Unwrap the Gift of Connection: Find Your Ideal Smartphone for Christmas!

Get yours today and enjoy a 0% interest offer with Home Credit

With the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect time to treat yourself or your loved ones with a new smartphone. As you prepare for the festivities and the joy of giving and receiving, consider the gift of modern technology. A new smartphone can open a world of possibilities, from staying connected with loved ones to capturing cherished memories, and more!

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new smartphone, ensure that its specifications fit your lifestyle. Home Credit, the Filipinos lifestyle partner, lists some of the best-selling smartphones you can choose from this holiday season.

Each of these smartphones has unique features, making it the perfect present this holiday season.

Apple iPhone 11: A Perfect Blend of Performance and Style

The Apple iPhone 11 64GB or 128GB combines the vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display with the potent Apple A13 Bionic processor. Its 64GB or 128GB storage and 4GB RAM strike a perfect balance for swift performance. With a dual-camera system and IP68 water and dust resistance feature, this sleek device caters to tech enthusiasts who appreciate style and substance.

The iPhone 11’s dual-camera system also captures wide-angle shots and selfies with 12MP lenses and advanced TrueDepth technology. Stylish yet rugged, this iPhone boasts a battery ready for an active lifestyle, ensuring a remarkable smartphone experience.

Realme 11 Pro+: Powerful Performance and Immersive Display

The Realme 11 Pro+ introduces an industry-leading 200MP camera for unparalleled photography, especially in low-light conditions. This smartphone offers multifocal length lossless zoom, fast focus Super QPD technology, and stable OIS, elevating your photography experience. The fusion of high-quality hardware and software guarantees exceptional results.

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 processor, the Realme 11 Pro ensures seamless performance with 512GB storage and 12GB RAM. The 6.7-inch display, Android 13, and Realme UI 4.0 features deliver a user-friendly interface. This device redefines smartphone photography and combines it with robust performance, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts.

Realme 10 Pro 5G: Elevating Visuals and Performance

The Realme 10 Pro 5G offers a dynamic visual experience with its expansive 6.72" FHD+ LCD, boasting a 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. Weighing just 190g, this device packs a 5000mAh battery, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, Android 13, and Realme UI 4.0 for efficient functionality. It supports dual SIM and microSDXC, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an uninterrupted, visually captivating smartphone experience.

With its 108MP main camera and 16MP front camera, the Realme 10 Pro 5G ensures stunning photography. The device, with dimensions of 163.7 x 74.2 x 8.1mm, offers a stylish, compact design. If you're looking for a smartphone that seamlessly combines stunning visuals with reliable performance, the Realme 10 Pro 5G stands out as an excellent option in the 5G smartphone arena.

Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G: Masterful Imaging and Sleek Design

The Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G redefines mobile photography with flagship imaging hardware that captures stunning footage and ultra-clear master-quality pictures. Weighing just 185g, this smartphone boasts a 1080 x 2412-pixel resolution within a 6.7-inch screen, ensuring vivid visuals. The device supports dual SIM functionality, and its sleek dimensions of 162.3 x 74.2 x 7.9mm make it a compact and stylish choice. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset and an Android 13 powered by ColorOS 13.1 operating system, it delivers a seamless and efficient user experience. Plus, with Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, and aptX HD, connectivity is top-notch.

Vivo V29 5G 512GB: Cinematic and High-Performance

The Vivo V29 Series redefines smartphone photography with a 50MP Wide-angle Group Selfie camera and professional-grade video capabilities. This Vivo phone’s 512GB ROM ensures seamless multitasking, while an 80W fast-charge capacity keeps you powered up. The device offers ultra-dual stabilization for shake-free videos, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an immersive 3D Curve POLED Screen for captivating visuals, promising cinematic experiences and robust performance.

With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, the device operates on Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13. The stylish, compact design, weighing 186g and measuring 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5mm, adds elegance to its cutting-edge specifications. The Vivo V29 Series is the ideal choice for those seeking top-notch photography and high-performance capabilities in a visually appealing smartphone.

Honor 90 5G: A Glimpse of Luxury

The Honor 90 5G is a testament to simplicity and luxury. With a weight of 183g, it strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance. This Honor phone features a remarkable 1200 x 2664-pixel resolution on its 6.7-inch screen, offering a visual experience that's both vibrant and immersive. It supports dual SIM functionality, operates on Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset. Running on Android 13 with MagicOS 7.1 operating system, it offers a seamless and efficient user experience.

The Honor 90 5G's dimensions, measuring 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8mm, reflect a sleek and elegant design. With its focus on efficiency and luxury, this device is a compelling choice for those who value both style and functionality in a smartphone. The Honor 90 5G promises to deliver a touch of opulence to your everyday mobile experience.

All these best-selling smartphones are the perfect choice for your upgrades this Christmas. And since it’s the season of giving, treating yourself or your loved ones with these latest gadgets is made easier with Home Credit’s 0% interest offer on installment plans. This special offer ensures that you and your loved ones can enjoy the latest smartphone without breaking the bank.

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 Shopping Mall Philippines.

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). 

Don't Miss Out: Big Bad Wolf Wraps Up Its Bacolod Adventure in Its Final Weekend In The City of Smiles

Brace yourselves, Bacolodnon readers! The world-renowned Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is gearing up for its final weekend in Bacolod City this weekend, promising a literary adventure like never before. As a bookworm, all I can say is --- YOU SHOULD NOT MISS OUT. 

This is the first time the Book Sale has held here so, seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab your newest literary read along with several freebies, giveaways, promos, and unbelievable discounts of up to 95% off because we certainly did! 

Throughout its tour in the City of Smiles, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has called SM City Bacolod its home. Guests can visit the venue at the Ground Floor of SM City Bacolod from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, immersing themselves in the literary wonderland that awaits. Explore aisles of books, indulge in the joy of discovery, and take advantage of the exclusive offerings awaiting you.

Click here to check out book finds and recommendations.

The event is also worth going to due to the unbelievable prices, discounts, deals, and promos exclusively found at the event. Not only that, but the largest selection of books will be there as well, from prized bestsellers, fantasy, non-fiction, and more!

Visitors to the event can also stop by the Unbelievable Corner, where you can find books being sold for P60, P100, and P120. With the holiday season coming up, you can not only snag a new book for yourself but also spread the joy of reading by picking up thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts for your loved ones. The Unbelievable Corner is a treasure trove of affordable reads, ensuring that the spirit of giving and literary delight goes hand in hand this festive season.

Would you believe these books are available for Php 60 only? 

Extend the happiness of a good read by participating in Big Bad Wolf’s Red Readerhood Program, a collaboration with Gawad Kalinga which invites readers to make a difference in the lives of others by purchasing and donating books at the event’s designated Red Readerhood Corner booth.

Whether you're a seasoned book lover or a casual reader, this is your golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of literary wonders. With exclusive discounts, a Bargain Corner filled with affordable treasures, and the chance to contribute to the Red Readerhood Program, it's more than just a book fair — it's a celebration of reading and giving back.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf Books’ grand return to the Philippines, please visit:

Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbwbooksph/

Book Feature: Shoot to the Stars + Exclusive Author Interview with Vittena Eloisa Tiongson Vibar

Death is a very complex thing to understand. It involves too many negative emotions, sadness, fear, anger, grief, hopelessness and misery. No matter how much they say it inevitable and it's part of the normal cycle of life, it is one of the things that is so hard to accept. Many of us fear the loss of our loved ones. 

However, knowing you are the one going to die soon or that you are running out of time is a totally different story. Nothing can prepare you for a news like this.  

The book, Shoot to the Stars is about a diagnosis of an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that severed the main character's (Kerri) time shorter than willed, foreshadowing an early demise. Fate leads her to a serendipitous meeting with Jared, an eccentric Hollywood musician and spontaneous philosopher, who grapples within himself a longing to fill an inner void. Jared carries Kerri under his wings as she finds her epiphany in a Hollywood musical cult.

If you loved or cried a lot reading John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" then this book is for you. Just imagine it intertwined with classic rags to riches tale like "Cinderella"

The story will make you ponder - "What if you were given a chance to life, to relive dreams and hopes with no bounds, and to love with no limits... except for time?" 

This book by Author Vittena Eloisa Tiongson Vibar features a beautiful and unique tale in a culture deeply entrenched in pop idol reverence. (We can so relate!) The main characters, Kerri and Jared embark on restless yet whimsical adventures along the philosophical strings of love, dreams, and fate while navigating the distractive glamour and excess as they edge towards powerful awakenings in search of life's meaning. 

And today, we are so happy to get to know more, Author Vitz, an academic achiever who swerved away from the nursing profession to do creatives as she shares more about this masterpiece. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

The story includes some very familiar people in the popular music scene locally and internationally. They appear as cameos. The story setting jumps from country to country. The story can be described as extravagant yet still grounded and heartfelt.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

Honestly, there was no focal point for inspiration on this one. Here it goes: It was way back my first try of venturing here in Manila from Mindanao, which didn't turn out well. Later, I found a small yet quite pricey room space around Malate and shut myself in there, for months. Cut off social media and everyone even my family, from expectations and all. 

In that small room in Manila, I dipped really deep in depression. Mind shutting down and such. Everything was black and white. And yet, like a person drowning, the mind drowning in depression is independently/automatically trying to catch its breath, clawing for dear life and it independently creates scenes of exaggerated hope, almost intoxicating itself with colors and dopamine (I could feel the adrenaline rushing during that time) and I had a scratch paper or tissue towel at that time and so I wrote the first scene that the mind delivered to me. And for the rest of the book, I kept up with writing its entirety.

This novel was born out of darkness, but the process of writing it lit a fire in me—one that I thought had been extinguished.

I think it’s hope --- the epinephrine that revives anyone even in the most dire of situations. It drugged me into writing a life, despite inevitable death, is given a chance by destiny to live longer a bit but in a grander way.

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It took me two years to 'finalize' the book. Actually, the novel has multiple versions with slight differences, and was revised at least 6o times, I guess. My aim was to direct the novel to bridge local and international markets through utilizing commonalities like music, Golden Age ambition, the universality of plight, a little bit of “fate” thing… it took time to tie all those together.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

Trying to incorporate social issues, sense of familiarity, and ontology/philosophy in a “romance novel” model… Delivering a sense of uncanny speculation that an exaggerated story might be true or that it can plausibly happen in reality. And being “medically accurate” in terms of describing and mending the protagonist Kerri’s Huntington’s in the novel.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Life’s too short. Love as much as you can. Dream as much as you can. Hope as much as you can. Life is not all about fame and money. It’s all about how you live it.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

Yes. Looking forward to write new books. I plan to finish a scifi novel and complete an anthology of short stories.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?

The book is available on the 8letters website and through Shopee and Lazada. 

Shopee: https://shope.ee/9KHGaiJM6G

Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.RXY31?cc

Ebook is available on Gumroad. 

You may follow me in Goodreads and on social media accounts:  

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorvittenavibar

Instagram: limettelineonve

Website: vittenavibar.com

Citadines Bacolod City: Unlocking Potential in Panay Region’s Hospitality Sector

The Ascott Limited, a leading international hospitality company, will be redefining the industry once again with Citadines Bacolod City, the newest addition to its roster of properties. Located in the heart of Bacolod.  The premier-serviced residence, which marks Ascott's maiden entry into the city, is positioning itself as a game-changer in the local hospitality scene.

Bacolod City, known as the "City of Smiles" is a vibrant and progressive urban center located in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province and serves as its economic, cultural, and administrative hub. The city’s rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on its tourism and hospitality sector, transforming it into a thriving destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers.

Gearing up for 2024, Citadine’s targeted venture is Bacolod’s well-celebrated Masskara festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world. A part of their preparation was the exclusive VIP Night last October 19, which welcomed special guests Mr. Jose Franco Soberano, COO of Cebu Landmasters, Mr. Mathias Bergundthal, Director of SLI Hotels and Resorts, and Mr. Alec Lsutre, President of Capitaine Inc. The event gave a peek into the fun and excitement Citadines has planned for the upcoming year, featuring Masskara performers all night long - drummers, dancers, and singers - giving Bacolod a taste of what’s to come. 

The VIP Night also explored “How Citadines will Change the Hospitality Landscape in Bacolod” with Ascott General Manager Philip Barnes, opening with an optimistic eye for the upcoming opening.

The Citadines brand is committed to providing a seamless blend of convenience, comfort, and connectivity to cater to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers. Each Citadines property exudes a distinct style and character, reflecting the local culture and community, while maintaining a consistent philosophy of “bringing you to the city, and the city to you”. 

Looking forward to its opening in 2024, A property viewing was also integrated to boast the array of world-class amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. Showcasing the infinity pool, which offers stunning views of Bacolod's skyline, and the fully equipped fitness center to cater to health and wellness enthusiasts. Citadines excites everyone with a teaser of their several restaurants. For those wanting to try out local cuisines and regional specialties, stop by Citadines’ Negrense, your one-stop destination for all the delicacies Negros Occidental. The property’s team of chefs will collaborate with local cooks to deliver flavors unique to each city in the region. 

Viennoiserie and Italian, Citadines Bacolod City’s lobby café and bakery, will treat guests with an irresistible blend of aromatic coffee experiences through its collaboration with Coffee Culture, a popular and innovative artisan coffee roaster of local and imported beans. Aligning with the property’s brand signature, “for the love of coffee”, guests can choose from a menu inspired by the local coffee culture and leisurely enjoy food and beverages in an ambiance that radiates comfort and sophistication. Viennoiserie and Italian’s skilled baristas are devoted to transforming each cup of coffee into a journey of flavors, using carefully sourced beans that reflect the essence of the region's coffee heritage.

The property also boasts a selection of versatile event spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings and occasions, such as a grand ballroom. This part of the property provides a spacious and versatile venue, making it an ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and adaptable layout, this pillarless marvel is poised to be a true game-changer in the MICE industry in the area, setting new standards for elegance, flexibility, and sophistication in event spaces.

"As a property managed by The Ascott Limited, Citadines Bacolod City exemplifies our commitment to providing a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch service," said Philip Barnes, the Ascott Limited’s Country General Manager. "We are delighted to bring this exceptional brand to Bacolod City and offer travelers a sophisticated stay experience."

The property’s strategic location puts it in close proximity to several of the city’s key amenities and facilities. This includes some of Bacolod City’s top universities, shopping malls, central business districts, and restaurants. Citadines Bacolod City’s central location makes it an attractive choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a well-connected base to explore the city's vibrant offerings.

Along with Bacolod’s rapid urban growth, Citadines Bacolod City’s establishment in the city can help pave the way for further economic boon for the area as a whole. The property’s capacity to become a MICE destination leader in the region can significantly contribute to the city’s revenue generation, business opportunities, and diversification of income. It can also help maintain the region’s occupancy levels, especially during special cultural events like the Masskara Festival, and promote the Ascott brand to the Visayas region.

In terms of future growth, Ascott believes Citadines Bacolod City presents a steep growth potential in the coming years. With Bacolod's popularity as a travel and business hub continuing to soar, the property is well-equipped to cater to the increasing demand for sophisticated accommodations and events facilities. Through its establishment in Bacolod, Ascott aims to strengthen its brand presence in the Panay area by exploring opportunities for expansion and enhancing guest experiences in other key cities within the region.

As Citadines Bacolod City opens its doors to the public, the property invites guests to indulge in a world-class stay experience, backed by Ascott's legacy of exceptional service and unparalleled hospitality. Guests can reserve and advance and look out for updates by visiting the property’s official website and the following social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.