Home Credit Empowers Eco-Conscious Consumers to Take the Next level


To travel around the metro, there are three choices: drive there and pay costly gas prices, book a ride-sharing app that is also a bit pricey, or try your luck with public transport and be hassled.

Waiting in line for buses, jeeps or trains that seem to have no end  — you might have been at the crossroads and convinced yourself to stay home instead. That has been the situation for many, more so now that more businesses have opened and people have come back to schools and work, after the long lockdowns.

However, more recently, many Filipinos have turned to bike commuting. It has become a normal sight to see people riding their bicycles around major cities. Despite the country’s unpredictable weather, more and more can be seen pedaling by themselves or even cycling in groups. They ride their bikes both for recreational and essential purposes like staying physically active, running errands, and heading to work.

Furthermore, bicycles are now turning into more ideal modes of transportation as they can easily squeeze their way into the frantic metro traffic and even squeeze through alleys and shortcuts that would otherwise not be accessible by cars.

But more than these reasons, many have turned to biking not only to stay away from the hassle of road transport but to lessen their carbon footprint. The conversations on how global warming is severely affecting the environment worldwide, primarily due to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels for transportation, have pushed more environmentally conscious people to look for sustainable alternatives to replace fossil fuels.

Now, more than ever, people from different walks of life are becoming more knowledgeable about their purchasing decisions. They opt for brands that have sustainability and green practices at their core – showing their concern for the planet’s well-being. Informed consumers actively seek out eco-friendly alternatives in replacement of their everyday essentials to promote lasting positive change for the environment.

Make your sustainable choice with Home Credit

If you’re one of the “green-minded” Filipino consumers who had been wanting to go bike commuting or simply wanted to channel your inner Freddie Mercury and ride your own bicycle around the metro — you may want to take a look at Home Credit’s financial products to finally take home the wheels you’ve been eyeing. Having a sustainable and eco-friendly vehicle provides a long list of benefits for the environment including reduced noise and air pollution and cooler and more conducive living spaces.


As the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, the country’s leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), supports eco-conscious consumers in their commitment to the environment and offers a wide array of electric bikes and scooters available through hundreds of its partner merchants. All items can be purchased through flexible payment terms and low-interest rates, plus no credit card required — making that green choice much more accessible and affordable.

Ride safe!


To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the Home Credit App on Google Play to know more about the latest promos and see what is new in the Marketplace.






Review: Atome - Buy Now, Pay Later

 


I recently discovered a new way to shop! Okay, maybe not recently. About six months ago. It's called Atome

What is Atome? 

Atome is a buy now, pay later mobile app that's been around since December 2019. Atome is pronoucned A-to-me and stands for Available to Me. It allows you to shop and pay your purchases in 3 easy installments at 0% interest. You can use it to shop online in stores such as Zalora, HairMNL, Boozy, just to name a few. You can also use Atome when you shop in retail stores such as SM Department Store, Watsons and Urban Revivo  - just look for the Atome sign to know that the store is an accredited merchant. Atome has over 5,000 store partners from lifestyle, beauty, fashion, fitness and homeware. 

My Experience Shopping with Atome



Setting up an account with Atome is hassle-free. The app's interface is also easy to understand and manage. The home screen shows you the shop categories, your Atome earned points and also informs the users of what's new. You can also easily check on the app their partner merchants so if you're looking to buy somewhere specific, search the app to see if the store accepts Atome payments. 

To see how much your payment will be and the due date, you simply have to click on the finance option on the bottom of the screen. That's also where you have to go to settle your payments. The app automatically charges your linked card account once your due date arrives but you also have the option to settle your payment ahead of time, manually. 

I've been using this app to shop for some time now. I can tell you, it really makes shopping lighter on the pocket since it allows you to pay in three interest-free installments. When you shop online or in stores, the app will automatically compute your total purchase and break it down into three installments. I was wary at first that I even computed the broken-down amount to see if it's really interest-free. It is!  

Atome Card



Atome also recently launched their own physical card. I've been a satisfied customer of the mobile app so I availed the card. I got it after a couple of weeks delivered to my house. Just like other credit cards, to use the Atome card, you'll need to activate it. It also works like other credit cards. When you go to a merchant, check if they accept Mastercard in order to use Atome. 

Use the Atome card to pay for your purchases at 0% interest. Unfortunately, unlike the mobile app version, the physical card currently does not allow you to pay in three installments. Not yet anyway.  I found that out when I bought shoes from Urban Revivo and used the card. I was surprised to be charged the full amount.  

Bothered, I emailed them to ask and confirm that this is really the case. The agent responded a few minutes later and confirmed that unfortunately, the Atome card only lets you shop at 0% interest but not in installments. For now at least. Hopefully, they'll soon make it into three interest-free installments as well. 

Also, I don't think the card is widely accepted yet. I recently tried to use the card at a salon when my debit card balance wasn't enough to pay my bill. The card was declined even though it still has an available balance. 

Conclusion

The Atome mobile app is great! Three zero-interest installments - what's not to love? The Atome card, meanwhile, not so good to use just yet. For easy on the pocket shopping experience, use the mobile app. Download the Atome on Apple or Google Play store and start shopping. 

Gear up for your ‘Ber-months getaways and escapades

As Pinoys hit the road for the holidays, Home Credit shares destination suggestions and digital gears to better enjoy those holiday travels


It's that time of the year again when the cool amihan breeze starts brushing on your skin, Christmas carols are airing on the radios, and a colorful array of holiday trinkets and decorations are being decked up on houses and streets. 

Now that travel restrictions have eased — travel bells are also ringing! Whether you're simply craving a weekend away cozying up with loved ones, or going on a festive yuletide getaway, make sure you have all the right travel essentials and gears for a smoother and more memorable holiday vacation. 

If you are looking for your next destination, read up on travel ideas and make the best of your holidays!

Take wonderful selfies in Baguio Christmas Village

Want to head up north? Experience the yuletide spirit of the colorful Christmas village in the City of Pines. Get your camera phones ready for some selfies or strike a pose with the vivid attractions and mesmerizing holiday lights while playing in the snow for that ultimate winter wonderland vibe.

You can also bring out the child in you and take a stroll in the gingerbread houses and candy cane displays and take photos with miniature snowmen while enjoying Baguio’s cool breeze — plus, you can visit the nearby night market and restaurants to complete the experience.

Go hiking in Sagada 

Hike your way to the clouds and embrace the ‘ber-month breeze in Sagada, Mountain Province. Get your high-definition cameras ready and some drone action as you explore destinations within the mountain range.

Never miss a moment and get your powerful lenses ready to capture the famous hanging coffins, the picturesque view of Marlboro Hills, and the scenic Mt. Kiltepan viewpoint.

If you are craving more adventure, an additional hour-and-a-half away ride won’t hurt! Get your power banks ready to recharge your gears as you quest the ancient Buscalan Village, where the oldest and last mambabatok or Ifugao tattoo artist, Apo Whang Od, resides.

Hit the road to La Union

Grab your friends and have an awesome ‘ber-month road trip to La Union. Don’t forget to pack a good portable speaker to play your friendship playlists while you exchange amazing stories and share some laughs.

After indulging in San Juan’s famous beaches along with good music and sumptuous food, you can also explore La Union’s other famous destinations like the ancient Ma-Cho Temple, the historical Baluarte Watch Tower, or do some grape picking at Gapuz Grape Farm.

Catch some waves in Siargao

For those who are looking for some action, Siargao is the right travel destination for you. Have the ultimate island experience with your family and friends while immersing in the island with the locals.

If you want to learn the basics of surfing or diving, better grab your waterproof action cameras to capture fun moments beneath the splashes and waves. Ready your selfie sticks and hop on boats as you discover Siargao’s beautiful islands like the famous Naked Island and Sohoton Cove, ride motorcycles and stroll along the iconic palm tree-lined road and finally, join a party at Cloud 9 coast where great food and entertainment awaits. 

Get the full Christmas experience in Pampanga

Witness an awesome showdown of lights this December in the Christmas capital of the Philippines, San Fernando — home to the mesmerizing giant lanterns. Take clear, crisp photos of the giant attractions by bringing your night-powered camera phones with you. Capture every detail and make the vibrant colors of the lanterns pop in every shot.

If you are looking for another exciting Christmas-themed place in the city, worry not because Pampanga’s first Christmas-themed park in Mexico is open for you. After visiting the holiday destinations, satisfy your tastebuds with Kapampangan delicacies like tsokolate de batirol and bibingka at puto bumbong.

Be holiday ready with Home Credit

Gear up for your holiday getaway through Home Credit Philippines’ flexible payment terms and low-interest rates! As the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, Home Credit offers phones, gadgets, and other essential travel gear at the most affordable cost and flexible installment plans that fit every traveler’s budget.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the Home Credit App on Google Play to know more about the latest promos and see what is new in the Marketplace.