Manulife and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL) announce the launch of Wealth Guarantee, a new single-payment insurance plan that aims to help customers grow their wealth in seven years through a comprehensive savings plan.
Wealth Guarantee is a medium-term wealth management product that grants policyholders yearly payouts of up to 4.5% over seven years with 100% capital return. Wealth Guarantee also provides 125% life protection coverage, ensuring that policyholders are adequately protected during the plan’s seven-year term.
“At Manulife, we are dedicated to continuously providing our customers with products and services that fit their unique financial needs and goals. We recognize the hard work that Filipinos put in to secure their envisioned future, and we aim to be their trusted partner in achieving financial freedom. Our latest offering — Wealth Guarantee — is designed to bring customers one step closer to that dream,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
“Through Wealth Guarantee, we are giving Filipinos an investment plan option that offers competitive guaranteed returns and valuable life insurance protection, enabling them to diversify their portfolio and gain financial security,” Hora added.
Wealth Guarantee is suited for investors interested in a medium-term savings plan, and for those looking to build their legacies for future generations.
Wealth Guarantee will be available for a limited time beginning November 11, 2024, through Manulife financial advisors. It can also be availed through Manulife’s financial sales associates based in China Bank branches nationwide.
On July 29, 2024, the Marco Polo Ortigas buzzed with excitement as Holiday Factory made its grand entrance into the Philippine travel market. I had the pleasure of attending this game-changing media conference, where the UAE-based company introduced itself as the first true package tour operator in the country. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and curiosity about what Holiday Factory had in store.
Holiday Factory, the event was an impressive showcase of the company’s commitment to revolutionizing travel in the Philippines. The leadership team, including Hakan Bakar, Business Development Director for International Markets; S. Deala, Customer Service Director; Rona Mullen, Reservations Director; and Sandra Daemmrich, General Manager, were introduced with much enthusiasm. Their passion for travel and dedication to delivering exceptional service was evident throughout the presentation.
Exciting Announcements
The conference featured two thrilling announcements that had everyone talking:
Raffle Draw: As a special treat, Holiday Factory held a raffle draw where five lucky media representatives won exclusive holiday packages. It was a fantastic way to engage with the audience and give them a taste of what the company has to offer.
Mega Giveaway Campaign: In a bold move, Holiday Factory launched a mega giveaway campaign offering 100 holiday packages to 100 lucky Filipinos. These packages, including trips to sought-after destinations like Dubai and Thailand, are a testament to the company’s commitment to making travel accessible and exciting for everyone.
A Fresh Take on Travel
Holiday Factory’s entry into the Philippine market is nothing short of revolutionary. Their motto, “Who said holidays are expensive?” perfectly captures their approach to travel. They offer a diverse range of destinations, from local favorites like Boracay to international hotspots such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
The best part? Their holiday packages are all-inclusive. You get:
Return flight tickets
Return airport transfers
Hotel stay with breakfast
Designated tour guide
Full travel insurance
Booking is a breeze with Holiday Factory’s user-friendly website. Simply choose your destination, departure airport (Manila, Clark, or Cebu), hotel, and how long you want to stay. You can even travel within 3 to 6 months, adding a layer of flexibility that’s perfect for planning your next adventure.
Incredible Pricing
What truly sets Holiday Factory apart is their unbeatable pricing. Imagine a 2-day stay in Boracay starting at just PHP 3,699, with options to upgrade to 4-star or 5-star hotels at minimal extra costs. For international trips, like a 3-night stay in Bangkok, you’re looking at prices starting from $1,899 for a 4-star hotel. It’s hard to find such great value anywhere else.
How They Do It
So, how does Holiday Factory manage to offer such amazing deals? It’s all about their role as a package tour operator. Unlike traditional reselling agencies, Holiday Factory works directly with hotels, airlines, and transport partners to negotiate lower rates. This direct approach allows them to pass on the savings to customers, ensuring you get more for less.
Unique Selling Points
Unbeatable Pricing: Up to 50% lower than market rates.
Fully Digital Platform: Easy online booking at your fingertips.
A Bright Future Ahead
With over 35 years of global travel experience, including the establishment of several tour operators and airlines, Holiday Factory is set to make a significant impact in the Philippines. Their innovative approach and commitment to affordability are sure to transform the local travel landscape.
If you’re as excited as I am about what Holiday Factory has to offer, check out their website for more details and don’t miss out on their incredible giveaways. Here’s to new adventures and unforgettable travel experiences!
GCash, the Philippines’ top finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, recently received the recognition of Company of the Year Award for the Philippines' Financial Technology Industry from leading global analysis and growth strategy consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.
The award recognizes GCash’s pioneering use of digital solutions and innovative financial services and its strong overall achievements in the financial technology space—highlighting its “deployment of best practices and strategic analytics across a value chain.”
The practices and strategies identified by Frost & Sullivan highlighted GCash’s promotion of financial inclusion through a streamlined banking application process, which entails a digital onboarding system that simply requires consumers to provide personal information such as their mobile number, address, and email address (as opposed to conventional banks’ process requiring documents such as proof of billing or income statements)
The citation also included the company’s investment in next-generation technology to deliver improved customer service experience, through its electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) service that makes use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for face matching and fake identification detection; and GCash’s Credit service, which has a streamlined application process with minimal requirements, lets consumers get a credit line of up to P50,000 instantly, and make credit payments at over 100,000 stores and billers.
To date, over 94 million Filipinos have used GCash, making it the leader in the Philippines’ fintech industry. Across the country, digital transactions today account for close to half of total retail payments—whereas 10 years ago, that number was only at 1%.
Frost & Sullivan analysts independently evaluate candidates for the Company of the Year Award based on two main criteria: Visionary Innovation and Performance (Addressing Unmet Needs; Visionary Scenarios Through Megatrends; Leadership Focus; Best Practices Implementation; Financial Performance), and Customer Impact (Price/Performance Value; Customer Purchase Experience; Customer Ownership Experience; Customer Service Experience; Brand Equity).
“The country’s fintech industry has seen tremendous growth in over a decade. Amid the uptake of digital payments, we have been cognizant of the reality that the underbanked population remains high,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. “This recognition, to us, is a validation of our work in continually identifying growth opportunities, innovating solutions, and meeting ever-evolving customer needs. It motivates us even more as we continue working towards our vision of Finance for All and our purpose of Making Filipinos’ Everyday Lives Better.”
The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), in collaboration with startup accelerator Launchgarage, celebrated the innovation and drive of local creative startups as they awarded the winners of its Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Programs during their Demo Day on April 15, 2024, at Whitespace Manila, Makati City.
Launched in 2023, the IDEA and ADVanCE for Creatives programs are among DTI-CIG's flagship initiatives, aimed at fostering innovative startups in accordance with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA).
The Demo Day, attended by a diverse audience of industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders, marked the culmination of an intensive eight-week series of learning sessions and mentorship for 15 creative startups. The esteemed judging panel includes DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut, Launchgarage Innovation Hub Co-founder Jojo Flores, and Philippine Art Events, Inc. Co-founder Geraldine “Dindin” Araneta, who evaluated the startups' pitches and shared valuable insights.
MVRK Simulations, a startup revolutionizing workforce development through gamified training simulations, emerged as the winner of the IDEA program, securing a pitch prize of Php 75,000.
“Being part of the IDEA program has been incredibly valuable. It's provided me with essential insights into starting a company, from necessary research to overcoming early-stage challenges. Access to this program feels like having a cheat code or a manual that helps me to transform our inventive business concept into a successful enterprise,” said MVRK Simulations Co-founder and CEO James Lo.
Aside from MVRK Simulations, the participating startups for the IDEA program included multi-vendor marketplace for Filipino entrepreneurs Produkto PH, media production agency Transcend Studios Inc., marketing firm Carisle Media Corporation, kid-friendly creative content platform Kwentoon, sports and fitness-focused Palaro app creators 7X7 Development Corp, and Wika Media, a tech startup that helps people with hearing/visual disabilities access educational videos and entertainment. Sustainable fashion startups Brave Story, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, and Denim & Denim were also part of the program.
On the other hand, ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services won the top prize in the ADVanCE program, earning Php 100,000 for its Marketing-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform designed for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“From the mentorships to engaging with my fellow startups, the program has been invaluable, providing insights that I hadn't encountered before, which can be applied to our future planning. It is very informative and helpful, especially for startup businesses like mine,” shared Ron Oliver Clarin, CEO and Founder of ROC PH.
The ADVanCE program also featured Zamboanga-based creative solutions provider KikoMonster Creative Studio, digital learning video production company Bihasa, print ad-to-video animation conversion service AniMattify, and Filipino brand-focused marketplace Bentamo.
DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut commended the participating startups and recognized the impact of the Philippine creative landscape.
"I would like to congratulate all the startups that have been part of the latest cohorts of the IDEA and ADVanCE for Creatives programs. Moving forward, DTI remains steadfast in its commitment to championing these programs, serving as a catalyst for the advancement of the Philippine creative industry. Through our unwavering dedication, we aim to showcase the ingenuity and innovation of Filipinos, to not only drive our nation's economic growth but also elevate our global competitiveness to unprecedented levels."
In addition to awarding cash prizes to two program winners, DTI is committed to supporting all graduates by integrating them into our network of mentors and investors, facilitating connections with potential opportunities, providing ongoing mentorship, engaging with local ecosystem stakeholders, and offering immersion trips to enhance their application of learned skills.
Ah, summertime– the time when staying cool and fresh can either be a breeze or be quite the challenge. While some prefer beach parties and outdoor adventures to make the most out of this season, others find solace in the refreshing comfort of their homes.
Here, they can cherish quality moments with family and friends, whether it's gathering for a movie night, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a peaceful and relaxed indoor environment.
If this is your ideal summer retreat, you'll definitely love the selection of cooling appliances available through Skyro. Whether you're seeking a powerful AC to chill your space or a sleek fridge to keep beverages frosty, Skyro has you covered with flexible installment plans and irresistibly low-interest rates.
Dive into our curated list to discover what Skyro has in store for you!
Perfectly Chilled Drinks with Fujidenzo Chest Freezer
No summer is complete without refreshing beverages on hand. Make sure you're always prepared with the Fujidenzo IFC-90GDF!
This HD inverter chest freezer serves dual functions as both a freezer and a chiller, adapting to your needs effortlessly. Its intuitive digital temperature control panel allows for precise temperature management, ensuring your food stays fresh and your drinks remain icy cold.
Ultimate Comfort with Samsung Air Conditioner
Combat the discomfort of hot and humid weather with the Samsung AR10BYHAMWKNTC.
This innovative split-type air conditioner transforms your warm environment into a cool oasis with its WindFree Cooling technology. Delivering air gently and evenly, it eliminates the discomfort of harsh cold drafts. Plus, its energy-efficient mode lets you enjoy cool comfort without the worry of high energy bills.
Spacious and Fresh Food Storage with LG Refrigerator
Indulge in refreshing, fruity delights this summer, but make sure you have the perfect place to store your ingredients. The LG GR-Y331SLZL Refrigerator offers just that and more!
Featuring LG’s Inverter Technology, this spacious refrigerator operates efficiently and quietly. Its Moist Balance Crisper™ vegetable drawer ensures the optimal moisture level for your produce, keeping them fresh for extended periods. With this appliance, your food and fun stay fresh and enjoyable.
Comfort and Savings Combined with Carrier Air Conditioner
Experience continuous coolness without breaking the bank with the Carrier WCARZ006EC.
This window-type, non-inverter air conditioner stands out for its remarkably low electricity consumption at only Php 2.15 per hour. Enjoy uninterrupted sleep with its 12-hour automatic off-timer, designed to turn off the AC while you rest deeply. Additionally, its multi-pore filter effectively removes dust and pollutants, ensuring excellent air quality every time.
Who says you have to go outside to have fun this season? Sit back, grab a drink, and put on your favorite movie because summer just got a lot cooler!
Visit the nearest Skyro partner stores to explore the range of available items that won't break the bank. Locate these stores conveniently through an interactive map at www.skyro.ph.
Customers may also enjoy flexible payment terms of 6, 9, or 12 months at low interest in all Skyro partner stores nationwide.
Skyro is a fintech company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To learn more about digital financial products from Skyro, visit its official website www.skyro.ph. Follow its official Facebook and Instagram accounts to know more about its latest promos and offerings.
It’s no secret that sitting incorrectly or with a bad posture for too long can strain your back and neck. It can even make your legs feel numb and tingly at times. It's the same thing with your wrists when you're typing -- they can get really tired and achy. It's possible that your typing struggles aren't your fault, but instead, your keyboard’s.
Luckily for you, Logitech, the world leader in PC and gaming peripherals, has designed a specialized keyboard that addresses this exact issue while still ensuring efficiency at your work. Introducing the Logitech Wave Keys, the ergonomic solution to your typing needs.
Why go ergo?
What’s the difference between a standard keyboard and an ergonomically-engineered one you ask? For starters, the health benefits it brings are invaluable in the long run. Work accessories specifically designed to conform around the body’s natural curve and positions, elevate not only the user’s comfort but also work performance.
Long work sessions that involve a lot of typing can take a toll on the body. If left overlooked, it can potentially lead to medical issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or strain injuries.
Based on a study from RationalStat, as individuals of all age groups spend more time on their computers, their ergonomic needs increase by a rate of 4.6% over the next seven years. This reinforces the necessity for ergonomic solutions, like the Logitech Wave Keys, for computer users on the clock to make workflows sustainable.
That’s not all. According to Dr. Peter Johnson, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Washington who specializes in ergonomics, the use of keyboards with curved keys can greatly improve wrist posture.
These keyboards are designed to fit the natural triangle formed by the left and right hands, resulting in a more comfortable typing experience. This is why health professionals recommend these as they better match the natural and complex geometry of our bodies and put less strain on our muscles than regular rectangular keyboards.
Logitech not only develops high-end gaming gear and PC accessories but also prioritizes user comfort and health. The Logitech Waves Key was developed and tested with The Logi Ergo Lab and certified ergonomic with the stamp of approval by the United States Ergonomics, making it an intuitive and superior keyboard.
What Logitech Wave Keys offers
The Wave Keys features a signature wave design in a compact layout for a comfier typing experience that does not require relearning how to type, as well as an integrated, three-layer cushioned palm rest for day-long support.
Wave Keys’ unique wave shape places hands, wrists and forearms in a natural typing position, and the integrated cushioned palm rest gives more wrist support throughout the day. With its space-saving frame, it even allows your arms and shoulders to grip your mouse in a position that feels more natural. Its compact layout fits many home or office desks, with three classic colorways -- Graphite, Off-White and Rose -- to complement and spruce up your workspace.
Wave Keys support a more natural hand and wrist position while typing, which leads to less strain and soreness. You can type for hours without the pain in your wrists or fingers. The Wave Keys aren't just about comfort; it can also increase efficiency. By providing a more comfortable typing experience, users can work longer and more productively without experiencing the usual wrist fatigue.
There is no better investment in life than your health. A simple change in your usual workflow could bring about great benefits in the future.
Start the change today with the Logitech Wave Keys.
Available online and at local shops
The Wave Keys are available at all partner retail outlets -- PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, GameOne, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, TTI, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.
GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, is set to join industry experts and stakeholders in supply chain and digital transformation for a global discussion on the latest barcode technology and the push for the transition from the traditional linear barcode to the 2D QR code during this year’s GS1 Standards Week 2024, which will take place from April 23 to 26, 2024 Philippine time.
This three-day virtual gathering will welcome over 5,000 member organizations from GS1 Philippines and numerous partners of GS1 around the world. Attendees can expect a series of informative sessions that will cover a range of industries, including retail, marketplaces, consumer packaged goods, fresh foods, healthcare, and transport and logistics, showcasing the latest barcode innovations.
A key highlight at the GS1 Standards Week 2024 will be the opening plenary session focused on the global push for the adoption of the 2D barcode, most popularly known as the "QR code." The next generation of barcodes will leverage web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan, promising limitless possibilities set to further improve operational efficiency in the supply chain industries and benefit brand owners, retailers, and consumers.
By 2027, GS1 Philippines aims to have prepared all sectors nationwide for a complete transition to 2D barcodes, anticipating that all global retail POS scanners will be equipped to read and process these advanced codes, supported by widespread adoption among brand owners.
"GS1 Standards Week 2024 marks a transformative milestone in our mission to drive the global supply chain industry forward. Amid rapid technological advancements, we are spearheading a new era of digital integration where enhanced barcode connectivity significantly boosts efficiency and sustainability worldwide. Join us as we chart the course for tomorrow's industry standards, celebrating groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping how the world does business," said Roberto "Bobby" Claudio, President of GS1 Philippines and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).
In addition to exploring the global shift to 2D barcodes, GS1 Standards Week 2024 will offer a comprehensive agenda that includes deep dives into the latest updates and features of GS1's standards. These discussions aim to assist businesses in complying with international standards and requirements crucial for the circular economy.
Furthermore, the event will feature GS1's Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) working group sessions, designed to unite thought leaders from various sectors globally. These sessions will delve into cutting-edge, industry-wide standards, guidelines, and solutions, providing valuable insights for attendees.
With a strong lineup of leading experts from GS1 and other influential figures in the industry, the event promises to foster a collaborative environment aimed at revolutionizing retail supply chains through internationally recognized barcode technologies.
With its current 5,000 member organizations, GS1 Philippines is eyeing to reach 30,000 businesses nationwide by the end of 2024.
To learn more about GS1 Standards Week 2024 and register, you may visit the event's official website.
DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telecom provider in the country, launches DITO SAPUSO KO- a campaign that celebrates DITO subscribers' love and loyalty to the brand, featuring the Philippines’ most popular and sought-after real-life couple, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
In a significant leap forward of being the Rated # 1 Mobile Network in the Philippines, DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telecom provider in the country, proudly launches its newest campaign, DITO SA PUSO KO, featuring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, the stars of the top-grossing Filipino film of all time - Rewind. This campaign celebrates their love for DITO with all the DITOZENS who motivate DITO's constant pursuit of excellent customer satisfaction and digital innovations.
The release of the heartwarming online video with a special rendition of the iconic Filipino song "Dito Sa Puso Ko" captures the meaning of DITO's latest milestone of being the Rated #1 Mobile Network in the Philippines as awarded by Ookla, the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights.
This campaign underscores DITO's unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of the Filipino people, providing them with reliable connectivity and innovative solutions to help turn their digital aspirations into reality. It also reflects DITO's growing fan base, with more and more Filipinos subscribing to its quality products and services.
"Our newest campaign isn't just about showcasing our products and services; it's about celebrating the mutual love that we have with our millions of DITOzens. Galing na mismo sa mga subscribers namin, as evidenced by the Ookla Rated #1 Mobile Network award, napusuan na talaga nila ang DITO. Truly grateful that we are now number one in their hearts and minds," said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer-Consumer.
#1 power couple DongYan now joins the Rated # 1 Mobile Network in PH
Renowned for their charm and charisma on and off screen, DITO brings in Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, the stars of Rewind, as the power couple behind this new and exciting chapter in DITO's journey.
"Launching this campaign with Dingdong and Marian, the newest members of the DITO family, is a pivotal move to encourage more Filipinos to experience our next-generation technology. As we all know, Dingdong and Marian are not just big names in the Philippine entertainment industry; they are icons that inspire positive change and growth across diverse communities. Being the digital stars of DITO signifies not just a collaboration but a sweeping movement across the country—a shared vision of empowering and connecting more Filipinos nationwide," said Jasper Evangelist, DITO Brand and Marketing Director.
In the recently released online video of DITO SA PUSO KO, Dingdong and Marian were initially seen as the only ones with hearts. Eventually, hearts blasted all over the place, spreading the DITO love to everybody. This scene reflects the journey of DITO; through the power of high-speed connectivity and value-for-money products, along with the DITOzens' constant support and trust, DITO is now loved by millions of subscribers nationwide.
"At the outset, breaking into the market was a really a daunting challenge, specially amidst the long-standing duopoly. We needed to fight for our place on the table and establish who we are as a telco brand and what we really value as a company. Armed with a customer-centric mentality and a passion to make a difference , DITO thrived and flourished. We only started with thousands of subscribers, and now, after three years, we have millions of DITOzens who love and trust our brand and our products. And because of that, we are really grateful." Jimenez added.
Embracing this milestone and embarking on a new chapter with Dingdong and Marian is not merely a measure of success but a call to further elevate DITO's standards.
"As we embrace this achievement with grateful hearts, we also acknowledge that this is just the beginning of our journey. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide, consistent customer satisfaction, value-driven products, and inclusive next-generation technology for the Filipino people," Jimenez concluded.
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