WeChat Secrets You Might Not Have Known!

I've been using WeChat for years now and I admit, I've met a few friends on the app even if I'm not in Manila. The thing is, there are other things in the app that I'm actually just starting to discover. Well, it's actually a pretty easy to use especially the usual Chat and Discover function. Well lo and behold we have a lot of things that we didn't know existed on the app and here's some of them listed, you can thank me later!

Voiceprint - They just updated the app to version 6.2. Now you can use Voiceprint to secure the app and access it when you want to. No, you can't get locked up anymore because WeChat can use your voice, recognize your intonations so the app can verify your identity. To enable the feature, just login, go to Settings > My Account > Voiceprint. It'll ask you to read out a few numbers, say it twice and voila! You're already good to go!

Translate Posts - We all have friends in different parts of the world. I have Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese ones but I couldn't read them all since I'm not multilingual enough LOL. Put a finger on top of the phrase or word, choose the translate option and see what it means. Now isn't that a good thing to see right on the post? Genius.

Chat History - Changing phones? Transferring your WeChat conversations has never been so easy with this feature. Just go to Settings > General > Chat Log Migration. You need to have 30% of battery before you can do this though, so remember that!

New Photo Picker - Now you don't have to look and be worried you're uploading the wrong blurred photo. You've got a new Photo Picker that can also choose multiple photos on your camera roll and upload it right away on your WeChat wall. Easy.

Healthy Stuff - Well of course there are no shrimps inside the app, the thing is, if you've got wearables you can use the app to send your own heart rate information to friends so you can compare notes or if you're in a running or cycling club, now it's going to be easier. That's healthy, don't get high blood pressure with the shrimp haha! Sorry I had to do that!

WeChat's Nicer in Desktop and Laptop Computers - It's better and more efficient now in Desktop and Laptop computers. WeChat has functions such as file sharing, screenshots, group chat mentions and message recall. Imagine an office, transfer files with your mates without the need of usb disks. Or you can use the screenshot function and cut up only the images you want to send your peers. Need to tell someone something directly? Well just mention them with the @ sign and you're good to go. You can keep those conversations private too. If you want to read them again, you can have those conversations saved on the phone. Now you can manage your emotions, live your own personal messaging life the way you want to when you're with WeChat. Have an incredible time!

For more information about their app:

Wechat Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com/

WeChat Gives You WeRewards

Free stuff by just using an app?? You must think I'm crazy right? Well no, this news actually is true because our friends from popular multi channel communications app WeChat just enabled a new program called WeRewards. It's a way you can enjoy the app and earning points while you use WeChat for chat and voice call services. This means that while you earn rewards points, you also earn discounts. You can also convert these same rewards points into vouchers for the premier online shopping site Lazada and food delivery hub app Food Panda. Aside from that, you can also get great items for FREE using your WeRewards points!

When you use your app, you can check your points by going to the chat portion of the app and search for WeChat Team. Click on the Read All link on the Get Your Daily Rewards Offer message and you'll see how much points you've earned. You can also use the rewards points for some of Manila's superclubs like URBN and Raven. For those who use the Runtastic wearables and app, you can also the rewards points so you won't have to pay a single cent when running! Since you can get 100 peso vouchers for Lazada, you can choose items like the 99 peso shirt from Penshoppe, or the Sibyl M-59 Dog Tail earphones that costs the same. You can also opt for the 50% discount on Sports Armband made by Runtastic or the Free Entrance and Alcoholic Drink at URBN 2.0 or Raven. There are also several DVD's selling for 99 bucks in Lazada that you can take advantage or spend it for Php 100 off for FoodPanda.PH, but you have to use it with a minimum 200 peso purchase.

You can use it for merchants there like Caliburger (we have one here in Timog Avenue) and get a BBQ Cheeseburger by paying only Php 115.00 from it's original price Php 215.00. Or get yummy Greenwich Pizza Thins (nearest branch near my place is Heart Center) and pay only Php 130.00 instead of Php 230.00 for that. Or if you fancy something healthy, try JujuEats' Big Boy Salad Half which you can pay for only Php 130.00 instead of the original price of Php 230.00. See the deals? You can only get that from WeChat! The promo will only last from May 20 to July 30, 2015, you better get on that phone now and use it!

For more information about their app:

Wechat PHr

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com/

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

Like them on Facebook


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

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.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

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.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

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com

The Chance To Be The Next WeChat Star!

It's been three long and fun years getting 355 million registered accounts since its inception. WeChat has definitely made my social life so good with its great features and exclusive promos. Remember in 2013 when Iya Villania and Drew Arellano appeared on TV for a WeChat commercial? Well, it's going to be another momentous event to see more of WeChat this 2014 as they launch a brand new TVC this May. Isn't that amazing?!

Best of all, they are getting one of the country's top fashion influencer. Who else is going to be with him/her? IT COULD BE YOU! No joke. To become a part of this shoot, you just have to do a few things. Just take four (4) SELFIES beginning today until early May whilst portraying the expressions happy, angry, sad and surprised. Then share those through the “Moments” section of WeChat. Then take screenshots of it and then send it to the official Facebook page. On that post, just make sure you tag @WeChat Philippines. Wouldn't you like to be part of this awesome shoot? :)

WeChat has always been the perfect mobile chat application that perfectly fits our lifestyle. No matter how you feel, it's the great app that can suit your mood and can easily be communicated with your friends and family. I admire Drew and Iya when they did the first commercial because no matter how busy they were in their respective shows, they still keep it a point to get in touch with technology as wonderful as this. WeChat’s “Video Call” functions had them talking hours or minutes in between tapings. They also use “Hold To Talk” to send sweet messages via chat when one or the other is busy. The sweet “Moments” function also served as their repository for photos so they show what they're doing all throughout the day if they needed to check on each other. Now, this is the perfect chance for you to show how you use WeChat! Make sure to follow the WeChat Fans Official Account ID wechatfansph so you get tips if you want to join.

You'll surely love how WeChat innovates the way how you connect with your loved ones. It's time to share that now. I did!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com

WeChat Partners with Internet Shopping Giant ZALORA

My favorite mobile messaging application WeChat just gave us great news that they are holding a partnership with online shopping giant Zalora. Better than ever, they are making you shopping experience a whole lot bigger than before by giving out exclusive content, news and promos unprecedented in Philippine internet shopping industry. With over 15 million users across the country, they are giving this user base special access to the newest offers and the ability to easily pay with a single swipe. It's one of the many perks having WeChat and I'm so glad I'm enjoying it until now.

The Senior Director of Business Development and Operations Justin Sun at Tencent said “As Filipinos lead more mobilized lifestyles, WeChat wants to help boost brands by providing them a mobile platform to further expand their enterprises. Aside from supporting retailers, this kind of practice can also open up a new business model for those in the wholesale industries.” In this case, not only will this partnership help both businesses but the retailers and consumers as well. It makes sense, if you've got a consumer that's got WeChat installed on their phones that means they've got a smartphone right? The people with the same purchasing power are also the ones that would bound to be the customers of Zalora. It's a perfect fit!

 My hunch was right and confirmed by Mr. Paulo Campos the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines. He says “Our partnership with WeChat is a natural fit. With this mobile messaging leader at the helm, ZALORA can stay connected with shoppers and ensure that they remain up-to-date with all of our latest offerings.” Having been able to also shop there, the convenience of choosing a product, paying for it easily and having it sent right to my doorstep was so convenient. It beats the shopping mall in so many levels because you'll never have to drive through traffic, you'll never have to be bothered by the crowd plus you'll get even bigger discounts now that WeChat and Zalora made this partnership happen! :)

Bigger discounts? Yeah! There's an exclusive promo running now for WeChat users that can get you 60% off on purchases at collective.com. All you need to do is download WeChat on your smartphone or tablet and add ZALORA’s Official ID on WeChat: ZALORAph. If you follow them, the subscription messages provide an e-coupon instantly. This will entitle you to that discount we mentioned a while ago. Enjoy this e-coupon whenever you shop in Zalora online. :)

It's hot outside, be in the comforts of your own home and start shopping!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com

When Chat History Saves You From Trouble

Have you ever had that moment where you had to retrieve information but couldn't because it's either not possible on your chat medium or it only lasts a couple of days in storage? In this day and age, it is so hard to actually get all your conversations logged more so if it occupies space on your smartphone. Aside from that, apps usually carry a few days' worth of logs because these devices usually have limited space. Would you delete other apps on your device for that? Of course not!

Well don't be too sad, there's always WeChat 5.2 that can get you out of trouble if you need something dependable. How you ask? That's easy!

WeChat 5.2 also has been able to been able to save and back up conversations. You can also have those smart private talks protected by putting passwords on it.  

To back up or restore contents from your phone, simply use the same password you nominated for each user. Who knows? It might save you from the hassle too. Here's some good things that where WeChat 5.2 can help!

Retrieving Crucial Dates

I don't like it when I forget someone's birthday. I have been always doing that and I do regret it most of the time. Even if it's already stated on Facebook, there are times when I still don't catch it no matter how prominent it is placed on the right hand side of the site. This includes anniversaries or events; they tend to be missed by forgetful me. 

By actually saving conversations through WeChat 5.2, it gave me more things to refer to in case my schedule gets messed up by work or other activities. I remember, I almost missed the Art Fair Philippines exhibit this year. If it weren't for my friends who were talking about it on WeChat 5.2 a week ago before that, I would have missed this!

These are just one of the significant things I could have missed if it were not for that feature. That would have been sad no?!

Keeping Important Lists

If you are like me who uses one or more applications on my smart phone to schedule daily activities then WeChat 5.2's perfect for you. You can have your friends or family remind you of anything that they would want you to buy when you take your lists to a grocery. You can even do the same in meetings and projects you are working on for the office. Not to mention some major ones that would save lives because you can easily retrieve it on the cloud. It's where your data goes and comes from in case you would want to see it. It's a pretty neat concept that is being made normal by technological corporations nowadays. Best of all, it's free!

Retrieving Work Related Exchanges

Have you ever been to a situation in the office when people are pointing fingers about missing instructions or documents? Well let's just say I've been through many. It's a nice thing WeChat 5.2 can prevent that from happening now that you've got a way to save conversations through the app itself! You can now retrieve files on your desktop, work phone, or personal phone so you can find that office mate culprit! I can't tell you how that's going to be so much of a convenience for me!

It must have been so good to have lived in an age where it's convenient to save both offline and online content. Best of all, this app continues to be one of the most potent way of communicating whether for business or personal use. With minimum legwork to save data and maximum reach with your friends or family through this application, one can just imagine the fruitful benefits on getting connected and hooked up on WeChat 5.2. It's still the most convenient and ultra-social messaging application there is in the App Store now! Take it from a person who uses it almost every day to gain friends via the discovery section on the App! :) This really saves me a lot from trouble and you know it!

For more information about their app:

WechatPH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.wechat.com