How to make your holiday break more awesome

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There’s only a limited number of days we can spend away from deadlines every year. Sure, we get days off on long weekends or special holidays, but it’s only during Christmas time that we get to truly pause, spend quality time with our loved ones, and catch up with the things that we love to do.

The holiday season is an excellent time to relax and forget about work and school, even for just a short while. A two-week break may pass by quickly, so it’s important to make every day count and be intentional with your time. This way, you get to have a more productive and meaningful break that you’ll always remember.

Catch-up with family and friends

Holidays are hectic, but they’re also the most fun with the company of the people you care about. Attend get-togethers and reunions as much as you can. Stay connected with your family members who are miles away from home through voice calls and video chats. These moments are great reminders that you are loved, no matter how much time you spend apart.

Carefully decide what gifts to get for your loved ones

You ought to sit down and think about what your loved ones would actually like to receive if you want to give them the most meaningful presents this year. Make a list of everyone who helped make this year particularly great, and use this as a moment to give them gifts to show your appreciation and love. Spend less time wandering through the mall and more time creating memories.

Pamper and spoil yourself, too

And finally, never forget the most important person that should be on your holiday list: you. Maximize the time you have this season by treating yourself with a well-deserved me-time—get to the hobby you’ve always been putting off, visit your favorite massage place, or buy yourself something new. It’s always a good idea to take breaks every once in a while, especially if it means doing things that make you happy.

Let this holiday season be a reminder that the best things in life don't have to be the most expensive ones. Oftentimes, you find awesomeness in your family's smiles, simple occasions shared with friends, and quality time with yourself. Of course, these moments are best remembered when you capture them with a reliable smartphone, just like Samsung’s latest Galaxy A Series devices.

Whether it’s for your loved ones or for yourself, the Galaxy A04s, A04, and A04e are ideal smartphones to make every moment count this holiday season. These devices will let you maximize your experience and do more as you embrace awesome moments. The Galaxy A04s is packed with a 50MP Triple Camera and 128GB expandable storage of up to 1TB perfect for taking snapshots with loved ones on Christmas Eve. While the Galaxy A04 and A04e sport a MediaTek Helio P35 Octa-core processor and 5,000 mAh long-lasting battery life ideal for daily-drivers who love to be productive over the holiday season.

The Galaxy A04s, A04, and A04e are available for as low as PHP 6,490 SRP at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, select Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com, MemoXpress Online, and other accredited retailers.

To know more about the latest best-value Samsung Galaxy A Series smartphones, visit samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

 

GCash, Cebuana Lhuillier strengthen partnership with over 30,000 agents nationwide

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Partnership to enable wider cash-in/cash-out, money remittance services

GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet, and Cebuana Lhuillier, the leading microfinance service provider in the country, are strengthening their partnership through the expansion of service distribution network and the introduction of domestic remittance transfers soon to be available via GCashPadala app.

From left to right: Jose Luis Reyes – Vice President – Head of Enterprise & Public Sector (Gcash), WinsleyBangit – Chief Customer Officer (GCash), Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier – Chairman and Founder (Cebuana Lhuillier), FilemonCabungcal – Chief Financial Officer (Cebuana Lhuillier), and Stephen Yap – Head of Domestic Sales (Cebuanna Lhuillier).

Starting December, millions of Filipinos will be able to receive money via GCashPadala and do cash-in/cash-out transactions at over 3,000Cebuana Lhuillier branches, 26,500 corporate agents doors, and 1,900 retail agents, nationwide.

“At GCash, we strive to continuously offer safe and convenient services that will cater to the needs of every Filipino wherever they are, especially during the new normal. Cash In and Cash Out services are now easier and more accessible with more than 30,000 agents nationwide. Together with Cebuana Lhuillier which has been working with GCash for many years now, we will continue to innovate in order to make the lives of Filipinos better every day. With the upcoming activation of GCashPadala, sending money to loved ones will soon be made easier for families across the country. The funds are easily received via Cash In and Cash Out at the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier,” said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon.

“We boast our wide network reach with our more than 3,000 brick-and-mortar branches nationwide that enable Filipinos to have a hassle-free and easier access to money transfer services. We always believe that by partnering with reliable and trusted companies such as GCash, we will be able to pursue our mission of financial inclusion for all our kababayansfrom all walks of life and wherever they may be,” Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier added.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s head of money transfer business Erlinda M. Sumanga believes that their partnership with GCash has helped Filipinos adjust to the evolving money transfer services, especially during and post-pandemic.

“Over the course of our partnership with GCash, we were able to respond to Filipinos’ need for an efficient means of sending money, which was more pronounced ever since the pandemic. We are excited for this new partnership milestone with GCash and we are looking forward to see how we can further help our clients here and abroad to make money remittance services flexible, secured, and faster,” Sumanga said.

Not yet on GCash? You can download the GCash app for free on the Google Play or App Store.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

‘Tis the season…for travel: Fun holiday experiences for all

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As leisurely travel awakens from its slumber, Filipinos are starting to seize the opportunity to see the world and enjoy vacations especially after being cooped up for a long period. According to data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the country's air passenger traffic volume in domestic and international flights increased more than fourfold to 13.2 million passengers in the first half of 2022, up from 2.95 million in the same period last year.

The easing of travel restrictions means you can finally return to your favorite holiday destination or explore other locations for a new take on Christmas – a perfect gift for your loved ones, and a reward for yourself, too!

So, gather your family and friends and prepare to go local or international, as you visit these holiday spots that will surely make you feel jolly:

Enjoy a holiday beach getaway in Apulit Island, Palawan. If golden sunsets and tranquility is your idea of a perfect Christmas, then a trip to this luxurious island is most ideal for you. Choose your own relaxing room from among the 50 traditional water cottages, interact with wildlife, take in the breathtaking scenery, or test your strength by rappelling down the nearby 60-meter limestone cliff. This Christmas, enjoy peace and fun while being close to nature in this tropical paradise.

Have an adventurous holiday in Samal Island. Escape the noise from the metro and enjoy a unique Christmas with loved ones by going to this island’s best places. Relax and unwind at Hagimit Falls or try an exhilarating hike at Mt. Puting Bato for a dazzling view of the island from above. Greet the Monfort Bat Cave’s nocturnal animals for the holidays as they emerge from their lair, or just bask in the sun and take a dip in the pristine waters of beaches and resorts.

Chill and ski in Hokkaido, Japan. If you like adventures while enjoying the sight of immaculate snow fields, then reward yourself with a holiday trip to Hokkaido. Visit the snow-blanketed ski resorts and enjoy the local onsen and take a bath in the warm and therapeutic hot spring waters after a long day spent in the cold. You can also see the Sapporo White Illumination, in which over 500,000 light bulbs enlighten Christmas-themed decor in Odori Park and trees lining some of the capital's main streets.

Go on a Christmas getaway to Iceland. Who doesn’t dream to see the majestic skies adorned with northern lights? Iceland offers the perfect place that gives-off a native Christmas spirit with its holiday markets, foods, and drinks, while glittering Christmas trees stand ground all over the place. It’s a dreamy winter wonderland, but if you like to take a break from the snow, take a dip in the warm waters of Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters.

Visit Santa’s home at Rovaniemi - Lapland, Finland. If “North Pole” vibes is what you’re going for, then booking a flight to this destination can be the best Christmas idea for you. In the Arctic Circle of Finland, you can see Santa Claus everywhere. In his red and white suit, the Christmas icon can be followed through reindeer-filled forests, where his elves prepare the toys. Lapland, as one of the most magical destinations, has an amazing 'Santa Park' where you can frolic in the unending fields of snow, and can be a dreamland not just for kids, but for kids at heart as well.

As you finish your holiday travel checklist, ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones wherever you go should be your main priority. Be worry-free before setting sail on your next Christmas adventure. AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nandy Villar says, “Everyone deserves to experience the joy and magic of Christmas, regardless of the destination. We, at AXA Philippines, would like to help ensure that you are safe and secure as you travel around the world this holiday season, gathering new memories.”

Get a travel insurance that offers a significant financial safety net and emergency assistance against travel hassles, so you can truly enjoy your holiday trip. Smart Traveller by AXA provides convenient and the best-in-class international and local travel protection so you and your loved ones can experience your Christmas adventures worry-free. It offers one of the highest coverage for medical and evacuation expenses, highest postponement limit, as well as 24/7 emergency assistance.

With Smart Traveller, you can also get additional savings when purchasing for two or more people.  It is also Schengen-accredited, so your visa requirements are met. If you plan on taking multiple trips, AXA also offers annual plans for frequent travelers.

Visit https://www.axa.com.ph/travel-insurance and discover what could make your holiday trips not just merry, but also safe and worry-free.

Pentatonix and Lea Salonga hit YouTube Trending Charts with “Christmas In Our Hearts” music video

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Their rendition of a Jose Mari Chan hit is part of Pentatonix’s new album, Holidays Around The World

Filipina Broadway superstar Lea Salonga has recently joined American a cappella group Pentatonix for the music video of “Christmas In Our Hearts.”

Lea Salonga 

Released last weekend, the visuals have garnered more than 640,000 views on its third day of release. It also currently sits inside the top 20 of YouTube’s Trending Music Charts, and continues to gain traction on streaming and airplay.

The soaring ballad, which is a cover of a Jose Mari Chan hit, is part of Pentatonix’s sixth holiday album, Holidays Around The World.

The acclaimed catalog brings their global vision back to life with collaborations featuring some of the most iconic pop artists and established idols from different parts of the world, including Chinese pianist Lang Lang, Congolese gospel singer Grace Lokwa, Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji, Latin band La Santa Cecilia, Indian superstar Shreya Ghoshal, Japanese YouTubers HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, British a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers, and American superstar Meghan Trainor.

Apart from the music video release and a new album, the internationally renowned pop ensemble is set to embark on a global tour with multiple stops across North America and Asia.

Just recently, Pentatonix talked to People Magazine about breaking boundaries in terms of making music. According to the five-piece group, they want to experience the “cultural differences in music” and explore working with artists outside their comfort country.

Pentatonix’s Holidays Around The World is now available on all digital music platforms via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.

Check out the music video of “Christmas In Our Hearts” here.

Power up working, learning and playing with the new Nokia T10 and T21 tablets that are built to last

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Work and school hustles and bustles can be a challenge as the majority of Filipinos return to physical interactions and activities in the post-pandemic era. Free time spent with the family should also be often spent, to maintain life balance. HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, expands its tablet portfolio in the Philippines with new reliable, family-friendly tablets that are built to last and that fans can keep for longer. Maximize working, playing and learning with Nokia T10 and T21.

Engineered to last longer through a combination of signature durability, frequent security updates and guaranteed Android software upgrades, with Android 12 right out of the box, Nokia T10 delivers winning longevity in a compact design, making it the ideal choice for families, whether at home or on the move.  

Designed with a tough aluminum body that features a 60 percent recycled plastic cover for the antenna for optimal connectivity, Nokia T21 puts durability first without compromising on style. It comes with leading software and security promises and loaded with fan-requested features – HD video streaming, voice calling, and SMS & IMS.

Sancho Chak, General Manager, Pan Asia, HMD Global:

“We bring to our Filipino fans this holiday season the gift of longevity and durability. The compact and versatile Nokia T10, and sustainable and functional Nokia T21 are tablets that can help them adapt to this generation’s ever-evolving lifestyle and needs. Making sure that whether you need to focus on your job and school-work or relax with your loved ones at home, there is a Nokia tablet that you can rely on for longer.”

Choose the power of portability with Nokia T10

●    Love it: Wallet-friendly price point, travel-friendly form factor and family-friendly features

●    Trust it: Shop and bank online with peace of mind thanks to three-years of monthly security updates, twice as many as the competition

●    Keep it: Built to last longer thanks to signature build quality ensured by industry-leading durability tests

The new Nokia T10 features a bright 8” HD display and stereo speakers with OZO playback, making for clear sound and a detailed picture no matter where it is used. Whether that’s taking video calls from home or streaming favourite TV shows together on the move, Nokia T10 is a great portable companion. 

It comes with a second screen feature to make Nokia T10 an expansion of the users’ PC display, providing a convenient way to maximize productivity when an important task needs finishing. It comes with Google Entertainment Space – a one-stop home for content where subscription services are consolidated. There is no more hopping between apps to find something to stream, read or play with Nokia T10 so users can do more of what they love.

Nokia T10 stays up to date and secure for longer thanks to three versions of Android and three years of monthly security updates. Face unlock also adds a layer of personalized security to Nokia T10, making personal data accessible with just a glance. Mask Mode means users can also unlock Nokia T10 while wearing a face covering.

Its solid, durable unibody polymer design made with a nano-textured finish helps hide the appearance of scratches, so the tablet looks new for longer. Hand it down to younger family members when it’s time for a new device and it will still look fresh. A smooth, matt ceramic pearl coating shifts in colour depending on lighting conditions, making for a premium look at an affordable price point.

Go for the tough and built to last champion: The Nokia T21

●       Love it: Family-friendly, built to last longer with a tough aluminum body that features a 60 percent recycled plastic cover for the antenna

●       Trust it: Protection for the entire family through industry-leading promises with three years of monthly security updates

●       Keep it: Two years of software upgrades with the latest software innovations, and two-year warranty² is there for added peace of mind

Designed with a tough aluminum body and 60 percent recycled plastic and two years of Android upgrades will ensure Nokia T21 lasts and feels new on the inside and out, for years to come. In case the unexpected happens, Nokia T21 has two years of warranty, making it a big value package.

Its battery has enough power to see users through up to 15 hours of web browsing, bingeing a whole TV series and up to a whopping 7 hours of conference calls. Years later, it will still feel fresh as the battery remains healthy 60 percent longer than average. Eventually, when Nokia T21 does need plugging in, 18W fast charging will ensure fans are quickly back in action.

 

The Nokia T21’s new and improved 2K display ensures crisp and detailed viewing. For creative minds and artistic bunch, sketching out ideas, jotting down notes or drawing one’s next masterpiece with an active pen has never been this effortless. Enjoy much-loved shows with HD streaming across Netflix and immerse in a deeper, stronger and louder sound that adapts to the surroundings with OZO Playback Audio.

Thanks to HD video and voice calling, friends and family can enjoy the user’s presence in full glory, and work calls will always look and sound professional. Plus, switching between the office and home is as convenient as ever thanks to the portable size. And voice calling means users can stay connected even when their phone is not nearby. For peace of mind when shopping online or when browsing the web, Nokia T21 also comes with three years of monthly security updates, twice as many as the competition.

Both tablets are ideal for the whole family as these feature Google Kids Space that offers endless content to educate and nurture young minds. Plus, Google Entertainment Space is a one-stop shop which consolidates must-see shows and movies from multiple streaming platforms in one place – no more hopping between apps when winding down before bed.

Pricing and availability

●       The Nokia T10 (WiFi / LTE with Voice calling) is now available in Ocean Blue colour variant and 4/64GB configuration at Php 9,690

●       Arriving soon, the Nokia T21 (WiFi/ LTE) in 4/128GB configuration and in Charcoal Gray colour variant is available for Php 14,490

Fans can purchase these new tablets in all Nokia mobile physical stores and kiosks nationwide and online at Shopee, Lazada, Mxmemoexpress.com, Zalora and all authorised resellers.

The Nokia T10 and T21 are participating devices in the Nokia mobile Christmas Raffle Promo. Visit the raffle link https://www.nokia.com/phones/en_ph/christmas-raffle for more information. Terms and Conditions apply.