Eat Well. Travel Often

May 10, 2025

Swakto Smartphones: The Perfect Travel Companion for an Unforgettable Summer

Jexx Hinggo 3:22 PM home credit , 0 Comments

Summer is the perfect time for fun activities like beach trips, road trips with friends, or just spending time outside. A reliable smartphone can help you capture great memories, stay connected, and enjoy entertainment on the go. If your current phone isn’t up to the task, it might be time for an upgrade!

Upgrade Easily with Home Credit Philippines

Buying a new phone can be tough with all the summer expenses. Luckily, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) is making it easier for you to get a new device. Their Swakto Summer deals offer flexible installment plans with 0% interest and zero down payment. You can own a new smartphone for as low as ₱29 per day!

How to Apply:
1. Bring one valid ID to any Home Credit partner store.
2. If you're eligible, you can get approved in as fast as one minute!
This offer is available until May 14, 2025, at over 15,000 partner stores across more than 75 provinces in the Philippines.

Top Summer Smartphones

Here are some great options for your summer adventures:

1. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

- Price: ₱24,990 (₱1,068/month for 18 months or ₱36/day)

Features:
- Triple rear camera (50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro)
- 5000mAh battery (up to 2 days of use)
- 256GB storage
- IP67 water and dust resistance

2. Vivo V40 5G

- Price: ₱25,999 (₱1,112/month for 18 months or ₱37/day)

Features:
- Massive 5500mAh battery
- ZEISS camera system (50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide)
- IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance

3. OPPO Reno 13 F 5G

- Price: ₱22,999 (₱979/month for 18 months or ₱33/day)

Features:
- 5800mAh battery
- Triple rear camera (50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide)
- IP69 water and dust resistance

4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G

- Price: ₱22,999 (₱979/month for 18 months or ₱33/day)

Features:
- 200MP main camera
- 5110mAh battery with 120W fast charging
- IP68 water and dust resistance

5. Realme 13 Plus 5G

- Price: ₱19,999 (₱855/month for 18 months or ₱29/day)

Features:
- 50MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery
- Dimensity 7300 chipset

6. Apple iPhone 13

- Price: ₱28,990 (₱1,036/month for 24 months or ₱35/day)

Features:
- A15 Bionic chip
- Dual-camera system (12MP wide and ultra-wide)
- IP68 water and dust resistance

Make Your Summer Memorable

Don't miss out on the chance to upgrade your smartphone this summer! With Home Credit's Swakto Summer deals, you can enjoy flexible payment options and a stress-free experience.

For quick pre-approval of product installments, download the Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. You can also visit Shoppingmall.ph to find the nearest partner store and explore more summer offers.

To stay updated on Home Credit Philippines, visit their official website at www.homecredit.ph and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Home Credit Philippines is a licensed financing company supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Cebu Pacific: Building Leadership and Pursuing Strategic Growth

As a frequent traveler with Cebu Pacific, I’m genuinely excited about the recent updates regarding the airline’s growth plans. It’s great to see that they are focusing on expanding their fleet and network, which can only enhance our travel experiences.

Commitment to Growth

At their annual stockholders' meeting, Chairman Lance Gokongwei spoke about Cebu Pacific’s commitment to excellence and their strategy for growth. It’s encouraging to hear that they’re positioning themselves to take advantage of the growing travel demand in the Philippines.

Strong Performance in 2024

Cebu Pacific wrapped up 2024 with impressive revenue growth, driven by a record number of passengers. This is promising news for us as travelers, as it indicates that more people are choosing Cebu Pacific for their flights. The airline’s ability to maintain a strong seat load factor shows their reliability.

One of the most notable developments is the delivery of 17 new aircraft in 2024. This expansion will not only improve their fleet but also help in developing new hubs across the country. For travelers like us, this means more options and potentially better access to affordable air travel.

Leadership in the Market

Cebu Pacific is not just growing; they’ve also become a leader in both domestic and international markets. CEO Michael Szucs highlighted how these strategic investments have helped them outpace the competition. It’s reassuring to know that the airline is committed to providing quality service.

As we move into 2025, there’s optimism about continued growth. Szucs noted that the early months of the year show positive signs, with the market absorbing additional capacity. This could lead to even better travel options for us in the future. The recent order for up to 152 aircraft indicates a strong commitment to supporting the growth of Philippine aviation.

Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing how these developments will enhance my travel experiences with Cebu Pacific. The airline’s focus on growth and improvement is encouraging, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more news and seat sale.

May 9, 2025

Swako sa Tag-Init: Score Great Deals on Cooling Essentials with Home Credit

Jexx Hinggo 10:51 PM home credit , 0 Comments

As summer temperatures rise in the Philippines, keeping your home cool and comfortable is essential. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reports that many areas are facing extreme heat, with heat indexes reaching between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius. This makes cooling appliances a necessity for Filipino families.

However, buying new cooling appliances can be expensive, which may not be feasible for families managing tight budgets. This often leads to delays in getting the necessary appliances, causing discomfort during the hottest months.

Affordable Cooling Solutions with Home Credit

Thanks to Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), enjoying a cool home this summer is now more affordable. Through their Swakto Summer Deals, families can access flexible installment plans with rates as low as 0% interest and zero downpayment on a variety of cooling appliances. This makes it easier to stay comfortable without overspending.

Promo Details:

- Duration: Until May 14, 2025

- Products: Air conditioners, air coolers, refrigerators, and water dispensers to keep you cool and hydrated.

But that's not all! The Swakto Summer Deals also include:

- Mobile phones for travel

- Laptops for remote work

- TVs and electronics for home entertainment

- Furniture for added comfort

- Washing machines to keep clothes fresh

Home Credit offers these products at over 15,000 partner stores across 75+ provinces, ensuring convenient access to financing nationwide.

Easy Application Process

Applying for installment plans is simple with minimal requirements—just one valid ID. Approval can take as little as one minute for eligible applicants.

For added convenience, download the updated Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. This allows you to get pre-approved for installment plans anytime, anywhere. If you prefer in-store help, Home Credit representatives are available at partner locations to guide you through the application.

To find nearby partner stores offering appliances and gadgets, visit Shoppingmall.ph. This platform lists Home Credit’s latest offers and available items, making it easier to find what you need within your budget.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer

This summer, staying cool and comfortable is within reach. Take advantage of Home Credit’s Swakto Summer Deals to enjoy affordable solutions. Don’t miss out on this fantastic promo—avail now!

For more updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit their official website at www.homecredit.ph. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Home Credit Philippines is a licensed financing company supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Apr 26, 2025

YouTube Shopping launches in the Philippines, expanding partnership with Shopee in Southeast Asia

Jexx Hinggo 12:12 AM events , youtube 0 Comments

YouTube has officially partnered with Shopee to introduce YouTube Shopping in the Philippines, expanding its affiliate program to six countries across Southeast Asia. This initiative is set to revolutionize the video commerce landscape, enhancing the shopping experience for viewers, content creators, and advertisers alike.

A Seamless Shopping Experience

With YouTube Shopping, viewers can now easily discover and purchase products while enjoying content from their favorite creators. The affiliate program simplifies video e-commerce by allowing direct product tagging within videos, eliminating the need for tedious clicks or website switching. It’s as easy as checking out!

Opportunities for Shopee Sellers and Content Creators

This launch presents exciting prospects for both Shopee sellers and local content creators. Shopee sellers can broaden their reach by collaborating with a diverse network of creators, tapping into a highly engaged audience and driving unprecedented sales. This partnership fosters a seamless connection that enhances product discovery, amplifies brand visibility, and boosts conversion rates.

For eligible creators, this collaboration unlocks new revenue streams, enabling them to monetize their influence by promoting products to their established audiences. As consumers in the Philippines increasingly seek engaging and content-rich shopping experiences, this partnership aligns perfectly with their expectations.

The Rise of Video Commerce in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is rapidly emerging as a leading e-commerce market, with video commerce now accounting for 20% of the region's gross merchandise value in 2024—a remarkable fourfold increase since 2022. The creator economy in the Philippines is thriving, boasting over 450 channels with more than a million subscribers and over 6,000 channels with over 100,000 subscribers.

This growth is driven by a shift towards video-first shopping experiences, where consumers turn to trusted creators for information and entertainment. A global study shows that online users are 98% more likely to trust recommendations from YouTube creators compared to other platforms, significantly boosting purchase intent—YouTube drives 3.8 times greater purchase intent than its competitors.

Engaging Gen Z Consumers

According to a Kantar study, eight out of ten Southeast Asian Gen Z respondents prefer entertaining shopping experiences, underscoring the importance of content in their purchasing journeys. Despite exploring various channels for product discovery, 63% of Filipino Gen Z respondents still prefer completing their purchases on e-commerce platforms. This synergy between YouTube and Shopee creates an integrated shopping experience that resonates with this demographic.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “Southeast Asia is shaping the future of shopping with its deeply engaged video-first audience, a thriving digital economy, and a vibrant creator community. We’re excited to bring YouTube Shopping to the Philippines, making it one of six countries globally to have this feature.”

Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines, added, “Our partnership with YouTube Shopping marks a significant milestone for our brands and sellers. It allows them to connect with creators and leverage their influence to drive sales effectively. This collaboration also offers Filipino content creators new avenues to monetize their creativity while promoting products that resonate with their audiences.”

Monetization Opportunities for Creators

The YouTube Shopping affiliate program allows creators to tag products in both existing and new videos, as well as during live streams. A comprehensive list of tagged products is available in the video description and ‘Product’ section, directing viewers to Shopee’s sales page for a smooth purchasing process.

This program complements existing monetization options, empowering Filipino creators to deepen their audience engagement and build lasting connections. Options include Ads Revenue, YouTube Premium Revenue, Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Super Stickers.

Success Stories

In just seven months since its launch in Southeast Asia, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program has shown impressive results. For instance, beauty creator Mai Trinh Hồ reported nearly a fivefold increase in revenue after joining the program. Similarly, tech creator Jagat Review from Indonesia noted that the affiliate program contributed to 50% of his channel's total earnings between July and October of last year.

Filipino creators like Camille Co are already embracing this new opportunity. “I’m thrilled about YouTube Shopping! It makes it easier for me to share products I love and earn on the side,” she shared.

Tech enthusiast Mond Salem of Hardware Voyage echoed this excitement: “I can’t wait for YouTube Shopping to help us creators earn more through product sales!”

New Horizons for Brands and Advertisers

For advertisers, YouTube Shopping presents fresh opportunities to connect with consumers and drive better business outcomes. By linking partnership ads to relevant creator content, brands can streamline the customer journey from discovery to purchase. For example, L’Oréal Thailand combined its campaign with the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, achieving tenfold increases in high-intent views and significantly improving cost-per-visit efficiency.

Since the program’s launch, YouTube and Shopee have seen active engagement across various categories, including Beauty, Mobile & Gadgets, and Home & Living. This demonstrates the diverse product range and the potential for creators to influence consumer purchasing decisions. As YouTube Shopping gains traction in Southeast Asia, it solidifies its role as a transformative force in the video commerce and creator economies.

To learn more about enabling YouTube Shopping on your channel, click here.

Apr 23, 2025

Empowering Communities, One Innovation at a Time: My Takeaways from the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum

Jexx Hinggo 6:41 AM 0 Comments

On April 22, I attended the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao. I anticipated the usual corporate updates, but I left feeling genuinely impressed. The event provided a clearer view of how BDO is reaching out to more Filipinos—especially those in rural areas—through thoughtful and practical services.

BDO Pay: All About Convenience

Let's start with BDO Pay. This app allows you to pay directly from your BDO account or credit card, eliminating the need to load up or transfer funds. As someone who frequently engages in online transactions, this felt like a win. The app offers a wide range of features: Scan to Pay, Send Money, Pay Bills, Split Bills, Request Funds, QR Withdrawals and Deposits, Buy Load, and access to BDO Rewards & Deals. What really caught my attention was the ability to pay bills to over 1,800 billers with no extra fee and transfer to other banks or e-wallets for just P10. Plus, it's secure and backed by BDO, making digital banking more seamless without complicating things.

Cash Agad: Banking That Reaches Further

Then there's Cash Agad—something that truly stood out for me. It's designed for areas where banks or ATMs aren't easily accessible. With Cash Agad, people in remote areas can withdraw money and perform basic banking through local shops like mini groceries, pharmacies, or water refilling stations, as long as there's signal. Even better, these small businesses become partner agents, earning extra income while offering a vital service to their community.

I love how it's not just about access, but also about uplifting local businesses and keeping the economy moving in small towns and barangays. As someone who believes in supporting locals, this really resonated with me.

I left the event with a fresh perspective. BDO isn't just offering services—they're solving real-world problems. Whether it's through the ease of BDO Pay or the reach of Cash Agad, they're helping people do more without needing to travel far or worry about technology gaps.

If you're looking for more convenient banking or have family in areas where access is limited, give these services a try. They just might make life a bit easier.

You can also join the BDO Fiesta at SM Lanang on April 26, 2025 from 10AM onwards. There will be games, prizes, and surprises for new and current BDO customers. See you there!