Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Sun Life empowers Filipinos to make bright choices in the game of life

Life is a game. We conquer challenges, learn new skills, and forge bonds. With every choice we make, we write the narrative of how our life unfolds.



 

This is the essence of the new campaign launched by Sun Life Philippines. At the forefront of the campaign is a digital video that features an original song called “Game of Life,” and stars brand ambassadors Donny Pangilinan, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli, and Piolo Pascual.

 

Performed by Sarah, the song’s uplifting lyrics capture the excitement and challenges of life, highlighting the importance of having a Partner for Life to help you play the odds to your favor. This is demonstrated in the video, where Donny, Sarah, Matteo, and Piolo are faced with unfortunate events while going about their daily lives. Despite these events, they make the choice to stay positive and keep moving forward.

 

“We all know that life happens,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “But with the right support and planning, you can be empowered to make winning choices. ‘Game of Life’ is all about embracing the adventure and feeling confident that you have a partner in your corner.”

 

The upbeat track is more than just a song; it is a reminder that with Sun Life by your side, you have a bright partner to help you make the most of every move. Through this new song and video, Sun Life’s message shines through, assuring Filipinos that they are not alone in playing the game of life.

 

Sun Life’s new “Game of Life” video is available for viewing on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To learn more about the campaign, visit sunlife.co/playforlife

 

Home Credit, Puregold secure partnership, give more Filipinos access to convenient and flexible consumer products purchase through credit

Staying true to its commitment of being the Filipinos’ financial ally, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) has recently formed a partnership with one of the country’s biggest chain of supermarkets, Puregold, to allow its customers to use credit when purchasing their necessities.  


 
Recently launched, this collaboration offers Puregold customers nationwide an easy, convenient, and secure way of purchasing their groceries using Home Credit Card or Qwarta. In addition, they will get opportunities to participate in seasonal, brand specific, and other unique and exclusive deals.  
 
Home Credit Card is HCPH’s premium revolving product that offers select customers the perfect first-time Visa credit card with 3% load discount, zero additional fees on bills payment, interest-free option for up to 45 days per month and low interest fee at 3%. Meanwhile, Qwarta is HCPH’s virtual shopping line that users can use via the My Home Credit App to buy load, pay bills, buy groceries (via QR), and shop online.   
 
“Home Credit is steadfast in its role of being a financial partner to Filipinos to help them realize and achieve the life that they want for themselves. This collaboration with one of the country’s biggest chain of supermarkets enables us to strengthen this commitment and reach more people nationwide with offers that can help them better manage their finances,” Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, said.    
 
This seamless payment journey only involves three easy steps, starting with the customers’ download of the My Home Credit App. Those who are eligible to use Home Credit’s Qwarta or those who have a Home Credit credit card may then generate a QR code that, lastly, they will present to a Puregold’s cashier for scanning to complete their purchase. 
 
“As we approach the remarkable milestone of having 500 stores nationwide, our unwavering commitment to our company’s core values is stronger. We are not just a retail business, but an enterprise of service, dedicated to supporting lives and nurturing stronger communities across the country.  
 
This strategic partnership with Home Credit Philippines allows us to further amplify flexibility and convenience for our valued customers and Ka-Asensos,” Jenny Jacintos, Senior Manager for Merchandising and Marketing Services of Puregold.  
   
To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shopping Mall Philippines.    
    
Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).    
 

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Jollibee Group Awarded Global Good Governance Nod for Social Development Initiatives

The Jollibee Group was recently honored with the “3G Championship Award for Community Development and Philanthropy 2024” at the 9th Global Good Governance Awards or 3G Awards held in Taguig City. 


Cambridge International Finance Advisory (Cambridge IFA), a global financial services intelligence house, conferred the award on Jollibee Group for spearheading programs that have made a positive impact on the community through its social development arm, Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF). The award also recognized Jollibee Group’s efforts in strengthening their business practice to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

CHAMPIONING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CSR. Jollibee Group Foundation’s President Gisela Tiongson (center) and Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer Joseph Tanbuntiong (right) accepted the trophy for 3G Championship Award for Community Development and Philanthropy 2024 during the Good Governance Awards on April 29. With them is the Global Good Governance Chairman, Dr. Humayon Dar, who presented the award.


“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award from Cambridge IFA. This recognizes the hard work that the Jollibee Group Foundation has done through decades – inculcating our knowledge on food to uplift the livelihood of farmers, feeding schoolchildren so they can graduate, and providing thousands of meals in disaster-stricken areas. We share this recognition with our partners in the government, NGOs, and our employee volunteers for getting together to help achieve a wider impact on more communities,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Group. “We will remain committed to improving our business practices and empowering our employees as we continue to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone.”


JGF promotes improved access to food by implementing programs on agro-entrepreneurship through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program and on education through the Busog Lusog Talino Feeding Program and the Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program.  The Foundation also spearheads disaster response efforts through the FoodAID program while working with partner organizations and national government agencies in the Philippines and other countries.


Jollibee Group and JGF also recently partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry for a learning session wherein their leaders imparted business development and management knowledge to micro, small, and medium enterprises. 


Moreover, Jollibee Group and JGF reinforced their environmental stewardship effort by including mangrove protection and reforestation in its CSR programs. They recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to strengthen their cooperation on these initiatives. 

3G AWARDEE 2024.  On behalf of Jollibee Group and JGF, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer Joseph Tanbuntiong highlighted in his acceptance speech during the Global Good Governance Awards the company’s goal to help shape various communities through sustainable business practices.


The 3G Awards is an annual program celebrating good governance, transparency, and social responsibility. It was attended by hundreds of individuals and institutions from government and politics, the corporate sector, and the social sector and philanthropy from different countries. This is the 9th year for 3G awards which has been held in different parts of the globe and was held in Manila for the first time.


Friday, April 26, 2024

Jobs on the Rise: New Urban Developments Are Driving Employment Growth

Cities worldwide, while diverse in demographics and culture, share a common pursuit of progress through new urban developments. These projects not only enhance convenience amid urban congestion but also stimulate local economies and communities through various socio-economic activities like job creation.


Whether in the form of public transportation, cutting-edge business districts, or towering residential communities, a single new development requires a whole host of jobs from pre-construction to construction, and completion. These range from real estate developers and planners to construction workers and suppliers – all requiring extensive collaboration for successful project development.




Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities


Photo credit to Following NYC. Featuring ‘Vessel’, a honeycomb-like structure and visitor attraction in the Hudson Yards Development in Manhattan, New York City. 


The cycle of job creation doesn’t stop after completion. A new development also drives indirect employment opportunities generated from industries attracted or related to the development. 


Such is the case for Hudson Yards, New York City’s 28-acre mixed-use development and considerably the United States’ biggest megadevelopment in history. It had created thousands of construction jobs that resulted in transforming Manhattan’s iconic skyline and becoming home to diverse shops, offices, cultural institutions, and hotels and residences. Ongoing operations and management of these facilities are expected to contribute to its large-scale economy, such as hosting over 55,752 workers daily and about $19 billion annually to the city’s GDP. 





Dubai and Songdo IBD: Creating economic opportunities afresh.


Meanwhile, cities like Dubai and Songdo International Business District (IBD) generate jobs by creating economic opportunities from the ground up. They used land reclamation as an urban development strategy to address land scarcity and high population density challenges.


Photo credit to Kadir Avşar. A closer aerial view of the Palm Islands. 


Dubai's ambitious projects, including the Palm Islands, the World Islands, and Burj Al Arab, have turned it into an ultramodern metropolis for commerce and tourism. In 2023, it drew over 30,000 new businesses, driving demand for talent in finance, legal, and digital technology sectors.


The Songdo IBD is an ongoing smart city built on reclaimed land in Incheon, South Korea. It’s designed to be an international business and residential hub with sustainable features. As of 2020, the 1,500-acre development hosts about 30,000 residents, 33,000 jobs, and 70% fewer emissions than any other development.





SM’s Integrated City Developments: Empowering local communities and residents


SM Prime contributed photo. An aerial view of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) featuring its iconic Globamaze and thriving network of retail, business, residential, and hotel developments. 


The SM Group, a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, has an ecosystem of interests spanning retail, banking, property, and mall developments across the country, making it the largest employer with over 140,000 employees.

For every SM mall development by SM Prime Holdings, the integrated property developer of the Group, the local economy is invigorated because of the opportunities created by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that comprise about 68% of its mall tenants. For instance, SM City Bataan, SM Supermalls’ 83rd mall, employs about 96% of its mall administration staff who are residents called Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. It also proudly showcases local industries by partnering with homegrown businesses like family-owned brands and locally managed franchises. 


Job security, stable income, and tax revenues contribute to the local workforce’s quality of life; and SM Prime ensures to manifest these waves of progress in its developments, especially in its future plans for smart cities in the Philippines to be spearheaded by its ongoing 360-hectare development in Pasay City.


New urban developments are catalysts for growth, innovation, and avenues for increased prosperity, shaping local economies through job creation and improved lives. The success of these city centers requires a network of opportunities – from its pre-construction supply chain to empowering businesses for individuals to thrive and contribute to the communities.




A moment that changed lives : SM scholars recall the beginning of their SM scholar journey

Some moments fade with time, certain experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping not just our paths but our very identities. For Atty. Marmie Deniega and Amanda Hora, the SM scholarship application wasn't just a gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today.


The first to obtain a degree in the family


A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree.


Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application.


“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said. 


In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had been selected for their scholarship program.


The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the first in our family to get a college degree.”


“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that nobody can take away,” she added.

Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.


The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years. Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions, intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the classroom. 


She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”


These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.


“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events. I would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.


Scholar makes an impact on the community


Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from IBP-Cebu Chapter.


Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.


Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.


Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall."


The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie's academic success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies. 


The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.


Now successful in her field, Atty. Marmie travels and enjoys various leisure activities. Beyond this, she is thankful to have the capability to support her family.


Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community's development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.


As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.


Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.


In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law."


Amanda and Marmie's stories are not just individual triumphs but testaments to the impact of education. Each year, countless dreamers like them are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and chart their paths to success through the SM College Scholarship Program.


As the application for the SM College Scholarship Program opens from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, countless more lives stand to be touched. 


A school renovation project amplifies the potential of deaf community


 

A teacher teaching students in a classroom

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A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.


Being hearing-impaired is a challenge in itself, navigating a world where communication relies heavily on spoken words. 

  

In the Philippines, this challenge further creates a gap, as opportunities for the deaf are limited, particularly in education and employment. The struggle is intensified as only a few secondary learning institutions are catering to their unique needs, with affordability and facility conditions further hindering their pursuit of skills and knowledge. 

  

A personal advocacy 

Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges. 

  

Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners. 

  

She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD. 

  

"The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi," she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment. 

 

A facility that produces opportunities 


A group of people working on a sewing machine

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The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.


In the century-old PSD, their senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students. Its classrooms and halls, no matter how old, have always played their role in honing and preparing deaf students to have solid career prospects after PSD. 

  

Amidst the competing priorities within the school and the broader Philippine educational system, the facility barely had enough funds for the rehabilitation and major repairs it needed. For years, students and teachers worked around issues ranging from dim lighting and leaking roofs to uneven floors. These not only presented structural concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience of students. 

  

"Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs," Funcion stressed. 

  

Funcion further shared that the 2023 collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the social good arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City could not have come at a better time. 

  

 "The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD." 

  

Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. 

  

For Funcion, their Henry Sy. Sr. building serves as a great beginning that will help pave equal opportunities and create a future where deaf students’ abilities will shine within and beyond the four walls of classrooms. 

  


A group of people looking at a computer

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Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.


Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps are a threat to the experience

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending. 


Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly.


While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.


2. Concert Experience

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.


Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate. 

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities


Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website


FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances. 


Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.


4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.


An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.


A crowd of people on a stage with bright lights

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https://www.pexels.com/photo/band-playing-on-stage-2747446/



Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, Filipinos are the 4th top concert spenders in Asia-Pacific according to digital payments company Visa, proof of how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in the development of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can further drive economic benefits to the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.