‘Teen Wolf’ Star Tyler Hoechlin and More Guests Leap Into APCC 2017

Wazzup PIlipinas!

Sharpen your fangs and get your capes out, as AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 (APCC Manila) unveils its next celebrity guest—no less than Hollywood actor Tyler Hoechlin—who is set to soar at APCC Manila, slated from August 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Tyler Hoechlin plays tragic werewolf Derek Hale in the MTV series Teen Wolf. He also stunned audiences last year with his appearance as the iconic Superman in the CW series Supergirl.

An established performer who had been acting since he was nine, Hoechlin's first big break came when he played the timid Michael Sullivan, Jr. in the crime film Road to Perdition. This landed him several nominations and awards, as well as the role of Martin Brewer in the long-running series 7th Heaven.

The rest was history, as he made appearance after appearance in a wide variety of movies and television series: horror flicks such as 2008’s Solstice, comedies such as 2011’s Hall Pass, and appearances in the likes of CSI Miami, Lincoln Heights, My Boys, and Castle.

“It is great to have Tyler Hoechlin as one of our main talents at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 as he resonates very well with our target pop-culture Filipino fans who have loved him immensely in Teen Wolf, while he has also made an impact in the iconic character of Superman in Supergirl TV series” said Abdulla Mahmood, Director - Marketing and International Business Development, while further adding “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Tyler Hoechlin’s die-hard fans to meet and greet him in intimate session during the event in Manila”.

Hoechlin will next be seen in the global sensational series, Fifty Shades Freed, the third installment in the bestselling Fifty Shades series and stars opposite Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.

He is slated to appear in the Peter Hutchings-directed series Departures, alongside of Asa Butterfield, Nina Dobrev, and Maisie Williams.

Also joining the fray is another veteran of the comics industry, Rodney Ramos. Having been a professional penciller and inker for more than 15 years, Ramos' skills have graced the pages of various titles across major studios Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Marvel U.K., Valiant, Acclaim, Malibu, and Continuity Comics.

His inking credits include the critically-acclaimed Transmetropolitan, Spider-Man, X-Men, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many more. 

The two join guest Ray Fisher, who plays DC’s Cyborg in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, for a weekend of unforgettably awesome experiences for fans of movies, TV, comics, music, cosplay, and everything in between!

Catch them alongside other big stars for meet-and-greet sessions, autograph signing sessions, and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities at APCC Manila 2017, with ticket prices and schedule to be announced soon.

For APCC Manila 2017 entry tickets, they are now available via SM Tickets website, https://smtickets.com/, or at all SM Tickets outlets, with ticket prices at PhP600 (one-day pass), PhP900 (two-day pass), and PhP1,100 (three-day pass). All these will give the ticketholder access to stage activities, performances, and the main show floor. The event is free for children aged five years and below for all days, but a valid identification is required for verification purposes before entering the show floor.

A limited edition Collector’s Pack is available at a discounted price of PhP 3,500. This special offer is available for purchase at SM Tickets online (https://smtickets.com/events/view/5868) and SM Tickets outlets while supplies last. Collector's Pack includes 1/12 Scale Iron Man “Shotgun” Collectible Figure, 1x APCC 3-Day Pass, 1x Special Edition Captain America Comic Book, and 1x APCC 2016 Tote Bag. 

 

Also available is the Ultimate Merch Bundle, priced at PhP 1,600. The bundle includes 1x APCC 3Day Pass, 1x Special Edition Captain America Comic Book, 1x APCC 2016 Tote Bag, 1x Sticker Set, 1x APCC 2017 Cotton T-Shirt (S-XL), 2x APCC Lanyards, and 1x Star Wars Lanyard. This bundle is limited to 100 sets only, and is available at SM Tickets online, and at all SM Ticket outlets near you! For more information and event updates, visit www.asiapopcomicon.com/manila, or follow their official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/apccmanila, Twitter account @AsiaPOPComicon, and Instagram account @asiapopcomicon.

New Nokia 105 Now on Sale in Philippines at 850 Php

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 New Nokia 105 Features a Larger Screen and Tactile Keymat All for an Even Better Price

The award-winning Nokia 105 now features a sculpted design, larger screen and an all new keymat for better usability, as well as outstanding battery performance

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced the third generation Nokia 105 is available in Philippines nationwide at Php 850.

With well over 200 million Nokia 105s sold to date around the world, this award winning handset now features an all new sculpted design, outstanding battery life, and improved usability thanks to its larger screen size and new tactile island keymat. All of these enhancements come at an even lower price than before, making it more affordable than ever to get connected. With more than 1.3 billion feature phone users around the world, many from markets in Asia and Africa[i], the reliability and excellent value the Nokia 105 offers is set to ensure yet more people around the world can get connected.

Designed to take on everyday life

Clearly inspired by the Nokia phone design heritage, the new contoured style of the Nokia 105 makes it a superb fit for your hand with a beautiful, natural shape. Featuring inherent colour throughout its polycarbonate casing, minimising the visual impact of knocks and bumps, the Nokia 105 is built to take on everyday life, giving you the quality, reliability and robust design you would expect from a Nokia phone. The new island keymat features separated keys for improved usability, and the larger 1.8-inch screen delivers a better viewing experience when playing favourite games, like Snake Xenzia, which comes preloaded.

Taking full advantage of the larger screen, the Nokia 105 also comes preloaded with two try and buy games – Doodle Jump and Crossy Road[ii].

Outstanding performance

With up to 15.7 hours[iii]talk time and a month long standbyiii, the Nokia 105 lets you talk from sunrise to sunset on just one charge. And with enough storage space for up to 500 text messages and up to 2,000 contacts, you’ll have all your essentials in your pocket.

The Nokia 105 also features the ever popular LED torchlight – simply press the up key twice to quickly turn the torch on and off.

“We understand that people who are looking for great feature phones are motivated by different needs. But when it comes to phone features the needs are the same; long battery life, robust build quality, and high quality voice functionality,” commented Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global. “Add to that classic, timeless looks and you have what is simply a great phone – the Nokia 105.”

“We are excited to introduce the new Nokia 105 to Philippines at our most accessible price point ever. With more than 4 billion people remaining offline[iv]and unable to benefit from the social and economic development opportunities of the internet, simply getting connected by voice and text is still such an important step for many people around the world,” commented Shannon Mead, Phillippines Country Manager, HMD Global. “More than 400 million feature phones were sold globally in 2016[v]. We cannot underestimate the need and benefit of being connected and we are dedicated to delivering devices that can enable many people around the world to expand their horizon.”

Available in Dual and Single SIM variants[vi], the Nokia 105 also features an inbuilt FM Radio and charges using a standard Micro USB cable (USB 2.0).

Retailing at Php 850 for the dual SIM variant, the Nokia 105 will be available in white and black – each colour with a matte finish.

The Risks Of Borrowing Money From Family And Friends

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sure, you have a stable job, a bit of money tucked away in a time deposit account and a few pieces of prized jewelry you consider as investments. However, an unforeseen event happens and you find yourself illiquid. Broke is too harsh a word. In Filipino customs, the first number to call is family. Then, friends. If all else fails, there's the neighborhood creditor on motorcycle. The Philippines is composed of close-knit communities that offer support during times of need. Who needs a good standing in the bank if you have generous grandparents and aunts?

While it is a blessing to have a long list of contacts for your Call-A-Friend moments, borrowing money from family and friends has its downside. We're not talking about predatory interest rates nor tight repayment schemes. To borrow money from these people means to expose yourself to possible mental and emotional stress. Here's why you should take caution in dealing with money matters in your personal relationships.

“I told you so!”

Photo courtesy of Matthias Zomer via Pexels

Financial stability sometimes becomes a measure of a Filipino's success. Your parents may not 100% agree with your life choices, such as your career preference, but once you're able to prove that you can manage on your own, eventually you can earn their blessing. Sadly, an emergency can strike anytime. Your family will likely run to your rescue especially if it involves an accident or illness. But expect to hear tirades from your mother that may start off as concern and end in an “I told you so” note. Hold on tight for a trip down memory lane from your childhood mischiefs to where you are now: borrowing money from your parents.


The perpetual “utang na loob”

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“Utang na loob” is a concept uniquely Filipino which Wikipedia translates to “a debt of one's inner self (loob).” It is a debt that may or may not need to be repaid in money form, but will definitely carry with it favors you're expected to deliver sometime in the future. It can be a job recommendation in your office, an errand out-of-town or your utmost allegiance in times of family conflict. Think of it as a perpetual loan. If your cousin lends you money with no questions about repayments, tread carefully. It may involve an unwritten utang na loob provision.


The emotionally-charged convos

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When you apply for a bank loan, the loan officer will ask for certain documentary requirements, investigate on your credit standing and interview you about your finances. There are no painful phone calls on how you've exhausted all your options nor dramatic reenactments of how things went awry. Borrowing money from family and friends can be emotionally challenging. Your pitch will depend on your relations with your potential creditor. With your strict elder sister, you may need data to back up your repayment promises. With your best friend, you may need to offer a bit of your (too) personal secrets in return. You should be ready for the intrusive questions and the subtle insults.


The inevitable rejection

Photo by Kinkazoid

Why do some people avoid borrowing money from loved ones at all costs? It because of the agony of rejection. Getting your bank loan application turned down can be disheartening, but there's nothing more distressing than being refused by family or a close friend. Before you dial up your uncle, you've already made a projection on how he will react on your call for assistance. Your forecast is influenced by your relations with him, the past favors you've extended (this is utang na loob in the works), among others. So if you're rejected, you feel that it's not just your plea that was turned down, but your relations with this person. Somehow, you feel entitled to your family and friend's assistance as if a loan can measure your endearment for one another. Maybe they're just as illiquid as you.


Prepping yourself for the unforeseen

Photo courtesy of Startup Stock Photos via Pexels

No matter how financially stable you think you are, there are instances that can wipe clean your savings such as medical emergencies, accidents, and the sudden loss of income. How can you protect yourself from these risks?

First, make sure you have ample emergency funds in the bank. This pot is separate from your savings, which is primarily reserved for large purchases and your retirement. As a rule of thumb, an emergency fund should at least be equivalent to your living expenses for 6 months. You can easily build up this pot by setting aside a portion of your paycheck. Place the money in a bank product that you can liquidate at a moment's notice such as a savings account.

Second, get yourself insured. An insurance is your buffer against debilitating expenses. This will protect you against the risk of loss of income due to prolonged disability or death of your household's breadwinner. Insurance is really important to have; especially, here in the Philippines where few people can afford to be insured. But in reality, Filipinos actually have wide choices for this kind of benefit whatever their living condition is, rich or poor they can be insured. One example is the accident insurance offered by a known pawnshop in the Philippines. It won’t cost you a thousand pesos to be insured. You can’t really make excuses. If you still think this as too much to have, remember that you're essentially buying peace of mind when getting an insurance product.

Next, invest for your future. Nothing is guaranteed in life (except death and taxes). Your paycheck may not be as handsome a couple of years from now. Who knows? Start building various sources of passive income such as a stock portfolio or a small business.

Finally, live within your means. Make a habit to create a monthly accounting of your income and expenses. Jot down your disposable income (your earnings net of taxes and other charges), and set aside 10% to 20% for your savings fund. The rest shall cover your rent, utilities and daily sundry expenses. This personal finance habit can help you decide whether you really need that overpriced coffee every afternoon.

Your family and friends consist of your most important support group. When the proverbial stuff hits the fan, you know who to call. However, you should draw a line somewhere. You can expect words of wisdom from your grandparents when you need guidance, but this doesn't mean that they can be as open when it comes to money matters. Don't let money taint your beautiful relations. Avoid borrowing money from family and friends if you're risking an emotionally-charged encounter. It's just not worth it, and you know it.