Sun Life Philippines: Market Outlook for 2017

I was recently invited to Sun Life Philippines' Market Outlook for 2017. And I truly consider myself luck because I was able to learn so much from the said event. I admit that at my age now, I still had a lot to learn about economics and investments as well as financial planning. Of course, I'd like to become well-equipped for the future as I know fully well I'm not getting any younger anymore and being prepared for the future is something that we should all set out eyes on.

Sun Life Financial Philippines's Chief Investment Officer, Michael Gerard Enriquez

I am thankful that Sun Life Philippines are conducting talks such as these so that more and more people will become not only aware but also understand what stock market is all about as well as its importance in our lives. The lectures have really been very educational and informative for people like me who's really a neophyte when it comes to these financial matters. 

Sun Life Chief Investment Officer Michael Enriquez explained that the increased consumer and government spending, the marketing outlook remains positive. "Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the BPO industry, and the large amount of working and employed Filipinos are the factors that boost the economy from the consumer's end. The rise of government spending is bringing about more jobs and has increased demands as well for construction materials," said Enriquez.

Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.President Valerie Pama

As consumers, we need to maximize opportunities by investing on mutual funds. The Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, for instance, yielded a five-year return of 39 percent and a 10-year return of 119 percent. The Sun Life Prosperity Balance Fund marked a 28 % and 89% growth in the five and ten-year return respectively as of December 2016. "We're delighted that our investors are reaping the rewards of their commitment to invest for the long-term, and we hope to see more Filipinos treading the same path so they too can experience financial security," said Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.President Valerie Pama said.

It is quite alarming that the exchange currency of Philippine Peso is equivalent to Php50-$1. But Enriquez and company assures this is the best time to invest while stock prices are low to get a higher return in the long run. Sun Life Philippines also introduced a financial program that educates people so they can start investing soon. 

Yes, it's best to start investing while you're still young (Millenials, are you reading this?) It takes discipline and perseverance alright, but the benefits of investments will soon be reap in the long term. It's often called 'adulting' by the new generation of youngsters. 

With Sun Life, you've got a whole lot of financial products to choose from: Sun Life Prosperity Funds has seven peso-denominated funds (Money Market Fund, GS Fund, Bond Fund, Balanced Fund, Dynamic Fund, Philippine Equity Fund, and Philippine Stock Index Fund), plus four dollar denominated funds (Dollar Abundance Fund, Dollar Advantage Fund, Dollar Wellspring Fund and World Voyager Fund). You can choose from all the options given with the help of SUn Life financial advisors. Just give them a call, and they're willing to guide you in every step of the way! 

For more information, please visit the Sun Life website.

10 Things You Need to Do When in Baliwag Bulacan

The Lakad Pamana group with Baliwag town Mayor Ferdinand Estrella

Baliwag. I know it's one of the many towns in the province of Bulacan but my knowledge of Baliwag used to be limited to two things that are connected with it--Baliwag Transit and Baliwag Lechon Manok. Prior to my recent familiarization tour courtesy of Lakad Pamana tours headed by Sir Gilbert Dino and Walk with Chan with my good friend and fellow blogger, Rence Chan, I knew nothing much about Baliwag except for the ones I have mentioned above. My recent Baliwag trip with these two amazing guys was not only very informative and educational, but it also served as an eye-opener for a city-dweller like me. I even had the opportunity to meet, chat for a while and even handshake with the young looking but very much experienced when it comes to politics, the Baliwag town mayor, Mayor Ferdinand Estrella. There were so many things I wanted to tell you about Baliwag, Bulacan which I had truly enjoyed. 

Allow me to share with you through my humble blog what I think every traveler needs to see and experience when traveling to the town of Baliwag, Bulacan. Here, to make things easier for you, I have made 10 things(in no particular order) you need to do when going to Baliwag. Read on...

Looking for the One this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has got to be my least favorite time of the year (yes, apart from Christmas Day. I know I'm such a Grinch. But that's another story.) Oh, boy, another miser sourgraping her dateless existence. I could almost hear couples hollering. 

What I hate most about Heart's Day is that everybody seems to be nauseatingly mushy and lovey-dovey that you'd wonder if they are so genuinely feel for each other or because the occasion only calls for it. Besides, since when did being in love equate to being sucky?

Center for Possibilities Promotes Inclusion Through The Arts

Samantha Kasper

Press release:

On January 28, the Center for Possibilities Foundation (CFP) will be staging a back-to-back event at the RCBC Plaza in Makati. At 5:30 in the afternoon, the self-titled exhibit of 19-year-old Samantha Kaspar will open to the public. At 7:00 pm, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will take center stage.

Art Auction

            “Samantha” will consist of around 40 artworks, some on fabric to be used as fashion accessories and others on canvas for wall hangings.

            “Samantha uses a wide variety of media for her work and we wanted to show the gamut of her abilities. She works primarily on piña silk using silk paints. She also uses acrylic paint on canvas sometimes,” explains Samantha’s mother, Mitzi.

            “She has a consistent style with a lot of edges and lines, her artworks can be very linear. She also has this certain way of giving shapes to her images which aren’t necessarily realistic but are more cartoonish,” describes Samantha’s father, Martin.

11th Chinese Spring Film Festival 2017 runs from January 25 to 29

Movie enthusiasts once again look forward to the opening of the 11th Chinese Spring Film Festival 2017 slated from January 25 to 29, 2017 at the Shangri-La Plaza mall's Shang Cineplex. Six noteworthy film are lined up for this year's Spring Film Festival organized annually by Shangri-La Plaza in cooperation with Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies at the Ateneo De Manila University and Film Development Council of the Philippines. The aim is to further encourage appreciation of Chinese culture and language in the Philippine society.

Philippines Ranks Among the Highest in Asia for Lack of Exercise and Physical Activities

Based on a recent report for Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index, the Philippines is among the highest percentage on Asia that lacks exercise and physical activities. This is truly alarming for us Filipinos. According to the said research conducted recently, the reasons given by most Pinoys range from lack of time and energy as well as "distractions" in varied lifestyles particularly social media. 

Sun Life CEO and President Ms. Rizalina Mantaring

Based on the said research done in 2016, 61 percent of the population in the country did not engaged in any regular physical activity. The participants came from the so-called Generation O--individuals who are considered to be overworked, overweight and overwhelmed. It's pretty amazing that despite these reasons, Filipinos are still optimistic about their overall health. So yes, there is hope. And Sun Life Financial, being one of the most trusted and leading brands for financial insurance, understands this alarming problem. Thus, they created campaigns as well as programs that addresses these problems. 

 "With all the things that demand our time and attention, it's usually our health  that suffers because it's relegated to the least of our priorities. However, this should not be the case," says Sun Life President and CEO Riza Mantaring. "This is why at Sun Life we boost our suite of wellness products and mounting events that would help Filipinos to pursue their health goals."

Pag-Ibig Fund Sets Free Mass Wedding for Members this Valentine's Day

Are you planning to get married? If yes, this is the perfect time for you to do so! Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Love is in the air once again, As part of the celebration of heart's day, Pag-Ibig Fund will be sponsoring a free mass wedding come February 14, 2017 for its active members who are interested to tie the knot and walk down the aisle. This will be their sixth annual free mass wedding dubbed as "I Do, I Do, Araw ng Pag-ibig."

Shed and burn those fats with L-Carnitine

I have a confession to make: I am an emotional eater. Over the recent holidays, I am guilty of overeating during the time of merrymaking with family and friends. Whenever I am stressed, I would also resort to eating (no wonder I weigh this much!). Of course, I also worry about how my emotional eating affects my overall health. The best thing to do is to exercise and eat healthy--you know, consider eating in small portions. Adding in food supplements with L-Carnitine and Green Tea that's proven to burn fats won't hurt too. I swear by ATC Healthcare's Redoxfat to help me on that one. Both L-Carnitine and Green Tea promotes slimming and are both popular components in burning fats so you can be assured they're the most potent. 

The Green Tea extract is also known as an antioxidant that helps speed up metabolism while L-Carnitine is one of nature's best antioxidant that promotes fat-burning and increases energy. Green Tea also lowers cholesterol and boosts the immune system. 

Ways to Prevent and Manage Diabetes

It was only in 2015 that I learned I had diabetes. Prior to that, I wasn't aware I was even diabetic. I only found out about it after my eyes bled and I started seeing 'floaters.' It turned out I already had diabetic retinopathy. Had I known my condition, I would've taken food supplements made from bittergourd such as Bittergo from ATC Healthcare. Based on research, Bittergo helps lower blood sugar which can be beneficial to those with diabetes like me. 

Glucometer reading

Cherie Gil topbills Repertory Philippines' Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Highly accomplished stage and television actress Cherie Gil topbills the cast of Repertory Philippines' (REP) opening salvo for the year 2017, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Incidentally, as part of REP's celebration of their 50th year, they have come up with this comedy which will run from January 20 until February 23 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

I once had the privilege of getting up close and personal with Ms. Cherie Gil back in 2013. And I'd have to say it was absolutely surreal. She had a very strong presence but she's really very nice and down-to-earth too. Anyway, I've become an instant fan after that encounter. So I guess this new play of hers is something that I should also watch out for. 

Awarded as Best Play during the 2013 Tony Awards, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a witty piece of writing by Christopher Durang that cleverly mixes in Russian playwright Anton Chekov’s characters in what a New York Times reviewer called “a sunny play about gloomy people.” Fear not if you haven’t read a word from Chekov, because this quirky comedy of manners is meant to be relatable to any audience. 

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike's cast

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is about the exciting adventure of three siblings – named after Chekhov characters by their academic parents, and who are all living their namesakes’ unhappiness. The character of Vanya is played by REP veteran theater actor and director Michael Williams, while Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee Rosalyn Perez takes on the role of Vanya’s sister Sonia.