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13-man Gilas PH team formed vs Lebanon

August 22, 2022 3:42 p.m.

A 13-man team majority composed of pro players make up the Gilas Pilipinas roster that will travel to Beirut, Lebanon and kick off its campaign in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifier.

Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and promising big man Kai Sotto lead the lineup that also include reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Barangay Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar, as well as Gilas first timers Jamie Malonzo (NorthPort), Chris Newsome (Meralco), and former PBA no.1 overall pick Roosevelt Adams.

Others named to the team by Chot Reyes and his coaching staff made up of Tim Cone and Jong Uichico are returnees Calvin Oftana (NLEX), Japan B. League imports Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, and University of the Philippines stalwart Carl Tamayo.

The announcement was officially made by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios in a special session of the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Monday.

Barrios described the team as athletic and has good height and heft.

“We observed and evaluated what is the best mix for the Lebanon trip. That’s our consideration there. They’re not necessarily the best players in the country, but they’re the best team to play against Lebanon based on the available players,” said Barrios, also the SBP spokesperson.

“This is the best combination base sa pagsusuri at pag-aaral ng ating coaching staff,” added the SBP official during the sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The fourth window starts the second round of the qualifier where the national team holds an even 2-2 (win-loss) record in Group E.

The Filipinos will be leaving for Beirut early Tuesday morning for their August 25 match against the host team bannered by FIBA Asia Cup MVP Wael Arakji.

The final 12-man Gilas team will be submitted by the SBP on the eve of the game.

The Cedars finished a close runner-up against Australia during the finals of the Asia Cup, 75-73, the same tournament where they pounded the Filipinos in the group stage, 95-80.

“Mabigat yung Lebanon, but we are confident that we will play well. Siguradong lalaban tayo,” said Barrios. “So pagdasal natin ang kanilang safety and well-being. We pray for victory, God willing.”  

After Lebanon, the national team returns to the country early Saturday morning and prepares for its next game against Saudi Arabia on the 29th at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Barrios said Gilas may or may not tweak the lineup against Saudi Arabia in a game that will have Clarkson playing on local soil for the very first time.

Jordan Clark (JC FB)

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Cebuana Lhuillier ventures into future of payments at Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland

10:40 p.m. December 30, 2024

Cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippines’ leading microfinance institution, is stepping into the future of payments by exploring innovative blockchain solutions.

This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and its strategic move towards adopting digital technologies. Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier attended the prestigious Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, where financial leaders and innovators gathered to discuss the next evolution in payments, blockchain, and digital finance.

A Global Stage for Financial Innovation

The Plan B Forum serves as a vital platform for thought leaders to explore the future of blockchain and digital currencies in the global economy. With a focus on the growing impact of decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoins, and digital currencies, the forum highlights how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of financial services. Cebuana Lhuillier’s participation signifies its drive to stay ahead of technological advancements that can reshape and bridge TradFi and DeFi in the Philippines.

The event was attended by some of the prominent names in the digital currency space, demonstrating Cebuana’s commitment to industry and reinforcing its role in shaping the crypto landscape.

Cebuana Lhuillier: Championing Financial Inclusion in the Digital Space

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, highlights the company’s growing focus on digital transformation. “As Cebuana Lhuillier continues to expand in the digital space, it aims to enhance payment services by adopting stablecoins and partnering with innovative digital solutions companies. These technologies promise faster, more affordable, and secure transactions for Filipinos, offering a modern way to manage payments with greater transparency and ease.”

Following this, Cebuana Lhuillier Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier added, “Blockchain technology and digital currencies are not just tools for innovation; they are vehicles for empowerment. By leveraging these technologies, we can democratize access to financial services, enabling Filipinos from all walks of life to participate in a global digital economy.”

This move reflects Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to providing reliable financial services that cater to the evolving needs of its customers across the country.

In representing Cebuana Lhuillier at the forum, Philippe Andre Lhuillier emphasized the importance of financial inclusion in the digital age. In an era where internet access and digital infrastructure are rapidly expanding, especially with advancements in web3 technologies, it set the stage that highlighted the importance of emerging payments in the web3 space and the role of Cebuana Lhuillier in bridging this technology with traditional finance.
Cebuana Lhuillier’s participation at the forum reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion. By incorporating digital wallets, blockchain technology, and digital currencies, the company aims to expand access to financial services, beyond traditional finance.
President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier remarked “With the evolution of financial landscapes, Cebuana Lhuillier is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation in the Philippines. By attending the Plan B Forum, the company is not only seeking to learn from global leaders but is also reaffirming its role as a key player in the future of payments and financial inclusion. Philippe Andre Lhuillier’s participation marks a critical step towards realizing Cebuana Lhuillier’s vision of becoming a fully integrated financial service provider that leverages cutting-edge technology.”
As blockchain and digital cryptocurrency technologies continue to grow, Cebuana Lhuillier is well-positioned to lead the way in providing innovative financial services.

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InLife wins Best in Future of Intelligence Award at IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2024

3:30 p.m. December 25, 2024

Insular Life (InLife) received the Best in Future of Intelligence Award – Philippines during the IDC (International Data Corporation) Future Enterprise Awards 2024 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on November 18, 2024.

The award recognizes InLife’s Agile Academy, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering an Agile mindset among InLife employees, or InLifers.

Through bootcamps, masterclasses, workshops, and curated resources, the Agile Academy empowers InLifers to tackle organizational challenges with innovative solutions, contributing to the company’s business and digital transformation journey.

At the heart of the Agile Academy are the Mission-Based Teams (MBTs)—cross-functional, user-centric, and self-organizing groups that leverage the Agile framework to address critical customer and enterprise issues.

To date, the Agile Academy has activated 21 MBTs, resulting in innovations like the InLife App, a mobile and web application for managing life insurance policies; and the InLife Compass Super App, designed to boost the productivity of InLife financial advisors. MBTs have also developed solutions addressing pain points of Gen Zs, Group account holders, and the silver generation, demonstrating InLife’s customer-centric and inclusive approach.

“InLife’s recognition at the IDC Future Enterprise Awards reaffirms our commitment to continuous innovation and transformation in service of our customers,” said InLife Chief Transformation Officer Efren C. Caringal, Jr. “At 114 years, InLife remains true to its pioneering spirit, leveraging initiatives like the Agile Academy to deliver meaningful solutions that benefit our policyholders and other stakeholders.”

The IDC Future Enterprise Awards recognize organizations that lead the way in digital transformation, demonstrating resilience, and a commitment to enhanced customer experiences.

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Converge engages Unang Yakap beneficiaries in gift-giving activities

8:30 p.m. December 24, 2024

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. shared the joy of Christmas to the mothers and volunteers of its Unang Yakap Community in Baseco, Tondo.

With the help of the mentors and mentees from its women mentorship program Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE, the company celebrated with the beneficiaries and community volunteers through games, raffle, and gift-giving activities.

In partnership with Caritas Manila, Converge has been supporting the Unang Yakap Program that aims to provide healthcare and nutritional assistance to underprivileged pregnant and lactating mothers, and their infants, during their first 1,000 days.

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