The first line I heard from the speakers in this event, they said "Knowing is not equal to experience"; so in Sun Life's recent campaign they introduced to us not just financial advice, but lessons in this advocacy and planning.
Targeting Gen Z means dealing with people who have more than usual knowledge about investing in insurance and mutual funds. Sun Life is a pioneer in both fronts, and even in more certain times, Sun Life wants to simplify, more relatable through a game. They call it PLAY FOR LIFE.
Piolo, Sarah, and Matteo played the boardgame versions as well... Matteo won their round!
Sun Fit and Well for Donny Pangilinan - one that can cover health mishaps and hospitalization. They also are into preventive wellness, critical illness benefits, and specific cancer booster benefits. This also includes special bonuses and dividend earnings if you prefer to also invest done in a limited payment period. It is also affordable.
Sun Smarter Life Classic for the Guidicellis - because having double coverage is possible. Aside from the life insurance, you can do it double the face amount. It protects you from accidents, disability and illnesses. You can also use this as a fund in case of emergencies.
Sun Legacy for Piolo Pascual - This one is a protection and savings plan. Since Piolo knows how to save, this has lifetime insurance coverage up until the age of 100. This also has cash benefits, access to money when you need it, and short payment options if you want to pay for it easy.
They also launched the "Play for Life" Game which can be done in life sized versions, board games or online versions. They plant to do these at Mall tours on July 27-28 in SM Sta Rosa, SM Lanang on Aug 24-25 and more tba. This certainly makes talk and understanding the things about Sun Life more fun. Actually, I tried the board game version versus other press and bloggers, and won in the end!
Now it's your turn to play! Check out playforlife.sunlife.com.ph today!
They're all at the prime of their careers, and one thing is for sure, if I'd be in their shoes, I would be really nervous. Artists like Donny Pangilinan, Piolo Pascual, and husband and wife Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli most of the time have work, so securing their future certainly should be the play in a very volatile industry.
Donny has just got his career started, while Sarah and Matteo are planning their lives as a newly wed couple. Piolo on the other hand has plans to invest heavily in the next few years, especially since he has saved up a lot over the years. They are all part of Sun Life's newest endeavor called "Guaranteed Partner for Life!"
Ms. Carla Gonzales Chong the Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer for Sun Life says "Donny, Sarah, Matteo and Piolo all know how Sun Life has been a great partner in planning with and supporting our clients. As ambassadors, they have real life experience in prioritizing what they need for now and their future. Sun Life has been in the industry for over 128 years, and in it we have been able to help Filipinos through world wars, economic turmoil, even recently, a pandemic. They know that they can count on us as their Guaranteed Partner for Life. We are happy to be part of their financial security and bright future. You will see them in our new campaign videos, at different times in their lives they will share their experience in fulfilling their goals, just like for every Filipino."
You can now see these new content on their social channels so make sure you follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, IG, YouTube, TikTok and their official website sunlife.co/guaranteed-partner-for-life. You may also get in touch with a Sun Life Advisor on the same channels, so they can guide you in planning your financial goals and journey. Go ahead and talk to an Advisor today!
I don't know what it is about this particular media conference, but after covering Sarah Geronimo for a couple of years now, this has been one of the most bubbly instances we've seen her. She was nervous before the announcement and while she talked to Matteo about being part of Sun Life, he said she just had to be herself... and I think that's why she was phenomenal telling us about her financial journey. She's also so glad to be doing this with her husband because they were like a team on stage, like highschool sweethearts telling stories, finishing each others sentences.
Her campaign was called "Partners for Life!", fitting, especially if a person is looking for someone who would help her achieve financial goals. She's been very good at it even before getting married, and even more now that she's part of Sun Life's ambassadors. They also talked about the businesses they're in like a production company, management and a studio owner in the south of Manila.
Here's the moment when they introduced her, please pardon the shot because there was just a huge pillow of smoke because of the smoke machines on stage.
Ms. Carla Gonzalez-Chong the Sun Life Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer said it was quite an easy choice to do because Sarah had the same values as their company. She's very passionate about her own goals and futhering their campaign in financial literacy. She knows how important it is which is why she's a great example for those who are starting out their families, or professionals who have been so busy with work, and need that extra security when they get sick, or taking care of their families.
There will be several videos that will be released soon on what their dynamics are as partners for life, showing how they are supporting each other while they go through everyday life. Matteo was so giddy telling us about the little things that Sarah does at home. She cooks, bakes really good croissants and bakes good Tres Leches cake on special occasions.
The videos will be shown on TV, Sun Life's social channels and surely, it'll be out soon so for those AshMatt fans out there, you'll love what's about to come! Hopefully to teach you a thing or two about managing your finances too.
Looks like our good friends from Acer Philippines has just launched their Holiday campaign. We got into a festive mood last week as PBB host Robi Domingo started off telling us who's about to perform and she's terribly missed by Popsters, and ordinary folks alike. Yes, she's the one and only Popstar Queen Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli. But before that, we looked around at what Acer is offering this holiday season.
In a nutshell they're going to give up to 8000 pesos worth of SM Gift Pass on participating laptop units when you purchase them during this last quarter. They call it Unbox the Holidays with Acer. In order to qualify for it, you need to register your device for warranty. Then after they check (which usually take 5 days), they will transfer the amount to the registered phone number so you don't have to travel outside anymore. Everything is digital now, so you can use it to purchase a lot of stuff from SM Giftpass partner establishments (all SM brands of course!) so pretty much, you've got to get this perk when you plan to buy laptops this season!
Executives from Acer and the Queen of Pop Sarah Geronimo took the stage to discuss about the laptops and entertain the crowd that afternoon. The participating devices include the Aspire 3, Aspire Vero, Aspire 5, Swift 3 and Swift 5. Product prices range from Php 28K and Php 88K, so you really have a lot to choose from. The amount of GC's you get depends on the unit you purchase, but max you can have is 8K SM Digital Giftcards.
Sarah was super excited to perform on stage since it's been a while since she has done this outside of studios. She loved it so much, she gave us reason to see that there's another dance craze that will happen very soon.
If you haven't have plans yet on March 25, Caritas Manila and Viva Live Incorporated is having a concert called "PADAYON: Pag-ibig Damayan sa Pag-ahon". This is a online concert set to raise 20 Million pesos aimed to benefit several churches, chapels, evacuation and community centers in Visayas and Mindanao that have been ravaged by recent typhoons (Typhoon Odette).
In a recent press conference, they announced Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, Matteo Guidicelli, Mark Bautista, the phenomenal Alamat, Angelo Garcia, Atsaka, Bandang Lapis, Caleb Santos, Ethan Loukas, Ezro, Ferodina, Guji Lorenzana, Jehramae Trangla, theater and TV actor Jerald Napoles, his loved one Kim Molina Lits, suklay diva Katrina Velarde, Kayla Miel Camerong, champ singer Lyca Gairanod, Magnus Haven, Marielle Belleza, PPOP Generation, Rob Deniel, The Juans, This Band, Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana will perform for this cause only on this date.The event will also be graced by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the President of Caritas Internationalis and former Archbishop of Manila.
You may purchase tickets via KTX.PH or Caritas Manila's Online Donation site caritasmanila.org.ph/donate-1 and ticket prices come in Php 1,000, Php 3,000 or Php 5000. If you are an organization or company that's interested to donate for the cause, they have different Gift of Hope, Love and Faith packages, so please inquire. You will get certificate of donations, promo spots on Caritas and Viva's websites, plus a spot on the livestream. You will also be mentioned on the spiels while the concert is going on. You may reach partnerships_events@caritasmanila.org.ph or call 09175955083. This is the time to help, make sure you do. You get to watch a world class show, and help churches help communities around the country too.
These days, what do you need most? Is it Love? Health? Wealth? Time? or Travel? This was actually asked during a Sunlife event this morning.
Alex Narciso the President of Sunlife of Canada (Phils) says "Sunlife has always been a staunch health advocate. Health is a key to a brighter future. This was solidified in 2020 when the pandemic happened. We need to live a fuller life with our loved ones, we need to be more prepared in medical emergencies and in protecting our health. We designed programs to be more comprehensive, we have a wider suite of health products with the evolving health needs of Filipinos. We now have GOWELL for health and wellness content, recipes, workout videos, webinars, promos and perks. We pivoted to become digital so they would be able to connect with advisors without leaving the comfort our our clients homes. We also value health literacy, hence our partnerships with organizations. This includes womens health, breast cancer information, help the greater community pursue a healthier life as well. We have launched projects to uplift the lives of our kababayans in Barangay Health Stations, so they too have access to preventive medicine. The foundation is funding construction for health stations, ensure it has personnel, and so far we have 8 in the municipalities in Batangas. Soon, there will be 42 by 2025. This is also fueled by SunPiology, as we raised funds for scholars, diabetes care, construct better care protecting persons from the disease. Our friends and partners, Sunlife is committed to make Filipinos live healthier lives. We want to re-affirm this commitment because it's worth it!"
Carla Gonzales Chong Marketing and Client Experience OIC for Sun Life Philippines says "We believe that in order to be financially secure, we need to help our clients live healthier lives. We need to take care of their various priorities of not being sick, and COVID-19 impacted a lot of lives. Majority would pay for health supplements, eat healthy, but only few have health and self insurance. Being financially prepared in cases like sickness can take a huge dent in our savings. Sunlife encourages to prepare for it early on, it includes investment in health. Matteo, Piolo believes that it is worth it. We invest in health to provide for our loved ones, to live longer, healthier lives."
Matteo says "I really rely on Sunlife for our life protection plan, for first time insurance buyers, it's affordable but has maximum protection. I am inspired to take care of myself so we have more time for each other. We're celebrating our 2nd anniversary. My wife also takes care of my health."
Piolo says "Sun Fit and Well makes me confident that I'd be taken cared of if the uneventful happens. You need to respect yourself. I told my son to not spend so much while he's in the US. He lives a healthy lifestyle and I don't think I have to remind him anymore, he's taking good care of himself and I know even if the work is hard, he's good physically."
Ms. Charo Santos Concio says "I'm glad I haven't had an investment that I regret, I really had a knack for it and have done a good job. I took the life plans because when my Father passed, it's what kept us afloat life wise. It made us survive during those times, so it's very personal for me."
The two gentlemen and iconic lady will be also releasing a couple of videos depicting their advise for their younger selves. To know more about their new products like the SUN First Aid Plus (which Matteo talked lengthy about), SUN Fit & Well (which Piolo swears by) and SUN ICU Protect (for serious emergency illnesses that Ms. Charo mentioned), you may go to a preferred Sun Life Advisor to get what's apt for you. They are available at bit.ly/advisorymatch and their socials YouTube.com/SunLifePH.
Matteo was so fine during our Zoom meeting, telling us about his Sun Life journey now that he's married to Sarah Geronimo.
Matteo just got married, and yes, he's got plans for that. He's getting it from Sun Life too and calls it the Newly Wed Bundle. We talked about it over a Zoom meeting this evening and it was nice to see the man again after a few months of not seeing each other (feeling close lol).
Did things change?
Matte says "Yes, as I'm budgeting for two people already and you are thinking about beds, your household staff and I enjoy it every single day. I enjoy every moment with my wife. Trust is very important and I think you and your partner should never hide anything, so you become better people together. When I go to work today, it is for my family and my future. My wife is my priority, it is important to have that mindset when you're starting, to be transparent and to start saving right away. To have an investment portfolio with Sun Life, you can discuss that perfectly for your needs."
What do they splurge on?
"We did buy a huge TV, I'll have that on my Youtube video this week. We've been also good plantitos and plantitas. We splurge on plants these days."
How do they spend?
A good balance is important. To make your wife happy is also important, but of course common sense, not OA, a balance with each other. We tell each other if we need it or not. We always put each other in reality.
Kilig
Every single day of being boyfriend and girlfriend, to realize and breathe see that we are husband and wife, working together, it puts a smile on my face seeing that.
Being in Sun Life
Working with them for 5 or 6 years, they educated me that the earlier possible time to invest, the better. If I invested a couple of years ago, it would have been very big. Save a lot, invest, your money will grow.
Len Arboleda of Sun Life says "Matt really practices it. It really a lifetime partnership with Sun Life and we have seen that through the years where he's been with us."
Budgeting
I think it's very important for us to always talk about our finances. Investing wise, we have to make sure we do it with good companies, not to scammers, to do it with a legit company and telling your advisor what you want to achieve.
9 Months with Sarah
It's a blessing, to find someone like her, I am very thankful. Sarah is very talented in baking too, if ever it begins like a business, please buy one ha!
Having Kids
Pray for it next week. We don't know yet, we're not rushing but in God's time it will happen. Diko pa alam how much, the more the merrier!
With Sun Life you feel secure, it's very important. You can start with 5,000 pesos and it will earn in the next few years. When you have kids, you have a fund for them, so we do invest in the right things.
Business
The restaurant is okay. I had two branches so it is challenging. I had to find ways to make it well, we're not doing great but we are surviving because there are people going to our restaurants still.
Do it with passion, do it with love, focus on the things we love doing. We want money to grow, invest, be smart on how you do things and do it with passion. There are great companies out there but I chose Sun Life. My Dad showed me things by example so he didn't have to sit me down and plan things.
Church Wedding
Baka, when the time is right. I hope a vaccine arrives so we can do it. I really hope so.
Bashers
These rescuers and government workers, they are just there for the service of the Filipino people. To receive criticism despite doing their jobs, I don't feel bad, I feel good for what they do, I feel bad with the people who don't understand what it feels to be there. They deserve so much credits.
Newly Wed Bundle (What does the newly wed bundle have? What do you like about it?)
The starter pack is for individuals, each one should be covered. You have to have a separate one for yourself and your wife.
You seem to always have a plan, how do you keep yourself be random, like not everything is planned/ becominng spontaneous.
"I think that is very important with me and Sarah. Yes I have a plan for everything but I do make an effort to do things that are random, thanks for reminding me to do that."
This is not a perfect world. What mistakes have you had in the past and what have you learned from them?
Yes I have had mistakes, nothing in particular but I always make it a point to not do it again in case I get to encounter problems like them again. I learn from them, I think that is important.
Having passion and starting a ton of businesses is hard but when it works, you'll reap a lot of benefits. Work with trusted partners, work with the honest ones and enjoy it. Matteo is a good example of it and he's been doing it with Sun Life for a couple of years, maybe it's time you talk to them via bit.ly/advisormatch or their website sunlife.com.ph or the official Sun Life Philippines Facebook page. Oh by the way, Matteo is also going to be on an I Feel U Christmas Special on December 6, and Masked Singer Pilipinas every Saturday on TV5. See him there!
I have been in the Mutual Funds game since I was in college and yes, I am already reaping some of the benefits of it now. Back then, it was really complicated and I had to really be patient because it takes a lot of time, effort (especially the bank visits) before actually confirming what I needed to invest. I also had snail mail for updates about it, so imagine how worried I was being an aggressive investor. These days, there are now financial advisors who can make your goals achievable. When stocks, bonds and the money market seem so confusing and complicated, asset managers are a good way to do it so you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand it all. If you’re a conservative, balanced or aggressive type of investor, your fund managers can make it easier for you to understand things, and help you earn more with the risk you’re taking. I always do the aggressive route especially if I trust the company I put my money in. More so than often, I use the money I could burn so I do it habitually without worrying about anything. Markets go up and down, and that entails a lot of courage to face. Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) has already helped a lot of people, and this is good news.
Ms. Valerie Pama the President of Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. says “There are more Filipinos investing and it is a vast improvement 20 years ago when we were starting out. Last year, we continued to introduce to Filipinos the Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund, Sun Life Prosperiy Card, SLAMCI online. Now, we have 83 Billion Assets Under Management. We got the World Voyager, Dollar Advantage and Dollar Abundance Fund are in double digit returns for 2019. Our efforts have been recognized at the Philippine Investment Fund Awards (PIFAA) and we are ready to partner with Filipinos in the coming years. There are scams out there, people who are not aware get to be wooed by them. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. You should know if they have offices, registered with SEC, are they honest? You have to go with someone reputable before you part with your money.”
#MakeItMutual Season 2
Ms. Mylene Lopa their Chief Marketing and Client Officer says “We had very encouraging results two years ago and we see market potential with mutual funds. Relative to amount in time deposits, the growth of mutual funds is increasing. We are opening the minds of a lot of Filipinos. Millennials are a third of our investors while 47% are Gen X. There is a lot of us to do. Sun Life has been doing this since 2009 and we conduct research on financial challenges. Pinoys cannot still provide for everyday expenses, emergencies and extra money and we are here to help them prepare for their future. There is hope, as we are here for the long haul. We will keep introducing initiatives so new generation and middle class can get a democratized investment landscape. It would have not been possible to reach millions of Filipinos without digital media. We want to be their partner in prosperity so we’re launching #MakeItMutualSeason2. We are so lucky to have the help of Matteo Guidicelli.”
She adds “You can now do it yourself with our new digital platforms. A selfie, online documents filled up can immediately get you to invest with our fund managers. Your investment goals should be tied up with your life goals, whether you’re married or paying for your kids tuition fee, you need to know where your money goes and volatility/market corrections and see it as an opportunity to buy when it dips and sell to earn in the future. The funds are managed by experts in the field. Now that the values are cheap, our financial growth are 6-7%, clients who want to diversify can now invest because the timing is right. Sun Life is making that available to our clients.”
Mr. Gerald Bautista, Agency Bank and Alternative Channels Head adds “We are also launching tools to avail our product. We have an online quiz to know your mentality. Auto invest which takes part of your salary automatically and invest it. Investment online which you can now access on our website. We hope you can share this good news to everyone.”
Our boy Matteo Guidicelli shares “My goals have changed as I start to prepare to have a family. Back then my only guide was my Dad and he’s good but when I started with Sun Life, I got to broaden my portfolio and invested in other industries. Not just real estate, they know my risk profile and can invest as low as 1K. I am very thankful, my financial goals are achieved with Sun Life. It’s nice to be in a stage of my life where it is very important, of you want to do it, don’t do it if it is too late.”
For those of you who would want to take the step, go ahead and visit sunlifefunds.com to get started. Simply click on your desired mutual fund, proceed and click the “BUY NOW” button then accomplish the online application form. You just have to settle payment through preferred channels and that's it! You're ready to go! Here’s Matteo out with the first episode, enjoy!
This is SLAMCI’s 20th glorious year in the business and with experience, they present a very remarkable growth to prove how effective it is investing in mutual funds, bonds and other services in their folio. They have their Financial Advisors to also help, all you have to do is ask.
Shopee just made their online shopping app more interesting as they add celebrities, real stars in the roster of their sellers. The app will feature products from these stars and had us experience a full fashion show with world renowned designer Avel Bacudio and the line they worked on with actor model and good looking lad Matteo Guidicelli.
This collaboration was intended to benefit the kids with visual impairment in Baguio City as this is a cause very close to Avel Bacudio. You see, he is also suffering from the same ailment and he wouldn’t be able to maximize his full potential being a designer without his eyesight, so he knows how important it is. He mentioned this to Matteo and he didn’t hesitate to help. This is where the Avel x Matteo line came about, and the proceeds of the sale of these jeans will go to this cause. This is really a noble gesture for Avel and Matteo.
Although the fashion show was too fast for my liking that evening, I still managed to take shots of the models in Avel x Matteo Jeans.
GMA Primetime Prince and super hunk Benjamin Alves was also there to support the cause.
Thea Tolentino was also all smiles. She knows she’s supporting a good cause just by being there.
Matteo thanked all his friends, supporters, Avel and the executives of Shopee because it will be available in their app now. Prices are very reasonable, more so for premium designer jeans. You’ll get your money’s worth and help kids to get to school, even get them the treatment they need so they can see clearly.
Congratulations Avel and Matteo! I am so happy for you two!
