Building a nation of homeowners: SMDC turns over first vertical socialized housing in Iloilo City

Tweet

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, takes a bold step in tackling the nation’s housing backlog through strategic partnerships with local governments.

KaUSWAGAN Residences serves as an accessible and affordable housing solution for Iloilo City Government employees, reaffirming SMDC’s commitment to building a nation of homeowners

In a symbolic turnover ceremony, SMDC handed over the keys to KaUSWAGAN Residence – the first vertical socialized housing project in Iloilo City – further advancing the government’s efforts to reduce the 6.5 million housing backlog.

The Php 248-million KaUSWAGAN Residences is a collaboration between SMDC, the Iloilo City Government, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The development, located in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, serves as an accessible and affordable housing solution for Iloilo City Government employees, reaffirming SMDC commitment to socialized housing.

“This project underscores SMDC’s commitment to supporting the government’s socialized housing program,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, SMPHI President. “We are proud to deliver high-quality homes for Filipino workers and contribute to building thriving communities.”

Designed with the working class in mind, KaUSWAGAN Residences features two twin four-story buildings with 30-square-meter units, ample parking spaces, and proximity to the city center—just 6.5 kilometers from Iloilo City Hall. This thoughtful location provides easy access to essential services, making it a practical choice for local government employees.

Residents will enjoy easy access to the city center, a practical choice for local government employees.

A Model for Future Collaborations

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas praised the partnership, noting that the project offers a replicable model for future collaborations between the government and the private sector. “The City Government of Iloilo is grateful for the strong partnership with SDMC. Through the KaUSWAGAN Residences, we are providing working-class families with affordable homes, a critical need in our city. This project sets benchmark for public-private collaborations in housing, and we hope it will be replicated in other regions,” said Treñas.

SMDC’s Commitment to Socialized Housing

SMDC has committed over P1.108 billion to the Philippine government’s socialized housing program, building housing developments since 2012. These projects cover land development, land acquisition, and the construction of socialized housing units across the country, in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and the DHS

In addition to KaUSWAGAN Residences, SMDC has utilized its P1.108 billion commitment to support other housing projects nationwide. These include:

• Davao City: P320 million for land development in Barrio Lasang for a socialized housing project.

• Eastern Samar: P184.4 million in Salcedoville, Barangay Tagbacan, where 300 homes were built for Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

• Cavite: P192.1 million for the Bayanihan Gawad Kalinga Village in Dasmariñas City.

• Abra: A housing program in Indigo Subdivision, Barangay Basbasa, Tayum, consisting of 126 housing units set for turnover by 2025.

Beyond its socialized housing contributions, SMDC has also launched Style Residences—its first premium development in Iloilo City. Located within the city’s Lifestyle District and adjacent to SM City Iloilo, this five-tower complex offers over 2,900 residential units. The development features high-end amenities such as swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and function rooms, catering to the growing demand for upscale urban living in Iloilo.

In 2021, SMDC launched Glade Residences in Jaro, Iloilo. Featuring 11 four-story buildings, the mid-rise development blends modern living with heritage preservation. With lush open spaces, vertical gardens, and a future SM shopping center, this development offers 8,800 sqm of amenities and landscaped areas, including a rain catchment system and cistern tanks. It’s a perfect mix of style, sustainability, and value.

A Nation of Homeowners

SMDC continues to strive toward its vision of creating a nation of homeowners. Through projects like KaUSWAGAN Residences, Style and Glade Residences, SMDC remains committed to building life-centered communities, where Filipinos can lead fulfilling, healthy, and thriving lives.

“The KaUSWAGAN project is a concrete example of how public-private partnerships can significantly improve the lives of working-class citizens. Together, we are making the dream of homeownership a reality for more Filipinos,” added Treñas.

It’s O-Trick or Treat Time at OPPO Service Centers This Halloween!

Tweet

 Leading global smart device brand OPPO is serving up more than just repairs with its O-Trick or Treat after sales promo this Halloween!

 

Until October 31, OPPO will bring fun and rewards to customers at OPPO Service Centers nationwide for all walk-in customers with out-of-warranty repairs who can enjoy amazing treats and prizes during their visit.

Get your OPPO device repaired and receive an exciting surprise

1. Walk into any participating OPPO Service Center and avail of an out-of-warranty repair until October 31.
2. After your repair, pick up a Halloween treat from the reception area.
3. Scan the QR code inside and scratch the digital card to reveal a prize! Exciting prizes include OPPO umbrellas, notebooks, and even a Free Labor Fee!
4. If your digital card says "You've Been Tricked," don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!
5. Show your winning card at the reception desk on the same day to claim your prize.

Loyal OPPO customers can drop by these participating OPPO Service Centers include locations across Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, and more to enjoy the Halloween fun:

Metro Manila

●     SM City Manila OPPO Service Center

●     SM City North EDSA OPPO Service Center

●     SM City Fairview

●     Eton OPPO Service Center

Luzon

●     Cavite OPPO Service Center

●     Bulacan OPPO Service Center

●     City Mall Laguna OPPO Service Center

●     Legazpi OPPO Service Center

●     Lipa OPPO Service Center

●     Lucena OPPO Service Center

●     Nueva Ecija OPPO Service Center

●     Pampanga OPPO Service Center

●     Robinson Santiago OPPO Service Center

●     SM City Masinag OPPO Service Center

 Visayas

●     Iloilo OPPO Service Center

●     SM City Cebu OPPO Service Center

●     Tacloban OPPO Service Center

 Mindanao

●     Davao OPPO Service Center

●     SM City Gensan OPPO Service Center

Celebrate Halloween with OPPO, and see what treat is in store for you! For more information, you may visit OPPO Philippines’ official website and Facebook Page or OPPO Support’s official website.

The Manila Pianos Artist Series present Al Gatmaitan in TRA MUSICA E SOGNO

Tweet

The Manila Pianos Artist Series in collaboration with Artes Organization, present Al Gatmaitan in TRA MUSICA E SOGNO, an enchanted evening that highlights classical crossover pieces performed by the Man of Music that evoke a wide range of feelings, from nostalgia to inspiration,

“Andare con la tua arte”, which means, "Go with your art", a message that manifested in a dream of Gatmaitan who once contemplated on his desire to become a priest and his love for singing.

Tenor, musical theater artist, actor for television and film and commercial model, Al Gatmaitan received extensive vocal education at the University of the Philippines under Professor Emmanuel Gregorio; followed by studies at the Conservatory of Music, University of Santo Tomas, and finally finished his Music Degree at St Paul College, Manila, both under Dr. Ronan Ferrer.

He earned further scholarship in Italy where he studied L'insegnamento della Lingua Italiana all'Estero at Universita per Stranieri Dante Alighieri.

He was granted additional scholarships to attend Teatro Calabria (Acting and Diction) under Professor Rodolfo Chirico, soprano Maria Francavilla of the Consevartotio di Vibo Valennita (intensive private vocal formation training) and Spazio Teatro (Actor's Formation),

For this special show, Gatmaitan’s repertoire includes a mix of Italian, Spanish and English classical crossover songs influenced by Andrea Bocelli, reimagined with his unique style and flair.

Acclaimed concert pianist Dingdong Fiel, with his high level of expertise and refined playing style, shares the stage with Gatmaitan.

High-caliber vocal artists Margarita Roco, soprano and film and theater actor Red Nuestro are special guests.

TRA MUSICA E SOGNO is slated on 14 November 2024. Performance starts promptly at 7 PM. Venue is at the Manila Pianos Showroom, 4/F Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City.

Concert tickets : P 1,000.00 (regular), P 800.00 (seniors), P500.00 (students).

To purchase your tickets, please send GCASH payment to; 0917-415-8876 under the name of Richard S. On the MSG line, please type : "(your name) (# of tickets), CROSSOVER".

Please send confirmation to the same number. Tickets will be ready at the gate on the day of the performance.

vivo V40 Lite’s 5000mAh battery with four-year warranty wins over Marian Rivera

Tweet

vivo introduced its newest ambassador, Marian Rivera, at the Lite Up Your Life with vivo V40 Lite event on October 26, 2024. Known as a style icon and beloved actress, Marian embodies the sleek, premium appeal of the vivo V40 Lite, and she couldn’t wait to share her favorite features with fans and tech enthusiasts.

Marian Rivera’s favorite feature: vivo V40 Lite’s 5000mAh battery with four-year warranty

When asked by host Nikki Viola about her top feature in the vivo V40 Lite, Marian didn’t hesitate to spotlight its long-lasting 5000mAh battery. For someone constantly on the go, battery life is crucial.

“Sa experience ko rito, sobrang nagtatagal yung battery talaga niya lalo na kung umaalis ako, ang dami kong ginagawa, hindi ko wino-worry na ay shocks, malo-lowbat nako. Anong gagawin ko? Dahil grabe nagtatagal talaga yung battery,” she said, emphasizing how the vivo V40 Lite keeps her connected throughout her packed days without the constant worry of running out of power.

Speed and durability combined: vivo V40 Lite’s 80W FlashCharge and Four-year Battery Health

Marian also raved about the vivo V40 Lite’s 80W FlashCharge feature. “Just in case mag lowbat man ako, pag chinarge ko siya, I think in just 25 minutes, parang maging 80% na agad yung aking battery. Fast charge siya,” Marian shared with excitement. “Sa mga mainiping katulad ko, sakto talaga sa akin itong vivo V40 Lite,” she added, thrilled at how quickly the phone recharges, making it perfect for people with busy schedules.

vivo also stands behind the V40 Lite’s battery with a four-year health guarantee, ensuring the battery retains at least 80% of its original capacity. Marian encouraged fans to take advantage of this by pre-ordering before October 31, as this exclusive offer includes a four-year or 50-month battery warranty. “May four years guarantee sa battery pero kailangan i-checkout na nila yan kasi hanggang October 31 lang yan,” she reminded viewers.

Excitement for her new partnership

Being part of the vivo family is an honor Marian cherishes. “Yung technology nila, nangunguna talaga. Sabi ko nga, kinikilig ako kasi kung mapapansin nila yung mga content ko is mahilig akong mag unboxing, mahilig akong sumayaw, so parang perfect na perfect ito para sa akin,” she shared.

With vivo’s advanced technology and Marian’s passion for creating engaging content, fans can look forward to seeing more of her adventures with the vivo V40 Lite.

Missed the event? Don’t worry! You can still watch the highlights on the livestream at vivo's official Facebook page.

Why you should buy vivo V40 Lite now

The vivo V40 Lite is not just a stylish smartphone, it is also a high-performance device designed to keep up with your lifestyle.

With a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, an 80W FlashCharge for fast top-ups, and a sleek design available in Titanium Silver, Dreamy Violet, and Dynamic Black, the V40 Lite is packed with everything you need.

It also features a 50MP AI Aura Portrait camera, up to 12GB RAM, and up to 512GB of storage (expandable to 2TB).

For as low as Php 13,999, you can pre-order the vivo V40 Lite until October 31, 2024, to get Php 1,000 off, a free vivo TWS 3e worth Php 1,999, and a vivo Care Plus VIP Card with a 50-month battery warranty. Visit the nearest vivo concept store, kiosk, or dealer store to pre-order now!

Check the full features of the V40 Lite at vivo website.

A new edition to your collection: Core Flask by CHERRY in 2 sizes - 22oz and 30oz

Tweet

Go anywhere and stay hydrated with the Core Flask by CHERRY—a fashionable item created by a trusted brand to keep drinks at your preferred temperature. Besides being a fashion statement, this product is also a better alternative for regular plastic bottles. You can choose from distinct designs and colors, unlike those containers who are not as versatile as CHERRY’s Core Flask. Plus, it’s available in 2 sizes: 22oz and 30oz.

This is a new edition to your collection is available in 8 wonderful colors. For the 22oz flasks: black, light blue, pink, yellow, lilac, gray, mint green, and white. Key features include 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, leak resistant, double wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free, easy-to-carry, 320g weight, and 22.5 x 7.2cm dimensions. 

The 30oz flasks is available in mint green, yellow, light blue, pink, lilac, white, and black—with a weight of 430g and dimensions of 24 x 7.6cm. Choose your desired product depending on your aesthetic. Better yet, choose everything for only PHP 699 for the 22oz and PHP 799 for the 30oz.

The Core Flask by CHERRY is an essential and versatile tool efficient for thermal management for a lot of applications. Your beverage will remain 12 hours hot or 24 hours cold depending on your desired temperature. With trendy qualities that enhances reliability and accuracy, it makes a valuable asset for anyone, anywhere. Embrace the future with the Core Flask by CHERRY and find out the difference it can make when you take it with you everywhere!

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada