Insider Spotlight
The collaboration with Retail Lab reinforces the bank’s push to build a more dynamic and digitally enabled environment for Filipino entrepreneurs.
Why it matters
Small and medium enterprises remain a backbone of the Philippine economy, and UnionBank is doubling down on tools that make it easier for founders to start, scale, and sustain their businesses.
“UnionBank recognizes that Filipino entrepreneurs are at the heart of our economy,” Dino Velasco, UnionBank's head of institutional segment marketing, said in a press release on Dec. 1, 2025.
“Through UB Negosyante, we aim to be the NextGen bank for SMEs—developing tools and services that empower them to thrive, while making it easier for consumers to discover and support local businesses.”
The big picture
Set for Dec. 13 to 14 at The Fifth at Rockwell, the Holiday Soirée will gather hundreds of homegrown brands. UnionBank is using the event as a showcase of how digital finance seamlessly integrates with the modern retail experience.
Driving innovation
Attendees will experience QRPH-enabled payments at the entrance, ensuring faster admission. As an added perk, the first 300 UnionBank debit and credit cardholders, along with UB Online users, get free entry—bringing the bank’s digital-first philosophy into real-world convenience.
A platform for growth
UnionBank will highlight core UB Negosyante offerings designed to remove friction from business operations:
“Soirée is more than a shopping event—it’s a celebration of Filipino creativity and resilience,” Velasco said. “With UB Negosyante, we’re not just supporting SMEs; we’re building an ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs with communities eager to shop local and support homegrown talent.”
The bottom line
UnionBank is positioning Soirée 2025 as more than a marketplace—it’s a catalyst for stronger SME networks, a proving ground for financial innovation, and a testament to the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs to live a life unlocked. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
