TMP Releases myTOYOTA App

Leading automotive company Toyota Motor Philippines just made it even easier to own a Toyota by releasing their own application called myTOYOTA app. Available in Android and iOS, it gives you the option to see the latest car models, take advantage of car deals, book maintenance or repair appointments (for existing owners), purchase vehicle upgrades, get roadside assistance all in this app.

If you also want to ask questions about vehicles, price inquiries for maintenance, repair, upgrades so owners get to enjoy the perks of owning one today. Yes, there will be after sales deals and assistance, trade ins so if you want to own another one, you can get it from the same place, same brand you love!

TMP First Vice President Sherwin Chualim says "To better serve and make our products and services accessible to our customers is needed now more than ever. We want to continuously improve customer experience from asking about it, to taking care of it and getting your next Toyota in all our 71 dealerships nationwide. They myTOYOTA app will make it easier, all with just a few taps on your screen."

If you want to know more about it, go to toyota.com.ph/mytoyota or the official pages of Toyota Motors Philippines.

Proptech Platform Ohmyhome Gives Tips on Finding A Good Home

Looking for a perfect home is a daunting task. If you were to ask me ages ago, I wouldn't be able to tell you how. Property platform Ohmyhome has been in the business for so long and here, they share some sensible tips on what to actually look for if you're trying to find a good home for you and your family. I bet, you'll say this is absolutely reasonable... and it is, a good thing.

1. Choose the Right Location

You need to look for the perfect place to call home. You have to make sure it is accessible (have ample amount of public transport), you can walk to and from the market, and not prone to floods (which a lot of people find out months later). Aside from that, ask about its proximity to fault lines because it might not be good to put up structures. You should also look out for future projects around the area that can generate jobs, schools where your kids/future kids would be able to go to, and even churches, hospitals, supermarkets so life can be easier. 

2. Know the Property Type

There are End Users, and there are Investors. If you plan to live in it, know what fits your lifestyle. End Users also tend to think more about whether you would be better in the city or the more quiet suburbs. What amenities are available? Do you want green spaces? How near is it in things you need? Some investors on the other hand think more about what would be beneficial for you in the long run, like if you want to rent out the property for a long time and have a revenue stream from it. You can find both in the Ohmyhome platform which can minimize effort, as it does the searching for you with their partner developers and real estate firms.

 3. Understand Your Financial Choices

Thinking of how to purchase a home takes time. In a real estate market, if you wait too long, property prices increase as development in the area happens. Real Estate prices appreciate over time and the wait won't help, acting on the right moment is crucial. Ohmyhome has Property Consultants that can help you decide and choose your financial options so you could buy and pay for the property over a number of years. They can help you understand (make sense) and know how you can purchase it in your capacity and choose the best one for you.

4. The Full Costs of a Home

The costs of purchasing a home isn't just the list price, there are tons of other things you need to consider aside from that. The other expenses include the Documentary Stamp Tax (1.5% of actual sale price), Transfer Tax (the cost of changing ownership is dependent on zones, market value, else 0.5%-0.75% of property value), Title Registration Fee (0.25% of price), attorney's fees if applicable. Ohmyhome Property Consultants know this by heart and with their experience in real estate processes, it'll be easier to understand what needs to be paid for on day 1.

 5. Work with the Right Agent

Ohmyhome has got Relationship Managers that evaluate what you need before being attended to by Property Consultants so you get the right person to work with. They take into consideration what you as a homeowner need and what your aspirations are. They research and canvass things for you so you have options, make a choice, document everything before closing a deal. If you wish to consult one today, you may start here.

It can be easy, you just have to talk to reliable people which Ohmyhome offers. They have an app available on the Google Play Store and also their website https://ohmyhome.com if you're looking for that perfect home.

 

Tecno POVA Exclusive on Shopee

I have reviewed the Tecno Pouvoir 4 Pro a couple days ago and this one comes as a very welcome addition. Just recently, they released The Tecno PD7 POVA which is their gaming phone intended for the entry level market. These guys were not joking when they said they were going to make it affordable, as this is being sold right now on the Shopee app at Php 6,999.

The Tecno Pova is a pretty powerful device equipped with a Helio G80 processor, a huge 6000mAh battery that can last you a few days, an 18W Flash Charge capable up unit in a 6.8 inch dot in display. They pack it with a free tempered glass film so you don't have to go out anymore and comes with a 64Gig Storage and 6GB RAM. I took the liberty of putting here the link to the store and the unit. You better be fast because this gets out like clockwork. 

Tecno Mobile Philippines Official Store

https://shopee.ph/tecnoph?smtt=0.0.9

The TECNO LD7 POVA

https://shopee.ph/product/280630977/5554937852?smtt=0.2158178-1602617014.9

It is very affordable so I'm not surprised if this goes out of shelves early. This also comes in Magic Blue and Speed Purple colors. You should check out the Tecno POVA for how it also performs while playing games as it has its own game mode which kicks in while you're playing much like the other Tecno phones we tried last week. Get savings by using the free delivery and cashback vouchers on the Shopee app or use the coins in it. Download the app on Google Play and the App Store if you're on iOS. 

Come on and let's play!

Western Digital My Cloud App Reaches 4 Million Downloads

Western Digital just announced a great feat with their 4 millionth download of the WD MyCloud App and their family of mobile apps designed to specifically manage their storage solutions and network peripherals last November 3, 2014. They take the experience a notch higher by making your files, photos and videos accesible remotely with these applications. They continue to enhance the user experience by releasinng the latest installment of the WD MyCloud OS version 1.5, WD My Cloud Firmware plus the WD My Cloud Mobile App. You'll get to take advantage of the new media navigation, viewing and search options which you may have not found in previous versions yet. 

Western Digital Content Solution Business and Worldwide Sales Vice President Jim Welsh says "We recognize the overwhelming task of consumers in organizing digital files in computers and other mobile devices. Our software provides value to our customers and we are hand in hand with them in simplifying their lives and the growing digital content that they have in their own homes. We are also unifying various cloud channels such as Drop Box, One Drive and Google drive in just one app. Best of all, it's free on the App Store so you have no excuse not having it at all. 

The app is free but if you would like to have the hardware, it's available in Iontech Technologies Inc, EA Global Supply Chain Solutions Inc. and selected IT resellers nationwide!

For more information about their products:

Digits Trading

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http://www.yelltowin.com

Find, Tweet Your Perfect Home from Property24 Philippines and Win!

The property sector in the Philippines is really getting busy. The boom everyone is anxiously waiting for is actually happening now, whilst some don't even know it. The economy is improving and people are actually earning relatively more than the previous years. Investing in this area has always been a really good thing to do, a bit of frustration comes when the issue of trust and confidence comes into play. We're talking about a great amount of money, if that wouldn't be something to be careful about then I don't know what else would. In the Philippines, there's one place everyone trusts when it comes to getting property online. 

Have you heard of www.Property24.com.ph? I've written about them a couple of months back here. Backed by one of the most trusted online selling portals in the world OLX.PH, Property24 has been able to establish itself as the go to resource for finding House and Lots, Condominiums, Apartments, Farms, Commercial and Industrial properties, Developments and Foreclosed properties in the Philippines. It also covers some developed African countries, listed some major cities in the Philippines and they even ask you if you want to see them all too.

The site can also accommodate and refine your search if you have a specific budget to work with just by indicating the minimum and maximum price. They can also indicate how many rooms, bathrooms they plan to have and the type of property they are looking for. As for the quality of listings, Property24 makes sure you won't be wasting time seeing unverified ones as everything goes through a strict screening process and applies the same strategies in other countries since they've been doing this for years now. They also employ point systems so you get to see reputable ones from those who are not. For brokers, agencies or  developers, this would be a dream too because you don't have to go out that much in the sun or rain in selling or renting properties anymore. Just imagine, 16 Million views a month would expose your listings and your brands with your target market. They'd also be cross posting this to OLX.PH, be seen in proprietary apps in iOS and Android. It will definitely spell your success. This would also be perfect for those planning to transfer to non flooding areas which we've seen these past few days.

To make your Property24 experience even better, the number 1 property website is launching a Twitter promo. You can get the chance to win an overnight stay in a 5-star hotel, isn't that neat? All you need to do is Follow the official Property24 Philippines Twitter account @Property24PH, find your perfect home in www.Property24.com.ph and tweet "I found #MyPerfectHome here: (URL of the listing)" and tag @Property24PH on Twitter. Your privacy settings must be set to public so they could see it. You can also tweet 10 times a day. This means that the more entries you make, the more chances of winning. They will also be giving away 5 consolation prizes aside from that 5-star hotel stay mentioned earlier. Just read the fine print below and you're good to go.

Finding your dream home shouldn't be complicated. It's easy when you use the website, iOS or Android app by Property24. I've used this a ton of times when friends ask me to find them a place near my neighborhood. If you're in the hunt for one, maybe this is the opportune time to do it. Investment wise, it's always a smart choice. It only takes a few minutes to see why Property24 is the number one resource to find your dream home, take a tour and don't just take my word for it.

For more information about their services:

Property24ph

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http://www.property24.com.ph

/*Screenshots images are from Property24's official website and not mine.*/

Filipino Slang Reaches WeChat Sticker Gallery!

Like whoa! I can't believe my eyes! It looks like we're in for a treat today as WeChat just started speaking our language! Oh yes! The fun in the Philippines never stops as Filipino slang finally reaches this social messaging app that we absolutely love! Now, you'll find the normal things people utter on the streets - spoken by ordinary Filipinos which you won't usually see on school, literature or find in books. The Filipino language is definitely evolving and it's turning out to be quite and adventure. 

Just imagine our 7,107 islands. It's got about 175 recognized dialects that can be called in unison as "Filipino". Even as tourists, you'll have something in your sleeve as the Philippines also ingrained in its popular culture a distinctive form of communication known as "Filipino slang". You won’t find this category in books but you’ll hear the series of catchphrases on the streets, from local television shows to just about anywhere where the influences of media exist. It is very dynamic and changes from day to day. A combination of English and Tagalog,  to gay lingo, to street dweller terminologies, you would see something that you could use in everyday life. 

As our language change and evolve, WeChat provides a very social mobile application that follows the color and hues of the Filipino vernacular. 16 fully new funny stickers that would imply the inventiveness of our writings and the immeasurable joyfulness of our innate humor. You won't find it anywhere but here. Get ready to put in your messages statements as “Bahala na si Batman!”,  “Boom!”, “Push mo yan!” and “Gorabels!”. One could never run out of fun quirky ways telling your friends, office mates and relatives something new every time you chat on one great social messaging application like WeChat. This set is currently available at WeChat’s Sticker Gallery which you can easily access by clicking on Me then go to the Sticker Gallery.

I can't wait to use these stickers on you guys! :)

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

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Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com

WeChat Brings You Closer This Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is fast approaching and if you've got relatives outside the country, it's but normal to feel distraught. With the advancement of mobile technology and the easiness of using apps, it's now going to feel a lot closer for most of us and that's a good thing. It's something to be thankful for!

WeChat, the fastest growing mobile social messaging app in the country is now giving back to the most special woman in our lives - our Moms. They've got an exciting promo that sets importance on connecting with your loved ones. You can now use WeChat Video Calls to three different people on different days this week. Aside from that, you get awesome prepaid credits to help you get connected to people that you dearly love. Moms can get those precious moments rolling once again with friends and relatives. Isn't that amazing?! Well that's not all. When you use WeChat and try the video call feature with three different people, a mere screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips along with your best wishes for your mom on the Moments section of the WeChat App might get you a special prize that you and your mom can both enjoy. All you need to do is to share it with WeChat by posting your screenshots on Facebook while tagging their official page at WeChat Philippines. Letting them know how special your Mom is and getting some perks in the process just makes this the perfect thing to do this Mother's day.

I am so happy that my Mom is at home, but since my brother is in Ireland we might as well use the obvious service that can connect my other relatives too. I even tried the video call earlier with my friends and it's clear as a bright sunny day. The audio was great too - nothing lame and choppy. Now imagine that great service and a chance to win something from the fastest growing chat app in the country! If you haven't tried WeChat yet, then this might be the best time to do it!

  

Why? It's because you can win prepaid credits or more from WeChat. Just follow these steps:

1.) Make three (3) video calls to three (3) different people on WeChat. Do this on three different days. This will entitle you to win a PHP 100 worth of prepaid card. 
2.) After doing the Video Call task, send the keyword “HMD” to WeChat Fans Official Account (add the ID: wechatfansph) so you can put in your information for prize delivery.
3.) Win another special prize by doing the additional task of sharing WeChat tips to Moments along with your best wishes for your mom. To avail of this opportunity, you must take a screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips on Moments and posting it on a public status on Facebook while tagging WeChat Philippines Official Facebook Account. That's it!

WeChat’s Video Call feature is a new and exciting platform bringing people closer together. It’s an easy way to show your loved ones how much you care. This Mother’s Day, celebrate the warmth of a mother’s love in a unique and modern way by giving them a kiss and a heartfelt greeting through a Video Call on WeChat. They deserve all the love they can get! I already said I love her, you should too!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

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http://www.wechat.com

Free Access on BPI Express Mobile App for Globe Subscribers

An afternoon of good news was up at the Holiday Inn Suites in Makati as Bank of the Philippine Islands and Globe announced a spectacular deal that would make your smart phones a tad better. Whether you are postpaid or prepaid subscribers of this network, you now have access to the BPI Express Mobile App anywhere in the Philippines and Globe won't charge you a single cent for it. This means that you can have banking transactions right on your smart phone and make inquiries, bank transfers, payments and other services as easy as a flick of a button. Ms. Nabbie Alejo, the Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Segments and Channels Group for BPI says this partnership only has everything to gain and will make it easier for their bankers to access their bank accounts, transfer money, pay for bills and reload mobile phones when you need it and where you need it. It's the aggressive stance of BPI that makes it all worthwhile to be with them as they continue to make the banking experience as easy as 123.

I always use this app to monitor my investments and check my balance if I need to. They've also updated the app recently so it goes with the iOS7 design, look and feel. It also is responsive, fast and efficient if I wanted to bank wherever I am in the country. Now, it'll be more accessible to the public because it's totally free! I have to tell you though that just don't use the location services on the app so you don't get charged for that (the ATM locator) because as I've been informed that isn't included. Everything else is fair game!

Daniel Horan, Globe's Senior Advisor for Consumer Business says that this partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands enforces their customers digital lifestyles. Today, mobile phones are not just about calls and texts, but people use it for financial services as well. Globe is steadfastly growing smartphone consumer base and they will definitely benefit from this wonderful service.

BPI's Senior Vice President and Electronic Channels Group Head Manuel Tagaza says that BPI has always been at the forefront of introducing new channels for their clients. It is a must for them to access their accounts conveniently. The BPI Express Mobile app is the number one finance related app on the App Store and it is doing quite well. They are now just extending their portfolio and always trying to make sure that the technology available in banking would be available for all their clients. They put effort in making collaborations like these because it makes everything easier. A feat not available in other banks in the country.

Congratulations BPI and Globe on this wonderful partnership! Together, you are making the Filipinos live their lives better!

For more information about their services:

BPI

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http://www.bpiexpressonline.com

The Digital Filipino Psyche on Online Entertainment

There's so many things to tell you about the Filipino way of thinking and how we at most - try to paint a picture about how we inculcate in our lives - online entertainment. 

 We are a different breed. Due to the rousing obvious influences of Spanish, Japanese and American rule in our country, we are much of a melting pot of cultures. Today, we have somehow made the same advancements and made it a part of our young smartphone and tablet habits. Some are well involved colloquys and some are just plain opinions. Although we see something that strike us a little off delving into topics like these, young Filipinos from 16-24 choose to have apps like WeChat to entertain us as individuals. It's not just all serious talk now. Things can go relaxed and become our best friend when the need comes through. Like me and WeChat which I use to socialize virtually. What's yours?

If you don't know yet, you might fall into these categories:

1. The Political Brainwave

If you care too much about your hard earned taxes, the current Bangsamoro Agreement in Mindanao and the people who are suppose to be jailed but are still in hospitals receiving pampering; then you are part of this group. For the longest time, you've been talking about current government and political events and don't mind being the one voicing out your opinion about the next presidential elections on Facebook for everyone to see, then you are part of the populace that discuss this topic which comprises 55% of internet users and 57% of WeChat users in the Philippines. Imagine that!

2. The Superstar Reflex

We might as well admit it - that we love to gossip and talk about celebrities in different mediums. You might not be the one holding megaphones and announcing it all on the streets but of course you maybe the person inside your homes watching every KathNiel or The Legal Wife scene on TV and putting your reactions online. News, gossip or whatever you call it, you are part of a whole 54% of average internet users and 55% of WeChat users go online who discuss this with fervor! Something you can say you can't live without daily! You also go out of your way to post photos, videos and other media just to show your passion... now that's amazing!

3. The Nerves of Speed

If you are fans of car shows, auto exhibits and love all that has 4 wheels and a great body, then you are part of a number of people who talk about the third most interesting topic across social networking services. Measured in general and in WeChat chatter, that's a great feat in itself. Seeing an agricultural country as ours crave for something like automobiles means there's relentless progress right there. Purchasing power? Perhaps... there's just a lot of people interested in these things. It's a welcome change and something that you know could measure economic activity if they begin splurging and get interested in cars. Just ask the tons of Philippine jeepneys and foreign race cars I've seen in local shows and you know we're almost drowning in them. Good thing really.

4. The Adventure Hormones

Labor Day became Laboracay and those remote islands just became populated. We can never have much of vacations and holidays just so we can get a feel of how it is to have adventure, sports and wildlife in the mix. If we're working too hard or getting stressed all the time in the four walls of your cube in the office, the only way to NOT be stressed is by going out and exploring the other 7,107 islands we haven't been too in the Philippines. Studies reveal that around 51% of average internet users or 55% of WeChat users talk about these adrenaline inducing activities we might be missing out on. Those jump and solo shots on your Instagram are a dead giveaway.

5. The Beauty Bone

You might think this is just because of your friends who are addicted looking at themselves in the mirror, but it's not just that. Take account the various make up tutorials and lovely fashion advices plus the star of the show... your pets! It's similar to humans but if you get into the gritty details of it, almost 57% are talking about pet grooming and care in WeChat. Now that can't be ignored, hence the volume of people loving or wishing to be perfect.

We are nice people and understanding us a bit and how we go about our lives in the Philippines may well reflect our culture. It's a good thing we have things that motivate us to be better than what we were yesterday. Technology complements our race and it connects us to friends, loved ones in more ways than one. Same with Video, Hold to Talk and Chat that not only makes it easy for us to stay in touch. We might hold the title of the heaviest video chat usage already and we're not going to be surprised. Our culture holds a ton of importance with family. Same as some our other neighboring Asian countries perhaps, but ours maybe a bit warmer and a tad better!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

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http://www.wechat.com

OpenSnap: A Great New Way To Share Your Food Adventures!

Asia's premier dining guide just expanded their portfolio by whipping up a new app which is now available for FREE in the App Store and Google Play Store which is aptly called OpenSnap. It's something new that concentrates on mostly food and food establishments so if you want to go out and dine with some of your friends and family, you won't have any problems choosing which place to go and what things to order because it's all there!

I love my timeline already. I initially had restaurants from around the world on it but as I progressed to add some of my friends and family, I'm already seeing some of my neighborhood restaurants which is so good! It'll be easier to see if they have something new on the menu and places to hang out.

Obviously, I'm seeing those that are near the Tomas Morato area too because I live within the vicinity. There are also a couple of coffee shops that I frequent in and I'm so excited to push some of my photos in the system. Remember, installing OpenSnap will get you connected to the OpenRice database which will get you hooked up to over a million restaurants in the Philippines.

OpenSnap even got my photos organized automatically by the app and set it by location. Whatever restaurant I indicate, it automatically goes there. isn't it convenient?! :) There might be some bugs to work on says the Brand Manager Ms. Heidie Agbayani Tan but rest assured they are all using the feedback to better resolve these issues. Just like any app, some are found while on transit but they've got a pretty good form that you can fill up via the app or web.

The app also gets you to share your food stories to top social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and China's Weibo. You can also log in and allow your usual credentials to log in on the app so it'll be easy to register your profile. If you wish, you can register a separate one just for the app. Isn't that great?! :) Oh and before I forget please follow me on the app by searching for the name indicated above. I'm sure he's good looking haha! Like my photos too so you'll have great fortune as you go along this thing we call life!

Install it on your phones now, because pretty soon this will be a hit and you'll thank me for it!

For more information about their application:

OpenSnapPH

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Visit their official website

http://ph.openrice.com

Updates on WeChat Philippines

 We had a chance to meet a couple of people from WeChat a few days ago. They were drawing their milestones and telling us a picture on how the application has been performing in the Philippines. Oliver Ye, Country Manager of WeChat Philippines says that since March of 2012 (Tencent Inc.), they have steadfastly been growing and got initially 100 Million registrations around the world, a feat faster performed than well known social networks. 

They have also introduced the first hold to talk, shake and drift messaging feature that are was initially not found on other apps. Over 355 Million registered active users are now taking advantage of it and since April last year, they have been marketing this app in the Philippines starting with endorsements by Iya and Drew Arellano. Do you still remember their commercial? I know I do. 

They are also bigger now in the country and have been able to garner and audience that's quite young. According to their data, they have people mostly from 15-24 age using it now. 81% of which are all under 34 years of age. In the Philippines, they have also seen something very big because we have the highest percentage of video usage among other countries. They have attributed this on our culture as we mostly use this medium to communicate with our loved ones. Being a country that has amassed millions of OFW's in the past few years, they were not surprised because they see this as an important way to connect with relatives or friends outside the Philippines.

They also taught us a few features of WeChat and got us to do it that afternoon. I already am a pro at this so when they did a small contest I won haha.

Finding me on WeChat is easy just add kumagcow on your contacts and I'll be there. If you have friends that you want to add and they are nearby, just click the + sign on the Chats section and choose Add Contacts. There is a feature called Friend Radar on that window and you'll see them all pop up. Just click on each friend and they'll be added to your contacts. Easy than manually typing right? :)

If you are lonely this Labor Day, don't worry. There's a People Nearby feature where you can see people around you and even show how far they are from where you are. It's easier to make friends, chat and even send photos/videos when you need it. You see the potential? There's a lot more where that came from. Download the WeChat app now on the App Store or Google Play Store. This is available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Symbian and OS X devices. You can't be anti social in this day and age. Try it out! It won't hurt! :)

We love. We share. WeChat!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

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Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com