Filipino entrepreneurs are resilient and resourceful, and our role is to provide the support they need to achieve their full potential.
UnionBank, in continuing to empower small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), has partnered with By Retail Lab, a multi-brand lifestyle store that highlights Filipino-owned businesses, for Soiree By Retail Lab—the largest holiday fair in the Philippines.
The pre-Christmas event will take place on December 6-8 and 14-15, 2024 at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City and will feature over 170 merchants showcasing the innovation and creativity of Filipino entrepreneurs. Through its UB Negosyante program, UnionBank aims to support participating businesses by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in today’s tech-driven economy.
“UnionBank’s goal is to give Filipino entrepreneurs the ‘Power to Grow’ by offering simple, accessible financial solutions tailored to their needs. This makes it easier for their customers to support local merchants,” said Dino Velasco, UnionBank’s Head of Institutional Segment Marketing. “Through the collaboration with Soiree, we are able to support businesses that form the backbone of the economy with forward-thinking practices one segment at a time.”

Soiree By Retail Lab provides entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products while promoting a culture of shopping local. Through this partnership with UB Negosyante, shoppers will enjoy the convenience of cashless payments while the SMEs benefit from tools that streamline their financial processes and help them remain competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment.
UnionBank has a wide array of tools designed to empower businesses and address their unique challenges. The UnionBank BizStarter checking account lowers barriers to banking by requiring an initial deposit of just Php 5,000, making it accessible for small business owners. With the account is the ability to use the UB Negosyante App, an all-in-one mobile platform that allows entrepreneurs to manage, pay, and collect funds seamlessly, with QRPH code generation for efficient payment collection—essential for dynamic marketplaces like Soiree.
“Filipino entrepreneurs are resilient and resourceful, and our role is to provide the support they need to achieve their full potential,” Velasco said. “UnionBank is proud to stand alongside these businesses, helping them flourish and contribute to a brighter future for all.”
With UnionBank’s innovative solutions and By Retail Lab’s dedication to uplifting local entrepreneurs, this year’s holiday fair is set to be more than just a shopping event—it’s a platform for progress, partnerships, and endless possibilities.