric aesthetic, premium materials, and a vibrant AMOLED screen, making it a fashionable accessory for all your festive gatherings. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 stands out as a versatile and elegant companion for a more intelligent and health-conscious lifestyle. Prices for this stylish holiday accessory start at Php 12,999 to Php 18,999 with a free coffee tumbler and watch strap worth Php 5,998. Trade-in is also available for both Huawei and non-Huawei products and get a Php3,000 add-on voucher to be assessed in the store. 

 

FreeBuds Pro 3

Celebrate the season with the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 3, a harmonious fusion of style and cutting-edge audio technology. These flagship earbuds showcase Ultra-Hearing Dual Drivers, delivering high-resolution audio spanning from 14 Hz to 48 kHz. The FreeBuds Pro 3 guarantees a complete and immersive audio experience. Choose from three nature-inspired colors, enjoy up to 31 hours of listening time, and embrace the festive spirit with these exceptional earbuds priced at Php 10,999 with a free coffee tumbler worth Php 999. 

GIFTS UNDER PHP 50,000

MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition

Perfect for hardworking students and life-long learners loved ones, the HUAWEI MatePad 11" PaperMatte Edition is a transformative ally, addressing the multifaceted challenges of learning. Featuring a certified anti-glare screen, this tablet minimizes eye strain during prolonged study sessions and offers a comfortable viewing experience. Priced at Php 29,999, you’ll surely feel the Christmas vibe as it comes with a total freebie value of Php 19,896 such as the 2nd Generation HUAWEI M-pencil, magnetic keyboard, PC-level WPS and mouse. You can also avail the Php 3,000 trade in token in select stores this season!

 

MateBook D16

The HUAWEI MateBook D16 is crafted to enchant your holiday tech adventures with its extraordinary features. The 16-inch bezel-less screen, certified for eye comfort, creates a captivating viewing experience, perfect for cozy Christmas movie marathons. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core™ Standard Pressure Processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, the MateBook D16 offers seamless integration with HUAWEI smartphones, tablets, monitors, and smart screens through Super Device technology, enhancing collaboration in an AI-enhanced Smart Office workflow. Get all these amazing features plus the most unbelievable price drop from Php 51,999 to Php 45,999 with a free backpack and gift box worth Php 3,889 only this Christmas season.

PREMIUM GIFTS STARTING AT PHP 60,000

P60 Pro

'Tis the season of joy, and the Huawei P60 Pro brings holiday cheer with groundbreaking photography innovations that meet the evolving needs of smartphone users today. Unwrapping the camera features reveals a 48MP primary camera with variable aperture and stabilization, a 48MP telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and telemacro enhancements, and a 13MP autofocus ultrawide lens for capturing holiday moments. The front camera joins the celebration, maintaining the festive consistency found in recent high-end Huawei phones, showcasing a 13MP sensor with an 18mm wide-angle lens. Grab this delight starting at Php 58,999 up to Php 69,999 with a free GT3 SE and FreeBuds Pro 2 worth Php 18,998. You can also get additional Php 13,000 add-on vouchers when you trade-in Huawei smartphones in select stores. 

Still cannot find the perfect Christmas gift, choose from these exciting promos from Huawei at great prices this holiday season!

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-179231 Series of 2023

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The Latest Style Icon, HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 is Now Available Nationwide!

Manila, Philippines – The new HUAWEI WATCH GT 4, characterized by its modern geometric design elements and powerful health, fitness and connectivity features, is officially available in offline and online HUAWEI Stores, authorized retail outlets, and leading e-commerce sites Shopee,  Lazada and TikTok.

Representing a new pinnacle of wearable fashion, this exceptional smartwatch has garnered accolades from discerning individuals with an eye for style, tech enthusiasts, and both international and local media alike, positioning it as the ultimate style icon. 

A Marvel of Timeless Craftsmanship

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, elevating elegance and sophistication through geometric aesthetics. Engineered for comfort, the smartwatch features premium materials and a stylish metallic design, seamlessly blending into daily life with a focus on balance, harmony, and innovation.

Featuring a spacious AMOLED screen with an ultra-thin bezel, elegantly housed in a sleek stainless-steel case, this smartwatch offers stunning visuals that adapt to changing light conditions, ensuring crisp clarity. Beyond timekeeping, it serves as a fashion statement, enabling individuals to express their unique style through diverse watch straps and customizable watch faces.

Smarter and More Connected Lifestyle

One of the hallmark features of the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series is its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 14 days of usage on the 46mm and 7 days on the 41mm, even with more new features added. It seamlessly accommodates even the busiest lifestyles without the need for frequent charging.  

Built with Consumers in Mind

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series can be paired with both iOS and Android devices, granting flexibility to users to choose their ecosystem. All information related to privacy and data security remains protected at all times, allowing users to tap into industry-leading technologies with peace of mind. 

Simplify lifestyle convenience and stay connected without missing a beat with HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series, from receiving calendar alerts, SMS quick reply, answering to Bluetooth calls, access to compass and more

Its convenience also extends to connectivity, opening up a world of possibilities. Seamlessly sync with a smartphone via Bluetooth to answer calls or quick reply to messages with just a few taps on the smartwatch. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series also allows users to integrate and customize a wide range of third-party apps, whether it’s QR payment or social media apps, to simplify lifestyle convenience and stay connected without missing a beat.

Private Health Confidant

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 goes beyond aesthetics, serving as a performance and health monitoring powerhouse. The series introduces an upgraded TruSeenTM 5.5+ health indicator monitoring technology for precise heart health readings during dynamic activities such as running, rope-skipping or cold conditions. 

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series introduces its first ever Sleep Breathing Awareness, which detects any interruptions in sleep and changes in physiological signs such as blood oxygen and changes in heart rate while the user is asleep throughout the night. Using a combination of TruSeen™ 5.5+ and TruSleep™ 3.0 features, it enables users to understand and adjust their sleeping habits while gaining valuable insights into their sleep cycles.

Empowering Better Health Everyday 

Catering to fitness enthusiasts and those on a journey to a healthier lifestyle, the watch offers more than 100 workout modes with real-time coaching, improved Activity Rings, and built-in GPS for accurate positioning while running or hiking among others. It becomes an indispensable tool for both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts who are tracking workouts or monitoring fitness progress, a fitness insight that fuels their ambitions. 

In addition to this exciting development, Huawei introduces the “Light Up Rings” campaign, a social empowerment initiative which runs from 16th October 2023, to motivate users to embrace healthier and more active lifestyles. Users are challenged to complete their three Activity Rings, tracked by on active calories burned, total workout duration, time spent being active through daily exercise and activities. They are also encouraged to share their progress and celebrate their achievements on social media to promote a sense of community and cultivate better health every day. To help them begin, users can access over 200 professional scientific training plans for free through HUAWEI Health App. 

A Testament to Excellence

Huawei believes that its smartwatches are more than just devices; they are tools for change that can help people take control of their health and inspire others to do the same. Huawei is working to redefine the status quo and make the pursuit of a healthier and happier life accessible to everyone. Renowned personalities like Pamela Reif, global leading fitness and lifestyle influencer, and Sir Mo Farah, running legend and multiple gold medallist, have seamlessly integrated Huawei smartwatches into their daily routines, and their success is inspiring others to follow suit.

“Put simply, the best thing about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 is its accuracy. These are seriously impressive results, the best I’ve seen from a Huawei wearable, and among the best wearables.” – Expert Reviews with 5 Stars rating.

“Huawei doubles down on fashion without compromising on smart functionality. The WATCH GT 4 is the first watch from the brand that looks recognisable and builds on its predecessors instead of completely reimagining the concept.” – T3 with 4 Stars rating.

“The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series is not just about looks – you’ll still get the same great battery life, health tracking, and build quality as before. More new software features further bridge the gap between Huawei’s historically lean approach to software, making the WATCH GT 4 the most comprehensive affordable smartwatch Huawei has made.” – Android Authority with 4 Stars rating.

Purchase the new HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 and enjoy freebies worth up to Php 8,997 including a 2-year warranty, HUAWEI Watch Face, 200+ Permanent Fitness Course and a Trade-In voucher worth Php 3,000.

For further information about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series, please visit HUAWEI Official Website at or visit the nearest HUAWEI Experience Store!

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***Disclaimer:  The Huawei Wearable products are not medical devices. All of the health data is for reference only, and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. 

This product meets the requirements of the EN 13319 standard for diving accessories, and supports free diving with a maximum depth of 100 m. It should not be worn in hot showers, hot springs, or saunas (steam rooms), or during platform dives, high-pressure rinsing, or other activities that involve high water pressure, high temperatures, high levels of humidity, or fast-flowing water. Rinse slowly with freshwater, soak and dry after wearing the watch in ocean water. Metal straps are not designed to withstand swims or sweat. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear other types of straps, in such scenarios. Please visit the Huawei official website for more information on water resistance. Water resistance is not permanent, and protection may decrease with daily wear and tear.

UnionDigital Bank Poised to Accelerate Growth in Digital Loans with P 900-M Capital Approval from UnionBank

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—UnionDigital Bank (UD) secured a capital infusion approval of up to P900 million from its parent bank, Union Bank of the Philippines. This latest additional infusion will help drive the digital bank’s expansion, particularly in digital loans which will soon be launched in the UD app.

This capital boost will enable UD to expand its digital loan offerings via its app and APIs, providing customers with faster access to credit and a seamless loan application process. The capital infusion is still subject to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulatory approval.

“This approved funding indicates UnionBank’s confidence in our strategic growth plan and strong financial performance. We will use this to fuel our growth trajectory and allow us to better serve the financial needs of our customers,” said Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank. “Nearly 70% of our customer base comprise of individuals with limited means at the base of the income pyramid - these are the people we want to help and include in the financial system.”

UD also recorded net profits in the first quarter of 2023, driven by its ecosystem-led business model. Moreover, the digital bank’s push towards embedded finance enables new avenues for customers to engage with banking services.

UD kickstarted this with their recent partnerships with mWell, implementing embedded financial services for its 1.5 million customers and 5,000 doctors and health professionals, as well as HUAWEI, tapping into their 7 million customer base and ecosystem of services.

“We have built a strong pipeline of partnerships and are actively scaling up our digital channels to help us diversify our deposit base and loan book,” said Mike Singh, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, UnionDigital Bank. “The approved capital will not only improve our financial strength but also unlock a lot of opportunities, especially in driving our mission to improve access to credit for every Filipino, regardless of their location. As we accelerate our digital loan offerings, we will empower more Filipinos to achieve their financial aspirations, wherever they may be.”

UnionDigital Bank is on a mission to bring financial inclusion, uplifting one community at a time. With this in mind, the digital bank is committed to break down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing financial services, empowering Filipinos everywhere to build a secure future.


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About UnionDigital Bank:

UnionDigital Bank is a digital bank entity wholly owned by UnionBank of the Philippines. We are a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) licensed digital bank committed to financial inclusion and creating positive impact on the lives of every Filipino, everywhere. As part of the larger Aboitiz Group, we weaponize our ecosystem, leverage on its expertise, and work collaboratively to achieve our dream of a financially inclusive Philippines.

Our mission is clear - we strive to provide accessible and personalized banking services, products, and financial knowledge to every Filipino, no matter where they are in the world. As a fully digital bank, we aim to empower our customers with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals and truly uplift their lives.

Learn more at www.uniondigitalbank.io.

UnionDigital Bank to Provide Accessible Financial Services to HUAWEI’s 7M Customer Base

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank subsidiary of UnionBank, has recently partnered with HUAWEI, a global technology leader, to bring innovative financial services to more people in the Philippines by tapping into the tech company’s ecosystem of services and 7 million customer base.

Through the strategic collaboration, the UnionDigital Bank app is now available on the HUAWEI AppGallery to allow easy access for users to the digital bank’s financial services and products. As the number one digital lender in the country, UnionDigital Bank will offer loan products to mobile users through Petal Ads, the mobile marketing platform tailored for HUAWEI devices.

"Our partnership with HUAWEI reflects our shared belief in harnessing the power of technology to enhance financial inclusion and provide convenient banking solutions to all," said Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank. "Together, we are committed to shaping a better future by leveraging our combined expertise and resources to create innovative and accessible banking services."

"We are proud to work with a tech-first and tech-forward company like UnionDigital Bank, who shares our vision for leveraging technology to create positive change and make a difference in people's lives," said Ken Liang, Director of Mobile Ecosystem Business Growth, HUAWEI Technologies Philippines. "Our alliance reflects our commitment to driving innovation and using it for the greater good. We are excited to collaborate with UnionBank’s digital bank subsidiary to contribute and help in making their commitment a reality, starting with our users."

The tie-up between UnionDigital Bank and HUAWEI marks an important step towards promoting financial inclusion and leveraging technology to make innovative banking solutions closer to a greater number of Filipinos, regardless of their location or economic status. Together, they aim to empower more people to access essential financial services designed to contribute in supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

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About UnionDigital Bank

UnionDigital Bank is a digital bank entity wholly owned by UnionBank of the Philippines. We are a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) licensed digital bank committed to financial inclusion and creating positive impact on the lives of every Filipino, everywhere. As part of the larger Aboitiz Group, we weaponize our ecosystem, leverage on its expertise, and work collaboratively to achieve our dream of a financially inclusive Philippines.

Our mission is clear - we strive to provide accessible and personalized banking services, products, and financial knowledge to every Filipino, no matter where they are in the world. As a fully digital bank, we aim to empower our customers with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals and truly uplift their lives.

Learn more at www.uniondigitalbank.io.