Upcoming vivo V40 is co-engineered with ZEISS

Upcoming vivo V40 is co-engineered with ZEISS

Monday, September 9, 2024

vivo is excited to announce that the much-anticipated V40 will bring something big to the table, a camera technology co-engineered with ZEISS, the global leader in optics. 

ZEISS, known worldwide for its high-precision lenses used in professional cameras and scientific instruments, has brought its decades of expertise to the vivo V40. 

The partnership allows vivo to integrate professional-grade optics into the V40’s camera system, raising the bar for mobile photography in the Philippines.

The continued collaboration from the vivo V30 Pro to the V40 has pushed the boundaries of what smartphone cameras can achieve. The vivo V40 will be packed with ZEISS-powered features that make it easy for users to capture professional-quality photos and videos. 

Click HERE to watch vivo’s official video announcement about its partnership with ZEISS for the V40.

One standout feature is the new ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, which brings professional portrait focal lengths to mobile photography. The vivo V40 also offers a variety of ZEISS Style Portraits with various bokeh options, ensuring that every shot has that creative, artistic touch. 

In addition to photography, the vivo V40 excels in videography, featuring ZEISS Cinematic Video Bokeh for a film-like feel in videos. The AI-driven depth calculation ensures that the subject stays in focus while creating a natural blur in the background, giving videos a polished, cinematic look.

If you want to know more about vivo V40's ZEISS-powered features, stay tuned for the grand launch on September 18, 2024. Get ready to experience the next level of mobile photography and videography with vivo and ZEISS. 

Follow vivoglobal.ph or vivo's official Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube pages.

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Get into cool classic groove this Grandparents’ Day at Araneta City

Get into cool classic groove this Grandparents’ Day at Araneta City

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Celebrate your grandparents with a shindig at the City of Firsts

The City of Firsts is once again pulling out all the stops to make Grandparents’ Day more fun for lolo, lola, and everyone in the family! This weekend, Araneta City turns back the clock to bring back the memorable ‘70s vibe and get everyone feelin’ groovy and happy. 

For this year’s celebration of Grandparents’ Day on September 8, Araneta City unveils a series of exciting activities that aim to celebrate some of the most important figures in our family while promoting the joy of spending time with the people we value most. 

Avail fab healthy treats at Farmers Plaza

Farmers Plaza is the perfect destination to give our grandparents a day focused on pampering them and improving their health. On September 8, Araneta City will hold a Grand Health Day with free medical services like blood pressure checks and consultations to ensure our beloved grandparents are healthy and in great shape.

A special treat is also in store for granny on this day! With just a minimum purchase of P500 at any Araneta City store, our grannies can take part in the Granny Makeover and avail free services from our participating outlets.

Show off strategic skills at Gateway Mall

Over at Gateway Mall, lolo and other members of the family can show off their chess mastery at the Grand Chess Day competition on September 8. The game is open to everyone, just make a minimum purchase of ₱500 at any store in Araneta City, and you're in. 

Shake it, groove it at Gateway Mall 2

It’s time to get down at the ‘70s Groove Dance Event! Starting at 10 AM on September 8, everybody is invited to groove at the Quantum Skyview through different sets of music per hour. Come in your best retro costumes, as lucky participants with the best outfits will win cinema tickets.

In the evening, Gateway Mall 2 will keep the vibes going with Busker Performances at The Lagoon. Grandparents and families can enjoy soulful tunes, and even end the night dancing along with a groovy instructor, while enjoying dinner and reliving the golden ‘70s era.

Create good vibes at Ali Mall

For a sweet bonding moment, Ali Mall will host the Paint-A-S.I.L.Y.A. event on September 8. Grandparents and grandkids will team up to paint colorful rocking chairs and celebrate their connection.

To capture the precious day and make the day more memorable, visitors can snap a pic at the photo booth and leave love notes at the mall’s dedication wall.

Enjoy treats from citywide promos

There are more special prizes and giveaways in honor of lolo and lola. On September 8, grandparents who make a minimum purchase of ₱2,000 from any Araneta City store will receive a customized Grandparents' Day umbrella. In addition, those born in 1954 – the year Araneta City was established – will be treated to an additional gift: a commemorative Grandparents' Day mug!

There’s also the Pose like my Lolo and Lola online contest. Netizens just need to upload pictures of themselves with their grandparents wearing ‘70s-inspired attire until September 8. Use the hashtags #GrannyRocks70sAtAranetaCity, #AranetaCity, #AranetaAt70, and #CityOfFirsts for the event and tag Araneta City's Facebook page in your posts after that. Two lucky winners will be chosen to receive free accommodation stay at the ibis Styles Hotel.

So don’t miss out this September 8. Bring Lolo and Lola and celebrate them in a way they’ll never forget, only at Araneta City!

To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

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How good is vivo Y28's 50MP main camera? Let's find out!

How good is vivo Y28's 50MP main camera? Let's find out!

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The vivo Y28 is one of the budget-friendly options in the smartphone market today known for its long-lasting 6000mAh battery and durability with its IP68 rating. Beyond those features, is the vivo Y28's camera performance worth it?

Capturing life's moments through mobile photography has become essential for preserving memories and maintaining an active presence on social media. Thus, a high-quality camera is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

The vivo Y28 is here to offer impressive camera features at an affordable price. Starting at just Php 7,999, you can capture high-quality photos with its 50MP rear camera, 2MP bokeh lens, and 8MP selfie camera.

What makes vivo Y28 camera system remarkable?

The vivo Y28 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality camera phone on a budget like you. For its price, you can get a 50MP main camera. 

The heart of vivo Y28's camera setup is its powerful 50MP rear camera. This high-resolution lens lets you capture incredibly detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. 

You can take great landscape shots, portraits, or close-ups with vivo Y28's 50MP camera, which ensures your photos are sharp, vibrant, and true to life.

Aside from the 50MP main camera, the vivo Y28 has a 2MP bokeh lens. For portrait photography, the 2MP bokeh lens plays a huge role in creating a pleasing depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus.

This is perfect for creating professional-looking portraits with an artistic flair, allowing your subjects to stand out against beautifully blurred backgrounds.

Lastly, the vivo Y28 doesn't disappoint with its 8MP front camera. This camera is designed to capture your best angles with clear, high-quality photos. It also comes with various beauty modes and filters so that you can enhance your selfies with ease.

The vivo Y28 offers a compelling combination of affordability and impressive camera performance, making it an ideal choice for you and for those who want to capture life's moments in stunning detail.

Get in now at vivo concept stores and kiosks anywhere in the Philippines, or check out online through Shopee, TikTok, or Lazada. You can get vivo Y28 with 8GB RAM, 8GB extended RAM, and up to 256GB storage (expandable to 1TB) for as low as Php 7,999.

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Ace Banzuelo documents bouts with betrayal on new single “minsan”

Ace Banzuelo documents bouts with betrayal on new single “minsan”

His latest track blends dream pop elements with electronic and R&B edge

Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Ace Banzuelo marks the beginning of a new era with the release of “minsan,” a melancholic track that merges R&B with dream pop influences. 

Inspired by personal and common experiences with friends, “minsan” expresses his bouts with betrayal and heartbreak. But this time around, Ace treats confessional woundedness as a form of therapy, a way to protect the remaining dignity that he has in his heart, and a commitment to keep the walls in place, hoping there’s room for restoration in the future.

“Talking about it with friends really helped me heal from what I went through,” shares the Muli hitmaker. “I think the music can speak for itself.”

While the song represents a recurring theme in Ace’s songwriting playbook, the aching ballad resonates with Ace on a more intimate level, delivering a snapshot of a recent event in his life that proved to be a learning experience for him. 

“A lot of the lyrics are based on a real-life encounter,” Ace reveals. “A wonderful chunk of my work somehow shares the same DNA as this song. But what makes minsan standout is how it hits the poignant center with a sense of immediacy. I think people who have experienced being cheated on and manipulated by their partners will understand where the pain comes from, lyrically speaking.”

Furnished with subdued, impressionistic details and dreamy vocals, “minsan” reveals that from the emotional ruins emerges a chance to find peace and rebuild one’s sense of self-love. 

The song serves as his first single since 2023’s “Pag-ibig (Merun Ba)” and documents his newfound love for dream pop as a genre and musical inspiration. The release of the track highlights a new pivot in Ace’s musical direction as an artist, taking consideration his affinity for non-conventional experimental soundscapes and production style, while retaining a pop-oriented approach towards songwriting.

“Lately, I find myself experimenting with a lot of hazy textures and dream pop elements,” the young recording artist explains. “I remember we pushed for a dream pop/shoegaze gig in my hometown so I can try doing this live and achieve the balance that I want for my sound. It’s new, but at the same time, it’s something that is familiar to what I’m used to doing.” 

Ace Banzuelo’s “minsan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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Power Through Your Day with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G

Power Through Your Day with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G

Friday, August 30, 2024

Balancing a packed workday with your personal and social life can be a challenge. But with the new OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G by your side, you’ll have a much easier time doing so. This smartphone is built to keep up with your hustle, ensuring you stay on top of everything, from powering through meetings to unwinding with your favorite shows, no matter where your day takes you.

Stay Connected Throughout the Day

When you have a jam-packed day full of meetings, errands, a visit to the gym, then an evening out with friends, the last thing you want to worry about is your phone’s battery life. That would be the least of your worries with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. Its massive 5500 mAh battery is designed to last up to 2 days on a single charge, meaning you can confidently head out knowing your phone will be there for you from sunrise to sunset. No matter how long your day is, you still have enough power in your phone to play your favorite games, browse social media, or simply catch up on the series you're binging. 

If you do need a quick power-up, the 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging is there to save you some precious time. In just 50 minutes, you can go from 1% to 100%, giving you over 50 hours of playtime. If you’re catching up on emails during your morning commute or enjoying some downtime with your favorite series or vlogs, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G ensures you’re never left hanging.

View a Clear, Bright Screen All Day

When you’re out and about, it can be challenging sometimes to use your phone’s screen under the glaring sun. Worry no more with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2100 nits makes everything crystal clear, even in bright daylight. It’s ideal for checking work emails, messages, and catching up on social media during lunch breaks or field work.

And if the weather takes a turn, your phone’s equipped to handle harsh conditions. The innovative AquaTouch feature means your screen remains responsive, even if it gets wet. Perfect for when you experience a sudden downpour during commutes or just a bit of sweat after an intense workout, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G can still operate hassle-free.

Capture Moments at Work and Beyond

Your phone isn’t just a tool for work; it’s also how you capture life’s moments. With the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s Sony LYT-600 camera with OIS, you’re able to take stunning photos with ease. Imagine snapping a perfect group shot during a night out, or capturing the beautiful details of your surroundings on a weekend hike. The 2X In-sensor zoom lets you focus in on the details, while the Portrait Mode with 2MP Mono Camera produces more professional portraits with a beautifully blurred background and sharp subject.

Work and Play Without Interruption

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G comes with the latest OxygenOS 14 for a more seamless user experience. It is packed with features to make your life easier, from the Smart Cutout tool that lets you quickly edit and share photos to the intuitive screen-off gestures for quick access to your favorite apps.

With the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G by your side, you’re ready to face whatever the day throws at you. From long-lasting battery life to reliable performance, this device is built to keep up with your busy lifestyle, so you can seize every moment while still enjoying your much needed R&R on the side.

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is available at PHP 17,999 and comes in Super Silver and Mega Blue colorways. You may purchase the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G from all authorized OnePlus kiosks and OPPO stores nationwide or via Shopee and Lazada where you can enjoy 0% interest installment via Shopee’s SPay Later and Lazada’s LazPayLater.

For more information on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G, its features, and its availability, visit OnePlus Philippines’ official website or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.

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Kai Del Rio announces first headline show in nearly a decade

Kai Del Rio announces first headline show in nearly a decade

Monday, August 19, 2024

Photo by Dee Cruz

The indie artist is also set to launch her back-to-back singles “Ang Nag-iisa” on September 13, 2024 and “Storm Like Me” on September 20, 2024

Filipino singer-songwriter Kai Del Rio (formerly known as Kai Honasan) gears up for an electrifying comeback with her first solo headline show in nearly a decade. 

The former The Voice of the Philippines season 2 semi-finalist will perform her dual singles “Ang Nag-iisa” and “Storm Like Me” for the first time live on September 13, 2024 (Friday) at Sari Sari Cocktails in Makati City.

The back-to-back songs highlight Del Rio's versatility and range, with "Ang Nag-iisa" (to be released on September 13, 2024) revealing her grittier version with blues and alt-rock influences and "Storm Like Me" (to be released on September 20, 2024) taking listeners back to her stripped-down roots.

Kai shares that both tracks have the same message and heart at the core of it all, but are musically different by intention. 

“When I considered returning to my solo work, I always envisioned releasing a double single as a way to showcase my duality right off the bat. Nagagalit tayo at nasasaktan tayo. When you experience so much pain, you eventually experience hope. These two songs show the spectrum of rage and sadness and how it manifests differently within the same person.”

The official launch will not only include the performance of the new original songs, which Underdog Music will release on all streaming/digital platforms on September 13 and 20 respectively, but it will also serve as a reintroduction of the indie singer-songwriter, complete with a new moniker, a new record label and management team, and a fresh perspective on the music-making process.

“I took my time because I wanted it to be as real, as sincere and as authentic as possible,” the Liwanag act explains. “These will be my first solo songs in a decade and I wanted to take my time with them from crafting the songs to building the team. That included finding the right musicians, the right group to work with, the right time. Everyone who has worked on these two singles are authentic, decent, good people, but above all they are insanely talented.”

Kai Del Rio is co-producing the official launch alongside GNN Entertainment Productions and Locked Down Entertainment, with backing from Lightfirst and Underdog Music.

“For this reintroduction, trust and history were very important to me. Both the teams behind Gabi Na Naman and Locked Down have been there at the first few years of my career in the indie scene, after the Voice and my time in a band. They know my story and are equally as invested as I am, and I could not ask for more from partners in this first chapter. In addition to them, this event will also be co-presented by Lightfirst, which is a lovely company that focuses on helping make high quality educational content available to schools all over the Philippines.”

Kai promises that the show will be worth the wait, as she’ll be performing alongside some of her peers and idols in the local music industry, as well as playing with a special setup for the headline show happening next month. 

“It’s very different from the ukulele or keytar girl you might have met before, but I hope you’re ready for the ride,” shares Kai. “It’s going to get real, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets to KAI DEL RIO: “ANG NAG-IISA x STORM LIKE ME” Double Single Launch are now available on bit.ly/kaidrlaunch.

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inDrive’s post-Carina initiatives benefit partner drivers, Sitio San Roque community

inDrive’s post-Carina initiatives benefit partner drivers, Sitio San Roque community

Thursday, August 1, 2024

After Super Typhoon Carina ravaged several parts of the Philippines, global ride-hailing app inDrive organized a flood assistance program for its partner drivers and a local community outreach at Sitio San Roque, Quezon City. 

After Super Typhoon Carina affected the lives of 1.3 million Filipinos, global ride-hailing app inDrive heeded the call of the times to organize a flood assistance program for its partner drivers and a local community outreach. In the spirit of “Bayanihan,” inDrive provided drivers and the community with financial assistance and food packs which amounted to more than Php 233,910.00 to help ease the burden brought by the typhoon. 

“inDrive takes pride in the fact that we are a people-driven company,” said Afanasii Petrov, inDrive’s Business Development Manager for Southeast Asia Macroregion, APAC. “With Carina’s damage affecting multiple parts of the Philippines, we believe our flood assistance program and community outreach is our way of staying true to our company’s principles.” 

Helping inDrive’s partner drivers recover from Carina’s effects

As part of inDrive’s flood assistance program, the company provided 39 active partner drivers with financial assistance for their daily boundaries. This way, inDrive can help compensate for their lost income during the flooding brought about by Super Typhoon Carina. Additionally, 278 drivers received food packs consisting of rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, and sugar. 

“In times of disaster, it’s important that we band together as one and emulate the bayanihan spirit,” said Randy Angustia, inDrive Driver Acquisition Specialist. “We cannot do the work we do without our partner drivers. Hence, we must do whatever it takes to help them bounce back from Super Typhoon Carina.” 

Going above and beyond with inDrive’s community feeding program 

inDrive’s commitment goes beyond helping its associates as the platform collaborated with local transport group Laban TNVS and labor rights group Defend Jobs Philippines for an outreach program at Sitio San Roque in Quezon City, one of the local communities greatly affected by the super typhoon. On top of this was the feeding program, with food and drinks prepared by Botchog Crispy Pata Atbp. These efforts aimed to assist typhoon victims as well as build an enjoyable fellowship within the community. 

Dozens of volunteers gathered to participate in this joint community feeding program — an exemplification of inDrive’s cooperation with advocacy groups and its ability to bolster fellow citizens into social action. 

Laban TNVS President Jun De Leon is especially grateful for inDrive’s continued collaboration with the group, saying, “Our partnership with inDrive goes beyond empowering the Transport Network Vehicle Services sector. Together, we can boost our initiatives to serve the local community at large.” 

inDrive’s post Super Typhoon Carina initiative is the company’s first local outreach program since it resumed operations in the Philippines last month. The platform has been dedicated to driving change in communities worldwide by empowering people since its 2013 launch. inDrive is currently involved in seven other global outreach programs spanning 21 countries. 

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Here Are The MSI Laptop Must-Haves This Back-To-School Season

Here Are The MSI Laptop Must-Haves This Back-To-School Season

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Gear Up and find the perfect learning companion with up to 35% Discounts and Special bundles in this limited-time event.

Now is the perfect time to score or upgrade to an MSI Laptop as the world-leading tech brand holds its Back to School event in line with their 20th Anniversary. This event, running from August 1 to September 30, 2024 is packed with price drops and gift bundles to delight all potential buyers.

In this day and age, a digital companion is as much a need as it is a want. Staying connected, entertained, and productive are important factors of a student’s daily life and an MSI laptop is a perfect investment for this. Here is a quick buying guide to get the most out of this limited-time campaign.

It’s not just one of the most powerful gaming handhelds in the market, the MSI Claw is also perfectly capable of assisting students with their learning needs. Powered by Windows, it can easily be used as a mini-PC when docked and paired with the right peripherals.

The top-end Claw A1M-077PH is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics and an SSD storage of 1TB. Built mainly for gaming, this beastly configuration can easily handle most of the student workloads and applications.

Not only is it space-efficient with its handheld form-factor, but it can easily be expandable with its Thunderbolt™ 4 slot. WIth the right dock such as the MSI Nest, you can plug in all the peripherals you need to work comfortably.

For this Back to School event, this version of the Claw is made even more affordable with a price drop of P6,000, bringing the price from P53,995 to P47,995.

The more modest Claw A1M-076PH gets a price drop as well from P50,996 to 42,995. This model retains the same Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H but swaps the 1TB SSD with a 512GB one. Aside from that, the other specifications are the same.

For the best deal on this handheld, the base version Claw A1M-075PH is one of the most attractive deals right now. This configuration is powered by an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 135H and has a 512GB SSD, still very capable for most learning applications. Get this premium gaming and learning device at its lowest market price of P34,995, down from P45,995.

For the perfect balance of performance and portability, a laptop is still the best form factor and undeniably the most-used by students. MSI offers a wide range of laptops from Desktop-replacements to ultra-thin Business & Productivity notebooks.

One of the highlights of the Back to School offer is making these great devices more affordable for the customer. Consider the GF63 Thin 11UCX-1479PH. With an Intel® Core™ i5-11260H and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 4GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU, it can handle most games on medium to high graphics especially when paired with its 15.6” FHD 144Hz Panel.

This is the best budget gaming laptop you can get in this event. Get it at its lowest-ever price at only P29,495, down from P42,995.

For even more affordable devices, we look at the Modern 14 C11M-080PH, 219PH, and 220PH. These are the aforementioned Business & Productivity laptops from MSI. They are targeted at students who want maximum portability and battery life.

These ultra-thin and ultra-light notebooks are powered by an Intel® Core™ i3-1115G4 Processor and Intel® UHD Graphics. These are good for light gaming, but they shine the most at productivity apps that students and young professionals use.

These are the perfect companions for studying at a coffee shop or lounging around with Netflix. These are down from P26,995 to only P20,995. Get these beautiful laptops in three different colorways: Beige Rose (220PH), Classic Black (080PH), and Urban Silver (219PH).

One of the sleekest looking laptops from MSI is its Cyborg 15 series. Our recommendation is the Cyborg 15 A12UCX-1298PH. This laptop is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-12450H and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 4GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU.

The biggest draw of this series is the translucent chassis, giving it a very cyberpunk aesthetic that is unique and eye-catching. Be ready to catch the attention of your peers when you bring out this laptop inside your classroom. To complete the look is its bright Blue Backlit Gaming Keyboard with specially lit WASD keys.

Get this intricately detailed laptop at only P37,995, down from P40,995, plus a Mouse and Mousepad bundle worth P2,000. 

And highlighting the best bang-for-your-buck during this deal is the Stealth 15 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport A13VG-403PH with a whopping P70,995 worth of savings.

Brought about by the collaboration of two brands on the pinnacle of innovation, MSI and Mercedes-AMG, this powerhouse delivers great performance without sacrificing any portability with its use of Magnesium-Aluminum alloy chassis. This makes the laptop very sturdy and light at the same time.

Luxury is the name of the game and this model doesn’t cut any corners when providing the ideal gaming experience. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i9-13900H Processor and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU, it can play the latest triple-A games with ease.

It is packed with 32GB (16GB*2) of RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD Gen4x4 storage. A 16” UHD+ OLED Panel delivers crisp graphics and the Per-Key RGB SteelSeries Gaming Keyboard ensures maximum customization. No compromises were made in this laptop.

As an added bonus, this purchase includes limited edition accessories only available for the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport model. Get P18,000 worth of freebies including an AMG Pouch, Gaming Mouse, Mousepad, Cable Tie, Postcards, and USB Drive.

Get this one of a kind model at the biggest price drop from P209,995 to P139,995.

And of course, these are not the only models up for grabs during this Back to School Season. Check out MSI’s official promotion page to see the entire list of participating models. There are special models which include the 20th Anniversary Pack worth up to P13,500 in value.

Now’s the time to gear up and find the perfect device for you. Check out MSI Laptops and get the academic companion that fits your budget and requirement.

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Digido integrates QR Ph through bolstered partnership with Dragonpay

Digido integrates QR Ph through bolstered partnership with Dragonpay

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

The integration enables Digido clients to use a QR Ph code for cash loan payments and quickly repay their outstanding loans by scanning or uploading a static or reusable QR Ph code through a wide range of electronic wallets or banking apps.

Recognizing Filipinos’ growing need for seamless payment experiences, multi-awarded digital lending service Digido announces the integration of QR Ph — part of its bolstered partnership with online payment gateway Dragonpay.

The integration enables Digido clients to use a QR Ph code for cash loan payments and quickly repay their outstanding loans by scanning or uploading a static or reusable QR Ph code through a wide range of electronic wallets or banking apps. This facilitates open banking and financial inclusion, ensuring seamless and stress-free transactions within minutes.

Under BSP Circular No. 1055, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas requires all participating payment service providers, including banks and non-bank electronic money issuers (EMIs), to adopt QR Ph, also referred to as the National QR Code Standard. Aside from ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of operations of payment systems, having a national QR standard has transformed the fragmented QR-driven payment services in the country into interoperable payment solutions.

Commenting on the integration of QR Ph, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “This initiative gives our clients much more flexibility when using their cash loans as well as facilitating positive loan repayment behavior. The growing trust and preference for digital channels, including lending, should be met with integrations like these to increase access to timely financing options.”

"With the integration of QR Ph, this partnership highlights Dragonpay's commitment to expanding digital payment access, aligning seamlessly with Digido's mission to ensure underserved Filipinos gain safe and inclusive entry into the nation's digital financial ecosystem," Dragonpay founder and CEO Robertson Chiang added.

Digido clients can monitor the Repayment section of the platform’s official website as well as its official Facebook and Instagram pages for step-by-step procedures on using QR Ph as a loan repayment option.

Digido offers a First Loan For Free service, where first-time borrowers can avail up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest and a standard Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000 for repeat clients. It can be accessed through its official site digido.ph, its apps in Google Play and the iOS App Store, and Lazada Loans.

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The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

Monday, July 22, 2024

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili marvels with childlike wonder on the release of her new single, “River By The Sea.”

Produced by The Ringmaster’s Francis Lorenzo, who has worked with artists such as Clara Benin, UDD, and Ang Bandang Shirley, the lush, folk-pop track finds joy in exploring nature and igniting one’s curiosity about the simplest things in life.

Leah considers her recent travel trip to Yosemite Park with her family two summers ago to be a songwriting inspiration for the track. “We were all in awe of this majestic place. We had witnessed everything from the peaks through the canyons, cliffs, rivers, and lush green meadows.”

She adds that the song expresses her willingness to learn, heal, and see more of the world’s beauty, not wanting to miss out on anything while still being capable of experiencing the best things that nature has to offer. 

“River By The Sea” expands her capabilities as a musician by further embellishing her sound with a more organic approach. Accompanied by stripped-down guitars and minimal keys, the song incorporates percussive elements like banging on wood and using an acorn to add a natural aspect to her sonic tapestry. The result is a rich, rewarding material that showcases her more genuine and adventurous take on musicality and production—of course with guidance from her producer Francis Lorenzo.

Also contributing to the songwriting aspects of the track is Leah Halili’s partner, Nikee Bañares, who laid down a melodic guitar as she was writing the song in its initial stages.

“He had made a beautiful melody to which he asked me to add my lyrics, and we worked on the demo together,” Leah reveals. “It took a while for us to record the song, as we wanted to wait until it was recorded in an actual studio.”

The song will be part of a 6-track EP to be released by the end of 2024 or early next year. 

The Changes act explains, “I do plan to release an EP as soon as I have all my singles remastered and find a common concept. I am currently writing more songs to add and as much as I want to give more details, I want to leave room for surprise! I hope people can stay tuned and continue to support my love for creating music.”

Leah Halili’s “River By The Sea” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

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