Skyro reports strong 2023 performance, expected to triple in 2024 as it expands digital financial offerings for Filipinos

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Skyro, a fast-growing fintech provider in the Philippines, continues its commitment to transform the local financial landscape by delivering accessible and affordable digital financial solutions to Filipinos.

Skyro is committed to empowering more Filipinos by offering a range of digital consumer finance products such as product loans, cash loans, and other lending products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of Filipino consumers. These solutions offer a streamlined process, competitive rates, and diverse payment options, providing customers with flexibility and convenience.

Achievements and Business Performance in 2023

In just under two years since its inception as a fintech startup, Skyro has achieved significant milestones and business performance in the fintech industry by the end of last year.

Skyro has recorded significant growth in both applications and usage as it gains traction among new markets and diverse user groups. Notably, in 2023 alone, Skyro achieved an average Compound Monthly Growth Rate of 50%, a testament to the rapid trust and adoption placed in the company’s innovative financial solutions.

Skyro's mobile app had an increase in its number of new and active users by 82.5%, leading to a proportional rise in total app downloads and usage. The brand has grown its network with over 500 partner merchants and a presence in over 2,500 stores nationwide. It has also expanded its workforce from less than a hundred to more than a thousand employees.

Its product loan solution has shown exceptional growth in 2023, generating substantial results more than its initial value. Similarly, the cross-sell products have delivered remarkable outcomes in usage.

Outstanding Performance Under Expert Leadership

Skyro’s co-founders and co-CEOs Nasim Aliev and Arsen Liametov have been instrumental in the company's growth and success.

With a strong experience in financial technology and business development, Aliev oversees key areas such as sales, partnerships, marketing, and customer acquisition, garnering trust from both customers and partners. On the other hand, Liametov is focused on optimizing Skyro's offerings, utilizing his extensive understanding of fintech products and operations. His main areas of expertise include ensuring smooth integration and efficient functioning of Skyro's digital services, all with the goal of meeting market demands while delivering maximum value to Filipino customers.

"At Skyro, our mission is to bring joy into every interaction our customers have with our financial products," shared Nasim Aliev. "We prioritize accessibility, simplicity, and flexibility, supported by an exceptional customer experience. By leveraging a compelling model, we've managed to reduce risk two-fold while achieving profitability, showcasing our strategic foresight and commitment to sustainable growth. We want to create a future where every Filipino has access to the right financial tools and knowledge for achieving success.”

Liametov added, "Our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. With a focus on continuous improvement and expansion, we're poised to reach new heights in 2024 and beyond. Skyro is committed to empowering individuals with the financial solutions that would cater to their ever-evolving needs and lifestyles."

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Liametov said, "As we anticipate the year ahead, we're filled with optimism, expecting even greater growth and impact for Skyro."

Skyro aims to continue its impressive trajectory into 2024, with expectations of tripling its growth and onboarding half a million customers by the year's end. This ambitious goal underscores Skyro's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the digital financial landscape of the Philippines, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry's evolution.

Skyro is a fintech company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To learn more about digital financial products from Skyro, visit its official website www.skyro.ph. Follow its official Facebook and Instagram accounts to know more about its latest promos and offerings.

About Skyro
Skyro is a fast-growing fintech company based in the Philippines, offering a range of digital consumer finance products such as product loans, cash loans, and other lending products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of Filipino consumers. Launched in August 2022, Skyro has since grown to encompass over 2,500 partner merchant stores and serve nearly 200,000 customers in just under two years of operations in the country.

Focused primarily on digital consumer lending products, Skyro has rapidly emerged as a trusted name in the Philippines, catering to the evolving needs of the market. It is backed by Breeze Ventures, a Singapore-based global fintech venture that is expanding into the fast-growing and emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

Skyro's local operations are powered by Advanced Financial Solutions, Inc. and Jungle Lending, Inc., which are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines. Learn more about Skyro through www.skyro.ph

 

PRSP pushes inclusivity and transparency through its "PR for All" thrust in 2024-2025

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The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country's premier organization for public relations professionals, proudly announces its thrust for 2024-2025 -- "PR for All."

This year’s theme underscores the incumbent Board’s commitment in promoting an inclusive, ethical, honorable, and transparent community where professionals, both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

As PRSP celebrates its 67 years of service to the country’s PR industry this year, the organization is also reaffirming its commitment to elevating the standards of public relations through a dignified, effective, and relevant practice in service of the Filipino people.

"‘PR for All’ encapsulates everything that we’d like to achieve for the society this year," beams Andy Saracho, APR, President of PRSP. “We welcome everyone in the PR practice to join us regardless of age, sex, social status, and religious or political beliefs in working together to promote the welfare of the Filipino people.”

As part of its commitment to "PR for All," PRSP will continue nurturing the next generation of competent PR professionals who uphold the highest standards of integrity and a commitment to the truth in bridging people and communities together.

In line with this, PRSP envisions the concept of “PR for All” being embodied in all of its big-ticket events such as the Anvil Awards, an awards program that recognizes the use of outstanding PR tools and programs; and the National Public Relations Congress, a gathering of PR practitioners and communication experts all over the country to discuss the latest trends in PR.

There’s also the Professional Development Seminar, a bi-monthly hands-on training on effective communication strategies; the Student Congress and Grand Prix Competition for aspiring PR practitioners to provide them with hands-on PR experiences led by industry professionals and the PR Caravan, PRSP’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. The PR Caravan is a subset of both CSR and PR Students programs, which aims to reach out to students and guide them in taking the most appropriate course, highlighting PR and its role in nation-building.

PRSP invites all stakeholders, including the media, government, educators, and the public, to join hands in championing "PR for All."

By embracing inclusivity, demonstrating ethical practices, and upholding transparency, PRSP strives to build a community of PR professionals working together to promote the welfare of the current generation of Filipino people and the generations to come.

PRSP currently boasts of a diverse roster of members, representing various sectors such as industry, government, non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, hotels and professional services.

Vista Taft offers unique coffee breaks to busy individuals through Coffee Project Co-Lab

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For most urbanites, nothing kickstarts a productive day faster than caffeine. It stimulates dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is responsible for pleasure, motivation, and learning. It is no fluke, then, that students and professionals flock to cafés for a quick energy boost, especially during midday slumps or on all-nighters when staying awake and alert is a must.

Coffee Project Co-Lab Facade: Coffee Project Co-Lab was envisioned to be a haven for all manner of coffee enthusiasts, conducive to both productivity and leisure.

This is why the Villar Group of Companies further capitalized on Manila’s caffeine culture with the official launch of Coffee Project Co-Lab. Their latest coffee venture was launched on January 29, with Manny Villar, Villar Group chairman, as well as Camille Villar, AllValue Group President and Chief Executive Officer, presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at Vista Taft, a condominium development along Taft Avenue, Co-Lab was envisioned to be a haven for all manner of coffee enthusiasts that could use a safe and cozy space conducive to both productivity and leisure.

Co-Lab Working Space: The exceptional features of the newest coffee joint make for a novel customer experience.

Co-Lab Creativity Space: Co-Lab is a collaboration between Coffee Project and Paper & Co., provider of school and unique art products.

Co-Lab draws in students from nearby schools and universities such as De La Salle University, the College of Saint Benilde, St. Scholastica's College, Arellano University, University of the Philippines-Manila, and St. Paul’s College-Manila—as well as corporate denizens in the vicinity. Co-Lab looks to draw these students in and give them a warm cup of Joe to accompany them as they take on their schoolwork, thesis-writing, problem-solving, and everything in between. With this market in mind, Co-Lab is primed to serve as an ideal study hub for students seeking a conducive environment for learning.

But what makes Co-Lab truly unique are its niche rooms that are designed to function both as co-working and event spaces. For instance, The Quiet Room provides a distraction-free setting for individuals doing focused work or serious studies.

Vista Taft Lifestyle Image: Vista Taft is the first among Vista Land's high-rise developments along Taft Avenue, followed by Kizuna Heights, highly commended as Best Connectivity Condo Development by PropertyGuru.

Conversely, the podcast area is tailored specifically for enthusiasts, featuring essential recording equipment and a conducive environment to enhance audio or video sessions.

“Co-Lab’s exceptional features make for a novel customer experience,” says Ms. Margarita D. Romero, Vista Land Division Head, "Through Coffee Project Co-Lab in Vista Taft, we affirm our steadfast commitment to creating innovative spaces that serve our customers’ evolving needs. We now invite Manila’s café society to come and get their caffeine here where they can also work, play, relax, and decompress."

While Gen Z and the district’s young workforce are Co-Lab’s target audiences, family members of all ages, artists, and other professions related to creative production are enticed to come and spend quality time over their favorite brew.

Coffee joints abound in high-density areas across the metro, but innovation sets Co-Lab apart. As its name suggests, the coffee place is a collaboration between the Villar Group brands Coffee Project and Paper & Co., a company in the business of providing and selling an array of school and unique art products that students and young professionals require in their day-to-day. Co-Lab is also located next to AllDay, enabling a quick stop to the convenience store any time of day.

Vista Taft is the first among Vista Land's series of high-rise developments along Taft Avenue in Manila. Following its success, Kizuna Heights received recognition as the Best Mixed-Use Development in Luzon by Lamudi and received high commendation as the Best Connectivity Condo Development by PropertyGuru. Other notable properties within this portfolio include Vista GL Taft, Plumeria Heights, and Sky Arts Manila.

For more information on Vista Taft and Coffee Project Co-Lab, visit WEBSITE HERE and follow @SOCMED HERE.

RELEX Mobile Pro Simplifies Stock and Fresh Item Replenishment Process

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RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail solutions, recently introduced RELEX Mobile Pro, an advanced AI-driven in-store execution application for retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. RELEX Mobile Pro is the ideal solution for retailers looking to consolidate their many in-store tools and processes. It empowers store colleagues with an easy and accurate store ordering and tasking offering, with a particular focus on managing the complexities of the fresh business. RELEX Mobile Pro not only improves store efficiency but also helps retailers maximize sales and profitability while minimizing waste and spoilage.

Over 40% of grocery retail sales came from fresh departments last year, making it critical to ensure the fresh department is always in stock and exceptionally fresh. By combining the RELEX Mobile Pro solution with the proven AI-driven machine learning capabilities of RELEX, customers can overcome typical fresh-specific challenges, including poor inventory visibility, product availability, and product presentation to the consumer. By combining targeted, exception-based workflows with science-based recommendations, the RELEX offering can boost store personnel engagement, ensure product availability, and optimize customer service.

“RELEX Mobile Pro is purpose-built to optimize in-store ordering while also providing an all-inclusive task management offering. This enables the automation of manual tasks and boosts efficiency, so store personnel can shift their focus to high-value tasks,” said Tom Charlton, Vice President of Product, Forecasting & Replenishment, RELEX Solutions. “This new offering has been created to help our customers create a significant step-change with their in-store processes, creating competitive differentiation while also leveraging best-in-class data science to ensure the right products are where they need to be, every time.”

RELEX Mobile Pro, combined with the RELEX fresh item replenishment capabilities, uses AI/ML to address challenges like understanding store inventory levels, customer purchasing patterns for date-sensitive products, and prioritizing tasks to provide a better customer experience. It also helps optimize stock management by ensuring products are stocked correctly, reducing spoilage and out-of-stocks, boosting sales, and improving store labor efficiency.

RELEX Mobile Pro offers a range of key capabilities to streamline inventory management and enhance operational efficiency. Users can easily review and amend orders, leveraging suggested replenishment amounts and making modifications based on stock counting updates. The solution also allows for ad-hoc order creation to address unexpected ordering needs on the fly. With item scanning and search functionalities, users can instantly access product-specific data while in-store.

Additionally, the RELEX unified offering enables users to intuitively check stock balances, conduct counts, and make necessary updates. With alerting features, users receive focused alerts for specific value-added actions, enhancing proactive decision-making and operational responsiveness.

COMCO Mundo earns nominations from Asia-Pacific’s major public relations award-giving bodies

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COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises continues its award streak as it receives major citations at the prestigious and highly acclaimed PRCA APAC Awards and Marketing-Interactive PR Awards this year.

PRCA APAC Awards 2024

Receiving recognition in its major categories, the Public Relations and Communications Association Asia-Pacific (PRCA-APAC) confers seven nominations to COMCO Mundo for the PRCA-APAC Awards 2024.

Among the major categories that the agency is nominated for are the Large Consultancy Award category, Strategic Communications Award for the COMCO Mundo Epic 7 Years Anniversary campaign, and the Media Relations Award for the Meaningful Storytelling with COMCOmigos: The COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ Media Relations Program.

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder Ferdinand L. Bondoy is also a finalist for the PR/Communications Leader Award.

Earning two recognitions, the UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Initiative Season 3 is nominated for the Digital & Social Media Award and Measurement and Evaluation Award.

COMCO Southeast Asia, the New PR and Smart Social arm of COMCO Mundo, and Century Tuna, the leading tuna brand in the Philippines is nominated for the CSR and Sustainability Award category for the Save Our Planet, Save Our Seas – The Century Tuna “Saving Our Seas” Campaign.

PRCA APAC Awards 2024 celebrates the best PR and communications campaigns, teams, and individuals across the region. The citations are conferred by the Public Relations & Communications Association, a global advocate for excellence in public relations and the world’s largest professional PR body with more than 35,000 PR professionals from 82 countries worldwide.

The PRCA APAC Awards night is happening on March 28 in Singapore.

Marketing-Interactive PR Awards 2024

Consecutively, COMCO Mundo received six major recognitions at the Marketing-Interactive PR Awards 2024 including finalist citations are the PR Team of the Year (Agency), PR Champion of the Year (Agency) for COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder Ferdinand L. Bondoy, and Best Anniversary Campaign for the "EPIC 7 Years with COMCO".

Save Our Planet, Save Our Seas – The "Saving Our Seas" Initiative by Century Tuna and COMCO Southeast Asia as well as the other groups that worked on the project was also recognized in two award categories including the Best CSR Communications Category and Best Launch/Re-Launch Campaign.

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) and TARO AOX Inc., COMCO Mundo’s specialist digital and integrated communications agency, alongside other agencies that worked on the campaign, also received nomination at the Best PR Campaign: Electronics & Gadgets category for the 2023 Galaxy Z Series Launch,.

The Marketing-Interactive PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2024 honors outstanding works in the PR and communications industry in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania. Its Gala Dinner is scheduled on March 22 at the Pacific Ballroom, Pan Pacific Singapore.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the organizations across the region that we hold in high regard. With these citations, we are more inspired that together with our brand partners, COMCOmigos, and COMCOys, we can continue to create meaningful stories that reach, connect to and positively impact communities on a global scale,” said COMCO Mundo’s Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy.

Stay updated with COMCO Mundo by visiting www.comcomundo.com or following fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn, and @comcomundo on Instagram.

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About COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises

A trailblazing and global award-winning communications group, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is a collective of agencies and programs dedicated to advancing the communications profession and related disciplines such as digital, media, advocacy, training, and education, and entrepreneurship, among others; to be a force for social change; to nurturing talent growth and workplace community culture; and to championing borderless collaboration. The COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is comprised of COMCO Southeast Asia Philippines, COMCO Middle East & Africa, TARO AOX Inc., COMCO Southeast Asia Singapore, SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio, Camp COMCO Alumni Society, and Citizen COMCO Advocacy Program.

COMCO been awarded Medium Consultancy of the Year in Asia Pacific at PRCA APAC Awards, thrice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Quill Awards; Agency of the Year – Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards; Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Marketing Interactive’s PR Awards Asia-Pacific, and the global CIPR Excellence Awards; and 150 metals from various local and international award-giving bodies.

Home Credit Philippines signs additional 7B Loan Credit Facility with BPI

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Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) recently signed an agreement for an additional P7 billion loan facility with Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), making BPI the company’s biggest creditor with a total of P13.5 billion combined credit line facilities. 

(From left) BPI executives: John-C Syquia, Institutional Banking Head, and TG Limcaoco, President and CEO; Home Credit executives: Zdenek Jankovsky, Treasury and Funding Director, and Patrick Peter Santos, Head of Funding

This is the third loan credit facility extended by BPI to HCPH, following a P1 billion facility in December 2022, P4 billion in August 2023, and an additional P1.5 billion in November 2023 from Robinsons Bank Corporation; following its recent merger with BPI.

Home Credit is the largest consumer finance company in the Philippines. As of end-2023, it has served 10.4 million customers all over the country through a selection of affordable and accessible financing products.

“We at BPI are committed to accelerating our efforts to elevate financial inclusion in the Philippines. We are glad to support Home Credit by providing tailored solutions to enable their financial inclusion initiatives to thrive and at the same time, improving the quality of life for Filipinos, enabling them to do more. This forms part of our vision to help build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.

“This additional loan credit facility to Home Credit, extended by no less than BPI, the first bank in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian Region, is a strong testament to the strong performance and stability of Home Credit’s business in the country as a leading consumer finance company,” Zdenek Jankovsky, HCPH director and treasurer, said.

Home Credit Philippines was issued a double-A Issuer Credit Rating with stable outlook by PhilRatings (Philippine Rating Services Corporation), a pioneer domestic credit rating agency, in 2023 based on its overall creditworthiness and ability to meet all its financial commitments and sustain its growth in its market.  

“This local loan credit facility will enable us to better serve our 10-million strong customer base, allowing us to expand access to credit opportunities for more Filipinos,” Jankovsky added. 

Also in witness of the signing event were BPI officers and executives (from left): Micah Clemente, Relationship Manager; Barbara Untalan, Head of Top Corporates-MNCs and Sectors; Maria Teresa Anna Lim, Head of MNCs and Sectors and; and Grace Saulog, Head of Financial Institutions and Correspondent Banking; with Henry Segovia, Home Credit Funding and Business Development Manager.

Home Credit Philippines has been at the forefront of broadening financial inclusion in the Philippines for more than a decade since it opened its doors in the country in 2013. It has continuously provided innovative credit opportunities for Filipinos especially to women, young people, and those earning less than 20,000 a month.

HC Consumer Finance Philippines Inc., HCPH’s corporate entity, was acquired by Thailand’s Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) and Japan’s MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.) in June 2023.  

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 the Marketplace.

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).

Still dazzling at 11: Solaire unveils culinary brilliance with Michelin Star Chefs for an unforgettable epicurean journey

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Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the premier integrated destination resort in the country, has made history by bringing Michelin Star chefs to the Philippines. In honor of its anniversary month in March, Solaire is proud to announce the arrival of these iconic culinary masters for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. This significant occasion will feature the culinary artistry of three renowned Michelin Star chefs, each presenting their signature dishes at Solaire's signature restaurants for dinner at Finestra, Yakumi, and Red Lantern on March 13-16, followed by a lavish buffet brunch on March 17.

Chef Cristina Bowerman

Renowned for her culinary passion, Chef Cristina Bowerman elevates her craft through a lens of creativity and innovation. With a bachelor's degree on culinary arts and a specialization in flavor concentration, Chef Bowerman relocated to Rome to become the Chef Patron at Glass Hostaria, a bastion of contemporary Italian cuisine, which she has led for seventeen years. In 2010, she earned a prestigious Michelin Star standing as Italy’s sole female recipient that year. Experience Chef Bowerman’s culinary finesse at Finestra, where a six-course dinner awaits, featuring her signature dishes starting with a modern twist on vitello tonnato, followed by a classic risotto à la meunière, and sumptuous Italian gyoza. Delight your palate with marbled beef wagyu ribeye alongside mulberry reduction, celery root terrine, hot garlic, and oxtail foam. Indulge in a perfect dessert pairing of popcorn and passion fruit dulce de leche, ensuring a perfect finale to your dining experience.

Chef Goh Fukuyama

Hailing from Fukuoka, Chef Goh Fukuyama delved into the world of French cuisine right out of high school. In 2002, he unveiled La Maison de la Nature Goh, a discreet yet stylish establishment renowned for its imaginative French Japanese omakase. This culinary haven achieved notable acclaim, securing a spot in "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants". Boasting a Michelin Star, the restaurant solidified its standing in the culinary world. At Yakumi, indulge in an eight-course dinner featuring a tantalizing array of dishes such as Foie gras monaka, white asparagus cream Fukinotou Blancmange, as well as tuna and fermented tomato. Experience the exquisite flavors of sake steamed abalone and shiitake mushroom risotto, and white fish wrapped in cabbage with the scent of ARIAKE seaweed. Indulge in the rich flavors of Kyushu Kuroge Wagyu beef, a spicy crab curry, and a delightful “white and red” strawberry for dessert.

 Chef Xu Fan

Maestro of Sichuan cuisine, Chef Xu Fan, the visionary behind the Michelin-starred Xujia Cuisine in Chengdu, immersed himself in the art of Sichuan-style cooking back in 1991. Renowned for its excellence, his restaurant has been honored with numerous awards, including "The best50" of China's top 50 restaurants for six consecutive years and the Black Pearl 1 Diamond restaurant for five successive years. Specializing in the bold and vibrant flavors of Szechuan Cuisine, Chef Xu takes charge of the Red Lantern kitchen, curating an exquisite eight-course dinner. Savor on dishes such as deep-fried angus beef tenderloin with a tantalizing sweet and sour, spicy sauce, and homemade chicken ball served in clear chicken soup. Indulge in the rich flavors of wok fried rock lobster with litchi and sweet chili sauce and relish the flavors of steamed star garoupa with sichuan green chili, green peppercorn, and premium soy sauce. Savor the succulent braised USDA beef short ribs with sichuan bean paste, truffles, vegetables, and crispy gillardeau oyster served with ginger sauce. Experience the mastery of freshly crafted dan dan noodles and homemade noodles with minced pork. For dessert, delight on sichuan ice jelly as well as mixed nuts with jelly and brown sugar.

Mixologist Max Solano

Master Sommelier Luis de Santos

Elevate your experiences with thoughtfully curated drinks by certified Sake Samurai and Sake Master Brewer Akihiro Igarashi and the esteemed Luis de Santos, the first and only Master Sommelier of Filipino descent. Beyond his role as a Master Sommelier, de Santos thrives as a prosperous entrepreneur, presently owning multiple bars and restaurants in Las Vegas. Joining them is Max Solano, one of the West Coast’s most respected and creative mixologists and spirits educators for his innovative and versatile creations. His expertise lies in crafting cocktails using fresh, homemade ingredients and premium spirits sourced from around the globe. His talent has earned him acclaim in various media outlets, coupled with three Las Vegas Bartender of the Year awards.

Sake Samurai and Sake Master Brewer Akihiro Igarashi

“As we celebrate our anniversary, we continue to deliver culinary sensations like no other, this rare opportunity to savor Michelin Star fare in the heart of the Philippines promises to elevate their dining experience to new heights. We would like them to experience a symphony of world-class flavors, by bringing in these three Michelin Star chefs who will artfully craft their own menus to spotlight the distinctiveness of their culinary artistry, “says Sebastian Kellerhoff, Vice President for Culinary.

Book your seats now for an excellent Michelin Star anniversary celebration at Solaire. For details and more information, you may email: restaurantevents@solaireresort.com. You can also check out https://www.solaireresort.com or Solaire’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

"With you through thick and thin" , A captivating story of love with Home Credit

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Finding the ideal gift amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations is no easy feat, yet it's one task that’s filled with heartfelt intentions. For Diana Marie Mendoza-Zabala, a devoted high school Science teacher, this quest took on a new significance just three days before saying “I do.” to Joemar Zabala, a secondary Social Studies educator.

The perfect partner para sa love

Wedding preparations are usually hectic, and Diana and Joemar weren’t exempted from this experience when they started getting ready for their big day. Their schedules and calendars were so full that Diana almost forgot to buy a special gift for Joemar, a present that was intended to be a part of their vows.

Three days before their special day, Diana revisited the mall where they first crossed paths with a clear idea of what she wanted to give him—a watch that would perfectly symbolize their enduring, timeless love. She scoured the mall and found a variety of options, some more affordable than others, but a particular timepiece caught her attention.

“Noong bumili ako ng gift para sa wedding namin, sa SM Store sa Lucena City ako pumunta. Yung gift na gusto kong ibigay ko sa kanya is relo, pero that time, kapos na kami sa budget. Iniisip ko talaga paano ko ma-a-avail yung relo kung wala naman akong hawak na pera para mabarayan siya ng full payment. Buti na lang tinawag ng sales lady yung sales associate ng Home Credit at nasabihan niya ako na ‘Sakto, Ma’am, naka-promo kami ngayon, 0% interest.

Bago ko ibigay yung regalo kay Joemar, gumawa ako ng letter para sa kanya; pero sa dulo ng message, sinabi ko na bayad na ang downpayment ng relo, siya na nga lang ang bahala sa installment na three months, pero 0% interest naman,” Diana happily recalled.

(I purchased my wedding gift for Joemar in SM Store Lucena. I really wanted to give him a wristwatch as a gift, but at that time, I didn’t have enough money for it. I was thinking of possible ways to get it, even though I didn’t have enough cash on hand, when the sales lady assisting me called for Home Credit’s sales associate. The associate then went on to tell me that, as luck would have it, Home Credit had a 0% interest promo at that time.

Before I gave my gift to Joemar, I wrote him a letter, indicating in the last part that I had already paid for the wristwatch’s downpayment, he just needed to pay for the remaining three-month installment fees, but with no interest).

The lifelong companion in every chapter

And then, it was D-day. As Diana presented Joemar with her gift availed through Home Credit, videographer Bryant Nanez captured the heartfelt moment, where Diana even presented Joemar with the Home Credit care card as part of her present, in a sensational same-day-edit video. The sincerity and distinctiveness of the gesture caused the video, which was posted online, to go viral and quickly garner over 41.5K views. The unexpected attention from the public was a delightful surprise for the couple, who were overjoyed to see their wedding inspiring viewers.

“At Home Credit, we understand the importance of celebrating life's special moments, especially when it comes to love. As a trusted lifestyle partner, our commitment lies in delivering convenient and fast access to credit, empowering Filipinos to lead the lives they deserve. We are overjoyed to be a part of not just Diana and Joemar's beautiful love story, but also of the multitude of life stories that we touch through our services,” Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines, expressed.

Joemar conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Home Credit for consistently serving as a reliable partner throughout the various chapters of his life.

“Kung tao si Home Credit, lubos kaming magpapasalamat sa kanya dahil noong walang-wala ako, naging malaking tulong ito para sakin.  Ngayon na nagsisimula na kami bilang mag-asawa, gusto naming makapagpundar ng mga gamit, at naisip namin na why not i-try namin gamit ang Home Credit.

Pero hihintayin muna namin na matapos ang existing loan namin dahil ang pagkuha ng loan ay isang proseso na kailangang pagplanuhan kung kailan dapat kunin. Ito ay isang responsibilidad at ang mga nagagamit natin na galing sa hiram ay kailangan nating bayaran dahil napakinabangan na natin ang mga ito, at dahil naging mabait ang mga nagpahiram nito at napakabilis lang din naman ang proseso,” Joemar remarked.

(If Home Credit were a person, we would thank them profusely because they were there for us when we had close to none. Now that we are starting our married life, we would like to build a home and try to use Home Credit for it.

However, we would wait first to finish our existing Home Credit loan, since acquiring loans is a process that needs thorough thinking and planning. Getting loans is a responsibility, and the things that we get to use and enjoy because of it need the right repayments since the creditor was generous enough to let us borrow, and the process of borrowing was also fast and convenient.)

With this touching wedding tale, how did Joemar discover the love of his life, Diana? To unveil the enchanting story that binds them, let's rewind to the very beginning.

A tale of love at first sight

Diana and Joemar's charming love story unfolded when fate intervened one day. According to Joemar, the magic began with a love-at-first-sight encounter. Sometime in 2017, while browsing through social media, he stumbled upon Diana's profile, tagged in a wedding photo shared by mutual friends.

“Social media talaga ang naging way para magkakilala kami nitong aking asawa. [Noong nakita ko siya], sabi ko, why not i-chat ko siya? Noong first time ko siyang na-meet, parang na-love at first sight ako. Na-realize ko agad na magiging asawa ko siya,” Joemar fondly reminisced.

(Social media paved the way for our paths to cross. When I first saw her profile, all I could think of was sending her a chat message. The first time I met her, it felt like love at first sight, and I already knew back then that she would be my future wife.)

Following their initial meeting, their love blossomed, leading them to officially become a couple. During the first two years of their relationship, they chose to keep things lowkey, recognizing Diana's parents' protective nature. They discreetly went on dates, always respecting her parents' wishes, and adhering to her 7 PM curfew, despite both being of legal age.

As a couple, Joemar and Diana share a simple yet meaningful connection, marked by common hobbies, interests, and values. They enjoy exploring different restaurants, savoring new experiences one venue at a time—and being practical about it. This love language formed the foundation of their relationship.

Seven years down the road, Joemar and Diana embraced the next chapter of their love story, deciding to exchange vows and tie the knot in 2023. After their union, Joemar and Diana were abundantly blessed. They acquired a new home and a car, and the blessings continued with the anticipation of a baby on the way.

Learn more about Joemar and Diana’s love story here.

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 Shopping Mall Philippines. 

 

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). 

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Cebuana Lhuillier Elevates Commitment to Empowering Filipinos Through Alternative Learning Program

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Jean Henri Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) reaffirm their dedication to enhancing the lives of Filipinos through their impactful initiatives. At the forefront of this commitment is the Alternative Learning Program (ALS), a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The company recognizes the imperative role of education in shaping competent and productive individuals. To achieve this, the Foundation has strategically positioned ALS Community Learning Centers (ALS-CLCs) across the country.

CLFI has successfully established 155 ALS-CLCs across 70 provinces and reached 60,000 learners, marking significant progress in its mission to address educational gaps and empower learners from various regions. But beyond these impressive figures, the ALS boasts a commendable 63.36% passing rate, a testament to its holistic approach and program offerings.

This success is fueled by the program’s comprehensive curriculum, coupled with the unwavering dedication of ALS educators, who receive full support from CLFI. The Foundation ensures that educators are equipped with the necessary resources and assistance to deliver quality education, further enhancing the impact of the program.

One of the ALS educators who exemplifies the positive impact of this support is Evie Madolid, an ALS Educator from Malabon. Madolid expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable assistance received from Cebuana Lhuillier, which fosters an environment where educators can inspire and guide learners effectively.

He said, “I’m very thankful to Cebuana Lhuillier for extending their help to the program, where they provided laptops, projectors, and other supplies that we can use to enhance the quality of our teaching."

“I feel so proud of my students and feel so fulfilled. They expressed their gratitude, saying that ALS has given them another chance to fulfill their dreams. Some of my students have reached out to me, sharing the good news of their achievements. I have a student who is now a police officer; some have become my co-teachers; others are now working abroad; and some have even started a small business. Finally, I can say that they really are successful,” he added.

This testament underscores Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment not only to the learners but also to the educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping the success stories emerging from the ALS program. By providing comprehensive support, Cebuana Lhuillier ensures that ALS educators can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students, creating a ripple effect of positive change within communities.

“Education has always been deeply personal advocacy for me. I believe that it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities alike. To achieve this, it is essential to prioritize the empowerment of educators. They are the backbone of our education system, guiding and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we work tirelessly to ensure that they are equipped to deliver the highest standards of education,”said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier continues to be a beacon of hope, championing education and empowerment through its ALS program. By addressing the unique needs of out-of-school youth and adults, the company is making significant strides in shaping a brighter future for communities across the Philippines.

Check out ‘Next Upgrade’ – every Filipino’s ultimate guide to smart home living!

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Get to know the hit YouTube channel as hosts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag provide info, insights, and inspo to a ‘smarter’ you this 2024!

Next Upgrade hosts and smart home tech experts Jaime Bunag, Bea Chu,

 and Justin Quirino

Every new year almost always marks a change — or better yet, an upgrade. When it comes to the Filipinos’ way of living, trends point to more homes adopting smart technology in and out of the house for a more convenient, more fun, and ultimately a better-lived life. In fact, in a study conducted in November last year, Statista projects 1.1 million smart homes in the Philippines in 2024 based on how fast the country is moving forward.

As more Filipinos continue to live smarter with more smart tech devices around, they’ll need a constant stream of info and reviews to guide them in their ever-evolving digital lifestyles.

One content platform on smart home tech and living is the YouTube channel Next Upgrade, brought to life in 2021 following pandemic restrictions. The channel has since earned an Anvil award in 2023 and a YouTube Works Awards nomination in 2022. Now streaming its third season, Next Upgrade is keen to help more Filipinos thrive in the hybrid era with more relevant content.

Hosts and smart home experts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag dish out their hands-on reviews and talk about the latest in smart tech, gadgets, and wearables while discussing the promise of smarter living. From answering the latest questions about the newest smart home applications and devices to understanding how artificial intelligence or AI can help make home life easier, the Next Upgrade team has more content coming in 2024.

Next Upgrade ‘upgraded’

In Next Upgrade’s third season, the hosts got some backup — game streamer and cosplayer

Een Mercado, chef and actor Gerick Manalo, and online personalities Chico Cruz and Danzel Fernandez are among these new faces joining to lend their own takes in (smart) homemaking.

Among the highlights of the current season is the premiere episode, wherein Bea and Jaime answer frequently asked questions about smart home devices and setups. They go into concerns such as the price of upgrading to smart devices and whether they contribute to a higher electric bill. It’s informative for those who are considering but haven’t taken the plunge just yet.

Justin Quirino puts his tech geek side on full display as Next Upgrade’s host

 since the first season

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu with game streamer and cosplayer Een Mercado

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu and influencer chef Gerick Manalo look up

 healthy homemade recipes on ChatGPT

On episode three, Bea joins Chef Gerick Manalo as they explore the possibilities of generative AI when it comes to homemaking. They browse ChatGPT for promising recipes for healthy home-cooked meals, which they then cook using a digital air fryer. It’s got to be seen to be believed!

On the 2023 year-ender episode, all three main hosts come together to wrap up all the smart tech in 2023 and look forward to the innovations 2024 will bring. They go into their favorite smart device picks, such as the Steam Deck OLED, the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and the eufyCam 3, to name a few.