Coping with earthquakes and its aftershocks

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After an earthquake, don’t just rush in the house or building! Remain alert for aftershocks! Immediately survey the home or building for structural or physical damages.

If there are signs of damage, have a licensed city engineer investigate for its safety or structural integrity.

After inspecting the home, check water pipes and electricity lines for leaks or dangling wires. If there are broken pipes, do not flush the toilet or open faucets. If there are dangling electrical wires, don’t turn on the light switches and electrical appliances.

If you suspect a gas leak, switch off the LPG tank immediately then open all the windows for circulation. Don’t switch on the stove, lights and appliances to avoid a spark until the smell is completely gone.

When it is determined that it is safe to enter the property, immediately clean debris like broken glass to prevent any secondary injuries.

If one resides near a beach, be alert for tsunami warnings or advisories. Stay glued to the news for other earthquake-related information.

Always remember that during calamities like earthquakes, the wellbeing and safety of one’s family should be the priority. Always stay in contact with them, and sources of information.

To prepare for emergencies, it helps to have emergency plans in place. Aside from have an emergency kit, Go bags, emergency evacuation plans, it makes sense to protect one’s properties — like home and cars— with insurance to ensure ease of recovery.

Malayan Insurance can help in emergencies like the July 27 earthquake that affected most of Luzon, not to mention the recent floods in Ifugao and Davao. Visit its e-commerce site at www.malayan.com.

Why home insurance matters, even when you’re just renting

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In a calamity-prone country such as ours, having home insurance is a must. However, due to misconceptions regarding what is covered, not a lot of people view having home insurance as a priority.

There are many misconceptions about this type of insurance, such as, this is only for homeowners, and that it does not cover those who are just renting. In terms of coverage, some also believe that it only covers incidents involving fire, and that it only covers damage to the structure and doesn’t protect the contents of your household. Some tenants may also think they don’t need insurance because they’re covered under the landlord or homeowners association’s policy, but, again, these policies do not include personal or valuable items inside their homes.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, helps support the safety of homeowners and tenants with AXA Home Security, a comprehensive insurance package that protects the home, its contents, and as well as the people living in the unit.

“Being protected at home is more than just having a roof over our heads. With AXA Home Security, we offer a comprehensive insurance product that covers not the just the structure of our homes. Homeowners and tenants are also insured against damage within the house, caused by both minor and more severe incidents. This helps them feel more secure and protected, allowing them to truly see their homes as a safe haven for themselves and their loved ones,” said Nandy Villar, AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer.

AXA Home Security can protect your property against physical damage and losses from natural or man-made incidents and calamities such as fire, earthquake, typhoon, flood, riot, strike, and malicious damage, to name a few.

Its coverage is also extended to include family personal accident insurance, household helper cover, personal liability, accidental breakage of fixed mirrors, robbery, burglary, and many more. For those who are renting their home, this product also covers rent and relocation expenses for tenants. Home Security also has a one-time reimbursement up to P5,000 until December 31, 2022 for cleaning and sanitation services if a family member tests positive for COVID-19.

You and your loved ones are also protected by the personal accident insurance component, in case of accidental death or permanent disablement. This benefit applies to the policyholder’s spouse and up to three children, or to their parents and siblings if they are single. It also covers medical reimbursement if injured by accident, as well as burial assistance. The insurance also extends to the household help, providing coverage for personal accident and property damage of up to three of your household helpers.

Lastly, in the event of lawsuits against you or your household within the premises of your property, the personal liability benefit of Home Security pays for any claims and incurred legal expenses to defend you from liabilities and medical expenses.

Now you can rest easy at home, knowing that you, your loved ones, and the things you hold dear are safe and protected with AXA Home Security. To know more, visit www.axa.com.ph/homesecurity.

Home Credit’s Health Secure offers year-round protection against COVID-19 and vaccine side effects

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 Health Secure is Home Credit’s latest addition to its protection initiatives covering personal accidents, COVID-19 and vaccine-related complications

As the threat of surge in COVID-19 cases remains, leading consumer finance company and digital financial service provider Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) launches Health Secure with COVID-19 coverage. This latest addition to Home Credit Protect’s wide array of products reiterates the company’s commitment to advocating proactive measures to keep its customers safe and protected.

Health Secure offers protection not only for personal accidents resulting in dismemberment, disability and death but also for COVID-19-related complications, including vaccine side effects. For only PHP 1,212, you can get 12 months of comprehensive COVID-19 coverage, which can easily be availed through the My Home Credit app and paid through Home Credit Pay.

This latest addition to HCPH’s protection initiatives offers PHP200,000 for coma cases, PHP20,000 for medical expenses and PHP500 per day for hospitalization for a maximum of 30 days. It also offers PHP30,000 that covers personal accidents.

Health Secure is also one of the very few insurance plans offering protection against the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine side effects covering PHP100,000 for coma cases, PHP10,000 for medical expenses and up to PHP1,000 per day for hospitalization for a maximum of 14 days. Insurable age ranges from 1 year to 65 years old, given that the insured have not traveled to DOH-declared high-risk countries 14 days prior to the insurance effectivity date.

“We hope more Filipinos appreciate the value of insurance. An insurance coverage that puts a premium on protecting Filipinos against the most imminent threat to our health, the COVID-19, is not only timely but also very proactive. Health Secure is our way of encouraging Filipinos to appreciate health insurance and protect themselves and their families by securing their health, future and financial stability,” shares HCPH Chief Marketing Officer Sheila Paul.

Home Credit Protect, the most affordable device insurance

Unexpected expenses are not limited to medical emergencies. Accidentally cracking your tablet screen or pouring water on laptop keyboard requires immediate repairs. With gadgets such as phones, laptops and tablets being everyday life partners, they, too, need protection to ensure they can continue fulfilling their intended use.

To help you make the most of their gadgets, HCPH is offering the Home Credit Protect (HCProtect) to give Home Credit-financed gadgets the protection they need at less cost. It enables hassle-free device repair and replacement in the event of accidental breakage, liquid damage or cracked screen.

You can choose from different coverage plans such as one-year or two-year accidental damage and liquid damage and accidental damage plus extended warranty for two years and cracked screen coverage.

Safe and secure application and approval of the insurance can be accomplished through the My Home Credit app. Simply choose an item you want to protect, select a plan, and fill out the application form. Then pay online or in cash at over 10,000 HCPH partner stores nationwide. You can get HCProtect upon your loan application for gadgets or within 14 days of purchasing a Home Credit-financed device. If you have a device without a protection plan, you can still avail the insurance as long as you do not have a pending or rejected HCProtect application in the last three months.

Backed by bolttech, the world's largest technology-enabled insurance exchange, you are not only ensured of secure payment transactions but also of simplified processes. You may avail the insurance for only 12 percent of the gadget’s price and likewise pay in installments.

Claiming is also easier and more convenient with Home Credit’s 24/7 customer service. Simply call HCPH customer service at (02) 7753 5711 or message its official Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can also notify bolttech by registering on its online portal or calling its customer service hotline.

“At Home Credit, we do not just provide convenient ways for Filipinos to afford gadgets. We offer them ways to live a more comfortable life by giving them assurance that their gadgets will be protected so that they can then focus on the more important things and continue doing their work conveniently,” shares Paul.

How to build a champion’s mindset from Olympic golfer Yuka Saso

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Whether in the game of life or sports, it’s vital to have a strong and healthy mind and body to overcome challenges. Just take, for example, 20-year-old Filipino-Japanese professional golfer Yuka Saso, who has also had her fair share of struggles on her journey to becoming a top player.

In 2021, she experienced one of the toughest moments of her career when she injured her neck on the third day of her British Open competition, one of the world’s four major golf tournaments. She had to power through the pain and its effect on her performance, but instead of being deterred by this incident, it made her realize the importance of taking care of her physical and mental health.

As an athlete, Saso shares her own learnings and experiences from golf, which is touted by experts as a highly mental sport, in the hopes that it might also help others develop the mental strength to withstand stress and pressure:

Be consistent. Many people thrive on consistency and a regular schedule because it gives them an idea on what to expect, making it easier to anticipate possible challenges. This is also true for Saso. “I want my golf to be consistent – even if I don’t win – as long as I’m in that range, like in top 20, then I feel good about it,” she said, adding that a healthy routine helps, too. “I keep my eating habit healthy and make sure I sleep well, which I think is really important so my body can recover better.”

Love what you do. Discovering your passions and doing something that you love may bring meaning to your life and help you feel fulfilled. Saso advised, “Build confidence. Believe in your job and love it. Because I love my job, I work hard to get my golf better. If you love your job, you’ll have confidence and work better. Just remember why you chose the job. Find your passion.”

Focus on the positive. For Saso, having fun and thinking positively builds confidence. “In golf, it's not really about physical strength. It's all about having the right mindset. I try to think positively or focus on the present, stay present, and not to look too far because you can't control your future or your past. You can only control what's happening in the present, so I'm probably just focused on what I have to do now so that I can perform in the future.”

Look for a good support team. Saso ensures that she is surrounded by a strong support system that shares the same values as her. “If I have good support from the people around me, then I can play golf better.” This year, she became the official partner of leading global insurer AXA because she resonates with the brand’s “Know You Can” brand signature, which is rooted in the understanding that confidence is essential for people to successfully achieve their goals.

As a professional athlete, it’s important for Yuka Saso to keep building up both her physical and mental strength. With her advice, we can also start taking steps to prioritize our own in order to keep wellness going on the road to a long and happy life.

For more info on AXA health solutions, visit axa.com.ph/health-protection.

Four natural ways to boost your mood and wellbeing

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The pandemic has had a profound effect on all of us, but there is a silver lining for mental health in the form of greater awareness and increased resilience, according to the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2022.

The Harvard Medical School Health Blog also published an article positing how positive emotions can help us live longer and healthier. While there are countless factors that influence our mood such as our diet, physical activity, amount of sleep, and social activities, there are also some simple things you can do to help you give your mood a boost that contributes to your overall wellness on the road to a long and happy life.

As a company that protects people’s health and wellness, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares these four things you can do to help uplift your mood and live a healthier life.

Look out the window and get some natural light. Being in an environment with access to windows and natural light can improve your mood and help your body deal with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even prevent infections, according to the American Psychological Association. Simply keeping your window areas clear and opening your curtains can allow maximum natural light to enter your home and give you a much-needed boost.

Unplug, at least for a while. According to a study, people who use social media for more than three hours daily are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear of missing out or FOMO. Try to make a conscious effort to limit your usage and log off from social media even just for an hour to focus on relaxing non-digital activities like meditation, journaling, or even decluttering. Something as simple as refraining from bringing your phone with you to bed can also help spare you from the unnecessary stressors associated with social media, allowing you to sleep better.

Get on your feet and exercise outdoors. Regular physical activity improves mental health and helps prevent and manage diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several cancers. This can be as simple as taking a 15-minute walk outdoors or even riding your bike to get around instead of driving to nearby locations. Moreover, spending time and feeling connected to nature is also linked to cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional wellbeing, according to the consumer health education division of Harvard Medical School. If you live in the city and are unable to head to a nearby province to commune with nature, there are still lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors, such as taking a walk at a strip mall, or doing activities like cycling, jogging, and doing yoga in an outside.

Build meaningful connections. Filipinos are known to have strong family ties, giving them a support system made up of generations of family members. This is just one example of how we make positive personal connections in life. Personal connection creates emotional stimulation, which is an automatic mood booster, according to a study by Harvard University School of Public Health Study. The AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing also identified connectedness as one of the 10 key skills that help one become ‘fit to flourish,’ reaching the peak of mental health.

On the other hand, people with fewer active social contacts are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, delayed cancer recovery, slower wound healing, and mental health concerns. While activities such as volunteering and meeting up with loved ones can help you build meaningful connections, talking to mental health professionals can also help improve not only your mental health but also your overall health. By talking about your feelings and being honest and open, you can get the support that best suits your needs.

When we feel safe and protected, we find it easier to relax or focus on the things we need and want to do, resulting in better overall wellness. That’s why for many people, having health insurance coverage equates to peace of mind because of the feeling of security and protection that it gives.

For health care protection needs, Health Care Access from AXA Philippines is a comprehensive and affordable health care solution for hospitalization and medical needs. It comes with 24/7 teleconsultation, a Longevity Fund that you can use for medical emergencies when you reach age 76 and up, and life and accident coverage up to P500,000. Moreover, AXA also offers Health Max, a lifetime health coverage which has a critical illness coverage against 56 major and 18 minor conditions until age 100, plus an Advance Health Fund for medical emergencies, and life insurance.

Knowing you have a reliable partner like AXA Philippines to support your wellbeing through life can empower you to keep doing what matters most to you. To know more about AXA Health Care Access and Health Max, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access and https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-max.

AXA Philippines and GrowSari offer free insurance to sari-sari store owners

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Many small businesses like sari-sari stores are constantly at risk of encountering financial challenges. According to the World Bank, at least 81 percent of informal retailers like sari-sari stores suffered job losses at the height of the pandemic in 2020. With a relatively small capital, which they use to sustain daily operations, these micro enterprises are badly affected when the owner gets sick or hospitalized, especially when this is their main source of income.

AXA Philippines and GrowSari representatives during the memorandum of agreement signing. The partnership will offer free life insurance and a Daily Hospital Income benefit for Gold members of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program.

To help sari-sari store owners and their families during health emergencies, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, recently partnered with GrowSari, a tech-enabled B2B platform that supports MSMEs in the Philippines, including sari-sari stores, carinderias, pharmacies, and other roadside and market shops, to provide protection during emergency situations by offering free insurance coverage to member sari-sari store owners. The coverage includes a death benefit as well as a Daily Hospital Income (DHI) benefit in case of hospitalization.

“Our partnership with GrowSari is in line with our advocacy of providing better protection and financial literacy among micro, small, and medium enterprise owners. Through this partnership, we hope we can better the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs amid this pandemic and beyond,” said Alok Rungta, AXA Philippines Chief of Retail Proposition.

Attesting to this was Mai Mai Punzalan, GrowSari Chief Marketing Officer, who said, “It’s important, in terms of financial inclusion to drive awareness and education among MSMEs such as sari-sari store owners, to let them know that there are a lot of financial products that can help them during health emergencies. We are happy to have this partnership with AXA Philippines because their mission of promoting health and protection is aligned with the more secure future we envision for sari-sari store owners.”

The free insurance coverage is part of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program that is available to its Gold members who opt to be part of the program. It offers life insurance worth P35,000, as well as a DHI benefit amounting to P1,500 for 3 days of confinement. The DHI helps alleviate the burden of income loss should the beneficiary need to be confined in the hospital.

From only 1,000 members in 2018, GrowSari’s members grew to 50,000 at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and doubled in number in 2021 to 100,000 active stores in 220 municipalities. The partnership with AXA has so far protected over a thousand GrowSari members, as more sari-sari store owners embrace the importance of insurance in ensuring a more secure and safer future for their families.

To know more about AXA, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.

Finance for all: GCash, Generali Philippines team up to bring insurance products to more Pinoys

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GCash, the country’s number one mobile wallet, has teamed up with Generali Philippines to offer four affordable insurance packages on GCash’s GLife feature, in line with the super app’s mission to continue providing safety and convenience to Filipinos.

GLife is the super life mini-app within GCash that offers food, groceries, gadgets, fashion, beauty products, and now insurance to help Filipinos secure their health and finances, especially amid the pandemic.

GCash users can now avail of Generali’s four insurance packages via GLife for as low as Php270.

“We are proud to have this partnership with Generali Philippines to make insurance and financial freedom accessible to all. This new partnership reflects our commitment to help the country achieve financial inclusion by offering affordable products to help Filipinos protect their future and improve their lives especially during these trying times,” said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon.

For just Php270, the GenProtect Basic 50 offers Php50,000 worth of personal accident benefit, Php5,000 worth of accidental medical reimbursement benefit (if cause of hospitalization is an accident), and Php500 daily hospital accident benefit for up to 14 days. This package also comes with the 24/7 Call-A-Doc telemedicine service so users can consult with a medical professional with up to three calls anytime, anywhere.

Another insurance plan users can avail of for Php280 is GenProtect Plus 50, which also offers the same benefits with an additional Php5,000 worth of motorcycling accident benefit and Php5,000 worth of unprovoked murder and assault benefit.

GLife users can also choose the GenProtect Basic 100 for more protection, including Php100,000 worth of personal accident benefit, Php10,000 worth of accidental medical reimbursement benefit amount, Php1,000 daily hospital accident benefit for up to 14 days, and up to six calls with the 24/7 Call-A-Doc telemedicine service. This plan is available for just Php455.

For an upgrade of only Php475, GenProtect Plus 100 offers all the same benefits as the GenProtect Basic 100, along with an additional Php10,000 worth of motorcycling accident benefit and Php10,000 worth of unprovoked murder and assault benefit.

To check out these affordable insurance products, simply open your GCash app and click the GLife feature on the dashboard. For ease of reference, just look for “Generali Philippines” on the search bar, and from there, you can choose from the four insurance packages that suit your needs.

For other essentials and great deals, GCash users also have a faster and more secure way to shop online via the GLife feature on the GCash app, which has over 420 partner merchants, such as food, retail, gaming, and essentials.

Moreover, GCash offers accessible and affordable health insurance for Filipinos amid the pandemic via the GInsure feature on the app.

To know more about GCash’s GLife feature, visit https://www.gcash.com/services/glife. GLife mo na ’yan!

To know more about Generali and its products and services, visit www.generali.com.ph.

A wealth of career advancement opportunities with AXA Prime

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The AXA Prime Development Center is Asia's first phygital (physical-digital) learning and development facility.

When searching for the right career path, it is important to consider a variety of factors that suit you and your goals. Perhaps you're looking for a stimulating work environment, opportunities for advancement, higher potential earning capacity, or job security – or all four. 

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers a wealth of career advancement opportunities with AXA Prime, an elite program to help professionals become the next generation of confident and empowered leaders.

Here are some experiences you can look forward to when you start your new career with AXA and by becoming AXA Prime:

Industry sustainability and job security. The insurance industry offers added job security that can lead to a better quality of life for you, your family, and other people that you’ll be helping. This is more so true when you are part of a program from a leading global insurance brand that is present around the world. Being an AXA Prime can lead to diverse career opportunities that only a company like AXA can provide.

An inclusive community. As a member of AXA Prime, you will have access to a supportive network of mentors and like-minded professionals who are also purpose-driven and striving for success. The help of such a community can help ease worries of being stuck in a dead-end job with no career progression in sight.

Education and immersive training. Undergoing a high-quality and comprehensive training and development program helps you strengthen your skill set and gradually gain knowledge. With this elite program, you’ll have access to the best specialized digital tools and training programs all under one roof: the AXA Prime Development Center. This is the very first phygital (physical-digital) learning and development facility in Asia built to support the holistic development of AXA Prime professionals.

Rewarding work. Insurance offers people protection in many aspects of life – whether that’s for their finances or health. AXA Prime provides a career with a greater purpose, giving you the opportunity to help keep people safe, healthy, and secured not just during the pandemic, but in case of emergencies as well.

While we’re in the middle of a generational workforce shift, more diverse opportunities, and digital evolutions amid the pandemic, it’s never too late to embark on a new and meaningful career path – especially one that is not only rewarding on a personal level, but also helps others to protect matters most for them.

To start your journey to becoming an AXA Prime, visit www.axa.com.ph/axaprime. 

Protect the health of your fur babies with Cebuana Lhuillier Pet Insurance

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Cebuana  Lhuillier now offers insurance products for your pets with the launch of insurance for dogs

Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the Philippines’ leading and largest micro-financial service providers and a champion in financial inclusivity and mobility, recently launched its new insurance product for dogs.

The Philippines has one of the highest dog populations in the world at11.6 million as of 2020. Furthermore, the Philippines have the highest rate of pet ownership among the Southeast Asian countries at 83%, led by dog owners at 67%. In the course of the pandemic alone, the interest of Filipinos in owning pets grew 88% compared with 2019 figures. With the continuous growth of the pet industry, a big chunk of this is limited to grooming, nutrition, and the like. With a limited option for health care, pet owners are constantly challenged financially in order to provide for the medical needs of their fur babies.

This is the inspiration behind Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pet Insurance Basic, a microinsurance product especially made for fur babies which is expected to serve as a welcome respite for dog-owners saddled with large veterinary bills for checkups, procedures, and medical emergencies.

“Dogs have always been loyal life companions, so it’s only right that we take care of them, especially during their health emergencies. With responsible pet ownership in mind, Cebuana Lhuillier is proud to introduce a product that’s both accessible and affordable for many of our kababayans who would like to provide their pet dogs with the best care possible, regardless of breed. This highlights our company’s commitment in providing the most relevant and reasonably-priced financial products that correspond to their needs,” said Cebuana Lhuillier and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier.

We can’t deny that dogs provide much-needed companionship, comfort, and happiness in the everyday lives of its owners. This unmistakable bond between pet and owner was further amplified by the more than two years of isolation among Pinoys, especially in the midst of the pandemic. In turn, pet owners are known to only provide the utmost love and care to these pets, whether in the form of pet food and accessories, veterinary consultation, and medicine.

Pet Insurance Basic provides reimbursement from any veterinary treatment or confinement in a vet hospital in the event of an accident or disease, as well as burial assistance in case of death. Pet Insurance also offers a liability coverage feature for when the insured dog causes damage outside the owner’s home. Aside from that, owners are also insured for personal accidents for up to Php 25,000.00. For as low as P1,100.00 or P3.00/day, you can get all of these insurance benefits and features for a one-year coverage.

“Being a responsible pet owner is a commitment to provide for our pet’s needs and it consists of more than simply feeding and playing with them. Part of responsible pet ownership is addressing their physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being for the remainder of the pet's life. Our pet insurance aims to cover the risks that are involved in owning dogs, not just to protect them but to protect pet owners as well,”added Jonathan Batangan, First Vice President and Group Head Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc.

The introduction of Pet Insurance Basic is a part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s push on producing innovative products that tend to the needs of the general public, especially those covering their protection requirements. Make sure your pets are insured by shopping Pet Insurance Basic online through Shopee and Lazada and get your pets protected, anytime and anywhere.

Not physically and financially healthy enough? You only need one plan to boost both

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While the coronavirus pandemic has altered the way we live, some things will never change. For this reason, more people are turning to life insurance companies to better prepare themselves and their loved ones against all things inevitable.

In a 2021 survey commissioned by the AIA Group, AIA Philippines’ Hong Kong-based parent company, the majority of Filipinos acknowledged the severe impact COVID-19 has made on their well-being, not only in terms of their physical and mental health but also on their social lives and financial security.

About 71 percent of the respondents said the pandemic had a negative effect on their personal/family finances—driven mostly by mass layoffs, limited economic activities, and shrinking business confidence—with average income reduction measured at 29 percent.

Bleak outlook notwithstanding, the same survey found out that more people became conscious of their spending habits during the pandemic, with a larger number of respondents either planning to save more or buy an insurance product as soon as they recover financially. At least 77 percent agree to set aside a bigger chunk of their income to help them manage future uncertainties and other life emergencies, saying that despite their low confidence to achieve their target amount at present, they will look for ways to reach their savings goals.

This renewed interest to practice financial discipline among the majority of consumers is an encouraging sign for the financial services industry, in particular, as 75 percent strongly agree that saving up for better protection in cases of unforeseen circumstances deserve equal priority.

Consequently, demand for an all-around insurance product that can adjust to the customer’s needs is likely to increase over the years, which AIA Philippines is more than happy to address with its latest product, AIA All-In-One Plus.

“AIA All-In-One Plus is a comprehensive variable unit link whole life insurance plan with benefits. It protects the policyholder against four major risks: death, accident, disability and critical illnesses,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines Associate Director for Products, about their latest offering. “The product comes with an enrollment to the AIA Vitality program to promote better health among our customers. When you get AIA All-In-One Plus, you are not only protected against the four risks, but you are also rewarded for leading a healthy lifestyle,” Paras added.

AIA All-In-One Plus goes beyond basic insurance because it not only levels up your protection, but it also helps you live healthier as it sets you up for financial growth with a portion plowed into your chosen investment funds. With its Double Vitality Booster feature, AIA All-In-One Plus can help policyholders live a better lifestyle and improve their future claims and other benefits. AIA Vitality allows you to enjoy rewards for knowing and improving your health.

Leveling up the protection of one’s future is never too late for anyone who has yet to avail of an insurance plan. There’s no better time than now to start building a strong foundation with double protection through the complete benefits of AIA All-In-One Plus, and have peace of mind now, so you can live a healthier, longer, better life later.

Click here to know more about AIA All-In-One Plus, visit AIA Philippines on www.aia.com.ph, or on Facebook. You may also email philamlife@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000.

Self-love your way to joyful wellbeing

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This Valentine’s Month should be different from your past Valentine’s celebrations. More than romantic love, the value of self-love should be your priority so you can develop joyful wellbeing even beyond February. Having gone through the challenges of this pandemic, you know you deserve it. So celebrate you by embracing self-love.

It doesn’t have to involve one grand gesture or indulgence, but instead try a variety of actions that will ultimately turn into habit – acts that will support your physical, social, financial, mental and emotional wellbeing. At the ‘Be the Stronger Better You in 2022 with FWD’ event, acclaimed physician Dr. Ging Zamora aptly said, “Total wellbeing is a work in progress, and deciding to be in a state of joy is an exercise we must strive to do as often as we possibly can.”

Financial self-love

FWD Life Insurance suggests making a long-term financial investment that covers your future needs as a form of self-love. Invest in an insurance plan that allows you to grow your money and at the same time protect yourself and your loved ones from any possible setbacks in the future. One that will give yourself the capacity to prepare for possible medical emergencies. FWD has Set for Health, KanMend and Health Bundle that may just be the right fit for you.

“We want to encourage more people to practice self-love by investing on their health and wellbeing. What we have to offer goes beyond illness coverage so our customers can celebrate living in their best health,” says Li Hao Zhuang, president and CEO of FWD. “When you are confident that you have yourself covered, you will find it easier to accomplish more and do all the things that you love.”

To help celebrate you and start your financial self-love, FWD is giving you a chance to win prizes. For those who are already going through your own self-love journey to build your overall health and wellbeing, share how you practice them on FWD’s social media accounts to possibly win prizes like Garmin smartwatch and wellness weekend for two at The Farm at San Benito. And since the Year of The Tiger starts on Valentine month, FWD will also give you a chance to win more gifts by simply booking a free financial planning session until February 15. With campaigns like these, FWD is on track to changing the way people feel about insurance.

Physical self-love

It has been proven that regular exercise and proper nutrition are the best ways to achieve optimum physical health. Those “happy hormones” released after a good workout can definitely make you feel good. The best part of having an exercise routine is that it allows you to eat your favorite comfort food without guilt. Indulge now, burn calories later, so they say.

If you’re not really into hardcore exercise and strict diets, you can give yourself some physical self-love through a soothing massage every now and then, morning walks with your dog, or simply a relaxing shower. When you feel great physically, your mental and emotional state follows.

Mental and emotional self-love

We all have different ways of coping with stress and anxiety, but you can take control of your mental and emotional health by practicing self-love. Some find meditation helpful, others listen to music or certain auditory stimulants, while others find comfort in reading books. Take a social media break, go hiking for some change of scenery and fresh air, or “disappear” for a while in a solitary place of your choice if you have to.

It’s all about clearing the mind, filtering out any form of external noise, and listening to yourself to determine what makes you feel good and happy. Once you learn how to recognize your own feelings and reach your best mental and emotional health, you’ll find yourself wanting to go out again and have a blast with your friends and family.

Social self-love

Self-love can lead to selfless love. When you focus on taking care of yourself, you go through a state of overall good health and wellbeing that you grow your capability to love others and actually want to share a bit of yourself.

You find joy in the company of others, so you make time for your family and friends even if it’s only through a virtual activity. You volunteer to social causes because you have developed the passion to serve. You love discovering new things, so you join a group of like-minded people to satisfy your interests. It's okay to do something for or with others just to make yourself feel good. If it means more people will benefit from the things you do out of self-love, then the world will be a better place.

Whatever you do this Tiger Year beginning on Valentine Month, remember to celebrate you first. After all, the best way to feel the joy of wellbeing is through self-love. Learn more about taking care of your health and wellbeing, and FWD’s health protection plans at Health and Wellbeing | FWD Philippines

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. In just six years of business, FWD Insurance now ranks 3rd and 4th in terms of Paid-Up Capital1 and New Business Annual Premium Equivalent2, respectively.

FWD Group spans 10 markets in Asia including Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and family takaful products across a number of its markets. In the Philippines, FWD has 18 business hubs located in key cities nationwide, with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Established in Asia in 2013 with a trailblazer mentality, FWD is the primary insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group. FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences and making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent

Investing in the right health insurance for you and your loved ones

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There was a time when investment referred to stocks, real estate, market funds and business. While these are still important in growing one’s wealth, health has now risen as one of the most critical investments one must consider.

A survey done by Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a joint venture between the Yuchengco Group of Companies and Sun Life Philippines, indicated that health insurance rose from fourth to second top priority in financial protection among the general public. The respondents of the said survey, done in the third quarter of 2021, revealed that while they are concerned about having a stable source of income to help in emergency situations, they are also highly concerned for the health and well-being of their loved ones and themselves.

According to Richard S. Lim, president of Sun Life Grepa, the pandemic has raised the awareness of people on the importance of health plans. Plans that offer hospitalization and other benefits for dreaded disease treatment or COVID-related confinements are highly sought after at this time, together with life insurance products.

With this growing interest in mind, here are a few more factors to consider when choosing a health insurance policy.

Health Insurance provides options for a wide range of treatment benefits. 

While different people have different protection needs, it is very useful to have health insurance plans that provide coverage options for life-threatening conditions such as critical illnesses. Upon diagnosis of a critical illness, are some benefits paid out to provide the insured person sufficient funds for incurred medical expenses? In certain instances, these conditions may require additional tests and even initial confinements and procedures before the actual course of treatment is finalized. During the treatment process itself, it may be useful to check if the plan has options available to cover surgical-related costs should the treatment program require such intervention. An additional consideration would be hospital confinement-related benefits. This could range from regular room confinement to the more complex Intensive Care Unit (ICU) confinement options. Another useful aspect to consider would be a health plan’s post-recovery benefit options related to post-confinement treatment such as follow-up consultations and even rehabilitation.

Group coverage for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

MSMEs realize now, more than ever, the importance of securing their employees’ health to keep their business/es going. There is a right health insurance plan for the varying needs of such enterprises. Employers just need to thoroughly review plans best suited for them. There are various group hospitalization plans available in the market to choose from. It would be helpful to select one that includes surgical benefit options and possibly to pay for hospital expenses in case an employee needs to be confined. You could also look for an insurance plan that likewise covers the employee’s immediate family members. After all, employees caring for sick family members will likely be distracted and less productive at work if their loved ones’ needs are not looked after.

Reliable, extensive access to medical partners.

It helps to check on the insurance company’s access to medical providers. This access would ideally include hospitals, clinics and health care centers that are of good reputation, experts in their respective fields and with a history of trustworthiness. The more medical partners in more locations the better. A life insurance company with wide provider access can truly help in ensuring flexibility in service options like reimbursement, and also proves the organization's stability, competitiveness, and responsiveness to needs.

Financial advisors that speak your language. 

All financial advisors are trained, so it is important to try talking to various advisors before deciding on one that connects with you the most. It would be ideal to consider not just an advisor’s years of expertise and track record but also his ability to listen, understand your needs, and provide you with relevant financial protection coverage options that will best address your specific requirements. From sharing protection options to providing assistance in processing claims, an advisor’s clarity in explaining products and steps to take is highly beneficial.

About SUN LIFE GREPA: Sun Life Grepa is a joint venture between the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) and Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life). Sun Life Grepa offers financial protection products through its agency, bancassurance, and group account channels. YGC is one of Southeast Asia's largest conglomerates with over 90 companies, while Sun Life has been a top player in the Philippine market for over 120 years.

About the YUCHENGCO GROUP OF COMPANIES (YGC). The Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) is a premiere Philippine conglomerate with interests ranging from banking to international business partnerships, from financial services to construction, and from education to information technology. YGC is composed of market leaders and innovators like RCBC, Malayan Insurance, Sun Life Grepa, Mapua University, EEI Corporation, PetroEnergy Resources Corporation, and RCBC Bankard.

Experts agree: joyfulness is the best medicine

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When we focus on attaining overall health and wellbeing, we get to live life with joyfulness. With joy in our hearts, there is so much more we can do to lead a better quality of life physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and financially to complete our holistic health and wellbeing.

In a virtual discussion organized by FWD Life Insurance, specialists and professionals shared their thoughts on the topic: Joyfulness is the Best Medicine, and how it relates to holistic health and wellbeing.

According to acclaimed physician Dr. Ging Zamora, there is a scientific connection between joyfulness and overall health. “There is a science behind the saying that happy people live longer. Being joyful can have a positive impact on one's health, by improving the immune system, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, and others. This is why choosing to be in a state of joy is an important exercise we must strive to do every day,” said Dr. Ging.

Turning to physical health, fitness consultant and coach Jim Saret affirmed Dr. Ging’s explanation, quoting various research and studies that prove joyfulness can influence a person’s health habits, “Studies show that joyful people are more likely to exercise, eat healthy foods, sleep better and avoid smoking. If you have a good sense of wellbeing, it's easier to maintain good habits: exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.”

Roche Vandenberghe, VP and Head of Marketing of FWD Life Insurance, also pointed out that financial fitness is an important part of holistic health and wellbeing. “There is joy in knowing you have yourself and your family’s future protected with insurance. For FWD, our commitment is to provide health protection plans that go beyond illness coverage by having built-in benefits that encourage health and well-being so they can do more and celebrate living with utmost joy,” Roche said.

Dr. Shake Hocson, on the other hand, emphasized the effect of joyfulness in an individual’s mental, emotional and social state, saying that “joyfulness is the best medicine because it is the true and pure delight of your heart and soul that transcends regardless of the person and condition.”

Roche made reference to FWD’s innovative Health Bundle, where customers can choose a variable universal life (VUL) base plan from either Set for Life or Manifest. These products, she said, not only provide protection against critical illnesses but also help customers grow and protect their financial investment. KanMend, on the other hand, is the starter plan that likewise covers for critical illness and gives cash reward for confinement due to COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination at an affordable price making it accessible to everyone, even for gifting.

Another novel FWD product is Set for Health, which offers “zero-waste health protection”. This means every premium paid works for plan owners: they can claim up to 3x for unrelated major critical illnesses and waives all premiums on the first major critical illness diagnosis so they can focus on their recovery. If they never make a major critical illness claim by age 75, they will get back 100% of their paid premiums. This way, the owner has the freedom to keep the money as additional retirement fund or savings to maintain their state of health and well-being.

Indeed, it is important to look after ourselves as a whole – physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and financially – so we can attain joyfulness and live a fulfilled life.

To know more about FWD Life Insurance health products, visit www.fwd.com.ph/products.

To learn more about how you can live the joy of wellbeing, visit www.fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing.

 

About FWD Life Insurance 

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2020, FWD Life Insurance ranks 2nd and 4th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and New Business Annual Premium Equivalent2, respectively.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with approximately 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest growing insurance markets in the world. In the Philippines, FWD has 17 business hubs located in key cities nationwide, with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Established in 2013, FWD is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

 

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent

 

How father and daughter stay stronger than lifelong disabilities

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Winston Maxino and daughter Brina live with disabilities, yet they continue to prove that they can live life to its best. Through it all, they choose to be stronger for each other so they can continue to celebrate living.

“Brina inspires me to live on and enjoy life. She is my source of strength; seeing her achieve so much despite her condition. It tells us that one’s capabilities are what will eventually define a person. Disability is no hindrance to success,” Winston opens up.

Remarkable resilience

The pandemic helped Winston and Brina realize the importance of patience, social connectivity and family. Brina has found a new love for Zumba dancing, while Winston is rediscovering videography, photography and some magic tricks (he was once a member of International Magicians’ Club). They also bond over movies and board games with the family. During their own time, father and daughter are busy with their respective work: Winston as a Management Consultant, and Brina as a pre-school Assistant Teacher.

It’s remarkable how father and daughter are able to find ways to enjoy life even through tough times. You’d find it hard to believe that Winston has a rare and incurable disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis, a condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed1, while Brina is living with Down Syndrome. These disabilities, however, never slowed them down. They simply know where to find the strength they need to live productively.

“Prayers, a lot of prayers. Acceptance of my condition and having the strong belief that tomorrow will be a better day,” Winston says when asked about where he gets his strength. Brina, on the other hand, counts on her parents to get her through any difficulty. “Relax first. Then ask for help from your parents. They know what to do,” she affirms.

Future secure

Winston wants Brina to continue living a fulfilling life so he made sure that she is all set to cover uncertainties in the future.

“We are doing our best to make Brina as independent as possible, both emotionally and financially. She is now gainfully employed. She has her own money to spend. We continue to build her trust fund to finance her living in the future even when we are gone,” Winston affirms.

To add to his peace of mind, Winston takes comfort in the fact that Brina is covered with FWD Life Insurance’s two insurance products that provide her and her loved ones with life protection. At the same time, she also has the opportunity to earn from investment funds as well. This way, she can focus more on her dreams and live her life to the fullest amidst any kind of challenges.

Stronger than disabilities

Brina describes it best when asked what to do when faced with a difficult situation: “Always believe in yourself…Just keep on trying.” As a Special Olympics’ International Global Messenger, Brina says she also gets her confidence from the global movement’s “Athlete Oath”: ‘Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

And believe, she does. At 25, Brina has achieved more than what was expected of her. She finished three college courses: certificate for General Clerical Skills, diploma for Associate in Arts, and degree for AB History. Just like her dad, she is also an inspirational speaker. She was the lone Person with Disability chosen as United Nations’ UNESCO Global Champion for Inclusive Education. She has already shaken the hand of former US President Barack Obama. She is also a model, and acted as herself in Magpakailanman’s episode, “My Beautiful Daughter: The Maxino Family Story”.

At the rate she’s going, one may think that Brina can already rest on her laurels. The young lady, however, still has dreams to fulfill. “I would like to be an entrepreneur. I want to have my own grocery store or own my own school,” Brina shares. She further reveals that she gets her confidence from her dad, whom she also considers her best friend.

To this day, Winston is still amazed at how much Brina has accomplished and marvels at how much more she can do. Brina admires everything her dad does and together they are a formidable force proving that no disability is greater than their capabilities.

1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2020, FWD Life Insurance ranks 2nd and 4th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and New Business Annual Premium Equivalent2, respectively.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with approximately 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. In the Philippines, FWD has 17 business hubs located in key cities nationwide, with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Established in 2013, FWD is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2020 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent