Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow invites STEM students to propose tech solutions for social impact

Launched for the first time in the Philippines, Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow aims to unleash the creativity and potential of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students in discovering social solutions with the use of technology. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Solve for Tomorrow aims to provide opportunities for top students to transform emerging ideas into action and unlock their full potential as future leaders. This global program has successfully helped over 2 million people and has reached beyond the boundaries of 50 other countries, including the Philippines, as the latest addition this 2023.

Samsung is inviting public science high school students from Grades 8 to 10 to showcase their groundbreaking ideas that can positively impact communities and create a better tomorrow. Participating schools can form teams with a maximum of four (4) students and one (1) faculty advisor for every entry. There will be no limit to how many teams can join per school.

The team should identify a local community or an environmental sustainability problem and provide a design proposal outlining sustainable and feasible solutions with the help of technology. The proposal can be in a slide presentation format (5 slides maximum) or a Word document (2,500 words maximum). After completing the proposal, teams must submit their entry via the Solve for Tomorrow registration site before or on November 3, 2023.

Ten shortlisted teams will have a chance to be coached by Samsung experts, and present their proposals to an esteemed board of judges. The Grand Prize winner will receive Samsung devices worth up to ₱650,000 for their school, ₱190,000 worth of Samsung devices for the team and their teacher adviser, ₱100,000 cash prize for team members, and P 20,000 cash prize for faculty adviser. Full mechanics and prizes can be found on the official website.

Here are just some of the solutions developed by winners of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow from around the world.

Looking for a study buddy? TAZ’s App got your back

Indeed, wherever young innovators triumph, each convenes to develop solutions for a better tomorrow. TAZ, the winning team from Malaysia in 2021, from St. Francis Institution, Malacca, developed an app that helps Malaysian students around the country to connect with study buddies who share similar interests and help them acquire access to a variety of learning materials nationwide and equip their peers with time management tips.

PathFinder System: Key to safer spaces in schools

A gunshot detection and evacuation system was one of the 2022 Solve for Tomorrow’s grand prize winners in the United States. Designed by students from Porter High School, Texas, the PathFinder system addresses crowd stampedes caused by a threat of an active shooter. It aims to ensure students' safety inside their school and ease the fear of school shootings. It essentially eradicates false alarms and its LED lights change color to indicate the proximity of danger while pointing out the safest way out. It was one of the smartest prototypes proposed in the competition, as it is highly functional and sustainable.

Support athletes during competitions with the Human Health Band

With an innovation that aimed to assist athletes on their road to victory, Strawberry Crest High School from Dover, Florida, was awarded one of the four grand-winners for Solve for Tomorrow 2023. With a Human Health Band designed to monitor an athlete’s body temperature and prevent heat-related deaths, the team conducted thorough research on making this project feasible and sustainable to save lives using recycled fabrics and developed software.

Join Samsung in its mission to help build a better future and be part of the country’s very first Solve for Tomorrow competition. The deadline for submission is November 03, 2023. Interested applicants can learn more and submit their entries at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow site: https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-176096 Series of 2023

Home Credit PH recognizes 10-millionth customer, commemorates 10 years of being the Filipinos’ financial ally

Taguig City, Philippines –To celebrate Isang Dekadang Saya of being the Filipinos’ financial ally, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, has recently recognized its ten-millionth customer, France Janina “Ica” Abion, at a grand event held in SM Novaliches.

Ica, a 27-year-old mom and bank teller started her Home Credit journey in August this year. Recounting her experience, she revealed that at the time of purchase, she and her partner were looking for a smartphone that could meet her everyday work hustle at the Riverbanks Mall in Marikina City.

However, when she finally found the perfect device, her available cash fell short of the overall price—PHP 14,000. Fortunately, a Home Credit sales associate approached them and introduced a convenient and affordable payment option.

“The sales associate who assisted us was not only friendly but also informative. They thoroughly explained the terms and conditions of Home Credit, including the minimal requirements, one-minute approval process, different installment options, payment procedures, and more. This was when I became convinced to choose Home Credit as my preferred payment method for my smartphone,” she continued.

During the transaction, Ica shared that she only paid a down payment of PhP4,000 and opted for an 18-month installment plan. This allowed her to secure the smartphone she needed while also effectively managing her monthly expenses as she only has to pay PHP800 per month.

Unexpected Blessing

Ica might already be satisfied with her new phone, but little did she know that an unexpected blessing was about to grace her life just a few weeks after her purchase.

“Nearly a month after buying my new phone, Home Credit reached out to me while I was at work. Seeing an unfamiliar number on my cellphone screen, I hesitated in answering their calls.

However, after a few more tries to reach me, a text message and an email letting me know that I was the ten millionth customer of Home Credit were sent to me,” she added.

Fortunately, Home Credit was able to finally get in touch with her, and they assured her that it was indeed real. The company formally honored Ica via a grand event last Sept 24 where she was awarded a grand total of PHP100,000; and a waived payment for her smartphone.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed, “I really could not believe that I am Home Credit’s ten-millionth customer. With a one-year-old baby boy and another child on the way, this is a great help for me and my partner. We are deeply thankful to Home Credit,” she concluded.

A decade-worth of innovative financial services

With this 10-millionth-customer achievement, Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, took a moment to reflect on the company’s incredible journey during the event.

“Since Home Credit’s inception in the country in 2013, we have remained committed to delivering innovative financial services—be it product installments, cash loans, virtual credit, and more—to allow Filipinos to live the life they want. Home Credit has also continually enhanced its services to ensure an exceptional customer experience. Today, Filipinos can enjoy the convenience of one-minute approvals with just a single valid ID at over 15,000 outlets to realize their needs, such as gadgets, appliances, furniture, and many more,” Paul shared.

Paul also expressed her gratitude to the more than 10 million customers who trusted Home Credit over the years.

“We are grateful to every Filipino who placed their trust in us, allowing us to improve the lives of many. Rest assured that we will continue to innovate our services to help us elevate the quality of life of the Filipinos,” she added.

An entertaining night of celebration

As a gesture of appreciation to its customers, the grand event was filled with entertaining segments led by Valeen Montenegro, a celebrated actress and comedian who served as one of the event’s hosts. The occasion was made more exciting by the performances of renowned singers Darren Espanto and Moira Dela Torre.

“I am honored to be a part of the Home Credit family as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. As a member of this family for some time now, it is heartwarming to witness its continuous growth. May Home Credit keep on empowering the lives of every Filipino financially, helping them achieve their needs,” Montenegro conveyed.

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 My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Things You Should Consider When Shopping for Furniture

Choosing the right furniture is essential for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. Here are some tips to help you make the best furniture choices for your home:

Determine Your Budget: First things first. Before you start shopping, establish a budget that you are comfortable with. This will help you narrow down your choices and stop you from exceeding your budget. 

Consider Your Space: Measure the dimensions of the room where you plan to place the furniture. Ensure that you have enough space for the furniture you want without overcrowding the room. 

Define Your Style: Decide on the style and aesthetic you want for your space. Do you prefer modern, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic furniture? 

Choose colors and finishes that coordinate with your room's color scheme. Neutral colors are versatile and can be paired with various decor styles, while bolder colors can make a statement. Try imagining how your furniture will work with accessories like rugs, curtains, and lighting. These elements can enhance the overall look and feel of your space.

Quality Matters: Invest in quality and durable furniture that lasts. High-quality furniture may be more expensive upfront but can save you money in the long run by not needing frequent replacements.

Check the materials used in the furniture. Materials differ in terms of durability and the maintenance required. 

Think About Functionality: Consider the purpose of each piece of furniture. Will it serve a specific function, such as storage or seating? Ensure that the furniture you choose meets your practical needs.

Comfort is a Priority: When selecting items like sofas, chairs, and mattresses, prioritize comfort. Sit or lie on them to assess how comfortable they are, as you'll be using them regularly.

Whenever possible, try out the furniture in-store or view it in person to get a better sense of its quality, comfort, and appearance.

You can also read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have purchased similar furniture. This can provide valuable insights into the quality and their experience using it. 

Delivery and Assembly: Factor in delivery and assembly when making your decision, especially if you're buying large or heavy items. Some retailers offer delivery and assembly services which can be convenient.

Keep in mind that choosing furniture is a personal and creative process. Take your time to explore options, and don't be afraid to mix and match styles to create a unique and comfortable living space that suits your needs and preferences.

Frighteningly Good: How Aswangs Captivate Young Readers

Halloween is months away, but children worldwide are eager to snuggle up with their favorite spooky books. However, most of these books are not actually scary but rather fantastical stories with elements of adventure and heroism. In the Philippines, scary children's literature is a rare commodity, but it doesn't have to be. 

Enter Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan, a middle-grade novel for young readers exploring the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and myth through intriguing and petrifying legends. Authored by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte, it has received glowing reviews from young readers. The book's first printing had also sold out during recent book fairs around the country, surprising many.

The Philippines has an extensive collection of stories rooted in folklore, specifically aswang myth, answering what kids love hearing about - gruesome terrors that have kept generations of Pinoys on the edge of their seats. Pasaporte sought to explore this in his novel, utilizing his creativity and knowledge to share stories that have long been ingrained in Pinoy culture.

With his extensive podcast production and marketing background, Pasaporte has combined diverse skillsets to produce a book that aims to introduce today's generation to the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and create a world for imaginative readers.

Manila International Book Fair 2023

Don't miss Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte's book signing event on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. (Sunday) at the Manila International Book Fair 2023 - SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. Meet the author and learn more about his inspiration for writing Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan.

It's about time that we immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and take this fantastic opportunity to understand more of our cultural identity through stories of aswangs. See you on September 17 and enjoy free merchandise giveaways.