Liminal Continues Revolutionizing Digital Asset Management: Unveils Whitelabel Custody Solutions for Web3 Institutions

Liminal Continues Revolutionizing Digital Asset Management: Unveils Whitelabel Custody Solutions for Web3 Institutions

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Liminal launches Android Version of Vaults for Seamless On-the-Go Asset Management

Liminal, a leading regulated digital asset custody provider renowned for its innovative multi-party computation (MPC) wallet infrastructure, recently celebrated its successful two-year journey by announcing that it has processed transactions over $6.8 billion on its platform, with over $550 million worth of assets under protection. Liminal has grown its customer base annually by 178% CAGR and gross revenue from customers at 73.5% CAGR annually, showcasing its commitment to simplifying digital asset custody with its plug-and-play wallet infrastructure that is secure, compliant, automated, and efficient.

Liminal's commitment to simplifying digital asset custody with its secure and efficient platform has helped it achieve significant milestones in just two years. In line with this, Liminal has announced the launch of its Whitelabel Custody Solutions. This new offering will now allow Web3 enterprises to manage digital assets securely and efficiently through a fully customizable and comprehensive platform.

Liminal's Whitelabel Custody Solutions enables businesses to leverage its secure wallet infrastructure and policy management tools while delivering a personalized experience to its clients. By embracing the power of white labeling, enterprises can streamline their services and accelerate their market entry without the complexities of building infrastructure from scratch. Liminal's advanced technology and encryption measures establish a fortified custody infrastructure, safeguarding digital assets from potential threats and unauthorized access. 

Representing a transformative leap in digital asset management for Web3 enterprises, and building on the success of its iOS counterpart, Liminal also announced the launch of its eagerly anticipated Vaults Android app. The Liminal Vaults Android app empowers users with seamless oversight of digital assets, enabling on-the-go transaction approvals and collaborative asset management. The app's user-friendly interface integrates groundbreaking secure Multiparty Computation (MPC) technology, simplifying transaction approvals while upholding stringent security standards. With an extra layer of authentication for each transaction, key control remains uncompromised, making it the preferred choice for Web3 organizations. 

Commenting on the innovative launches, Mahin Gupta, Founder at Liminal, said, "Our mission at Liminal is to empower Web3 institutions with the tools they need to succeed in the ever-evolving digital asset landscape, securely. With our Whitelabel Custody Solutions, we are introducing an opportunity for institutions to establish their own branded and fully customizable custody platforms, enabling them to navigate the complexities of digital asset management with confidence."

“Our next goal is to surpass our growth targets and achieve a $10 billion transaction volume as we have embarked on an exciting journey of transformation through innovation. The introduction of the Vaults Android app and the Smart Consolidation feature, alongside new protocol support, reflects our commitment to empowering users with advanced solutions that simplify the complexities of asset handling. These updates seamlessly blend security, efficiency, and convenience, addressing the evolving needs of the Web3 ecosystem."

Web3 institutions have long grappled with the complexities of custodial services, ranging from wallet security to private key management and compliance checks. The Whitelabel solution offers segregated wallets with multi-user approvals, ensuring an unparalleled level of security. It also enhances fund security, improves transaction processing speed and efficiency, and provides an enhanced user experience. It also offers flexibility to adapt quickly to market trends and changing customer needs. It ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, fostering trust and transparency while adhering to global regulatory frameworks. 

To further facilitate the growth of startups, Liminal has launched partnership programs with several platforms such as Avalanche, Polygon, Tezos, XinFin, and Builders Tribe, with more in the pipeline. The company has also secured ISO 27001 and 27701 certifications, SOC 2 Type II certification, and CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) compliance-QSP Level 3, the highest standard in wallet keys and operations management. It is also the official self-custody solution partner for India's leading premier investigation agency and has a $50 million insurance cover underwritten by Lloyds of London.

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UnionBank becomes first and only PH universal bank to offer mobile crypto trading

UnionBank becomes first and only PH universal bank to offer mobile crypto trading

Proving its status anew as an industry trailblazer, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently achieved another first in the industry after securing a Certificate of Authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP), making it the first and only universal bank in the Philippines to offer virtual asset exchange services. 

With the full VASP license from the BSP, the Bank can now extend virtual asset exchange services to a broader base of UnionBank customers through the award-winning UnionBank Online app. These virtual asset exchange services previously were accessible only to randomly selected users of the app through a limited virtual asset license. 

The new feature, set to roll out gradually in the final quarter of 2023, will now enable UnionBank customers to directly buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) through the app, providing a convenient and secure platform for trading cryptocurrencies through a well-established and trusted financial institution. This will also allow them to manage both traditional banking and digital assets within a single mobile platform. 

“In this era where change is constant, our pursuit of this license isn't just about staying current, but about being future-proof and future-ready. The financial landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and we want to be at the forefront, ensuring that we are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said UnionBank SVP and Head of Emerging Technology Group Cathy Casas. 

“Our commitment to our clients is the driving force behind every innovation we introduce,” said UnionBank EVP and Chief Technology and Operations Officer Dennis Omila. “Through these new services, we are empowering them to be able to navigate this new space with confidence.” 

“This milestone represents a significant leap forward for UnionBank as we continue to revolutionize the banking landscape. By obtaining this license, we are not only paving the way for even more groundbreaking opportunities, but also enhancing our digital capabilities and further transforming the way our customers interact with us,” said UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista. 

The adoption of blockchain technology has been integral to UnionBank's future-proofing strategy, and the Bank has been actively exploring potential use cases, including cryptocurrencies, to adapt to evolving customer needs and financial trends. For instance, in 2019, the Bank launched the country’s first bank-operated, two-way virtual currency ATM located in its digital branch “The ARK” in Makati City, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. 

The initiative aligns with the Bank’s "Tech-Up Pilipinas" advocacy, aimed at advancing digital literacy among Filipinos and enhancing financial inclusion and technological empowerment in the country. 

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Department of Home Affairs, Australia, awards global biometric collection service to VFS Global

Department of Home Affairs, Australia, awards global biometric collection service to VFS Global

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, has awarded the global biometric collection service across seven regions to VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. 

The agreement spanning Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide include new geographies in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global. Awarded regions comprise Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global’s core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.

The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery. The roll out would take place in two broad phases with 59 centres to be operational by January 1, 2024 and the rest under phase two in line with the department’s directives. 

“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global have continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” said Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs. 

“This global award is another testament of our business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We have been working with the department since 2004 and we will continue to elevate the experience of travellers across the world bound to Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer VFS Global. 

The agreement also marks the maiden opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region. 

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foodpanda, TabSquare to offer AI-driven tech to restaurants

foodpanda, TabSquare to offer AI-driven tech to restaurants

Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered in-restaurant solutions. 

The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes. 

In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled "CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences”. At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency. 

With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload.

According to foodpanda Philippines Commercial Director Luis Antonio Yanga, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare's platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and provides efficient solutions for our thousands of partner vendors and merchants."

Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike

With foodpanda and TabSquare's combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention. 

Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends, and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers' purchasing history,” Yanga said. 

Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints.

According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10% higher bill sizes, up to 50% reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10% uplift in business performance since joining the platform. 

In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of their services. "With foodpanda, we will be bringing many new innovative features to the industry. For example, restaurants working with TabSquare can now promote themselves to foodpanda's large customer base and attract new customers," told Anshul Gupta, co-founder of TabSquare. 

Growing demand for QR codes in dine-in

Dine-in is offered through foodpanda’s pandapro subscription program with exclusive discounts and deals for app users.

Yanga shared that to further boost this segment and cater to the growing demand for QR Code payments, foodpanda introduced TabSquare's enhanced QR Code scanning process for dine-in orders. This strategic move comes as a response to the rising demand for QR Code payments, evident by the country's QR Code transactions totaling P 32.7 billion in Q1 2023.

Recently, dine-in has also become available to all foodpanda app users in Cebu with new features like in-app payment. With "Redeem & Pay," the process becomes effortless as users can pay directly through the app, saving time and enhancing the overall dining experience.

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PH Partners Shine at Vertiv's 2023 Asia Channel Summit for Exceptional Contributions

PH Partners Shine at Vertiv's 2023 Asia Channel Summit for Exceptional Contributions

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, recognized recently its Philippine partners and their achievements during the Asia Channel Summit 2023, held at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua in Bali, Indonesia. 

The summit served as a venue to recognize their commitment to delivering innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions among businesses and other customers by promoting strong and sustainable infrastructure that drives positive impact in the industry. 

Among the awardees were Ardent Networks Inc. as 2022 Distributor of the Year for Portfolio Selling, AWS Distribution Phils., Corp. as 2022 Distributor of the Year for M&E Southeast Asia, and Trends & Technologies Inc. (TTI) as 2022 Diamond Partner of the Year, also for Portfolio Selling. 

Jason Lim, Country Manager at Vertiv Philippines, expressed his gratitude towards their local partners and how they became instrumental in the steady growth of Vertiv. 

"What we have now in Vertiv is not possible without the help of these partners. Their commitment and exceptional service were instrumental to achieving our goal to provide the best solutions for our customers' infrastructure needs." 

With a theme "Experience Vertiv: Technology Through Impact Solutions," Vertiv showcased not only energy-efficient data center infrastructure solutions but also provided a platform to honor its dedicated partners through their Partner Awards. The event drew over 200 attendees from across Asia to experience Vertiv's broad spectrum of data center and IT solutions in alignment with organizations' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. 

Aside from the awards, part of the activities at the event was a plenary session that presented how collaboration can drive leading-edge technologies and business growth to end customers. Vertiv also created the Vertiv Experience Center, where delegates explored their latest offerings, including power management solutions, rack uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, IT monitoring solutions, and integrated solutions like Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™, Vertiv™ SmartRow™ 2, and Vertiv™ SmartAisle™ 3. 

"The future is bright for the data center industry, and we want to walk this bright path with our partners. The emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the new face of digital transformation will truly highlight the start of a positive change for the industry," Lim added. 

Learn more about Vertiv's products and partner program at Partners.Vertiv.com.

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Philippine Airlines Partners with Expedia Group to Launch All-in-One Travel Website, PAL Holidays

Philippine Airlines Partners with Expedia Group to Launch All-in-One Travel Website, PAL Holidays

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines, has launched PAL Holidays powered by Expedia Group, a one-stop travel website that offers travelers a seamless and comprehensive platform for all their travel needs. The new site is now live in the US, Canada, Australia, and Philippines. 

The new platform is powered by Expedia Group’s White Label Template technology and designed to help passengers effortlessly plan and book their entire journey—including PAL flights, hotels, transportation, and exciting travel activities, all in one convenient location.

"We are thrilled to introduce PAL Holidays, our new one-stop booking platform that simplifies and enhances the travel planning process for our passengers. By partnering with Expedia, we are confident that our customers will enjoy unparalleled access to a superior range of great offers for hotels, experiences, and transport that can go together with the Philippine Airlines flights that they book. PAL Holidays reflects our dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences, and we look forward to serving our customers in a more convenient and efficient way," said Bud Britanico, VP for Sales at Philippine Airlines. 

PAL Holidays marks a significant milestone in the airline's commitment to enhancing the travel experience of its valued customers. With Expedia Group's long-standing reputation as a reliable and trusted travel platform, travelers can be assured that PAL Holidays will deliver exceptional service and value:

Access to Hotel Accommodations Worldwide

PAL Holidays provides travelers with access to over 900,000 properties across the globe, enabled by the collaboration with renowned global travel platform, Expedia Group. The vast selection of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, ensures that there is something for every traveler's preference and budget.

All-in-One Booking

PAL Holidays allows travelers to access a wide array of services in one transaction, encompassing PAL flights, hotel accommodations, transportation, and travel activities. From the comfort of their homes or while on-the-go, travelers can effortlessly tailor their perfect itinerary.

Exclusive Promo Deals

PAL Holidays will feature exciting promotional deals and exclusive offers, making travel dreams even more attainable. With great discounts and carefully curated packages, travelers can explore more destinations and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

“We are thrilled to team up with Philippine Airlines for PAL Holidays. We share the same vision of transforming and easing the way travelers plan and book their journeys. With our combined expertise and service, we are excited to offer a seamless travel platform that will be of great help to travelers,” said Greg Schulze, Senior Vice President, Strategic Travel Partners at Expedia Group.

Travelers can experience the ease and convenience of PAL Holidays by visiting the website. Discover a new era of travel, where booking PAL flights, hotels, activities, and transportation needs is as simple as a few clicks!

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A flourishing oasis: RLC Residences unfolds Phase 2 of nature-inspired property Woodsville Crest

A flourishing oasis: RLC Residences unfolds Phase 2 of nature-inspired property Woodsville Crest

Friday, September 15, 2023

Modern life moves at a breakneck speed, resulting to us dreaming of a sanctuary that nurtures our well-being. RLC Residences understands this yearning, which is why the developer is proud to unveil the second phase of Woodsville Crest through the launch of the newest building, Olive. This nature-inspired haven, tucked in the city of Parañaque, promises to provide a relaxing and restful home equipped with smart and sustainable features.

“With the current lifestyle of our home seekers, we found out that they are also on the lookout for a home that they can call their sanctuary. That’s why we designed Woodsville Crest with this as the priority – from unit offerings and its deliverables down to the amenities and the features of the whole property. We hope that Woodsville Crest can be their oasis where they can embrace a life of calm and serenity while still enjoying the convenience of living in the city,” says RLC Residences’ Senior Director, Head of Marketing, and Chief Integration Officer Karen Cesario. 

Your Oasis South of Metro

Situated within the Woodsville Complex in Merville, Parañaque, Woodsville Crest prides itself with a relaxing suburban home equipped with smart and sustainable features, amenities that are nature-inspired, and a location that easily connects home seekers to destinations and opportunities that truly matter. 

Location-wise, soon-to-be residents of Woodsville Crest can enjoy the convenience it will provide – thanks to its direct access to West Service Road and Edison Avenue. With this as their address, they can easily reach the numerous opportunities in areas such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as the recreational spots like Tagaytay City. 

As for the property itself, Woodsville Crest features a rustic and contemporary design with subtle nods to comfort and style. Home to breathable spaces ranging from studio to executive two-bedroom units, the living spaces are equipped with future-ready features such as Smart Lock accessible via PIN, mobile app, fingerprint, and mechanical key; Audio-Video Intercom directly connected to the reception area to screen guests before they come up the unit, and Smart Lights that can be controlled using the panel or via a phone app. 

Thoughtful provisions like work-from-home areas and ergonomic storage spaces, plus other upgrades in kitchen and toilet and bath areas are also added in the living spaces of Woodsville Crest. For instance, each unit comes with a dedicated drying area for laundry while some offer a balcony with shadings that are aesthetically-pleasing at the same time functions as a cover to the sun’s rays.

This attention to detail also applies to the property’s facilities. Residents can enjoy a suite of rest and relaxation amenities such as the Outdoor Pool and open landscaped areas that are idyllic spots for restorative practices like yoga and meditation.

The nature-inspired property also promotes joyful encounters, as Woodsville Crest features spaces for socializing like the picnic groves, a pet park, and play areas for kids. 

Your Sustainable Oasis

Woodsville Crest stands as a testament to RLC Residences' commitment to sustainability with a wide range of environmentally-sound features within the property. Starting off with a solar-powered e-charging parking station for electric vehicles and bike parking slots offered to residents. Moreover, solar-powered street and garden lamps dot the property, complemented by the rainwater harvesting system to be used for landscape irrigation and other non-potable use within the development.

“There are a lot of features to look forward to in Woodsville Crest. And truly, we thank our customers and homeseekers for inspiring us to design this property. We can’t wait to welcome them home so they can enjoy the life that awaits them in their oasis South of Metro,” shares Cesario.

Interested individuals regarding Woodsville Crest may connect with a Property Specialist via rlcresidences.com or follow the developer on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

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Regional Insurtech Igloo Reveals How Gen Z Will Shape Insurance In The Coming Years

Regional Insurtech Igloo Reveals How Gen Z Will Shape Insurance In The Coming Years

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Igloo, a regional insurtech providing people-first and simple insurance solutions, is leveraging upcoming technologies like blockchain and AI to protect underserved segments across Southeast Asia against emerging risks and needs. As part of its mission to provide “Insurance for All,” Igloo unveils how Gen Z (which McKinsey defines as people born between 1996-2012) will shape insurance in the near future.

By 2025, McKinsey suggests that this segment will make up a quarter of APAC’s population, making them a big driver of the economy. In the Philippines in particular, around 40 million Filipinos are considered to be part of this segment.

Known for being true digital natives and digital savvy, this generation’s preference for speed and convenience, and different lifestyles open a new door filled with opportunities for the sector to tap into.

The insurance industry is changing rapidly with the arrival of Gen Z in the workforce. Speed and convenience are now crucial, and the industry must understand evolving consumer preferences to stay competitive. 

Speed and Convenience 

In an age of digitization, everything is available at the click of a button. This phenomenon has given rise to the demand for both speed and convenience. 

The emergence of insurtech has helped the sector keep up with this. Embedded insurance has introduced innovative distribution channels by seamlessly integrating insurance products into the purchasing process. Additionally, trends like accelerated underwriting and digital assistants are enhancing the overall customer experience.

Igloo does this with a wide array of strategic partnerships with major players such as e-commerce giants Lazada and Shopee, leading payment platforms DANA in Indonesia, GCash in the Philippines, and Circle K in Vietnam. Igloo embeds its products in different distribution channels - with even Southeast Asia’s first insurance sold in convenience stores with Circle K.

The Age of Hyper-Personalization

One of the major reasons Gen Z consumers are hesitant about buying insurance products is the lack of personalization. Traditional insurance policies often include broad coverage, which drives up costs. On top of that, many aspects of the policies might not apply to each consumer. Gen Z is incredibly price-sensitive. Combined with its openness to share personal data to enable personalization, this opens up a window of opportunity for us to deliver personalized products and experiences. 

The insurance sector has already recognized this and there are some personalized products available. Going forward, personalized policies in the form of usage-based insurance will be essential to allure and keep Gen Z consumers. An example of this would be stackable microinsurance products that enable one to pick and choose their preferred coverage and create the ideal plan at their desired price point. The emergence of IoT, 5G, AI, and big data have all contributed to this. 

Emerging Risks

Every day presents new threats, from digital security breaches to novel health concerns. As a result, Gen Z is turning to microinsurance to safeguard against these emerging risks. Thus, insurance products tailored for modern lifestyles, addressing concerns traditional insurers don’t typically cover like online shopping fraud, data breaches, and even device protection are gaining traction.

APAC is one of the biggest markets for microinsurance. The still-developing economies and rising middle class create an uptake in demand for cheaper, more affordable insurance plans. Using new channels and cutting-edge technologies, Igloo has introduced innovative products such as the 360-Degree Phone Protection to protect smartphones from unexpected repair costs brought about by unwanted incidents and Travel Master with COVID-19 that protects travellers from mild travel inconveniences such as delayed flights to emergencies like accidents and medical incidents.

Interestingly, the emerging risks that insurers are beginning to address aren't limited to those faced by humans. With over 70% of Indonesians, Vietnamese, and Filipinos owning pets, health insurance for pets has become lucrative for insurance companies. Igloo recently partnered with GCash and Malayan Insurance in the Philippines to offer Pet Insure, which provides reimbursement, pet owner’s liability, and 24/7 pet owner’s personal accident cover.

Responsible Consumers

Gen Z looks for credible brands to buy from. This includes not only brands that deliver impeccable performance but also align with their strong personal values and beliefs. Aspects like sustainability and diversity & inclusion are key to this segment, with 58% of Southeast Asian Gen Zs seeing brands as an extension of themselves. 

According to a study published by Lloyd’s, the global underinsurance gap is US$162.5 billion, with emerging economies accounting for 96% of this gap, and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia are among the least insured in the world. 

Insurers now need to be more aware of the societal impact of their operations. Choosing responsible partners, increasing philanthropic expenditure, and ensuring DEI within the organization have become significant considerations. 

Education and Awareness 

Gen Z consumers have grown up in an age of near-perfect information. Extensive research and parallel browsing are common stages in the purchasing process, especially for complex products like insurance. 

With comparison and evaluation of features like documentation and claims processes, pricing and premiums, and range of protection, it is imperative for insurers to create clear USPs and fight off competition. 

Igloo wants to make insurance affordable and accessible for everyone. The insurtech identifies upcoming risks that consumers need protection against, and together with its strategic partners aims to solve them. Its technology enables it to do so in a way that delivers a seamless experience to customers. To increase insurance penetration, a deep understanding of cultural and behavioral shifts driven by changing lifestyles across the region is essential.

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Filinvest City brought vision to life with its first sustainable smart city in the country

Filinvest City brought vision to life with its first sustainable smart city in the country

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Filinvest ‘Cityzens’ get around the city aboard the Global Electric Transport Comet electric vehicle offers a cashless and environment-friendly commuter transport system

Long before smart cities were envisioned to be a possibility in the country, one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers has started laying down the foundation of a smart and sustainable city in the early 1990s, designing a groundbreaking sustainable township in a sprawling 244-hectare prime property in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

This pioneering development is Filinvest City – a vision that was brought to life, thanks to the forward-looking ethos of Filinvest Alabang Inc. (FAI). 

As the first and only green-certified central business district in the country, Filinvest City is awarded with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold in Neighborhood Development Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as a BERDE-Certification with a 3-star rating under the Philippine Green Building Council, Filinvest City is truly ahead of its time, seamlessly integrating life’s conveniences around nature. 

Fully integrated and self-contained, the development is divided into districts with a balanced mix of developments such as residences, leisure hubs, top educational institutions, and medical and wellness facilities, all within close proximity for easy walkability and safety.

“We believe that these features of Filinvest City are the main reasons its land value continues to appreciate over time. The city continues to evolve and modernize to meet the ever-changing needs of people,” stated Don Ubaldo, FAI First Vice President for Townships. 

Yet despite all the developments that have been achieved over the past 30 years, the improvements and innovations are not about to slow down as the township looks forward to the next three decades with even better innovations that will further enhance the quality of life of its people and the environment.

They’re already taking significant steps, beginning with the city’s security, connectivity and accessibility. For motorists, the city offers its ecological parking facility, featuring two slots of e-vehicle charging stations for public use. To involve and inspire the community to recycle, the parking area of this charging station features sustainable pavers which use far less equipment in production, Filinvest City has partnered with Green Antz to upcycle residents' plastics into building materials that would be used for purposeful display at Filinvest City’s Central Park. 

Further strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Filinvest City has installed the District Cooling System in 2017, the largest cooling facility in the Philippines that enables 16 of the city’s buildings to outsource chilled water needed to cool their interiors at Northgate Cyberzone. Filinvest City has also upgraded its existing sewage treatment plant and introduced a new water treatment plant, enabling it to safely recycle and reuse water for landscaping. While in the city’s commercial developments like Festival Mall, solar panels have been operating since January 2022, a 2.8 MWp solar rooftop solution at Filinvest Land Inc.’s Festival Mall in Alabang. The intelligent system will supply about 28 percent of the mall’s peak demand and save close to 41,000 tons of CO2, an equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 cars off the roads of Metro Manila.

And since security is a key pillar of communities like Filinvest City, for better monitoring, management and recording of city activities, it has installed CCTVs in strategic locations and common areas of the city. 

On top of these, as part of the city’s rapid move as a smart city is the infrastructure for connectivity to grant public access to free WIFI, allowing them to utilize the city’s service and operating systems for free. This includes the FC App, the city’s app that commuters will be able to use to get access to the Get Pass online feature which has a GPS integration to track the PWD-friendly Global Electric Transport (GET) Comet E-Vehicle – a cashless and environment-friendly commuter transport system to help Filinvest Cityzens to get around the city.

For Filinvest City’s parks, many improvements are also set to happen to provide ease and better wellness for people and nature. Solar powered streetlights will soon cover the walkways of Filinvest City Central Park. Smart benches will also be provided where people can use wireless phone chargers. 

And to celebrate Filinvest City’s meaningful first 30 years and to continue its smart, sustainable initiatives where people can get more actively involved, it has organized the “Run for the Future: Building a ECOmmunity Together”, a fun run perfect for family, friends and even pets this August 26. Participants were able to enjoy great food and performances from Spongecola, The Ridleys, and DJ Wicked Adobo. Proceeds of the event were donated to Pedro E. Diaz High School, in partnership with the Environmental Sanitation Center, Muntinlupa.

“Everything we do is intentional - from the infrastructure to the amenities and creative activations around the city. They are all in place to support our move towards becoming the first smart city in the country where people and the environment can benefit from each other,” concluded Ubaldo. 

To know more about Filinvest City, visit its website at https://filinvestcity.com/ and Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/.

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917Ventures' PetPal Targets US$1.6 Billion Pet Care Market in SEA - Expands Access to Essential Pet Care for Filipinos

917Ventures' PetPal Targets US$1.6 Billion Pet Care Market in SEA - Expands Access to Essential Pet Care for Filipinos

Monday, September 11, 2023

 

• PetPal is a telehealth platform for pets, created by 917Ventures, the Philippines' largest corporate venture builder

• 79% of households in the Philippines own a pet, one of the highest percentages in Asia - however there is only one vet available for every 10,000 pet owners in the country. 

• Has expanded retail presence to over 80 clinics and 250 veterinary experts since its launch

The Philippines has seen a significant increase in pet ownership, with 79% of the population now owning a pet, one of the highest percentages in Asia. With the surge in pet ownership, many struggle to find affordable, convenient veterinary care options for their beloved animals with just one vet available for every 10,000 pet owners in the country. 

917Ventures, the largest corporate venture builder in the Philippines, created PetPal to address this market gap. Launched as a vet teleconsultation service, it has recently started to offer at-home grooming services, home vet visits, lab tests, and vaccinations. It also plans to launch an online pharmacy and marketplace for other pet-related goods, supplies and other services. Their PetPal Club subscription service provides users unlimited teleconsultations for up to two pets annually, along with discounts on pet services. A mobile app version is expected to launch later this year.

Carlo Flordeliza, a Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, conceived the idea of PetPal after recognizing a gaping need for a comprehensive online pet care platform. The platform aimed to broaden access to veterinary services and champion responsible pet ownership. The motivation for PetPal was deeply personal after experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding an available vet when his dog, Pippin, urgently needed care. 

“PetPal addresses a gap in the pet care market for convenient, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare services for pets. According to ASPCA, a significant number of pets rarely see a veterinarian due to their owners facing substantial challenges such as cost issues and unavailability of veterinarians. These barriers can lead pet owners to delay or skip veterinary treatments, or even abandon their pets. Affordable telehealth services like PetPal can address this while also helping pet owners avoid additional expenses related to transportation, travel time, or missed work,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures.

The clamor for these services is not confined to the Philippines as the pet care market in Southeast Asia grew to a sizable US$1.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to US$3.08 billion by 2032. Recognizing the potential of the sector, 917Ventures aims to make comprehensive pet care accessible and help the local industry address challenges through digitization, ensuring its growth is in line with the rest of the world. 

“More than half of Asia’s population have pets and we see PetPal and pet telehealth services at large as a transformative solution that not only caters to the demands of modern pet owners but also redefines the way veterinary care is accessed and administered, ushering in a new era of convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive well-being for pets,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director at 917Ventures.

“By offering a platform, PetPal enables veterinary practitioners to reach a wider audience, deliver crucial services to more pet owners and their pets, and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Additionally, PetPal can also foster economic growth by stimulating demand and therefore creating new revenue streams and potentially generating jobs within the pet service sector,” added Yamat. 

Since its launch, PetPal has conducted thousands of consultations nationwide where partner vets provided guidance on pet nutrition and behavior to first-time pet owners and helped seasoned pet parents book schedules for their pets, fitting them into their busy lives.

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