Do it now! Here’s what happens if you fail to register your SIM

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Home Credit’s #SIMguradoAko campaign aims to support the government in pushing for SIM Registration

Since the announcement of mandatory SIM registration last year, many have been confused about what is it for and why is it important for us Filipinos.

Surely, you have read some articles, heard radio commercials, and even seen TV ads encouraging you to go to your telco’s website or app and register your SIM. Still, you and your friends refuse to comply with the government mandate thinking how something as simple as an unregistered SIM can disrupt our lives.

In this article, we will tell you why it is relevant and what will happen if you fail to register your SIM before the April 26 deadline.

Your SIM will get deactivated

Yes, the very SIM you use to text and call your loved ones when times are tough, the SIM that contains the number you use to send and receive money, pay bills or make other transactions through mobile apps will get deactivated. As mobile phones become more valuable and intertwined with everyday life, so do SIM cards.

But what does it mean to have your SIM deactivated? This means you’ll entirely lose your prepaid load balance and receiving OTPs for e-wallet and bank transactions would be impossible.

Receiving updates from the government on your benefits, loans, etc. is another problem. You might need to contact each agency and undergo a long process to update your contact details. Also, following up and hearing back from your employment application can be more than tricky. Just imagine applying to your dream job only to lose your slot because your future employer cannot reach you.

Having your SIM deactivated means you will become unreachable not only to your bank but to your contacts list as well. Colleagues, friends, and family who contact you using that SIM number won’t be able to do so once that SIM gets deactivated.

So no incoming nor outgoing calls. You won’t be able to send or receive messages either.

Your broadband and prepaid SIM-powered mobile internet will not work

If you have been using or recently bought prepaid internet, you might wonder why it’s not working even after powering it up several times, loading the SIM, and reading and rereading the manual, even doing a little troubleshooting to make sure you started it correctly. The answer is this: your new SIM is not yet activated.

As existing SIMs need to be registered, so do the ones you’re going to buy. Likewise, existing SIMs used for internet have to be registered or you risk rendering it useless.

You will have problem accessing your online accounts

Most of us use our contact numbers as login details on our social media accounts. In any case you logged out of your account or need to log in to a separate device, it will be troublesome for you to receive OTPs for two-way verification authentication.

Yes, you’re sure to come up with a workaround for these. However, it will require you to go through a long process to resolve this issue.

You can try contacting the applications’ help center and prove to them your identity through a series of authentication documents. You could also try personally going to the offices of these platforms. Or you can just register your SIM to avoid these hassles altogether.

Fighting security and data breach

Security and data breach are the top concerns of Filipinos about SIM registration, especially with the rising incidence of text and other mobile-related scams.

Interestingly, these – security and data breach -- are the very same issues the SIM Registration Law wishes to address. It aims to minimize the risk of users falling victim to scams perpetrated through calls, texts, and online messages. It hopes to make device owners more accountable and responsible users of technology. The law likewise hopes to lessen the occurrence of crimes and make it easier to track down perpetrators of cybercrimes and fraud.

#SIMguradoAko, Register now!

When you’re ready to register, simply go to your telco’s registration website, input your info, upload government ID and selfie, wait for the SMS confirmation and that’s it! You have now registered your SIM.

Reaffirming its commitment to be every Filipino’s partner Para Sa Life, Home Credit Philippines is urging everyone to register their SIM cards to comply with the SIM Registration Act through the #SIMguradoAko campaign, to help protect Filipinos against text and other phone-related scams.

Through its Wais sa Home initiative, the country’s leading consumer finance company has been actively campaigning against cyber fraud such as phishing, pharming, and spoofing to protect its customers.

In line with its goal of promoting financial literacy and education, Home Credit aims to raise awareness on the basics of saving and budgeting and wise financial management. Amid the widening adoption of e-commerce, it encourages Filipinos to be digitally wise in investing and using the right money apps and to protect themselves against online risks and scams.

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). To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Wolvit offers proactive steps against early hair loss in new digital ad campaign

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 Studiens found the use of Wolvit has a positive effect on one’s skin, hair, and nails

Discovering the signs of early hair loss can be one of the most stressful parts of adulthood. It’s not only a signal of aging, but potentially a sign of other issues with the body that need addressing. This is the scenario that biotin supplement Wolvit has highlighted in their two newest digital ads.

THE DIGITAL ADS

The first of the videos, “Night Out,” shows two young men hanging out at a restaurant. When one finds a hair in his food and goes to complain, he comes to the unfortunate realization that it is his own hair that has been shedding into the food.

Meanwhile, in the video “Hinala,” a married woman becomes suspicious that her husband is having an affair when she finds loose hairs on his clothes. When she wakes up to find her pillow covered in loose hairs, she realizes that she’s the source and not some mystery woman.

Marco Elmer Manus, Group Product Manager at Kusum, Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Brand Office, spoke about how the recent digital ads captures the experience many people have. “When people start to lose their hair, it can be quite a shock. If you don’t know what’s happening to your body, it can lead to a loss of confidence,” said Manus. “That’s why we want everyone to know that it could be a sign of biotin deficiency. This isn’t something many people to look out for, and it’s a problem that can be solved.”

 Early hair loss due to biotin deficiency can lead to a loss of confidence.

WHAT IS BIOTIN DEFICIENCY?

Biotin is used by the body to produce important proteins like keratin. The body needs keratin to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails. Studies have found that those suffering from biotin deficiency often experience symptoms that could include excessive premature hair loss, brittle nails, and dried out skin.

Those suffering from biotin deficiency often experience symptoms that could include excessive premature hair loss.

HOW DOES WOLVIT HELP?

Manus reminds everyone that the more one understands a problem, the better equipped one is to solve it. “When your body is giving you signs, you shouldn’t ignore it. If you’re suffering from biotin deficiency, it’s important to act immediately. Exercise, eat well, and take Wolvit.”

Wolvit works by giving the body the biotin it needs to produce healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Biotin is used by the body to produce important proteins like keratin.

Wolvit is now available for purchase in drugstores Watsons and Mercury Drug nationwide.

Wolvit works by giving the body the biotin it needs to produce healthy hair, skin, and nails. A recent clinical study conducted in Ukraine found that the use of Wolvit has a positive effect on one’s skin, hair, and nails. This makes it ideal for those suffering from biotin deficiency and its various symptoms. Another study published in Skin Appendage Disorders, also found that cases where biotin was used to combat hair loss showed evidence of clinical improvement.

Wolvit is now available for purchase in drugstores Watsons and Mercury Drug nationwide.

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REFERENCES

A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss by Deepa P. Patel,

Shane M. Swink, & Leslie Castelo-Soccio. Skin Appendage

Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981.

Optimizing the treatment of onychomycosis using products

that improve the structure of the nail plate and its growth by

Y.F. Kutasevych, I.A. Oleynik, A.S. Chehovskaya, I.A. Pyatikop.

State Establishment “Institute of Dermatology and Venereology

of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.”

Experience More with Xiaomi's Powerful Redmi 12C Budget Smartphone

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Get impressive performance, bigger storage, and a bigger screen, starting at PHP 5,499

Xiaomi recently unveiled the Redmi 12C, its latest all-around entry-level smartphone with impressive performance, bigger storage, and a larger screen.

The device offers one of the most powerful performances within its price segment, and starts at just PHP 5,499.

Better, immersive experience

The Redmi 12C is powered by MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and offers up to 6+5GB extended RAM and 1TB storage extension. This means smoother day-to-day operations, faster app starts, and more storage for your content. Take note, however, that memory extension is only available when there is sufficient storage space on your device. The extension of RAM storage capacity varies across different models.

With a sizable 5,000mAh battery, you can use your phone all day without worrying about running out of power. The device's advanced and responsive fingerprint sensor allows you to unlock the phone, open an app, or authenticate a mobile payment simply by placing your finger directly on the display.

With its large 6.71" HD+ display and a sleek 20.6:9 aspect ratio, Redmi 12C brings a better and more immersive experience when reading, watching videos, and gaming.

The reading mode helps relieve eye strain that may come with extended screen time. This bigger and better display is packed into a stylish and recognizable design, with a flat edge and a unibody curved back, improving overall aesthetics and grip feel.

Redmi 12C comes in four colors: Graphite Grey, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, or Lavender Purple.

Capture moments with powerful camera

The Redmi12C is capable of capturing vivid moments with greater detail in everyday scenes with its 50MP main camera. With the help of powerful HDR and Night Mode, Redmi 12C can take clearer city nightscape pictures with greater details, even in challenging situations.

In the Philippines, Redmi 12C is available in four different variants, each offering varying storage and memory capacities.

The 3GB+32GB version is priced at PHP 5,499, while the 4GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB versions sell for PHP 6,499 and PHP 7,499, respectively. They can be purchased from Xiaomi-authorized offline stores and online via their official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Additionally, purchasing any of the three models entitles you to a free Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 (valued at PHP 599).

If you want more storage and memory, you can opt for the 6GB+128GB version, which has a standard price of PHP 8,999, but early birds can get it for a discounted price of PHP 8,599. This particular model is exclusively available for online purchase through Xiaomi's e-commerce platforms and comes with a free Redmi Buds 3.

Take note that the freebies and special discounts for the 4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB, and 6GB+128GB variants can only be availed during the promo period, which takes place from March 24 to 31.

Philippines hits 260M negotiated sales, bags recognition at the ITB Berlin 2023

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Buoyed by the country’s participation in the recently concluded Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, as of this writing, recorded an impressive estimate of Php 260 million worth of negotiated sales from more than 300 business meetings during the 3-day networking event.

The aforementioned figures show the Philippines’ strong demand in the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair, further brightening the prospects for the local tourism industry’s recovery and for the country’s positioning as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

“We brought the biggest Philippine delegation to the ITB Berlin 2023 with the intention of showcasing the best of the best of our country and our culture, and to reintroduce to the world our greatest asset: the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. The optimism and excitement with which all of this was received shows the world that the possibilities are endless for the potential of Philippine tourism to transform under the Marcos administration,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The Philippine delegation included tour operators, online travel agencies, travel websites and communities with 26 co-exhibitors, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and rich culture to over 160,000 guests.

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles cited that the positive outcome of the Philippines’ participation in ITB Berlin strengthened the country’ position to be a world-class tourist destination. “We are proud to bear witness once again at how ITB continues to live up to its reputation for being the largest travel trade show in the world. I am so happy to share that the Philippines truly championed in giving the world a view into our distinct and diverse destinations, culture and heritage in this momentous event,” TPB COO Nograles added.

Further bringing home accolades, the two cities in Negros Occidental, Sagay and Bago won in the Green Destination Story Awards for its inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism. With its entry, “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project”, Sagay placed second in the Nature and Scenery Category and won the People’s Choice Award while Bago City’s entry, “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed” took the third spot in the Environment and Climate Category.

The event highlighted the Philippines rich culture and sustainable tourism with its weavers’ hand-loom products which are passed down from generations to generations to preserve its tradition and heritage including the Tinalak of South Cotabato and Yakan of Zamboanga. Aside from that, Kape de Filipina’s coffee and chocolates and Ayan’s delicious Filipino cuisine were also served to delight the guests.

ITB Berlin News, the show’s official daily, has partnered with Click A Tree for its sustainability partner. Chris Kaiser, award-winning speaker, entrepreneur and founder of Click A Tree, has selected the Philippines to be the site of its tree planting project for this year’s cause. The site will be in Davao Oriental, Mindanao. Kaiser will be visiting the Philippines in September for the tree planting initiative.

With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates in ITB Berlin, which provides the Philippine travel trade an opportunity to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.

Bring out the best in every party with Sony’s SRS-XP500 Speaker

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Whether it’s a chill and laid-back party, an outdoor and wild celebration, or a simple karaoke night, Sony is ready to bring out the best in the party this upcoming summer season with its SRS-XP500 portable Bluetooth speaker.

The heat is definitely on with SRS-XP500's speak and top-of-the-line features ideal for outdoor parties. Sing and dance your heart away without worrying about it getting splashed by water or drinks. SPS-XP500 has an IPX4 water-resistant rating, making it safe and secure from any sprinkle. Just snap the speaker’s cap on to ensure its safety even during outdoor parties.

Speaking of the fun outdoors, the SRS-XP500 is portable and wireless and equipped with a sleek, comfortable handle which makes it easy to carry and bring anywhere. Grab it and go wherever you can bring the party – the garden, the house, at the beach or even by the pool, SRS-XP500 will be there to set the mood.

Matching and setting the atmosphere of the party is also as easy as a few clicks, thanks to SRS-XP500’s brand-new ambient party lighting feature. With a variety of lighting patterns, bring out its pulsating energy to hard-core outdoor parties or its soothing shades to a quiet night in.

From sunset to sunrise or even dusk ‘till dawn, the SRS-XP500 speakers can power up the party so you could play any song, any style at any time with its great clear sound produced by its X-Balance speaker unit and front high-efficiency tweeter. These special powerful features enable everyone to enjoy and listen to a high-quality sound with deeper and punchier bass and live sounds recreating a unique atmosphere that can give you a summer experience you can relive over and over again.

But what’s a party without karaoke, right? Luckily, you may just plug in a mic or two and sing your heart out at your parties. Just pick your favorite songs from your playlist and give everything you got until you drop because the SRS-XP500 will keep you going for up to 20 hours when full charge but you can always quickly plug it in for 10 minutes and extend the party up to 80 minutes.

“As someone who plays outdoors, the IPX4 water resistance is an amazing feature paired with the long battery life, I don’t even have to worry about drizzle and finding a power outlet. The ability to play music through Bluetooth while having a mic and guitar plugged in is so useful for practicing or playing with a backing track. I haven’t even touched on how portable it is with the built-in handle and the weight, which is so important for buskers and people on the go. This speaker system has everything in an amazingly compact package,” says Mr. Prince Valencia, a busker and certified Sony SRS-XP500 lover.

Prince Valencia with his SRS-XP500

For a summer truly worth remembering, get your SRS-XP500 now for only PHP 18,999.00 at any Sony Authorized Dealers and stores online and offline nationwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/wireless-speakers/srs-xp500 or follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram for updates.