Visa applications from Philippines nearly touched the pre-pandemic levels in 2022

Visa applications from Philippines nearly touched the pre-pandemic levels in 2022 driven by pent-up demand, opening of international borders, and eased COVID-related protocols. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from the Philippines reached 91% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels in 2022. 

When compared with 2021, visa application volume grew by 44% in 2022. 

“We saw a healthy demand from Philippines in 2022 with steady volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that the travel momentum will grow even further in 2023 and hence it is advisable for applicants including students, to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global.

Major destinations for visa applicants from Philippines include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and United Kingdom (in alphabetical order).Another defining trend noticed in travellers’ behaviour was wider adoption of personalised service which began since the pandemic. Premium optional services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) that enables travellers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice, witnessed around 2x growth over the pre-pandemic levels in 2022. When compared with 2021, VAYD saw a 42% rise in 2022. VFS Global offers VAYD for 10 client governments in Philippines – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and UK.

“Health considerations continue to be a key determining factor in the new normal, with a large and growing section of travellers becoming conscious about health and safety. As a result, we see an increasing number of travellers opt of such services that provide a seamless visa experience and prioritise safe travel,” added Ghosh.

Peak Season Travel Guide

 

#ApplyinAdvance

 

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09^th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.

 

#DoNotFallForFraud

 

Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. We do not charge any payment for scheduling appointments. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff or send an email to communications@vfsglobal.com

 

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:

 

●      Premium Lounge: Quick, safe, comfortable – get a personalised visa submission experience.

●      Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre

●      Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient. 

●      SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.

 

 

For more information, visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/solutions.html.

 

There’s so many things you can do at Ortigas Land this sizzling summer!

Summer in the Philippines is always a fun experience for many. Our scenic beaches and vacation spots have been recognized as some of the best in the world, and they’ll likely be brimming with tourists this season. 

Fortunately, those spending most of their summer in Metro Manila need not feel left out. There’s so many things you can do in the city this sizzling summer! Ortigas Land offers locations where you (and your fur babies) can enjoy a diverse range of fun, recreational activities. These are perfect for people looking to spend quality time with loved ones, work on their physical fitness, take their pets out to play with other dogs, enjoy the city, or try something new during their break.

Plan out your summer at Ortigas Land’s exciting estates:

Get fit and feel fresh

Enjoy the sun and get some fresh air at Ortigas Land’s many outdoor areas located at Ortigas East and Capitol Commons in Pasig City, and Circulo Verde in Quezon City.

They all have safe jogging paths, as well as open spaces where you can stretch and do yoga, arnis, boxing and sparring. There are also bike lanes for fitness enthusiasts and people who prefer to ride a bike everywhere they go. For your relaxation needs, there are benches and picnic spots where kids and families can bond. This is definitely your sign to get out and focus on your wellness this summer season.

Get into your favorite sports

If you and your friends are into sports or you want to be more active this summer, Circulo Verde in Quezon City has a couple of places that can be reserved for practice and official games.

The CV Quad is a convertible court suited for basketball and volleyball enthusiasts. Interested players can reserve the court via CV Quad’s Facebook page for P1,200 per hour for Day Time (7am to 5pm) and P1,500 per hour for Night Time (5pm to 10pm). You can also add a scoreboard and shot clock for P200 per hour.

Football lovers can check out the Palms Arena field. From Monday to Thursday, it can be reserved for the Normal Hour rate of P3,000 (6am to 6pm) and Peak Hour rate of P3,500 (6pm to 12mn). From Friday to Sunday, the Normal Hour rate is at P3,500 (6am to 6pm) and Peak Hour is at P4,000 (6pm to 12mn). Reservations can be done via this online form.

CV Quad and Palms Arena are located at Circulo Verde, Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Pets’ day out

Your fur babies deserve a fun summer vacation too. Ortigas Land’s pet-friendly spots are designed to bring joy to you and your furry companions.

You can take your dogs for a walk or jog at the Capitol Commons Park. The open park is spacious enough to let dogs run and play.

Capitol Commons Park is located at Capitol Commons, Camino Verde Rd., Pasig City.

Over at Hachi Park in Circulo Verde, pet owners can let their dogs run around off leash and play with other dogs. Aptly named after the famous Japanese dog Hachiko, the 365-square-meter enclosed space has convenient trash bins where you can dispose of your dog’s waste.

Hachi Park is located at Circulo Verde, Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Grab something to eat at Tiendesitas while walking your dog at The Grounds in Ortigas East, an open-air outdoor space with open-air. You can also stock up on supplies at the nearby Pet Village in Tiendesitas.

The Grounds is located at Central Drive, Ortigas East, Pasig City.

Cool down with deliciously refreshing treats

Of course, it’s also important to cool down so you can make the most of summer. Luckily, there are many restaurants and cafes at Ortigas Land where you can get refreshing drinks and frozen treats.

Estancia Mall in Pasig City offers a wide range of dining options catering to varying tastes and preferences. Coffee lovers can grab their fix at UCC Clockwork on the ground floor, a third-wave coffee spot known for its refreshing Kori Kohi and other iced coffee blends; and Blue Wonder Coffee & Bean Roastery on the third floor has an icy espresso-based Java Chip Wonderccino and K-pong Wonderccino. 

UCC Clockwork and Blue Wonder Coffee & Bean Roastery are located at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.

For cold sweets, you can find some at Carousel Creamery in Greenhills in San Juan City. The popular ice cream shop serves a variety of signature flavors and sundaes, like Caramelized Banana Split and Apple Pie Ala Mode. Meanwhile, yogurt lovers can get their icy fix at Koomi, located at the ground floor of Greenhills Mall, which features fruity flavors like Banana Know What Love Is and You’re the Berry Best.

Carousel Creamery is located at Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan City.

Koomi is located at G/F Greenhills Mall, San Juan City.

***

With Ortigas Land, you can plan out a memorable summer in the city with all your loved ones. Call them up and make the most of this fun, sunny season!

For more information, follow Ortigas Land on Facebook and Instagram. Download the Ortigas Malls app to sign up for the Ortigas Community Card. 

 

Like Ortigas Malls on Facebook, and follow Greenhills, Capitol Commons, Ortigas East, and Circulo Verde.

 

Redmi Note 12 Series encapsulates the Gen Zs’ always-on-the-go lifestyle and personalities

Following the announcement of the newest Redmi Note 12 Series in the Philippines, Xiaomi hosted a vibrant launch event at Marriott Manila to showcase the smartphone’s capabilities. The party was made more exciting by #TeamRedmiNote ambassadors.

The Redmi Note 12 Series – composed of the Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – is the latest line of mid-range smartphones from Xiaomi, which is the ideal device to keep up with Gen Zs’ vivid lifestyle and personalities. True to its tagline “Live Vivid,” its powerful triple camera system allows users to take eye-catching photos and videos to preserve every moment as they happen. The Redmi Note 12 variant ensures a smooth, all-day performance thanks to its 6nm Snapdragon 685 processor and 5000mAh high-capacity battery wherever they go.

#TeamRedmiNote celebrities  Mavy Legaspi, Kyline Alcantara, Cassy Legaspi, and Darren Espanto grace the Redmi Note 12 Series Philippine launch

Xiaomi also revealed its upcoming AIoT product lineup that will be launching this April, so fans should be on the lookout for these products: Redmi Watch 3, Xiaomi Air fryer 6L, Xiaomi Smart Camera C200, C300, C400, Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW200, AW300, and Xiaomi Automatic Smart Door Lock

Apart from the Redmi Note 12 Series showcase, its theme song titled “Live Vivid,” performed by the “ACEs of P-pop” BGYO, also made its debut during the event. #TeamRedmiNote celebrity ambassador Darren Espanto serenaded guests with songs like “Dying Inside” and his rendition of BTS’ “Butter.” Also joining in the fun were Kyline Alcantara, Cassy Legaspi, and Mavy Legaspi, who checked out the Redmi Note 12 Series for themselves.

To cap off the evening, guests were invited to an equally colorful after-party featuring a “Live Vivid” dance performance by D’Grind, a fun photo challenge, and an energetic DJ set that kept guests buzzing all night.

The Redmi Note 12 Series launch and after-party encapsulated the Gen Zs’ liveliness and youthful energy, which everyone can now capture with their reliable Redmi Note 12 smartphones.

Gen Z's Dream Smart Home - Xiaomi showcases smartphones and AIoT products in an exhibition during the Redmi Note 12 Series launch at Marriott Hotel on April 13, 2023.

“Live Vivid” on your own terms

Xiaomi fans can experience the Redmi Note 12 Series too by pre-ordering it on (shop), and get freebies such as the Xiaomi Power bank 1000mAh and Redmi Buds 3 Lite.

Check out the price list for the Redmi Note 12 Series below:

Redmi Note 12 

●      4+128GB, P8,999 (online only)

●      6+128GB, P9,999

●      8+128GB, P10,999

Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G 

●      8+128GB, P16,999

●      8+256GB, P17,999

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G 

●      8+256GB, P21,999

Whether one is a student or young professional, the Redmi Note 12 Series can meet the photography and content needs of people who are always on the go.

For more information, visit Xiaomi's official Facebook page and visit Xiaomi’s official website. Online purchases are available via Xiaomi’s Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop (@XiaomiPhilippines).

Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent can make any laundry day as easy as one, two, three — ipahid, ibuhos, at labhan

As modern Filipino moms juggle various responsibilities, including household chores, self-care, and family time, they seek faster yet efficient ways to manage their laundry. When it comes to laundry, they tend to put extra care in making sure clothes are just as immaculate and smell fresh all day. 

By using a washing machine with time-saving features and Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent to get their laundry done more quickly.

Most moms heavily rely on powder detergent, which uses the traditional babad and kusot method before putting it in the washing machine. While it mostly gets the job done, it unfortunately consumes most of their time and prevents them from spending bonding moments with their family because of its tedious nature.

Nowadays, modern Filipino moms continue to be on the lookout for faster yet efficient ways to get their laundry done so they have more chances to do other household chores, devote time for self-care or enjoy quality moments with the family. 

If you’re looking for a partner for your washing machine that gets the job done more efficiently, Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent is the perfect choice! Giving you more time for your family and other activities, Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent is mom’s beloved laundry detergent brand which can make any laundry day as easy as one, two, three — ipahid, ibuhos, at labhan.

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Simply coat a bit of Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent to any dirty stains, pour appropriate amounts of the liquid detergent into the washing machine, and start your cycle - no need to soak and scrub! You can now spend more time with your family thanks to these three easy steps.

Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent is formulated with Ultraclean Technology to fight tough stains in just one wash. Moms are assured clothes and sheets are cleaner, quicker to wash and stain-free!  

 

Make your laundry day a breeze with Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent and get to spend more time with your family. To know more about the product, visit the Breeze Philippines’ Youtube channel to see the power of Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent for yourself!

 

Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent is available in all supermarkets and groceries, as well as through online channels Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit their Facebook Page.

realme C55 now available for only P7,999

realme Philippines, the two-year consecutive champion according to Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published 2021 & 2022, launches the much-awaited realme C55. Cementing a number of firsts for the realme brand, the realme C55 Stylish Champion was unveiled via interactive livestream, aired simultaneously on Facebook and TikTok. 

The realme C55 is the first budget Android smartphone in the country to utilize the Mini Capsule feature, and the first model in the realme C-Series to support a massive 8GB+256GB storage option, alongside a 6.72-inch 90Hz FHD+ screen and 33W SUPERVOOC Charging: a leap from its previous iterations that only had up to 60Hz refresh rate and 18W Quick Charging.

“We’re thrilled to propel the entry-level smartphone experience to greater heights with the realme C55,” says Jane Yan, realme’s new Vice President for Marketing. 

“As a budget segment disruptor, this Stylish Champion does not settle for basic—we packed in powerful specs and unique features that are never before seen in the 10k segment. This year, realme is focused on providing our young customers with value: we want them to always get more than what they’re paying for.” 

A Champion in Online Offers

Starting April 18 - 7:30PM, fans can catch the first wave of selling on realme’s TikTok Shop, where they can get the realme C55 with an exclusive P1,000 OFF, making the early bird prices only P7,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant, and P9,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant. Aside from the discount, fans can also get freebies worth up to P690 when they purchase on TikTok Shop by April 18 - 11:30PM. 

Similarly, the realme C55 will also be available on realme’s Lazada Flagship Store starting April 19, with FREE Shipping and a Flash Sale discount of P1,000 OFF for both variants in limited quantities only, until April 21. 

Fans can also buy the realme C55 through the realme e-store, with a 5% upfront discount and a FREE TechLife Power Bank worth P799 for both variants, when they purchase from April 19 to 25.  

Get Champion Freebies in realme Offline Stores

Starting April 19 to 30, walk-in customers on all realme stores and kiosks nationwide will get a TechLife Power Bank worth P799 for the 6GB+128GB variant; and a TechLife Power Bank plus a TechLife Buds Classic worth P1,298 for the 8GB+256GB variant.

Additionally, the first ten customers of realme’s 30 Concept Stores will have a FREE realme Power Bank 2 (10000mAh) worth P899 when they purchase any realme C55 variant.

The realme C55 truly goes all out on offline freebies, because on top of the said giveaways, fans who partake in #TheStylishChampion Activity on over 100 select realme stores from April 19 to 23 get a chance to win exclusive prizes such as DIZO Star 500, TechLife Buds Classic, and realme Mobile Game Finger Sleeves worth P1,299!

realme C55: The Stylish Champion

The realme C55 marks the first time that technologies and features present in the flagship GT Series and midrange Number Series are brought down to the entry-level C Series. 

It comes equipped with a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, a 64MP Dual Camera setup, an 8MP punch hole selfie camera, and a 5000mAh battery backed by 33W SUPERVOOC Charging. It supports Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) of up to 6GB / 8GB (capping out at 12GB / 16GB for the two variants), and is expandable by up to 1TB via MicroSD Card on its Triple Slot SIM Tray.

Most notably, the realme C55’s cameras are fine-tuned with realme’s latest software algorithms, enabling users to enjoy Bokeh Flare Portrait and AI Color Portrait modes. Even the default system camera app already allows for Street Mode with adjustable focal lengths at 24mm, 50mm, and 120mm; with new dedicated Street Filters and a toggled shortcut that immediately activates Street Mode when you double tap the Volume Up button, even when the smartphone is asleep.

It comes in three colors: Sunshower, Rainy Night, and Rainforest. The realme C55 is now available in the Philippines in two variants: 6GB+128GB for only P8,999 and 8GB+256GB for only P10,999. Both carry the latest realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13 out of the box, with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for added features on the Mini Capsule*.

*As of April 2023, the realme C55’s Mini Capsule comes with three presets: Battery and Charging Status, Step Tracking, and Mobile Data Usage.

Snag the all-new realme C55 with Home Credit

Finally, realme partnered again with Home Credit Philippines to give young Filipinos the best payment options when buying their brand new realme C55. 

Under Home Credit’s hassle-free and very affordable installment plans, customers only need 1 Valid ID to get the realme C55 at 0% Interest, payable within up to 6 or 9 months. Under this computation, fans can get the 6GB+128GB variant for as low as P36 a day for 6 months, or the 8GB+256GB variant for only P29 a day for 9 months.

realme Smart TV Neo 32”: Real Picture, Real Sound

Launched alongside the realme C55 is realme’s latest AIOT offering, the realme Smart TV Neo 32”. It provides optimum viewing quality with its Premium Bezel-less LED Display at 95% screen-to-body ratio, combined with 20W Dual Speakers by Dolby Audio. Its Chroma Boost Picture Engine helps produce true-to-life colors and takes advantage of the high brightness for good color reproduction.

Underneath, it’s powered by a 64-bit Smart Quad Core Processor that produces excellent picture quality and a smooth operating experience. It also has a TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, which makes long hours of binge watching more comfortable and less straining for the eyes.

The realme Smart TV Neo 32” will be available for offline retail in all realme Stores nationwide for only P7,999starting April 20. It will arrive on Lazada and Shopee this May, during the 5.5 Double Digit sale. Stay tuned for further announcements and offers!

For more information and all the latest updates, follow realme Philippines’ Official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/.