Sun Life and Beyond Sport foster healthier communities with grand opening of revamped basketball court in Calauan, Laguna

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Sun Life Philippines and Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc., in line with their commitment to help Filipinos live healthier lives, recently unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court in the Legacy of Light Village, a resettlement model community that the Sun Life Foundation helped develop in Calauan, Laguna. This is part of the “Hoops + Health” program, a PHP 40 million partnership with Beyond Sport, a global sport-for-social-change organization. The program aims to leverage the power of basketball to encourage physical activity and promote healthier lifestyles by renovating basketball courts across Asia.

(From L-R) Kristine Millete, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director; Valerie Pama, Sun Life Philippines Chief Asset Management Officer; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience & Marketing Officer; Alex Narciso, Sun Life Foundation President; Donny Pangilinan; Wilma Vibar, Legacy of Light Homeowners Association President; Zahra Khamisa, Beyond Sport Consultant; Flora Couralet, Sun Life Asia Partnerships Manager

The inauguration event, held on February 28, 2024, at the Legacy of Light Village basketball court in Calauan, was attended by Sun Life executives, Sun Life brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan, Beyond Sport representatives, residents of Calauan, and national media.

The newly refurbished basketball court at the Legacy of Light Village, Calauan, Laguna.

The basketball court has been transformed with fresh coats of paint, upgraded facilities, and new, state-of-the-art basketball hoops. More than just a physical renovation, this initiative represents Sun Life’s commitment to fostering healthier communities by improving access to physical activity. The revitalized court provides a safe and accessible space for individuals of all ages to engage in basketball and other physical activities, promoting overall health and well-being.

In addition, the “Hoops + Health” program will deliver an educational program for local coaches to learn about nutrition, physical activity, and protecting mental well-being. These coaches will then develop a basketball program to engage the youth in the community.

This initiative builds on Sun Life’s 3x3 Charity Challenge, held in August 2023, which raised funds for capacity-building support, program development grants, and infrastructure revitalization projects, including the basketball court renovation in Calauan.

“At Sun Life, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to achieve holistic health and wellness,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “By partnering with Beyond Sport, we are harnessing the unique power of basketball to not only encourage physical activity but also to foster community spirit and contribute to a healthier future for Filipinos.”

“Sport serves as a powerful instrument for positive social change,” added Beyond Sport Executive Director, Fred Turner. “We are proud to partner with Sun Life on this impactful project, as we transformed this basketball court into a vibrant space where the youth can develop their skills and lead healthier lives.”

By making physical activity enjoyable and readily available, Sun Life aims to serve as a catalyst for adopting healthier lifestyle choices, to potentially impact the generations to come.

Real Life Client-Advisor Partnerships Shine in Sun Life’s Latest Campaign

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(Manila, Philippines) – Heartwarming real-life stories of Sun Life Philippines’ advisors and clients will take the spotlight in the company’s latest campaign dubbed “Part of Your Life. Partner for Life.”

 Sun Life advisor Buena Elizondo-David is her client Alpha Trajeco's Partner for Life

“The relationship between Sun Life clients and their advisors is special because it’s one that is built on trust over time and shines brightest during life’s significant moments,” Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Experience Office Gilbert Simpao said.

This is demonstrated in the story of advisor Buena Elizondo-David and her client Alpha Trajeco. It was Buena’s foresight that enabled Alpha to have the funds she needed when she was stricken with cancer. “Being an advisor is not just on the surface. When I talk to clients and guide them in securing an insurance or an investment, I put their needs first,” Buena shared. Her compassion is well appreciated by Alpha, who said, “If not for Buena, I wouldn’t even be here today. She truly is a part of my life.”

Sun Life client Katherine “Kay” Barcena has a Partner for Life in her advisor Kristine Leechiu-Tan

The same sentiment was echoed by Katherine “Kay” Barcena. After losing her job at the height of the pandemic, it was her advisor Kristine Leechiu-Tan who guided her in making the right financial decisions, that she was even able to start her own business. “It is during these times that their insurance and investment plans really become a lifesaver to these families,” Kristine mused. Meanwhile, Kay’s experience has her wishing the same for others who are pursuing their financial goals. “Just like me, I hope everyone finds a partner for life,” she said.

The stories of Alpha, Buena, Kay, and Kristine will surely inspire those who will catch it on Sun Life’s Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/sunlifeph) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sunlifeph) starting July 24, 2021.

Such kind of relationships are what makes Sun Life advisors come highly recommended. “We take great pride in having the best advisors in the industry who not only demonstrate integrity and care for our clients but also strive to be partners in their journey towards a lifetime of financial security,” Simpao said.

Meanwhile, to further highlight the value of having a financial advisor, Sun Life will be complementing the stories with various activations, including an escape room dubbed “Escape to the Future”; webinars featuring top financial coach Chinkee Tan, and virtual events featuring the company’s brand ambassadors. Details will be announced on Sun Life’s social media pages.

“We hope this campaign will encourage more Filipinos to find that partner who will help them achieve their financial goals throughout their lifetime,” Simpao said. “Sun Life and its financial advisors are always here to help.”