Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Manila Condo Fair, A Showcase of Pre-Selling Opportunities by Vista Land

Building on the success of the ready-for-occupancy (RFO) condominium fair in 2023, Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, has organized another real estate event for its high-rise developments: the Manila Condo Fair: Pre-Selling 2024.


Held from June 12 to 13 at Vista GL Taft in Manila, this showcase provided an enriching perspective on pre-selling condominiums, presenting them as tangible assets and lucrative investments with long-term returns. Featuring key developments near universities and transportation hubs in Manila, such as Kizuna Heights, Sky Arts Manila, and Plumeria Heights, the Manila Condo Fair: Pre-Selling 2024 became a one-stop shop for prospective owners, investors, and sales partners.



"Investing in pre-selling properties is not just about buying a home; it is about looking ahead and securing lasting value. Our goal is to explore the opportunities waiting within the Manila pre-selling condominium market and how they can become an integral part of our investors' investment strategies," noted Vista Land Division Head for Vertical Developments, Margarita Romero. 


A wealth of opportunities for investors and homeowners

Keynote speakers provided insights into various aspects of the real estate landscape and the advantages of investing in pre-selling properties. Financial institutions offered expert guidance on optimizing the ownership experience, while affiliate businesses such as Spaces Leasing extended their expertise into their operations within Vista Land high-rise developments.


The event also established partnerships with real estate brokers and salespersons interested in promoting Vista Land's high-rise developments in Manila. This session provided potential sales partners with an overview of the company portfolio, highlighting unique selling points and market positioning. Detailed presentations covered market trends, buyer demographics, and effective sales techniques tailored to the Manila real estate market.  



Vista Land high-rise developments in Manila

With 11 high-rise developments positioned across key districts in Manila, Vista Land continues to redefine the cityscape. These vertical communities, located near educational institutions, transportation hubs, and recreational amenities, promise residents a holistic living experience.


Inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna, or lasting bonds, the 41-storey Kizuna Heights embodies a sense of community and connectivity in the heart of Manila. The collaboration with Japanese real estate conglomerate Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. ensures a blend of Japanese architectural elements and inclusive design principles within the development.




Rising along Taft Avenue, the 45-storey Sky Arts Manila offers a blend of modern Filipino living and the timeless charm of Manila. Catering to students, young professionals, and expatriates alike, it provides access to educational institutions, retail complexes, and transportation hubs.


Situated near LRT-1 Quirino Station, 40-storey Plumeria Heights is designed to cater to students' needs and preferences. Amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and study areas foster an environment conducive to learning and leisure.


For information on Vista Land’s high-rise developments in Manila, visit www.vistaresidences.com.ph or call (0999) 886 4262 and (0917) 582 5167.  


Monday, June 10, 2024

Parents Can Navigate with Confidence with ParenTeam

Parenting today feels like a wild ride, filled with thrilling surprises and unexpected twists. The journey is tougher1 than ever, as parents juggle endless commitments, adapt to ever-changing standards, and navigate a world where technology is everywhere. Even the most seasoned parents can feel overwhelmed and pressured. Truly, “The struggle is real.”

It seems that this sentiment resonates globally. A 2021 study by Nestle2 highlighted this pressure as the biggest universal challenge new parents face. Sadly, despite being in a hyper-connected and almost always online world, many can feel this pressure intensely, alongside feelings of isolation and loneliness, as if they have no one to turn to. 

Adding to the burden – parents are confronted with overwhelming social pressure to raise their children in a certain way. Many report being bombarded with unsolicited advice, whether they welcome it or not, further adding to their stress and confusion.

On a related note, a study by Wakefield Research3 revealed another aspect that could be related to parents’ pressure: their concern about spending quality time with their kids due to their busy schedules and financial constraints. In this situation, parents are likely pressured to find ways to grow, enrich, and maximize their time and resources if they want to better support their kids’ development and well-being.

These challenges are ever-present and real, and it’s essential for parents to know they’re not alone. They need a guiding hand, a supportive presence to help them through each exciting stage of raising their kids. They need someone who understands their unique struggles, an ally who can assure them with confidence, “You’ve got this, Mom,” or, “You can do it, Dad.” They need someone who will reliably hold their hand, offering support exactly when and where they need it.

This is where parenTeam® comes in. parenTeam® is a digital platform created for today’s parents, built with heart and purpose, and launched by Wyeth Nutrition® and NestlĂ©® Nutrition. These two nutrition giants have combined their century-long expertise to offer a one-stop site, a “guidebook” for parents feeling the pressures and challenges of modern parenting. The site contains the information and tools they need to raise their children with reliable help while still following their own terms.

This platform truly works with a deep understanding of today’s parents, their needs, and what appeals4 to them. It offers much-needed support with a heartfelt, empathetic approach, helping parents navigate modern pressures and challenges with expert-backed, valuable resources tailored to their parenting stages.

Those dreaming of parenthood, for instance, will discover that parenTeam®’s convenient Ovulation Calendar and Calculator can be invaluable aids in their meaningful family planning.

Expectant parents celebrating the joyous milestone of pregnancy can find insightful resources like “8 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect” on the Pregnancy page, enhancing and supporting their readiness for the incredible journey ahead.

Grizelle, a Filipina mom 39 weeks pregnant with her second child, shared, “I want to stay updated and get ready to have a newborn again. It’s a good thing I stumbled upon the parenTeam®platform, where they have pregnancy-related resources and articles that help you navigate life—from trying to conceive to having a baby and how to raise them. I’m happy to have discovered parenTeam®.”

Parenting requires self-care too. Those sleepless nights and relentless family care can take a toll, but parents can find solace and nourishment tips in articles like “Feeding Nursing Mommas” on parenTeam®.

For parents of one-year-olds, articles like “When Baby Turns 1” offer practical and research-backed insights on what to expect at those special milestones.

Parents with toddlers or preschoolers likewise can access stage-specific content like “How to Teach Your Kid How to Make Friends” and “10 Fun Activities You Can Do While Staying Home,” helping them understand and engage with their children better.

parenTeam® also offers exclusive online tools like a Pregnancy Weekly Calendar, Due Date Calculator, Nutrition Checker, and Recipe Finder, accessible anytime, anywhere.

Kathy, an on-the-go mom, shared how the platform helped her with meal planning: “Sometimes, I’m just too tired to think of a healthy meal for my toddler. It’s a good thing I have found recipes in parenTeam®. The platform’s Recipe Finder makes it easy to come up with healthy dishes that my toddler can’t get enough of. It’s healthy and easy to make – perfect for busy moms like me!”

With all these incredible resources and so much more, parenTeam® empowers parents with lasting confidence and knowledge. Each day in their parenting journey can now be filled with the great assurance that they have a steadfast ally who will always hold their hand, guide, and journey with them. Driven by empathy and strengthened by leading science-backed support, parenTeam® will help them thrive and enjoy the breathtaking and rewarding ride of parenthood.

Parents, embark on your parenting journey confidently with parenTeam®’s support. Visit the official website and register via this link to experience everything the platform has to offer. 

Smart partners with Home Credit to offer affordable financing options to Filipinos

PLDT mobile services arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has partnered with Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, to make the latest devices more accessible to Filipinos through affordable financing options.     

Under the strategic partnership, Home Credit agents will be present at select Smart Stores nationwide to offer fast, hassle-free, and secure product loans, which customers can repay through easy monthly installments.

“Our partnership with Home Credit is a huge step towards our thrust to bring the latest mobile innovations to the fingertips of Filipinos. Through this collaboration, we're making it a lot easier for customers to upgrade to the latest Smart-powered device and enjoy the many game-changing benefits of our superior network,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business.

“Smart now has more channels and touchpoints reachable for our customers. Aside from our current postpaid plan offerings in the Smart Store, we are making it easier for Filipinos to access authentic and affordable prepaid devices with the most flexible payment terms, made possible by one of the most trusted financing and credit partners in the country. Come and visit the Smart Store and discover unlimited possibilities,” said John Y. Palanca, Head for Sales and Development at PLDT and Smart.

 “We are thrilled to partner with Smart, which enables us to expand our footprint and cater to more Filipinos who need convenient access to our innovative financial solutions,” said Zdenek Jankovsky, Treasury and Funding Director of Home Credit Philippines.

Get a smartphone for as low as P899 per month

Widely known for its customer-friendly financial solutions, Home Credit provides a wide range of credit products with minimal to no downpayment available for qualified customers and a quick approval process.

With a Home Credit installment, customers can easily upgrade to an iPhone 11 (64GB) for only Php971 per month for 18 months, with a one-time downpayment of Php6,816. Customers can also get the latest iPhone 15 (128GB) for only Php1,807 per month for 18 months, with a one-time downpayment of Php23,253.

On the other hand, mobile users planning to get a 5G Android device may conveniently upgrade to a Samsung A15 5G for only Php462 per month for 18 months, with a one-time downpayment of 30% or Php3,267.

Other iPhone models and Android handsets are also available at Smart Stores, and each device is bundled with a FREE Smart Prepaid eSIM and Magic Data 99, which comes with 2 GB of non-expiring data.

Straightforward loan application and approval

Customers interested in availing themselves of Home Credit’s financing options can visit any participating Smart Store.

The process is simple: Customers may choose their device and then discuss the available financing options with a Home Credit representative. Customers shall then submit only one valid ID for the quick approval process. Upon securing Home Credit’s approval, customers can walk away with their new device, enjoying flexible payment terms.

This partnership covers a wide range of devices, ensuring there is something for everyone – from professionals needing the latest flagship devices for greater productivity at work, students requiring a reliable gadget for online classes and group activities, to tech enthusiasts eager to try out the newest powerhouse smartphone in the market.

Smart empowers Filipinos with the Best 5G Coverage Experience in the country, as recognized by leading third-party network analytics firm Opensignal.

To know more about available devices and financing options, visit the nearest Smart Store or check out Smart’s official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 

TNT rolls out fast, easy, and convenient digital delivery for eSIMs

TNT subscribers can now order embedded SIM or eSIM via digital delivery.

This means TNT users may now simply order their TNT eSIM from the Smart Online Store (https://store1.smart.com.ph/view/2695/ ) and have their SIM via QR code conveniently delivered to their email instantly.

Upon receiving their TNT eSIMs, users only need to scan the unique QR code and register to activate it and start enjoying data, call, and text services paired with TNT’s affordable offers powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile network.

The Smart Online Store is easily accessible on any mobile or web browser, so users won’t have to download and log in to a separate app just to order their eSIM. It also accepts a wide range of cashless transactions such as Maya, GCash, SPay, DragonPay, and more.

‘Simulan ang Saya’ with TNT eSIM

“We are making it easier for our TNT KaTropas to switch to eSIM, which is designed to perfectly complement our affordable offers. Now that it’s available via digital delivery, our subscribers can instantly and seamlessly make the most out of eSIM technology, powered by Smart’s superior network,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Head of Prepaid at Smart.

"With eSIMs, users can switch networks without hassle and without the need to buy a physical SIM, making the process of managing mobile connectivity simpler and more efficient," said Jerome Y. Almirante, VP and Head of Innovations and Digital Services at Smart.

TNT offers its Prepaid eSIM for only Php89, which includes up to 21 GB of FREE data, plus 10 mins All-Net Calls and 100 All-Net Texts, enabling users to quickly connect online and communicate with loved ones and friends from the get-go.

Users can also enjoy TNT's offers such as the recently launched promo TNT TikTok Saya 50, which comes with Unli TikTok plus 3 GB open access data for apps and sites and Unli Texts to All Networks, valid for three days for only Php50.

Compatible with the latest eSIM-capable handsets from Apple, Google, Huawei, and Samsung, among other device brands, the TNT eSIM offers a hassle-free experience for mobile users. As there is no physical SIM card, eSIM users will not have to worry about the lack of a SIM slot in their device or losing or damaging their physical SIM.

Moreover, the eSIM enables users to enjoy multiple lines even if they only have one physical SIM slot in their handset. With the eSIM, they may now conveniently switch between two or more accounts or SIM profiles on their phones.

TNT is powered by Smart's award-winning mobile network, which was recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal. To learn more about TNT offers, visit https://tntph.com/ and follow @tntph on Facebook, IG, X, and TikTok. 

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Honoring and Mourning a Great Church Leader and Father: Remembering for 14 Days

In life, we encounter individuals who leave a lasting impact on us. They touch our hearts, inspire us, and guide us in our spiritual journey. This was the case with Apostle Arsenio Ferriol, founder and chief executive minister of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch). He was a great church pastor and father to his congregation

For the PMCC (4th Watch) members all over the world, May 19, 2024 could be one of the saddest days for they have to say goodbye to a great servant of the Lord and father in faith. 

In an interview with Deputy Executive Minister, Jonathan S. Ferriol announced the peaceful passing of his father, “With heavy hearts that we mourn his passing, but also take this opportunity to honor and remember him for the remarkable life he lived. As we come together as a church community, we reflect on the countless memories and lessons that Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol has left us with. He was not just a religious leader, but also a father figure to many. His kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith have touched the lives of countless individuals, making him a true inspiration to us all.”

A full life lived

Described as an apostle embodying genuine goodness, unwavering faith, and wisdom in representing God's kingdom, Apostle Ferriol's commitment to God, the church, and his family served as an inspiring example for the entire PMCC (4th Watch).

His unwavering faith and dedication to his divine calling have left an indelible mark on the church, shaping its growth and development over the past five decades. The PMCC (4th Watch) highlighted that Apostle Arsenio's faith and divine calling led to the establishment of the PMCC (4th Watch), where he became a spiritual father to millions globally.

In 1973, the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) came into existence. During a dedicated period of praying and fasting, Apostle Arsenio received the divine gift and grace of apostleship. This marked the commencement of a profound journey—a lifelong commitment to his calling as the Goodman of the House, a role foretold by Christ in Matthew 24:43. 

Apostle Arsenio's proclamation of the pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ swiftly led to the Church's natural growth, giving rise to the establishment of the Maranatha Bible School in 1975 (now known as Maranatha Bible School International), which stands as a testament to his vision of nurturing future ministers and spreading the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. What started humbly has culminated gloriously. Founded on Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol's apostolic calling, the PMCC (4th Watch) reached its 50th year under his devoted stewardship. Under the Apostle's leadership, the Church remains unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling God's work until the imminent return of Jesus Christ.