Allianz PNB Life teams up with United City Football Club

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Allianz PNB Life has partnered with United City Football Club (UCFC) for the upcoming AFC Champions League and the 2021 Philippine Football League (PFL), the top football league in the country.

CEO Alex Grenz and CMO Gino Riola proudly show off the jerseys for the Allianz-sponsored UCFC team.

The professional football club based in New Clark City, Tarlac announced its partnership with the major life insurance brand last June 16.

“From football to drone racing, Allianz has long been an active force behind all sorts of athletes across the world. Through this latest partnership with the UCFC, Allianz PNB Life aims to extend that tradition to the Philippines and the Asian region,” said CEO Alexander Grenz.

Globally, Allianz is best known for having seven state-of-the-art stadiums to its name. Among these are Allianz Stadium in Turin, which has seated over 6 million Juventus Football Club fans since 2011, and the Allianz Riviera in Nice, one of its greenest structures to date.

Last January, Allianz officially signed on to be the eight-year Worldwide Insurance Partner for Olympic & Paralympic Movements. It will begin its stint at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where it will support over 11,000 athletes and their families and continue to champion sustainable development.

As the exclusive jersey partner of the UCFC, Allianz PNB Life will be featured on the home and away versions of the limited edition AFC Champions League kits, as well as in the fan-designed PFL uniforms and all replica merchandise shirts.

Eric Gottschalk holds up the Allianz-sponsored jersey beside the AFC Champions League banner.

“It is a great win to have a leading global brand with a strong reputation engage in long-term sports partnership and that football could receive the same kind of support here in the Philippines–even amidst a pandemic,” said Eric M. Gottschalk, President and Co-founder of United City Football Club.

He hopes that with the steady rise of the sport in the country, Allianz’ sponsorship could get other brands to support local and regional football too.

“Allianz proudly celebrates human achievement through sport and innovation. Inspiring millions with the stories and feats of our athletes sets the pace for a world that is more active, united, and inclusive,“ said Grenz.

 

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. As the country’s fastest growing life insurance company for premium income, it continues to secure the health and wealth of Filipinos here and abroad. For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.

Allianz PNB Life features world overrun with filters in latest digital ad

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As humans existing in a digital world, we utilize filters so we can edit our photos to our liking. Facebook and Instagram alone report over 600 million users of filters worldwide. But where filters fail, reality quickly checks in.

This latest spot by Allianz PNB Life offers a glimpse into a world that shows the realities that cannot be fixed with a simple filter. “No Filter,” a digital film conceptualized by the award-winning and imaginative agency Gigil, is a wry, self-aware take on humanity’s harmful impact on the environment.

Set to the tune of a happy, upbeat ditty, the ad is packaged as a feel-good watch when obviously, it isn’t. It opens with bubbles floating past an aerial shot of the city, which then cuts to a polluted sea obscured by shining bokeh. As it continues to force a “picture perfect” world onto viewers, more exaggerated cover-ups of Mother Nature’s cries for help appear. These include glittery factory smoke, colorful fireworks in lieu of mining explosions, and suffering animals made to look healthier and more kawaii.

But as ridiculous as the ad presents these filters to be, it also serves to remind viewers to care about the planet.

“Allianz PNB Life strives to build a sustainable future for Filipinos. Through “No Filter,” we want to prove that even though the planet can’t be fixed instantly, we can help make it better. At Allianz, we work together to protect you and the planet,” said Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola.

The spot is a further extension of the insurance company’s broader sustainability focus, from its insurance products down to its grassroots initiatives in partnership with various local government units (LGUs) and organizations.

Via its Allianz Ride Safe campaign, the company is promoting bike safety and education to push for cycling as an alternative mode of transport in Metro Manila. Last November, Allianz PNB Life launched the country’s first solar-powered bike pit stop together with the San Juan LGU. Just this May, the company also set up new bike racks in four of Manila City’s public squares. The racks, which also double as art installations, are inspired by the locations they are in—the Tabak bike rack in Bonifacio Shrine, for instance, is designed after the weapon the hero is seen holding at his nearby monument.

“Beyond readying Filipinos for the future with quality health and life insurance, we want to make sure they can look forward to it too,” said Allianz CEO Alexander Grenz. “From going digital to supporting sustainable businesses, each step by Allianz is always directed towards a safer and greener future.”

Previously, Allianz PNB Life also launched e-jeepneys for Makati-Mandaluyong commuters and sponsored a major reforestation effort in Batangas province. Now, the company is working to shift fully to renewable energy use by 2023, proving that “sustainability” extends beyond being a buzzword or one-time corporate social responsibility event for them.

Worldwide, the Allianz Group has topped the Dow Sustainability Index from 2017 to 2019, and remains still in the top levels of that list. With growing investments in renewable energy and a thorough environmental management system, the Group targets to produce net-zero emissions by 2050.

Watch “No Filter” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9_0eEMpUTs

Filipinos only somewhat prepared for medical emergencies -- Allianz PNB Life

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A recent study published by Allianz PNB Life reveals how Filipino millennials have adjusted to work and earning income during the pandemic. While some FIlipinos adjusted to working from home for the first time, some struggled to find other sources of income amidst rising prices, pay cuts, and unemployment.

While job and income security became a main concern among many Filipinos, Allianz PNB Life reveals it was only second in the list of challenges posed by COVID-19. According to the study, 80% of respondents were most concerned about keeping their families safe and healthy.

“The pandemic has definitely made more people conscious of their health. Besides making simple yet significant changes to their lifestyles such as eating more nutritious food, Filipinos are also starting to consider boosting their protection with insurance,” said Allianz PNB Life CEO Alex Grenz. The survey shows 76% of Filipinos without coverage are expected to avail of a health plan soon, especially within the year.

Despite most respondents claiming to already have Philhealth or HMO coverage, only 22% can say they are fully prepared for a medical emergency. Majority consider themselves only somewhat prepared for these emergencies, while the rest have much less confidence. Conditions like cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and dengue continue to burden Filipinos and lead them to borrowing or using up life savings to pay for exorbitant healthcare fees.

“In the Philippines, the protection gap remains at trillions of pesos. A single crisis like cancer could instantly cost a family no less than Php 300,000 and lead to eventual financial ruin, which shouldn’t be the case when flexible and viable coverage plans are widely available,” said Grenz.

This is why Allianz PNB Life is pushing more future-proof plans like Allianz Well!, which covers vaccination and treatment for COVID-19 and Php 100 million for in-patient hospitalization, one of the highest limit-plans in the market today. There’s also eAZy Health, an affordable and renewable option that offers life, accident, and disability benefits along with more comprehensive coverage for critical illnesses, including cancer.

The major life insurer is also growing its online presence to keep in step with Filipinos’ current shift to digital. From telemedicine to online yoga, they now maximize digital means to take better care of their health. Platforms like Allianz’ Health Concierge and Life Changers help more Filipinos access quality insurance 100% online and from the safety of their homes.

“Inadequate coverage remains a common problem that only worsens in the time of COVID-19,” said Grenz. “Allianz PNB Life aims to raise awareness on the importance of good health and protection while providing sustainable and timely solutions for it.”

Read the full report on Allianz PNB Life’s official website.

Allianz PNB Life expands coverage for COVID-19 vaccines

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Since the start of the Philippines’ mass vaccination program in March, over a million vaccines have been administered to Filipinos to fight COVID-19. However, slow rollout and low vaccination rates in the country prove that the population still has a long way to go before it can achieve herd immunity to end the pandemic.

So far, the vaccines available and given in the Philippines are Sinovac and AstraZeneca. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin have also been approved for emergency use. Other vaccines expected to arrive in the coming months are Moderna, Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, Novavax, and those from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVAX facility. With these incoming vaccines, the government is expected to ramp up inoculation by the second half of the year to inoculate at least 50 to 70 million Filipinos within 2021.

Despite the variety of safe and effective options available to the public, and the numerous endorsements from health experts and authorities, public anxiety over vaccines persists. And while certain risks may cause concern, the vaccine’s benefits far outweigh them.

Recent data has shown that the four leading countries in terms of vaccination have succeeded in flattening or decreasing cases after inoculating over 40% of their population. In Israel, severe cases and deaths declined rapidly after more than 84% of its elderly population were fully vaccinated in February. This has allowed their authorities to ease up on previous restrictions and for the public to now go mask-free.

“All is well” in building immunity against COVID

At present, Allianz PNB Life is one with the Filipino people in fighting COVID-19. “COVID-19 has posed many different challenges to people’s health and finances. Much like the vaccines available now, Allianz Well! is a timely offer that can protect people from the effects of the pandemic, including but not limited to COVID-19,” said CEO Alexander Grenz.

Through Allianz Well!, customers can get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available from a preferred healthcare provider. Its Wellness Benefit covers up to Php 10,000 yearly and allows reimbursement for vaccines up to this amount. On top of a quick and easy claims process, the policy fully covers hospitalization and emergency care for COVID-19, along with cancer treatment, dialysis, and organ transplant.

It also offers convenient and reliable care with unlimited, 24/7 expert telemedicine consultation. With an annual plan limit of Php 100 million that’s one of the highest in the country today, it can supplement any existing HMO so you can get treated whenever and wherever by your chosen provider.

“Our policy is tailored to ensure that Filipinos get the best and most comprehensive kind of coverage,” said Grenz. “This is our way of saying that all is well and all should be well because Allianz is with them during COVID-19 and beyond.”

To help ease worries surrounding vaccination, below are answers by the World Health Organization, Department of Health, and Philippine General Hospital to some of the frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine:

●       What is vaccine efficacy?

Vaccine efficacy is the effectiveness of a vaccine in controlled trials. WHO requires vaccines to have an efficacy rate of at least 50% and ensures they undergo rigorous testing and screening before they are approved. For example, a vaccine with a 50% rate reduces your chances of contracting COVID-19 by 45%. So far, all approved vaccines are 100% effective in preventing severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.

●       Does the COVID-19 vaccine have any side effects?

Side effects are common not just in vaccines but other prescription and over-the-counter drugs too. Side effects from vaccines indicate that the body is starting to protect you from the virus. Common ones include fatigue, body pains, fever, chills, and nausea which last only a few days.

●       Who cannot take the vaccine?

Only those who show allergic response to the vaccine after the first dose or its certain components from past treatments should not take it. Individuals who are allergic to other vaccines, immunocompromised, and/or pregnant or breastfeeding mothers with comorbidities should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated. The same goes for those receiving steroids, anticoagulation therapy, and/or antibody-based COVID-19 therapy.

Before taking any important steps regarding your health, it is always best to consult a medical professional. Allianz urges everyone to stay well, informed, and future-proof through the pandemic.

 

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. As the country’s fastest growing life insurance company for premium income, it continues to secure the health and wealth of Filipinos here and abroad. 

For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.

 

 

 

Allianz makes quick and easy health insurance the new normal

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Even in the midst of a pandemic, securing one’s health does not have to be complicated. With the demand for health insurance plans on the rise, Allianz PNB Life makes availing of an extensive coverage plan easier and more convenient than ever by going where the customers are. Now, Allianz PNB Life is expanding its reach on social media.

“We have seen increasing interest from customers on social media who are either first-time insurance buyers or insurance-savvy customers. They are looking for the best health solution for their needs,” said Allianz PNB Life CEO Alexander Grenz. “By boosting our digital presence, we are able to better serve these customers who need special attention and care.”

As the pandemic continues to change the way people secure their essentials, Allianz PNB Life also continues to bridge the gap between them and quality health insurance. Its newly automated lead management process on Facebook can attend to customers’ needs in real-time or within 48 hours, depending on the volume of sign-ups on a given day.

“Customers on social media are used to instant gratification and deserve instant responses to their inquiries. Building our competency in this space is a priority for us, so Allianz PNB Life hopes to make instant service and short sales cycles the new normal for both customers and insurance providers,” said Grenz.

Customers who have availed of the Allianz eAZy Health plan can testify to being contacted within minutes of signing up, with a number of their applications already getting completed on the same day.

“I saw the ad on Facebook and found that the policy fits my needs. It's affordable with great health coverage, which was one of the reasons why I signed up. Plus, it was a real breeze to apply,” shared Joey, one of Allianz PNB Life’s customers.

As the only enhanced critical illness plan, Allianz eAZy Health covers cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other critical illnesses. It also provides life, accidental death, disability, and dismemberment benefits for 360° protection.

As an example, a 2018 study revealed that cancer can cost a patient at least Php 180,000 yearly. Allianz eAZy Health can help ease worries over huge medical expenses and prevent further financial burden for patients and their families.

For a female client aged 30 years, the premium is as low as Php 800 a month with coverage of Php 500,000. The plan is available in a range of flexible options depending on a client’s needs and budget. It comes as a renewable 5-year insurance solution that returns 30% of total premiums if no claims are made at the end of that period.

Learn more about Allianz eAZy Health here.

Bike Safety 101: things newbies should know before hitting the road

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 Ride Safe with these bike safety tips from Allianz PNB Life!

With the ongoing pandemic, transport options have narrowed down for many Filipino commuters. Due to limited transport options as well as strict health protocols that make public transit more difficult, a number of people in the metro have turned to biking as an alternative means to get around.

Since launching its Ride Safe campaign last year, Allianz PNB Life has been hard at work promoting bike safety and green mobility across the metro, partnering with the San Juan City government to make San Juan one of the most bike-friendly cities in Metro Manila. They collaborated on new bike lanes around the city, as well as  set up the country’s first solar-powered pit stop for cyclists.

“At Allianz PNB Life, we want to encourage more Filipinos to think of cycling as an alternative and more sustainable means of transportation,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer for Allianz PNB Life and an avid cyclist himself. "A very big part of that is of course safety, which is why we put a primer on promoting and spreading awareness on bike safety and education.”

Riola shares the following tips to help new commuters-turned-bikers navigate the busy streets of Metro Manila safely:

1. Find the right ride. The right bike ensures comfort and safety while cycling. Hybrid bikes or road bikes are usually an amateur’s best bet for navigating a mix of bumpy to paved roads and slow-moving traffic. Additionally, a bike with the correct size should correspond to a rider’s height. 

2. Gear up. When it comes to cycling gear, the first and most important one to get is a safety helmet. A proper fitting helmet should cover the forehead about an inch above the eyebrows and not tip forward or backward. Bright, reflective clothing is another must while riding. Neon or fluorescent-colored wear such as hi-vis (high visibility) jackets or stick-on reflectors is recommended, especially when biking during early morning, cloudy days or evenings.

3. Practice biking techniques. Practice is key to building confidence on the road. Ascending, descending, keeping balance when turning corners, and looking over one’s shoulder without swerving are basic skills to master. Even knowing how to change flat tires using a patch kit could come in handy. In San Juan, riders can actually rest and repair their bikes through pit stops.

4. Check equipment. Before setting off, it’s important to ensure all parts of a bicycle are secure and working. Tires should be properly inflated, and the seat should be adjusted to and locked at a proper height, ideally at the same level or just slightly lower than the handlebars.

5. Follow traffic rules. Bicycles are vehicles, and obeying traffic rules is a must, not just out of respect to drivers and pedestrians but also to avoid any accidents. Cyclists are more vulnerable than their driver counterparts and should be extra careful. Riding a bike does not mean one is exempt from following stoplights.

6. Know hand signals. Signals are another key aspect to following traffic rules. When turning, cyclists are urged to signal left or right. The same is true for slowing down or stopping. Learn more basic hand signals here. 

7. Join a cycling group. There are many cycling communities in the Philippines where new riders can learn valuable knowledge from their more experienced counterparts. Riding in a group is also a lot safer than riding solo. Plus it’s just more fun to ride with buddies.

8. Enjoy the ride! Last but not least, it’s important to enjoy the ride! Biking is a great way to get exercise, spend time with family and friends, and reduce carbon emissions. Much like insurance, biking is a long-term investment for your health, your loved ones, and the environment.

 

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences. For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.

 

Allianz PNB Life calls on motorists to support bike safety and green mobility

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Why sharing the road safely with bicycles is good for the environment

As the need for social distancing forces governments around the world to reduce public transportation services, many have turned to bikes instead. In the Philippines, the uptick of bike users is even more notable not just because it has one of the highest coronavirus caseloads in Asia, but also because it has some of the region’s tightest urban congestion.

Despite the increased ubiquity of bikes due to the pandemic, Manila’s roads remain particularly hazardous for biking, in part because some drivers regard cyclists as obstacles. In fact, monitoring data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority indicated that bicycle accidents increased to 2,606 last year, compared to 1,759 during the previous year.

The Allianz PNB Life Ride Safe Pit Stop, the country's first solar-powered bike pit stop, is unveiled in San Juan City.

As part of its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life is urging motorists to be more proactive participants in making the roads safer for bicycles. “Ride Safe is a campaign in support of cycling for sustainable cities. As a global sustainability leader, Allianz launched this campaign to encourage more Filipinos to rekindle an interest in cycling, which promotes low-carbon emissions and safe, green transport,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.

Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alex Grenz (left) and Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola at the pit stop's repair station. The pit stop also has a resting and parking area for bikers.

A road for all

Drivers sometimes feel that roads are for vehicles only and that bicycles have no right to be there. Allianz PNB Life urges motorists to change this mindset, especially now that bikes are a lot more common due to necessity.

“We need to think of bike riders as equals who are just as entitled to the roadway as car drivers,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer of Allianz PNB Life and a bike rider himself. “When we consider bikes as vehicles, we treat cyclists the same as motorists.”

One reason for the lack of awareness regarding road safety for cyclists is the absence of any law governing cycling and cycling safety standards. But with government officials working towards making the roads safer for bike riders, cars will be sharing the road with other modes of transport more safely than before.

According to Riola, a national law that promotes bike safety on the road is a very welcome change for the biking community, especially as more and more Filipinos now turn to bicycles for their daily commute.

Grenz and Riola stand with San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and First Lady Keri Zamora at the blessing of the pit stop and the city's initiative of bike-share program.

Biking towards sustainability

Globally, Allianz has always been a staunch advocate of the environment and has topped the Down Jones Sustainability Index from 2017 to 2019, making it one of the world’s most sustainable insurers. With its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life looks to encourage more Filipinos to cycle as a means towards more sustainable and livable cities. Last year, Allianz provided the City of San Juan new protected on-road cycling facilities, such as bollards and safety signs, as well the country’s first solar-powered bike pitstop.

According to Allianz PNB Life, bike safety is an essential component of this mission. “The national bike law is a much-needed step towards not just creating bike-friendly roads and communities, but towards building more sustainable cities,” said Riola. “After all, a bike lane isn’t just a bike lane that keeps riders safe, it’s also allowing people to switch to another mode of transport—to one that promotes health and doesn’t consume fuel.”

 “Cars and bikes can co-exist. Other cities around the world have proven that,” said Riola. “What is needed is that motorists and bikers respect each other and the rules of the road are followed.”

If the many newly opened bike stores are any indication, bikes are here to stay. And that is good for drivers, the environment, and the community.

Allianz PNB Life Launches Allianz Shield to Protect Filipinos from the Unexpected

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most challenging and life-changing event for today’s generation. Some have lost their jobs, while others have lost their lives. Needless to say, this health crisis has underscored the need for people’s safety and protection from the unexpected.

To answer today’s growing need for better safeguards, Allianz PNB Life, one of the major life insurers in the Philippines championing sustainability has launched Allianz Shield, a regular pay, a unit-linked insurance plan that protects policyholders against unexpected situations, such as the diagnosis of a critical illness or accidental death and dismemberment. It covers at least 10 times the annual premiums depending on the insured’s age upon application, for as low as PHP 15,000 annually.

“The previous year showed that many Filipinos are vulnerable to health and financial crises. Not everyone has a backup plan in times of need. And unfortunately, many have been challenged economically because of the domino effect of COVID-19,” said Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola. “With Allianz Shield, we want to make sure the unexpected expenses are taken care of as well.”

According to Rio, Allianz Shield can help people build a well-rounded protection plan that gives them PHP 1 million coverage upon death, PHP 1 million coverage upon diagnosis of a critical illness and another PHP 1 million coverage for accidental death and dismemberment*. “This plan comes with an additional rider coverage that waives succeeding premiums until age 65 of the insured upon diagnosis of a critical illness or upon contracting total and permanent disability. It gives our clients the option to withdraw their investment funds, which are free of charge for up to four times in one year,” he said.

Allianz Shield also comes with a Loyalty Bonus, giving funds a boost every five years, as long as the policy remains in force and your premiums are paid regularly.

Additionally, Allianz Shield also offers a complimentary Life Event Benefit Rider, which credits back to the policyholder a part of the insurance charges you have paid, in the event of marriage, birth of a child, demise of a family member, involuntary loss of employment, divorce, or separation.

Interested applicants can contact a Life Changer, message the Allianz PNB Life Facebook page (facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial), or visit the Allianz PNB Website at www.allianzpnblife.ph.

 

*This example is for a female aged 30 years old with quarterly premiums of PHP 6,000, payable in 10 years.

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences. For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.