Home Credit, SM Store award brand new Toyota Raize to lucky winner of Holiday Shopping cRAIZE!

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More amazing treats and surprises when you shop at SM Store via Home Credit!

Shopping has always been a fulfilling activity for Filipinos. It’s one way for them to bond with their families and loved ones and share precious moments together.

Last holiday season, the lifestyle partner of every Filipino Home Credit teamed up with the country’s largest retailer SM Store to make the shopping experience of Filipinos more rewarding with the Holiday Shopping cRAIZE!

The raffle promo, which ran for three months from October 14, 2022 to January 15, 2023, allowed SM Store shoppers who paid via Home Credit to be automatically qualified for the holiday raffle. And last February 23, the grand winner of the Holiday Shopping cRAIZE was announced!

Among all the eligible participants, Jane Rosete, a BPO employee from Paranaque City, received the key to her brand new Toyota Raize. Rosete shopped at SM Store during the holidays and applied for Basket Financing, Home Credit’s bundle financing product, which made her qualified for the raffle promo.

“I’ve been a Home Credit user for quite some time now, and it has become my go-to partner when I purchase big-ticket items that are usually out of pocket. With my third installment plan with Home Credit, I never expected to win the raffle and have my own brand new car. I am thankful to Home Credit and SM Store for this opportunity, I wish them more power! I hope that more Filipinos will have a meaningful shopping experience at SM Store with Home Credit,” shared Rosete.

The awarding program was attended by Home Credit and SM Store executives who turned over the brand new Toyota Raize to Rosete. Social media influencers Baninay Bautista (@baninaybautista) and Bont Bryan Oropel (@bontbryan) were also there to witness the awarding and congratulate the lucky winner of the raffle promo.

“As the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, we at Home Credit want to be with our customers in the most special moments of their lives. One of our goals is to broaden our reach and serve more Filipinos across the country. Our partnership with SM Store is a testament to our strong commitment in providing Filipinos with a more meaningful shopping experience by making their purchases more affordable and accessible through Home Credit,” said Richard Sarinas, Home Credit’s partner marketing leader.

Don’t miss out on updates from Home Credit by visiting its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow them on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to catch the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

ILUSTRADO the National Museum Gala: National Museum of Fine Arts on March 27

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Calling all our friends in art and culture.

ILUSTRADO, the fundraising gala of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) will be held at the National Museum of Fine Arts on March 27, 2023.

It will benefit the FCCP’s scholarship program which covers the tuition and/or travel expenses of 26 scholars, pursuing their undergraduate and graduate studies in the visual and performing arts here and abroad.

ILUSTRADO will give attendees a unique tour of the Museum with site specific performances featuring past, present and future FCCP scholars bringing life or a different perspective to the artworks in 6 of the galleries or halls.

The featured artists are Madeline Jane Banta, pianist/harpist;Vien Ignacio, harpist; Lance Capitan, guitarist; Michael Valenciano, keyboard; Giuseppe Diestro, cellist; Donna Baluyut, soprano; FEU Dance Company (FDC); Jezreel Mangui, tenor; Joshua Mondares, tenor; Kris Gonzales, baritone; and the FEU Guides.

Dinner will be catered by the famed Ilustrado restaurant in Intramuros.

The FCCP started out in 1979 as the Friends of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, patterned after the Friends of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Embarking on its first venture into fundraising, the FCCP sponsored the musical Annie, where Repertory Philippines first introduced Lea Salonga to a highly appreciative public. Proceeds went to purchase a brand new harp which was donated to the CCP Orchestra which became the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Inspired by its initial fundraising SUCCESS, the FCCP proceeded to sponsor the visiting Cleveland Symphony Orchestra under the world-famous conductor Loren Maazel. The funds raised were used to sponsor two successful CCP Summer Outreach Concerts which brought the PPO with Prof. Basilio Manalo as conductor on concert tours around the country.

In 2001, the FCCP became the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines to widen the scope of its contributions.

During the 2004 – 2006 term of lawyer-business woman Mellie Ablaza, the organization donated three million pesos to the NMP in return for which the “Introduction Room” of the National Art Gallery was named after the FCCP in perpetuity.

ILUSTRADO will be a fun fundraiser, unlike any other ! For tickets, please contact Angie Godoy via text or Viber: +639272292128

🛎️Payment may be deposited:

FCCP

Metrobank 292 3 292 80045 3

Enjoy a 108MP Camera, Powerful Performance, and Superior Design in the all-new OPPO Reno8 T 5G, Available Now

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The latest Portrait Expert is now available for only Php 23,999 via all OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, Lazada, Shopee and Tiktok Shop

OPPO adds a fresh 5G device to its popular Reno series, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G. Featuring a Ultra-Clear Imaging System backed by a 108MP Portrait Camera that delivers high-resolution photos with unprecedented detail, the portrait expert offers an all-new premium look with a  Dual Micro-Curved Design, a 120Hz 3D Curved Screen and 3D back cover.

Together with 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging, a 4,800mAh large battery, Battery Health Engine, ColorOS 13, and more, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G delivers a stylish and powerful daily-use device at the palm of your hand.

Ultra-Clear Imaging System for Major Portrait Upgrades

The OPPO Reno8 T 5G implements the brand’s first 108MP Portrait Camera in the Reno Series, and also features a 40x Microlens and a 2MP Depth Camera together with a 32MP Selfie Camera for an upgraded photography experience throughout.

By utilizing NonaPixel Plus binning technology which combines nine pixels into one giant pixel to take in as much as light as possible and OPPO’s AI Portrait Super Resolution algorithm, the 108MP Portrait Camera captures ultra-clear, high-resolution and detailed images in any scenario, providing users with more possibilities for cropping and editing. With up to 40-times magnification, the Microlens also offers exceptional detail for users when exploring the microscopic world beyond the naked eye.

Based on this powerful camera setup, users can also capture professional-grade photos with the OPPO Reno8 T 5G’s full range of portrait features, including Selfie HDR, Bokeh Flare Portrait, Dual-View Video and more.

Refreshed Appearance and Visual Experience

The OPPO Reno8 T 5G offers next level flagship display featuring a 120Hz 3D Curved screen which is found mostly in more premium smartphones. The 6.7-inch large AMOLED display boasts a 93% screen-to-body ratio and 2.32 mm lower bezel to ensure more user immersion when engaging with any content. The viewing experience is also enhanced thanks to 1 Billion Colour Display and FHD+ Resolution, which delivers ultra-realistic colors and extra-clear details, while the AI Adaptive Eye Protection System maintains users’ eye health.

Users can be guaranteed a smooth and responsive screen thanks to the 120Hz Ultra High Refresh Rate and a 120Hz touching sampling rate that can be increased to 1,000Hz instantaneous sampling rate in certain game scenarios^[1].

The Reno8 T 5G is a durable phone fbecause of a twice-strengthened tempered DT-Star2 protective glass on the front screen that has been put through 23 reliability tests covering 5 different dimensions. What’s more, each device is subject to more than 320 thorough quality tests and more than 110 extreme reliability tests to ensure maximum durability.

On the back of the device, Reno8 T 5G’s Dual Camera Design features two camera modules placed in a balanced vertical orientation within an elegant oval-shaped decorative panel. The phone is available in two colorways, Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black, and sports the iconic OPPO Glow design to add a shimmering crystal effect to the 3D back cover while keeping it fingerprint-free. Weighing just approximately 171g and measuring about 7.7mm^[2] in thickness, the handset provides a lightweight user experience.

All-round performance powered by hardware and software enhancements

The OPPO Reno8 T 5G also comes with 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology, which means it can get a 100% full charge in  just 44 minutes, while a five-minute charge is enough to enjoy 5.59 hours of phone calls or 3.56 hours of videos. After a full charge, the 4,800mAh large battery can provide up to 389 hours of standby^[3] – that’s more than two weeks on a single charge! On top of this, OPPO’s self-developed Battery Health Engine can extend the Reno8 T 5G’s battery lifespan up to 1,600 charging cycles, which is twice the current industry average^[4]. What’s more, Five-Layer Charging Protection ensures that the super-fast charging is even safer to use.

On the performance side, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G is equipped with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, which is expandable thanks to 1TB SD Card. Up to 8GB of additional virtual RAM can also be added using OPPO’s RAM Expansion function to ensure a smooth experience when using multiple apps or memory-heavy apps. Powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 695 5G Mobile Platform, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G delivers powerful and efficient 5G performance for everyday connectivity and comes equipped with Dual Stereo Speakers and Ultra Volume Mode for surround sound with enhanced quality and volume.

The all-round performance of Reno8 T 5G is further complemented by OPPO’s self-developed Dynamic Computing Engine, which ensures a longer stable user experience under heavy computing loads. This long-term fluency has passed the 48-Month Fluency Protection Test in the OPPO Lab, which means users can expect their smartphone to be a smooth and fast performer for four years.

Smart experiences and safety with new ColorOS 13

Preinstalled with the latest ColorOS 13, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G delivers a smart and secure Android experience straight out of the box. Users can now control Spotify through the Smart Always-On Display without having to unlock the phone.

When it comes to privacy, Five-Grade Access Control with a set of easy-to-use features gives users clear control over privacy permissions on the OPPO Reno8 T 5G. Auto Pixelate^[5] can recognize and blur usernames and avatars in chat screenshots with just one tap, and the upgraded Private Safe also provides a higher level of security for password-protected data. Thanks to these features, the phone has been certificated by authoritative third parties such as ISO, TRUSTe and ePrivacy.

The Newest Portrait Expert is Now Available

The all-new Portrait Expert, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G, is available now in Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black for Php 23,999. Head to the nearest OPPO Brand Store or partner dealers nationwide to avail of exclusive freebies with every purchase.

Avail the new OPPO Reno8 T 5G through Globe GPlan 1799 with no cash out and also receive a pair of OPPO Enco Buds 2 wireless earbuds. You can also purchase the OPPO Reno8 T 5G through OPPO Official Stores in  Lazada, Shopee and Tiktok Shop. The OPPO Reno8 T 5G will also be available through Smart Signature Plan 999 very soon, so stay tuned!

For more information on the OPPO Reno8 T 5G, its features, and its availability, check out https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

 

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^[1] The games currently supported are League of Legends and PUBGM.

^[2] Thickness and the weight measurements of the OPPO Reno8 T 5G are based on data collected in OPPO labs. The actual size of the device may differ by ±0.2 mm and the actual weight may differ by ±3 g due to slight variations in device components and measurement methods.

^[3] Based on tests performed in OPPO labs. 100% is defined as when the battery level displayed on the screen reaches 100%. The actual charging time may vary depending on differences in environments or individual devices (such as temperature variations and battery age).

^[4] With the Battery Health Engine, the remaining capacity of the battery can be more than 80% after 1,600 complete charging cycles (full charge and discharge), while the industrial standard is 800 cycles. According to the simulated daily use of users (full charge and discharge once a day), it is equivalent to about 4 years of use. The data was obtained from OPPO laboratory. The actual data will differ slightly due to the different personal usage, test software version and specific testing environment.

^[5] Auto Pixelate will be available after OTA updates.

Sony Introduces 2023 BRAVIA XR TV Lineup

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Four new models have been announced to round out Sony’s highly anticipated lineup, with new features including XR Clear Image and Acoustic Center Sync, for a fully immersive at-home theatre experience

Sony Electronics Inc. announced its 2023 BRAVIA XR™ TV Lineup, with Cognitive Processor XR™, for the ultimate home entertainment experience. There are four new models in the BRAVIA XR line: X95L Mini LED, X90L Full Array LED, and A80L OLED. All models have the updated Cognitive Processor XR and are equipped with features that provide an immersive experience for watching movies, streaming apps, gaming, and more.

Key BRAVIA XR lineup features

For an incredibly lifelike experience, the Cognitive Processor XR replicates content the way people see and hear. It enables better backlight control for increased local dimming zones, increased brightness, and declared blooming. Plus, its 2023 iteration enters a new chapter in its development with advanced XR Clear Image, found in select models, that further reduces noise and blur in motion, creating scenes that burst with life.

All models also offer Acoustic Center Sync. When paired with Sony Home Audio products, such as the HT-A9 Home Theatre System or the HT-A7000, HT-A5000, and HT-A3000 soundbars, viewers can expect a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience.  This is because the Acoustic Center Sync synchronizes the TV’s audio system with select Sony soundbars and AV receivers to reinforce the center speaker channel for clearer, fuller dialogue and more immersive sound. Sony’s soundbars offer 360 Spatial Sound Mapping so it also generates phantom speakers and sound field optimization.

Other new audio features include the Acoustic Multi-Audio+^TM, found in the X95L model, which uses frame tweeters to elevate the sound to match the image on screen. Meanwhile, the A80L models feature Acoustic Surface Audio+^TM with actuators that vibrate to produce sound from the entire screen, perfectly matching what’s playing on screen.

For gamers, the 2023 BRAVIA XR lineup is also perfect in taking their PlayStation® 5 gaming to the next level. Exclusive features such as the Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode generate optimized picture quality while gaming and streaming. There is also an easy-to-use and quick-access Game Menu for tailoring game settings like turning on or off VRR or Motion Blur Reduction and increasing the brightness in dark areas to easily spot objects and opponents with the Black Equalizer.

Whether gaming or simply watching, the new models’ XR Backlight Master Drive uses a Sony-developed local dimming algorithm to control thousands of tiny, ultra-dense Mini LEDs with absolute precision and independence, delivering extraordinary brightness, impressive dynamic range, deep blacks, and beautifully natural colors.

Additionally, Sony is keeping its commitment to decreasing plastic usage through its Road to Zero initiative. To reduce environmental impact, Sony is working on multiple aspects of the product life cycle, such as reduction of virgin plastic use, improvement of transportation efficiency, and reviewing energy consumption during use. At present, Sony is reducing overall plastic usage by approximately 60% and is cutting emissions by approximately 15% by using smaller and lighter packaging during transportation. The new Eco Dashboard included on all 2023 models also makes it easier for users to customize energy-saving preferences and settings.

“We are excited to bring a new lineup that continues to bring Sony's best spatial entertainment and gaming experiences with picture and sound,” said Wada Hideyuki, Marketing Director, Sony Philippines. “Sony is proud to offer a full suite of home entertainment options for all of our consumers.”

Other BRAVIA XR lineup features

Purchasing the 2023 BRAVIA XR TVs, even non-BRAVIA XR ones, also comes complete with the BRAVIA CORE app. It is a pre-loaded movie service that comes with up to 10 movie credits to watch the latest releases and popular classics and additional movies with up to 12 months of unlimited streaming.

With BRAVIA XR technology, Pure Stream™, and IMAX® Enhanced, content is delivered with stunning visuals and expressive sound quality. Featuring BRAVIA CORE Calibrated Mode, movies will automatically adjust to the optimal picture settings including IMAX® Enhanced mode to create a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience. Over time, the app experience will be enriched with new features.

For anime enthusiasts, there is also a Crunchyroll® remote button that gives BRAVIA users one-touch access to one of the world's largest anime libraries, a collection of more than 18,000 hours of anime, comprising more than 44,000 episodes and feature films, translated in multiple languages. Simulcasting is also accessible, so Japanese titles can be watched from abroad following the broadcast in Japan.

To further enhance the new models’ capabilities, consumers can also purchase the BRAVIA CAM, which detects the viewer’s position to optimize the picture and sound according to room environment and viewing distance.

Consumers can also enjoy 700,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus live TV, all in one place thanks to Google TV. Searching is easy - just ask Google. Try saying, “Hey Google, find action movies” to search across apps.

New Sony TV Models and Key Features

The BRAVIA XR X95L 4K HDR Mini LED Google TV is available in 85” class. Apart from the above features, you also get the advantage in high-performance gaming with HDMI 2.1 features 4K/120, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode. Not to mention it has X-Anti Reflection & X-Wide angle, which minimizes reflection for a distraction-free viewing experience and provides vivid real-world colors from any angle while retaining brightness.

 

The BRAVIA XR X90L 4K HDR Full Array LED Google TV shares the same features as the X95L and is also available in 75” class, 65” class and 55” class.

Finally, the BRAVIA XR A80L 4K HDR OLED Google TV can be purchased in 77” class, 65” class, and 55” class. XR OLED Contrast Pro and XR Triluminos Pro technologies allow the consumer to feel the beauty of OLED with brightness approximately 110% compared to the previous year's model - the A80K, with immersive depth and realism, pure black, detailed shadows, and billions of accurate colors.

Pricing and Availability

The new BRAVIA XR TV lineup and retail pricing will be available soon in the Philippines. For more information on new Sony television models, please watch Sony's BRAVIA XR announcement video here or visit the BRAVIA XR website at https://www.sony-asia.com/electronics/bravia-xr-tv

For more information on all Sony televisions, please visit https://www.sony-asia.com/bravia/gallery.

Here’s why you should upgrade to the UnionBank SSS UMID Pay Card

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In case you missed it - Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has partnered up with the Social Security System (SSS) for the new UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card, which functions as both a government-issued ID card and ATM card linked to a UnionBank savings account.

Since the launch, many qualified SSS members have already upgraded to a UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card and are currently enjoying its perks and benefits.

“As soon as I saw the post from SSS [about the card] on Facebook, I tried to apply that same day,” Kenneth Sulmayor, a 32-year-old business owner, said. “I visited my My.SSS account, shared my consent, downloaded the UnionBank app and applied. After that, I received an email confirmation that my application was successful.”

“It’s very easy, since the instructions on how to get the Pay Card are clear on the app,” shared 38-year-old call center agent, Ryan Abouelo. “UnionBank’s app is also easy to navigate.”

SSS members can expect to receive their upgraded UMID cards faster. Sulmayor’s UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card was delivered to him more or less 15 banking days after he applied on the UnionBank app, while Abouelo says he received his within two weeks.

UnionBank also makes sure that the cards are delivered safely and securely. “[The courier] is quite strict, they won’t release the card if the owner isn’t there to receive it,” Sulmayor recounted. “Even then, they still asked me for an ID to verify. There was no hassle.”

There are also a variety of ways holders can use their UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card. One SSS member, a 23-year-old HR officer, shared her friend’s experience after choosing to upgrade. “[My friend] uses it right now to receive her SSS loan proceeds,” she said. “Back then, she experienced difficulties in connecting her bank account to receive her SSS loan. But since she has the UnionBank Pay Card now, the proceeds go straight to the connected [UnionBank savings] account.”

Sulmayor, on the other hand, has already tried using the card in his bank transactions. “It’s just like a typical bank account, the transaction process went well,” he said. “I was able to transfer my funds from my other bank account to this [UnionBank Pay Card account].”

These users, and many others like them, only have good things to say about their experiences with their new UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card, from the simple application process to the quick processing time and ease of use.

“There is so much you can do with it. You can view [your account balance] online, and it doubles as a savings account,” Abouelo noted. “I say grab [the opportunity to upgrade], it’s legit.”

“I’ve already recommended [the UnionBank Pay Card] to the people I know who are still waiting for the release of their UMID card,” Sulmayor shared. “This is the first time I’ve seen and experienced something like this, you have a valid ID, and at the same time, an ATM card and savings account. It’s quick, and easy, and you can receive customer care from both SSS and UnionBank. It’s a great opportunity.”

Interested? Right now, qualified SSS members may apply for or upgrade their card to the UnionBank SSS UMID Pay Card, which will be linked to a regular savings account with no required maintaining balance. Members will be able to receive their SSS benefits, loans, and refunds through here.

Members will also be able to use the UnionBank mobile banking platform to check their balance, withdraw cash, transfer funds, pay bills, or deposit cash through UnionBank’s branches, self-service machines, and BancNet automated teller machines nationwide.

Upgrading to the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card is FREE, and members who fund their account with a minimum of Php 1,000 are entitled to a free Jollibee eGC worth Php 200 and a chance to win a brand-new Mitsubishi Xpander GLS, or one of three iPhone 14 128GB units. This promo is extended to April 30, 2023 - so don’t miss out!

To learn more about the UnionBank SSS UMID ATM Pay Card, visit https://www.unionbankph.com/sss-umid.