John Llamas

Build Your Business Empire: Add and Manage Business Funds with BDO

Get funding without joining Shark Tank and automate the money flow without involuntarily hiring an accountant.

Running an enterprise would mean orchestrating several aspects of the business – Sales and Marketing (our fave!), Finance and Technology, Operations, and People and Leadership. These elements deserve a respective discussion in our new blog series – Build Your Business Empire (BYBE). For our series premier post, let us focus on Finance and Technology.

During the first run of the BDO Fiesta in the Davao Region, we were privileged to be one of the partner content creators. Essentially, it is a group-wide initiative of BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank showcasing the bank’s unique brand of service weaved into exciting promos, special activities and meaningful engagements. Just like “Fiesta” as we Filipinos know it, it is a fair-themed community celebration stretching for almost 2 months around a particular region.

Here is one of the mini-Fiestas that we attended: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19eCJfZ16H/

Among the stalls we have hopped around that made us appreciate BDO’s advocacy to the Small and Medium Enterprise owners are the ones which offered the Negosyante Loan by the BDO Network Bank, and the Cash Management Services (CMS) by the BDO Unibank. If you are an entrepreneur with a 2 years young business, the tandem bank offerings are the perfect business solutions you can avail to scale up your baby enterprise. Negosyante Loan for additional business funds and the CMS to automate the movement of the finances.

Finance: Negosyante Loan by the BDO Network Bank

It is a non-collateral loan offered to owners of Small and Medium Enterprises which have been running over 2 years. The only requirements are the latest 3 months Proof of Sales of at least Php 10,000 a month, an updated business permit and 1 valid ID. If you qualify, you may get up to PhP 2 Million additional funding to turn that little business into an empire!

You may ask for an assessment or apply for Negosyante Loan here: https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/remittance/kabayan-loans/negosyante-loan

Technology: Cash Management Services (CMS) by the BDO Unibank

The CMS is one of the features to organize the flow of your business funds through the BDO Business Online. It offers end-to-end solutions for collections, disbursements and liquidity management to help businesses operate efficiently.

For enterprises which are still starting, you may apply for it with a minimal package cost while the established corporations may just maintain a particular required value for a complimentary use. It enables the efficient processing of transactions and access to timely information anytime, anywhere.

Plus a Payroll Package!

The Payroll Package provided by the CMS is a complete payroll solution designed for both the employer and the employee. It gives employees access to BDO financial services and free life insurance coverage. The package serves also as a tool for financial inclusion, granting previously unbanked SME employees their first access to formal banking channels.

Whatever industry your business belongs, you may customize the features of your package. You may request for an assessment or apply for a CMS here: https://www.bdo.com.ph/business/business-solutions/cash-management

Here is a success story of a thriving burger joint in the Philippines: https://youtu.be/_ytuI0TeJ3s?si=xAYIdwN4OfcNGPtB

While you may not wholeheartedly agree yet, you can exactly end that phase of managing your business where juggling all its aspects is seemingly a one-man incorporation. You may not necessarily hire more manpower yet. But, strategically, you can get funding without joining Shark Tank and automate the money flow without involuntarily hiring an accountant.

Scale up! Explore ways with BDO now.

At PHP12 per day, Your Home Deserves an Upgrade with Home Credit’s Todo Pasko Appliance Deals

Celebrations just get more enjoyable and stress-free when you have the right appliances for the family and guests!

The Pinoy Christmas celebration is truly the only of its kind. Starting the countdown with gatherings and food as early as September 1 makes our celebration indeed worth reminiscing, thrilling to look forward to and arousing to prepare for.

I do not know if you have observed though. When you are the type who holds the parties at home (because it is simply more frugal yet intimate!), the whole experience just gets more enjoyable and stress-free when you have the right appliances for the family and guests! Thus, here are some of the practical picks whenever you are considering an upgrade for your home:

1. A cost-efficient and eco-friendly Air Conditioner.

The Kolin 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner

This air conditioner features a full DC Inverter system, including a DC fan, DC compressor, and DC module, making it both energy-efficient and powerful enough to cool rooms of all sizes!

Equipped with an eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, it is designed for minimal environmental impact. The Multi-Stage Air Filtration System ensures cleaner air, while a self-diagnosing feature helps identify issues, and a filter clean indicator alerts you when it is time for maintenance.

The Kolin 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner, model KAG-100WCINV, is available through Home Credit for as low as PhP1,023 per month over 18 months via Home Credit.

The TCL 1.0HP Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner

The model TAC-09CSA/KEI maintains a stable, refreshing temperature without excessive energy use, thanks to its high-quality Full SD DC components. By utilizing magnetic force to adjust the compressor’s rotation speed, it can minimize power consumption by up to 60%, making it an energy-efficient choice for year-round use.

This model includes a self-cleaning function to prevent odors over time,
along with multiple filters to ensure that only clean, fresh air circulates in the room.

Available for as low as PhP912 per month for up to 24 months through Home Credit.

May it be the split type or the window type, an AC is such an excellent upgrade to keep your home cool not just for the holiday gatherings but even for the warmer days of next summer.

Level up your home NOW with Home Credit
Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, makes it possible to bring home the appliances you and your family deserve this season with its Todo Pasko offers!

You can enjoy a range of deals at 0% interest until January 31, 2025, with flexible installment plans from six to 18 months. This allows you to enjoy fantastic holiday appliances for as low as PhP12 per day, with no down payment required for some eligible customers.

2. A reliable Refrigerator.

The Samsung 7.4 cu ft Two Door Digital Inverter No Frost Refrigerator, model RT20FARVDSATC

Featuring a sleek metal graphite finish, this refrigerator complements any kitchen style while delivering powerful performance. Equipped with Samsung’s Digital Inverter Compressor, it provides efficient, noise-free cooling that keeps
your food fresh without increasing energy consumption. It also comes with tempered glass shelves for easy organization of groceries and a Moist Fresh Zone, perfect for storing fruits and vegetables and maintaining their freshness even over extended periods. Plus, it has a Deodorizing Filter with activated
carbon that helps eliminate unwanted odors inside the refrigerator.

Available for as low as PhP736 per month for up to 18 months, this Samsung refrigerator is the perfect upgrade for keeping holiday meals and groceries organized while adding a modern touch to your home.

3. A user-friendly Washing Machine.

The Sharp 7.0kg Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine, model ES-JN07A9(GY)

This washing machine makes laundry day easier with its convenient features and advanced settings. It has a preset timer that lets you schedule wash cycles to start automatically and a memory function that recalls your preferred settings in case of a power outage.

Additionally, it includes a tub-cleaning function to clean any leftover stains from the inner and outer tubs, a stainless-steel tub, a tempered glass lid with a lid damper for safe operation, an air-dry feature to reduce moisture in clothes after washing, and more. It also has a large LED display, making it easy to monitor settings and cycle progress.

Available for as low as PhP491 per month for up to 18 months through Home
Credit.

The Panasonic 8.0kg Twin Tub Washing Machine, model NA-W8023B

This twin tub washing machine features an 8kg wash capacity and a 6kg spin capacity, enabling you to wash and dry clothes at once to save time and energy.
Equipped with a Dolphin Wave Pulsator, it provides a thorough yet gentle wash to keep clothes clean and intact.

Designed for durability, this washing machine is built with a rat-proof plastic body, ensuring it withstands wear and tear over time. It also includes a drag-type lint filter to prevent lint from attaching to clothes during the wash cycle.

Available for as low as PhP352 per month for up to 18 months through
Home Credit.

Whichever appeals more practical and customized to your need, a washing machine is definitely a gift to enjoy every day!

Owning reliable, high-quality appliances makes us indulge on what truly matters— not just celebrating with loved ones on Ber Months but spending more time with our family in our daily life. Thus, Upgrading is a well-deserved reward for all the household members!

These exciting offers are available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across 75 provinces nationwide.
Qualified customers can apply for product installments with just one valid ID and receive approval in as fast as one minute.

For added convenience, download the Home Credit App on Google Play or the App Store to get pre-approved and enjoy a smooth shopping experience. If you need assistance with your application, a Home Credit sales representative is ready to help at any partner store.

Be sure to visit Shoppingmall.ph to find where you can purchase the home appliance you’ve been wanting to upgrade and explore more Todo Pasko deals across a wide range of products to treat yourself and your loved ones.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, http://www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

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).

New PLDT Home Plans Feature Unli Family Call, 2x Faster Internet Speed With Unli CignalTV Access

Two new plans boast a family calling circle with high-speed internet plus unlimited Cignal TV access.

The average Filipino household is estimated to have four members. Though, no two homes have the same family dynamics, everyone in the household deserves to be heard and celebrated. With features of unlimited mobile calls and doubled internet speeds, two new value-packed PLDT Home plans ensure a revolutionized family connectivity – the enhanced Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 now at 100 Mbps and Plan 1799 at 200 Mbps.

Both Plans now have enhanced Unli Fam Call. The subscribing family can nominate five (5) Smart or TNT numbers which allows the whole family to enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile.

The New Plans boast such a family calling circle with high-speed internet plus unlimited Cignal TV– which allows customers to enhance their lifestyle while spending less for their digital services!

Whether it’s movie night for the singles in their condo, or a family catching up on the latest sports events like the Olympic Games Paris 2024, or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite cartoons and educational shows, Cignal TV guarantees that all members of the household stay engaged and entertained.

PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans are really designed to keep the whole family connected. Which Plan suits the size and needs of your family? Explore more HERE.

The Chicken McDo is in its Crunchier, Juicier, “Dinosaur Chicken” Era

The new category standard.

Name a category: Chicken Fingers, “Kanto”, Korean, Buffalo Wings, Fried Chicken Meal, everybody has their own favorite for each! For this post though, let us zero in on whether or not the “better” Chicken McDo deserves to be your preferred fried chicken meal.

The Chicken McDo in its Better Cuts era

The better Chicken McDo cut is indeed big.

For dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery, I have always been the type who requests a wing part as it is the bigger-looking and “mas sulit” cut (for me). With the better Chicken McDo, I started validating the other chicken parts as “Big”: wing, breast, leg, or thigh, rest assured that you are about to partake, devour rather, a “dinosaur chicken”!

Tips:

(1) Order the Sulit Offer: 1pc Chicken McDo with DOUBLE Rice, plus request another round of gravy refill.

(2) Try the Sulit Offer: 1pc Chicken McDo (spicy!) with McFloat.

The Chicken McDo in its Better Breading era

McDonald’s has applied a new breading procedure to its fried chicken. One which results in a crispier and flakier chicken skin! Noticeably, the skin is tastier too versus that with the previous breading that urges you to consume one serving of rice with the skin and another with the juicy and tender meat inside.

Flakier and tastier chicken skin!

The Chicken McDo in its Better Meat Moisture era

This may be because of the new breading style, or the bigger cut choices, or both, or maybe not! One thing is for sure though, every bite of the better Chicken McDo is just satisfyingly juicier and tastier, right down to the last serving of rice.

The taxonomy of fried chicken is such an exciting gastronomic discussion that every category deserves an entire dedicated blog post. For the Fried Chicken Meal class so far, the Chicken McDo is the new category standard due to its size, crunch, juiciness, and compatibility with a hill – or a mountain of rice as a meal.

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Laptop and Tablet Guide: One at PhP281 monthly and more from Home Credit’s 0% Interest Back-to-School Deals

Study gadgets are indeed part of the basic school supplies evermore. Here is a guide to deals of budget-friendly laptops under PhP1,499 per month to ‘sulit’ study tablets for schooling below PhP999 per month!

Technology is imperative in all of our dealings evermore.

Encompassing all aspects of your journey to any goal, you always have that gizmo that makes the pursuit smarter. Such a fact does not only come to exist in our Adulting era. To reminisce, and with emphasis on how modern the recent years are versus our school years, such a fact is a piercing reality in today’s learners. Fortunately, owning study devices now is more accessible, available and affordable, more than ever. As I shared before, Home Credit is a family friend you can depend on.

To help parents provide quality study devices to their schoolers as another school year starts, the leading consumer finance app offers gadgets in low monthly installment plans with 0% interest. To help you filter these irresistible deals of budget-friendly laptops under PhP1,499 per month to ‘sulit’ study tablets for schooling below PhP999 per month, here are the top recommendations:

Top 3 Laptop Options

ASUS Ryzen 3 Laptop

Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor complemented by 8GB of RAM, this ASUS laptop can easily handle everything without lags—whether it’s taking notes, conducting research, working on assignments and projects, or accessing learning platforms.

This device also comes packed with 256GB of storage to provide your kids with enough space to save their school files and necessary applications. Additionally, it boasts a 14-inch display and weighs only 1.60kg, making it an excellent choice for students who are always on the go.

Tap to own it HERE at ₱ 1,123 x 18 months!

HP 15S i3 Silver Laptop

Tap to own it HERE at ₱ 1,363 x 18 months

Powered by an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor supported by 8GB of RAM, this laptop enables your kids to multitask easily, providing them an efficient learning partner.

Built with a 512GB capacity for substantial storage and featuring a Windows 11 operating system, this HP laptop allows your kids to navigate it easily thanks to its user-friendly interface. With a 15.6-inch display, this device weighs only 1.7kg, providing a lightweight laptop that your kids can easily take to school.

Acer Aspire 3 i3 Laptop

Tap to own it HERE at ₱ 1,283 x 18 months

Possessed an Intel Core i3-1215U processor and partnered with 8GB of RAM, this device can smoothly handle basic school tasks like web browsing, opening documents and files, and much more.

Apart from that, this Acer laptop features a 512GB internal capacity, offering ample storage for your kids throughout the school year. Additionally, the device boasts a 15.6-inch display for comfortable viewing of study materials. With an approximate weight of 1.78kg, it is easy to carry.

Top 3 Tablet Options

Realme Pad 32GB/3GB Tablet

Own it HERE at below Php 999 per month

Built with a Helio G80 processor and 3GB of RAM, this budget-friendly tablet provides efficient performance that your kids can rely on when working on their school tasks. With a 32GB internal capacity, it offers enough storage to keep your kids’ notes, digital materials, and educational apps throughout the academic year.

For a more reliable device, this Realme tablet carries a substantial 7100mAh battery, providing students with enough power every day. It supports an 18W Quick Charge to easily recharge the battery, minimizing downtime for your kids while completing their assignments and projects on time. Sporting a 10.4-inch display and a lightweight design that weighs only 0.44kg, it is highly convenient.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE

Own it HERE as low as ₱ 762 x 18 months

Expanding your options for tablets below PhP999 per month is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE. Powered by an Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 4GB of memory, this Samsung tablet offers exceptional performance for your kids’ day-to-day tasks.

These features are complemented by 128GB of internal storage, expandable with a microSD card of up to 1TB, ensuring that storing large files is never a problem. With a 10.5-inch screen and a 7040mAh battery capacity, this tablet provides your kids with an exceptional learning companion.

Furthermore, it includes a built-in screen recorder, enabling students to record live online classes and review them at their convenience. It also offers safety features like Samsung Kids, which allows your children to explore and connect to the Internet securely.

Huawei Matepad T10 LTE

Own it HERE at as low as ₱ 281 x 18 months

Equipped with a Huawei Kirin 710A processor, this device delivers seamless multitasking, allowing your kids to switch smoothly from one app to the next without experiencing slow response times. This is supported by 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, contributing to better overall performance.

The Huawei Matepad T10 LTE also boasts a generous 5100mAh battery capacity, providing enough power for your kids to complete their tasks throughout the entire day. The Huawei Matepad also features a 9.7-inch HD screen for incredible viewing and weighs only 450g, ensuring easy portability for your kids.

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Study gadgets are indeed part of the basic school supplies evermore. As someone who is preparing for my child’s academic requirements in the near future, it inspires me to provide him a quality study device, as an investment for quality learning, knowing that I have a way to own such tools in breathable terms. Download the Home Credit App and share this delight with me

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

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).

Shakey’s PH And Potato Corner Turn Mojos Into Flavorful Potato Heads

The flavors made our favorite signature Mojos not just MO’ fun but MO’ handsome and MO’ finger-licking-worthy too!

May was such a loaded month! Lead a sales initiative in a Trade Show, finalized 3 group business stays for the upcoming month plus a full swing of daily sales calls. When the month ended, I felt like all my flavors had turned bland. Thus, I need to turn things mo’ fun!

Just at an opportune time, Shakey’s signature potato heads were transformed with three exciting flavors from Potato Corner! Here is a flavorful review:

BBQ

BBQ Flavored Mojos

Iconic of them three – BBQ!

I am indeed a Cheese lover but I am ranking the BBQ as First for the smoky and smack of chili experience! Its meaty taste simply feels perfect every time you munch on the thicker-than-French-Fries potato slices. Iconic of them three!

CHEESE

I kinda expected the taste and the moment! It’s the most comforting flavor (for me) for any Fries, thick or thin. The OG cheese powder from Potato Corner is a gold standard though. This is the most finger-licking-worthy. Health Tip: Wash your inter-fingers properly before eating.

Munching on the Cheese Flavored Mojos!

SOUR CREAM

I get a slice of Sour Cream Mojos every after 2-3 pieces from each of the other two flavors. Such an herby flavor seemingly neutralizes the distinct solid flavors from the heads with BBQ and Cheese. This has the freshest feel in both redolence and taste.

Sour Cream Flavored Mojos

How thoughtful of Shakey’s PH and Potato Corner to offer this collab! The flavors made our favorite signature Mojos not just MO’ fun but MO’ handsome and MO’ finger-licking-worthy too! Order a Supreme to get two flavors in one. Also available as a Solo or Basket. The Flavored Mojos is available for a limited time only. Try some now at the nearest Shakeys store for Dine in, Carryout, or Delivery.

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Being bland at times is normal. You just have to pick a flavorful fix.

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 a zero percent interest. Home Credit Philippines is a family friend from now on.