3 Reasons to shop at National Book Store

The back-to-school season is upon us! Imagine the excitement – wide-eyed kids picking out new supplies, parents checking off their lists, and that satisfying feeling of a freshly packed backpack.

What makes shopping at National Book Store during the back-to-school season hit different is choosing quality items with your family.

Here’s a rundown of our favorite reasons to shop at National Book Store: 

Sulit Finds, Deals, and Bundles

Imagine being able to shop for quality school supplies your kids need in one convenient and easy-to-navigate place, with a range of price points that suit any budget. If that’s not enough of a reason to shop at National Book Store, we don’t know what is!

National Book Store's house brand, Best Buy, offers the lowest-priced items without compromising quality. The best part? If you’re short on time to shop in-store, their online shops are always available! Experience efficient shopping with fast and free shipping from the comfort of your home. 

This year, your back-to-school shopping at National Book Store is also made more sulit with the Panalo Balik 'Skwela Mo Raffle promo. Over ₱1.7 million worth of prizes will be up for grabs for 17 winners nationwide*!

Free Cashback Every Time You Shop At National Book Store.

There are even more perks to being a Laking National QR member than just having double raffle entries at the Panalo Balik 'Skwela Mo Raffle promo. By joining for free, members can now get to enjoy exclusive benefits at National Book Store!

Members will earn Sulit Coins every time they shop at any National Book Store, National Book Store Express, Art Bar, or Kids Ink branch nationwide. They can also be earned through shopping online at www.nationalbookstore.com, and on the official National Book Store stores on Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, and Zalora. These Sulit Coins can be redeemed in increments of ₱1 and then used to buy books and supplies in future purchases. 

If this sounds interesting to you, you can join Laking National QR for free and become a member instantly! For more information, visit lakingnational.com or download the official Laking National QR app.

Awesome Service for Every Laking National Shopper

When we’re in shopping mode, especially if we’re doing it at the last minute, we tend to get stressed out. Thankfully, shopping at National Book Store feels like shopping with a friend. Their helpful staff knows their stuff, and are happy to help you find everything on your list!

For over 80 years, National Book Store has been an integral part of Filipino families’ back-to-school shopping, helping foster core memories between parents and kids as they shop for school supplies. It’s also a crucial time to empower students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lifelong learning.

There is no place for back-to-school shopping like National Book Store. With how much of an iconic staple it’s become over the generations, it’s no wonder that we find ourselves coming back to National Book Store not only for our back-to-school needs, but because it has always been, and will always be, in the hearts of every Filipino.

*Promo runs from July 1, 2024 to August 30, 2024. See website (nationalbookstore.com) posters for more details.

TCL launches the TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator

Refrigerators have also become a way of lifestyle and are essential kitchen companions. This ingenious invention keeps food fresh, saving us time and money. Today's models offer a multitude of sizes and features, ensuring optimal food preservation and catering to various family needs. 

 

With this in mind, leading consumer appliance brand TCL is set to launch its newest innovation revolutionizing your kitchen. Meet TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator that promises to blend seamlessly into your kitchen, offering a sleek, ultra-thin design coupled with state-of-the-art technology. 

“We’re very excited with this upcoming launch! At TCL, we have always aspired to create something that can give our customers equally great experiences for their homes and for different demands of their everyday living in this day and age. The TCL Free Built-in Refrigerator is perfectly tailored to your minimalist kitchen,” TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez shares.  

 

Let's explore the features that make this innovative refrigerator a must-have for your modern kitchen.

 

Effortlessly Chic

The TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator complements any kitchen, blending seamlessly with modern or traditional style. Having a limited space inside your home? No worries it has sleek design with minimalist aesthetic. 

 

Flex Your Storage

Stock up on everything you love! This refrigerator has adjustable shelves and generous compartments that offer versatile storage solutions for all your needs. Rest assured, you’ve got all the space you need to keep your kitchen stocked.

 

The Future of Food Storage

Effortless control at your fingertips! The user-friendly digital interface makes adjusting settings and monitoring performance a breeze. So you can keep an eye on your refrigerator's performance.

 

Don't miss the full reveal of the TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator! A masterpiece of minimalist design and modern technology, sure to transform your kitchen.

 

For more updates on the TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator, log on to https://www.tcl.com/ph/en. 

 

 

realme Buds T110: Budget Buds that covers more than the Basics

Thanks to YouTube and Spotify, I’ve rediscovered my love for music again. But as much as I want to fill our entire room with all versions of “Both Sides Now,” on max volume, there are times my partner would beg me to tone it down, so I have no choice but to switch to my earbuds.

 

Recently, realme sent me their latest realme Buds T110. Priced at just P1,199 (as of this writing), these earbuds stand out for their impressive performance and features, rivaling—and even surpassing—other earbuds I've tried that are significantly more expensive.

 

I’ve been using them for the past few weeks and if you are looking for a new pair of affordable earbuds, here’s why you should consider the realme buds T110. 

Design: Listen in Full Color

The first thing that caught my eye about the realme Buds T110 is its striking two-tone color design. The one I have which is called Country Green is so Gen Z with its pastel green/gray combo. There’s also Punk Black, and Pop White both of which would go well with any of your OOTD. 

 

The build quality, feels solid and durable. The lightweight design ensures comfort even during extended use, I think I wore it for more than two hours during a trip and I barely felt them. It’s a good thing it comes with different size tips so you can choose the best fit. The pebble shaped charging case is also compact and fits easily into pockets or small bags, making them highly portable.

These earbuds also have IPX5 water resistance rating which means it can handle sweat and light splashes, perfect for gym sessions or outdoor activities. Whether you’re jogging in the park or caught in a drizzle, the realme Buds T110 won’t let you down.

 

Audio Performance: Rich and Immersive

When it comes to sound quality, the realme Buds T110 doesn’t disappoint. They are equipped with 10mm dynamic bass drivers that deliver a punchy, bass-heavy sound, which I know the younger people prefer. I also read that the PEEK + PU composite material used in the diaphragms enhances overall sound quality, ensuring deeper and fuller bass. The earbuds support AAC audio with a maximum volume of 97dB±2, offering a clear and powerful audio experience.

For those who like to personalize their music, download the realme Link app to access the EQ modes. Whether you prefer clearer vocals with the Bright mode, a balanced mix of bass and treble, or the enhanced bass of Bass Boost+, there’s something for every listener. Listening to classics like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” reveals the earbuds' ability to handle different layers of sound, making for an immersive audio experience.

 

The realme Buds T110 utilize Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and reliable connection up to 10 meters away from your device. realme Buds T110 is available at Php 1,399.

 

Its Back-to-School Sale with Xiaomi

Heads up! The new school year is just around the corner, and whether you or your child is heading into grade school, high school, or college, having the right tech can make a big difference in their academic performance, or just their quality of life overall. 

You’ve likely gotten the usual school essentials already, but do you remember the tech? With classes still relying heavily on the internet and the digital space, it’s more important than ever that the kids have all the cutting-edge advantages. This year, upgrade their routine with these cool tech gadgets from Xiaomi that are both functional and fun.

1. Wearable tech for kids: The Xiaomi Smart Kids Watch

A smartwatch for kids is no longer just a fun accessory. These kid-friendly watches, such as the Xiaomi Smart Kids Watch, are packed with features that allow you to stay in touch with your kids anytime, anywhere with video call capabilities through a built-in camera and mic on the watch itself. It can also help them stay organized with scheduled reminders for homework deadlines and after-school activities, among so much more.

The Xiaomi Smart Kids Watch is available on Shopee for only P3,799.

2. Stylus savvy: The Xiaomi Smart Pad Pencil

Do you or your child already have a Xiaomi Pad 6 they use for schoolwork? Taking notes in class just got a whole lot cooler and easier with a tablet stylus such as the Xiaomi Smart Pad Pencil, which is compatible with the Redmi Pad 6 series. This handy accessory allows for more precise writing and drawing on a tablet screen, making it perfect for everything from note-taking to creative projects.

The Xiaomi Smart Pad Pencil is available on Shopee for only P3,899.

3. Sweet home study (and gaming) zone: Xiaomi 34” Curved Gaming Monitor

Whether we like it or not, the computer is where the schoolwork happens (as well as the playtime). Upgrade their study space with a high-definition monitor screen like the Xiaomi 34” Curved Gaming Monitor. Its bigger and clearer ultra-wide 34-inch bigger display can not only make work and play more efficient, but it can also help reduce eye strain during long homework sessions and online classes. 

The Xiaomi 34” Curved Gaming Monitor is available on Shopee for 56% off, starting at P15,899.

4. Wireless wins: Redmi Buds 5

Still using messy wired earphones? Ditch the tangled mess of headphone cords with a pair of wireless earbuds like the Redmi Buds 5. The Redmi Buds 5 provide excellent sound quality with 12.4mm dynamic drivers, allowing for deep bass and immersive audio so you can do some distraction-free studying or listening to educational podcasts on the go. It’s also a great choice for online classes, as it has a built-in microphone that perfectly captures speech without worrying about whether you’re being heard. The Redmi Buds 5 also last 10 hours on a single full charge, while a powered-up charging box can add 30 more hours of playback time. The Redmi Buds 5 is available on Shopee for P1,899.

5. Scoot to School in Style: Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Go

While some classes may be online, it doesn’t mean school is completely out of the picture! An electric scooter is a fun and eco-friendly way for you or your teen to get to and roam around campus. Look for a scooter with a safe and sturdy build, long battery life, and a top speed that aligns with your teen's age and maturity level — something like the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Go, which weights only 13.7 kg and maxes out at a safe 20 kph. It also can travel up to 18 km on a full charge, which is more than enough to get you where you need to go.

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Go is available on Shopeefor P13,999.

With all these deals available for Xiaomi products – and a lot more where they came from – it’s as good a time as any to embrace the tech revolution! With these cool gadgets by their side, you or your child will be ready to take on the new school year with confidence and style. Check out Xiaomi’s full AIoT collection and their discounts and deals over on Shopee.

Celebrating Ajinomoto’s Crispy Fry’s 20th Anniversary

Chicken cooked in this style has made its way all over the world by simply being that “go to” dish which everybody can enjoy. From variations on the way that it’s made, to the flavorings added, to the simple yet very familiar dish, as well as ways this meal is presented, Fried Chicken, is without a doubt, a meal that everyone knows about. This National Fried Chicken Day is the perfect opportunity to know more about the rich history and global variations of a dish so well-loved.

Fried chicken can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically in Europe with the Scottish immigrants bringing their frying techniques to the Americas in the 18th century. Since then, many versions of this dish has been shared. From just simply frying the chicken meat, a variety of spices and herbs have now been introduced to make the traditional recipe taste better.

Fried chicken has also been adapted in various cultures worldwide. The Koreans cook their chicken by double-frying the meat and then later dipping it in sweet and spicy sauces. The Japanese karaage, on the other hand, features marinated chicken pieces covered in potato starch that has light and crispy textures. The style found in Indonesia is fried chicken called ayam goreng, where the chicken is deeply marinated in local spices. Later on, distinct versions were made including the Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy meat marinated in buttermilk and spices. Even fried chicken found its pair, with the dish called chicken & waffles, wherein fried chicken is served with golden waffles with syrup complementing the savory experience.

Fried chicken even became more popular globally with the rise of fast-food chains, having their own take on the comfort-giving dish that truly made everyone find their perfect and favorite fried chicken of choice. Some people even became loyal to one fast food chain because of their version of fried chicken.

This July, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Crispy Fry ́®, and just like the many variations of fried chicken that exists all over the world, APC has made sure that there’s one variant of Crispy Fry ́® fit for everybody’s taste.

Crispy Fry® Garlic is made with a more delicious, special blend of flour, starch, and seasoning, for those who ought to enjoy a more garlic-y flavor to their fried chicken, elevating the experience of having that crispy-sarap fried chicken in every bite. The Crispy Fry® Spicy variation is perfect for those who want that right amount of kick of heat. Truly a spicy-food lovers’ partner, this flavor is indeed fiery in all the right ways. Finally, the Crispy Fry® Original flavor is one that is dear to the Filipino household which you most probably would find in the cupboards of Pinoy home, waiting to be used, on-call, on-standby for all the best reasons. This product could easily make one receive compliments about their cooking; while also maintaining that home-y and original tasting recipe at home you yearn for after a long day at work.

No matter how many variations of fried chicken there may be in the world, the Filipino household can easily recognize fried chicken made with Crispy Fry®, simply because most of the customers catered by this product have grown up with it, and know how adding Crispy Fry® to their fried chicken dishes is the best option especially when you’re cooking for your family or friends, or even a whole team or barkada! National Fried Chicken Day is an important celebration for APC, given how Crispy Fry® continues to be supported by its market. Somehow, it is common knowledge in the Philippines that by adding this special ingredient to a fried chicken dish will make everything fall into place, regardless of if you know your ways around the kitchen or not!

APC wishes everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Wait, is that fried chicken we smell and hear sizzling in oil ready to give you that crispy-sarap bite?

Kaspersky Safe Kids has received ‘Approved’ certificates from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives

Kaspersky Safe Kids has received ‘Approved’ certificatesfrom AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, independent testing organizations, for its outstanding effectiveness in blockinginappropriate content. Tests proved 100% and 98,1% in successful blocking of adult content on Windows platform respectively. In the AV-TEST’s research, the solution became twice the only one with blocking Adult content in the history of tests since 2015. In the AV-Comparatives’s one, the solution became the only one certified out of 5 participants, supporting the similar cases in tests of 2019, 2021, and 2022.

The both test institutes conducted their tests in accordance with ownmethodologies. AV-TEST assesses parental control solution against 7,500 websites across six languages and 13 categories – adult content, violence, weapons, and others – to evaluate the product’sblocking capabilities. AV-Comparatives tested the solutions against 1,000 adult category websites and 100 child-friendly websites, determining certification criteria of 98% detection rate without false positives, severe bugs or design flaws.

AV-TEST Parental Control Test 2023 results 

Kaspersky Safe Kids displayed a strong performance, particularly in its ability to block adult content. On the Windows platform, the app recorded a 100% blocking rate for adult content, marking it as the only vendor to achieve this result – also achieved in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, the solution displayed solid results guarding againstother significant categories such as violence and gambling, with an overall average blocking rate of 92.20%. On the Android platform, Kaspersky Safe Kids performed a 99.09% blocking rate for adult content. 

Kaspersky Safe Kids received the Approved Certificate for ‘Parental Control Test’ for the eighth consecutive time, remaining the only vendor in the market with such an achievement. Recent reportshighlight the Kaspersky solution’s key functionalities, including harmful website blocking, social media control, and time and schedule restrictions, confirming it proves robust and comprehensive. Additionally, AV-TEST acknowledges Kaspersky’s “dedication to meeting the essential criteria expected from a trusted parental control provider”. 

AV-Comparatives ‘Parental Control Certification’ results 

Kaspersky Safe Kids achieved strong results in the 2024 AV-Comparatives test, where it successfully blocked 98.1% of pornographic websites and generated zero false positives on Windows. AV-Comparatives also recognized Kaspersky Safe Kids for its extensive range of monitoring and control functions, and for the speed with which changes made in the console were implemented on the child’s device. 

Kaspersky’s solutions for effective digital parenting (Kaspersky Internet Security and later Kaspersky Safe Kids) have been regularly been tested independently by AV-Comparatives since 2014 – always succeeded in meeting certification criteria, earning ‘Approved’ certificates.

“We continuously strive to enhance the quality of our products to cater to the evolving needs of modern users. One of our key focus areas is digital parenting. We recognize the critical importance of offering reliable protection to children, who face heightened risks in the online world. Our goal is to empower parents with the confidence that their children are safeguarded. We are honored and proud that independent testers have acknowledged our dedicated efforts in this regard,” commented Flavio Negrini, Web Data and Privacy Analysis Group manager at Kaspersky. 

AV-TEST ‘Parental Control Test 2023’ is available via the link.

AV-Comparatives Parental Control Certification 2024 is available via the link.

All test-based awards earned by Safe Kids could be found here

More information about Kaspersky Safe Kids is available here.