Author: John Llamas

John is a millennial Closer behind www.johndappercloser.com. He writes about the Corporate lifestyle, Sales tips, Menswear and Davao city's Bleisure scene. Join his Closer-to-CEO journey on Facebook and Instagram, @johndappercloser.

Christmas Shopping List: 7 Items A New Family Wishes to Own to Start the Year

Home Credit Philippines is a family friend from now on.

For the “just became a family” this year, the Christmas gift giving is an opportune time to own as much new “family items” as possible, looking forward to a brand-new year. These items could be the family’s dream house and lot, an investment product or simply the fixtures and appliances we intentionally set inside our abode or any humble space as we create new sets of memories.

For my young family, these are seven of the items we aspire to own. Our Family Christmas Wish List 2022, I should say. And just if you also identify owning these items, you may crash out these in your list with Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival!

The Great 0% Interest Festival offers 0% interest rates to over 50,000 products offered at almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide. Download the Home Credit Philippines app to enjoy this offer until January 31, 2023. Click here to download.

1️⃣ An Inverter Air Conditioner

This is first in the list especially when you have a Newborn. Who would not want their little one to get an enough and pampering sleep? At that, with our tropical weather plus the kind of scalding heat in the recent years, an AC at home is already a necessity. Consider owning the units which possess the Inverter Technology though. These are environment-friendly types and have lower power consumption.

2️⃣ Tablet

Looking at your baby enjoying every Looloo Kids video on YouTube instantly sold any parent to own this device. It is not too small like your smartphone but not too wide and expensive like a flat screen TV. It is handy and portable anywhere like a smartphone. It is equally entertaining like a TV screen. It has just enough display for our Korean TV series marathon as a couple as well whenever Kolm is already asleep.

Top tech brands to name a few – OPPO, realme, vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Acer, Apple, Huawei, and Asus all offer tablets and other gadgets for learning and entertainment. These brands and other Home Credit’s partner stores nationwide are part of the 0% interest festival for the best deal that you can get this season.

3️⃣ Bluetooth Speaker

This is a perfect pair with the tablet. As for Kolm, he loves the Piñata and Seven Wonders of the World videos to be played with a louder volume. Truly, a chill moment for him. And since a Bluetooth speaker features communality to all devices, this gadget is also perfect to amplify the playlist from the parents’ respective smartphones, only to whoever’s device played this first: “The Bluetooth Device Is Connected Successfully”.

4️⃣ An Inverter Refrigerator

Jasmine loves to watch recipe videos for our baby’s food. And there is no other complementary appliance to those videos than a refrigerator that ensures the freshness of every ingredient. And again, for your bill’s sake, own a unit with an Inverter technology.

5️⃣ Washing Machine

Owning a good quality washing machine is like owning a time-extending machine! It helps us allot more quality time for us as a couple, us as a family and alone for some healthy me-time, by just simply putting our clothes on it, turning on the power and choosing the preferred cycle.

6️⃣ Fitness Equipment

Being new parents give us an added reason to be fit. And since we do not have an ample time to travel to the gym anymore, owning a fitness set at home is a good investment. A pair of dumbbells to train the biceps and a yoga mat to maintain the core and back muscles. Both parts should be in perfect function for carrying a baby. An indoor cycling bike or treadmill would also be a good idea to enhance cardio health to chase your little explorers once they learn how to walk.

Get these home appliances and fitness equipment from Home Credit’s retail partners such as SM Appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Abenson, FC Home, Home Along, AllHome, Emcor, and Automatic Centre.

7️⃣ Customized Christmas Hampers for Family and Friends

Yes! You can purchase different treats to customize holiday gift packs through Home Credit! Simply visit the partner stores and shop for the “Shopping Basket” – these are varieties of goodies that you can curate in bundles for Php 3,000 minimum worth of items. You can get them through a monthly installment plan now with 0% interest.

Every new chapter of our life demands a different version of ourselves. Subsequently, it also necessitates a different budget to sustain the transition. From being a bachelor to a family man is an example. That budget though, does not have to be too high especially when you have a partner to help you own new items as friendliest way as at zero percent interest. Home Credit Philippines is a family friend from now on.

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Bangkerohan – Davao City’s Largest Public Market Now Accepts Digital Payments

Bangkerohan is now a “Digi-Palengke” with Maya.

Maya, formerly PayMaya, is transforming Davao City’s Bangkerohan Public Market, with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative. Starting November 23, Davao City’s biggest public market is a live “Digi-Palengke” where consumers, vendors and tricycle drivers enjoy the convenience of cashless payment transactions regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts.

Download the Maya app now and create an account. Copy the code JX6YG4M10614 and paste upon account registration.

The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to digitalize transactions starting with public markets and local transportation. The program enables vendors and tricycle drivers to accept digital payments from customers regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts via QR Ph, the national standard for QR payment. Maya’s QR codes are QR Ph-compliant, and its app can scan any QR Ph-powered transaction.  

Creating digi-palengkes, on the other hand, is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, Maya equips local governments like Davao City with business-in-a-box payment acceptance solutions and disbursement tools to enable faster public service delivery. 

  • Mayor Sebastian Duterte pays a fruit vendor via QR Ph, as BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Puyat-Romulo look on. Both gentlemen led the launching ceremonies held at the said public market.

Spearheading the “digi-palengke” program is Davao City Government with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Also supporting the launch are PLDT and Smart Communications.  

“By promoting the interoperable QR PH national standard codes, Paleng-QR PH creates a simple but more powerful digital finance experience at the local community level. At Maya, we fully support Davao City’s vision to build a stronger digital ecosystem,” said Orlando Vea, Maya CEO and Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder.  

“Basta QR PH, pwede kami sa Maya,” Vea added. 

The BSP’s QR Ph initiative is part of the overall financial services transformation roadmap of the Philippines. It aims to raise Filipinos’ trust in digital financial services, as consumers and enterprises will get used to sending and receiving cashless payments for everyday transactions.  

Maya’s full support to QR PH, in fact it is the first digital financial services platform to adopt QR Ph, is in line with the BSP’s thrust to increase the share of Filipino adults with a financial account from 56% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 and grow the volume of digital payments from 20% in 2021 to 50% by next year.  

“Digital payment is the entry point of Filipinos to the financial system. As they build their financial footprint, consumers and MSMEs can access more progressive digital banking services offered by Maya,” said Vea.  

Have You Downloaded Your Maya App?

More than 52 million users can enjoy a seamless experience using Maya’s consumer platforms that can send and accept P2P payments from other QR Ph-participating financial institutions. Download the Maya app now and create an account. Use our code. Copy JX6YG4M10614 and paste upon account registration.

Meanwhile, non-Maya users can pay at over 800,000 QR Ph-enabled Maya merchants, which are present in 96% of the total cities and municipalities.  

Maya has made it easier for consumers to spend, save, get credit, and invest in crypto just by using its top-rated all-in-one money app. Its merchant partners, meanwhile, can open a business deposit account and access revolving credit lines leveraging their payment transactions.  

  • Davao City adopts Paleng-QR Ph to modernize its public markets. With the support of Maya,the City Government has led the charge in launching Paleng-QR Ph, a program by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Department of Interior and Local Government, which equips public market vendors and local transport drivers to accept instant payments from other e-wallets and banks with the QR Ph, the country’s standard for QR payments. (L to R): Maya Chief Marketing Officer Pepe Torres, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Maya Senior Programs Lead for Public Sector Jarette Aotriz.

To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, TikTok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join the Maya Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

Home Credit Treats Filipino Families With 0% Interest This Holidays 2022

Own the items from your whishlist at 0% interest rates through Home Credit from almost 10,000 stores nationwide!

Starting a family would mean beginning to acquire more possessions. As for those things which are not comfortably affordable to own in spot cash, we need a partner to help us own the things we want in more breathable payment terms. This is where Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) comes to play as a lifestyle partner for our young family. And when is the more opportune time to own the items from your wishlist? December! 

As a holiday treat for Filipinos, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), launches The Great 0% Interest Festival with over 50,000 products offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide. From your desired phone upgrades, quality appliances, and new furniture to awesome tech and digital finds — Home Credit has everything that you need for your holiday gifting for yourself and your loved ones!

Download the My Home Credit app on Google Play to know more about the latest promos and see what is new in the Marketplace.

The biggest 0% interest rate promo nationwide

Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival is the biggest and longest-running 0% interest promo of any BNPL brand nationwide running since April 2022.

Filipino customers can enjoy their holiday shopping experience with Home Credit’s wide selection of over 50,000 products – from home appliances and furniture, bicycles and motorcycle accessories to electronics and hardware, sports equipment and apparel, and many more – offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores across the country.

Fulfill your holiday wishes with Home Credit

Tick off all items on your wishlist because you can now avail of your desired purchases through Home Credit and its partner brands and retail stores nationwide at a 0% interest rate.

You can now get your dream gadgets, camera phones, and digital devices at the nearest partner brand stores — OPPO, realme, vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Acer, Apple, Huawei, Asus and Lenovo.

If you are looking for some new furniture or appliances to give away as presents, or tools and home essentials for your loved ones, you can now get them at Home Credit’s retail partners: SM appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Abenson, FC Home, Home Along, AllHome, Emcor, Automatic Centre.

Wait there’s more!

As an added treat, the brand wants to hype up your Home Credit holiday experience by launching an exciting campaign video that is set to launch on November 17 on Home Credit’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts, headlined by Home Credit’s brand ambassador – Moira dela Torre.

“Unarguably” with 0% interest, Jasmine would love to own one or two more items for the family this holiday. I am sure your wife is too! Indeed, better not pout, better not let your wallets cry because a huge blowout is coming to town!

What are you waiting for? Shop now via the My Home Credit app and visit its partner brands and retail stores near you. Shoppers can now experience The Great 0% Interest Festival and make the most affordable purchases until January 31!

To learn 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 encouraged to download the My Home Credit app on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what is new in the Marketplace.

About Home Credit
Home Credit Philippines (“HCPH”) is a consumer finance provider that promotes the principles of financial inclusion and safe lending, providing world-class financing services to qualified customers, often first-time borrowers. Home Credit arrived in the Philippines back in 2013 and within 9 years, has helped more than 9 million customers buy the things they need through fast, convenient and affordable financing in thousands of stores around the country. In 2018, HCPH was also granted the license to operate as a credit card issuer by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), making it the first and only non-bank financial institution in the country to issue credit cards. HCPH continues to expand its digital and online presence, and now has over 8 million users of its My Home Credit App. HCPH is part of the Home Credit Group, an international consumer finance provider.

Five Budget-Friendly Korean Dishes To Devour “Like A Sajang-nim” Via The Grab Superapp 

These meal offerings are available in the “Starts at PHP 99” tile on your GrabFood app. 

“Sajang-nim is a Korean honorific for “Boss”. This title could be used for the CEO, president, or business owner.” https://en.kepoper.com/korean-corporate-titles/ 

When you are an avid K-series fan, the term Sajang-nim is a common business title you here in workplace scenes. As the corporate industry gradually goes back to office-based operations, this means lesser time for you to indulge in a Korean TV series marathon compared to when your company was on a work-from-home setup due to the pandemic. I should know. Who else started being hooked to K-series due to the 2-year-ish lockdown advisory? 

Read here about our favorite Korean Business TV series, so far: Two Korean Business RomCom Series For Salespeople | Entertainment That Matters – JOHNDAPPERCLOSER

On those work days when you just suddenly feel the urge to binge-watch another trending K-series but you just can’t since you are still paid to work by the hour, here is a tip. Devour a Korean dish on your meal break! In doing so, save your precious time and treasured health. Instead of walking or commuting and exposing yourself to possible viruses, try “Grab”-ing! I am sharing below five of my favorite Korean dishes on the GrabFood app that makes you feel like a Sajang-nim without spending too much of your daily allowance. These meal offerings are available in the “Starts at PHP 99” tile on your GrabFood app. 

1. 3-Piece Boneless Chicken Rice Meal at 24 Chicken for PHP 151.00 

  • Tick the Yangnyeom sauce option! At PHP 151, “Mukbang” is an understatement as to how generous the chicken size and rice portion are for one dedicated office person like you. 

Alternative: 2-Piece Boneless Chicken Meal for PHP 113.00 

2. Cheesy Egg Drop Toastie at Southwing Cafeteria for PHP 155.00 

Smothered! When you are the type who is motivated by cheese sauce, this option is indeed more mouthwatering than messy for you. Enjoy this with an instant 3-in-1 coffee at your office pantry. Be careful when your shirt is white.

Alternative: Classic Egg Drop Toastie for PHP 139.00  2-Piece Chicken Rice Meal for PHP 108.00 

Read here about our Southwing Cafeteria Chicken Wing experience: My Kadayawan Revelry | From Food Hopping To Food Grabbing – JOHNDAPPERCLOSER

3. Tuna-Chicken-Ham-Cheese Kimbap at  Omo Davao for PHP 180.00 

A roll to a pile. When the day’s work deadline seems to pile, I Grab a roll for a “working lunch”. Easy to eat. Easy to make you full. Burp! 

Alternative: Pork Bibimbap for PHP 175.00. 

4. Creamcheese Garlic Bun at Hayashi for PHP 88.00 

May it be pasta or pastry, cheese, garlic and your cravings are such the perfect teammates for any proposal to be approved. Tried this as a morning morsel, an afternoon snack, and a great lunch with a Rabokki! Next project, please! 

5. Rabokki at Moon’s for PHP 169.00

I built up the credentials of this option on number 4. My tip though, is when you want this to be slurpy or sippy, go ahead and add the right amount of water. Mix it well. Still spicy. Still cheesy. Still savory.

Indeed, apart from satiety, every familiar food experience concludes reminiscence. Try devouring these K-food meals and let me know which Kdrama scene associated with these K-dishes made you remember to laugh, feel loved, hooked, horrified, twisted, or made you feel like a Sajang-nim again! Remember that experiencing these feelings does not have to be so costly. Grab a Korean dish that “Starts at PHP 99”.

Deals Up To P40,000 Off, Unli Test Drives, AR Simulation: Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour in Mindanao

Decided to own a car before 2022 ends?

Tour Dates

  • November 18-20 Cagayan de Oro at Lim Ket Kai Mall
  • November 25 to 27, Davao at SM Lanang Davao

Planning to own a car before the year ends? Augmented Reality simulations, unlimited test drives, and significant discounts await you as Nissan Philippines brings the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour to Mindanao this November.

Unlimited Test Drives

The Japanese automaker will be highlighting the newly launched Nissan Livina with a lifestyle display and test drive sessions featuring the model’s outstanding safety, comfort, and versatility for the upcoming exciting journeys this 2023.

Through this nationwide tour, Nissan Philippines aims to offer its customers a first-hand feel of the Nissan driving experience, while highlighting its new and innovative products. Thus, customers may also test drive other Nissan Vehicles like the All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER, the Nissan Navara, the Nissan Terra, the Nissan Almera and Nissan LEAF.

Augmented Reality Simulation Booth

The Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of technologies is expected to be showcased in a variety of interactive exhibitions. In fact, features of the recently introduced Nissan Kicks e-POWER, are to be presented through an augmented reality simulation.

“The Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour allows us to engage more of our customers and give them an opportunity to experience our products.” says Juan Manuel Hoyos, Nissan Philippines President.

Deals For You!

Customers can avail the All-New Nissan Livina with a Php 5,000 discount when they test drive the vehicle plus Php 5,000 discount when a reservation is made at the event. That is Php 10,000 savings for you, right?

When qualified, an additional subsidy of up to Php 30,000 through Nissan Finance awaits new Nissan vehicle owners. This offer is only available through cash, financing through banks, or Nissan Finance.

Decided to own a car before 2022 ends? Yes. What Nissan vehicle would it be? Visit the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour first! Get a glimpse of the driving experience. Then, you know the deals you deserve – up to PhP 40,000 off!

TNT Brings Nationwidest “Saya” in Mindanao with Php 4.8 M Worth of ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ Raffle Prizes

TNT subscribers in Mindanao may complete the registration by providing their TNT number, name, and address, and setting up their password. Visit to register: https://surprises.smart.com.ph/TNT.

Exclusive for Mindanao subscribers, motorcycles, smartphones, and cash prizes are up for grabs in TNT’s ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ Raffle from September 23 to November 15.

GRAND PRIZES
Thirteen (13) lucky TNT subscribers will win grand raffle prizes, including Honda motorcycles, Smartphones, LG refrigerators, and PHP25,000 worth of SM grocery vouchers.

WEEKLY DRAW PRIZES
ShopeePay Credits, SM Gift Passes, Huawei Nova 9 SE, and Samsung Tablets await the weekly draw winners.

HOW TO JOIN

All TNT subscribers in Mindanao may join, earn, and accumulate entries to the promo by following these steps:

  • Want more entries? Activate a TNT 5G-ready SIM and earn 5 raffle entries. Check your accumulated raffle entries by logging into https://surprises.smart.com.ph/TNT  and checking the “Raffle Entries” tab.

1. Activate TNT 5G-ready SIM Card. Subscribers may earn five entries by activating a TNT 5G-ready SIM, available at sari-sari stores and accredited TNT retailers.

2. Register for the promo. Subscribers with an active TNT 5G-ready SIM may register for the promo by scanning the QR code at sari-sari stores or TNT retailers, or by visiting https://surprises.smart.com.ph/TNT. Customers may complete the registration by providing their TNT number, name, and address, and setting up their password.

3. Load up to earn raffle entries. Subscribers may earn and rack up raffle entries by loading up: P10 to P19 for one entry; P20 to P49 for two entries; P50 and above for five entries; and by availing of ‘Sulit Affordaloads’ promos including Pantawid Load 10, SurfSaya 20, and All Data 50.

To check accumulated raffle entries, subscribers may log into https://surprises.smart.com.ph/TNT  and check the “Raffle Entries” tab.

The promo is part of the brand’s nationwide ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ campaign bannered by Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo and YouTube star Mimiyuuuh, which aims to encourage Filipinos to stay happy despite challenging times.

“The ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ promo in Mindanao is our way of giving back to TNT subscribers in the region for their continued support for the brand. Makakaasa ang lahat na sa kabila ng iba’t-ibang hamon sa ating buhay ngayon, tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang TNT na magbibigay saya at inspirasyon sa lahat ng subscribers nationwide,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart.

TNT is powered by Smart, the country’s fastest and best mobile network as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

  • Scan the QR code to register for the “Tuloy Ang Saya” Raffle Promo

Join TNT’s ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ Raffle in Mindanao now! To know more, visit https://surprises.smart.com.ph/TNT or https://facebook.com/TNTPhMindanao.

Watsons PH Upgrades Delivery Services, Here Are 3 Easy Ways To Shop For Your Health Essentials

The Express Delivery Service feature on the Watsons app has now expanded to Visayas and Mindanao. Among the areas covered are Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Davao.

Maintaining optimal well-being is a challenging responsibility to one’s self, with or without a pandemic. While most of the reasons why we fail to sustain our health rituals differ among individuals, you would agree with me that our compliance with our health “doses and routines” are directly affected by our accessibility to shopping for our favorite brands. This challenge to our health habits is understood well by Watsons. Thus, the Philippines’ leading retailer of health essentials invested in their shopping and delivery services. You now have three options for hassle-free shopping.

Option 1: Express Delivery Go through the Watsons PH App

With a minimal fee of Php50 flat delivery fee nationwide, you can enjoy Watsons’ wide range of health and beauty products through Watsons Express Delivery Go. It is now available not just in Metro Manila and nearby cities, but also in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Davao! Download the Watsons App at https://mshare.app.aswatson.com/share/watsons/wtcph/api/v1.0.0/app/share?type=HBA

Watch this reel for the complete guide on how to shop using the Watsons PH app: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgosKk8hQcE/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Option 2: Call & Delivery through the mobile number of the Watsons branch nearest to you

Simply prepare your list of favorite Watsons products. Then, look for the mobile number of the nearest Watsons branch. Visit this link for the directory: https://www.watsons.com.ph/call-and-delivery-list-of-stores. The hours for receiving of orders are 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Delivery follows from 11:00AM TO 6:00PM.

Option 3: Click & Collect through the Watsons PH app

Aside from delivery services, customers also have the option to order products and collect them in-store within 30 minutes after placing the order via the Click & Collect feature of the Watsons App. You have over 900 Watsons stores in the Phillippines to choose from! Download the Watsons App at https://mshare.app.aswatson.com/share/watsons/wtcph/api/v1.0.0/app/share?type=HBA

The app is also loaded with exclusive deals and offers stackable coupons that will make the shopping experience budget-friendly and convenient at the same time.

Indeed, Watsons has invested in online and phone delivery services to give us the convenience that we deserve in fulfilling our health, wellness and beauty, and grooming needs. With these shopping and delivery options, you do not have any reasons to skip that routine! The question is, which way would you want to restock your health essentials, through Express Delivery Go, Call & Deliver or Click & Collect?

ABOUT WATSONS
Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain on the continent with successful operations in 37 countries.

In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines’ leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas). Today, Watsons operates 900+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 100,000 customers per day.

Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own
competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.