TECHNOLOGY
Home Credit boosts digital payment service thru QR PH
December 9, 2021 2:26 p.m.
To provide a fast, easy and safe way to meet the financial needs of their customers, Home Credit boosts its QR Code payment service by joining Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with QR Ph, the national QR Code standard launched recently to move the country to a more “cash-lite” environment.
In partnership with Asia United Bank Corp. (AUB), Home Credit – the first non-bank institution in the country to issue a credit card to its customers – is also a pioneer in the QR code payment service being the first to allow their credit cardholders to make cardless payments through the use of quick response or QR codes. With the availability of QR Ph person-to-merchant (P2M) payments, its cardholders will have access to an additional 30k+ participating merchants nationwide including retails stores, groceries, gas stations, pharmacies and more.
Through the My Home Credit App, cardholders will only need to scan the displayed QR Ph codes to pay for their purchases paving the way for a cashless and convenient payment option for transactions. As their newly-launched buy now, pay later product Qwarta also becomes available, their customers will be provided with a spending limit of up to 10,000 within the app for their shopping needs.
Aside from the convenience it brings, QR codes are also considered a safe and secure payment method. Offering multiple layers of security, customers are in control of the process by scanning the code without the need to provide personal information such as PIN. In the My Home Credit App alone, all transactions made will be automatically charged to the Home Credit Card or Qwarta which can also be checked and tracked through the mobile app.
“Our digital efforts go all the way back before the pandemic and we continue to do that by offering innovative digital payment products and services to our almost 8 million customers. You can always count on us to fully support any initiative of BSP to further the adoption of digital payment methods and ultimately, foster financial inclusion in the country,” said Home Credit PH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Minol.
A vital part of BSP’s advocacy to promote financial technology and digitalization is to shift all transactions to digital by 50 percent before 2023. In the same time period, the central bank is also aiming for at least 70 percent of Filipino adults to have digital payment accounts.
In the recent months, the use of QR Codes has been gaining popularity amongst consumers and businesses alike due to social distancing measures caused by the pandemic. It has quickly replaced the heavy use of cash in various transactions and served as a viable alternative to traditional debit and credit card payments. Home Credit, with its partner AUB, was one of the first to respond to this increasing demand with partner brands and merchants already offering QR Code payment services to its customers.
“Our long-standing partnership with Home Credit starting in 2018 also makes them a pioneer in the usage of QR code payments,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Operations and IT Group, Mr. Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr. “Having them as our partner will help widen our reach as well as improve the user experience of their growing customer base with the accessibility of seamless payment services for various sectors such as retail, food and beverages, electronics, supermarkets, services, entertainment, and attractions.”
Founded by the mission to provide services to the unbanked and underserved segment, Home Credit’s participation in the implementation of QR Ph is only expected. With the launch and availability of QR Ph, more stores and merchants will be available to Home Credit consumers so they can continue using digital payments for their day-to-day transactions with their My Home Credit App and enjoy its benefits with greater ease.
The inclusivity that QR Ph brings due to its low cost and convenience will enable more consumers and businesses to participate in the digital payment ecosystem – starting with micro & small enterprises and vendors such as sari-sari stores and tricycle drivers that will eventually help them improve and grow their businesses. In turn, this will empower more consumers, particularly the unbanked market, to start using and patronizing QR Code payment services.
More than 9 million users of the My Home Credit App can simply scan the QR Ph codes displayed in over 30,000 establishments using their mobile device for essential goods and services, making it a faster, easier and safer payment option.
For more information, visit www.homecredit.ph and follow Home Credit at www.facebook.com.homecreditph.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.
The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.
The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.
“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
TECHNOLOGY
Rest easy with the Index Sleep Monitor smart sleep band from Garmin
11:09 a.m. August 29, 2025
GARMIN has announced the Index™ Sleep Monitor, an ultra-comfortable and lightweight smart sleep band that tracks sleep for a more comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery.
Featuring up to 7 nights of battery life with continuous Pulse Ox tracking, the Index Sleep Monitor is worn on the upper arm and tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV) status, breathing variations, skin temperature and more to calculate a sleep score for users and provide valuable insights about their health.
After a night of sleep, the data seamlessly syncs to the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app and can be combined with metrics from a compatible Garmin smartwatch to fill in gaps in data for users who don’t wear their watch at night or are looking to better understand how well they recovered.
“We are thrilled to add the Index Sleep Monitor to our suite of innovative health and wellness products. Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Rest and recover
Throughout the night, the Index Sleep Monitor tracks the following sleep and recovery metrics, which can then be viewed on the Garmin Connect app:
● Sleep score: Every morning, receive a personalized score (0-100) for last night’s sleep based on sleep duration, stress, sleep stages and more.
● Sleep stages: View light, deep and REM sleep stages and when they occur during the night.
● HRV status: See the previous night’s average HRV and status (balanced, unbalanced, low or poor). After several nights of wear, the smart sleep band will establish a personal baseline to help provide a better understanding of recovery and overall wellness.
● Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation during sleep1.
● Breathing variations: Used in conjunction with Pulse Ox, view and better understand shifts in breathing patterns while sleeping.1
● Respiration: View respiration rates throughout the night.
● Skin temperature: Track skin temperature changes, which can be related to recent activity, sleep environment, potential illness and more.
● Women’s health tracking: Using skin temperature, women can get more insights into their menstrual cycle, including improved period predictions and past ovulation estimates2. Women can also track their menstrual cycle or pregnancy and get exercise and nutrition education in the Garmin Connect app.
● Body BatteryTM energy monitoring: View energy levels to see if the body is charged or needs more rest. Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night.
● Stress tracking: See if last night’s sleep was calm, balanced or stressful.
When it’s time to wake up, the smart wake alarm feature looks at lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration so they feel more refreshed.
Available in two sizes (S-M and L-XL), the Index Sleep Monitor is easy to clean; just remove the module and toss the band into the washing machine on the gentle cycle.
It is for P10,290.00 and available via official Garmin Stores online in Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada and in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores.
For more information, visit https://ph.garmin.com/.
TECHNOLOGY
Time to make your moment: OPPO Reno14 Series 5G now available for pre-order
9:11 p.m. August 10, 2025
OPPO’s latest smartphone series is now available for pre-order in the Philippines—and it’s built for those who want to turn everyday moments into stories worth sharing.
The OPPO Reno14 Series 5G brings together AI-powered photography, vivid 4K video, sleek design, and powerful performance, all in one beautifully crafted device. Whether you’re creating content, diving into your favorite game, or simply making your moment, the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G makes it effortless to discover and explore—without compromise.
Your Studio, In Your Pocket
Capture yourself at your best with AI Portrait capabilities that naturally refine lighting, angles, and facial details—no filters or editing apps needed. Want to adjust after the shot? Features like AI Recompose and AI Perfect Shot help you fix framing, expressions, and more—all within the native camera.
Even in low light, the Ultra-Clear Low-Light Camera System and AI Flash Photography keep your shots vivid and full of life—perfect for nights out, concerts, and candle-lit dinners.
Powered by next-gen chipsets, MediaTek Dimensity 8450 for OPPO Reno14 Pro 5G, Dimensity 8350 for OPPO Reno14 5G, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 for OPPO Reno14 F 5G, you can count on a fluid experience whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking.
Smart features like AI HyperBoost 2.0 and AI LinkBoost 3.0 optimize gameplay, prevent lag, and keep your connection smooth wherever you are.
Designed to be seen
The Iridescent Mermaid Design of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G is more than a color, it’s a statement. Inspired by the shimmer of light underwater, the finish is paired with Velvet Glass and aerospace-grade aluminum for a look and feel that’s luxurious, durable, and uniquely OPPO.
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
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DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
