Hamilo Coast --- committed to nurture and protect the marine life

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Home to the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, the Philippines has been tagged as one of seven biodiversity hotspots across the planet. This means that a high number of endemic or endangered species are found in these tropical isles, which are now a conservation priority region due to the threat of severe habitat loss. Add to this the adverse effects of climate change, and a variety of destructive practices that impact our rich coastal areas, and one could say that our much-touted aquatic biodiversity is constantly imperiled.

Native giant clams re-stocking, spawning and orientation for ocean nursery project of UP Bolinao Marine Lab done in partnership with DENR, Rotary Club of Nasugbu and the LGU.

Fortunately, the Philippines’ coastal communities are relentlessly pushing for sustainable practices that are primed to help preserve our marine rersources. One such community, Hamilo Coast, is unwavering in its campaign to protect and preserve its picturesque sanctuary located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A 40-hectare premier leisure resort complex, Hamilo Coast is only an hour and a half commute from Mall of Asia via the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Ternate-Nasugbu road. A development of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), a duly recognized SM Prime company, Hamilo Coast is a masterplanned community that features the idyllic Pico De Loro Cove, which integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses.

Stepping up its game to protect and nurture the incredibly rich and breathtaking marine life surrounding it, Hamilo Coast recently renewed its partnership with the World Wide Fund of Nature Philippines (WWF). The collaboration will continue to expand and enhance the scope of its sustainability initiatives that have covered coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness since the year 2007.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean as part of Hamilo Coast’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program.

"Hamilo Coast has always made an effort to preserve our marine resources, as it is not only a responsibility but a privilege to do so. Our partnership with WWF manifests our resolve to ensure that our community remains a safe haven for marine life, and that we continue to be a model for sustainable coastal development in the Philippines," shares Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations.

Hamilo Coast has gone beyond expectations to ensure that its slice of paradise remains pristine for the years to come. To fulfill this advocacy, Hamilo Coast currently engages in several marine and environmental activities in partnership with the local government and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Leading such efforts is its collaboration with the University of the Philippines Bolinao Marine Lab, which provides training in the culture and ocean rearing of giant clams through the Giant Clams Restocking and Spawning Program. This activity is a conservation strategy that aims to improve the biodiversity and productivity of stressed coral reef habitats.

SM Leisure Resort Residences Executives and Management team led the Coastal Clean-Up at Hamilo Coast’s Pico De Loro Cove in support of the company’s advocacy to save the environment

 and marine life.

Next, with Hamilo Coast’s beautiful and well-kept beach fronts as favorite nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles, the community regularly implements the Marine Turtle Conservation Program. In this undertaking, Hamilo Coast’s Estate and Sustainability teams proactively monitor and protect the turtle nests until the eggs hatch, after which the hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean.

Hamilo Coast also continues to hold the annual Coastal Clean-Up Program, a highly effective collaboration between the management and employees of Costa Del Hamilo Inc. and the local government. The volunteers collect trash and debris from Pico Beach and neighboring coves, identify the sources of the litter, help change behaviors that cause pollution, and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

“As we strive to create a more sustainable future, we are proud of what we have accomplished and continue to do here at Hamilo Coast,” Francisco relates. “While we are very excited to do even more to preserve our aquatic biodiversity, we hope that we may also inspire other communities to do the same.”

For more information on Hamilo Coast, its marine conservation efforts, and its other sustainability initiatives, you may check out the Hamilo Coast official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph), website (www.hamilocoast.com), and Instagram (@hamilocoastph).

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ABOUT HAMILO COAST

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

FREIA, an All-Inclusive Investment: The current "new environment" and recent enforced home quarantine has spurred people to re-think the purpose of their traditional living spaces and investment portfolio.

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Now, one's "residence" goes beyond the confines and size of their direct home - it involves their immediate community as well. Over the past 3 months, residence investors have quickly realized just how cramped spaces often are in cities and how healthy living in a sustainable community plays a vital role more than ever.

Freia, Pico de Loro Cove’s latest residential offering, features prime view beach condo units with encompassing vistas of the West Philippine Sea and Mount Pico.

Almost overnight, Real Estate as an alternative investment class has gone beyond value preservation and steady yields to now involve personal and familial longevity, safety, and security. In addition to asset diversification, Real Estate is now a major consideration as a logistical haven, should things sour with one's primary residence.

Getting around the complex is easy and convenient. Pico de Loro Cove provides several open-air multi-seat shuttles available daily

As an investment class, FREIA already stands out from the rest with its proposition of premium seaside living and direct West Philippine Sea views.

Offering premium seaside living to a discerning few, Freia features 223 superior condo units that include spacious 2-bedroom flats and 3-bedroom penthouses.

However, the added-value that FREIA offers goes beyond the four walls of the luxury condo spaces. These include benefits of healthy seaside living in a properly-maintained community; staying close to the city yet sheltered from the chaotic scenes that one endures on a daily metropolitan basis; and how an exclusive set of amenities reserved for Unit Owners means control over the amount of exposure to external elements by staying safely within the confines of FREIA’s gated enclave, among family and familiar faces.

Rising developments within Pico de Loro Cove also offer the possibility of moving in permanently into a home located in healthy and restful surroundings.

A calculated environment for young to mature families and retirees, FREIA Building Property Management follows a similar format to the existing condominiums in Pico de Loro Cove, where healthy lifestyle and over-all experience are paramount. This kind of sentiment is strongly echoed in the words of Mr. Abrantes, a Pico de Loro Cove resident who stayed in the property throughout the entire quarantine period, “Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa tulong ninyo sa aming mag-asawa during this 2.5 months of ECQ and GCQ, specially all those food supply runs and prescription refill runs that you afforded us. Words are not enough to express our sincerest gratitude toward the services you have given us. Thanks again for all your help.” Certainly, nothing warms the heart more than to hear compliments from Pico residents, such as Mr. Ed Ong, who opined, “Your efforts brought smiles to all of us!”

Regain a sense of wellness following weeks of enforced confinement in Hamilo Coast.

Everything that one can ask for in a tropical haven, Pico de Loro Cove’s fresh sea breezes make it a vibrant change for those emerging from prolonged confinement.

During the quarantine lockdown, the Hamilo Coast Estate, in cooperation with the Pico de Loro Cove Condominiums and Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club as locators, came together to ensure that one's investment in this seaside sanctuary is professionally maintained, beginning from thorough security and health checks at the Hamilo Coast Main Gate, to the daily upkeep of the landscaped grounds and 1.5 kilometer white-sand beach, to the welcoming reception of the staff. This is summed up well in the positive affirmation voiced by one of the condo unit owners, Ms. Dinah, “I was in Pico de Loro since March...and until today, June 2nd we are still here safe and sound. I am happy the way things were handled for the safety of everyone and at the same time still living healthy and have a normal life...We are very lucky to be quarantined in a very beautiful place, the staff are working with all their effort to cater to us and keep us safe. All in all, I am very happy and satisfied the way things were handled during these difficult times. Thank you to the whole team of Pico de Loro!”

Ongoing construction of FREIA beach condominium.

Spending time at the beach is good for one’s health.

Given today’s varied investment environment, FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove continues to prove that it is in a class of its own, implementing strategies that not only preserve asset value but more importantly, promotes an enhanced lifestyle and personal health benefits.

For more information, visit the official website www.hamilocoast.com or call (632) 7945-8000.

SM Prime & Hamilo Coast: Defining Beach Resort Living in the Philippines

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Recognized as one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, SM Prime offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle communities. Under its portfolio of leisure developments is Hamilo Coast, a master-planned seaside community located along Nasugbu, Batangas. 

SM Prime's Hamilo Coast is a master-planned development, a sprawling beach resort community that encompasses 13 coves. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, is home to residential condominium developments and a variety of leisure amenities.

Hamilo Coast is a sprawling coastline residential resort town that encompasses three major mountain peaks and 13 coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its unique location at the head of the Nasugbu coastline makes it the gateway to the so-called “Philippine Riviera”.

Bounded by the vast West Philippine Sea and misty cloud-covered Pico mountain ranges in the east, Hamilo Coast carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses into its communities, wherein beach resort living will eventually be spun into an everyday lifestyle choice. 

Hamilo Coast's latest residential development is Freia, a contemporary tropical inspired beachfront condominium with encompassing vistas of the West Philippine Sea and Mt. Pico.

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development, is a vibrant community where environmental sustainability thrives. It boasts of a 1.5 km. stretch of fine white sand beach, a 4-hectare man-madelagoon centerpiece with pocket gardens, and a Beach and Country Club that features the most extensive land- and sea-based recreational facilities in Nasugbu. In 2007, Hamilo Coast teamed up with the WorldWide Fund for Nature-Philippines, a partnership that continues to thrive up to this day. One of itsenvironmental programs included declaring Pico de Loro Cove as one of its Marine Protected Areas. Conservation efforts under this partnership include ridge-to-reef management, the use of renewable energy, and guidance on the responsible and eco-handling of solid waste.

The Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club is a lifetime membership club that provides exclusive access to the most extensive land and sea-based recreational activities in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A membership at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club is a pass to a whole new world of excitingrecreational adventures. A member has access to aquatic sports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving and outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and birdwatching. Members can also enjoy indoor activities such as billiards, bowling, basketball, tennis, badminton, and swimming.

To enhance, Hamilo Coast continues to elevate beach resort living through its latest residential offering, Freia. Rising a few steps away from Pico de Loro Cove’s beachfront, Freia gives its future residents a breathtaking vista of the serene blue waters of the West Philippine Sea and verdant Pico mountains.

Upon entering Freia, residents are welcomed by a grand, high-ceiling lobby designed by acclaimedconsultant Budji+Royal. The beach condominium will offer 214 superior two-bedroom units and nine bi-level three-bedroom penthouses, each designed with living spaces, large picturesque windows, and spacious balconies, that open up to the owner’s chosen view.

Only a 90-minute drive from the SM Mall of Asia, Hamilo Coast is the premier sustainable beach resort town of the Philippines. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

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On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

Last September 22, 2018, as part of the worldwide movement, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines, bloggers and volunteers join the Coastal Clean Up to save our oceans one coast at a time.

Warriors of the Waters 

Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management. This includes the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrive. Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. 

From Solid Waste to Zero Waste 

With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, including a vermicomposting site aimed at attaining zero green wastes to be sent to landfill. 

Early this 2018, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel shifted a few of its operations to become more environmental friendly. The use of plastics have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which will eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually. 

The Club and Hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative aimed at urging staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, also considering diners who are non-rice eaters. A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year. 

Keeping a resort development clean involves maximum effort. Water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from the different locators within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green. 

Living in Harmony with Nature 

Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia. This mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design and solar energy will be used for certain common areas. An efficient waste management system will also ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community, thus promising a lifestyle that is not just close to nature but is one with its surrounding environmental bounties. 

Through the years, Hamilo Coast continues to champion sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions, such as its Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017, and its exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017, proves Hamilo Coast is not just a destination, but is also becoming a premier sustainable beach resort community. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove is home to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, an exclusive membership club with a plethora of land- and sea-based recreational facilities, and the Pico Sands Hotel, a seven storey, 154- room hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com. 

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects since 1997 to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. For more information, visit wwf.org.ph. 

Pico de Loro Cove is one of several marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast where marine life is preserved and enhanced in partnership with WWF-Philippines since 2007.

FREIA, the new luxury beach condo development at Hamilo Coast

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Premier beach resort living has always been the ultimate dream of urban dwellers who want to seek refuge from the harried pace of city life. There is no more idyllic setting than one that offers a breathtaking view of the sea and a pristine environment that inspires frolicking on the beach under the sun.

With this vision in mind, SM Prime’s Hamilo Coast presents FREIA, its new luxury beach condominium development in Pico de Loro Cove, where future residents can indulge in the spectacular panorama of sea and verdant mountains.

FREIA indeed provides the best vantage points looking out to the picturesque West Philippine Sea and the Pico de Loro mountains. Its prime location makes it just a five-minute stroll away from the Pico Beach, which boasts of 1.5 kilometers of white sand and clear blue waters.

Offering premium seaside living to its discerning clientele, FREIA will have in its roster 223 superior condominium units that include spacious 2-bedroom flats and 3-bedroom penthouses. Ranging in size from 67 to 392 square meters, these resort-type condo residences are designed with sustainable green living in mind and exude a contemporary tropical vibe enhanced by its masterfully designed architecture by Broadway Malyan and GF & Partners.

Common areas of the condominium such as the lobby was interior designed by Budji+Royal with cutting-edge local and international design concepts and high-quality fixtures giving residents a total luxury beach resort experience.

FREIA’s residents will have exclusive access to its upscale, resort-style amenities, among which is an outdoor pool, lounge deck, function rooms, and lush pocket gardens.

Unit ownership at FREIA also comes with membership at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, giving homeowners a chance to enjoy a variety of recreational and sports facilities in Hamilo Coast.

Supporting Hamilo Coast’s commitment to responsible stewardship of nature and the seaside community’s natural topographies, FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove also takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural ventilation and daylighting, photovoltaic roofing, and an efficient waste management system will ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community.

Beach resort living can now become an everyday lifestyle option, with Hamilo Coast’s careful integration of residential, resort, leisure, commercial and institutional land uses. Potential homeowners may thus consider FREIA as a luxury retirement home and not just a weekend getaway.

With naturally stunning views and amenity features that are a cut above the rest, Freia is indeed one of the most coveted premium beach condo developments in the country.

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

Hamilo Coast takes leadership position in sustainable practices

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Hamilo Coast is a sprawling seaside sanctuary along Nasugbu, Batangas, encompassing three major mountain peaks and thirteen coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

SM’s premier beach resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas has once again received the Bronze Benchmark Status from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry. 

This status recognizes Hamilo Coast’s environmental impact through its commitment in achieving sustainable operations based on global standards. Hamilo Coast received its first certification of a Bronze Benchmark status from EarthCheck in 2015.

Pico de Loro Cove is Hamilo Coast’s maiden development. Here, environmental and social sustainability is ensured in its operations to provide premier beach resort living in the country. Pico de Loro Cove was also declared a marine protected area (MPA). 

As can be seen in its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, the design and architecture of key structures clearly show attention to energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and proper waste management.

“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Hamilo Coast’s vision of providing premier beach resort living in the country and what better way to realize this vision than being recognized with such milestone that further intensify our unfailing commitment to flourishing a sustainable beach resort community,” stated Shirley C. Ong, Executive Vice President for Hamilo Coast.

Together with WWF Philippines, coastal and terrestrial resources are also managed to protect and nurture biodiversity. Ongoing projects include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. Marine sanctuaries have also been created such as that located in Santelmo Cove where giant clams are being cultivated.

Santelmo Cove, one of Hamilo Coast’s marine protected areas (MPA), is also an important site for marine biodiversity, where preservation programs such as giant clam seeding and regular reef monitoring are being sustained.

Such initiatives are also intended to benefit neighboring communities. It is of paramount consideration to Hamilo Coast to enhance not only the areas where they live, but their sources of livelihood as well. And with the assistance of the SM Foundation, community members are involved, motivated, and educated to be prime movers themselves of these sustainability efforts.

EarthCheck CEO Steward Moore has said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Moore further added: “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dares to make a difference.”

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

OPPO unveils its latest selfie expert - OPPOF1s

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Selfies just got better with the F1s as OPPO Philippines unveils its latest selfie expert - OPPOF1s! 

For travelers, photographers, lifestyle people and everyone as what is more known "selfies" you can now enjoy doing things wherever and whenever, capture, share, and store priceless moments. 

OPPO released a new smartphone under the F1 series that’s sure to offer the best selfie experience yet. The F1s combines powerful hardware and software to create a selfie experience like no other.

The newest amazing camera phone dubbed as the “selfie expert” was launched during the fun-filled activities for the media / bloggers held at Pico Sands Hotel, Pico De Loro Cove, Batangas on August 11-13, 2016.

OPPO's F1s knocks the selfie game out of the park without leaving the mid-end price point. Competition in the smartphone industry has never been this intense, with high-spec offerings entering the market left and right, often with costs to match. 

After F1 and F1 Plus, rising mobile tech giant OPPO is back with the F1s—a new model that packs stronger firepower than its predecessors without the premium pricing.

Visually, the F1s continues along the line of previous OPPO units, with the use of thin, nicely rounded bezels and the prominent white colorway of its predecessors. That's where the similarities end, though.

Art, smarts, and looks to die for

For a phone with a 5.5-inch form factor, the F1s doesn't skimp out on its feature set. The first notable feature is its 16-megapixel front-facing camera, which is predictably amazing for selfies, group photos, and video calls. The rear camera is no slouch either, boasting a powerful 13-megapixel sensor.

The phone runs on an MT6750 octa-core processor with up to three gigabytes of RAM. It also carries a fair amount of juice with a 3075 mAh internal battery. This should be more than enough for casual gaming and browsing social media accounts throughout the day.

Stephen Cheng, OPPO Brand Marketing Manager for the Philippines

"It’s amazing how the F1s lets you capture selfies the way you want them to look," said OPPO Brand Marketing Manager for the Philippines Stephen Cheng during the F1s launch at Pico de Loro, Batangas last August 11. 

"We wanted to offer a phone that gives selfie lovers a satisfying photo experience, and I think the new model does just that."

Adding to its sheer power, the F1s runs on the latest version of OPPO's ColorOS, a proprietary Android skin. While the camera itself is an impressive piece of hardware, OPPO's built-in Beautify 4.0 software allows users to readily tweak their photos on the fly.

It's hard to stand out in the saturated selfie smartphone market, but OPPO is really coming into their own as a company that allows its hardware to step back and let the users be the stars.

"With how personal phones are, it's important for us to produce models that bring out the best in people," Cheng said.

International finance company Home Credit offers the F1s at an affordable six-month installment plan for as low as P2,165 at zero percent interest. “Home Credit aims to bring smiles to many Filipino customers as we offer the newest OPPO F1S at very affordable installments,” said Home Credit Philippines’ Head of Sales, Adam Bernasek.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with OPPO once again, and we look forward to helping even more Filipinos avail of the best selfie phone in the market."

OPPO partnered with Home Credit earlier this year to offer the F1 at zero percent installments.

For more information, please visit http://global.oppo.com.