Best laptop deals for your loved ones this Yuletide season

 

Shop now to get the chance to avail of the 0% interest with Home Credit!

The holiday season is not just about parols and endless gatherings, it's also the perfect time to give something special to yourself and loved ones. And one of the many things you can wrap and place under the Christmas tree is a shiny new laptop!

Thanks to Home Credit, the country’s leading consumer finance company, you can cop best-selling laptops with its incredible 0% interest offer on various installment options for up to 18 months. Surely, you can make your holiday dreams come true without breaking the bank through a laptop loan!

Check out these top laptop models that can match your lifestyle: 

Apple Macbook Air 13.3 inch

The Apple Macbook Air 13.3 inch sets a new standard for mobility and power, redefining the on-the-go computing experience. Packed with remarkable features, this ultra-portable laptop boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing, thanks to its 52.6W lithium-polymer battery.

The inclusion of the M2 with 8-core GPU enhances its capabilities, accompanied by a 30W USB-C power adapter for convenient and speedy recharging. With the added convenience of a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable and fast-charge capabilities using a 70W USB-C power adapter, the 13-inch model stands out as a beacon for on-the-go efficiency. Driven by the M2 chip, the Macbook Air delivers supercharged performance, ensuring blazing-fast operations within its sleek and compact design.

ASUS VivoBook 14

For those who want a perfect blend of performance and affordability, the ASUS VivoBook 14 is a stellar choice. The ASUS VivoBook 14, inspired by innovation and designed for versatility, is a remarkable addition to ASUS's lineup of cutting-edge laptops.

Crafted with precision and powered by the 12th gen Intel processors, this laptop embodies the perfect blend of style and performance. Its 14-inch NanoEdge display with slim bezels provides an immersive viewing experience, making work and play more captivating than ever. The VivoBook 14's compact and lightweight design ensures that you can carry your creativity wherever you go. The ErgoLift hinge not only adds a touch of elegance but also tilts the keyboard for a comfortable typing experience. 

Acer Aspire 3 A315-510P-38RD

For those who value affordability without compromising on performance, the Acer Aspire 3 is a reliable companion as it brings computing excellence within reach. Boasting a 15.6-inch display, this laptop is perfect for a range of activities—from work presentations to holiday movie marathons.

The Acer Aspire 3 also features Acer Bluelight Shield™ technology that helps reduce eye strain during extended screen time, a thoughtful touch for those long holiday work sessions or cozy movie nights. To add, the Aspire 3 is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a Precision Touchpad for accurate navigation and a full range of connectivity options, including USB and HDMI ports. The inclusion of Acer TrueHarmony™ also ensures clear audio for an immersive multimedia experience. 

HP 15S-EQ3067AU Natural Silver

The HP 15S-EQ3067AU Natural Silver laptop combines power and elegance, making it the perfect companion for the holiday season. Whether you're tackling work tasks or editing your holiday photos, this laptop delivers a performance that matches its sophisticated design. Under its silver hood is the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor that ensures robust performance for multitasking, content creation and more. 

Paired with 8GB of RAM, this laptop provides a smooth and responsive user experience. The generous 512GB SSD storage further enhances speed, allowing you to store your holiday memories, projects and multimedia files with ease.

Got work to do? Experience the convenience of Windows 11, which comes pre-installed on this laptop. Windows 11 offers a modern and intuitive interface, enhancing your productivity and providing a seamless user experience. 

Realize your holiday goals with Home Credit’s 0% interest offer

Now, here's the real magic: Home Credit's 0% interest offer on these fantastic laptops. Imagine being able to choose the laptop that suits your needs and budget and then enjoying flexible installment options with 0% interest for up to 18 months. This means you can make your holiday goals for your loved ones come true while saving more!

Whether you're upgrading your current laptop or surprising a special someone with the gift of technology, Home Credit's 0% interest rate offer this holiday season is your ticket to a tech-filled celebration.

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 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).

Puerto Princesa: Cruising to be a Top MICE Enclave

The after-effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic which crippled the tourism industry can still be felt in the Philippines. However, Puerto Princesa, the “Heart of the Best Island in the World,” harnesses its vast potential not only as a destination of choice but also as a preferred center of MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and events) to forge ahead and move forward. 

Paradise in Profile

Puerto Princesa is the center of trade and commerce, education, communications, and public administration of Palawan. Its strategic location is within the growth corridor of the BIMP East ASEAN Growth Area. 

Known for its UNESCO World Heritage site Underground River, it shares 50 percent of the tourist arrivals in Palawan and in the region, making it the biggest contributor to its economic growth. In 2020, Palawan logged a partial number of 157,051 tourist arrivals, 71,889 of which were visits to PPC. 

A tropical paradise with a bustling urban center perfect for business-with-leisure trips, PP is blessed with lush rainforests and white-sand beaches hours away from the city proper, where a banking and commercial boom has made life easier for workaholics and busybodies.

Puerto Princesa is a relatively young settlement, having been established as a city only in 1970. The first settlers arrived on March 4, 1872; a date celebrated every year as the foundation day of the city.

Folk dancers hired by the City Tourism Department welcome the passengers and crew of the luxury cruise ship - MS Silver Whisper as it arrives in Puerto Princesa. The 610-foot, 10-storey vessel is touted as a cruise ship for the rich and famous; the first of six cruise ships that will be visiting Puerto Princesa’s shores.

As part of the Philippines’ last frontier, the city is rich in natural resources. It is the country’s largest city with a land area of 253,982 hectares. A chain of mountain ranges runs through the entire length of the city, dividing it into two distinct areas – the East Coast and the West Coast. 

A significant portion of the city retains its indigenous vegetation, rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystem, all of which support an amazing array of wildlife. In terms of species biodiversity and its wide range of ecosystems, Puerto Princesa is of national significance. 

The famous and must-visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which was formerly known as Saint Paul’s Subterranean River National Park, covering a protected area of 22,202 hectares is a haven to endemic flora and fauna. UNESCO has inscribed the park as a World’s Heritage Site on December 4, 1999. 

Calendar of Events

With a tropical climate and the warm welcome of its people, foreign and Filipino tourists can bask in Puerto Princesa’s embrace all-year round. In January is the Chinoy Festival, which celebrates the new year with ground firecrackers at the Chinatown Center, and with dragon dances and lion dances in major malls and hotels. Every February 14 is the Love Affair with Nature, which is marked by a mass wedding as well as letting citizens express their love for Mother Nature through participating in mangrove tree planting activities.

In March is the Balayong Festival, which commemorates the founding anniversary of Puerto Princesa highlighted by street dancing, float parade and planting of Palawan Cherry Blossoms. In April is the Pangalipay sa Baybay, a summer extravaganza at the baywalk. Activities kick off with parade and fireworks display, dance competition, cheerdancing and boat race. 

In June is the “Pista y ang Cagueban,” a time when citizens celebrate the Feast of the Forest and plant thousands of different tree species. 

September is Tourism Month, which is celebrated with great performances, exotic cuisines and a showcase of various talents and services in the local tourism industry. Every third Sunday of September is Coastal Cleanup Day, an international activity whose objective is to preserve and safeguard Mother Earth’s resources along the shorelines. 

November is the Subaraw Festival, which is a fun-and-activity-filled celebration of Puerto Princesa’s very rich biodiversity. December celebrates Light a Tree, a merry event where a giant Christmas tree is lit up to start the Yuletide Season. This comes with Christmas carols, dances, and music.

Mighty MICE

The Department of Tourism sees the huge potential of Puerto Princesa, a city known for its remarkable attributes in MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), as a preferred location for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE).

In May, Regional Director Zeny Pallugna of DOT MIMAROPA in a discussion with City Tourism Department (CTD) chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. Said they are pushing for Puerto Princesa as a MICE destination, where tourists can be enticed to stay longer to enjoy the city’s attractions.

During the “Amos Ta Ren sa Puerto Princesa” radio show, Pallugna said that the city is well on its way into becoming a MICE location because of it is capable of hosting events such as Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa and an international dragon boat competition.

“Aside from that, maybe in the future we can conduct a 101 on MICE. We can do that, and then identify the different function facilities for the MICE market,” Pallugna said, as quoted by Palawan News, so the regional tourism office can start promoting the city at the end of the year, or next year.

Another goal for Palawan, Pallugna emphasized, is to train more community tour guides, and recalibrate their skills continuously, so they could help promote and showcase the “Filipino brand of service” globally.

“The second thing is—MIMAROPA is, whether they like it or not, we are the cruise capital of the Philippines. Imagine it, we have 139 cruise calls in the Philippines, 22 of them is in Puerto Princesa; 41 total within the MIMAROPA Region,” Pallugna pointed out.

The regional director of the DOT also mentioned that they plan to introduce the national program called “Philippine Experience” to the city, which includes the well-received Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo, which the local tourism body plans to replicate.

Alvior, meanwhile, said that Puerto Princesa’s main focus is on the MICE industry. As such, City Mayor Lucilo Bayron actively encourages investors and venture capitalists to build convention centers in strategic areas such as Quito and the environmental estate in Barangay Sta. Lucia.

“Actually, we were discussing tourism activities, and the mayor suggested that we should expand the Quito area. There is a focus on MICE, so we are working on establishing convention centers,” Alvior was quoted by Palawan News.

The Norwegian Jewel carrying with it around 3,000 passengers and crew is the second of the six cruise ships calling port in Puerto Princesa. 

Cruise Capital 

This November, Puerto Princesa City enjoyed a surge in tourist arrivals with the celebration of the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival, which drew international participants, and the scheduled arrivals of more cruise ships as Christmas approaches.

During the opening ceremny of the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival, Mayor Lucilo Bayron said that the aim of the city to make the event international is once again gaining momentum after being adversely impacted by the pandemic. In recent years.

“We need to add more international events to attract more tourists from other countries. And this year, we have incorporated international events in the celebration – wild bird photography race, Ironman 70.3 challenge, and international dragon boat race. Our Miss Subaraw is already a national event with the winner coming from Angeles, Pampanga, and this year, we already have 10 foreign candidates,” Mayor Bayron said, as quoted by Palawan News.

Meanwhile, a luxury ocean liner called MS Silver Whisper dropped anchor in the city in early November, indicating greater opportunities for the local tourism industry to prosper.

Touted as a cruise ship for the rich and famous, the MS Silver Whisper brought 382 vacationers and a crew of around 300. Registered in Nassau, Bahamas, the 610-foot, 10-storey vessel is operated by Monaco-headquartered Silversea Cruises.

The MS Silver Whisper is the first of six cruise ships that will be visiting Puerto Princesa’s shores this November, the City Tourism Department excitedly announced.

CTD chief Demetrio Alvior, Jr. said that guests aboard the ship will tour several key attractions in Puerto Princesa, with the underground river in Barangay Cabayugan on top of the list. The ship will then sail off to their next port of call in Coron, also in Palawan.

The city anticipates heightened tourism and overall economic activity with upcoming cruise ship arrivals scheduled on November 4, 8, 16, 18 and 28, Alvior shared.

Five more massive vessels are scheduled to arrive in November and December will welcome the MV Norwegian Jewel and the MV Aida Bella. The MV Norwegian Jewel will bring in about 2,500 people; the MS Westerdam, 1,964 individuals; and the MS Star Breeze, around 327 passengers.

Alvior noted that unlike in the past when international tourists arrived mainly by airplane, the city’s expanded tourism program has paved the way for more visitors to arrive by sea.

The city official said that stakeholders in the tourism sector are being encouraged to provide exemplary service that will showcase the renowned Filipino hospitality to solidify Puerto Princesa’s place as a tourism center and give the local economy a much-needed boost. 

Alvior also encouraged Puerto Princesa’s tourism frontliners to treat all visitors with the highest level of care and to exemplify the unique Filipino standard of service.

“The influx of tourists will keep us on our toes, but it's a bustling pace we look forward to," Alvior told Palawan News.

HONOR's Holideals: Enjoy Up to Php 1,000 Savings and Free Gift Boxes Until December 31!!

Prepare your shopping carts for incredible HONOR deals with savings of up to Php 1,000 and a complimentary HONOR Gift Box valued at Php 2,499, available until December 31!

This Holiday Season, HONOR has the perfect gift for you! Enjoy discounts of up to Php 1,000 on selected HONOR gadgets, and receive a FREE Gift Box worth Php 2,499 when you make a purchase from now until December 31, 2023. This offer is valid at all HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, as well as online through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop!

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, shared, “We are once again delighting HONOR fans with our Amazing Holideals promo until the end of December. Look no further, as we have exciting freebies with every purchase of a HONOR gadget.”

Timeless Holiday Gifts with HONOR The Holiday Season is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. To capture these moments, HONOR presents the HONOR X8A, also known as the DSLR smartphone. This device features an ultra-clear 100MP lens, coupled with 8GB + 128GB storage, all available at an exclusive discounted price of Php 9,990. This offer includes a FREE HONOR Gift Box valued at Php 2,499.

For those experiencing holiday blues, especially overseas workers or individuals unable to be with their families, the HONOR X5 Plus provides a solution. Enjoy an exclusive Php 500 discount, plus a FREE HONOR Gift Box, and bridge the distance with its powerful 5200mAh battery life, equivalent to 35 hours of calls and 17.8 hours of online video playback. The HONOR X5 Plus is available for only Php 5,940.

Gifts Galore with HONOR Exciting FREE Gift Boxes worth Php 2,499 also await fans of other HONOR smartphone units, including HONOR Magic5 Pro for Php 59,990, HONOR 70 for Php 26,990, HONOR 90 5G for Php 24,990, HONOR X9A 5G for Php 16,990, HONOR 90 Lite 5G for Php 12,990, and HONOR X7A for Php 7,990. These items make for the perfect gifts for all ages, accompanied by FREE Gift Boxes tailored to each user’s needs and preferences.

Get a complimentary gift this Holiday Season by being an early bird! Take advantage of these amazing holideals on Shopee: bit.ly/ShopeeHONORHolideals, Lazada: bit.ly/LazadaHONORHolideals, and TikTok Shop: bit.ly/TikTokHONORHolideals.

For more exciting updates and announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or follow them on social media: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/), and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). Check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores at https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Angat Buhay, the Embassy of the Netherlands Launch Small Grants Program for Change in Mindanao

Through the generosity and cooperation of the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines, the Angat Buhay initiative invites Mindanao-based organizations to participate in their Small Grants Program.

Recognizing the diversity and vibrancy of the region, Angat Buhay and the Embassy of Netherlands' Small Grants Program is geared towards giving movements the support they need to assist Mindanao. It aims to sow the seeds for Mindanao's brighter and more inclusive future.

Rooted in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), each organization that wishes to participate in the Small Grants Program must not just be based in Mindanao, but the organization's beneficiaries should also Mindanaoans.  

Angat Buhay is welcoming proposal from those who belong to any of these Mindanao-based organizations who want to ignite change in the region: 

Grassroots Organizations: Newly established or evolving volunteer and nonprofit entities committed to community upliftment and positive change. 

Sustainable Enterprise Champions: Entrepreneurs and agricultural pioneers dedicated to integrating sustainability into their ventures for broader socio-economic upliftment. 

Local Governance Torchbearers: Key figures within local governance showcasing a commitment to transparent, participatory, and progressive leadership. 

Cultural Custodians: Individuals, collectives, or organizations fervently championing Mindanao's history, arts, and traditions. 


With the Angat Buhay's Small Grants Program deeply rooted in the SDGs, the program's objectives reflect the goals, with each designed to foster development and drive positive change across each of these vital areas: 

Empowerment and Capacity Building: Strengthening the capabilities of emerging volunteer and nonprofit organizations in Mindanao to make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

Promotion of Social Cohesion: Instilling a spirit of unity and mutual respect through inter-generational and inter-community dialogues, celebrating Mindanao's diverse cultural heritage. 

Sustainable Economic Growth: Fortifying local entrepreneurial and agricultural ventures with an emphasis on sustainable practices for inclusive socio-economic advancement. 

Reinforcement of Socio-Political Structures: Bolstering local governance, voters' rights, and democratic processes in regions susceptible to conflicts. 

Holistic Health and Wellness: Supporting local initiatives focusing on mental and physical well-being, aligning with global standards and cultural sensibilities. 


Ready to make a difference? You can send your application to bit.ly/2023SmallGrantsProgramApplication and head on to bit.ly/2023SmallGrantsProgramProposalTemplate to download the proposal template. The deadline for proposal submission is November 21, 2023. Shortlisted organizations will participate in a capacity-building program in Cagayan de Oro City on November 28, 2023.  


Selected projects will receive grants ranging from Php 50,000 to Php 100,000, and each chosen project will have 3 to 6 months to be completed. 

Start building a brighter, more hopeful future for Mindanao by sending in your proposals, and let's get to work!  


For any inquiries, contact specialprojects@angatbuhay.ph.  

Apply here: bit.ly/2023SmallGrantsProgramApplication 

Proposal Template: bit.ly/2023SmallGrantsProgramProposalTemplate

UL Skin Sciences: Elevating Filipinas to Their Radiant Best with Safe and Scientifically Proven Products

In an era inundated with an array of beauty products and well-being supplements saturating both online platforms and physical store shelves, the imperative of discerning choices that are not only effective but scientifically proven, safe, and tailored to individual needs becomes increasingly vital. In this landscape, UL Skin Sciences Inc. (ULSSI) emerges as the sole Filipino personal care company fortified by health and science, presenting a range of products that bestow beauty and well-being solutions, fostering trust and admiration among consumers.

To substantiate the safety and efficacy of its products, ULSSI orchestrated a noteworthy event on Nov. 20, titled Power House Lab. This event featured mini-science labs that conducted live demonstrations, bringing to life the brand promise of each product. The Power House Lab, akin to a home with a robust foundation, sought to illuminate the science behind ULSSI products. Rigorous testing and research underpin the creation of accessible and high-quality beauty products catering to the diverse needs of Filipinos.

The event provided attendees with invaluable insights into the workings of their favorite ULSSI products through an engaging program, interactive games, and an exclusive peek into the scientific underpinnings of each brand. Demonstrations showcased the efficacy of products such as Myra Classic Moisturizing Vitamin Lotion, revealing its light and non-greasy feel while maintaining skin hydration for 48 hours. Another station spotlighted Celeteque DermoScience Ultra Hydrating Essence, showcasing its superiority as a facial moisturizer with potent Hyaluronic Acid. These demonstrations underscored the commitment to delivering products founded on sound scientific principles.

Marie Della Rhodora P. Carillo, Division Vice President and Head of ULSSI R&D, emphasized that transparency is integral to ULSSI, with all components listed on product packaging. She highlighted that amidst a plethora of products, consumers are empowered to scrutinize what goes into each product, emphasizing the rigorous research and development process.

Ma. Christine C. Navarette-Catanghal, ULSSI-Category Head, asserted that health and science are foundational to ULSSI, aligning with the ethos of the UNILAB Group. As a Filipino company, ULSSI prioritizes consumer-centric research, addressing local insights and environmental factors.

Kathryn Carag, Division Vice President and Head of ULSSI Marketing, expressed pride in being a local company attuned to the unique needs of Filipinos. The commitment to innovation is evident in their extensive research and testing, resulting in products that cater to every type of Filipina skin.

ULSSI encompasses legacy brands like Myra-E, a leading vitamin E capsule brand, and pH Care, celebrating its 20th year as the top feminine wash. GynePro, another flagship brand, offers superior protection against odor, itch, and irritation. Celeteque, introduced in 2006, has established itself as a premier derma-tested and science-based beauty brand.

Additionally, ULSSI unveiled innovative products such as Lactezin, addressing acne concerns, Equiva, a sensitive skincare line, and Fortima, providing resistance supplementation for busy Filipinas. The latest addition, DirtBugSun, stands out as the only deet-free mosquito repellent with added SPF in the Philippines.

ULSSI's commitment to science is evident through clinical and safety studies, adopting vigilant systems to monitor any possible adverse reactions. Ma. Christine C. Navarette-Catanghal emphasized these efforts as part of ULSSI's dedication to providing high-quality, safe, and effective health and beauty products. To explore more about ULSSI products and their empowering benefits, visit ulssi.com.ph.

Julia Barretto Takes on a Daring Role as Tanduay's 2024 Calendar Girl

Tanduay proudly announces actress Julia Barretto as the distinguished face of its 2024 Tanduay Calendar, a fitting choice as the renowned rum brand gears up to celebrate its monumental 170th anniversary. In a statement, Tanduay expressed the desire to have a representative who embodies strength, confidence, and resilience, qualities synonymous with the brand's enduring legacy. Julia, known for navigating the challenges of her own career with grace, emerged as the ideal choice to personify Tanduay's ethos.

Acknowledging Barretto's fiery spirit and her fearless embrace of authenticity, Tanduay emphasized that her role as the brand ambassador symbolizes a celebration of courage and empowerment. The brand sees in Julia a reflection of its own tenacity and commitment to being unabashedly true to oneself.

The grand reveal of the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl took place at Elements in ETON Centris, where members of the media had the first glimpse of this exciting collaboration. Tanduay shared insights into the collaborative process, highlighting the coordination between their creative team and Julia Barretto's style team to curate a visually striking calendar. The brand enlisted the expertise of BJ Pascual, a renowned editorial and commercial photographer, to capture the essence of Julia's personality for the upcoming calendar.

Julia Barretto, a luminary in the entertainment industry, has been captivating audiences since her early years in the spotlight. With an impressive repertoire of top-rated television shows and movies spanning decades, she has solidified her status as one of the most popular and talented actresses of her generation. Beyond her on-screen presence, Barretto has also earned acclaim as a style icon, boasting a massive social media following of 11.4 million on Instagram as of the latest count.

In her role as the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl, Julia Barretto is not limited to a visual representation; she is poised to become an integral part of the brand's promotional events and materials throughout the upcoming year. As Tanduay looks ahead to its significant 170th-anniversary celebrations in 2024, the brand assures a series of activities that will showcase its evolution, capture the hearts of Filipinos, and draw the attention of rum aficionados globally. Julia Barretto, with her charismatic presence, is set to play a vital role in these major events, marking a collaborative journey between the timeless brand and a modern icon.