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Category: Finance

  • Allianz PNB Life Welcomes RiteMed as its Latest Partner in the Allianz Healthbox

    Allianz PNB Life Welcomes RiteMed as its Latest Partner in the Allianz Healthbox

    Allianz PNB Life, one of the leading life insurance companies in the Philippines, is excited to announce that RiteMED, one of the most trusted pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines, is its newest partner for the Allianz Healthbox. This partnership further enhances the health and wellness offerings available to all Allianz PNB Life Health customers.

    Allianz Healthbox is a one-stop shop for healthcare, lifestyle, and wellness needs. All Allianz PNB Life customers are entitled to exclusive perks from Allianz Healthbox partners. “Nowadays people are realizing how important it is to take care of well-being. At Allianz PNB Life, we support our customers’ health journey beyond health protection products. Healthbox has been our means to provide extra care for clients through the benefits offered by our partner brands,” said Leonardo Tan Jr., Chief Product Provider Officer at Allianz PNB Life. He added, “Our partnership with RiteMED provides customers with convenient access to affordable maintenance medication. It boosts the value-added offerings of our over 50 partners who continue to empower our valued customers in safeguarding physical health and peace of mind.”

    Thanks to this partnership with RiteMED, Allianz PNB Life Health customers can now purchase from the RiteMED Tamang Alaga online store and enjoy a range of medicines, discounts and freebies.

    Allianz Healthbox also offers well-known health and lifestyle leaders such as:

    • Free Teleconsultation from KonsultaMD

    • Free In-Clinic Consultation from MyHealth

    • Free Gym Access from Anytime Fitness

    • Free Mindfulness Meditation Workshop from Whitespace Wellness

    • Free Eye Scan from Asian Eye Institute

    You can also visit https://www.allianzpnblife.ph/healthbox.html to learn more about Healthbox partners freebies and perks.

    This partnership solidifies Allianz PNB Life’s commitment to prioritizing the overall health and well-being of its customers. As more partners join the Allianz Healthbox network, we are further strengthening our comprehensive healthcare solutions to cater to the diverse needs of our valued customers. “At Allianz PNB Life, we go beyond health protection. We, together with our Life Changers, are here to support the customers in their health and wellness journey,” emphasized Christopher Cabognason, Chief Distribution Officer. “That is why we offer innovative and customer-centric services that go beyond traditional insurance coverage. We believe in nurturing strong partnerships with other leading organizations in various industries, so that we can deliver value-added benefits and top-notch customer experience. Together, let’s safeguard your well-being and embrace a healthier future.”

    Present at the signing of partnership between Allianz PNB Life and RiteMed Philippines, Inc. from L-R: Leonardo Tan, Jr. (Chief Product Provider Officer, Allianz PNB Life), Joe Gross (President and Chief Executive Officer, Allianz PNB Life), Noel Herrera Lim (General Manager and Consumer Cluster Head, RiteMed Philippines Inc.), Lhea Laurel (Business Development Manager, RiteMed Philippines Inc.)

    Our dedicated Allianz Life Changers are available at our Life Track Stations at PNB branches nationwide, ready to help you identify the life and health protection that you need. You can also visit: https://www.allianzpnblife.ph/healthbox.html for more information.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Growing Concern: 94% of Metro Manila’s Middle-Class Gen Zs and Millennials Felt the Impact of Inflation in the 2nd Quarter of 2023 – NRI Singapore-Manila Branch

    Growing Concern: 94% of Metro Manila’s Middle-Class Gen Zs and Millennials Felt the Impact of Inflation in the 2nd Quarter of 2023 – NRI Singapore-Manila Branch

    Metro Manila’s middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials have expressed growing concern over the impact of inflation during the second quarter of 2023, according to a survey conducted by the Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Singapore-Manila Branch. The survey, which was conducted from May to June, revealed that a staggering 94% of respondents felt the effects of inflation during this period.

    The rising costs of essential goods and services, such as food, transportation, fuel, and utilities, have forced these young adults to make cuts in their non-essential spending, including leisure and entertainment expenses. Among the respondents, 60% reported that the continuous price increases had the greatest impact on their food and beverage expenses, followed by transportation and fuel costs at 15%, and utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet bills, at 14%. Additionally, an overwhelming 83% of participants stated that they had reduced their spending on non-essential goods, while 79% found it necessary to cut back on leisure and entertainment expenses.

    The survey also highlighted the financial challenges faced by this demographic. Approximately one-third of respondents (32%) reported being unable to save over the past 6 to 12 months. For those who managed to save, 44% saved a lower percentage of their income. The persistent inflationary pressures have led 38% of respondents to adjust their savings goals by either reducing the target amount or delaying their timelines. Similarly, 47% of participants had to make similar adjustments to their savings plans.

    To cope with the financial strain, a significant number of respondents have turned to loans. Of the surveyed individuals, 71% reported having outstanding loans. In an attempt to augment their incomes, 43% of respondents resorted to taking out additional loans in the past year. Among those who already had loans, 58% had to cut back on other expenses to meet their loan obligations, while 19% were forced to delay payments. The survey also revealed that 41% of respondents possessed credit cards. Personal loans were the most prevalent type of loan, accounting for 30% of respondents, followed by alternative installment loans and salary loans, each representing 19% respectively.

    Regarding investments, 52% of respondents had existing investment portfolios. Among these, mutual funds and stocks were the top investment products, chosen by 18% of participants each. However, due to the inflationary pressures, 12% of respondents had to partially liquidate their holdings for increased liquidity, and a minimal 1% sold off their entire investment portfolio.

    Given the challenges posed by inflation, respondents have adopted a diverse array of coping strategies. A notable 94% expressed concerns that continuous price increases would persist over the next 6 to 12 months. Consequently, 91% of participants felt the need to explore additional income streams. To adjust to the current economic situation, 86% of respondents planned to continue cutting back on expenses, while 73% intended to reduce their spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

    In terms of savings, 34% of participants expressed plans to increase their savings allocations to better prepare for the future, while 33% aimed to maintain their current savings pattern. However, 16% of respondents planned to reduce their monthly savings allocation due to inflationary pressures.

    The survey also shed light on borrowing habits, with 46% of respondents indicating that they were less likely to take out loans, while 28% stated they were more likely to acquire additional loans.

    Regarding investments, 12% expressed a desire to explore risky investments in the hopes of achieving high returns over the next 6 to 12 months. Meanwhile, 40% were considering more conservative options. Notably, 30% stated that they would choose to stay away from investing altogether, while 18% aimed to maintain liquidity.

    The online survey conducted by the NRI Singapore-Manila Branch included 295 adults from Metro Manila, consisting of 92 Gen Zs and 203 Millennials from the middle-class. The participants had monthly individual income ranges of PHP 13,000 to PHP 41,000 and PHP 41,001 to PHP 163,000.

    As inflation continues to impact the daily lives and financial well-being of Metro Manila’s middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials, it is clear that they are actively seeking ways to navigate these challenges and secure their financial futures.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers

    BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers

    Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.

    The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    “BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.

    For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.

    One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.

    “Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.

    The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.

    Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.

    For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.

    Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.

    “What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.

    BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.

    Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.

    One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists

    For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Sterling Bank of Asia visits Masungi Georeserve for its Environmental Campaign

    Sterling Bank of Asia visits Masungi Georeserve for its Environmental Campaign

    Sterling Bank of Asia’s (SBA) annual CSR Activity, tagged as Kind Heart Gives, turns green this year as they conducted an environmental initiative at Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal.

    Masungi Georeserve is an award-winning conservation project dedicated to conserving the Masungi landscape in Baras, Rizal. Joined by 50 SBA employees, the activity allowed them to participate in the reserve’s “Nurture-a-Grove” reforestation campaign.

    Sterling Bank of Asia is committed to fulfilling its role in upholding environmental and social responsibility.

    “Sterling Bank of Asia takes part in saving the denuded forests around the reserve. It is also one of our ways to strengthen our sustainability efforts and to give back to the environment,” said Arlene Siongco, Head of Human Resources Group at Sterling Bank of Asia.

    “We’d like to thank Masungi Georeserve for welcoming us. Activities such as these are necessary for the company as it is one of the ways we uphold environmental appreciation and conservation,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO.

    In photo: Sterling Bank of Asia employees during the Nurture-A-Grove activity at Masungi Georeserve.

    The Masungi Georeserve project has been awarded for protecting the 60-million-year-old limestone formations and more than 400 species of flora and fauna in Baras, Rizal.

    For more information, visit https://www.sterlingbankasia.com/.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Three ways to make managing money an act of self-love

    Three ways to make managing money an act of self-love

    Who said that the season of love is only about spending a moment with your significant other? In time for Valentine’s/single awareness day fever, your all-in-one digital bank, Maya, serves a timely reminder that self-love deserves equal attention and celebration.

    Maya shows that one way of embracing an empowered you is by taking hold of your financial well-being. By breaking the mold in the banking scene, the country’s #1 digital bank and top-rated finance app makes money management easier through just one app, helping you become more financially confident.

    Here, we break down three ways on how to foster self-love through Maya’s exciting deals and promos designed to give you more ways of having mastery over your own money.

    1. Personalize with love

    The best way to give yourself that much deserved love is taking care of yourself. And taking care of our financial needs and goals to get that much needed financial freedom is top of mind for most of us. Thanks to Maya, achieving those savings goals has never been this easy!

    So, start saving for an emergency fund or for that much needed vacation, new wardrobe, or phone by opening Personal Goals at Maya Savings and enjoy up to 6% p.a.!

    With Maya, you can create as many as five goals simultaneously and have each goal personalized with your own preferred name and set it up for 180 days. The 6% p.a. guaranteed interest will definitely give you a serious boost with your money with deposits up to P1 Million.

    And not just that—Maya also offers a sign-up and save promo. Simply sign up, upgrade your account, and start saving – and you will get as much as ₱60 (₱20 when you register, another ₱10 upon upgrade, plus an additional ₱40 for your first transaction.)

    Here’s another way to personalize with Maya, use your name and create your unique @username when sending or receiving money. The first to bring this new, game-changing feature to the Philippines, Maya** allows users to keep your personal data private, such as their account name and mobile number. Say goodbye to QR codes and long numbers, with Maya you can personalize your @username by simply following these steps:**

    1. Open your Maya app
    2. Tap the “Profile” icon on the upper left corner
    3. Tap “Get Started” to create your @username
    4. Key in your preferred @username and hit “Confirm.”
    5. Finish off by keying in the One Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS.

    A username is unique to each Maya account holder.

    You can also customize your Maya card with your new @username! Simply order a physical card on your app’s Cards section, personalize with your @username, and wait for it to be delivered to your doorstep!

    1. Pick a store, any store

    You deserve all your heart’s desires this season of love and beyond. With Maya, you can shop for what you want with the best deals and discounts.

    For instance, you get a cashback when you pay with Maya at Robinsons until April 15. New users can get up to ₱200 cashback upon completing a transaction via Maya QR with a minimum spend of P1,000, while existing users get up ₱150.

    If you scan to pay via Maya QR at SM Store until March 31 with a minimum spend of P1,000, you get one raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes. This includes ₱3,000 Maya Credits, Apple Airpods Pro 2, and Apple iPhone 14.

    Eyeing a relaxing staycation? If you book now at Agoda until March 14, you will receive a 7% discount sitewide by paying with Maya at checkout and using the promo code “MAYA7JAN.”

    You also get the best deals by paying with Maya at Flowerstore, Boozy, Edamama, Google Play, Codashop, Aipaz, Bills Pay, PLDT, MetroMart, Booking.com, Qatar Airways, and Mobile Protect.

    While roses and chocolates may be the popular gifts for couples this Valentine’s Day, give yourself added wealth minus the charges by topping up with Maya.

    **Maya allows you to cash-in for free in several ways. One option is via linked **banks and OTC channels up to ₱8,000 per month. You can also cash in directly for free, with no limit via BPI, RCBC, UnionBank, and Chinabank. If you’re cashing in from other banks, you can get your InstaPay fee as cashback of up to P25 when you cash in a minimum of P1,500. Another option is via Maya Centers, with lower cash-in service fee of 1%, while you receive a 100% cashback on the fee, capped at ₱150 per customer. The offer runs until February 28, 2023.

    1. Spread the value of self-love

    What’s more? Spread the love and stay connected with close friends and family here and abroad by loading with any network using Maya.

    You can get 5% cashback (Php25) for every ₱500 accumulated load spend until February 28. If you are a Smart or TNT subscriber, you receive 20% cashback at a maximum of ₱50 per user.

    Completely free to download and register, Maya packs a feature-rich money app, an inclusive digital bank, and everything else you need to manage your money–save, borrow, spend, invest and more, right from your smartphone.

    Maya’s digital banking services are powered by Maya Bank, Inc., a digital bank supervised by the BSP. Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to PHP500,000 per depositor. To learn more, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • SBA Recognized as One of BSP’s Outstanding Stakeholders in 2022

    SBA Recognized as One of BSP’s Outstanding Stakeholders in 2022

    Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA), one of the country’s leading thrift banks, was recognized by the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) during the “2022 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies” held last November 29 at the BSP Assembly Hall.

    BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla, in his message, recognized both the public and private sectors for their contribution to the implementation of appropriate, responsive, and well-calibrated policy actions.

    SBA is the only savings bank among the nine award recipients from BSP’s head office for its outstanding participation in BSP’s Cash Service Alliance (CSA).

    “We are honored to be recognized by the BSP for our strong commitment to the development and protection of the financial services industry,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, President and CEO of Sterling Bank of Asia. “This award is an affirmation of hard work and dedication in improving the financial well-being of our clients and every Filipino” San Pedro added.

    For more information, visit https://www.sterlingbankasia.com/.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Start building a secured future with a ‘wearable investment’

    Start building a secured future with a ‘wearable investment’

    Enjoy up to 10% discount on jewelry items as Cebuana Lhuillier stages another nationwide sale for Black Friday.

    For more than centuries, precious stones such as diamonds and jewelry have always been associated with ranks and riches due to its rarity, scarcity, and beauty. However, for others, these precious items meant more than just statement pieces or accessories of clothing. To some, gold jewelry can be a form of “wearable investment” that never loses its value but instead, an asset that grows more value over time which can secure even your financial future.

    Start investing now with affordable and authentic jewelry pieces with Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels, and
    Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium as it stages its much-awaited annual Black Friday Gold Rush Sale from
    November 11 to 17. Avail 10% off on all items and up to 50% off on selected items in Cebuana Lhuillier’s
    more than 3,000 branches nationwide. You may also visit Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium and Just
    Jewels branches and get up to 10% discount on selected jewelry items.

    Shop online and avail up to 10% discount by simply visiting Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry and Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium website at www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com and www.cebuanalhuillierjewelrypremium.com. You can also check-out items from Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry
    Premium via Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora with 10% discount.

    “Jewelry are among the best investments anybody could have. It’s a smart purchase since it’s a physical
    and tangible asset that is readily available, especially during emergencies. Apart from that, gold jewelry
    can also withstand inflation and a superior performer in times of economic instability,” Cebuana Lhuillier
    president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

    “We want to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to start investing now and buying gold is one
    of the many ways they can build a better future. Here in Cebuana Lhuillier, we want our kababayans to
    have access to affordable and authentic pieces of jewelry. They’re more than just a woman’s best friend,
    they’re everyone’s best investment,” Lhuillier added.

    Take advantage of the nationwide sale and spend your holiday bonuses wisely by securing your future
    while collecting choice pieces.

    To know more about the latest offers and get the best deals for the Black Friday Sale, go to Cebuana
    Lhuillier, Just Jewels, or Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook pages.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Round One platform officially goes live

    Round One platform officially goes live

    PASAY, PHILIPPINES — Round One, the country’s first equity crowdfunding platform, was officially launched on Wednesday, October 12, at the Solaire Resort and Casino Manila.

    Conceptualization of the platform began at the end of 2019, following the release of the crowdfunding rules and regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a few months prior. Round One was accordingly granted its license to operate on February 23 of this year.

    Through the platform, entrepreneurs looking to raise funds can launch campaigns of up to Php 50 million pesos per year via the public sale of securities. Round One conducts high level due diligence on both entrepreneurs (also known as “issuers”) and investors on the platform. To ensure transparency, issuers are required to upload investment offering materials and indicate the complete details of their fundraising goal (such as the share price) and terms of the securities being offered.

    On the other hand, only registered and verified investors may commit to campaigns. All monetary transactions are safekept by Round One’s partner banks and financial institutions through the duration of a campaign to ensure the proper handling of investor cash.

    “Round One shall provide a good holistic solution for entrepreneurs not just as a fundraising avenue, but also in attracting experts from all sectors to mentor them to grow and improve.” said Ms. Marian Peña, Chairman and President of Eastern Securities Development Corporation (ESDC), the stock brokerage that manages and operates Round One.

    Also in attendance were SEC Director Vicente Graciano P. Felizmenio, Jr. of the Markets and Securities Regulation Dept.; Ms. Alegria Limjoco, Founder and Chairperson of the Philippine Franchise Association; Atty. Marion Ivy Decena, Director of the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute; Mr. Pierangelo A. Dominguez, Head of the Quezon City Local Economic Investment Promotions Office; and various members of startup and SME enablers, private equity investors, entrepreneurs, and association and institution partners.

    Among Round One’s first cohort of committed issuers are Alaga Health Inc., Burket.PH Inc., Cocotel International Inc., IOL Inc., LGUSuite Inc., Raven Global Inc., Filipay (Service Economy Applications Inc.), Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corp., and UNAWA. The cohort was presented during the launch through a panel discussion, where they discussed their forthcoming fundraising campaigns on the platform and engaged the audience’s questions.

    “Our goal as a platform is quite simple: for Round One be an avenue for every entrepreneur, startup, and SME to access every kind of support they need on their journey,” shared Mr. Brandon Leong, Business Unit Lead of Round One. “We’re excited to officially go live so that all these issuers can finally launch their campaigns and get themselves out there.”

    Round One is a business unit of Eastern Securities Development Corporation (ESDC), a duly registered stock brokerage and a member of the Philippine Stock Exchange since 1977. Regulated by the SEC, the platform serves as a financial intermediary between startups and SMEs and potential investors.

    Round One is on a mission to empower Filipinos to invest in each other. To learn more, visit www.roundone.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia