Bolt of Talent, FOX Networks Group’s highly anticipated original singing competition hosted by award-winning American singer-songwriter and pop culture icon Michael Bolton aired its premiere episode last August 16 at 9:30 PM on Star World with the Philippines opening the season.

Guided with the principles of celebrating music and undiscovered talents, Michael Bolton travelled all the way to the Philippines to scout for up and coming singers with the help of Morissette Amon, one of the Philippine’s hottest young artist today. The season premiered with the scenic landmark, that is, Rizal Park which served as the perfect backdrop for a monumental opportunity presented by Bolt of Talent to aspiring singers everywhere.  

Driving around Metro Manila, Michael & Morissette visits Lance Busa and Hans Dimayuga. As the two go through the motions of their days, they get surprised by a meet and greet with Michael. Halfway through, he listens in on the two as they perform their hearts out to their chosen pieces. In the spirit of celebrating the Pinoy culture and to mingle with the contestants, Michael takes them out on a Karaoke night before the competition gets going.

Behind the powerful vocals in each contender sits a beautiful story in their search for their voices. “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. I was on the verge of quitting [music], working an 8 to 5 job, I was struggling.” Lance said as he scrambles t o find the words to describe his moment with Michael Bolton. Further, he says “I want a big adventure, a big journey ahead of me. My heart is hungry for that.”

Hans shares the same, as he lets us in on his journey towards chasing his dream, “I used to be depressed when people keep telling me to get a job, a real job, get a desk job. But now, I sort of like the haters. It just motivates you to prove them wrong.” Till the day his perseverance paid off, he exclaimed “I was so overwhelmed and shocked. I did not expect it all, Michael Bolton asking you to sing your song in front of him. What an experience!” Hans said. 

The competition begins with the hit, hard and hot challenge of recreating a famous Michael Bolton song which will be specially-arranged and recorded on a studio before the contestants embark on a sing-off in front of Michael Bolton and Morissette Amon. In the spirit of presenting rousing twists and turns, the episode is rounded up through an exciting announcement — a live playback of the recorded studio version rendition of the winning artist, Lance Busa. 

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The long wait is over as the all-new OPPO F3 Red Limited Edition is now available in the Philippines. The limited edition smartphone was officially launched during the opening of the SM Aura OPPO Concept Store last August 12, 2017. 

OPPO fans who have been eagerly anticipating the release of this model are in for an additional treat, as the OPPO F3 Red Limited Edition, priced at P15,990, is also available at 0% installments through Home Credit Philippines! All customers need to do is present two valid IDs to the Home Credit sales associate in the store, and wait for just a few minutes to get approved for their loan application. The promo is part of OPPO’s Selfie Supreme campaign with Home Credit, where OPPO’s most in demand models can be availed through very affordable 0% interest monthly payments in participating stores across the country. 

The new OPPO F3 Limited Edition Red highlights OPPO’s advanced technology infused with flair and a more lifestyle approach, as it is a perfect combination of OPPO F3’s innovative features in premium red color and metal finish. It is the ideal smartphone for users who aspire to create a statement through the smartphones they carry. Not to mention that the OPPO F3 Red is one of the very few smartphones in the market with high-quality finish with such distinct color. 

The OPPO F3 is a dual-selfie camera smartphone that can let customers experience wider selfies and include more people on a groufie. Additionally, it has 4GB of RAM for multi-tasking and generous 64GB of storage for apps, photos, and videos; all in a sleek metal body and 5.5” Full HD screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. 

Customers need not to worry on maintaining the finish of their smartphones because the F3 Red comes with a soft transparent case and a pre-installed screen protector. Other phone accessories and enhancements are also available for purchase at OPPO concept stores.

“The new OPPO F3 Red Limited Edition smartphone answers the need of our customers who are looking for a more stylish, chic, and sleek smartphone. OPPO believes that smartphones should not only be multi-functional, but should also be bold enough to stand out as it’s part of everyone’s daily essentials”, said Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager.

OPPO ambassadors Coleen Garcia and Robi Domingo graced the launch event and gladly shared their insights and best moments with the F3 Red. 

“Just when everyone thought that selfies could not get any better comes a smartphone that’s not only best for capturing life-worthy moments, but is also very handy and trendy. It perfectly goes with anything and we can’t wait for everyone to get a hold of the hottest smartphone in town,” said Robi Domingo.

“Selfies are now made more fashionable. With the new OPPO F3 Limited Edition Red, I get to capture the best moments in style. I am really excited for everyone to try this new and sleek smartphone”, said Coleen Garcia.

The OPPO F3 Red Limited Edition is now available at OPPO Concept Stores nationwide and in Lazada as the exclusive online store for only PhP 15,990. Online purchasers may check out bit.ly/OPPOF3Red via Lazada for more details. For a complete list of OPPO Concept stores, fans may check out bit.ly/F3RedEdition

For more details about the OPPO F3, please visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.

For more information on Home Credit promos for OPPO, please visit https://www.homecredit.ph. 08/31/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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Explore the beauty of nature, discover hidden treasures underwater, or learn a different culture through food in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from Citi and Velca Travel. 

Avail of 0% Citi PayLite using your Citi credit card to book hotels, flights, and tour packages to the beautiful paradise of the Maldives and the unique city of Sapporo and get up to $100 off your desired journey through Citi PayLite’s “Bucket List” travel offer. 

Citi Philippines Credit Payment Products Director David Stoughton said: “Now is a wonderful opportunity for our loyal Citi cardholders to go out to the world at affordable rates. The ongoing Citi PayLite ‘Bucket List’ campaign was designed to provide our customers luxury travel experiences at easy on the pocket payment terms and prices.”

Discover why Maldives is called nature’s sunken garden. Spend four days and 3 nights in any of three islands which showcase Maldives’ stunning white beaches and amazing underwater world. Book using your CIti card at US$50 off published rates to avail of packages that include round-trip economy class airfare and three nights twin room accommodations with meals and transfers. 

Savor the best that Fun Island has to offer at a three-star resort stay with a special Beachfront Room, speedboat ride, and full board meals for only US$1,460 from US$1,510. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Paradise Island, which includes Superior Beach Bungalow stay in a four-star resort, speedboat transfers, and half-board meals for only US$1,515 from US$1,565. Or travel to Sun Island at only US$1,600 from US$1,650 and get one night’s accommodation at Somerset Male upon arrival, while for the rest of your trip you will enjoy transfers by domestic flights and speedboat, a comfortable Superior Beach bungalow stay and half-board meals. Let these packages take you to the Maldives in unrivaled luxury from September 1 to October 31, 2017.

There’s also good news for all food and culture lovers! Go on an exciting one-time gastronomic journey to Sapporo, the City of Food, for six days and five nights. This all-inclusive travel package is composed of round-trip economy class airfare, four-star hotel accommodations based on twin sharing, full meals three times daily, plus a guided tour to all important tourist spots in the comforts of an air-conditioned bus among others. Pay only US$2,388 from US 2,488 when you book now until August 29, 2017, and travel from September 22 to 27, 2017. 

Open to all Citi cardholders, the Citi PayLite installment plan lets you enjoy 0% interest or affordable converted monthly factor rates. It allows light and easy installments for up to3 months only when purchasing travel packages, gadgets, apparel, appliances, and a whole lot more.

Fulfill your bucket list now, explore the unparalleled destinations of Maldives and Sapporo with Citi PayLite and Velca Travel today! Book using your Citi credit card by calling Velca Travel and Tours Inc. at (02) 899-9256, (02) 850-2325, (02) 772-3982 to 83, or email your inquiries at velca8@gmail.com. 

For more information about these exciting offers and to know more about exclusive rewards available only from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph. 08/28/2017 (The Lifesyle Portal) 

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Today’s young professionals are ambitious and often on-the-go. They work hard and at the same time want to pursue their own passions. As they focus on their careers, they want to maintain a work-life balance, and ensure that they are also preparing for their ultimate ambitions.  Some would want to travel around the world, have their own business, or pursue a pricey hobby like golf or scuba diving.  

Recognizing the need for investment and protection of today’s discerning consumers, AXA has launched MyAmbition, an affordable investment and life insurance plan that you can avail of online.  Designed with your busy lifestyle in mind, the convenience of availing of an investment product with just a few clicks gives you an attractive option to help fulfill your ambitions in life.  

MyAmbition can be availed of with a one-time investment that starts at only P50,000, a great opportunity to put that 13th month bonus or extra savings to better use.  You can also invest up to a maximum of P125,000.  The funds are professionally-managed by the AXA group to give you security and peace of mind. 

MyAmbition gives you a range of options to suit your risk profile and financial goals.  There’s an investment fund for conservative investors, a balanced fund for those who have a moderate appetite for risk, and an aggressive growth fund for those who want to maximize the potential of their investments. 

Application is easy. Just visit www.axa.com.ph, and click on MyAmbition.  You can assess your investment profile, pick an investment portfolio, and pay for the policy with your credit card. Debit card and other online payment options are also available.  

“Our innovative digital solutions address the unique demands of digital natives.  You can avail of MyAmbition through our e-commerce site.  You can also download MyAXA, the mobile app that allows our clients to access policy information anytime, anywhere.” says Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines.

On top of these benefits and conveniences, MyAmbition gives you life insurance coverage of 125% of the single premium or the Account Value, whichever is higher.  Should you choose to keep your funds longer, you can receive a Loyalty Bonus of 5% of the average account value to be paid on the 10th and 20th year. 

“We understand the needs of today’s professionals. MyAmbition takes their lifestyle needs into consideration – it is affordable, available online, easy to purchase, can meet various investment considerations, and is payable via a credit card. MyAmbition’s combined offering of affordability, convenience, and flexibility will definitely help young and mature Filipino professionals achieve their financial goals and fulfill their ambitions,” adds AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer Amor Balagtas. 08/24/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)  

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In a glamorous affair held recently, Century Tuna crowned Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach as the Queen of the Century, marking her entry as the newest celebrity endorser of the country’s number one tuna.

Prior to her being a model and beauty queen, bagging the Miss Universe title no less, Pia first began acting at the tender age of four, later joining the Star Circle Batch 11 as a teen. This led her to number of TV appearances, hosting gigs, and subsequently, a string of film roles to her name.

As you know, Century Tuna has been known for tapping celebrity endorsers–talented, fit, and sexy—and they couldn’t be prouder for having Pia as the latest member in their family, where she appears in an all-new TVC and billboard campaign that’s oozing with sexiness and elegance!

“We were extremely pleased when Pia accepted our offer,” revealed Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Foods, Inc. Vice President and General Manager”, “We wanted someone fit, healthy, and most importantly inspiring – that is Pia.”  

Certainly, Pia Wurtzbach has become an inspiration and a true role model, the perfect embodiment of Century Tuna’s winning ways and her role as the new Queen of the Century. And with Century Tuna, you too can be a Queen! 

For brand updates and recipes, follow Century Tuna in Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna/. 08/21/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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More and more people are now into dark chocolates because of its richer, more intense flavor. Dark chocolates also contain high levels of antioxidants which helps improve heart health. 

It also has compounds that help boost the amount of endorphins in your brain which enhances your mood. You can now enjoy the goodness of dark chocolate in the most decadent way with Villa Del Conte’s Bonta Dark Chocolates. 

These deliciously dark treats comes in three delightful flavors – Dark with White Cream and Cocoa Cookies, 

Dark with Cocoa Cream and White Chips, and Dark with Hazelnut Cream and Whole Hazelnuts. These guiltless artisanal chocolates from Padova, Italy are handcrafted, and are available at Villa Del Conte stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia. 

For bulk orders and to know more about Villa Del Conte’s indulgent creations, contact 893-2575 or 621-6101, or follow Villa Del Conte on Facebook @VillaDelContePh and Twitter @villadelconte, and their new Instagram account @VillaDelContePh, or visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com. 08/19/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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Nutrilite™, world’s No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplements brand, is hosting the 5th edition of its annual Nutrilite™ Health Run, a national initiative that advocates wellness and healthy living. 

This year, Nutrilite™ aims to gather more than 12,000 runners in Manila and Davao. 

“Amway advocates a holistic, healthy, and active lifestyle. We are committed to our advocacy to encourage more people to prioritize their personal wellness. We want more people to live healthy by eating right, taking the right supplements, and being active. Our annual Nutrilite™ Health Run is our proof of providing a health sustaining activity for all,” said Leni Olmedo, Country Manager, Amway Philippines.  

This year’s Nutrilite™ Health Run will cover four categories—1K, 5K, 10K, and 21K respectively. It will kick off in Manila on October 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex Grounds. This will be followed by the Davao leg, which will be held on October 29 at the at SM Ecoland.  

“This year, we are adding the 21K together with the other distances. We acknowledge the fact that Filipino runners want to challenge themselves. That is why having this distance as part of the race, participants are assured with first class race organization, management and, more importantly on the safety of our event. We partnered with RUNRIO, Events, Inc. to bring just the best experience for them. The run is something we are highly committed to as we continue to encourage healthy and active lifestyle among the Filipino community,” Olmedo added. 

All 21K Finishers will receive a Finisher’s Medal and Finisher’s Shirt. The 1st 21K runner to cross the finish line, on the other hand, will get a P20,000 Cash Prize while the 1st 10K Finisher will get a P10,000 Cash Prize.

During the race proper, runners will have the chance to win exciting raffle prizes and experience Amway Brands through the Race Ville Expo. The event will also highlight the live performance of Sponge Cola, a notable supporter, and participant in the Nutrilite™ Health Run. 

 Meanwhile, to help the participants prepare for the run, a Free Running Clinic will be held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City every Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 pm to 9 pm starting this August 16. The same activity will also be held at the People’s Park in Davao City every Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on September 5.

The registration fee for the health run is PhP250, for the 1K, 5K, and 10K, and PhP850 for the 21K, respectively. All the participating runners will also get free Nutrilite™ Health Run shirt and race bib. 

Registration is open until October 13, 2017, in all Amway Distribution Centers (Makati, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, and Davao) or online through amway.com.ph or runrio.com. In-store registration for select Toby’s Stores in Manila will start on August 28.

Gun time is 5:30 am for 1K, 5:30 am for 5k, 5:00 am for 10k and 3:30 am for the 21K distances respectively.

The proceeds of the run will go to the Amway One By One Campaign for Children, a program initiated by the company in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). This program is in line with the government agency’s “Adopt-A-School Program” (ASP), which seeks to promote literacy through storytelling. 

Since 2015, Amway’s campaign has completed six library projects that benefited more than 10, 000 students annually in six beneficiary schools nationwide. Among these schools are: 

•    Francisco Benitez Elementary School, Makati City

•    South City Central Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City

•    Carreta Elementary School, Cebu City

•    Urdaneta South City Central Elementary, School, Pangasinan City

•    Highway Hills Integrated Elementary, School, Mandaluyong City

•    Lacson Elementary School, Davao City

•    Rafael Palma Elementary School, City of Manila

Nutrilite™ is exclusively distributed by Amway Philippines. 08/17/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

Amway is an $11.8 billion direct selling business based in Ada, Michigan, USA. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry™ skincare and color cosmetics, and eSpring™ water treatment systems – all sold exclusively by Amway Business Owners. Global sales in 2013 made Amway the #1 direct selling business in the world, according to the Direct Selling News 2014 Global 100. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

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With the theme “Brilliant At Every Stage,” MyDiamond recently introduced Ms. Charo Santos as their newest brand ambassador. 

As a multi-talented and accomplished woman of substance---with her success in the fields of entertainment and media—Charo’s multifaceted persona is the perfect embodiment of ‘True Brilliance’ that MyDiamond jewelry conveys. 

Photo shows Charo Santos (right) during her launch as the newest MyDiamond endorser with MyDiamond Marketing Manager JP Paglinawan. 08/14/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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Acoustic pop balladeer TJ Monterde’s albums, produced and released by PolyEast Records, have each officially landed four singles at the peak of the weekly Billboard Philippines Top 20. 

According to Billboard PH, four of TJ’s singles have entered thr top charts in span of five weeks. Recently, “Tulad Mo” from his CD single released in 2015 is sitting atop Billboard Philippines Top 20 at #2. While the song “Dating Tayo” (2016, Self-Titled Album) also at #6.  

Another hit culled from the 2016 self-titled album is “Ikaw At Ako Pa Rin,” TJ’s duet with soul singer KZ Tandingan is also enjoying its #12 position. TJ’s debut single in 2013 which led him to stardom, “Ikaw At Ako” coming in at #14 giving the singer its 4th top 20 entry on the latest Billboard Philippines weekly top charts. 

With streaming figures being taken into consideration in the charts, TJ is officially the first local artist to gain such recognition from Billboard Philippines. Billboard PH noted on their website that “Data are based on song streams, digital downloads, and video plays. The data sources approved by Billboard US are Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.”

Owning the year 2017 as his moment for success, the singer-songwriter also concluded a sold-out concert “Ikaw at Ako: The Concert” at the Music Museum as he launched his third and latest offering “Kahit Kunwari” in June 2017. TJ’s new album consists of five all-original acoustic ballads and kicked off with the single “Mahika.”

For more information and announcements, you may follow PolyEast Records on social media: Facebook.com/PolyEastRecords, Twitter.com/polyeastrecords, and Instagram.com/polyeastrecords or follow our official hashtag  #WeArePolyEastRecords. 08/14/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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After reinventing and extending his musical genre, The Voice of the Philippines season 1 alumnus Paolo Onesa continues to push himself with a new music video for his single “Atin Ang Gabi.”

       A month after teasing his new song, the 23-year-old singer has just wrapped up the music video, which was shot in Coron, Palawan.

       “We shot our video in three different locations in Coron, including Sophia’s Garden Resort – a boutique Spanish-inspired with a serene vibe hotel and resort and takes pride in being the one with the more prominent gardens, in the majestic Kayangan Lake – adjudged as the cleanest and greenest lake in entire Asia and in Banol Beach- known for bright aquamarine and turquoise waters,” Paolo shared.

        Paolo admitted that shooting a music video always has the hardest and coolest part. ‘Well first of, we shot all the scenes of the entire video in just one day. So I guess, that was the most challenging thing. Luckily, I had such an awesome team with me all throughout the shoot. Everyone involved was just really working hard and really focused in making this video the best work we could do. And by saying that, we also had so much fun in doing so,” he admitted.

        When asked to explain what the song is all about, Paolo remarks proudly, “Atin Ang Gabi’ is a song about spending sweet moments with the one you love. It's sort of like a love letter for someone. It's a song about being a gentleman for the lady you love and making her feel special through those little things that we take for granted.”

       “The most memorable experience yet, is that I got the chance to shoot in Coron. Need I say more? That was the best experience ever! Talk about work and play all at the same time! Just being in Coron, looking at the sites, at the mountains, spending time on the beach, pool and there was even a nighttime bonfire in Sophia’s Garden where we stayed. I just feel overall blessed and grateful for my whole experience and stay in Coron, Palawan,” he delightfully shared.

       Asked about the inspiration behind the music video of “Atin Ang Gabi”, Paolo said the inspiration was to get that tropical or island feel for the video. “Mainly I wrote the lyrics of this song talking about spending moments on the‘dalampasigan’ (ocean shore). And one of the main aims also is to really; I just want the people watching this to be part of like a journey of me exploring and promoting of how beautiful the island of Coron is.”

       “Atin Ang Gabi” is the only tagalog song from my sophomore album and it's one of my favorites. This song took me the longest to write and produce because I really want it to be something special for the people who support me, my followers, family and friends,” Paolo reflected.

       “I had heard so much about Coron,” said Paolo. “Now I know, Coron is a magnificent local destination with pristine beaches and magnificent attractions. The warmth and hospitality of the people made me feel special I actually did feel I was on vacation.”

       He revealed his fan base could expect something really fresh and new from all the other videos that he has done. “ This is an expression or extension of my artistry shown here in the music video. This just the beginning of many more original music videos that I'll be putting out for my fans,” he proclaimed.

       Paolo’s latest album Handwritten is all-original and was released in November 2016.  Best known for his pop jazz tracks from his debut album Pop Goes Standards released in 2014, Paolo had been recognized at the 2015 Awit Awards when he earned the Best Performance by A Male Recording Artist and Best Performance by A New Male Recording Artist, both for his version of the song "Lucky In Love."

        “Atin Ang Gabi” the official music video is expected to premiere on MYX this August. Be the one to see it first!

       Handwritten is now available on physical format on all Astroplus / AstroVision record bars nationwide and can be downloaded / streamed on ITunes, Spotify, Deezer and all digital music platforms worldwide, distributed under HomeworkZ Music.

        For more updates on Paolo Onesa you may follow his social media accounts:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pao loonesa or his artist page, www.facebook.com/paoloon esaPH, Twitter: @onesapaolo, Instagram: @paoloonesa and on YouTube www.youtube.com/onesap aolo. 08/12/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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No cover ups. No frills. Just a bigger and better promise of the good old, cheesy and giant S&R Pizza delivering to most parts of Metro manila.

Yes, we’ve heard it before, the long lines are making you drool over your favorite S&R New York Style

Pizza even more. And though it is definitely worth the wait, some of us may not just have the time and especially the patience to do it. Fret no more because S&R recently joined the long list of foodpanda’s restaurant partners making their in demand, enormous pizzas available even in the farthest corners of the Metro.

You definitely need no membership card to get ahold of the most coveted comfort food in town, just download the app or visit foodpanda Philippines’ website and click away! You can choose from four different flavors: Pizza Combo Whole which has pepperoni, beef, green bell pepper, onions, olives, and a whole lot of cheese!, Pizza Garlic Shrimp with generous sprinkles of shrimps over loads and loads of

cheese, enticing polka-dotted pizza dough called Pizza Pepperoni, and if you are a die hard cheese fan, you can indulge with their Pizza Cheese Whole.

Complementing their pizza line are other comfort food items like S&R Fried Chicken, Cheeseburger, Pure Beef Hotdog Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Salad, and French Fries. S&R may be the Holy

Grail for bulk-buying grocery items but it’s slowly proving to be more than just that. The membership-shopping club’s food court is the favorite aspect of the warehouse for many shoppers. In addition to the great low price, S&R New York Style Pizza’s also known for their enormous servings. 

From their tasty FS Pure Beef Hotdog to their cheesy 18” Combo Pizza, it’s definitely a great deal. 

Thank heavens they’r now in foodpanda. foodpanda, #YourFoodDeliveryApp, is one of the world’s leading online food ordering and delivery platform that enables restaurants to become visible to mobile app and web users. It is headquartered in Berlin (Germany) and powered by tech giant 

Delivery Hero. The foodpanda app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Its interface offer convenience and extensive food options to busy and hungry customers. foodpanda entered the Philippine market in 2014 and now partnered with nearly 2000 restaurants to provide unprecedented access to great food options in key cities and urban centers. Visit www.foodpanda.ph or download the app to order! 08/10/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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With Filipinos reported to be spending more time on social media than any other country in the world, the ability of platforms such as Facebook, Viber and Instagram to connect people and build communities is more potent than ever.

At the same time, a new, important role is emerging for these social media sites: as a rich source of big data, and for finance companies, a new tool for approving loans and managing risk—especially for those borrowing for the first time.

“With virtually everyone in the Philippines having a social media account, regardless of social status or economic standing, it is easy to see why these are great tools for mining data,” remarked Leos Gregor, Head of Risk at Home Credit Philippines, a Prague-based finance technology (fintech) company that allows consumers to purchase smartphones and other goods on installment even without a credit card.

“And for a country that has yet to adopt a universal ID system, the basic information provided by Filipino users on these sites become extremely helpful in verifying identities, which in turn helps us to approve more loans for more people, and at faster speeds while managing risk,” Gregor added. 

Fast loan approval

Gregor explained that Home Credit currently has one of the fastest, if not the fastest, loan processing and approval times in both the local and international finance industry, requiring only two valid IDs from the applicant. In the Philippines, where majority of applicants are approved within less than 5 minutes, Home Credit’s automated system can quickly receive a loan application form and determine if the application is approved or declined.

A portion of this time is spent doing data check on customers’ social media accounts, wherein Home Credit’s underwriting system will match information provided in the applicant’s loan application with their social media information. 

Supporting financial inclusion in PH

Gregor noted that especially for first-time borrowers with no existing credit records, having social media accounts that contain accurate identification and as much relevant information as possible can increase their chances of loan approval. 

“This, along with our use of other data sources such as from credit bureaus helps us to approve even unbanked or first-time borrowers while mitigating risk,” he said. 

“All of these data sources are crucial because the more data we have, the better the chances of approving credit worthy individuals. At the same time, we are happy to be able to promote financial inclusion by helping the government build a comprehensive credit database, while being a responsible lender at the same time,” Gregor added.

Safe lender

Gregor noted that to ensure that first-time borrowers are included in the financial system in a responsible and sustainable way, Home Credit Philippines’ loan products come with “safe lending” features, such as the option to avail of insurance along with the loan; a 15 day “cooling-off” period that allows customers to pay back the full loan at no added cost within this time period; customer-friendly repayment tools meant to address various financial difficulties; and Home Credit’s “Our Commitment” that promises full transparency on loan products with no hidden charges.  

Since launching in Manila in 2013, Home Credit Philippines has seen rapid growth in its business of providing in-store financing of gadgets, appliances and other goods, and has served over 1.2 million customers. Its network of retail partners now spans more than 3,000 partner stores in Metro Manila and 36 provinces nationwide, where they offer 0% interest promos and other popular products. 08/09/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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TCL will also give away minor prizes, such as two TCL Window Type Aircons, two 32” TCL Digital TVs, and T-shirts and pillows as consolation prizes. 

There will be two raffle draws. The winners from July 1 to August 15 entries will be drawn on August 29. Meanwhile, for August 16 to September 30 entries, the raffle draw will be on October 14. 

Both of these raffle draws will be held at the TCL Office at 4 PM. 

Deadline for submission of entries will be at the store’s closing hour on August 15 and September 30, respectively. 08/08/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

Headquartered in China, TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (HKSE: 01070) is one of the leading players in the global TV industry, engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products. Through a new product-and-user-oriented business model that focuses primarily on a “double +” strategy which includes “intelligence + Internet” and “products + services” as the main direction, TCL Multimedia strives to become a “global entertainment technology enterprise” that provides integrated entertainment solutions to customers.

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Popular actress and influencer, Elisse Joson, is at the top of her game. Only 16 when she joined the crazy world of show business, she’s proven to have staying power after having been given roles in daytime and primetime TV series and even movies. 

Her big breakthrough came as the star in a recent series of ads for a popular fast food chain and she’s currently starring in Ang Probinsyano on ABS-CBN, opposite Mccoy De Leon, her rumored suitor. 

Just in the past two years, their team up has been nominated in five different award giving bodies, winning in four of them.

Elisse is just taking it all in stride. “I’ve been so busy and I’m really grateful for all the blessings. But I’m also my own worst critic. I experienced bullying in high school so words really have an impact on me,” she reveals. So she’s happy to partner with a brand like Fiona Cologne that aims to empower girls like her. 

Fiona Cologne, with its charming and attractive scents, brings out the fun and beautiful in everyone and will naturally make its wearer shine in the spotlight. Elisse is the perfect choice for Fiona Cologne. She’s obviously very beautiful but she’s also effortlessly fun and has a quirky charm, making her positively magnetic.

Elisse admits being a fan of Fiona’s line up of scents ever since.  “There’s definitely a scent for all kinds of personalities. One of my favorites is Rosy Red, it’s my go-to everyday scent!” Elisse declares. She enjoins her fans to try Fiona Cologne so they can be just as confident as her, attracting compliments wherever she goes.

Fiona Colognes are now available in supermarkets, groceries, and drugstores nationwide. 08/08/2017 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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