SUN LIFE FULFILLS ITS PROMISE TO CLIENTS THROUGH 6.5 BILLION CLAIMS AND MATURITIES PAID IN 2021

 

SunLife Philippines building on BGC Taguig

Even amid multiple crises the country faced last year, Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life) fulfilled its commitment to clients and paid around PHP 6.5 billion in death and living benefits.

 

“The payout of claims and maturities bring to life our promise to be here for our clients, especially during the most challenging of times,” Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison said. “They can trust that Sun Life will always be here as their partner for life.”

 

Meanwhile, Sun Life also maintained its leadership in the insurance industry for the 11^th consecutive year, finishing 2021 with a total of PHP 45.46 billion in Total Premium Income. This is according to reports released by the Insurance Commission based on submitted unaudited Quarterly Reports on Selected Financial Statistics.

Apart from leading the life insurance industry in premium income, Sun Life’s consistent performance in the industry metrics of New Business Annual Premium Earnings, Assets, Net Income, and Net Worth over the years demonstrates its strength, stability, and resilience amidst uncertain times.

 

Benedict Sison, SunLife Philippines CEO and Country Head

Why a collagen supplement is worth a spot in your skincare routine

 

One of the building blocks of healthy skin – not to mention hair and nails – is collagen. There are around 28 types of human collagen, but the most common are Types I, II, III, and IV. The most abundant of these is Type I which is found in skin, bone, ligaments, and organs. That’s why, familiar to many of us who are into skincare, collagen plays a vital part in creating and maintaining plump, supple skin.

But as with all good things, age does put a damper when it comes to our body’s collagen production, and in turn triggers the loss of elasticity, radiance, and firmness. Sad, we know, but though we can’t prevent the loss of collagen, we can still find ways to slow it down. Some studies have provided good points that taking a collagen supplement could help too.

It isn’t surprising that a collagen supplement has taken a spot in our skincare routine, which is constantly evolving. Before, the usual regimen involved only the basics such as cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Then we discovered essences, serums, and face masks. These days, we’ve looked more into tackling concerns from the inside out, with ingestible beauty supplements that instantly perk up dull skin.

LifeFood Collagen jelly comes in a convenient package for a fun and quick snacking. 

Emirates launches full Premium Economy Experience

 

Emirates Premium Economy will be deployed on high-traffic A380 routes to London
Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Sydney, and Christchurch

Flyers can look forward to another distinctive Emirates travel experience as the airline unveils its full Premium Economy offering onboard and on ground, and announces it will open this highly sought-after cabin for sale from June 1, 2022.

 

The new cabin class, which offers luxurious seats, more legroom, and a service to rival many airlines’ business offering, will be available to Emirates customers travelling on popular A380 routes to London, Paris, Sydney from August 1, and Christchurch from December.

 

Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer a Premium Economy cabin. As with everything we do, Emirates Premium Economy will be exceptional in its class, with minute attention given to every aspect of the customer experience. Customers trading up from Economy will be getting excellent value,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

Announces at Arabian Travel Market that this new cabin class will be open for sale on June 1, for flights from August

Since we first introduced our Premium Economy seats in January 2021, the positive response and demand has been tremendous. We currently have six A380s equipped with this cabin  class, which limits our initial deployment, but our intention is to offer this experience to many more markets across our network. This November, we will begin our retrofit program to install Premium Economy on 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. At the end of the program, Emirates will  have 126 aircraft fitted out with Premium Economy cabins, as well as our latest interiors across other cabins. It is a major investment to ensure our customers continue to have the best experience in the sky.

 

Emirates Premium Economy is in a class of its own, offering a signature experience unmatched in the industry.  Dedicated airport experience: Customers can look forward to a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International airport, or utilize one of the many convenient self-service check in kiosks in the hall to avoid queues.

 

Luxurious seats: Once onboard, customers will immediately notice the quiet luxury in Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin. A wood panel finishing similar to Business Class sets the cabin’s mood, and each seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests. 

The cream-colored leather seats have a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, is 19.5 inches wide, and reclines 8 inches into a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out. It also offers calf rests and footrests for additional comfort, in addition to many other thoughtful touches such as easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table.

 

Comfort: Customers can get comfortable under soft, sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, and snuggle into the generously sized pillow, both designed uniquely for Premium Economy. They can also refresh themselves with the complimentary amenity kits which come in reusable, sustainable bags, and contain items which are all made with some element of recycled or sustainable materials.

 

vivo Y01: The Perfect Budget Smartphone for the Old and Young Alike

Who doesn’t want to remain connected these days? With access to

most things and even people still limited despite relaxed protocols, staying connected has

become even more important.

This is particularly true for the older and younger members of the family who also need to have access to loved ones, to information and even to tools that can help them in their daily needs.

Complicated innovations, however, sometimes keep them from enjoying new technologies and the advantages and sense of connectedness such modern contraptions bring.

vivo transforms the technology experience of old and young users with a smartphone that is rich in features and addresses their needs but is easy to use and even easier on the pocket, the vivo Y01.

Ready on the go: Compact and easy to use

The vivo Y01 delivers smartphone technology that is more accessible to the old and young alike.

Its easy-to-navigate menu and simplified interface and home screen make it easier for the less

tech-savvy lolos, lolas and young users to explore the internet, connect with their friends through video chats, send and read messages, or call someone in case of an emergency.

The vivo Y01 boasts an ergonomic yet state-of-the-art design that ensures a comfortable grip and ease of control. The thin and lightweight 3D build weighs only 178g, making it very portable to carry anywhere.

On top of these, the vivo Y01 features facial recognition. Besides the added security, this means the user need not have to worry about forgetting passwords to access phone data, perfect for those having trouble remembering things.

Longer battery life for more fun times

Old or young, no one wants a device that needs to be plugged in every few hours, cutting short

family virtual chats or mobile games with friends. The vivo Y01 comes with a massive 5,000mAh battery that provides long-lasting life for more hours of bonding time – virtually or otherwise -- with loved ones and friends. The phone delivers up to 18 hours of constant use for uninterrupted chitchat or movie streaming. The vivo Y01 is also equipped with a MediaTek Helio P35 processor and Multi-Turbo 3.0, ensuring no lags during calls or when running phone apps, including games.

 Wider, clearer viewing experience

The vivo Y01 delivers an immersive, vivid and clear viewing experience without causing eye strain, ideal for the elderly experiencing vision challenges and young users who need extra protection for their young eyes.

The smartphone’s 6.51-inch LCD FullView™ screen with 1600x720-pixel resolution displays photos and videos with rich details. Users can also read and send texts with the larger screen with more ease.

For added protection for the eyes, the phone display’s brightness auto-adjusts to ambient conditions while the Eye Protection Mode filters out harmful blue light.

Sun Life Launches Talk Show for Overseas Pinoys

In a bid to help Overseas Filipinos (OFs) working abroad come home for good, Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life) recently launched “Shine On, Overseas Pinoy!”, a talk show focused on helping OFs and their families achieve a financially secured future through financial education.

Hosted by Sun Life brand ambassador Charo Santos-Concio, the show is set to debut on May 14, 2022 on ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). Each episode will have Charo engaging a featured OF along with a financial expert, with the discussion revolving around the OF’s financial concerns and possible solutions. The show aims to enable OFs and their families to make informed choices, equipped with the wisdom from other OFs’ experiences and expert financial advice.

"Overseas Filipinos are one of the most important sectors in our nation. There are 10.2 million of them located across the globe and they contribute up to 10% of the country’s GDP through their hard work," says Alex Narciso, President of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. "They have made so many sacrifices to provide for their families. It is only fitting that for all they do, we also help them achieve a brighter tomorrow when they return home for good."

“Shine On, Overseas Pinoy!” will broadcast a new episode every Saturday and Sunday until June 25, 2022. The talk show is one of the many ways that Sun Life is helping OFs achieve their financial goals and look forward to a comfortable retirement. Shine Pinoy Overseas, the company’s banner program for OFs, continuously mounts activities and launches offerings to help them plot a path towards their homecoming, as well as enjoying a financially secure future. They can avail of any of Sun Life’s insurance and investment products before leaving the country to work abroad, while they are in the Philippines for a vacation, or upon their homecoming.

Those who wish to know more about Sun Life’s Shine Pinoy Overseas program are encouraged to visit www.sunlife.co/shinepinoy or by connecting with a Sun Life advisor through https://www.sunlife.com.ph/en/talk-to-an-advisor-form/.

 

 

UBX partners with Bayad to beef up bills payment offers

 

In photo (L-R): Mr. Dennis G. Gatuslao – Bayad Chief Commercial Marketing Officer, Mr. John Januszczak, – UBX President and CEO, Mr. Jaime Garchitorena - UBX Managing Director of Commerce and Payments, and Mr. Lawrence Y. Ferrer -  Bayad President and CEO

UBX, the leading open financing platform in the Philippines, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Bayad, the country’s authority in bills payment and Meralco’s full service fintech subsidiary.

Under the agreement, i2i, the banking-as-a-service venture of UBX, will leverage the network of billers of Bayad, allowing i2i banking agents to process payments for Meralco and Home Credit. Throughout the year, the partners will add more billers to further promote greater convenience to customers.

“We are committed to constantly improving our services and in bringing financial services closer to those who need them. Our partnership with Bayad will provide seamless bills payment transactions to our customers, allowing us to further strengthen our initiatives for financial inclusion,” UBX President & CEO John Januszczak said.

Currently, i2i has around 250 billers in its platform, including local utilities, schools, telcos and more. This includes major players of different industries such as Philippine Airlines, Bayan Telecommunications, and even different universities throughout the Philippines.

By integrating its systems with Bayad, small businesses and residents of far-flung areas can also enjoy the efficiency and convenience of paying their bills through i2i agents. 

As of end-2021, there are 3,000 i2i banking agents across the country and these include ordinary merchants like sari-sari store owners that provide the basic financial services to the most underserved and unserved communities. 

“As we leverage on digital financial technology, we proactively respond to market developments and adapt innovations in banking.  With this, we partnered with UBX to make financial services more accessible and convenient to our kababayans. With our partnership, we will be able to help communities bounce back in the new normal. We at Bayad, will continue to create positive strides by expanding our bills payment solutions while offering the convenience of real-time posting.”,” Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer said.

“Since day one, our goal at i2i has always been to empower underserved communities with topnotch digital financial services. Thus, we are committed nonstop to formulating solutions which will improve their lives, one step at a time.” Januszczak said. 

Surprise your mom with Sugar-Free Graham Balls this Mother's Day with Sweet Best All-Natural Sweetener

 

Graham Balls

Are you looking for a perfect gift for Mother's Day? You don't have to go far, you don't even need to buy your mom an expensive gift. It only takes some effort and a bit of creativity. You can satisfy your and your mom's sweet cravings sans baking with sugar-free graham balls! These dessert morsels of sweets are as fun to make as they are to eat. With soft and delicious with various coating and filling choices, they're sure to hit the spot!

I was completely clueless and truly intrigued about how to make these balls at first. I was also a bit skeptical if I can make and eat those since I am diabetic. That is why I am so happy to have discovered Sweet Best natural sweeteners. Cutting back on sugar can truly make a big difference. You can choose alternatives to sugar so as not to totally give up on making cakes and cookies. Sweet Best natural sweeteners have become staples in my kitchen to help me achieve #SweetHealthy life.  That is why I am so happy to have discovered Sweet Best natural sweeteners. I did not realize how cutting back on sugar can make a huge difference. It is indeed a difficult task to try eliminating sugar in my life, But with Sweet best products, it made things possible. 

Sweet best All natural sweetener with Stevia and Erythritol

Unlike other sweeteners, Sweet Best sweetener does not contain Maltodextrin and Dextrose. These are hidden sugar used in sweeteners that act as a bulking agent that also causes insulin to spike (unknown by users). However, Sweet Best's All-natural sweetener helps to manage blood sugar levels because it has no ingredient that would spike up your sugar level. So it is perfect for people like me who have diabetes.  

So what exactly makes Sweet Best's Organic Stevia & Erythritol different from other brands? Sweet Best's Organic Stevia and Erythritol come from a natural replacement for artificial sweeteners. It is made up of only two ingredients that are easy to understand and trust. Stevia, of course, comes from a naturally produced extract of the real Stevia plant which is naturally sweet in itself. Erythritol in Sweet Best is sourced from non-GMO corn. It went strict fermentation process of non-GMO corn that produces erythritol.

Ingredients are eady to make Sugar-free Graham Balls

SUGAR-FREE GRAHAM BALLS 

INGREDIENTS 

200g crushed graham 

4 Tbsp Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol 

¾ cup Alaska All Purpose Cream 

Sprinkles 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed graham, stevia – erythritol, and all-purpose cream. 

Combining Sweet Best Granular Sweetener and Graham crumbs into a bowl

Mix the ingredients together: Graham crumbs, Sweet Best Sweetener and All-Purpose Cream

2. Using a fork or a spatula, mix together until well blended and form a dough.

Blend the ingredients all together to form a dough

3. Use food safety gloves or clean hands when making a ball. 

I used an ice cream scoop instead to form balls.

4. Coat each graham ball in sprinkles, and roll to coat evenly. 

5. Serve graham balls, chilled or at room temperature. 

Helpful Kitchen Tips:

• Use a one-inch diameter ice cream/cookie scoop for even portions.
• If the mixture is too soft to shape into balls, refrigerate for about 10 minutes to slightly firm up.
• If the mixture is sticking, lightly dust your hands with some of the graham cracker crumbs.

Sugar-Free Graham Balls made from Sweet best Stevia

That looks awesome, right? You can also pair these graham balls with coffee sweetened with Sweet Best Stevia sticks. If you are looking to shift your lifestyle and live sugar-free, check out Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol and other products today. 

Sweet Best products are all plant-based sugar alternatives. They are sugar-free, low carb, vegan, FDA-registered, and certified organic, too! 

Sweet BestAll-Natural Sweetener is also best for coffee, tea, yogurt, cereal, and oatmeal.

This pandemic has taught us and it has opened our eyes to become more conscious of the way we live. While some of us would do some physical activities many have shifted to healthier food choices as well. This is also why meatless, plant-based, and sugar-free options have become a necessity.

Having a  healthy body and a sound mind helps us to cope with many challenges that come our way.  While this may sound so cliche, many of us forget to place value on the way we approach our bodies, may the simple recipe I've shared above give you more reasons to start choosing healthier alternative products to begin your journey towards total wellness. Yes, you can still enjoy sweets, but healthy! Thank God for innovative products like Sweet Best All-Natural Sweeteners.

And while you are still at this, join me and many others at bit.ly/sblowcarbgroup while we push for a healthier lifestyle and cheer each other for our weekly wins. Plus, you’ll get loads of recipes that will support this lifestyle, too! Hope to see you there!

Puerto Princesa: Paradise Regained The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

 

River Cruise in Palawan

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads, and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

Underground River Adventure

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.”

There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, and fresh air, and frontier character.

Underground River Adventure1

Make life, shopping easy with Metro Pabili

 

MAE pabili from The Metro Stores? 

Introducing Metro Pabili — the retail giant’s new and improved personal shopping service that lets customers buy Metro Department Store and Supermarket items from the comforts of their home. 

Previously, The Metro Stores provided call and pick up hotlines per branch. With Metro Pabili, the whole process is made simple, easy, and convenient with just one easy to remember phone number. Customers can now call, text, or Viber message 0917-88-METRO to get in touch with the store’s always-on shopping assistant, Mae.

REX EDUCATION AND PPCRV CALL FOR VOTERS TO DISCERN WELL, VOTE ACCORDING TO OUR VALUES, AND BE MAKA-PILIPINAS

 

With the National Elections just within reach, Rex Education and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) are working together to help educate voters about the values we should be looking for in the leaders we will elect.

“How the Philippines will come out of this pandemic and handle the impending global economic recession will rely on the next 6 years. This is why it is crucial that the leaders we will elect in the upcoming May 9 elections share the heart of the Filipino people and possess the values to stand for and serve our country. We have to choose well and vote for someone who is truly Maka-Pilipinas,” said Rex Education CEO, Don Timothy Buhain.