Ways to Save Money During Home-Buying

Wazzup Pilipinas!

MyProperty.ph lists ways on how you can save money when buying the home of your dreams

One of the best things that can show how much one has accomplished is by finally purchasing a home. Owning a home speaks volume on one’s accomplishments, and in many ways it can be considered as a status symbol. For many others, it is basking on the security of having a shelter paid for with their hard-earned money. Whatever the reason, most people would definitely want to acquire a home to call their own.

But before going window-shopping, it is absolutely necessary to determine your financial capacity. As a home is probably one of your biggest purchases, every peso saved is a big help. Online real estate marketplace MyProperty.ph has put together a list of ways one can save money during home-buying.

1. Get pre-approved for a housing loan

Getting pre-approved for a housing loan offers plenty of advantages. Once your loan for a new home has been pre-approved, you would know just how much you can afford so you will not be wasting money, effort, and time looking at houses that are not within your budget. Also, a pre-approved mortgage gives you an edge when it comes to competing with other buyers for a home as it gives the seller an assurance of your payment capacity.

2. Go online

To save budget while searching for a good bank, Andy Mañalac, former chairman of the National Real Estate Association of the Philippines and now chief advisor of ThinkInvest, suggests going online. “Not only do you save on travel expenses, but [you] also enjoy the benefit of choosing the bank that can give you the best loan rates and terms,” he said. You can easily Compare Home Loans online from different providers.

Mañalac also advises to try house-hunting and initial selection online; not only is it free, but it’s convenient and easy as well. “Now you can do your initial selection through the different listing platforms, check out the details, and have a bird’s eye view of the surroundings and even a street view of the actual property. You can now also view the actual interiors of the units with a controlled panning of the property photos and videos available,” he stated.

3. Narrow down your choices

Arming yourself with a budget and various information about the available houses for sale will help you narrow down your choices. This means you’re eliminating houses that are not within your budget and not up to your standards, thus saving you from spending your resources on impossible choices.

4. Visit houses area by area

Instead of jumping from one area to another then back to where you’ve previously been, you’ll save money and time if you can concentrate on the available houses in one location first. Getting a map and studying the area helps you plan how you can go about the day. The quicker you get to the destination, the more time you’ll have to inquire about and inspect the property.

5. Schedule as many property viewings as you can in a day

If possible, visit as many houses as you can in a day. This does not mean you have to rush through every house and risk missing out on details that could potentially make you regret settling for your chosen new abode. However, the more houses you see, the closer you are to finding your dream home.

6. Take note of the payment period

It is important to consider how long you will be paying for your mortgage. Depending on your finances, you may choose to pay for your mortgage over a shorter period of time, say 5 years, but this means your monthly mortgage payment will be higher. If you opt to choose a longer loan duration, say 15 or 20 years, that is absolutely fine; you will be paying lower monthly mortgage payments, although the overall cost of the loan will be higher as well. What’s important here to choose a payment scheme that your monthly income can comfortably accommodate.

7. Try to haggle

During the negotiation process, you may try to haggle the price of the house, especially if you found some things that could lower its value, such as outdated fixtures, leaking ceilings, and other elements that need repair or replacement. Be careful not to overhaggle, though; going to extreme lengths, such as fabricating a story, just to get the price down might force the seller to give the house to another buyer who’s offering a higher price.

However, Mañalac warns buyers from being the first to make an offer. Knowing the actual and listed price is important as it will help you determine the lowest price the seller will accept. From there, buyers can start making the counteroffer.

There are many more ways to save money when buying a home. It just takes patience, skills in finding the right one, and knowledge to avoid being a victim of overpricing. It’s also recommended to hire a professional, such as a licensed real estate broker, to help you with buying a home.

Strong Smartphone, Data Traffic Growth in Philippines: Ericsson Mobility Report

Wazzup Pilipinas!

· Strong smartphone subscription and data growth are seen to be driving the telecommunications industry in the Philippines, based on the findings from the latest edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report.

· Mobile subscription penetration is expected to reach close to 130 percent by 2021 after having climbed to 115 percent in 2015. While LTE was around only 5 percent of all mobile subscriptions at the end of 2015, it’s expected to grow close to 70 percent in 2021.

· “By 2021, insights from the Ericsson Mobility Report indicate that the smartphone subscriptions in the country will more than double from close to 40 million in 2015 to around 90 million in 2021,” Sean Gowran, President and Country Manager of Ericsson Philippines and Pacific Islands, shared.

· Mobile broadband (MBB) subscription penetration for the country stood at almost 50 percent in 2015 but will reach more than 120 percent by 2021. “Aside from increasing affordability of smartphones and improvements in broadband coverage that our operators are working on, we think the youth segment of the market is one of the key drivers of mobile broadband growth, as they are more likely to be viewing online videos, using social networking and instant messaging apps on a daily basis,” Gowran said.

· Globally, the Ericsson Mobility Report detailed a dramatic shift in teen viewing habits: use of cellular data for smartphone video grew 127 percent in just 15 months (2014-15). Over a period of four years (2011-15) there has been nearly 50 percent drop in the time teens spend watching TV/video on a TV screen, and in contrast an 85 percent increase in time spent watching TV/video on a smartphone. This, and the fact that the upcoming generation of mobile users are the heaviest consumers of data for smartphone video streaming (Wi-Fi and cellular combined), makes them the most important group for operators to monitor.

· Compared to mobile broadband subscription penetration, the country’s fixed broadband subscription penetration, on the other hand, was just above 10 percent in 2015. “By 2021, however, we see this penetration rate going up to almost 20 percent,” Gowran said.

· When comparing March 2016 and March 2015, average data traffic per user for mobile broadband in Philippines grew close to 30 percent, compared to around 60 percent for Wi-Fi. Gowran stated that “this is tremendous growth and we recommend that service providers consider how to include Wi-Fi as part of their overall strategy.”

· Worldwide, the Ericsson Mobility Report reveals that the Internet of Things (IoT) is set to overtake mobile phones as the largest category of connected device by 2018.

Between 2015 and 2021, the number of IoT connected devices is expected to grow 23 percent annually, of which cellular IoT is forecast to have the highest growth rate. Of the 28 billion total devices that will be connected by 2021, close to 16 billion will be IoT devices.

Gowran revealed that: “IoT is now accelerating as device costs fall and innovative applications emerge. From 2020, commercial deployment of 5G networks will provide additional capabilities that are critical for IoT, such as network slicing and the capacity to connect exponentially more devices than is possible today.”

The Ericsson Mobility Report is one of the leading analyses of mobile data traffic available, providing in-depth measurements from live networks spread around the globe. The report uses these measurements and analysis, together with internal forecasts and other relevant studies, to provide insights into current traffic and market trends in the Networked Society.

The Traffic Exploration Tool, which accompanies the report, can be used to create customized graphs and tables. The information can be filtered by region, subscription, technology, traffic and device type.

The report defines a connected device as a physical object that has an IP stack enabling two-way communication over a network interface.

IPC Launches Cloud Community of the Philippines for Biz and Tech Enthusiasts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pioneer cloud services provider IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), launched the first ever Cloud Community of the Philippines (CloudComPH) during the recently held 2016 Philippine Cloud Summit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

A vendor-agnostic forum, CloudComPH was created by IPC to serve as a venue for the sharing of ideas and best practices, whether technical or operational, among individuals who build, develop, maintain and use cloud computing infrastructure, platforms, and applications in the Philippines. IPC upholds its being a carrier and vendor neutral organization since its inception and underscores this by spearheading the CloudComPH initiative.

“We envision a bustling Philippine economy powered by the Cloud”, said Niño Valmonte, director of product management and marketing at IPC. “Because our country is still an emerging market for enterprise Cloud services, we felt that there is a need for a venue where Filipino businessmen, entrepreneurs, and ICT enthusiasts can learn the true benefits of the Cloud from one another and apply these learnings into their respective initiatives. We want the community to be a catalyst for business transformation and growth, leading to economic progress”, he added.

The community’s mission is to be the trusted source of cloud computing insights, information and best practices in the Philippines, and to influence Cloud adoption among Filipino organizations and institutions through evangelization, enablement, and empowerment.

Let Us Prioritize the Marginalized

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, in a meeting this morning with MERALCO President Oscar S. Reyes, emphasized, "Let us service the people who need our help most, such as those in Smokey Mountain, Payatas and Muntinlupa."

Sec. Cusi said "These are the people President Rodrigo Duterte promised to serve,” as he chose to have a solidarity dinner with the poor community at the Del Pan Sports Complex in Tondo upon being sworn to office.

Moreover, Sec. Cusi also discussed with MERALCO officials its pre-paid electricity service which targets the poorest of the poor to have access to electricity. Sec. Cusi also recommended to MERALCO to check on the “relocation sites because these are potential fire hazards."

"Let us not wait for the Local Government Units to resolve problems. Let us help especially the marginalized. I want the general public to feel that the government is doing something to better their lives by providing adequate electricity with lower rates so they will be able to afford other necessities such as more food on the table."

Fastest Visa Processing Firm in US Now in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

RAPIDVISA, the fastest visa processing service in the US and in the country today, is set to officially open its Cebu office on the 12th floor of Park Centrale bldg. at the IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City, on July 4.

“Cebuanos, and Filipinos in general, need not spend so much time processing their visas anymore,” says RapidVisa’s Customer Service Manager, Jerome Hermosilla, who is expected to cut the inaugural ribbon on opening day.

“Instead of going through the hassle and complexity with the processing, they can focus on spending more quality time with their loved ones,” Hermosilla adds.

With RapidVisa, Filipinos, as well as immigrants from over 194 other countries, can get their family visas to the US usually within five to six months time.

“We boast of our fast and efficient service,” Hermosilla says. “We are time conscious in doing visa applications for our customers. We offer accompanying services that set us apart from the simple do-it-yourself form filler. ”

AboitizLand joins Kababayans in 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AboitizLand, the real estate development arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently joined the festivities celebrating the 118th Philippine Independence Day in New York, U.S.A.

Organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI), a nonprofit organization, the all-day cultural activity is the largest outside the Philippines, attended by a number of OFWs to honor Filipino talent, culture and tradition.

“Events that showcase the unique character of the Filipino, those that highlight the importance of remaining true to one’s roots, are very much aligned with AboitizLand’s development principles.” shared John Amon, AboitizLand VP for Marketing.

AboitizLand is proudly homegrown – having nurtured Cebu’s residential, industrial, and commercial communities with pioneering concepts and ambitious development undertakings.

AboitizLand, Inc. remains one of the country’s most trusted real estate developers for over twenty years. As the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, one of the Philippines' oldest and biggest business conglomerates, the homegrown developer provides valuable investment opportunities to Filipinos through developing thriving residential, commercial and industrial communities. Indeed, AboitizLand is the perfect choice for the global Filipino.

From left to right: Dr. Prospero A. Lim, President of the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI); Joey R. Zamora, AboitizLand AVP for Marketing; Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino, JCD (PIDCI Parade Grand Marshall 2008); H.E. Jose L. Cuisia Jr., PH Ambassador to the U.S.; Ambassador Mario Lopez de Leon, PH Consul General of NY; Mrs. Eleanor de Leon; H.E. Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, PH Permanent Representative to the U.N.; John Amon, AboitizLand VP for Marketing; and Albert Asistores, AboitizLand AVP for Sales.

Globe Partners with Netflix in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fans of Netflix original titles and content can now subscribe to the internet television network through Globe Direct Carrier Billing services

Further strengthening its content offering to customers, Globe announced its much-awaited partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading internet television network. Home to some of the best original series and extensive library of TV and movie titles, Globe and its partnership with Netflix will provide Filipinos access to the streaming giant’s top quality entertainment via their mobile or broadband service.

On June 24, Globe announced its partnership with Netflix making it the first Philippine mobile and broadband to offer Netflix on its mobile/broadband platform. Soon, Globe customers will be able to subscribe to Netflix through Globe, and enjoy its content anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connect screen, while conveniently charging the monthly subscription to their Globe mobile or broadband accounts.

“The Filipino’s swift adaption to the digital lifestyle and our shift to smartphones also changed the way we enjoy entertainment. Today, everyone demands primetime shows, anytime. Our partnership with Netflix gives us this extensive library that will allow us to give our customers their much-awaited TV and movie titles whether they are at home or on-the-go”, says Globe Chief Commercial Officer, Albert de Larrazabal.

Sta. Rosa City Named RP’s National Earth Hour Capital

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Half of all people live in cities, which generate 70% of global CO2 emissions. As more Pinoys troop to these increasingly-crowded hubs to find jobs – heavy traffic, polluted air, clogged waterways and rising living costs have become a daily urban reality for millions. Three cities, all finalists for WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge, are showing the country what can be done to make our cities a little greener.

Proclaimed as the Philippine Earth Hour National Capital, Santa Rosa City in Laguna has initiatives ranging from the erection of solar street lights to the construction of a composting facility designed to minimize landfill waste. Santa Rosa City will now be recognized along with 2016 Global Earth Hour Capital Paris this coming October in Quito, Ecuador. Santa Rosa City additionally placed 5th in WWF’s We Love Cities Campaign, a related social media contest which was won by Bogor, a green city in Indonesia.

Placing 4th in the We Love Cities Campaign is San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, which has positioned itself as the emerging Renewable Energy (RE) hub of Asia, hosting two solar parks, a bioethanol, plus a biomass power plant. WWF believes that a swift but careful transition to RE is critical to curb climate change.

Not to be outdone, Makati City in the National Capital Region is developing a center to provide barangay officials with the basic knowledge and design skills to be able to promote urban design projects designed not just to be eco-friendly, but to promote the respective cultural identity of each barangay. Makati placed 19th in the We Love Cites Campaign. 

Filipino Owner of Las Vegas Based WSOF Global Aims to Change Lives of Filipino MMA Fighters

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Las Vegas-based MMA organization, World Series of Fighting Global, popularly known as WSOF Global, has big plans for the Philippines. Interestingly so, its owner, Dunesa Hesser is a Filipino, born in Negros Occidental.

“I am proud to be Filipino, I was born in Escalante City, Negros Occidental to an ordinary family. We weren't privileged at all. I also lost my parents at a very young age. With 8 other siblings, I felt the pressure to rise above our situation. But this only gave me the determination and the drive to succeed and overcome life’s trials. It hasn’t been easy, my life is a telenovela, but I was lucky enough to have had the chance to move to the United States at 16 years old, so it was from there that my luck changed. But I still kept on working hard, working almost non-stop, because I was the breadwinner of the family.”, Hesser says.

Hesser prides herself of being a Filipino. In fact she still speaks her native tongue, and says that she has taught the local language and the Filipino culture as well, to her kids in the United States.

Dunesa says, “You know it is because of where I came from that I understand the difficulty of some of these fighters. Yun pag nagsisimula ka pa lang at kailangan tiisin mo lahat ng pagod, gutom at puyat. Then you are hit with the decision, should I go on or should I quit? Should I accept my fate or fight it? I know that feeling, I’ve been a fighter my whole life. But I had a twist of fate, also a bit of luck that came my way, after all the years of perseverance. Yan and gusto ko ibahagi man lang thru World Series of Fighting Global. That as a fighter, you can change your life, you can change your fate and your destiny.”

Dunesa strives to inspire Filipino fighters and give them an opportunity to fight inside the WSOF Global MMA decagon. “You know, the Philippines is known very well for combat sports. Despite that, very few Philippine MMA fighters have gained global recognition. We hope to change that by promoting them not only on events in the Philippines, but international events as well”, she says.

Five Filipino fighters will be showcasing their wares on at the WSOF GC 3: Philippines vs. the World, which will be held on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The fighters include Jenelyn Olsim, Jessdan Dela Pena, Neil Larano, Jujeath Nagaowa and Mario Sismundo.

During the Fight Night itself on July 30, a lucky member of the audience will win P1,000,000. The winning ticket will be announced during the event itself at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I would like to change not only the fighters’ lives that night, but also change the life of someone from the audience. Someone will win P1,000,000 that night. I think we are the first MMA promoter in the country who will give away P1,000,000 to a lucky MMA fan. So to my kababayans, we hope you can watch and support us on July 30”, says Dunesa.

Indeed, Dunesa seems to be in step in fulfilling her goal of changing the lives of MMA fighters and fans alike.

Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale athttp://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum. Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila”.

Sophos Named a Visionary in Gartner Magic Quadrant Report

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security, today announced that Gartner, Inc. has named Sophos a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant Report for Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Suites[1] for the third year in row. With its Sophos Mobile Control product, Sophos is the only endpoint and network security-focused vendor placed in this year’s EMM Magic Quadrant.

As a comprehensive enterprise mobility management solution, Sophos Mobile Control is easy for IT administrators to set up, configure and manage. The product features secure and encrypted containers that separate business and personal data, protecting company information and personal privacy, which is important for both corporate and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios. Sophos Mobile Control includes Sophos Mobile Security to protect against online threats and malware on Android devices. The latest release, Sophos Mobile Control 6.1, extends platform management to include Windows 10 tablets, notebooks and desktops alongside mobile devices in the same management console, enabling a consistent security policy and secure access to company resources like email and intranets.

“Mobile devices continue to challenge businesses as IT leaders need to assess the security of everything that connects to their network in order to prevent costly breaches and satisfy data protection and privacy legislation. Smart devices that are used to access corporate data via email or share files on cloud-based collaboration tools represent another attack surface for hackers and another way to leak data,” said Dan Schiappa, senior vice president and general manager, Enduser Security Group, Sophos. “Sophos Mobile Control has been developed to provide the most comprehensive protection and to deliver all the productivity benefits of BYOD by keeping business data secure and personal information separated and private.”

[1] Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Mobility Management, Rob Smith, John Girard, Terrence Cosgrove, Bryan Taylor, Chris Silva, Manjunath Bhat, June 8, 2016.

Millennials Join #BawatBato Campaign Against Marcos Burial at LNMB

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On July 6, 2016, millennials answered the call and joined the campaign against the burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“Just as the young people during the 70s and 80s answered the call to fight against the Marcos dictatorship, the generation of today must answer the call to fight against the Marcoses' efforts to twist history in their favor. History witnessed how his regime killed not only the country's best and brightest young people, but also the country's best chance to have a bright future. Rewarding his sins with a hero's burial is unacceptable,” said Bea Reyno of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.

Youth leaders laid stones with the names of their fellow youth and student leaders who became heroes and martyrs at the foot of the UP Oblation --- the monument which served witness to the Diliman Commune where stundents from the University of the Philippines barricaded the University Avenue in protest of the oil price hike in the 1970s.

“The young people who gave up their lives to fight against Martial law are the real heroes. Young people like Leo Alto who died at 23, Emmanuel Alvarez who died at 27, Jan Quimpo who died at 23. We must not let them down. We honor them by telling their stories. We honor them by continuing their fight. We honor them by not letting Marcos be buried as a hero,” said Magnolia Del Rosario of UP Alyansa, also a student councilor from UP Diliman.

The youth also called on their fellow millennials to read more about the stories of heroism during the Martial law and be critical with the information that they receive on the internet.

“We are the generation that grew up in a world fueled by information. We while our time by using up our free data. As young leaders, it is our task to sift through the cloud of articles online and distinguish good and truthful content. Our most potent weapon against historical revisionism is our insatiable curiosity, our determined quest for the truth,” concluded Reyno.

The activity was joined by former CHR Chairperson Loretta “Etta” Rosales, along with other ML activists and prominent human rights defenders. Participating groups include Martial Law Chronicles Project, Alyansa UP Diliman, Akbayan Youth, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Bukluran UP System, Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking, and Filipinos against Historical Revisionism, Claimants 1081, Task Force Detainess, PAHRA, SAMASA Alumni, students from FEU, PUP, UP Cebu, UP Diliman, UP Manila, and Bantayog ng mga Bayani. Similar activities were also held yesterday at UP Baguio and Silliman University.

This solemn action follows the #BawatBato activity done last 26th of July at the proposed gravesite of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

MOA Signing on Airport Upkeep

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Today, 07 July 2016, marks the start of cooperation between the current administration and the private sector – a cooperation that is aimed at the common goal of delivering improved services to the riding public. The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Arthur P. Tugade forged a pioneering cooperative agreement with leading Philippine carriers for the upkeep of Manila Airport Terminals.

Apart from the Secretary, in attendance during the signing ceremony were Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto C.O. Lim, MIAA’s General Manager Mr. Ed Monreal, Philippine Airlines’ President and COO Mr. Jaime J. Bautista, Cebu Pacific’s President and CEO Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei, Philippines AirAsia’s COO Capt. Dexter M. Comendador, PAL express’ President Mr. Bonifacio U. Sam, Cebgo’s President and CEO Michael Ivan S. Shau, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions’ AVP for Finance and Administration Leah de Guzman Jover.

Under the agreement, the Philippine carriers committed to undertake at no cost to the government the maintenance and upkeep of public restrooms at the four terminals under the management of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). The Secretary is confident that the complaints of the general riding public regarding the condition of public restrooms at the main gateway of the Philippines will be addressed by improving the facilities to the level of international standards.

The Secretary emphasized that this move is in line with the working principles of the Duterte administration, that is, consultation, cooperation and mutual trust between government and the private sector. The Secretary added that these guidelines bore fruit today with the signing of the agreement. The Secretary hopes that the government and the private sector could explore other areas of cooperation for the betterment of the country.

Pokemon Go Download

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Download Pokemon Go now!

Pokemon Go is starting to roll out now. The AR Pokemon game can be played right now on Android and iOS in some regions.

"Travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon with Pokémon GO for iPhone and Android devices. With Pokémon GO, you’ll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO is built on Niantic’s Real World Gaming Platform and will use real locations to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Pokémon GO will allow players to find and catch more than a hundred different Pokémon as they explore their surroundings.

The Pokémon video game series has used real-world locations such as the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, New York, and Paris as inspiration for the fantasy settings in which its games take place. Now the real world will be the setting!

Get on your feet and step outside to find and catch wild Pokémon. Explore cities and towns around where you live and even around the globe to capture as many Pokémon as you can. As you move around, your smartphone will vibrate to let you know you're near a Pokémon. Once you've encountered a Pokémon, take aim on your smartphone's touch screen and throw a Poké Ball to catch it. Be careful when you try to catch it, or it might run away! Also look for PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items." - Pokemon.com

Aimee Song Inspires Fashionistas as the Newest Style Icon of SM Makati Style Up

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When international style blogger and interior designer Aimee Song drops by the Philippines, one can expect only two things: fun times, and amazing style. One of the first fashion bloggers, she began blogging in 2008. Since then, her blog Song of Style has risen to become a gamechanger, thanks to her knack for creating bold but laid back outfits.

Last July 01, Aimee greeted fellow bloggers and members of the press with much joy and enthusiasm at SM Makati. She was in town to talk about her partnership with SM Makati as its newest style icon for its Style Up campaign which encourages women and Filipinos in general to level up their personal styles. This wasn’t the first time Aimee was in the Philippines, but it is the first time that she became the face of a local brand. “When I first came here today, and as I was getting ready, we looked around the mall and I could just see my face all over the place. It felt super surreal!” she shares.

Born to parents of Korean descent, the LA-based social media darling has an Instagram following of 3.6 million and counting. What makes Aimee stand out from today’s crop of influencers is her accessible but aspirational sense of style. “We’re real people, not supermodels or celebrities,” she once said. She is part of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for 2016, has been featured in publications such as The New YorkTimes, Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue Spain, among many others, has guest-edited Korean Vogue, and has always been seen—always seated in front-row—at the most exclusive fashion events. Aimee began blogging while studying Interior architecture in the Academy of Art University, with the original intent of focusing on interior design. But when her outfit posts received an overwhelmingly positive response, she quickly switched to doing a style blog.

The exclusive event was hosted by Joey Mead, and attended by a handful of top Filipino fashion bloggers including Tricia Gosingtian, Patricia Prieto, Laureen Uy, and Camille Co. Spotted in the crowd as well were SM Youth Ambassador Janna Tee, and model Brent Javier. Bloggers and members of the press had the chance to ask Aimee some questions about blogging, travelling, and even about her upcoming book entitled “Capture Your Style.” Typically thought of to be a style trailblazer, Aimee also shared that she finds inspiration everywhere, including the people she’s just met. “I’ve seen so many stylish men and women here, so I’m the one taking tips,” says Aimee. “My makeup artist Omar, the whole time we’ve been here, has been wearing – instead of a leather band – different scarves with his watch. I’m definitely stealing that idea!”

Aside from answering questions, she also gave her two cent on some of the latest fashion trends, approving almost every trend including wearing denim-on-denim, owning off-shoulder pieces, having a messy bun, and mixing metals, telling the audience to have fun and experiment with fashion. Aimee did not only give tips but also inspired her fellow bloggers and blogger hopefuls of what really matters when starting your own style blog. “You have to try and be yourself, find your own voice instead of trying to be somebody else,” she says, which she together with SM Makati Style Up has already done.

Nissan GT Academy 2016 Rolls Out in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We recently attended the official launch of the 2016 Nissan GT Academy held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Atrium on June 30, 2016.

Noticeable at the launch venue were several race pods containing the latest Gran Turismo game version called GT Sport, which has not been officially launched yet to the public. Nissan, in partnership with Polyphony Digital, introduce the upgraded racing video game to the Philippines, and other participating countries, ahead of its official release to the rest of the world who would all get to see it only in November.

We were fortunate to be among the very first ones to try out the driving simulation game setup on a cool custom-designed racing machine that would have been awesome it would actually roll out into the street like the real deal.

Special personality at the event was Lucas Ordonez, the inaugural winner of the 2008 Nissan Playstation GT Academy in Europe. Ordonez remains to be an inspiration for all aspiring gamers who also want to get their big break into real-life racing.