Home Credit Philippines Makes Pride Month 2025 Truly Makulay at Home

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The country’s leading consumer finance company makes Pride Month Makulay at Home through meaningful events and initiatives, creating a space where everyone feels welcome

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, continues to champion a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and empowered, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. In line with this commitment, HCPH celebrated Pride Month 2025 with vibrant and meaningful activities that fostered genuine empowerment and visibility for every shade of pride.

The celebration centered on the theme Makulay ang PRIDE at HOME #AtHomeKaDito and was led by the Pride Club, HCPH’s employee resource group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. Launched in 2022, the Pride Club serves as the official representative body dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the company.

Celebrating every color of Pride at Home

HCPH’s Pride Month festivities opened with a general assembly for Pride Club members in May, bringing together about 200 employees. The event introduced the new set of officers, showcased the club’s milestones, and outlined plans for the year ahead. Additionally, I am Remarkable Workshop was conducted by Chris Eugenio, board member and advisor for local LGBTQ+ nonprofit Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), inspired employees to embrace authenticity and lead with Pride.

Following the kickoff, the Pride Club rolled out interactive initiatives to drive engagement and further support HCPH’s DE&I commitment. Among these were Pose with Pride, a mirror installation at the office that encouraged employees to reflect on their Pride stories, and Express Your Pride, a social media invitation to employees to update their profile photos using a dedicated blast frame and share their journeys on Facebook and Instagram.

During discussions of Joie Cortina and Arjhay Puod at HCPH Pride Club Townhall

The highlight of the celebration was the Pride Town Hall, anchored on Makulay ang Pakikibaka. Makulay ang Pagkilala. Makulay ang Pag-ibig. The event featured discussions on advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusion, and advocacy, led by guest speakers Portia La-ab, TQACE Head and ESG Lead at HCPH; Joie Cortina, a queer Filipina feminist researcher and activist; and Arjhay Puod, a human and trans rights advocate.

The town hall also featured the search for the new Pride Club Ambassador. Six employees from various departments showcased their advocacies, talents, and personal stories, culminating in the selection of this year’s Pride Club Ambassador.

More than 200 HCPH employees marching during the LOV3LABAN Pride PH Festival 2025

The celebration concluded with HCPH’s participation in the LOV3LABAN Pride PH Festival 2025 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where 200 employees from Pangasinan, Cavite, and the National Capital Region joined over 407,000 marchers across the country calling for equality.

“Our Pride Month celebration reflects what Home Credit stands for—a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Pride Month is not just a celebration, but a reminder of our commitment to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion every day. Through the Pride Club, we will continue to foster genuine empowerment and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community and help build a culture where everyone feels at home, every voice is heard, and every shade of Pride is celebrated,” said Portia La-ab, HCPH ESG Lead

A true Home for all

Home Credit’s commitment to DE&I goes beyond month-long celebrations. DE&I is deeply embedded in the company’s culture, shaping policies, programs, and everyday practices that create a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Guided by the belief that No Small Roles, Everyone is Important, the company works to ensure that employees—regardless of background, gender identity, or orientation—find belonging and purpose.

At the core of this commitment are progressive policies designed to meet the diverse needs of employees. These include enabling eligible workers to enroll same-sex partners as dependents in medical benefits, offering wellness leaves, and providing gender-neutral restrooms across office spaces. HCPH also undergoes regular assessments, such as the Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies (GEARS) evaluation, to help identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities in its people strategies and programs.

Beyond internal initiatives, Home Credit actively partners with organizations like the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride, the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. These collaborations help the company align with best practices and strengthen its DE&I efforts.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or get the Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

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). 

Young Cocoa and DEMI are a match made in heaven in new track “Cheap Thrills”

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This collaboration invites listeners to “let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures”

Rising Filipino artists Young Cocoa and DEMI have teamed up on their latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” a delightful track that captures the lighthearted rush of young romance.

Released today via Sony Music Entertainment, the smooth jam shines with its captivating sense of ease and simplicity, going for subtlety instead of flashy distractions. What started as a solo demo quickly evolved into a ‘joint’ earworm that invites listeners to let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures: no frills, just feels.

“I’ve always wondered how a track of mine would sound with a female artist,” shares Young Cocoa. “When JGreg and I finished the demo, we felt like the song was missing a big piece, and that’s when we thought of having DEMI on it. The goal of the collaboration really was to create a compelling sound through contrast, highlighting two distinct styles on this one track—one that DEMI wouldn’t normally be on given her sonic choices historically. We’re similar enough to be on the same wavelength but different enough to be distinct, and that’s how I knew we’d gel well on this.”

For DEMI, the pairing was proved to be an unexpectedly successful match. “Honestly, I have no idea why they thought I was the right fit for this demo,” the chart-topping newcomer laughs. “At first I couldn’t hear myself on this kind of track, but with a little push, I gave it a shot, and surprisingly, I loved how it turned out.”

Despite never sharing a studio space, the two artists found their rhythm remotely. The collaborative process took place online, which unlocked a new skill set for both artists, who each have a different outlook for songwriting and creativity. “Because the production was really playful, we had to get creative with flows and cadences,” Young Cocoa says.

DEMI adds,” It definitely took time. I needed to adjust and explore a bit before I could even send back my demo. A brainstorming session with an artist friend actually helped unlock the direction I wanted to take, and that really sparked my creativity for this one.”

Thematically, “Cheap Thrills” draws on real, lived experiences. For Young Cocoa, it’s rooted in his easygoing personality and dating memories from college. DEMI, on the other hand, echoes the sentiment with her own lens: “I naturally give my all when I fall in love, so writing this was a fun and honest way to express that side of me.”

Helmed by producer JGreg, the soundscape leans toward Y2K R&B/hip-hop with a modern twist: breezy yet rich in texture. “JGreg really brought the sauce,” Young Cocoa admits. “We were aiming for that Neptunes/Tyler-esque sound with a blend of pop.” DEMI hears another layer in the mix: “There’s definitely a Justin Timberlake vibe in the harmonies. Unexpected but welcome!”

The release of the song also comes with a music video that mirrors the song’s carefree spirit. Directed by Naki, the playful concept sees the duo on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn when their cars break down.

“We leaned into cinematography over narrative,” says YC. “It’s more about mood and visual strength, with a lot of stills and dynamic shots.

Young Cocoa and DEMI’s “Cheap Thrills” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on Young Cocoa's official YouTube channel, set to premiere on July 31.

Christian Bautista Signs with Sony Music Philippines

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Christian Bautista, continues to chart an extraordinary course in 2025.

Fresh off a series of career highs– including renewing his contract as a Kapuso and earning international recognition at the Telly Awards and The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA)-- Asia’s Romantic Balladeer continues his winning streak. Most recently, Christian Bautista took home two Collision Awards for Matching Outfits: Silver Winner and Audience Choice Winner in the Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle category. Now, he adds another major move to his banner year: officially signing an exclusive recording contract with Sony Music Philippines.

The contract signing took place this July at the label’s Ortigas office, with Sony Music Philippines’ General Manager Roslyn Pineda, Deputy General Manager Maan Atienza, and NYMA COO Kat Bautista.

“This is such an exciting time—2025 has already been incredible,” Christian shared. “I’m deeply grateful to the entire Sony Music Philippines team for their warm welcome, and to my management at NYMA for their unwavering guidance and for constantly opening new doors for me. Even after more than 20 years in the industry, it’s amazing to discover that there is still so much more to explore. I’m surrounded by people and listeners around the world who inspire me and remind me that the opportunities are truly endless.”

The partnership brings together Sony Music Philippines’ team, including Roslyn Pineda (General Manager, Philippines), and Maan Atienza (Deputy General Manager). Working closely with NYMA, the goal is to shape a new season of music and storytelling for one of OPM’s most iconic voices– the one and only Asia’s Romantic Balladeer.

“Christian Bautista’s artistry transcends borders, and we are excited to amplify his voice across Southeast Asia and beyond,” said Roslyn Pineda. “His recent warm welcome at Sony Music Indonesia highlights the strong fanbase he has there, and we look forward to collaborating closely with our colleagues in Indonesia to create new pathways for his music. Together, we are poised to bring his incredible talent to a wider audience.”

While details of new releases are still under wraps, fans can expect something very soon. Christian Bautista is cooking up something exciting with the music label—hinted at by his recent visit to Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia’s office. With Sony’s regional reach and global reputation, this new chapter points to wider rollouts and fresh opportunities for Christian to expand his music not just across Southeast Asia, but globally.

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TechLife Pad Lite 8” Restocked After Selling Out Online

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With a sleek design, large battery, and essential features, the PHP 4,999 Pad Lite 8” is now available again in retail and e-commerce platforms

 

TechLife Pad Lite 8” was met with overwhelming demand from Filipino buyers, quickly selling out on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and TikTok shortly after launch, proving just how much the fans appreciate a reliable and budget-friendly tablet that fits their everyday needs.

Priced at P4,999, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” delivers a competitive feature set designed for casual productivity, learning, entertainment, and leisure.

A Compact Device for Everyday Use

With its 8-inch HD LCD display, smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and slim 8.5mm profile, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” is designed for effortless portability, slipping easily into most bags without adding bulk, which is especially convenient during the rainy season. Weighing just under 338g, it supports one-handed use and includes a detachable stand for hands-free viewing and virtual classes.

Additionally, it comes pre-installed with Google Kids Space, offering curated content and parental controls to ensure a safe and kid-friendly digital experience.

Smooth Performance and Ample Storage

Powered by a UNISOC T606 octa-core processor with 4GB RAM (expandable up to 8GB via RAM Expansion) and 64GB internal storage, the Pad  Lite 8” handles everyday tasks with ease, including attending virtual meetings or online classes and watching video tutorials. The tablet supports up to 1TB expansion via microSD cards, and can support external drives at up to 2TB via OTG, making it easy to store documents, media, and even school files.

Stay Charged and Connected Anywhere

A 6000mAh dual-cell battery powers the device for extended use: up to 7.5 hours of streaming, 29.5 hours of music playback, and 6.5 hours of video playback at full brightness. It supports 10W Type-C charging and offers 5W reverse charging, allowing fans to conveniently power accessories such as earbuds or smartwatches. Coupled with dual 4G SIM support and VoLTE capability, the Pad Lite 8” ensures strong, uninterrupted connectivity even in areas without Wi-Fi, making it especially useful for users in both urban and rural environments.

Now Restocked Nationwide

The TechLife Pad Lite 8” is now restocked across its official online stores, including Shopee and TikTok Shop. Also available in TechLife retail stores nationwide, the tablet retails for PHP 4,999 and comes in two stylish colors: Champagne Gold and Lilac Purple, giving customers flexible options to purchase online or in person.

To receive exclusive offers and news about TechLife, follow its official social media pages on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

PUMA unveils the Prime Squared Collection: Elevated Street Style Meets Everyday Statement

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PUMA Southeast Asia is proud to launch the Prime Squared collection, a bold new chapter in streetwear designed to meet the demands of fast-paced city life. This latest collection fuses style with cutting-edge fashion, capturing the spirit, energy, and individuality found in the heartbeat of urban streets.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 1

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 2 

The Prime Squared collection represents a fusion of bold expression and urban utility, it’s made for the street — where energy, culture, and motion collide. Every piece is designed to keep up with the relentless rhythm of city life while making a distinct visual statement.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 1

The collection will roll out in two drops. Drop 1 features a versatile palette of earthy and neutral tones such as Khaki, White, Black, and Muted Green. Drop 2 introduces a more vibrant colour story, including striking hues like Electric Blue, deep Wine Red, and soft Blush Pink.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 2

These hues are combined with sleek design and performance-driven construction to create pieces as bold as the personalities who wear them. Key design features include structured tailoring, layered textures, technical fabrics, and functional accents, all thoughtfully crafted to allow freedom of movement without compromising style.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection for Men Drop 1

PUMA Prime Squared Collection for Men Drop 2 

The PUMA Prime Squared collection will be available on PUMA.com, PUMA stores, and select PUMA stockists starting July 2025 for Drop 1, while Drop 2 lands online and in stores this October 2025.