Home Credit keeps its momentum going

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Different shoppers have different spending habits. If you’re the type to prefer managed spending through installments but do not have or do not want to use a credit card, this may be the perfect solution for you. Now more Filipinos can purchase the gadgets, appliances and other electronics that they need to make life more convenient at affordable installments through Home Credit Philippines. 

Following its success in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces in Luzon, Home Credit Philippines, an international consumer finance company, heeded the demand from customers and partners, and recently expanded its operations to Cebu City and Pampanga to make its financing services available to more consumers.

“At Home Credit, our aim is to allow consumers to afford the things that they need to live a better life. While some of these products may seem heavy on the pocket at the onset, we offer affordable installment plans that will allow them to make a purchase and take home the goods right then and there. One of the best things about it, aside from the no-fuss process, is that there is no need for a credit card,” said David Minol, CEO of Home Credit Philippines.

Availing of Home Credit Installment is easy, simple and fast. Everyone can apply by presenting at least two valid IDs, completing an application form, and paying the downpayment. Applications are then processed within 30 minutes, after which, shoppers can leave the store with their purchased goods.

“Our expansion to Cebu and Pampanga is a huge milestone for us as we’ve always identified these areas as key destinations where we think our financing services will be of great advantage. We’re very excited now that we’re able to help more customers with their purchases,” Minol added.

First established in the country in 2013, Home Credit has already served close to 200,000 customers who have purchased different products including tablets, flat screen TVs, mobile phones, and home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators at varying installment arrangements. 

As part of the expansion, Home Credit began its operations in Cebu City on January 20, 2016 in Ayala Center Cebu and later expanded to SM Cebu with SM Appliances, Automatic Centre, MemoXpress and Rulls as its initial partners among others.

Meanwhile, Home Credit began its operations in Pampanga on January 25, 2016 in SM Pampanga with its partner retailers including Samsung, MemoXpress, Asianic, Robinson Appliances, SM Appliances, 

Silicon Valley and Rulls. Now, Home Credit is also available in SM San Fernando Downtown, SM Clark, Robinson StarMills, Robinson’s Angeles, and Marque Mall Angeles.

In Metro Manila, Home Credit has retail partners in almost all major malls including Ali Mall, Cash and Carry, Eastwood, Fairview Terraces, Festival Mall, Fisher Mall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta, Market Market, Pure Gold, Robinsons, SM Malls, Starmall, Trinoma and Vira Mall among others. Partners include Acer, Automatic Centre, Lenovo, MemoXpress, MyPhone, Oppo, Samsung, Silicon Valley, SM Appliance, Robinsons Appliances, and many more.

Now present in close to a thousand retail stores in the Philippines, Home Credit is gearing up for further expansion to other areas in the Philippines. To know more about Home Credit and find a list of partner retail stores nearest to you, please visit www.homecredit.ph.

Now available in more locations nationwide, 

Home Credit helps you get the things you need at affordable installments

Healthy lifestyles: The doctor is always in with MediCard’s My Pocket Doctor

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Let your health top your 2016 priority. 

MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, gives a time-saving and convenient option to get medical consultations anytime, anywhere with the My Pocket Doctor. 

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines, says:

“My Pocket Doctor is definitely a game changer especially in the medical field. It is also our way of using modernized technology to make medical consultations handy for everyone. With less waiting time, patients can now get in touch easily with a medical doctor and get consultations instantly, at the comfort of their homes or offices.”

To use My Pocket Doctor, simply register on the My Pocket Doctor website (mypocketdoctor.com) or via the app through the App Store or Google Play Store and wait for an activation link with username and password.  

Users can also register via text by sending their email address and cellphone number to 29290DOCTOR (or 2929036-2867) and wait for a call from a nurse to complete their one-time registration. 

After registration, a nurse will call the member for assessment to schedule the consultation with one of their doctors. A medical doctor will call the patient for a check-up and give prescriptions or instructions. Video call via webcam can also be done during medical consultation for cases that need visual assessment such as skin rashes. 

My Pocket Doctor has highly competent, well-trained and unbiased medical doctors from Europe and Philippines who can cover up to 70% of all health issues in a consultation and are available 24/7, ensuring members an accessible and credible medical service. 

The MediCard My Pocket Doctor Card is for sale at P450 at select MediCard free-standing clinics. Soon, the card will be also sold online through MediCard’s online store.

Always be healthy, be wise.

Award winning Filipino dance troop to perform at World Culture Festival

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The multi-awarded dancers from Leyte’s Buyogan festival to perform at world’s largest gathering for global peace and The Art of Living Foundation’s 35th year Anniversary

Over a hundred cultural performers from the multi-award Buyogan Festival from Leyte have been invited to perform at the upcoming World Culture Festival. 

The World Culture Festival is the largest gathering the world has ever seen, attracting millions from different cultures, nations and faiths uniting under the resounding message of One World Family. The group’s attendance will mark the first time that a representative from the Philippines will grace the global event which will be held on March 11-13, 2016 in New Delhi, India.

The Buyogan Festival is a group of cultural performers from Leyte, which was critically impacted by Typhoon Yolanda three years ago. They have won several championships at the Sinulog Festival and are proud to represent the nation in this historic event.

They have choreographed a special performance which is a tribute to the world for their help after Typhoon Hayien and also showing the resilience of the Filipinos moving from devastation to rehabilitation and to celebration.

The WCF is part of the 35^th anniversary celebration of The Art of Living, a global movement founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Speaking on this grand celebration, World Culture Festival 2016, The Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "We are a part of one humanity and we express ourselves differently through music, art and food. Celebrating our diverse cultures binds us together and expands our perspectives. The World Culture Festival emphasizes on co-existence, demonstrating the power of peace by bringing millions of people together. It is an opportunity for world leaders from cultural, social, political, business fields to come together to rekindle human values in the pursuit of happiness and peace."

​​The Art of Living is looking for generous benefactors and sponsors who would like to contribute and make the dream of the award-winning Buyogan Festival cultural performers to travel to India a reality.

The Buyogan Festival is a fiesta that is celebrated in the coastal town of Abuyong in Leyte, where the local buyog or bees take the spotlight as vibrant bee dancers perform during a grand parade. No doubt, it would be a shining moment for Tacloban—an area that has been reeling from challenges in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda—its people, and our nation as we showcase the best of the Philippines to the world.

‘World Culture Festival' (WCF) is expected to host millions of people from over 155 countries in New Delhi. The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India.

 The 3-day grand festival will have a massive 7-acre stage to seat thousands of artists, dignitaries and guests as they witness the staging of a most impressive variety of music, dances and other art forms from India and across the globe, with the vision of preserving them for future generations. On all three days of the festival, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will lead a ‘Peace Meditation’ which would be joined by millions from across the globe.  

Individuals and organizations who wish to know more on how they can support may call Kim Hartman at 0917 8480063. 

More info can be found at The Art of Living Philppines Facebook page, #wcf2016 #worldculturefestival. 

Help fund the initiative online at www.tinyurl.com/BuyoganToWCF. Learn more about the Art of Living at: www.artofliving.org or call 0917-840-0049  (02) 622-2566 for inquiries.

Several graduates of the Art of Living programs as well as those who are simply interested to be part of a Global Peace effort are also making plans to represent the Philippines and attend this historic event. Filipinos who have been keen to visit India may also see this as a great opportunity. The Art of Living Foundation can help with tour packages and travel arrangements.

About The Art of Living:

The Art of Living Foundation, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, is a global movement, rekindling human values in the pursuit of happiness and peace. It works to bring peace at the level of the individual, society, nation and the world as a whole. Its areas of work cover conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, campaigns against female foeticide and environment sustainability. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His vision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world. 

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world. His peace initiatives in Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Kashmir and Bihar have been widely acknowledged.  Present in 155​ countries, The Art of Living formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations.  Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has reached out to an estimated 370 million people worldwide through personal interactions, public events, teachings, Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives.

Learn more about this amazing event at www.worldculturefestival.com or call Kim Hartman at 0917 8480063 or 0917 8105990 for more info on how to join the Philippine delegation traveling to India.

Website: www.worldculturefestival.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wcf2016

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheWorldCultureFestival

Health : Five simple ways to love your lungs

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Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease

(An educational article sponsored by MSD.)

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco use as the cause of 70 percent of lung cancer deaths, those who do not smoke are equally at risk of developing the disease. A study conducted on Asian patients with advanced adenocarcinoma affecting the lungs has even shown that non-smokers have a higher chance of forming tumors compared with regular smokers.1

According to the WHO, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.2The same is true in the Philippines where it is the top cancer killer among Filipino men, and the second most common cancer killer among Filipino women.3 Aside from tobacco use, lung cancer may develop due to family history, exposure to industrial and chemical carcinogens, as well as indoor and outdoor air pollution. The WHO also identifies unhealthy habits as a leading cause of cancer.4

“There is a popular notion that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, but even those who are already leading healthy and active lifestyles may still be exposed to its other risk factors,” said Dr. Ena Ang of MSD Oncology. “That is why vigilance is necessary to protect ourselves against lung cancer.”

For smokers, quitting is the necessary first step to avoiding cancer. As for non-smokers, certain habits and practices can help minimize risk for the disease. Below are just some of these to ensure good lung health:

1. Avoid heavily polluted areas

Increased exposure to particulate matter and air pollution increases the likelihood of lung cancer, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, emitted from sources such as construction sites, power plants, industries, automobiles, and fireworks.5

If you work in or near areas that emit large volumes of PM, wearing protective equipment is advised. If you can’t avoid going to heavily polluted areas, you can wear a mask recommended or provided by your doctor.6

2. Keep indoor air clean

Indoor air pollution from solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and coal used for cooking causes approximately 17 percent of annual premature lung cancer deaths in adults, according to the WHO.7Households can reduce this risk by switching to cooking technologies that are safer to human health. Because homes are also susceptible to outdoor particulate matter due to air leaks, air purifiers are recommended to improve indoor air quality.8

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables

Diet plays a central role in keeping the body healthy against diseases, including cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight off cancer, while diets heavy in protein and fat increase the risk for the disease.9Regular exercise, as well as abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, maximizes the benefits of a healthy diet.

4. Exercise more

According to the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physically active individuals have a lower chance of developing lung cancer by up to 20 percent.10If you already exercise regularly, it’s important to avoid working out in or near heavily polluted areas to keep your lungs safe and healthy.

5. Seek medical assistance for symptoms

In many cases, lung cancer is already in the advanced stages by the time it is diagnosed as the symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses. An early symptom of the disease can be as simple as a cough. When you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, fatigue, and loss of weight and appetite, see a doctor right away. Coughing up blood is already a serious sign that could indicate advanced lung cancer.

Immediate diagnosis could prompt early action especially if the cancer is still in its early stages. This does not mean, however, that the disease is no longer manageable once it is already advanced. At this point, advanced treatment options are available to help in managing Stage 4 lung cancer to increase the rate of survival.

1 A Prospective, Molecular Epidemiology Study of EGFR Mutations in Asian Patients with Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer of Adenocarcinoma Histology (2014)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132036/ Accessed January 28 2016.

2 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

3 Globocan 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx Accessed January 28, 2016

4 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/Accessed January 28, 2016

5 United States Environmental Protection Agency http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/particlepollution/basic.html Accessed January 28, 2016

6 Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Understanding_COPD/hic_Preventing_Respiratory_Infection_and_Avoiding_IrritantsAccessed January 28, 2016

7 World Health Organizationhttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

8 Vijayan, V. K., Paramesh, H., Salvi, S. S., & Dalal, A. A. K. (2015). Enhancing indoor air quality –The air filter advantage. Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society, 32(5), 473–479. http://doi.org/10.4103/0970-2113.164174

9 Healwithfood.org http://www.healwithfood.org/lungcancer/diet.php Accessed January 28,2016

10 National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet#q7Accessed January 28, 2016

The Voice Season 10 welcomes the return of Judge Cristina Aguilera

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Sweet and feisty Cristina Aguilera returns to one of the chairs for the tenth season of the Voice. Staying put also are its male judges: Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams.

Flying high from fantastic ratings from Season 9, this latest installment promises to once again keep its audience at the edge of their seats as it showcases the best singing talent across the USA. Watch as each judge take tips from their own phenomenal careers and use them to mentor every competitor in the show.

Still known to be the show that revolutionized singing competitions across the globe, The Voice enjoys critical acclaim and a loyal worldwide following.

The All New Season 10 airing every Tuesday and Wednesday on AXN.

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

www.AXN-Asia.com