SM joins Earth Hour 2022; Lights switch-off, Virtual Run part of activity line-up

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As part of the company's sustainability efforts, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is once again joining the world in observing Earth Hour, with this year’s theme "Shape Our Future," focusing on how we can work together in halting and reversing climate change and nature loss by 2030.

Earth Hour is an annual campaign launched in 2007 by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages the turning off of non-essential lights as part of energy conservation efforts for the planet. Since its first observance in the Philippines in 2008, SM has been joining the campaign every year, being one of the first in the private sector to support it.

This year, SM will continue to promote the campaign by being one of the official partners of WWF for the Earth Hour Virtual Run, to be held from March 26 to April 22. Aside from this, all SM malls will be joining the light switch-off on March 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

"SM is proud to have been supporting Earth Hour throughout the last 14 years. Every year, we partake in this very important movement because we want to inspire people to action and tell them that no matter how small their contribution is, it will go a long way if we work together," said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM’s Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of Sustainability.

“Through Earth Hour, we want to engage over a billion people worldwide and engage decision-makers whether in business, institutions, and governments, to move the agenda of nature up the priority list in the global sphere and in the national agenda. We want people to lend their voices as we're shaping our future, and hopefully, we'll be changing the ending for the positive – for both people and the planet,” said Atty. Angela Ibay, Climate and Energy Program Head of WWF-Philippines

Aside from joining the campaign every year, SM has been active in environmental protection in many ways. For instance, all SM malls are equipped with energy and water conservation facilities. The company also regularly joins tree planting activities, and has waste management initiatives such as Trash-to-Cash, e-waste and used acid lead batteries collection programs, and the plastic waste collection program with the Plastic Credit Exchange.

SM has also been investing more in renewable energy. Eight malls in the country and three in China are now equipped with solar panels, with more to follow in the coming months. SM also pledged to increase its use of renewable energy to 50 percent of its overall energy usage by year-end.

SM City Tuguegarao Downtown Solar Rooftop

SM's other sustainability initiatives include the annual Green Film Festival, promoting environmental awareness among students and the youth through films; the AweSMSeas project, promoting awareness on the negative impact of plastic waste on seas and oceans; and the International Coastal Cleanup joined by thousands of volunteers every year, to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, supporting initiatives that focus on communities and the environment. In addition to its programs on the environment, SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on women and breastfeeding mothers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to learn more.

Xiaomi 12 Series Launches in the Philippines

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The series redefines the flagship category with cutting-edge AI algorithms and Snapdragon® mobile platforms deliver cinematic experiences starting at PHP 39,999

Xiaomi today announced the launch of the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for the Philippine market – the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.

Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience.

Market Availability

Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB will retail at PHP 48,999 and Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will available for PHP 39,999 as early as March 24.

Those who pre-order in Xiaomi’s official online and authorized retail stores from March 24 to April 1 can also score amazing deals. Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB buyers will be getting a free Mi TV P1 43” while those who purchase a Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will receive a free Mi TV P1 32”. Freebies are subject to stock availability.

Also launched with the Xiaomi 12 Series are the new Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, Xiaomi Buds 3 and 3T Pro, and the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11, which will come with their own deals and freebies from March 24 to 25 on Shopee and March 27 to 28 on Lazada.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 will be available at an early bird price of PHP 9,999 from its SRP of PHP 10,999 and will come with a free Mi Body Composition Scale 2 worth PHP 1,499 while you can get the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active at a discounted price of PHP 7,499 and will come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.

The Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro will be selling for only PHP 5,999 from its original price of PHP 6,999, while the Xiaomi Buds 3 will also be available for a discounted price from PHP 4,999 to PHP 3,999. Both will also come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.

Lastly, the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11 will also be on sale for only PHP 15,999 from its SRP of PHP 17,999.

Capture cinematic shots at any time

Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. Both phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.

Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. This sensor is capable of catching large amounts of light and empowers advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased color accuracy. Xiaomi 12 features a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP telemacro camera, for filming life from different perspectives.

Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms. These innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects. Xiaomi ProFocus intelligently identifies and tracks objects, preventing blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. These advancements also include eye and face auto focus capabilities. Ultra Night Video uses Xiaomi’s proprietary algorithms to record video even under extreme low-light, meaning moody, atmospheric shots are clearer than ever.

Available on both devices, One-click AI Cinema offers numerous creative options for show-stopping video editing, such as Parallel World, Freeze Frame Video, and Magic Zoom modes.

Flagship processing, unprecedented performance and power-efficiency

Flagship experience requires flagship performance. Xiaomi 12 Series features advanced Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM mobile platforms. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 boast a Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm's most advanced mobile platform. Built on a 4nm process, this processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30% and energy efficiency by 25% when compared to the previous generation1. Both devices come with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps.

For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs high-performing cooling systems, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leading-cooling capability.

All-around elevated entertainment experiences

Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments in astonishing detail via an exceptional entertainment experience.

All devices offer vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support. For added peace of mind, the display features scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and supports Dolby Vision®, industry’s leading imaging technology that brings your content to life with vibrant color and details. Xiaomi 12 Series also supports HDR 10+. Xiaomi 12 Pro is SGS Eye Care Display Certified, showing care for users’ long-term visual health during marathon sessions.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content.

Xiaomi 12 delivers Xiaomi’s most colorful smartphone display to date, with more than 68 billion colors on 6.28-inch full-HD+ displays. Both feature 120Hz AdaptiveSync, for an impressively high-definition, vibrant, and flicker-free display that conveys every detail.

No cinematic experience is truly complete without pro-grade audio. Xiaomi 12 Series features SOUND BY Harmon Kardon, and creates an immersive audio experience powered by Dolby Atmos®, delivering spatial sound with rich detail, clarity, and realism across all your favorite entertainment. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s quad speakers – in the form of two tweeters and two woofers – deliver clear details and cover an astounding range of sound, while Xiaomi 12 delivers balanced stereo sound ideal for immersive gaming or video.

To optimize core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance.

Next-generation charging

To ensure Xiaomi 12 Series delivers pro-grade cinematic and entertainment experiences all day, the devices deliver next-level charging speed and safety.

Xiaomi 12 Pro features the incredibly fast 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. With a 4,600mAh battery fully charged in just 18 minutes using Boost mode, Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers next-generation charging capabilities that keep up with user demands2.

Xiaomi 12 fits 4,500mAh batteries into compact body designs. Both devices support 67W wired turbo charging for speedy power-up. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.

Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 both leverage Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to charging habits, which prolongs battery life.

Flagship capabilities packaged in an iconic design

These portable pocket-sized studios fit comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to Xiaomi 12 Series’ iconic and user-centered design. Slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap save precious space within the device. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 6.73-inch display is encased in a sleek middle frame with sophisticated 3D curves. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12’s 6.28-inch display measures just 69.9mm in width and is accented by smooth curves for a perfect fit3. Both devices are available in Gray, Purple, and Blue.

Xiaomi 12 Series Quick Specs

	Xiaomi 12 Pro	Xiaomi 12
Display	120Hz 6.73” AMOLED Dot Display  DisplayMate A+  Samsung E5 material  Aspect ratio: 20:9  WQHD+, 3200 x 1440  TrueColor  HBM 1,000 nits (typ), 1,500 nits peak brightness(typ)  Contrast ratio: 8,000,000:1(typ)  16,000 level brightness adjustment  Dynamic 120Hz LTPO  Micro Lens  AdaptiveSync Pro  Up to 480Hz touch sampling rate  Dolby Vision, HDR 10+ support  360° ambient light sensor  SGS Eye Care Display Certification  X-axis linear vibration motor	120Hz 6.28" AMOLED Dot Display  DisplayMate A+  Aspect ratio: 20:9  FHD+, 2400 x 1080  TrueColor  1,100 nits peak brightness(typ)  Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1(typ)  16,000 brightness adjustment  Over 68 billion colors  Dolby Vision®, HDR 10+ support  120Hz AdaptiveSync  Up to 480Hz touch sampling rate  360° ambient light sensor  Low blue light certification  X-axis linear vibration motor
Rear Camera	• 50MP wide angle camera  - IMX707, f/1.9  - 1/1.28” 7P lens  - 2.44 μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel  - 8K recording  - 4K HDR 10+ recording  - Ultra Night Video, One-click AI cinema  - Xiaomi ProFocus (Motion tracking focus/ Motion Capture/Eye tracking focus)  - Ultra Night Photo, Portrait Night mode  • 50MP ultra-wide angle camera  - 115° FOV, f/2.2  • 50MP telephoto camera  - 48mm equivalent focal length, f/1.9  • Night mode (wide/ultra-wide/telephoto)  • 50MP mode (wide/ultra-wide/telephoto)	• 50MP wide angle camera  - f/1.88, 6P lens  - 2μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel  - 8K recording  - 4K HDR 10+ recording  - Ultra Night Video, One-click AI cinema  - Xiaomi ProFocus (Motion tracking focus/Eye tracking focus/ Motion Capture)  - Portait Night mode, Portrait HDR  • 13MP ultra-wide angle camera  - 123° FOV, f/2.4  • 5MP telemacro camera  - 50mm equivalent focal length, Auto Focus  • Night mode (wide/ultra wide)
Front Camera	32MP in-display selfie camera  f/2.45, 1.4μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel  HDR 10+ recording  Selfie Night mode, AI portrait video	32MP in-display selfie camera  f/2.45, 1.4μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel  HDR 10+ recording, AI portrait video, Selfie Night mode
Dimensions3 & Weight3	163.60mm x 74.60mm x 8.16mm  205g	152.70mm x 69.90mm x 8.16mm  180g
Processor	SnapdragonTM 8 Gen 1  4nm power-efficient manufacturing process  ARM-V9:  1x ARM Cortex-X2 @ 3.0GHz  3x ARM Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz  4x ARM Cortex-A510 @ 1.8GHz  Qualcomm® Adreno™  LiquidCool Technology  MIUI 13 with Android 12	SnapdragonTM 8 Gen 1  4nm power-efficient manufacturing process  ARM-V9:  1x ARM Cortex-X2 @ 3.0GHz  3x ARM Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz  4x ARM Cortex-A510 @ 1.8GHz  Qualcomm® Adreno™  LiquidCool Technology  MIUI 13 with Android 12
RAM+ROM	LPDDR5 RAM   UFS 3.1 storage	LPDDR5 RAM   UFS 3.1 storage
Audio	Quad speakers  SOUND BY Harman Kardon  Dolby Atmos®	Symmetrical dual speakers   SOUND BY Harman Kardon  Dolby Atmos®
Charging	4,600mAh battery (typ)  120W wired   Xiaomi HyperCharge  50W wireless turbo charging  10W reverse wireless charging  Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge	4,500mAh (typ) battery  67W wired turbo charging  50W wireless turbo charging  10W reverse wireless charging  Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge
Connectivity	Type-C  Dual SIM, dual 5G standby5 Supports NFC6 Bluetooth 5.2  5G  Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E7	Type-C  Dual SIM, dual 5G standby5 Supports NFC6  Bluetooth 5.2  5G  Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 7
Available Colors	Gray, Purple, and Blue	Gray, Purple, and Blue

⁵ 5G connectivity may vary based on region availability and local operator support.
⁶ NFC availability may vary between markets^.
7 Wi-Fi 6/Wi-Fi 6E connectivity may vary based on region availability and local network. For most countries and areas, Wi-Fi 6 is not supported by the devices and needs to be added via OTA where applicable^.

Protect Lives and Livelihood with These Easy Fire Prevention Tips and with Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMax

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In the first two months of 2022 alone, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced that fire incidents have already increased by almost 13% compared to the same period last year. In addition, back in 2020, data from BFP also showed that open flame due to torch, unattended cooking, and electrical connections are the main causes of fire accidents.

Like other threats and risks of loss in any unfortunate events such as natural calamities, impacts due to fire and negligence mishaps, thousands of lives and millions up to billions worth of properties are being lost every year, and the need for a financial tool arises to make financial impacts less severe.

“Damage caused by fire is insurmountable. It affects the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos, regardless of their economic status in life. Unfortunately, our kababayans in the marginalized sector can experience bigger risk and more profound impact. Backed by our commitment for financial inclusion, we also want common Filipinos to be able to afford protection and security as a part of their financial plan. It is crucial that they have access to basic security requirements to cushion the blow of disasters that may happen,” Cebuana Lhuillier CEO and President, Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

As the country observes the annual Fire Prevention Month, here are some tips from the BFP to make sure that your house is safe from fire:

1. Unplug appliances when they are not in use

Unplugging items when not in use not only reduces your electricity consumption but also cuts down the chances of a fire. Excessive electricity flowing through appliances like TV sets, computers, and a lot more – or a possibility of power surge can be a source of conflagration.

Make sure to always unplug your appliances when leaving the house.

2. Never leave flames or heated appliances unattended

Always be cautious of any excessive flames that you may use like lighting candles or cooking. Always keep an eye and one step ahead if anything goes wrong. Much better if you can install fire alarms or have fire extinguishers ready, nearby.

3. Keep flammable items away from things that can be a source of fire

Proper storage of different items and supplies can prevent a fire incident. Ensuring that flammable items are stored in the right place and are far away from a source of heat, can save you from a possible accident.

4. Declutter

Too many things cluttered in an area can give fire plenty of space to spread faster. By decluttering certain areas in your home, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of spreading fire, minimize your loss, and save your home in the event of a fire.

5. Check your electrical wirings regularly

Pay close attention to any visible faulty wirings. This can damage your appliances that can eventually lead to a fire incident.

Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. Knowing these fire prevention tips could save you and others from a devastating event.

“This Fire Prevention Month, it is important to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Apart from being ready when a fire incident happens, it is also important that common Filipinos have a safety net in case it happened. This is our main mission for our microinsurance product, ProtectMax. This product offers comprehensive coverage at a more reasonable cost,” First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers Inc., Jonathan Batangan mentioned.

To lessen the risk brought by fire and other natural calamities, Cebuana Lhuiller offers ProtectMAX, an affordable microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years old with Death Benefit, Accident or Sickness Emergency Cash Assistance, Accidental Dismemberment and/or Disablement, Murder, and Unprovoked Assault and Residential Fire Reconstruction cash assistance.

For as low as P50, get a total coverage value of up to P61,000.00. Each certificate is valid for four (4) months from the date of issuance and can be availed up to a maximum of 5 certificates per insured in a year.

To know more about Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMAX, visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch or just log on to www.cebuanalhuillier.com. Avail ProtectMAX now in almost 3,000 branches of Cebuana Lhuillier, nationwide.

What’s the best buy now, pay later partner for side hustlers? Get to know from this episode of Kwentong HC

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For the longest time, side hustles have always been an integral part of the Filipino working culture. Most commonly known to Filipinos as ‘raket’, these are sideline jobs undertaken for extra income. You see them everywhere – from your neighbor offering personal care products, a co-worker selling goodies and snacks at the office, or your former classmate with an online selling business.

These so-called side hustlers include AR Peralta, a 28-year-old School Director who, aside from his main job, has a side hustle. Sharing his diskarte story in this latest episode of Kwentong HC, he narrated how he manages his finances and spends his hard-earned money wisely.

“Suma-sideline din ako paminsan-minsan. Before pandemic, as a make-up artist and events host. At ngayong pandemic, online seller.” (I do side hustles from time to time. Before the pandemic, as a make-up artist and events host. And now, during the pandemic, as on online seller).

Many of them are usually faced with the challenge of financially supporting the household. Helping them manage and stretch out their budget are buy now, pay later (BNPL) companies like Home Credit. For many years, Home Credit has been equipping many Pinoys with alternative and convenient payment options to avail home appliances, electronic gadgets and such.

“I earn decent naman pero hindi na tayo bumabata. Dapat smart ang pag-spend. Mahirap bumili ng bagay kapag isang bagsakan.” (I earn decent. But I realized, I’m not getting any younger so I should be smarter with the way I spend [my money]. It’s hard to purchase an item if you have to pay for it one-time, big-time).

“I love to sing. Hilig din kasi ng family ko kumanta. Kaya naisipan ko mag-Home Credit. Sa unang pundar ko, I availed Magic Sing.” (Me and family really like singing. That’s why with my very first investment, I thought of availing a Magic Sing with Home Credit).

Home Credit offers easy and affordable monthly installments for consumers like AR who wants to avail and invest on big-ticket items, fit for their budget and monthly income.

“Good choice talaga yung nag-avail ako with Home Credit. Big help with how I budget my finances. As a matter of fact, after nung Magic Sing, nag-avail pa ako ng 2 pang cellphones for me and my sister.” (I really made a good choice availing from Home Credit. It’s such a big help with how I budget my finances. As a matter of fact, after the Magic Sing, I also bought 2 more cellphones for me and my sister).

For working individuals like him who are busy juggling their main job and side hustle with little time to go to the malls, Marketplace, found in the My Home Credit App, is an instant help to browse products and easily shop anytime, anywhere. You can even compare prices, specs and deals for any commodity, all within the reach of your fingertips.

“I trust my purchases with them. Sobrang convenient na sa pagba-budget, nakakapundar pa ako one step at a time. Salamat sa Home Credit. Nakakapundar ako while saving for my future.” (I trust my purchases with them [Home Credit]. I can invest for the items that I want and it’s convenient to pay considering my budget. So, thanks Home Credit for helping me plan for the future).

If you’re like AR who’s looking for items perfectly fit for your budget, visit any of Home Credit’s 10,000+ partner retail stores nationwide or download the My Home Credit App and invest on your first home appliance, electronic gadget, furniture, and more.

Watch the full video of AR Peralta’s story in Kwentong HC.

Choose the best for your family only with the best-tasting Jollibee Chickenjoy

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Everyone’s favorite crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy is still the top choice for the best bonding moments with the family

No family bonding moment is complete without good food to bring us all together. That’s because moments shared with loved ones become better and even stronger when everyone is having a delicious meal to bond over with.

That’s why to make bonding moments with your family the best, it’s only right to give them the best and easiest choice—Jollibee Chickenjoy: everyone’s favorite fried chicken.

The crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy is something everyone keeps coming back to! It’s the best-tasting fried chicken that is loved by many; everyone asks for it and nobody says no to it, especially when the whole family’s gathered together at the dining table.

The joyful feelings that Chickenjoy brings to everyone is shown in their latest campaign ad which features a modern and refreshed version of the classic Jollibee jingle, “I Love You Sabado.” You can watch the ad here:

“There’s nothing quite like the allure of the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy to bring the whole family together. We encourage Filipinos to keep making it an important part of intimate moments with their loved ones especially since we see the joy that it brings to many.” said Mari Aldecoa, Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President for Bestsellers and Ready-to-Cook Categories.

Jollibee Chickenjoy is available for only PHP 76 for 1-pc.Chickenjoy Solo, PHP 399 for the 6-pc Chickenjoy Bucket Solo, and PHP 499 for the 8-pc Chickenjoy Bucket Solo . Have it safely delivered to your home via the #87000 hotline, Jollibee App, or JollibeeDelivery.com. Also available in Dine-in, Drive-Thru, and Take Out!

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, follow @jollibee on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.