KTM Philippines makes waves at the Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show

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KTM Philippines made waves during the recently concluded 11th Inside RACING Bike Festival and Trade Show, the biggest gathering of motorcycle manufacturers and enthusiasts held at the World Trade Center.

Making its presence felt in a huge way, KTM Southeast Asia Managing Director Julian Legazpi, Sales Director Gianluca Lozzi, and Adventure Cycle Philippines Inc. President and COO Dino Santos, showed off the exciting, high-powered line of KTM motorcycles—all “Ready to Race”—including the 200 Duke which comes available in the market at 147K pesos.

The event also saw the introduction of 18-year old racing wunderkind Ralph Kenneth Torres, the first sponsored rider to the prestigious KTM RC Cup Asia to be held at the challenging Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this March to November 2017. Torres has over a decade’s experience on the track, bagging numerous trophies both locally and internationally, among them: the 2015 MOTO IR Champion; 2013 Golden Wheel Award Scooter Champion; 2012 IRGP Scooter Champion; 2010 115cc Underbone King Overall Champion; and the 160cc Scooter Class Overall Champion.

Motorcycle aficionados and racing enthusiasts joined KTM in its excitement including Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, Wheeltek Big Bikes Division General Manager Bobby Orbe, motorcycle legend Max Kienle and television and movie actor and KTM fan Paulo Avelino.

KTM Philippines also took the opportunity to proudly announce the forthcoming opening of the KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing Philippines, Inc. (KAMMI) plant in Laguna, a joint-venture partnership between Ayala Group and KTM AG of Austria, that will eventually export motorcycles to China.

KTM motorcycles are available in existing and expanding KTM dealerships nationwide. For the full listing, visit www.ktm.ph. For details about the KTM RC Cup Asia, go to www.ktmrccup.com.

MCDONALD’S KIDDIE CREW WORKSHOP CULMINATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH BIGGEST GRAND GRADUATION IN MANILA

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The World Trade Center in Pasay City was a vision in red and white racing stripes as participants of the country’s biggest summer workshop for kids came together for the Manila leg of McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation.

The Grand Graduation was a two-day affair attended by kids around the Metro, who were just some of the proud Kiddie Crew graduates who spent their summer with Kiddie Crew, McDonald’s flagship family program that started since 1992.

With its new and refreshed program this year, the Kiddie Crew participants got to experience new things, make friends, and have fun while learning skills through play-based work. All Kiddie Crew participants went through a fun-filled five-day workshop that gave the kids an opportunity to experience in-store restaurant training and learn time-tested values such as teamwork, hard work, discipline, responsibility, and sharing.

Kiddie Crew participants and their families ended their summer experience with a bang, as they attended the exciting, fun-fueled Grand Prix-themed Grand Graduation. The World Trade Center was transformed into a busy, thrilling race track as kids got to enjoy interactive games and activities such as the Go Kart track, mini-racer Kinect simulations, a toy bazaar, and much more.

Highlights of the Grand Graduation program, which was hosted by Jackie Lou Blanco and Dominic Roque, included the performances by Ronald and the Gang, McDonald Race, and Kiddie Crew’s Anniversary video, and the traditional Kiddie Crew Anthem.

To expand the celebrations of this year’s Kiddie Crew, Grand Graduation ceremonies were also successfully held in key cities around the country such as Pampanga, Batangas, Cavite, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Davao.

Taiwan Excellence marks four years of bringing quality products to the Filipino household

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Taiwan reaffirms the strength of its trade relations with the Philippines, in its fourth annual Taiwan Excellence campaign.

Sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), and organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), this campaign promotes Taiwan’s leading brands which have earned the Taiwan Excellence seal.

Many of these high-grade products are already well-received by the local market and part and parcel of the everyday lives of Filipino families. ACER, ASUS and MSI are popular choices for smartphones and laptops, while leading exercise equipment brand Johnson Fitness has gained ground over the years.

This year, the 2017 Taiwan Excellence campaign will feature more than 150 products from 52 accredited brands. TAITRA has expanded their events to further highlight the innovation, reliability, and durability of these brands, which continue to empower consumers toward leading more convenient and enhanced lifestyles.

The exhibition promises to bring a new layer of fun for visitors, offering something for everyone. Specific exhibits include: Swift 7, the slimmest laptop delivered by Acer; Zenphone 3 Live, the first smartphone with real time beautification technology by Asus; Trident 3, the smallest VR Gaming PC from MSI; Core P1 TG Mini ITX Wall-Mount Chassis by Thermaltake; home goods including the Tatung Fusion Cooker and the Vinaera Electronic Wine Aerator; bicycles including Term Cycles and Roxim Technologies Raptor X3 Bicycle Headlight; and sports equipment including Johnson Fitness S3+ Spinner Bike, and Hono YP 2009.

“Through product demonstrations and interactive activities, Filipinos will have the opportunity to experience the innovative quality of Taiwanese products, providing a source of fun and generating excitement surrounding consumer goods that have been developed and manufactured in Taiwan” says Tony Lin, Deputy Executive Director of the Strategic Marketing Department at TAITRA.

Activities slated for the 2017 Taiwan Excellence campaign include (among others): Experiential Zones in SM Megamall (June 2-4), SM Mall of Asia (September 29- October 1) and Glorietta (November 24-26). Taiwan Excellence will also feature in expos such as Systems Integration Expo (August 17-19), Taiwan Expo (September 29 – October 1), and Philconstruct 2017 (November 9-12).

For the full lineup of this year’s Taiwan Excellence campaign, please visit www.taiwanexcellence.ph.

NBA AND AXA ANNOUNCE NEW MULTIYEAR PARTNERSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and AXA, a leading global insurance provider, announced a comprehensive multiyear marketing partnership that will make AXA the Official Insurance Partner of the NBA in the Philippines.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Manila by NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson and AXA Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora, who were joined by Brooklyn Nets center and 2013 NBA All-Star Brook Lopez. Lopez also participated in a partnership launch event at the NBA Store in Glorietta 3 attended by distributors, customers, and special guests of AXA Philippines.

As part of the partnership, AXA Philippines will serve as the Presenting Partner of NBA 3X Philippines, a 3-on-3 tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams from all over the country and authentic NBA entertainment. AXA Philippines will also support the Jr. NBA Philippines, the league’s youth basketball program for boys and girls, by providing travel insurance for participants embarking on an overseas NBA experience trip later this year.

“At AXA, we believe in assisting our clients in making the right financial decisions by offering innovative solutions, similar to how an NBA coach helps his team win games,” shared Raul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. “This partnership with the NBA highlights common principles between our companies – teamwork, integrity, courage, innovation and now, the foresight for our customers to power up their game plan, not just on the physical playing field, but also on the hard court that is life.”

“We are proud to welcome AXA, a global industry leader in financial planning solutions, to the NBA family,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson. “We look forward to integrating AXA into our marquee NBA events and platforms in the Philippines to create fun and engaging experiences for our passionate fans.”

Additionally, AXA Philippines will conduct promotions to give its customers the chance to win exciting prizes and unique NBA experiences. AXA Philippines offers a diverse set of products suited for Filipinos investing in the future including Global Health Access for defense against unforeseen medical expenses, AcademiX for protection versus the rising cost of education, and aXelerator and life Basix for savings and income protection.

Fans can follow the NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/philsnba and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nba_philippines for all the latest news and updates. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com.

For more information on AXA Philippines and their product offerings, visit www.axa.com.ph and www.facebook.com/AXA.Philippines.

World Street Food Congress is back in Manila this 2017

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Asia’s biggest food celebration, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC)
is back in Manila this 2017. The five-day gastronomic adventure opens on
31 May 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds and will run until 04
June 2017. It is set to be bigger and better, attracting thousands of culinary
experts, hawkers and foodies from across the globe.

Organized by K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra and presented by the Tourism
Promotions Board (TPB), WSFC17 highlights three components: the World
Street Food Dialogue, the World Street Food Jamboree, and the World
Street Food Awards.

The World Street Food Dialogue is the world’s only conference and
network event that serves as a venue for industry players, individuals and
companies to converge, share, ideate, and collaborate on heritage and
street food culture.

Leading the roster of speakers for this program are international food and
travel celebrity, Anthony Bourdain and the creator of the widely read food
and travel blog, Our Awesome Planet and co-founder of Mercato Centrale,
Anton Diaz, as well as the country’s very own food maven, Chef Claude
Tayag.

Also included in the list of speakers is Greg Drescher who is currently the
vice-president of strategic initiatives and industry leadership at The
Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Joining him are Mai Pham, author of
several award-winning cookbooks including The Best of Vietnamese &
Thai Cooking, Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table and Flavours of Asia
and, Malcolm Lee who is the head chef and owner of the first Michelinstarred
Peranakan restaurant, to mention a few.

The two-day World Street Food Dialogue happens on 31 May to 01 June
2017 from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The World Street Food Jamboree is a must-see for food aficionados as it
features over 40 different international street food from Germany, Mexico,
USA, Thailand, Japan, India, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Indonesia, Singapore and of course, the Philippines. Here one can find a
wide array of authentic heritage street-food, meet celebrity chefs, and
watch exciting cooking demos.

Pinoy specialties from six provinces across the country are unearthed with
fun twists and new interpretations. Among those featured is the everfamous
Batchoy from Iloilo, a rare fusion of Kare-kare and Palabok from
the country’s culinary capital, Pampanga, and the mouth-watering pork
monggo from Pres. Duterte’s favorite karinderia in Davao, to name a few.
Must-tries from international hawkers include Sweet Black Vinegar with
Pork Trotter Stew from China, Nasi Lemak from Singapore, Bánh bèo Bích
Liên from Vietnam and Claypot Apom Manis from Malaysia.

The World Street Food Jamboree opens on 31 May to 02 June 2017 at
4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, 03 June 2017 at 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and on 04
June 2017 at 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The event also recognizes individuals who possess characteristics of a
true street food professional including perseverance and the ability to
identify possibilities that nurture the world’s comfort and street culinary
heritage. These individuals are honored at the World Street Food Awards.
Hosted in Manila for the second time since its establishment in 2013,
WSFC17 celebrates and discusses inherent opportunities in global
heritage and street food culture. It continues to attract more global
attention and along with it, the Philippines is also being recognized as one
of the most dynamic and fastest growing gastro countries in Asia.

For more information about WSFC17 visit, www.wsfcongress.com

A Gateway Experience to Calapan Mindoro

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Planning your next island adventure? For those who want an ultimate off the island immersion, nothing beats a Calapan, Mindoro tour made possible by the partnership of Fast Cat, Jam Liner Inc. & Philtranco.
There is more to what Calapan Mindoro can offer. From the food, the ecotourism spots, the people, and the culture, Calapan has a bunch of treats to feed Filipinos and tourists’ hunger for travel and immersion. Foreign and local tourists seeking for a one-of-a-kind City and provincial tour can enjoy doing food trips, eco tours and food immersions at Calapan Mindoro.

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Calapan has breath-taking beaches and other fun-filled venues to explore before the summer ends. For those who want to find another vacation venue but don’t want to stay on the beach, there are a lot of ecotourism spots to visit in Calapan.

To beat the heat, there is a place in Calapan that offers refreshing treats, including the Filipino’s well-loved halo-halo. Calapan also has their own special take on the country’s famous bulalo. To top Calapan’s food specialties, travelers seeking to immerse deeper into Calapan’s native side, may want to taste and learn more about their special Suman.

With the help of the accessible routes of Jam Liner Inc or even Philtranco, experiencing Calapan through Fast Cat vessels is more convenient, specifically designed by Sea Transport Solutions of Austrailia, anyone can easily drive their cars and load it to Fast Cat roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessels and take a tour adventure to Calapan.
Jam Liner Inc. is a growing bus company that helps commuters ride an easier commute experience, in which they wouldn’t mind having to sit for long hours of drive because of its unparalleled service. Terminals from different locations are also one of the most in demand routes that customers usually book from.

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JAM recently took a leap forward and has brought travel experience into new heights through the installation of the nuBus technology into its fleet. The nuBus is an advanced passenger information technology with a Global Positioning System (GPS) that provides passengers with helpful information on their travel including up-to-the-minute news, and dynamic entertainment content.

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This is also the advocacy of Philtranco, providing ordinary, air-conditioned, first-class bus transport vehicles and carries an unbroken tradition of serving the routes of Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao regions through its growth in business.

Through a promising commute experience from Jam Liner Inc, and Philtranco, they can now transfer their journey to Calapan by riding FastCat ferries, neighbouring places by providing safe, fast and convenient ferry transport system for passengers and cargo with international standards.

Fast Cat carries a design which perfectly suits the weather and sea condition in the country. The vessels are designed with a unique two-hall system that sets it apart from the typical RORO vessels in the country. It is also classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), indicating compliance with the lasts international safety rules and regulations.

Fast Cat is set to raise the standard in ferry transportation in the Philippines through exceptional ferry and customer service performance, aiming to promote the country’s diverse culture and tourist attractions.
Fast Cat is run by Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), a company that was founded to provide a vital maritime link between the Philippines’ 7,107 islands. Since its incorporation in 2002, it has become a trusted shipping company that owns and operates the Philippines’ first and only catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries, as well as modernized ports and terminals in the eastern and western Philippine sea route.

In support of the government’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project, and to facilitate the economical movement of people and goods, APFC offers safe, fast and convenient ferry service to the islands using state-of-the-art RoRo vessels. These new vessels are the first ferries designed specifically for Philippine water conditions.

With its focus on ensuring its passengers’ safety, welfare and comfort, APFC embarked on an ambitious re-fleeting program in 2010. In a bold and unparalleled move, it partnered with Sea Transport Solutions of Australia, the leading designer and builder of mid-speed Ropax/RoRo vessels built for freight vehicle transport along with passenger accommodations.

This partnership of Jam Liner Inc and Philtranco with FastCat brings to the Philippines, provides a seamless connection of land and sea from Buendia/ Cubao- Batangas- Calapan, Mindoro, so the passengers will get to experience not just their destination but also, along their striking journey in land and sea.

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To learn more about their services, routes, terminals and booking schedules, visit Jam Liner Inc. Website at http://www.phbus.com/jam-bus/ or contact through Pinoy Travel in our Facebook page. E-mail their instant services at info@jam.com.ph or call 0917-526-0008 .

To learn more about offers and information of Philtranco, e-mail at info@philtranco.net. For online trip reservations, call 0917-860-4418 or visit https://www.philtranco.net/reservation/.

To learn more about FastCat vessel features, ongoing promos, schedules, rates, routes and booking schedules, call 0917 526 0008 or visit http://fastcat.com.ph/index.html, or email jamliner.marketing@gmail.com.

RTL CBS SUMMER FAIR 2017 BRINGS FAME AND ENTERTAINMENT TO FAMILY WEEKEND

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RTL CBS Asia just took fun and excitement to a whole new level with a weekend getaway for the entire family. Now on its third year, the RTL CBS Summer Fair returned bigger and better than ever with a slew of attractions as well as activities that let everyone enjoy a rare moment under the spotlight.

The three-day festival drew in crowds at Glorietta Makati from May 26 to 28, bringing to life some of cable TV’s most talked-about shows such as The X Factor UK, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Scorpion.

Among the highlights included The X Factor Stage and the Carpool Karaoke Booth where fairgoers unleashed their hidden vocal prowess. As for the more physically inclined, the Scorpion Laser Room and a Velcro wall offered an adrenaline rush that had guests coming back for more.

Many lucky fairgoers also brought home several prizes from exciting activities including an ice cream eating contest as well as raffle games from the sponsors.

Secret Talents Revealed

The Summer Fair proved once again that Filipinos are gifted singers as guests belted out songs from classics to today’s radio favorites on The X Factor Stage. Just like in an actual studio, each performance was recorded for the participants to remember this fun weekend.

Fairgoers were also treated to a share-worthy musical experience at the festival’s own version of the Carpool Karaoke, where fans of the social media hit got the chance to sing solo or with friends inside a car a la Adele, Justin Bieber, and One Direction with James Corden.

Lights, Camera, Action!

High-tech crime fighting got real at the Summer Fair as guests took on the Scorpion Laser Room challenge. With only two minutes to complete the mission, participants had to dodge crisscrossing laser beams fast enough to escape the room and win the day.

A Velcro wall further added a bunch of laughter to the event by letting fairgoers both young and old come up with the coolest—and funniest—poses to be captured on camera.

The RTL CBS Summer Fair 2017 was made possible in partnership with Novu Hair, Baskin Robbins, foodpanda, Glorietta, Ayala Malls, Monster RX 93.1, SKY, Devant, and Volkswagen. RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53 (Digital) and 89 (Analog), and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

A festival of fun and entertainment including karaoke, laser room, Velcro wall, and raffle games welcomed guests at the RTL CBS Summer Fair 2017.

About RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network

RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network is a venture of two of the world’s largest content producers: RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, and CBS Studios International, the leading supplier of programming to the international market place. The Network has two channels: the general entertainment channel, RTL CBS Entertainment and the male-skewed entertainment channel, RTL CBS Extreme. Both channels are widely distributed in the Asia Pacific and are localized in five languages.

About RTL CBS Entertainment

The destination for the best mix of reality, drama, comedy and daily entertainment. Featuring shows express from the US and UK including top-rated dramas Bull, Scorpion, and Elementary; the biggest talent competitions in the world, America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. It is home to some of the biggest award shows in the world aired ‘LIVE,’ including The Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

Samsung Philippines marks the next innovation in television with the QLED TV

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Watching TV has changed through the years and is now more central in the lives of consumers. From being a mere source of entertainment, TVs are now considered as windows that let users experience the world right from their homes.

In a gathering held at Okada Manila titled “The Next Frontier,” Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation declared a new era of television viewing as they officially launched the QLED TV in the country. Hosted by TV personality and radio jock Sam Oh, the event brought together Samsung executives, led by President Kevin Lee, media, and valued dealer-partners as they witnessed how the QLED TV delivers a next generation display that overcomes the disadvantages of other competing technologies.

With its exclusive Quantum Dot technology, the Samsung QLED TV turns light into perfect color, making a powerful combination that revolutionizes picture quality. The new television line also offers HDR 1500 brightness and 100% color volume expression, enabling viewers to watch scenes just as how the creator intended them to be. It can also reproduce almost any color known to man, making HDR content more vibrant and natural-looking.

Beauty and functionality work hand-in-hand in the Samsung QLED TV. Its revolutionary design uses an Invisible Connection cable for other TV connected devices, removing the pain point of dealing with unsightly and tangled cables, and making it a great addition to any room. To further add to the clean design, users have the option to avail of the no-gap wall mount, which allows the TV to sit flush against the wall. Also available are an array of stands, such as gravity and studio stands, that can blend in with any living space.

A smart TV needs an equally smart remote, and with the QLED TV’s One Remote Control that covers all connected devices, users will have an easier time navigating whether they want to play games, watch sports, or stream their favorite TV shows. Users can also turn their mobile phones into a personal remote through the Smart View app. More entertainment options are provided by the Samsung QLED TV as it comes equipped with apps, services, and other content through the Smart Hub.

To bring to life the qualities of the product that define the future of TV—superior picture quality, freedom in design, and smart interactivity—artists performed a dramatic and breathtaking dance supported by an integrated play of visuals. Experience zones were also set up during the event, allowing curious guests to get a first-hand viewing experience of the QLED TV.

“Each year we challenge ourselves into coming up with upgrades and innovations, but this year’s QLED TV really is the pinnacle of high-quality viewing,” shared Samsung Product Marketing Head for AV Jun Guevara. “From pure lifelike colors, to the easy-to-use One Remote Control, to attention to design inside and out—the QLED TV ends the debate and is undoubtedly the next innovation in TV.”

Highlighting this groundbreaking technology, the tech giant brought in Korean celebrity Kim Soo Hyun as a special guest to support the local launch of the QLED TV. The actor expressed his excitement as he revealed the product that aims to give consumers a viewing experience like no other.

Samsung also welcomed two local ambassadors for the QLED TV campaign—award-winning filmmaker Paul Soriano and tastemaker Tessa Prieto-Valdes—creative industry movers and shakers whose unapologetic taste, individual style, and uncompromising standards match that of Samsung’s new line.

“We’re happy to formally introduce Paul and Tessa as our local ambassadors, who are industry leaders in their own realm. We believe that they are instrumental in showcasing the benefits of the QLED TV through their different fields and passion points,” said Samsung Marketing Director Chad Sotelo.

The new line-up of the QLED TV is available in authorized Samsung dealers nationwide. For more details, visit the Samsung Facebook page or log on to samsung.com/ph.

The loan and winding road to borrowing Home Credit and CIC share their top tips when getting a loan

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If you’ve ever used a credit card for purchases, or availed of a consumer loan for a big expense, or even simply borrowed lunch money from a co-worker, you are not alone—according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, nearly 50% of adult Filipinos have an outstanding debt, while another 33% had borrowed money in the past.
Out of these borrowers, there is a growing segment that has taken loans from lending or financing companies. And it’s hard not to see why these “non-traditional” consumer finance companies are growing in popularity: for one thing, their requirements are usually much fewer than what banks ask for, and the approval process itself tends to be pretty fast, too.

That being said, there are those who still feel overwhelmed by the thought of applying for—and repaying—a consumer loan. After all, a loan, no matter how small, is a big responsibility. On the other hand, there are those who dive straight into borrowing, without knowing if they are 100% capable of being a good borrower.
If you belong to either of these camps, take a moment to read these handy tips from consumer finance company Home Credit and its government partner, Credit Information Corporation (CIC). Master these tips, and you’ll be a master borrower in no time!

Have a good credit record. Before you even enter the store or the bank to apply for your next loan, ask yourself if you’ve been a good borrower in the past. Have you ever missed any due dates, or worse, defaulted on a loan? All of these may reflect in your credit history, which financial institutions take a look at before granting loans. If your credit history is good, then chances of approval are high. If not… you might just want to skip that loan application altogether.

First-timers have a chance, too. But what if you don’t have a credit record, period—that is, you’ve never had a loan before? It can be a vicious cycle—some people don’t get approved for loans because they have no credit records, but how can they get a record if they’ve never gotten a loan in the first place?
But there’s good news: Home Credit, for one, can provide loans even to first-time borrowers, thanks to their sophisticated system for screening applications. The CIC, on the other hand, can get credit data even from telcos, and cable companies, and share these with financial institutions. So if you have paid bills to these companies, then it just might be the ticket to getting your loan approved!

Know your rights, and read the fine print. Before you sign your loan contract, find out if there are any special conditions, or better yet, benefits that come with your loan. For instance, Home Credit offers the option to avail of insurance along with the loan; a 15 day “cooling-off” period that allows customers to pay back the full loan at no added cost within this time period; and a loan “safety guarantee” that promises full transparency on loan products with no hidden charges.

On time? Good. Ahead of time? Even better! Once your loan is approved and signed, remember your dues—that is, know exactly what you owe total, what you owe each month, and for how long. And of course, remember your due dates! “On time, all the time” is a good rule of thumb, but consider paying your monthly dues a few days in advance. That way, you’re protecting yourself from unforeseen hiccups—e.g. technical issues, bank clearing delays—that can lead to delays in posting payments, which of course leads to penalties (and a blemish on your credit record).

Want an even better tip? Enroll your loan into bank auto-debit, if possible. That way, you don’t need reminding every time your due date approaches. Just remember to keep your bank account funded!

If you run into trouble, just let your lender know. Even the most responsible borrowers can encounter financial difficulties that can impact their ability to repay. Sudden illness, unemployment, and unforeseen expenses are just some of the things that can derail our loan payments. If ever this happens to you, the last thing you want to do is to hide from your lender, or ignore their calls to remind you of your (over) due dates.
Your best course of action? Reach out to them, and be transparent about your difficulties. More often than not, they are willing to help—or at the very least, listen. In Home Credit’s case, they even have a special unit in the company which reviews cases of customers experiencing extraordinary financial difficulties, and try to find solutions for loan repayment.

Turn that good credit record into a GREAT credit record. At this point, you may have realized already how big of a role your credit history plays in getting a loan—and how big of a role your handling of your loan plays in further shaping your credit record. Regardless of how small your loan is, missed or late payments can spell bad news for your credit history. On the other hand, if you are prompt and diligent with your payments, that small loan can do wonders for your credit history—and pave the way for more opportunities in the financial system!
For more information, visit www.homecredit.ph.

Getting Seriously Addicted With Math

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The key is teaching kids how to appreciate math by showing them the right fundamentals which they can apply both in a classroom setting or when they are solving math problems on their own.

S.A.M.’s Beginnings in Singapore

The people behind S.A.M are educators from the National Institute of Education in Singapore, led by Samuel Chia and Lau Chin Loong and a support team of Marshall Cavendish consultants. S.A.M or Seriously Addictive Mathematics is an international Singapore Math enrichment program with over 100 centres in 16 countries around the world including USA, Australia and Canada.

According to the TIMSS (Trends in International Maths & Science Study) survey, Singapore Math has been recognized as one of the most successful national programs in the world since 1995. The S.A.M program follows the Singapore Math Curriculum set out by the Ministry of Education and can either be a stand-alone or supplementary math program suitable for children aged 4-12 years old. What makes the SAM approach different from the other Singapore math programs in Philippines is that it is the only international Singapore Math program from Singapore.
Here in the Philippines, it was Enrich Asia which introduced S.A.M. to Filipino families. Enrich Asia is composed of professionals who actively scour the global education arena for new innovative approaches to engaging children and inspiring them to learn.

The Holistic Math Approach of S.A.M.

The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics combines the benefits of personalized coaching, which happens in the classroom in the company of other children with self-learning and self-discovery, which happens when work is taken home. The S.A.M Approach is designed to introduce new concepts in incremental yet sure steps to make learning easier. During class, the trainers of S.A.M. introduce and explain the concepts and the lesson objective. The child then reinforces and applies this knowledge on his own at home through daily worksheets planned and prepared by SAM. Corrections or clarifications, if any, are done during the session the following week.

The Values Instilled by S.A.M.

The advantage of S.A.M. is that it instills discipline, responsibility and independent learning within your child. These values are not just useful in his math subjects but could prove to be helpful as a child tackles his other school subjects.

S.A.M.’s Approach to Math

More than just rote learning, drill and practice, SAM aims to develop math skills going into the 21st century. These skills revolve around heuristics, logical reasoning, metacognitive understanding, modeling techniques and situational word problems. Rather than focusing on rote learning, quick fixes and maverick methods, the S.A.M program builds on kids’ foundation in Mathematics so that they can learn self-reliantly in
their later years in school.

The once a week teachings provided by S.A.M. is a well-thought of process that guides yet steers a child towards learning math independently yet effectively. S.A.M. programs start children with an assessment, so they start at a comfortable point. Here, both their strengths and weaknesses are identified so the mentors will know which to polish or focus on. There are also no memorizations involved in teaching kids how to answer math problems, ensuring that understanding is the essence of every learning objective.

And because what they learn are the concepts, the greater benefit is that the skills taught through S.A.M. stays with a person well into adulthood, where math ceases to be just a subject, and already a way of life.