Here’s how you shop and pay using QR Ph!

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Home Credit’s customers may pay their credit card and Qwarta purchases using QR Ph

There is no doubt that Filipinos love to shop, be it in malls, online stores, or even on e-commerce platforms. It is a way for us to reward ourselves when we achieve something or if we want to simply show our appreciation to our family, friends, or loved ones.

Though shopping is fun and therapeutic, we can’t deny that counting your money in public while waiting in long queues can be the total opposite. The same goes for filling out forms that are overly long when paying for your online purchases. As much as possible, we want to shop in the most convenient and safest way possible.

Over the past years, the use of digital modes of payment, such as online bank transfers, e-wallets, and QR codes, when paying for shopping bills, utilities, etc., has increasingly been seen and patronized by Filipino consumers. These have also helped businesses safely keep and access accurate information and have real-time visibility of their money.

Now that Filipinos have been more invested in purchasing items they need or want due to revenge spending— shopping should be fast, safe, and easy. With the push QR Ph, the national QR Code standard launched by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Filipinos may instantly send and receive money using online banking or e-wallets by sharing or scanning their QR code.

QR Ph is considered a safe and secure payment method for shoppers and merchants. It offers layers of security that allow customers to control the process by scanning the code without the need to provide personal information such as PIN.

Through a mobile phone, Filipinos can generate their QR Ph code from their electronic account to make a payment. On the other hand, merchants can provide their store’s QR Ph code to be scanned by the customer’s mobile phone.

The use of QR Ph enables more consumers and businesses to participate in the digital payment ecosystem, starting with MSMEs and vendors such as sari-sari stores and tricycle drivers that will eventually help them improve and grow their businesses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Vw22yXAvg

Home Credit is the first non-bank institution in the country to issue a credit card to its customers. Its partnership with Asia United Bank (AUB) allowed Home Credit cardholders to make cardless payments through the use of quick response or QR codes, also becoming a pioneer in the QR code payment service. With QR Ph person-to-merchant (P2M) payments availability, its account holders have access to 473,000 participating merchants nationwide, including retail stores, groceries, gas stations, pharmacies, and more.

Through the My Home Credit app, account holders will only need to scan the displayed QR Ph codes to pay for their purchases in all partner stores led by GCash and Maya, paving the way for a cashless and convenient payment option for transactions. In the My Home Credit app alone, all transactions will be automatically charged to the Home Credit Card or Qwarta, which can also be checked and tracked through the mobile app.

More than 9 million My Home Credit app users can simply scan the QR Ph codes displayed in any merchant establishments using their mobile devices for goods and services, making it a faster, easier, and safer payment option.

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). To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit their official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow them on their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

For these Shopee Sellers, live selling is crucial to the growth of their online business

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Three winners of the first Shopee Live Star Seller Awards share their e-commerce journey

Live selling has seen a tremendous boom in recent years as it has become a key part in enhancing the whole online shopping experience for both sellers and buyers. In time for its 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee launched its first ever Shopee Live Star Seller Awards to give recognition to 99 hardworking and talented sellers who reached milestones in their online selling journey.

Shopee Live has become a platform for Shopee sellers to engage with buyers in real time and enhance their customer service experience. Sellers on the live streaming platform also have access to an array of seller tools that can maximize their streaming sessions to help increase their sales and boost customer engagement. With this, three Shopee sellers shared their personal stories on how Shopee Live helped them grow their business and more importantly, changed their lives.

It only takes a mobile phone and determination to start

Cecille, shop owner of Cilebritee and a mother of two, started live selling when she chanced upon the Shopee Live feature on the platform. “Noong nakita kong may Shopee Live button sa Shopee ko, tinesting ko lang. Hindi ako prepared. Wala akong kahit anong gamit o equipment. Ang meron lang ako ay talent sa pagtitinda at cellphone,” she shared.

When Cecille first started using Shopee Live, she sold women’s bags while sitting on the floor with her phone. She was thrilled that she sold out on her first night so she decided to keep going. From only 50 orders a night, she now gets over a thousand. Cecille shared how the Coins Giveaway feature helped her stand out and get more sales, especially during Double Day campaigns. “Tinutulungan rin ako ng Shopee Livestream team kung paano i-improve yung sales ko at maging isa sa mga top sellers.”, Cecille said.

Today, she is consistently a top performer on Shopee Live. She has her own Live Room with advanced equipment and a full livestream set-up. Cecille even manages a staff of 15 to provide them with means to generate income. “Nakakabili na kami ng mga pangangailangan namin sa pang araw-araw. Madami kaming nagagawa ngayon hindi namin magagawa kung hindi namin sinubukan ang Shopee Live.”, shared Cecille.

Making the brave decision to go online with live selling

Jeferson, shop owner of Shoppup2, transitioned from the BPO sector to being a full-time Shopee Live seller. “In 2017, I decided to resign with only ₱35,000 in my pocket. In every decision we make, we have the responsibility to face it, and it's up to us to make it work”, Jeferson shared.

He started selling women’s bags and accessories, as there was a big market for it. As years passed, he was able to grow his business and even employ more than 15 staff to help with quality control, packaging, and customer service. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it didn’t stop them and they grew their orders by the thousands.

He shared that the In-App Business Insights tool was a key feature that helped him succeed, as it helps keep track of his streams’ performance. They are able to improve on his live selling strategy to generate more orders. Another was the Chat Broadcast feature which builds excitement about the upcoming items that they can expect on his next stream.

“I no longer have to worry about my bills, and I’m now more able to provide more than enough for my loved ones being the breadwinner of my family,” Jefferson shared.

Choosing to stay and grow with Shopee Live

Trixie, shop owner of Mercatofinds, took a leap of faith when she chose to become a full-time Shopee Live seller over working in Italy. “It wasn't an easy decision - never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I could earn more online than working abroad,” Trixie shared. “I was a fresh graduate and I didn't have any experience. All I had was my love for fashion and my dreams to reach.”

Months before her flight, she started selling clothes on Shopee Live, and she was surprised that her stock was sold out. As she continued selling women’s apparel on Shopee Live, she learned how to maximize its features, specifically the Polling feature, as it helps her gauge what items her customers are interested in. When her business grew, she made the choice to make a living with Shopee live, and not go abroad.

At present, Trixie now employs her own staff, has her own office space and has invested in other ventures as well. More importantly, she shared that she gets to do all of this while still being able to spend time with her family. “I cannot imagine where I'd be without Shopee, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. Salamat, Shopee!”, she shared.

If you want to be a Shopee Live Seller and drive your business forward, learn more and Get Started on Shopee.

AIP Forges Stronger Partnerships, Launches New Compounding Solutions This World Pharmacy Day

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Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), the country’s pioneer compounding pharmacy, celebrates World Pharmacy Day with strengthened ties with pharmacist organizations and a new line of compounded solutions for Filipinos.

AIP honors the country’s hardworking pharmacists and acknowledges their contributions in improving health and pharmaceutical care in the Philippines. The company strengthens its ties with the country’s professional pharmacy organization Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA).

“The World Pharmacy Day is an important time for us to celebrate and recognize the efforts and contributions of every pharmacists in different pharmaceutical industry and all other stakeholders in the field. We deeply acknowledge our pharmacists at AIP who play a critical role in our advocacy for the Pharmacy Triad along with doctors and patients. This is how we continue to serve Filipinos with high-quality compounded medications,” said AIP Managing Director Sofia Lista.

Leading quality and innovation in the compounding space

AIP, the pioneer FDA-licensed specialty compounding pharmacy in the country, consistently upholds and promotes accountability between doctors, patients and pharmacists, also better known as the Pharmacy Triad. This enables AIP to continuously serve the public through high-quality compounded medications and superior pharmaceutical care and in so doing be their trusted healthcare partner.

AIP compounds medications based on prescription, mixing individual ingredients in the exact strength and dosage form as required by the doctor. To date, AIP has grown its portfolio to more than 950 active formulas being compounded per prescription from its database of 2,500 formulas. It has served over 1,600 medical doctors and more than 15,000 patients and has supplied over 115,000 quality prescriptions.

AIP is currently recommended by more than 100 hospitals across the country, specifically in the pediatric category.

Establishing stronger ties in the industry

AIP seeks to amplify its presence by building long-term relationships within the industry, pursuing shared goals and sharing industry best practices.

The specialty compounding pharmacy continues to work with the PPhA, the integrated national organization of licensed Filipino pharmacists, and other organizations in the field to help advance pharmacy practice in the country. Participating in PPhA-mounted events such as the 2022 PPhA National Convention and the recently concluded PPhA’s 102nd Anniversary Event also enables AIP pharmacists to develop their knowledge and skills.

As part of AIP’s goals to collaborate with more industry players whether from the private or public sector, AIP CEO Richard Lista recently met with former and present PPhA Presidents Leonila M. Ocampo and Ma. Gilda Sebua-Saljay, respectively, to discuss AIP’s compounded medications. AIP was also invited to grace PPhA National Convention in 2023 as a thought leader in the field.

AIP also recently collaborated with pharmacy preceptor group (PPGP), the first and only organization of its kind in the country. Just recently, PPGP invited AIP Managing Director Sofia Lista and Operations Department Supervisor Rachelle K. Austria, RPh as speakers at PPGP’s Third General Assembly, where the executives’ shared their best practices, business model and updates on pharmaceutical innovations on customized compounding as part of the community pharmacy industry.

World-class integrative pharmacy

AIP further expands its product portfolio with new compounded formulations. These new solutions form part of the company’s existing categories of compounded medications, namely Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Weight Loss Management, Intravenous (IV) Nutrition, Thyroid Medication, Erectile Dysfunction, Pain Management, Hair Loss, Dermatological Preparations, Pediatrics and Nutraceuticals.

AIP’s new solutions for weight loss management include Bupropion and Naltrexone Capsules, a prescribed medication not readily available in the local market. Studies have shown that this combination helps to improve weight loss. It also helps curb appetite and food cravings. On the other hand, Bupropion is known as an antidepressant that helps suppress appetite, while Naltrexone is used for patients with alcohol addiction problems. These medicines require direct medical supervision and are not advised for pregnant women and those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures and eating disorders.

AIP’s new compounded skin medications now include a Coenzyme Q10 Cream developed for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles from photo-aged skin, where active ingredients are found to be beneficial with regard to effective Q10 replenishment. Another skin solution is the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) which is a cream that is an effective topical antipsoriatic agent (psoriasis rashes).

AIP also offers Phosphatidylcholine parental solutions, which are injected by healthcare practitioners under the skin as it can treat excess fat around the eyelids and yellowish cholesterol deposits under the surface of the skin. On a more foundational level, these can also help improve overall brain health, liver function, male sexual function and immune system.

All compounded medication solutions require a doctor’s prescription. All of AIP’s products are made only with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade active ingredients to assure its high-quality.

To learn more about Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy’s services and products, visit its website at apotheca.com.ph and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Entertainment like no other with new OPPO Pad Air and Enco Air2 Pro

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OPPO expands its IOT portfolio with its latest tablet, the OPPO Pad Air, and earbuds, the Enco Air2 Pro. These new gadgets provide users with an entertainment experience like no other, thanks to features like a wide 10.36” Display with 2K Eye-Care Display for the Pad Air and Active Noise Cancellation for the Enco Air2 Pro. Diving into a movie marathon, catching up with the latest K-drama or conquering the virtual battlefield is now made more captivating with OPPO’s new devices.

Seriously Light Entertainment with the OPPO Pad Air

The latest addition to OPPO’s IOT roster, the Pad Air is a powerful tablet designed for the modern user who balances work and play. With a thickness of 6.94mm and weight of 440g, the light in-hand OPPO Pad Air is easy and comfortable to bring around wherever you go. Its metallic 3D texture design for the back panel also gives a standout look.

Streaming the top shows and movies has never been easier, with the OPPO Pad Air’s 10.36” display, integrated with 2K Eye-Care Display for low blue light eye protection. The display therefore ensures clear and smooth pictures and effectively reduces eye fatigue. In addition, OPPO Pad Air is equipped with four super large speakers and supports Dolby Atmos, delivering high-quality, layered sound with clarity and an immersive listening experience.

There’s no need to fuss over battery woes, as the OPPO Pad Air comes with a large 7,100 mAh battery. That gives up to 12 hours of video streaming, 15 hours of video calls and 16 hours of reading e-books. The battery easily lasts the whole day, letting users go from intense work to immersive entertainment.

OPPO Pad Air is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 680 Mobile Platform. Its eight-core architecture and AI System Booster 2.1 allow users to operate easily even when multitasking.

Running on the new ColorOS for Pad system, the tablet incorporates several functions to make multitasking much easier. Run two instances of an app simultaneously with Dual Windows, and access Split Screen by simply swiping down with two fingers. Multi-Screen Connect allows users to cast their phone onto the tablet, enabling seamless file transfers across gadgets, with touch controls to drag and drop, and even copy-and-paste text.

At Php13,999, the OPPO Pad Air provides powerful performance and an immersive large-screen experience. The first 1000 users who register on the MyOPPO App using their new tablet can also avail of a free 1-year premium subscription to Viu.

A Concert in Your Ears with the OPPO Enco Air2 Pro

Along with the Pad Air, OPPO also unveils its latest true wireless noise cancelling earbuds, the OPPO Enco Air2 Pro to complete your entertainment experience. Featuring a 12.4 mm titanized diaphragm driver, a custom-made large rear chamber and  potent bass, the earbuds are built to deliver live concert-like sounds to its users, as if they’re immersed in another world. Whether it's gaming, streaming shows, or listening to a favorite playlist nonstop, users will get clean, well-rounded mid and treble sounds for a refined listening experience.

The OPPO Enco Air2 Pro also comes with active noise cancellation (ANC), which is capable of capturing and cancelling out ambient noise at various frequencies. This allows users to listen to their favorite songs in peace, undisturbed by traffic or pedestrian noise.

Users can seamlessly connect to their streaming devices, thanks to binaural Bluetooth 5.2 low-latency transmission solution that gives top-of-the-industry continuous playback.The OPPO Enco Air2 Pro also comes with smart touch controls, such as double-tapping the earbuds to snap a picture, bringing wireless possibilities to a new level.

Comfortable to wear all day, the Enco Air2 Pro can last up to 28 hours with the charging case, and up to 7 hours without it. It also supports OPPO Flash Charging, where just 10 minutes of charging will power 2 hours of playback time—the perfect amount for a day’s worth of streaming.

Coming in a cool refractive bubble case, the OPPO Enco Air2 Pro is now available for Php4,999.

The OPPO Pad Air and Enco Air2 Pro are now available via OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, and OPPO Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit OPPO Philippines’ website and Facebook page.

You can’t miss this Limited-time Easy Speedboost offer from PLDT Home!

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PLDT Home drops Easy Speedboost, the most affordable and fastest Fiber plans upgrade promo you shouldn’t miss!

All PLDT Home Fiber subscribers are in for a treat as they get three (3) grand gifts: free speedboosts, hassle-free upgrade, and a chance to enjoy the fastest speeds with the biggest price-drop offer until September 26!

Upgrading your speeds is now easier than ever! All eligible subscribers will be notified via email and SMS on the free speedboost.  Simply reply YES and enjoy upgraded speeds with a minimal add on of P50.00 or P100.00 monthly.

“We continuously innovate our products and services to address the evolving needs and increasing demand for bigger bandwidth of families at home. The Easy Speedboost is a way to make our fastest internet speeds more accessible and affordable to our customers as we enable them to do things better in their work, study, and entertainment activities at home,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management.

PLDT Home powers homes to be smarter as it delivers internet speeds up to 10 Gbps with equal upload and download speeds for multiple devices. With strong connectivity in every part of the home, families can keep all their devices – from security cameras to smart appliances – running without interruption.

For parents working at home or for kids who are now back to school with a hybrid study set-up, PLDT Home Fiber provides the fastest and most reliable connection for their daily essentials. What’s more, with a seamless connection, families can enjoy wider entertainment activities with access to the best digital contents from Lionsgate Play, Viu, HBO Go, Cignal, and NBA League Pass.

Philippines’ Fastest Broadband

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband in the Philippines for five consecutive years as it was once again awarded in the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ Q1-Q2 2022. PLDT bested all major internet providers in the Philippines, achieving a speed score of 77.91. It also logged the fastest download and upload speeds at 210.83 Mbps and 234.21 Mbps, respectively.

Ookla® is the global leader in internet testing and analysis. The Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ recognizes network operators worldwide that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. The award is based on Ookla’s rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest™.

Know more about the Easy Speedboost at www.pldthome.com.