Home Credit’s top holiday gift picks this 2024

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Treat yourself with these seven must-have gifts you deserve this holiday season

Christmas is just around the corner, and for Filipinos, it’s a season brimming with joy, love, and, of course, gift-giving. While it’s tradition to shower loved ones with presents, it’s also the perfect time to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve done this year. After all, who deserves a gift more than you?

If you’re wondering what would make the perfect gift, Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, curated a list of must-have items that are practical, exciting, and worth it!

Whether you're looking for tech upgrades or home essentials, these picks will have you feeling like a winner this holiday season.

Smartphone. A new smartphone is always a good idea, especially as technology evolves at a rapid pace. Whether you're into photography, gaming, or simply staying connected with family and friends, the latest smartphone models offer the perfect combination of performance and style. Plus, with sharper cameras and enhanced battery life, you’ll be ready to capture every unforgettable Christmas moment and beyond.

Laptop. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your work or study-from-home setup or indulging in some online gaming during the holiday break, a new laptop might just be the best gift you can give yourself. Look for one with great processing power, sleek design, and ample storage, so whether you're creating content, working on projects, or simply binge-watching your favorite shows, you’re set for success.

Tablet. This device has become the ultimate go-to for multitaskers. Perfect for both productivity and entertainment, it’s a fantastic in-between device that combines portability with versatility. Whether you’re using it for digital notetaking, streaming movies, or sketching your next big idea, a tablet is a great companion to keep you on the go during the holidays.

Refrigerator. For homemakers, you can consider upgrading your kitchen this season with a new refrigerator, because nothing says “Christmas ready” like a fridge stocked with delicious holiday treats! Modern refrigerators come with energy-efficient features, larger storage capacity, and sleek designs that will elevate your kitchen space. Plus, with all those Christmas leftovers, a roomy fridge will definitely come in handy!

Smart TV. Get the best seat in the house this holiday season with a brand-new Smart TV. Ideal for family movie marathons or simply watching the latest Christmas specials, a Smart TV with ultra-clear resolution and intuitive apps can transform your living room into an entertainment hub. It’s the perfect gift for those who love immersive viewing experiences.

Washing Machine. Who says practical gifts can’t be exciting? Investing in a new washing machine this Christmas can make life so much easier. With advanced washing cycles, water-saving technologies, and faster drying times, doing laundry becomes less of a chore, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. Plus, it's an investment that will pay off all year long.

Karaoke Set. What’s a Filipino Christmas without karaoke? Bring the fun to your holiday parties with a new karaoke set. It’s the perfect gift for yourself and for everyone in the family who loves belting out their favorite Christmas songs and tunes. With top-notch audio quality and fun features like wireless microphones and built-in song libraries, your home will be the center of every Christmas gathering.

Exciting Deals this Holiday Season!

This year, you don’t have to settle for “pwede na” when it comes to rewarding yourself. With Home Credit’s upcoming Installment Festival, you can get 0% interest deals on a wide range of must-have items—from the latest gadgets to home appliances. It’s the perfect way to get what you truly want without the stress of paying for it all at once.

Ready to TODO your holiday shopping? Keep an eye out for our exclusive offers and make this holiday season one to remember! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech or refresh your home, Home Credit has the perfect deals to make this Christmas extra special for you and your loved ones.

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 Home Credit App on Google Play or App Store to learn more about the latest promos or browse through Shoppingmall.ph.

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).

The holidays are coming… to Netflix! ‘Tis the season for ‘kilig’ with these four holiday rom-coms

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It is never too early to start gearing up for the holiday season, and with Netflix, this means bundling up with four romantic holiday movies for 2024! 

The 2024 Netflix holiday slate was officially launched last week with a video of Lindsay Lohan–who stars in Our Little Secret with Kristin Chenoweth and Ian Harding–with acapella favorites Pentatonix (Meet Me Next Christmas). 

Learn about these upcoming kilig-inducing titles launching in November, only on Netflix!

NOVEMBER 6 | MEET ME NEXT CHRISTMAS

Cast: Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Pentatonix

Synopsis: 

In a quest to snag a golden ticket to a sold-out Pentatonix Christmas concert and meet her potential soulmate, a lovestruck New Yorker enlists the help of a dedicated concierge, embarking on a race across the city to find her Prince Charming.

NOVEMBER 13 | HOT FROSTY

Cast: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson

Synopsis: 

After Kathy loses her husband, she magically brings a handsome snowman to life with some help from the spirit of Christmas. The snowman’s innocence helps her rediscover laughter, love, and holiday cheer, and as their whimsical romance unfolds, they must hurry to make the most of their time together before he melts away….

NOVEMBER 20 | THE MERRY GENTLEMEN

Cast: Chad Michael Murry, Britt Robertson

Synopsis: 

To rescue her parents' charming small-town music venue, a former big-city dancer returns home with a sparkly plan: to put on a festive, all-male Christmas strip show! But when she falls for the town’s handyman and is asked to return to Broadway, will she follow her dreams or listen to her heart?

NOVEMBER 27 | OUR LITTLE SECRET

Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Kristin Chenoweth, Ian Harding

Synopsis: 

Thrilled to spend her first Christmas with her boyfriend’s family, Avery heads home with Cameron for the holidays — only to be unpleasantly surprised when she discovers that her ex, Logan, is dating Cameron’s sister. Let the holiday chaos begin.

Read more about these titles on TUDUM:

Meet Me Next Christmas

Hot Frosty

The Merry Gentlemen

Our Little Secret

Making Business Easier for the Modern Entrepreneur, One Delivery at a Time

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W Express launches the Negoyso Booster Program, offering tailored delivery solutions to propel businesses forward

Ever had to juggle inventory management, customer inquiries, and shipping logistics all at once? Entrepreneurs know how stressfulit can be to keep things running smoothly. Enter the Negosyo Booster Program from leading courier service provider W Express, a game-changer for any entrepreneur looking for a reliable and hassle-free delivery solution. But this isn’t just about packages—it’s about helping individuals achieve their aspirations and ensuring that they remain focused on the core values of their business.Whether you're selling handmade crafts or tech gadgets, you’ll now have access to faster, more affordable shipping options that free up your time to focus on growing your brand.

More Than Just Deliveries: Building Trust and Growth

What’s even better? W Express isn’t just about getting your products from point A to point B. The best features of the program are special rates and priority handling, giving the best value your business needs to succeed while avoiding hidden fees and long waiting times.With promotional offers, such as delivery fees starting at just ₱113.40 for small parcels, you can scale your business without breaking the bank.

How to Get Started

The best part? Joining the program is simple. W Express makes it easy to sign up, and you can start shipping with ease in just a few days. Plus, membership is free! So, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, now’s the perfect time to hop on board.

1. To join, simply complete the Negosyo Booster Program Enrollment sign-up form, available on W Express’ official website and social media accounts. You may provide your basic business information, including your business name, address,and contact details.

2. Your application will be reviewed within 3-5 business days upon submission.Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

3. Once you have been accredited, you can choose from the business startup package options and begin right away on planning your deliveries.

“Online sellers face an increasingly competitive marketplace, and we know they need assistance urgently and proficiently,” W Express Chairman/President Dawn Feliciano said. “This is why our Negosyo Booster Program was conceptualized to at least easesome challenges on the part of these entrepreneurs,” she adds. “Our program offers practical delivery solutions that promote growth and savings so they can focus on scaling their business.”

Customers are invited to visit the website https://www.wwwexpress.com.ph/ , plus likeand  subscribe to W Express' official Facebook and Instagram pages @wexpressph to discover the brand's latest news and offerings. For inquiries, customers may call the hotline at (02) 8879-8888, message on Facebook Messenger, or visit any W Express branch.

Legarda: Mas Masusing Paghahanda at Mas Matibay na Disaster Risk Reduction sa mga Lokalidad Matapos ang Hagupit ni Bagyong Kristine

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Matapos ang matinding pinsala na dulot ng hagupit ni Bagyong Kristine, nanawagan si Senador Loren Legarda para sa mas malawak at mas komprehensibong paghahanda at aksyon mula sa mga lokal na pamahalaan pagdating sa disaster risk reduction and management (DRR). Binibigyang-diin ng Senador na mahalaga ang mga inisyatibang nakasentro sa komunidad upang protektahan ang buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan at upang mapagtibay ang disaster-resilience ng bansa.

Sa isang panayam sa radyo, inihayag ni Legarda ang mahalagang papel ng mga lokal na ehekutibo, na kinabibilangan ng gobernador, alkalde, at punong barangay, sa pag-unawa sa banta ng sakuna at epekto ng climate change sa kanilang mga nasasakupang lugar. “Hindi lang dapat kilalanin ng mga lokal na lider ang mga banta na ito, kundi dapat ay pagyamanin pa nila edukasyon ang kanilang mga nasasakupan sa paksa ng disaster risk reduction upang mas maging maayos ang pagtutulungan sa panahon ng sakuna at mabawasan ang mga panganib na dulot nito,” ani Legarda. “Ang hagupit at pinsalang iniwan ni Bagyong Kristine ay isang paalala sa atin na dapat ay maging maagap, alerto, at alisto, hindi lamang ang mga opisyal, kundi ang mga mamamayan sa lokalidad.”

Kinilala rin ni Legarda ang mahalagang suporta ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno sa pagpapalakas ng kapasidad ng mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mabawasan ang mga panganib sa panahon ng sakuna at mainam na makatugon sa panahon ng kalamidad. Dagdag pa ng senador “ang mga ahensya tulad ng Climate Change Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, at Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development ay mahalaga upang masigurado na ang mga Local Climate Change Action Plans at Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans ay science-based, napapanahon, at may kakayahang tumugon sa epekto ng nagbabagong klima.”

Ipinahayag ni Legarda ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon at ang pakikipag ugnayan sa mga state universities and colleges bilang katuwang sa paggabay sa mga LGU sa risk assessment at local development planning. “Ang kanilang kaalaman ay importante para sa epektibong disaster risk reduction at climate change adaptation,” aniya.

Kilalang tagapagtaguyod ng disaster risk reduction, sinabi din ni Legarda na kahit na sapat at mainam ang mga batas sa Pilipinas ukol sa DRR at bagamat patuloy na pag-lago ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga climate change, mahalaga pa din ang pakikilahok ng lokal na komunidad at pagpapalakas ng kanilang mga kapasidad para sa epektibong pagtugon sa panahon ng mga sakuna. “Mula ngayong Nobyembre hanggang 2025, ako ay mangunguna sa mga workshop para sa mga local governments ukol sa disaster risk reduction at climate change mitigation and adaptation. Ito ay upang masigurado natin na handa ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na tumugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan lalu na sa mga pinakamalapit sa panganib tuwing may sakuna” ani Legarda

Bilang isang UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, isinulong ni Legarda ang kahalagahan ng risk-informed development at disaster-resilient infrastructure, kasama na ang mas maagap na early warning and response systems. Hinihimok niya ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), at Office of Civil Defense (OCD) na palakasin ang hazard risk assessments, multi-hazard impact-based forecasting, at mga early warning systems. “Dapat malaman ng mga komunidad ang mga panganib ng pagbaha at landside upang makapagpatupad ng maagap na pag-iwas sa sakuna. Ang tamang forecasting, maagang babala, at mabilis na access sa mga pre-positioned resources, o yung mga naka abang na equipment, ay makakapagligtas ng buhay,” ayon kay Legarda.

Tinukoy din ni Legarda ang responsibilidad ng mga lokal na lider na magbigay ng mabilisang access sa pagkain, malinis na tubig, at mga evacuation areas. “Ipinapaabot namin ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Ang aking team ay namamahagi din ng mga suplay sa mga apektadong pamilya mula nang magsimula ang bagyo,” dagdag niya.

Nanawagan ang senador para sa isang pangmatagalang estratehiya upang matugunan ang mga sektor na pinaka apektado ng kalamidad, lalo na sa mga hindi agad natutulungan na mga lugar. “Higit sa agarang tulong, dapat nating suportahan ang mga komunidad ng agrikultura at pangingisda sa kanilang muling pagbangon sa tulong ng mga pansamantalang alternatibong kabuhayan at mga social programs,” sabi ng senador.

Dagdag pa ni Legarda, kinakailangan ang pagpapataas ng kamalayan ng mga komunidad tungkol sa mga panganib ng landslide at flash flood. Lubos na mahalaga umano ng papel ng mga lokal na lider at ahensya ng gobyerno sa mga hakbangin na ito. Sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagsisikap, maaari din umano nating mabawasan ang mga panganib ng sakuna at maiwasan ang mga pinsalang dulot ng pagbabago ng klima.

Sa huli, sinabi ng senador na ang agarang pagkilos ay susi sa pagbuo ng mas ligtas at mas matatag na mga komunidad sa hinaharap. 

3 reasons why Viu Original ‘Family By Choice’ hits close to home

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We never forget our childhood friends. Years may go by, we sometimes feel sentimental about the friends we used to play and hang out with. We may have lost contact with them, but there’s still space in our hearts for those fun memories, especially if you’ve created a bond that feels close to home.

A new K-drama that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of reminiscing and reconnecting with childhood friends is the Viu Original Family By Choice, starring Hwang In-Youp, Jung Chae-Yeon, and Bae Hyeon-Seong. The show revolves around three friends who bond over their shared family experiences as kids but are separated due to different circumstances. Years later, the trio reunites and reignites their friendship as adults.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming K-drama to binge-watch, here are three reasons why you should tune in to Viu Original Family By Choice.

A stellar cast

Many K-drama fans know Hwang In-Youp as Han Seo-Jun in the hit romcom True Beauty and as Gong Chan in Viu Original Why Her?. He also held a successful fanmeet tour in Southeast Asia back in 2022. This time, he plays Kim San-Ha in The Viu Original Family By Choice, who is the son of a single dad and befriends Yoon Ju-Won (played Jung Chae-Yeon) and Kang Hae-Jun (Bae Hyeon-Song).

Jung Chae-Yeon is best known for her leading role in To Jenny, which earned her a Best New Actress recognition at the 31st Grimae Awards. She also received a nomination from the KBS Drama Awards for her portrayal in The King’s Affection. Bae Hyeon-Seong is a rising star who became popular for his roles in the drama series Love Playlist and Hospital Playlist.

All three actors bring charisma and versatility to Viu Original Family By Choice that will make viewers fall in love with their characters.

The beautiful sights of Haedong

The series is set in the port city of Haedong, known for its historical landmarks like the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and breathtaking scenery. Viewers will be able to marvel at the picturesque sights of Haedong while following the trio’s story in every episode.

Relatable themes of love, family, and friendship

Family and friendship often evoke strong emotions, and Viu Original Family By Choice is a relatable show that tackles the characters’ friendship and how they create an unconventional family born out of their individual circumstances. Their story is sure to tug at many people’s heartstrings as it portrays different types of love and the concept of having a chosen family. You should also ready your tissues because some scenes do get emotional.