SARAH GERONIMO Officially Joins SUN LIFE

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.

The GCash Story Told at MWC in Barcelona

GCash took the spotlight at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain as they talked about "New Behavior for a New Reality". Telling the story of the e-wallet giant was Ms. Martha Sazon the President and CEO of GCash. Together with her was Tjodolf Sommestad the President of King (of Candy Crush came) and Lauren Kunze the CEO of Iconiq (Pandorabots and AI), whilst the session was moderated by Ralph Simon the Founder and CEO of Mobilium.

Rowie Zamora the CSO of GCash says "This is groundbreaking for the company. Martha will tell the GCash story, what happened during and after the pandemic. This is a story about our people, and bringing the whole Fintech and PH in the global stage. It's a story of hope for our kababayans through our work at GCash and our goal of financial freedom for all."

Ms. Martha says "The Philippines was challenged when the pandemic closed down businesses, left people jobless, and financial exclusion happened in the country. Investments, insurance, are not accessible. Our vision is finance for all, it leads to economic progress and freedom. We built the largest digital ecosystem with local and international business partners. Now it's used for payments, lending, insurance, and powers a dream. We became a part of people's lives, and even made it describe a transaction "I-GCash mo na Yan!". For GCash in 2022, we had 40 million transactions happen. We help entrepreneur survive and flourish. Even students started to raise funds for aid, even OFW's have access to buy their families surprise packages, groceries just like if they were there. People can now grow their money for less than a dollar, invest in local and international companies through the app. Aside from that, they can also save, be insured as we have partnered with 10 of the biggest insurance companies in the world. We let them access fair lending, not to loan sharks, but do it with GScore to deliver innovation for good. We also have GForest, every transaction let you earn green points and plant trees across the country. When the pandemic hit, we were there for our customers. Our vision, collaboration, let us uplift the lives of Filipinos. Our journey is far from over, we need to be there for more underserved segments, to Filipinos wherever they are. This is our GCash story."

It was certainly nice to see how GCash has transformed the way we do things in the country, to hopefully bring inspiration to more people around the globe. I was so happy to see that one of the biggest fintech companies in the Philippines just put the country in the Mobile World Congress map, and I hope this starts financial freedom for others too! 

Congratulations GCash! 

CIMB: Helping Filipinos Find Their Purpose

Millennials make up 47 percent of the workforce in the Philippines and during and event in BGC today, CIMB and Ateneo Resource Center held an event called "The Pursuit of Purpose: Discovering Filipino Millennials Views in Living A Life with Purpose".

Bunny Aguilar of CIMB Bank says "We are sharing the results of the white paper we've done in the last year amon millenials through Ateneo Business Resource Center. This is important for us. Life and career has been different post pandemic, how are they after ECQ? When COVID happened, it have us an opportunity to think of our careers. There's a phenomenon called "Great Resignation" and much of the millennials are not like the previous ones, and this white study tells they always ask the reason "Why?" and if what they want is for personal development. Knowing what we know now, we took the opportunity to tell them that we do hear them, and help them fulfill their life's passions. We want to raise awareness, educate the market on responsible credit borrowing, on saving money and going digital. Aside from the literacy programs, we have deposit products that having higher than industry rate compared to usual banks. From application to fulfillment, it's all online, all digital. We took processes even for a loan all digital. When I joined the company, I knew how they give accessible financial solutions to help fulfill all those things digitally. We always encourage our customers to start early, no matter what age you are, and see how compounding effects of interest rates have on one's savings. There's no other day than today to fulfill one's life purpose."

Dr. Norman Tanchingco of the John Gokongwei School of Management at the Ateneo adds "Institutions can help. This tells how personal values, finances play in career decisions. For career fulfillment, a lot of millennials are in the middle. More males were more fulfilled whilst more females were unfulfilled. They also are actively pursuing their life purpose, they also find a lot of progress in their chosen fields, and the biggest limitation is finances. They also think their work reflect their values, but 83 percent are always feel stressed (more females than men) and financial situation is the main reason as stressors. Much of them also agree that they live paycheck to paycheck. Much of them have a goal of having their own savings, with the premise of having a better financial standing particularly this year. They also have agreed on the notion that financial resources mean better opportunities. They believe passion and finances go hand and hand. Women are more worried about it, while men stay in jobs that have more social impact, in change, power or status. They also continue to strive for life's passions, in a more calculated way. It is a snapshot of post pandemic context. This will change over time." 

Vijay Manoharan the CEO of CIMB Philippines says "We will continue to provide solutions, make conversations about living their life purpose. We commit to empower more Filipinos, especially in the financial services sector. We have been in the PH a little over 5 years ago to solve a problem, digital banking, access to it, and now it's not new. No other banks was doing that, now it's easy to open, also no fees, and now they can save without the need for minimum amounts, much simpler, making us one of the fastest growing digital bank in the region. We allowed them to access credit easily so they can get what they want to do, and shape the next generation of Filipinos gain knowledge of our unique services. To share what we do and have it be appreciated by students, start using something that would better the lives of Filipinos. Ateneans can also become part of CIMB, we can equip them knowledge in the financial industry." 

CIMB is taking on a role on an advocacy that champion the life of Filipinos. They will continue their financial literacy programs. Being the biggest only digital bank in the country, they worked with Ateneo to make sure they have products and services that benefit more Filipinos. Soon, they will also have a CSR and sustainability program aside from the financial education they are rolling out now, so expect even bigger things with CIMB.

During Times of Uncertainties: AXA Brings You Home

If there's something that the pandemic has taught us, it's the uncertainty of life. With it still in our midst and in every other country, you've seen the need for financial security especially during these times where people lose their jobs, their loved ones, and scare us with a deadly virus every minute of the day.

People who have insurance surely have had themselves an extra layer of safety from economical stress whether it be life or non life. It was surely there when we needed it, we learned how convenient it was at the most dangerous times. Although uncertainty is still here, Filipinos are starting to look at insurance differently nowadays. We learned to plan ahead, and put importance in investments + insurance.

This should have made sense a long time ago, especially since we're in the ring of fire, in the path of over 26 typhoons a year (and much stronger ones in recent past) and floods have entered cities left and right.

To date, there's only 2.3% of Filipinos spending an average of 26% on insurance. According to the AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nandy Villar "There's fast growth in insurance services in the country. This can be attributed to the implementation of digital processes during the pandemic. Still, Filipinos seem to be just one crisis away from poverty. It's still an under insured nation."

There's still a lack of financial literacy in the country which is why AXA, aside from being an insurer takes their role as financial advisors seriously. They have trained and qualified people to become partners so you can achieve financial freedom. AXA knows that there are different strokes for different folks, needs change with age and time. Your goals transform into other things including your appetite for investments. Recently, they completed the merger with Charter Ping An which means their portfolio just got bigger, more secured.

To get assessed by the pros, head on to AXA.com.ph today!

Save up to Php 1500 with #PayMayaPayDaySave

Every payday, we deserve the little things we do with our salaries. Whether it's a good meal out in a restaurant (where dine in is allowed), a day in a relaxing spa and massage (with protocols followed), or even a good game we buy for our consoles. We worked hard, play hard, and have to make sure though that what we have, goes to good things... and perhaps save a buck or two.

During this pandemic, digital payments have saved us a lot of trouble so that we won't even have to go to banks to transact business. Well, they even went further and just released a couple of tips to make you save as much as Php 1,500 when using the leading financial app PayMaya.

During this pandemic, digital payments have saved us a lot of trouble so that we won't even have to go to banks to transact business. Well, they even went further and just released a couple of tips to make you save as much as Php 1,500 when using the leading financial app PayMaya.

If you pay for your electric bills regularly and have to go to the actual Meralco office and lineup for hours, why not do it on the PayMaya app and just add Meralco to your favorites. Paying for it there would get you up to 33% in savings because they'll give you a cash back which you can use for other things like online shopping (which is an essential stress reliever these days LOL). You can also pay for other merchants featured in the app and save up to Php 150. Purchasing in supermarkets and retail stores on the other hand would get you to save up to Php 200, even more cashback if you are a first time user... that's how generous PayMaya is!

If you haven't had Spotify yet, this is an opportune time to do so because you can get up to 100% cashback off your first month if you register and pay for it with your PayMaya number. There are tons of artists you love and music that you'll enjoy if you subscribe. It's my best friend when writing. Anyway, go download the PayMaya app on the Google Play or the App Store. Follow the guide and you'll have more money for shopping LOL!

Piolo Pascual and Judy Ann Santos Reunites at "Money for Life"Campaignfor Sun Life

For those who love Judy Ann Santos - Agoncillo and Piolo Pascual's original loveteam, there's more reason to rejoice now. Even though they have their own lives now, one brand seems to have wanted them to be seen together. Together with Ms. Charo Santos, Matteo Guidicelli and Iñigo Pascual, Piolo and Judy Ann is spearheading the "Money For Life" Campaign for our friends from Sun Life. 

"Money for Life" is a new comprehensive and fully customizable financial planning program that would enable Sun Life clients be ensured that they will have sufficient funds no matter where life takes them, or whatever stage of life they may be in. These endorsers pretty much are in different stages in their life, and need different plans so they could focus on life and family. Ms. Charo Santos is enjoying life after retirement. Judy Ann Santos wanted to do more of her investments when she started in show business and now is reaping the fruits of it, so she doesn't have to worry about her kids too. Matteo is of the sporty type, but he knows how he needs to invest today as he's got his own businesses to take care of. Iñigo on the other hand is just starting, but coming from his Dad'a gift, he's rolling over his investments this early because Sun Life will take care of his earnings.

"We have researched a lot and used Nielsen to take a look at how Filipinos can improve their lives. 6/10 do not have investments other than a bank account. 85% says it is important but only 2% have any form of investments, clearly there is a disconnect. A lot of Filipinos have shortage in funds and Sun Life believes in a brighter future. This campaign is to let people know to consult a financial planner so they knwo how to go through their entire lives. To have the support of Matteo, Ms. Charo, Piolo, Iñigo and Juday, people are now hopefully going to think about their future. We hope Filipinos take action towards getting that "Money for Life" for a financial problem free Philippines!" says Ms. Mylene Lopa of Sun Life Philippines.

"This is how we should be pursuing our dreams, we need to save money and buy the only things that we need in life. I look forward that I will be prepared no matter what life throws at me" adds Matteo Guidicelli.

Juday mentions "I am moving up because I already have 3 kids. No joke, but I was already a Sun Life client since Mara Clara days and I listened to a lot of people while I was younger. I wanted my family to be secure, even when I did consider to live in Canada so when I get back, I would have something to go back for. A lot of my financial decisions have changed because I suddenly have to be selfless with my kids, but not forgetting to be still happy so when my kids grow up, I won't worry about them because I balanced everything. I guess in every parent, you want to have your kids to be able to support themselves and know their needs up to a certain extent. You have to explain why they have to save money, make them experience the joy of saving and having their own bank account. They need to do that because it's a very adult feeling but at least they know the value of money. I am happy to let people know that agents can tell you how to get you started, prepare yourself and make sure when you get old, you let your money work for you and choose the right insurance company to be with. They're very good to talk to and Sun Life can work around with any amount so you can plan ahead regardless what your age is. The agents will explain to you these all clearly, you'll be fearless and have confidence that life will be comfortable. We're not putting our eggs in one basket, at least one fourth of our money is invested here and we top up when we can afford it. It really works for me because it's safe."

"Working together for a cause was enough reason to be with Piolo and this isn't a film, so why not!? We have an omnibus, in time, given a project and story we'll do that beacause we just didn't have a project yet. If it will happen, it will happen! During Mara Clara days I felt that I neede to save because I can work for it. I was a fraid to get old and not have projects that time, I was already thinking of our future but I could only do bit by bit. I always have a savings account that I don't touch and part of that is investments, I don't want hardships to happen like with other artists. I started doing financially handling everything when I was 26, it was pretty late. I didn't have apprehensions working with Piolo and it would be harder to say no because I have been doing Sun Life for a long time. Piolo and I are okay, we're not being seen but we do meet and talk ever now and then. We're casual and if there would be a time to talk about the projects we'll have that in due time. We're getting there because I am resting, in this corset, so it's a little diffficult. Basic priorities like bags and shoes are not that basic anymore, you just are happy with your kids as they are in different stages, priorities change as you spend time with them. You want them to live a good life and want them to do their studies and make goals of their own. To listen to them, little things like that, time for my husband and myself, I'm doing it with Sun Life! My best advice is to call a Sun Life Advisor today!"

"I take care of my self and I want to finish the Ironman thing very soon. In this stage where my son is already earning and is responsible, I'm taking care of myself and Sun Life is going to take care of me as they've been in the past already. I also have critical ailments coverage."

"It's very practical and I told Iñigo about how to make sure he had insurance policies to choose from when I started working. I was hesitant for him to be in showbiz because since he's already finishing high school, Sun Life made sure he's going back to college. I also did a short course and it was fun, school should be like that. I learned a lot and I didn't know a lot about my faith but you realize you need to be practical and take advantage of opportunities. Ever since I started working, I knew I needed to save and I've been taught by really great people how to do it. I get commercials before and worked and ever since I knew I had to take care of my self. I don't spend much, I'm not stingy but every chance I get I invest in real estate and policies because I knew I need to. I have 8 or 9 with Sun Life, in different forms as they cater to different needs. Even before Sun Life endorsements, I already had one and I'm always up for more.

Judy Ann and I hopefully will work soon... and we pitched something already, hopefully that will push through. We just need time. Juday and I have always been okay and we've been saying hi when we can. Even if we don't meet that much I consider her a good friend for life. 

I really have enough to retire, I want my kid to have the chance to shine also. My family have businesses and are into real estate. I would like to do a full ironman, hopefully before I turn 40. I don't know how I'll get married but hopefully soon. I don't believe in prenups but I'll cross the bridge when I get there. I'm also thinking of helping more aside from actual investments. Eat right, sleep right, make us feel young, be okay and put your heart in the right place. Iñigo isn't even asking for money since he started working, he knows how to invest and handle his money well. In a sense I can take care of myself better, I sleep more, but I'm always present in his life. I'm also doing this with Sun Life."

KUMAGCOW

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Sun Life Financial Philippines Presents: LEGACY - The Sun Life Story

Sun Life has been in the Philippines for 120 years. I've only known them for quite a while because of the research that I've personally done when choosing investments. They've gone way beyond the form of an insurance company and with the recent celebration of their anniversary, they wanted to show everyone who has been part of their success what they have done to the country. A mark that may last here for generations to see, feel and hear. This is what they call their LEGACY, a musical to celebrate their 120th year in the country.

When they arrived in Manila a century and some years ago, they had high hopes, they had dreams, so they started to educate Filipinos about life insurance. They had some resistance because Pinoys never found any sense in getting money after they're dead. They wanted to change that mindset and let them see the benefits that it'll give to those who are left on this earth. I can even hear some of the ladies ridicule these Canadians and how they see no sense on having life insurance at that day and age, but when the wars started. that's where tons of Pinoys lost their lives, their families left in distraught and tried to rebuild their lives.

Sun Life even had tons of their records lost during that time and it was very hard to keep most of it. They had to resort to putting them underground and had hundreds of them burned by the Japanese. Commerce was put to a halt and lives were lost. After the war, people were clamoring for the Life Insurance they had with the corporation. They had the choice to just stick to those who still had their records but Sun Life understood they had the responsibility. They honored each and every person that went to them to claim what was rightfully theirs. They got to help all those who need it. Sun Life stood by them after all those years.

They did it because it was the right thing to do. They did it because at the time they needed the business, the Filipinos believed in them. The Canadian based company made their lives better. When they needed to rebuild and start over, the money went to the families of the plan holders. Even if some of them lost their papers during the war, Sun Life did not leave them hanging and honored all of it. A noble thing indeed.

Years after, they made the profession even greater than what it is. They started not only selling plans, but giving professional financial advice to people of all classes. They wanted to provide the quality of life that their plan holders to a larger population and they stuck to what they know best, making an impression that they are serious in what they are doing. The professionalism they implemented made so much sense even in the 60's when everyone else were in the discos, bars, the changes were absolutely working for them even more.

Their current President and CEO Riza Mantaring,  Chairman of the Board Jose Isidro N. "Lito" Camacho, and Kevin Strain who is President of Sun Life Financial Asia were also there to award former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos who has been instrumental to how Sun Life is in the Philippines. When they were distraught during the financial crisis, then a political one during Edsa, he encouraged them to stay and believe in the Filipino. They also championed the lives of Filipinas who have been part of Sun Life's workforce and they showed how it has improved their way of living. Filipinas believed in themselves, they professionalized and made them more independent. They helped more families in the process and shown how they valued them too. This is something noble. This is Sun Life's Legacy.

Executives, performers sang too in the end of the show. This is Sun Life's Legacy.

Inigo Pascual was also there. As one of Sun Life's endorsers, he believes in the value of saving for a rainy day. He also believes in investing for the future of his own family and to take an early step to financial freedom. His future lies on how he manages his finances and a Sun Life's advisor could help make that dream come true.

It's not just the personalities that prove Sun Life's the best in the industry. They are the number one insurance provider in the Philippines and if these people can do it, so can you. It is possible. They have their own legacy to prove what they've done to improve the lives of Filipinos. If you haven't had the chance to talk to anyone yet about your finances, investing of life insurance, visit http://www.sunlife.com.ph and make that leap to make your plans better, one that would benefit your family and community. You can also visit http://brighterlife.com.ph and see how it works. It's easy, talk to one of their Sun Life Financial advisors today!

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What Is Your Dream?

I've asked my self that question a hundred times. You know, the usual. Owning a car, a house, my own business, early retirement, traveling abroad or an educational plan. I bet these are the usual suspects in your dreams too. Sun Life Financial made it a little more scientific and practical in order for you to realize your dreams. I printed out mine just for kicks and it made a lot of sense. It indicated how much I needed to save every month in order to realize it in one or two years. It paints a picture of what we also need to work for, if this dream is achievable or not.

The question is, how much should I set aside for it? A dream can cost a lot but you still do it because you hope something happens with your hard earned money. Saving it in a cupboard stagnant for years is what most people do. People are afraid of risks. People are afraid of losing money but don't know their money will devalue because of inflation. This is where Sun Life Financial comes in.

They have different fund managers that would be able to give you a clearer understanding about investments. A safer option would be Mutual Funds. It's where a company pools together investors from different sources then use it to invest, acquire, sell and secure stocks to ultimately earn from it. It can be done in Money Market, bond, balanced or equity funds. If it appreciates, you can sell your shares for profit. 

Sun Life Financial also introduced their newest Digital Brand Ambassadors Team Kramer! Proud Parents Doug, Cheska and their kids are also full blooded Sun Life Financial people. Cheska's Mom is also a real deal certified Sun Life Financial Advisor. When Doug Kramer was just starting to court Cheska then, her Mom didn't let Doug leave their place before she got him to invest in a plan. This is the same thing that Cheska's Mom did to their money a couple years back when they started in showbusiness. Now, they see the fruits of their labor and they lament that it was a blessing to have done it a few years back. Cheska's Dad even gifted them with Kendra's educational plan so now they don't have to worry that much with the high costs of enrollment. The same thing can happen to you too because as the Kramers said it, if they can do it... You can too!

It's definitely Juan's time to break free and have financial independence. If your thinking of investing, take time to research and call your Sun Life Advisor now at 555-8888. Or visit their channels below. Make your dreams a reality!

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