Smartphones: Essential Tools for Students – Get Reliable Devices with Home Credit Philippines' Sulit-Skwela 0% Interest Deals

Smartphones are crucial in students' daily lives, allowing them to stay connected, manage school tasks, and access digital resources from anywhere. To support this need, Home Credit Philippines is offering 0% interest Sulit-Skwela deals on premium smartphones during the back-to-school season, valid until September 30, 2024.

Smartphones now play an essential role in students’ lives, serving as portable companions that keep them connected with classmates and teachers, up to date with school activities, and even equipped for basic tasks like researching, note-taking, accessing digital textbooks, and many more, anytime and anywhere. 

With such use, students need to have reliable smartphones they can depend on every day. Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, understands this need and now offers its Sulit-Skwela 0% interest deals on top-quality smartphones this back-to-school season until September 30, 2024.

Available in flexible installments from six to 18 months, this offer makes it easy to upgrade students’ pocket-sized devices to help them thrive academically.

Designed with remarkable features for effortless performance, here are Home Credit’s top smartphone picks for the upcoming back-to-school season.

Stay updated with school activities with Samsung A55 5G 256GB/8GB, Awesome Lilac

One of the best smartphones to upgrade to this academic year is the Samsung A55 5G. This device supports 5G connectivity to allow students to stay easily updated on schoolwork and activities while they communicate seamlessly with classmates and teachers. It is built with an octa-core processor and 8GB of RAM for effortless multitasking, and it boasts 256GB of internal capacity for larger space on relevant documents and educational apps.

This Samsung device is also equipped with a 5000mAh battery that can last up to two days, ensuring enough power for students during school. It comes with a 32MP front camera and a triple-rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP macro camera for crystal-clear photos of school tasks or events. Additionally, its 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display offers incredible visuals for all phone activities.

Experience smooth performance with Apple iPhone 13 128GB, Pink

Next on Home Credit’s top sulit-skwela smartphone picks is the Apple iPhone 13. Equipped with an A15 Bionic Chip processor complemented by its 5G connectivity, this device offers fast performance for communication and other tasks relevant to students. This is powered by a 3240mAh battery capable of providing long-lasting power, equivalent to 75 hours of music playback, ensuring extended use for students.

Other notable features include a remarkable camera system with a 12MP front camera and 12MP wide and ultra-wide rear cameras. It also has an IP68 rating to protect it from water and dust for enhanced durability and longevity. With 128GB of internal capacity, it can give ample storage for students’ needs. 

Keep connected this back-to-school season with realme 12+ 5G 256/8GB, Navigator Beige

The realme 12+ 5G is another excellent option to consider when upgrading students’ smartphones. It is packed with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G chipset to deliver efficient everyday performance while ensuring a reliable connection for students.  With a sizable 5000mAh battery, it supports a 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging feature that can power up the battery from 1% to 50% in just 19 minutes for lesser device downtime, allowing students to stay connected always. 

It also features 8GB of RAM for smoother navigation of applications and 256GB of storage for bigger capacity. Showcasing a 6.67-inch screen, the realme 12+ 5G offers a 1080x2400 resolution for detailed and vibrant visuals. It also has an IP54 dust and water resistance rating for a longer device lifespan.

Follow school updates with Honor X9b 5G 256GB/12GB

For additional options, there is also the Honor X9b 5G available through Home Credit. This impressive device can keep students updated on school happenings with its next-level performance in connectivity and multitasking, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor supporting 5G capability and 12GB of RAM. It is also built with a 5800mAh battery, which can give up to 19 hours of video streaming, for reliable power wherever students go. 

This Honor device boasts 256GB of capacity, along with a 12MP selfie shooter, and triple back cameras, including 108MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro. Weighing 185g, it has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2652x1200, providing stunning visuals. 

Remain informed with school tasks with Vivo Y100 4G 256GB/8GB, Breeze Green

Completing the list of best smartphones for students this back-to-school season is the Vivo Y100 4G. This device houses a Snapdragon 685 4G platform for efficient performance to meet students’ needs. It carries a 5000mAh battery that can last up to 16.6 hours of viewing videos and is equipped with 80W flash charge technology that charges the device up to 80% in just 30 minutes, which students can rely on for a quick power-up. 

The Vivo Y100 4G includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for enhanced performance. Its camera setup is impressive, featuring an 8MP front camera and a 50MP main camera, accompanied by a 2MP bokeh camera. The device also boasts a 6.67-inch screen with a resolution of 2400x1080, providing students with a high-quality viewing experience when using the device.

With the back-to-school season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to upgrade students’ smartphones to ensure they stay connected and updated throughout the academic year. Make the most of Home Credit’s Sulit-Skwela offer on these excellent smartphones to enjoy 0% interest deals valid until September 30, 2024. 

Don’t forget to visit Shoppingmall.ph to check out the specifications of these incredible smartphones. Download the My Home Credit Loan App for fast pre-approval. Interested customers can also approach a Home Credit sales representative at any partner store.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shoppingmall.ph. 

Protect your device with the Home Credit Protect Device Protection plan. It covers repairs and replacements for accidental and liquid damage, plus, it extends your warranty by one year after the manufacturer’s warranty period ends. Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door pick-up and delivery for device repair or replacement services at no extra cost! Just add the Home Credit Protect Device Protection plan to your installments so you can enjoy peace of mind for up to two years for as low as P3 per day.

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

Sun Life Foundation turns over Barangay Health Station to Brgy. Maasin in Tarlac

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, recently turned over the completed Maasin Barangay Health Station (BHS) to residents of Brgy. Maasin in Pura, Tarlac. 

 

This brings the community closer to  basic primary health services such as consultations, prenatal check-ups, immunizations, health education, and referrals to larger health facilities as necessary. This is complemented by the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program, where a Community Health Nurse trains a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Barangay Health Workers, and Cluster Leaders to serve the community.

 

“Sun Life Foundation has always been at the forefront of bringing health services to underserved populations,” says Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete. “This program is not just about improving the health of communities, but also about strengthening the foundations upon which Filipinos can build brighter futures.”

 

The turnover is part of a multiyear project launched in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), which aims to build fully equipped health facilities in remote areas across the country.

 

“HFI and Sun Life Foundation are planting the seeds for a thriving community,” says HFI Executive Director Pedrito de la Cruz. “We have faith that the community will be able to maintain the Barangay Health Station’s operations with help from the local government’s health unit.”

 

The turnover of Maasin BHS brings the number of operational stations to nine, following the turnover of eight stations in Batangas in 2023. As an advocate of social welfare, Sun Life Foundation transforms communities through programs encompassing health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The "Tough as Steel" realme Note 60 is now available at P4999!

The ‘Tough as Steel’ realme Note 60 proves its durability - now available for as low as P4,999

The newest release under the realme Note Series is one of the most durable entry-level phones in the market

The beloved realme Note Series is back with a brand new addition: the realme Note 60, poised to set new benchmarks as one of the most affordable and durable phones on the market, priced at just P4,999 for its base variant.

realme Note Series

The series first debuted in January this year with the realme Note 50, which broke records as the fastest-selling smartphone on TikTok Shop, with 4,000 units sold within minutes of its release. Thanks to the realme Note 50’s stellar performance, it was hailed as TikTok's biggest 1-Day Sale of the Month in January, totaling P28.9 million in sales.

The realme Note 50 made waves due to its impressive specs for an entry-level phone, priced at just P3,999 for the base 4GB+64GB variant. GizGuide called it “one of the best entry-level phones with key features like a 90Hz screen, a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and a good-performing main rear camera,” while PhilSTAR Tech’s Ed Geronia Jr. remarked, “No phone under P4,000 should feel and work this well. But it seems realme has done a spectacular job at making it a reality.”

The official realme Community also raved about the realme Note 50, praising it as the best bang-for-buck phone. "I know the realme Note 50 is not meant as a gaming phone, but for a budget device, it's good to know it can handle [Call of Duty Mobile]—I didn’t expect it to perform this well," shared Squad Leader Milky De Guzman Valderama.

Tough as Steel

Now, the series has evolved with the introduction of the realme Note 60, which maintains an affordable price and features specs that make it "Tough as Steel." This new model boasts exceptional resistance to scratches, drops, and bends.

The realme team subjected the realme Note 60 to a series of unique tests to demonstrate its durability. To see how it performed under pressure, stay tuned for the strength test videos, soon to be posted on the official realme Facebook page.

In a creative take on the popular Filipino street game Tumbang Preso, the traditional slipper was replaced with the realme Note 60. Even after being knocked around, the phone endured minimal scrapes. 

The realme Note 60 was also tested in a rage room by throwing and smashing it against various surfaces. In another test, the phone replaced a traditional air hockey mallet. It handled every impact with remarkable resilience in both scenarios, showing no signs of surface damage.

Taking it a step further, the phone was used as a makeshift chopping board for vegetables during a knife scratch test, followed by a classic drop test from a height of 1.5 meters and came out completely unscathed.

Despite these extreme challenges, the realme Note 60 passed with flying colors, showcasing impressive resistance to scratches, bends, and drops.

Additionally, it features an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance and holds a TÜV Rheinland High-Reliability Certification. Altogether, the realme Note 60 is a powerhouse of durability, ready for any adventure.

The realme Note 60 is available in two striking colors—Voyage Blue and Marble Black—and comes in two storage variants: 4GB+64GB for P4,999 and 4GB+128GB for P5,999.

First selling promos

The realme Note 60 has already proven to be ‘Tough as Steel,’ but realme is taking durability a step further. Customers who purchase the device at realme Stores or authorized dealers from today until October 31 will receive a complimentary realme Care+ warranty, which includes an additional 1-year warranty extension worth P999, bringing the total coverage period to 2 years.

At the same time, customers can get the 4GB+128GB variant for P500 off from September 20 to October 6 in all authorized stores nationwide.

For online shoppers, the realme Note 60 is also available on realme’s Shopee Official Store, Lazada Flagship Store, and TikTok Shop for a discounted price:

Shopee
Variant	Date	Campaign Price	Discount Voucher	Checkout Price
4GB+64GB	Sept. 15-27 / Sept. 28-30	P4,799	15%	4,079
	Sept. 18-27	P4,999	10%	4,499
4GB+128GB	Sept. 15-27 / Sept. 28-30	P5,799	15%	4,929
	Sept. 18-27	P5,999	10%	5,399

Lazada
Variant	Date	Discount	Checkout Price
4GB+64GB	Until Sept. 18	P200	P4,799
4GB+128GB			P5,799

TikTok Shop
Variant	Date	Discount	Checkout Price
4GB+64GB	Until Sept. 22	P1,000	P3,999
4GB+128GB		P1,400	P4,599

For more details about the realme Note 50 and other announcements, head over to the official realme Facebook page and website.

Level Up Your 7-Eleven Experience: Pokémon Joins Forces with 7-Eleven for Exclusive Merch and Fun!

In its constant pursuit to foster community, 7-Eleven has mastered collaborating with popular brands that can stir excitement among its customers. This month, 7-Eleven goers can jump on another awesome adventure as a legendary partnership is making noise in regions far and wide: that between the convenience store giant and one of the most beloved media franchises in the world, Pokémon.

 

A brand that’s captured the hearts of many with its range of video games, animated series and films, trading cards, and mobile apps, Pokémon’s zest for exploration will definitely provide an irresistible thrill for fans of the franchise and 7-Eleven alike. The partnership was launched last September 13, 2024 with a ribbon-cutting held at 7-Eleven Centris 1 in Quezon City. Present at the milestone occasion were representatives from 7-Eleven Philippines, The Pokémon Company, and Niantic Inc., the company of the mobile game Pokémon GO.

Both brands kicked things off by dressing up 7-Eleven Centris 1 in Quezon City in full Pokémon decor, with 7-Eleven Arnaiz Avenue in Makati and 7-Eleven St. Theresa Casa Rosario in Cebu to follow in the next few months. To add to the fun, 7-Eleven Centris 1 has also been turned into a PokéStop in Pokémon Go along with the rest of the Philippine 7-Eleven stores. Customers can now venture to the branch nearest to them for the full Pokémon experience by channeling their inner trainer and catching their coveted Pokémon through the Pokémon GO app. 

 

Gamers can then take a break from playing and enjoy their go-to 7-Eleven products wrapped in Pokémon-themed packaging. There’s Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur for Crunch Time; Pikachu and Snorlax for 7-Fresh Siopao; Meowth for Big Bite; Jigglypuff for Fundae; Gyarados for GULP; Eevee, Flareon, and Jolteon for the small, medium, and large cups of City Cafe respectively; and Umbreon for Prima. The themed packaging is currently available in 7-Eleven Luzon stores, but will be implemented across the country from October.

Fans of the trading card game have it extra special as Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Packs are up for grabs in 1,500 7-Eleven stores nationwide. There’s a surprise for every fan too. For every purchase of one Booster Pack, which starts at P259, buyers will receive one limited edition Pokémon 7-Eleven Promo Card. Definitely an extra treat for fans to engage with the community and collect, train, battle, and trade in the spirit of the franchise.

 

Experience the 7-Eleven and Pokémon partnership today. Prepare to embark on a great journey and become the very best of them all at 7-Eleven.

 

Cheers to 40 years with 7-Eleven and like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok for more information.

 

Smart Ways to Use Credit Card Rewards Points for Maximum Value

 One of the many reasons a person might apply for their own credit card is the chance to earn and use rewards points. Credit card companies incentivize frequent users of their cards with attractive benefits, such as cashback rewards, air travel miles, gift cards, or significant discounts from partner merchants.

 

But not everyone who owns a credit card may be getting the most bang for their buck out of its reward system. To truly maximize the value of your credit card’s rewards points, it would be good for you to be strategic in both your credit card selection and usage. 

 

To that end, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your card’s benefits so that you can enjoy a full range of perks from it—and so that it can be a key tool for improving your financial health:  

 

1) Select a Card That Has a Rewards Structure That Matches Your Spending Habits

 

Before settling on a credit card to use regularly for its rewards points, make sure that its rewards structure aligns with your spending habits. Different credit cards offer varying rewards rates on categories such as groceries, dining, travel, and gas. Knowing that, you’ll want to choose a card that provides higher rewards in the categories where you spend the most. Naturally, this will enable you to accumulate points quickly and more efficiently. 

For instance, Filipinos who are Landers Superstore members will make great use of the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card (LCECC). This Maya credit card will help members get the best deals with every use, and they can simply check the Maya app on their phones to see how much cashback value they’ve been able to accumulate on their cards—no guesswork needed. With every spend, LCECC holders will get up to 5% cashback on all Landers purchases, making shopping at the superstore more fulfilling. In addition, they’ll also receive 2% cashback on all dining spends and 1% cashback on eligible transactions. These advantages make the LCECC the go-to credit card for Landers members.

 

To identify the best card for your needs, analyze your spending patterns over the past few months and look for areas where you consistently spend the most money. This way, you can compare different credit cards to see which ones offer the best rewards for those categories. The goal is to choose a card that not only rewards you for your everyday spending but also aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.

2) Take Advantage of Sign-Up and Referral Bonuses

 

Sign-up and referral bonuses are among the most lucrative opportunities to earn a substantial amount of rewards points in a short period. A number of credit card issuers offer generous sign-up bonuses to attract new customers, only requiring them to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account. 

 

These bonuses can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of points, which will provide a significant boost to your rewards balance right from the start. Referral bonuses, on the other hand, will allow you to earn additional points by referring friends or family members to apply for the same credit card.

 

You can maximize the benefits of sign-up bonuses by planning your spending to meet the required threshold within the stipulated time frame. Consider timing your application around large or planned expenses to ensure that you can easily reach the spending requirement without straining your budget. 

 

For referral bonuses, take advantage of your current network and share the benefits of the card with others who might be interested. Some credit cards even offer bonus points for each successful referral, adding to the overall value of the rewards you’ll accumulate. 

 

3) Charge All Purchases to Your Credit Card

 

Use your credit card for all eligible purchases for a straightforward way to quickly accumulate rewards points. Upon charging everyday expenses such as groceries, utility bills, dining, and even small purchases to your credit card, you’ll be able to steadily build up your rewards balance. This approach ensures that you’re earning points on money you would be spending anyway, making it one of the most efficient ways to get the most value from your card. 

 

All the same, don’t forget to be responsible about managing your credit. You’ll want to avoid getting into credit card debt just to earn points. Be sure to keep track of your expenses to steer clear of unnecessary purchases, and to stick to a particular budget for your credit card in order to prevent overspending.

 

4) Pay Off Your Credit Card Bills in Full

 

You should also aim to pay off your credit card bills in full each month, as early as you possibly can, to avoid interest charges and maintain the value of your rewards points. When you carry a balance on your credit card, the interest charges can quickly outweigh the benefits of the points you've earned, thus negating the value of your rewards and leading to unnecessary debt. Paying your balance in full ensures that the rewards you earn are truly beneficial and not diminished by interest payments.

 

Keep a close eye on your spending and set reminders to pay your bill before the due date. If your credit card issuer has an autopay option, enable it so that you pay the full statement balance automatically each month. This ensures that you never miss a payment and helps you maintain a good credit score. 

 

When applying these strategies, keep in mind that it’s important to live within your means. Only charge what you can afford to pay off each month. Again, you’ll only be able to get the most mileage out of your rewards points if you’re smart about your credit in the first place.  

 

5) Get Your Annual Credit Card Fee Waived

 

Many premium credit cards come with annual fees, which can sometimes be quite substantial. However, these fees often come with valuable perks and higher rewards rates. 

 

One way to maximize the value of your credit card rewards is to get your annual fee waived. Some credit card issuers are willing to waive the fee for cardholders who consistently use their card and have a good payment history. Others will waive your annual membership fee if you meet their spending requirements. It never hurts to ask for a fee waiver, so don’t hesitate to contact your credit card issuer and inquire if there’s any way you can waive your credit card’s annual fee.

 

Overall, smart and responsible use of your credit card is the best way to accumulate rewards points that you’ll actually enjoy. Use these tips to adopt a smarter approach towards using your credit card, and benefit from the perks every time you swipe. 

 

Google Philippines Teams Up with Commune Café for a Perfect Blend of Tech and Coffee!

 Showcasing the transformative potential of human-AI partnership, Google and Commune Cafe have teamed up to brew something that’s absolutely delicious and uniquely Pinoy at the same time.

From September 12 to 26, 2024, Commune will be serving the Filipino-flavored Special Bibingka Latte, a limited-edition coffee blend that’s created in collaboration with Gemini, Google’s generative AI.

The Special Bibingka Latte is heavily inspired by the flavors of the iconic Filipino delicacy, which is popular during the country’s extended Christmas season which anecdotally starts in September, the year’s first -ber month. The drink is comprised of Commune’s espresso and steamed milk, topped by savory shreds of salted egg and queso de bola to evoke the familiar feels of the holiday kakanin. Finally, the Latte is then rounded out by a torched banana leaf to complete the Pinoy experience.

To craft this unique drink, Commune used the power of Google's Gemini, a helpful generative AI designed to enhance people’s capabilities to think, create, and work. Gemini presented an array of innovative drink concepts, serving as a springboard for Commune's talented baristas to develop their own masterpiece.

As part of the partnership, Google provided training on generative AI and Gemini to Commune Cafe staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively harness Gemini. Following the training, the staff participated in a mini-workshop, where they were divided into groups and competed to put their knowledge into practice and explore the creative possibilities of Gemini within the cafe setting.

"Using Gemini for experimenting with concoctions was a lot of fun! It felt like having an extra brain in the room, ready to toss ideas around. It also streamlined our creative process significantly. Having access to Gemini’s vast knowledge made the whole process enjoyable and collaborative." said Rosario “Ros” Juan, Chief Extractor of Coffee at Commune Cafe.

“We're so excited to partner with Commune and bring the Special Bibingka Latte to coffee lovers across the city! This project is a celebration of the delicious possibilities that arise when human creativity and AI blend together. It's also a tribute to the spirit of Filipino Christmas and the unique flavors of our local delicacies, like Bibingka, which we’re immensely proud to share with the world,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Philippines.

Located at the bustling neighborhood of Poblacion, Makati, Commune is renowned for its high-quality coffee that’s fully sourced from the Philippines and inviting cafe atmosphere. The Gemini-inspired Special Bibingka Latte will be available for a very limited time only, so if you’re a coffee enthusiast, visit the cafe and experience this delicious creation from September 12 to 26, 2024.

For every other creative and productive endeavor, Gemini is here to help with its impressive capabilities. Try it out now and see what it can help you come up with at gemini.google.com.