Metrobank shares four smart money moves that are easy to follow as you manage and grow your funds

The new year is a time to start over, with the hopes of bringing prosperity, success, and more wealth in the coming months. And as we welcome 2024, improving one’s finances is part of many Filipinos’ New Year’s resolutions. To help you achieve a more prosperous year, Metrobank shares four smart money moves that are easy to follow as you manage and grow your funds:

1.     Manage your money efficiently with online solutions

The first step to improving your finances is efficiently managing it. A good way to start is by moving your transactions online, if you haven’t yet. 

 

Metrobank provides clients with online solutions such as the Metrobank Online site and app, and the electronic Statement of Account (e-SOA) to help them manage their funds easily and efficiently. 

 

The Bank encourages its clients to use the Metrobank App to monitor and manage their funds real-time. With the new app, you can see your account balance, withdraw cash even without an ATM card; send money via QR, link your credit card and use it as the fund source for your financial transactions; or even convert your remaining credit card balance to instant cash. On top of all these, you can enjoy FREE InstaPay transfers for transactions PHP 1,000 and below until June 30, 2024. This makes banking even more convenient – and you can even save a few pesos with waived transaction fees!

 

When you’re ready to experience smart, simple, and secure banking-on-the-go, download the Metrobank App on the Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android, or App Gallery for Huawei.

 

Metrobank also offers the e-SOA to its depositors to closely monitor their monthly deposit with just a few taps on their device. They simply need to log in at https://statements.metrobank.com.ph, using their Metrobank Online log-in details to view their monthly cashflow.

 

2.     Use your credit card for big purchases (and rewards points!)

A credit card, when used responsibly, is a smart money tool that can help you manage your budget efficiently. It can also help you get awesome perks that you would not receive when you pay with cash and you should take advantage of them.

 

Credit cards have offers like installment payments at 0% interest rates that can give you some flexibility on paying for big purchases. Paying for your essentials via credit card is also much smarter than paying with cash because it allows you to earn points or even miles as you spend. Another plus is that credit cards have great tie-ups with some of the biggest stores for you to enjoy discounts and rebates for future use.

 

But to experience its full benefits with zero worries, ensure that you’re always able to pay your credit card bills on time.

 

If you don’t have a trusty credit card yet and want to make the leap in the new year, you can get started with a Metrobank card that’s convenient and rewarding. Find out how to apply for one here.

 

 

3.     Make your savings work harder for you 

If you want to grow your money, but are a bit apprehensive about dipping your toes into risky investment products, Time Deposit is an ideal option for you. 

 

Compared to other forms of investments, time deposit takes on minimal risks, and offers guaranteed returns. Deposits are also insured by PDIC, with up to PHP 500,000 per depositor – ensuring that your money is well protected. The interest you get depends on two things: the amount of money you put in called your principal, and the length of the time or term you wish to set aside your cash. The larger the amount and the longer the term, the higher the interest rate you enjoy. 

 

A good option to consider is Metrobank’s Online Time Deposit (OTD) product, which features an easy sign up process online, short term period spanning from 1 to 12 months, and one of the highest time deposit interest rates among banks starting at 4.125% p.a. That grows faster than you realize, especially when you leave it for more than a month! You can do this via Metrobank Online, or through Earnest, if you haven’t signed up yet. 

 

4.     Go bigger with your money by investing in bonds, stocks, and other funds

So you’ve thought about growing your money by saving it in time deposit accounts, but you might have a bigger appetite for higher returns, and are willing to take more risks. 

 

Metrobank offers a suite of options that fit your short, medium, and long-term financial goals, risk tolerance, and asset allocation preference.  

 

You can avail of investment products like corporate bonds issued by companies with sound financial performance. These offer higher returns than comparable government securities. Should you prefer not to directly pick securities and want to rely on a fund manager to do so, you may consider Metrobank’s UITF products that can give you access to domestic and international assets, or mutual funds offered by the bank’s affiliate First Metro Asset Management (FAMI). Meanwhile, another Metrobank affiliate, First Metro Securities, can give you access to equity investments through their online trading platforms or with the assistance of their expert brokers.           

 

Whatever your money goals are in 2024, trust that Metrobank has you in good hands and can help you achieve them! Learn more by heading to your nearest Metrobank branch or visiting the official Metrobank site at metrobank.com.ph.

 

HONOR and Nokia recently signed a new patent cross-license agreement in pursuit of significant inventions in 5G

Global tech giants HONOR and Nokia recently signed a new patent cross-license agreement in pursuit of significant inventions in 5G and other cellular technologies. 

“We are delighted to have concluded an amicable patent cross-license agreement with HONOR, one of the leading players in the Chinese smartphone market. It is the fourth major litigation-free smartphone agreement that Nokia has concluded over the past twelve months and highlights once again the strength of Nokia’s patent portfolio and decades-long contributions to cellular standards and other technologies,” Nokia Chief Licensing Officer Mobile Devices Susanna Martikainen said. 

“As both 5G SEP holder and implementor, HONOR highly respects IP rights and strongly believes that reasonable value of IP is important to the development of mobile industry. The conclusion of the patent cross-license agreement shows HONOR's commitment on innovation to enabling a smart life across all scenarios and all channels, for all people,” HONOR Head of Global Intellectual Property Wenyu Zhou also shared. 

It is very recent that HONOR launched an Ultra-Tough smartphone HONOR X9b 5G shadowing the legacy of the classic Nokia 3310. HONOR takes pride in providing solutions to consumers’ everyday dilemma and bridge affordability and quality together. 

Experience the HONOR X9b 5G now and get yours at HONOR Experience and Partner stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease). 

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store! 

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9b 5G, you may visit: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_X9b_Pressrelease and head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

7-Eleven launches Chef Creations x Romantic Baboy's on-the-go Korean meals

 

Convenience and delight have always gone hand in hand at our favorite kapitbahay, 7-Eleven. When it comes to deliciously affordable food offerings, 7-Eleven's Chef Creations line does not disappoint with its array of meals. 

 

Just last year, its collaboration with Romantic Baboy was met with only finger hearts by customers. Now, this perfect pairing has more mouthwatering choices a few months after its initial launch. After all, only the best K-dramas merit a second season.

 

This year, 7-Eleven is introducing an expanded cast of delectable characters to its hit lineup. Whether it’s a solo samgyup feast, a quick eat for the busy bee, or something for the K-foodie, it’s Korean for everyone with the new Beef Bulgogi Set (P159), complete with fish cake, egg roll, kimchi, rice, and ssamjang, and the Jeyuk Rice Bowl (99), spicy marinated pork sided with kimchi, fish cake, and rice. In true 7-Eleven fashion, both are packed with our Korean faves and priced affordably for a comfortable indulgence like no other. 

 

With a now wider and more varied menu to choose from, a visit to 7-Eleven is sure to satisfy any Korean hankering at any time. Choose from the newest lineup or enjoy more options from season one: Cheesy Samgyupsal Set, Japchae, and Bibimbap. All these are exclusively available at 7-Eleven, bringing the Korean experience closer to everyone.

 

Skip the long KBBQ lines and head over to our favorite neighborhood convenience store now. But stay tuned as there will be another rollout of yet another tasty surprise coming soon.

 

The 7-Eleven Chef Creations x Romantic Baboy collaboration is available in select 7-Eleven Luzon stores. Drop by now and get a fill for a daebak meal with every bite! 

 

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph 

Nadine Lustre and Bea Alonzo: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes of OPPO's Nature-Inspired Reno11 Series 5G TVC

Offering an exclusive first look at the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G, brand ambassadors Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre create anticipation for the groundbreaking phone as seen in the behind the scenes of the TVC for the newest addition to the Reno series, providing a sneak peek into the new Portrait Expert features that make it stand out.

Watch The Making of the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G TVC here. 

 

Filmed amidst the vibrant greenery and sparkling waters of Batangas, the natural visual treat accentuated the impressive camera capabilities of the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G. “Shooting against a windy green backdrop was a poetic experience,” said Bea Alonzo expressing how the Reno11, held against her hair, made her feel like a character in a painting. The 32MP telephoto lens, a standout feature of the phone, is lauded for its ability to capture these moments perfectly, adding a magical touch to the visuals.

 

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G debuts as the latest Reno series offering from OPPO, inspired by nature as reflected in the phone’s design with the hues of Pearl White and Wave Green. A captivating behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the journey of Bea and Nadine into nature, which highlighted the OPPO Reno11's Telephoto Camera, is revealed in the TVC-making film video.

 

Rooted in the elegance of pearl white and the vibrancy of wave green, the phone’s design philosophy sets the stage for a visual masterpiece to capture the essence of the natural world. As seen in the video, scenes outdoors are presented, echoing the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G's deliberate integration of natural textures into its design. “Holding the Reno11 Pro 5G while walking on the beach, it felt like I was an explorer uncovering the secrets of pearl white.” Nadine excitedly shares.

 

The telephoto lens emerges as a signature weapon, capturing a moment within a moment. Bea emphasizes how the lens enhances the vividness of every performance, particularly in capturing interactions with the green scenery of nature. She also shared how the phone captured every subtle movement without disrupting her natural state, allowing the photographer to frame every smile and gaze, revealing her raw, standout emotion.

 

For Nadine, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is a game-changer, blending harmoniously with its surroundings, creating a magical and unforgettable feeling. To beautifully sum it up, it all goes back to embodying the Reno11 Series 5G's design philosophy – to stand out and make every portrait an extraordinary expression of an individual’s most natural and authentic self captured in the frame.

 

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is launching in the Philippines on February 1. Stay updated on the latest Reno series news by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

STI Talent Search has made a grand return at the Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna

STI College, a premier educational institution, is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready graduates. It achieves this by encouraging the holistic growth and development of its students through a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

 

Among these initiatives is the longstanding STI Talent Search, which, for the School Year 2023-2024, has made a grand return at the Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This event serves as a platform to empower STI students and showcase their talents both within and beyond their academic pursuits.

"For 40 years, STI College has been nurturing students’ potential through academic and extracurricular activities. Consistently at the forefront of innovation, we provide our students with holistic learning and real-life experiences to help them become well-rounded individuals," said Ferdie T. Dantes, STI Assistant Vice President for Academics.

 

Over 22,000 students from various STI campuses across the country gathered for a full-day celebration of talents, skills, and achievements on January 25, 2024. 

Simultaneous competitions took place at the Enchanted Kingdom, featuring outstanding student musicians, dancers, heartthrobs, and darlings who vied for national titles in Singing Idol (solo singing competition), Battle of the Bands (band competition), Hataw Sayaw (dance competition), and the much-anticipated Search for Mr. and Ms. STI.

 

STIers also enjoyed a day filled with festivities and performances from celebrity guests and performers who participated in the event.  

 

The STI Talent Search is just one facet of the student programs lined up for the academic year, as the institution eagerly prepares to kick off the Second Semester with an array of exciting, network-wide educational activities.

The Second Semester will feature events such as the National Youth Convention (NYC), a youth convention that spans for more than a decade now where thousands of STI students nationwide expand their knowledge in their chosen fields straight from the industry professionals. 

 

Apart from NYC, STI College will also hold the annual Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) and Tagisan ng Sining (TNS), encompassing academic competitions like Think Quest (team quiz bee), CodeFest (mobile app development), Mix ‘n Flair (flair bartending), Travelogue (tour guiding), Chef Xpress (cooking competition), Shutter’s Best (photography), and Director’s Cut (short film), among others.

Here are the STI Talent Search winners:

Titles of Mr. and Ms. STI 2023 

Mr. STI 4th runner-up: John Reyn Espina from STI College Balayan 

Ms. STI 4th runner-up: Mary Ann Dela Cruz from STI College Balagtas

Mr. STI 3rd runner-up: Brandon Ceralde from STI College Dagupan 

Ms. STI 3rd runner-up: Jenny May Benedictos from STI College Malolos

Mr. STI 2nd runner-up: John Paul Gabriel from STI College Baliuag 

Ms. STI 2nd runner-up: Loucille Allaine Bergado from STI College Tarlac

Mr. STI 1st runner-up: Angelo Bautista from STI College San Jose Del Monte

Ms. STI 1st runner-up: Argentina Colombia Sanchez from STI College Balayan 

Mr. STI: Harjit Chohan from STI College Caloocan

Ms. STI: Kimberly Tinoy from STI College San Pablo 

 

Project Atmos 

STI College Ormoc STI 

 

Singing Idol Champion 

Donalynne May Soriano from STI College Calamba 

 

Battle of the Bands 2023 National Champions

The Haley band from STI College – Novaliches

 

To learn more about STI's student programs and upcoming events, visit www.sti.edu. 

BGC ARTS CENTER TO PRESENT MONET & FRIENDS ALIVE - ON JANUARY 31, 2024

Created and produced by Grande Experiences, Monet & Friends Alive is a multi-sensory experience to entertain the whole family. The French Impressionists' works have been displayed and enjoyed worldwide for more than 150 years – but never like this. Monet & Friends Alive at the BGC Arts Center is presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. with Del Monte Philippines. This exhibition is also made possible through our ticketing partner, TicketWorld; exhibition partner, LG Philippines; and special thanks to Alveo and the City Government of Taguig.

After bringing to life the vibrant world of Van Gogh, BGC Arts Center invites Filipinos to discover French Impressionism in the new world-class immersive experience of Monet & Friends Alive. For the very first time in the Philippines, visitors can indulge their senses with the sights and sounds of 19th-century Europe as seen through the eyes of Claude Monet and other Impressionist painters.

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Monet & Friends Alive – an immersive adventure into French Impressionism, is a large-scale arts and entertainment experience that delves into the mesmerizing world of Impressionism. The digital spectacular opens on January 31, 2024 for a strictly limited season at the BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The Impressionists' depictions of modernity, movement, light, and shadow have been admired and emulated by generations of artists. Over 150 years later, the Grande Experiences creative team uses immersive technology to bring art to life through an incredible application of light that even the artists themselves could not have envisaged. 

Set to a powerful classical score and showcasing the full breadth of the Impressionist movement, a stunning display of iconic, inspirational images surround the visitor as they get lost in the vibrant colors and intricate details of the Impressionists' works.

Breathtaking paintings are projected at an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas and many more. In a rich, dynamic display of light, color, sound and fragrance, the masterpieces of the Impressionists come to life.

Visitors also have the chance to examine the Impressionists' sources of inspiration via photographs and video displayed alongside their works. 

“Once again, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. partnered with Grande Experiences to make these iconic artworks accessible to local Filipino audiences in ways where they can embrace the art through this immersive experience. We hope that this offering will give us a sense of the broader tradition in the arts that have influenced generations of artists the world over, as we ourselves evolve our own beautiful art traditions, ” said Maria Isabel Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. 

“We are delighted that this exceptional experience will be at the BGC Arts Center – Monet & Friends Alive will offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds an entertaining, educational, and enlightening experience, whether they are art and history aficionados or exploring the Impressionists for the first time," said Bruce Peterson, Founder & Chairman of Grande Experiences. 

Adults and children alike will forge their own paths and find their own meaning as they wander through the galleries, exploring hidden nooks, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives. But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them. 

Monet & Friends Alive opens January 31, 2024

at the BGC Arts Center

Early Bird Tickets go on sale January 13, 2024

For full details, please visit www.bgcartscenter.org/mfa

TICKET PRICES

Premium Flex Pass: P2,500 ++ (adult/child)

Enter and exit anytime within the day of your scheduled visit, with a special entry lane and complimentary Monet & Friends Alive program. Limited slots available.

2-Hour Pass:

General Admission: P1,200 ++

Discounted*: P800 ++

*Discounted rate applies to Children, Students up to College level with School ID, Senior Citizens with Senior Citizen ID, Persons with disabilities with PWD ID. 

**Infants 2 feet and below are free of charge. 

Early Bird Rate (2-hr Pass): P760 ++ for all guests 

(selling period until February 4, 2024) 

++ All Ticket Prices are exclusive of ticketing charges

OPERATIONS SCHEDULE

Open Tuesday to Sunday

Closed Monday 

2-HOUR TIME SLOTS

Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday): 

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Weekends (Saturday to Sunday): 

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

TECNO Joins Dolby to Introduce Groundbreaking Immersive Spatial Sound Experience for Users Worldwide

Innovative technology brand TECNO today announced a partnership with Dolby Laboratories, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences. The collaboration will provide TECNO’s global users with a breathtaking Dolby Atmos spatial sound experience that you can feel all around you -- revealing depth, clarity, and details like never before. Dolby Atmos will first be delivered to users through TECNO’s upcoming POVA 6 Series, which will be officially launched at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024. 

 “At TECNO, we’re constantly looking for new ways to elevate the user experience and bring more high-end capabilities to our devices,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Dolby to bring Dolby Atmos to our users around the world. This exciting development will allow our users to discover a new level of audiovisual immersion and enjoyment with their TECNO smartphone.”

“We’re delighted to partner with TECNO to bring the Dolby Atmos immersive listening experience to a wider range of consumers worldwide,” said Javier Foncillas, Vice President, Commercial Partnerships, Dolby Laboratories.  “Dolby Atmos will deliver the premium, multidimensional audio experience with depth, clarity, and details like never before to TECNO users who enjoy their favorite entertainment in Dolby.”

Dolby Atmos transforms the mobile entertainment experience with moving audio that flows above and all around you. When listening on mobile devices, Dolby Atmos delivers an immersive sound experience wherever users go — over stereo earbuds or headphones, or over built-in device speakers. The up-leveled audio experience isn’t limited just to Dolby Atmos content – Dolby’s holistic audio solution also greatly improves the sound of all music, games, movies, and shows on your phone. It provides a more natural listening experience with crisper dialogue, a more enveloping soundfield, greater subtlety and nuance, maximized loudness without distortion, and consistent playback volume for a very wide variety of content.

For TECNO’s global users, Dolby Atmos is set to revolutionize the listening experience for their favorite entertainment, including movies, shows, music, and games. The brand’s first device to feature Dolby Atmos will be the upcoming TECNO POVA 6 Pro 5G, which will be officially released in late February at Mobile World Congress 2024. The new device, which will be on show at TECNO’s MWC 24 booth, promises an exciting gaming experience for modern youth with Dolby Atmos that puts users inside the action. 

Following the global launch of POVA 6 Series, the collaboration with Dolby will also see all future TECNO CAMON and PHANTOM Series devices equipped with Dolby Atmos. With a shared vision to create premium experiences for users, the collaboration between TECNO and Dolby will enhance mobile entertainment for global consumers seeking unprecedented innovative entertainment experiences. It is estimated that the Philippines is most likely to become the country where the POVA 6 series will first launch in the world after MWC.

Simple Glow-Up Tips: Refresh Your Look for the New Year

 

After a season of blissful Holiday indulgence, it’s time for an official restart. As we set out our intentions for the New Year, it is also the perfect time to set your skincare goals   to achieve the skin of your dreams and welcome the best version of yourself.

 

Are you ready to set your glowing skin-intentions for 2024? Hello Glow, a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and proudly Filipino-made skincare brand, shares these quick and easy tips to help you get the best skin care that you need all year round.

 

Pay more attention to brightening ingredients

That ‘lit from within glow’ is the end goal of every beauty look and the good news is,  there are plenty of ingredients that can help to reduce dark spots, fade pigmentation, and create an overall radiant complexion that every beauty aficionado dreamed of. For one, there’s the Hello Glow All-Natural Whitening Set which is specially formulated to help moisturize, treat acne, and rejuvenate the skin without the pain. Plus, this set comes with four whitening products that use safe and natural plant and fruit-based ingredients; 5-in-1 Whitening Soap, Clarifying Toner, Sunscreen Cream, and Whitening Cream, making your skin appear clearer and fairer while keeping it protected from skin imperfections. By adding these ingredients to your routine, you can wake up with naturally radiant skin instead of having to rely on makeup all the time.

 

Switch to a glow-boosting skincare routine

Stepping into the New Year is all about transforming into a new version of you. You can start by tailoring your skincare routine that lets your skin absorb all the goodness that your products have to offer. Luckily, the Hello Glow Advance Rejuvenating Set helps make this process easier for skincare gurus. This set offers a potent combination of powerful molecules and active botanicals that leave your skin refreshed. What’s more, this set comes with 5-in-1 Whitening Soap, Clarifying Toner Sunscreen Cream, and the Whitening Cream which contains professionally compounded active ingredients to effectively rejuvenate skin, treat acne, unclog pores, improve skin texture, and prevent skin irritation – safe for all skin types, great for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin. The best version of your skin can be a reality with just a few skincare resolutions that are easy to weave into your already-existing routine. The key is your consistency and to practice, practice, practice!

 

Do your skin a favor and start your skincare goals to achieve New Year, new glow-up all year! Hello Glow products are available on Hello Glow’s official store in Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, Tiktok Shop, and all other leading department and supermarket stores nationwide.

 

To know more about Hello Glow, like and follow its official Facebook page (@helloglowofficial), Instagram (@helloglowofficial), and TikTok (@helloglowofficial).