Flint Helps Brgy. Biluso Become More Self-Sufficient: Real estate crowdfunding platform builds a solar-powered water system in Brgy. Biluso

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Flint, the first, tech-enabled, low-cost real estate crowdfunding platform in the Philippines, recently built a solar-powered water system in Brgy. Biluso. The district, located in Silang, Cavite, has been known to have problems with water availability, with some residents not having daily and consistent access to clean, potable water.

This issue was made even more apparent during the recent battering of the super typhoons which damaged pipes and flooded many areas. And while the immediate effects of the typhoons have been resolved, residents of the area worry that they are under the ever-present threat of having their lives spun around yet again by another series of storms.

Flint addresses this challenge with its latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that aims to help small government units with various infrastructure projects. The goal is to use non-traditional methods to support sustainable ways of developments and provide solutions to existing problems. To help realize this goal, Flint has also partnered with various companies such as Vi Group and KMVAsia, with the latter placing a strong emphasis on green architecture.

Crafting sustainable solutions

It wasn’t enough for Flint to just “fix” a problem – they wanted to ensure that Brgy. Biluso would be able to maintain its own independence, even long after the end of the project. It was also important for Flint to use strategies that would still be viable for decades. This is why they chose to built a water system that was powered by solar panels.

Solar panels have been growing in popularity in the recent years, as it is both energy-efficient and environment-friendly. As the name suggests, the panels absorb heat from the sun which is then used as a source of energy. Unlike traditional coal, solar panels do not produce harmful environmental by-products and can be used indefinitely. With Brgy. Biluso now being powered with solar panels, Flint hopes that the community will be able to have clean water all year-long.

The importance of strong infrastructure

Needless to say, where we live is important. This goes beyond the fancy interiors or the decorative designs. Each person needs to have a home that is strong enough to withstand the elements. Still, many Filipinos do not have homes of their own, due to either poor financial planning or remaining unaware of avenues that offer affordable real estate. Flint is first and only crowdfunding platform specifically for those who want to invest in Philippine real estate. Unlike other crowdfunding apps, Flint only shows real estate projects, which have been consistently studied to be low-risk investments when managed properly.

The biggest Back-to-School promo from Samsung: Get up to P5,000 off on select Galaxy Tabs

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With the rise of the new normal, a key factor in the success of online learning is having the right device. A gadget with suitable specs paired with a stable internet connection can make online classes easier for students to learn in the new normal. For parents worrying about their children’s education this New Year, they can rely on Samsung to welcome the year with a show of gratitude for the year that was 2020.

To start the New Year, Samsung aims to make online learning even more accessible, comfortable, and fun with the biggest Back-to-School promotions[1] of the Galaxy Tabs where students can get up to P5,000 discount from January 5 to 31, 2021. This serves as Samsung’s big thank you for continuing to support the brand in spite of the hurdles and challenges that 2020 brought to everyone. The Galaxy Tab S7|S7+, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab A with S Pen and Galaxy Tab A 8.0 are now all available on special discount for a limited time only. These tablets come with easy-to-use-features perfect for digital learning and those students in need of updated, powerful devices.

 

Giving students the power to study and play with the Galaxy Tab S7 Series

Those looking for a device that can seamlessly manage the mix of work and play will be sure to enjoy the array of cutting edge features such as a new and improved S Pen with ultra-low latency. This is best paired with the device’s 120Hz display refresh rate for the ultimate experience, be it in writing or drawing. The device also has the improved Samsung Notes app that allows users to easily create, edit, and share their ideas across their tablet, phone, or Windows 10 PC. Just like the Galaxy Note20, the device is also capable of turning messy handwriting into legible penmanship. Further expanding what one can do for productivity and entertainment, the device’s Samsung DeX feature provides a wireless means to produce a second screen through a monitor or TV.

Whether it’s note-taking for classes, drawing, watching videos, or playing the most intense games, the Tab S7 series provides an immersive and enjoyable experience through its large display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and quad speakers tuned by AKG and sound by Dolby Atmos. The Galaxy Tab S7 comes with an 11-inch LTPS Display, while the Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display.

For capturing high-quality photos and videos, both the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ come with a 13MP Main and 5MP Ultra Wide camera with flash as well as an 8MP front camera. With the Book Cover Keyboard, now improved with a larger touchpad and intuitive function keys, users are in for a PC-like experience with a single tap. With the Back-to-School promo, Samsung is offering the Galaxy Tab S7+ at Php 5,000 off and is now only Php 58,990 while the Galaxy Tab S7 with Php 4,000 off is now just Php 43,990.[2]

Ensure learning without interruptions with the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite                          

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite also makes for a great online learning companion as it features an immersive 10.4” WUXGA+ display and breathtaking audio with its dual speakers with sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos 3D. These features enable learners to watch and listen to their online classes and virtual workshops without interruptions, as well as tune in to the content they love in high-quality—whether it be for learning a new skill or binge-watching a new show during downtime.

The tablet comes with a precise, ergonomic S Pen which makes drawing and jotting down notes easier than ever. Parents can use this feature to encourage creativity among children through visuals—may it be in the form of painting or other types of artworks. They can also use it for personal learning, such as listing down new recipes, experimenting on digital artworks, and creating digital bullet journals. What’s more interesting is that users can turn their scribbles into digital text via the Text Conversion feature on the Samsung Notes app.

The S Pen is also magnetically attached to the tablet and its accompanying book cover so users don’t have to worry about misplacing it.

The tablet also comes with various apps that can be valuable for learning--may it be through educational and inspirational videos, shows, or podcasts. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers access to various educational apps and content via Youtube, Spotify, Netflix and so on. Whether it’s for watching children shows, discovering a new life-changing hack, or listening to motivational podcasts, the tablet is equipped with apps and content for various learning needs.

Furthermore, it has the Samsung Kids feature which helps set parents' minds at ease as it safely introduces children to the digital world through a range of exciting, colorful, family-friendly learning apps and games. Through the app, parents can also control the amount of time that children spend on the tablet.

During the Back-to-School promo, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is available at only Php 23,990, previously Php 26,990. [3]

 

Beginner friendly e-learning for students

For those looking to provide a tablet that’s easy to use for beginners and has the S Pen, Samsung offers the Galaxy Tab A with S Pen. The Galaxy Tab A with S Pen comes with a display measuring at 8 inches, just right for young children experiencing e-learning at home. This Tab is powered by an octa-core chipset and comes with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. Other features include 2D Face recognition, Dolby Atmos audio, a 4,200mAh battery capacity, and runs on Android 10 Q. This device is a perfect companion to those who consume a lot of content like browsing on social media and watching videos on Netflix and YouTube. Those who want to encourage the motor skills of their children will find the S Pen to be very useful and will serve as the super-convenient tool for all drawing and writing needs.

With the new Back-to-School promo, parents can now buy their children the Samsung Galaxy Tab A with S Pen at PHP 12,490 (previously at Php 13,990). [4]                                   

Affordable e-learning for young students

Given the new year and new normal, many families may be looking for good bargains to replace their current devices. Parents need not look further than the more affordable option of Samsung with the Galaxy Tab A 8.0. This portable tablet packs a punch with its premium metallic design and brilliant basic performance perfect for young children beginning their e-learning journey. This Tab has an 8 inch screen, a 5,100 mAh long-lasting battery, 8MP high resolution back camera and 2MP front camera. With its powerful Quad-core processor and Snapdragon 429 chipset, parents don’t have to worry about any lag during class time. In addition to all these excellent basic features, the Tab comes with the pre-installed Samsung Kids app and various other pre—installed content all available through secure mode.

 

The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is now available at only Php 6,990[5] with the new Back-to-School promo of Samsung.

 

Know more about the Samsung Galaxy Tabs Back-to-School promo[6] at samsung.com/ph.

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[1] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

[2] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

[3] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

[4] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

[5] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

[6] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB- 111342 Series of 2020

GCash in 2020 Catalyzing growth of the new digital economy

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2020 has been a year full of challenges, with the world still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 economically. In the Philippines, consumers have adjusted to the new normal by adopting, among others, fintech services to make their financial lifestyles more convenient and themselves safe against the pandemic.

Dedicated in its commitment in democratizing payments, GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, shares how Filipinos have embraced digital finance through a snapshot of its performance this year.

Over PHP 1 trillion in transactions have passed through the GCash app during 2020, peaking at a PHP 7.5 billion daily gross transaction value, and with more than 6 million transactions in a day. The mobile wallet company also grew its users to 33 million, a 65% growth versus last year.

GCash Forest, the mobile wallet’s multi-awarded, gamified solution in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint, has now over 6.7 million users actively collecting carbon points, which in turn can secure the users an actual tree to be planted in select forest sheds in the country. 

“GCash has played an integral role in keeping not only the economy going this year, but keeping Filipinos safe and sane during the pandemic. We’ve seen not only heads of households and young adults use the GCash app for their financial lifestyle, but even consumers that advocate a greener Philippines, in maximizing what our platform has to offer,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

GCash is also revolutionizing the way Filipinos handle their money. As of November 2020, 3 million GSave accounts have been opened, demonstrating how banking behavior is shifting from traditional physical branch visits, to simply transferring to a digital savings account. Lending is another example: Over PHP 8 billion have been extended to more than 900,000 Filipinos in need of funds through the app’s GCredit service, disrupting existing processes for loans in the country. 

As a force for good, GCash users have donated more than PHP 40 million in 2020 alone as relief to those who have been affected by COVID-19 and the typhoons near the end of the year through the mobile wallet’s CSR initiative GCash for Good. Gone are the days where donations are only done through banks, with donors scanning deposit slips as proof of transactions. Once again, behavior has shifted from traditional to digital. 

Shopping is another use case consumers have applied GCash to: this year alone, Filipinos spent over PHP 16 billion on popular online shopping sites such as Lazada and Shopee. Meanwhile, more than 600,000 merchants and social online sellers opened up shop during the pandemic with GCash as the primary mode of payment.

“Aside from regular financial transactions such as money transfer and bills payments, we’ve noticed shifting behaviors on how money and digital money is being used, namely on entertainment, savings, donations, and online shopping,” added Sazon, crediting the mobile wallet’s quick pivot on user needs to further expand financial inclusion in the country through digital transformation.

GCash is so pervasive in society that it’s becoming a verb: A Filipino on average mentions the word “GCash” on social media every second of every day in the country, not yet including other communication media such as personal conversations, texts, and emails. Memes have also popped up this holiday season, asking ninongs and ninangs to just send their aguinaldos using GCash.

The outlook of fintech indeed is bright in the country, especially now that the new normal is here. This year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced their Digital Transformation Roadmap, where the agency aims to shift at least 50 percent of retail payment transactions to digital, and to have at least 70 percent of Filipinos have their own e-wallet by 2023. GCash fully supports this endeavor, and is confident that it will be able to accelerate meeting this goal, as 1 in 3 Filipinos already have a GCash account. 

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. 

For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

 

Canva empowers home based entrepreneurs with its accessible suite of tools

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With the passion for helping more online entrepreneurs, Canva has launched Canva for Negosyo, the Filipino business owner’s partner in creativity and productivity for their digital footprint. It’s an online hub that offers a wide selection of resources useful for designing, marketing, and managing a small business online: from video tutorials on branding and graphic design to customizable marketing templates and toolkits.

Entrepreneurs who are looking to present their products and services to attract more customers can choose from among Canva’s many user-friendly templates and toolkits. Then, there are entrepreneurs, like Sandee Sevilla, who use Canva as their main business tool.

Sandee Sevilla, who use Canva as their main business tool.

Sandee, a stay-at-home mom, creates banners, visual content, marketing assets, and various other designs for her clients. “I had a client 3 years ago who needed a postcard. I did my research, saw Canva, tried it and fell in love with it.” She has been taking on her clients’ design needs ever since, averaging 30 clients a month. “I have taken on more than 600 projects already, with 14 regular clients who ask me for social media graphics, banners, etc.,” she says proudly.

Currently she earns up to 150,000 pesos monthly. Sandee has been able to provide employment opportunities as well. “I started as a one-woman team, but with the big demand, I then had to hire my first assistant.” Now, she has five team members who are mostly fellow Filipino stay-at-home moms.

With her home based business allowing her to earn as much as P20,000 to 30,000 a month back in 2016 to 2017, Sandee has been able to contribute significantly to their family income, “We have been able to move to a bigger home where my four kids now have rooms of their own. My husband and I have also transferred them from public school to private school.”

“For me, Canva is a time-saver because it is so easy to use. It allows me to compete internationally even though I am just a self-taught designer. It has opened so many doors for me. There are really a lot of opportunities through Canva,” Sevilla shares.

Maisie Littaua, Head of Growth for Canva Philippines says that Canva is happy to partner with “homepreneurs” in building their online businesses. “Canva is designed for ease of use, and with our toolkit, we offer a variety of choices which small businesses can harness for their growth. Madaling matutunan at gamitin ang Canva, at maraming business opportunities ang pwedeng pag-gamitan ng skills dito. With Canva, truly, your imagination is your limit.” 

Canva for Negosyo also hosts a series of webinars covering topics such as Intro to Canva and Designing 101, Branding for your Business & Social Media Mastery, and Designing Your Marketing Materials on Canva. A Canva for Negosyo Facebook community is also online, where members can network and share their own tips on how to expand their market. These and other business help tools are available on Canva.

If you are a small business owner, a local entrepreneur, visit https://www.canva.com/canva-for-negosyo/ to know more about Canva for Negosyo.

Series streams worldwide on January 13; Charlie Dizon takes on first horror role: NIGHTMARISH TALES OF MISFORTUNE IN iWANTTFC’S HORROR ANTHOLOGY SERIES “HORRORSCOPE”

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iWantTFC welcomes the New Year with its first original 2021 offering titled “Horrorscope,” an anthology series about how one’s astrological sign can bring misfortune and terror, which begins streaming worldwide on January 13.

 

Starring Charlie Dizon, Elisse Joson, Patrick Quiroz, Fino Herrera, Iyah Mina, and Paolo Gumabao, “Horroscope’s” Zodiac-based chapters are a follow-up to Jake Cuenca’s “Scorpio” episode in “Sitsit,” which is also available on iWantTFC.

In the “Virgo” episode of “Horrorscope,” MMFF 2020 Best Actress Charlie Dizon takes on her first horror role as Ronalyn, an idealistic rookie police officer who is forced by her superiors to join a group of corrupt “ninja cops” in exchange for a promotion.

 

To be accepted, Ronalyn needs to extract information from and then execute a suspected drug runner held captive by the group, who turns out to be her ex-boyfriend and first love Dado (Fino Herrera). Before her bosses find out about their real connection, Ronalyn then must choose between doing what’s right and saving her own life.

 

In the “Leo” episode, Iyah Mina plays the controlling fashion designer Leona, who is mourning the passing of her younger boyfriend Jonas (Paolo Gumabao). Her only wish is to be with him again, so she hires a necromancer to bring Jonas back from the dead.

 

But raising the dead has its own tragic consequences, and karma befalls the obsessed Leona as her dead boyfriend yearns for her to share his grave.

Patrick Quizon, meanwhile, plays the earnest sacristan Ponce in the “Libra” episode, where he helps a priest exorcise the devil from a mysterious lady named Clarissa (Elisse Joson). During the ritual, Clarissa becomes too strong and her womb swells to give birth to the prince of darkness.

 

As both of them become overpowered by Clarissa, the priest decides to kill her as a last resort. But Ponce is paralyzed by fear and his conscience, unable to decide whether to help the priest with his morbid solution or save Clarissa and her unborn child.

 

“Horrorscope” is created, produced, and directed by Ato Bautista, who also helmed the “Scorpio” episode in iWantTFC’s “Sitsit” movie series.

 

Standard and premium subscribers worldwide can watch the three episodes of “Horrorscope” on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or on iwanttfc.com starting January 13. 

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC, and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC.  For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWant TFC’s Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.