Live the Dream : Why you should start working on your bucket list and how!

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Everyone wants to live a life full of meaningful memories. I'm sure and hopefully most people enjoy the wonderful world. Have you create your Bucket List? A record of all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill and experiences you want to enjoy, to live life to the fullest!

It’s less than three months to go until the end of 2017. For some reason, days and months fly by at breakneck speeds and before we know it, we only have a month left from the year. Question is, what have you to show for? 

How many of your plans for the year have you accomplished? How many of the goals you have set, the type of person you want to be, the places you want to see, the things you want to try, the adventures you want to take, have you crossed out from your bucket list? 

Stop making excuses and achieve it. Aspire for it. Start it. Do it. Whether it’s going back to your ideal weight, making your first million, chasing your true passions, or starting your own business, stop waiting for the perfect time or the perfect opportunity and start doing now. There will be no right moment, or enough money, or even the perfect person to do it with if you just wait. Life, as they say, is what happens to us while we are busy making plans!

With three months to go before the end of the year, it’s time to get your act together! The first step is to take the first step! Here are ways to start. 

Start a Bucket List Journal 

Keeping a journal where your wish-list (?) or life goals are readily visible and carefully mapped out (think pages upon pages of goal-setting dream boards) is a great step toward turning your bucket list into a reality. You can write or attach here promo fares, travel packages, or “pegs” for future reference. Journaling is also a great way to keep track, store, and immortalize your list’s journey from dream to reality! 

Download a Bucket List App

Don’t have time to start a journal? Want to have—and manage—your bucket list with a swipe of the finger? There’s an app for that! There are several bucket list apps for Android and iOS that will help you track, organize, label, and even categorize your goals, dreams, and projects. These apps allow you update completion status for each item, attach photos and motivational quotes to keep you inspired, and share your bucket list with friends on social media.

Join promos and contests 

What will you lose if you join a million contests and promos? Nothing! So go ahead and try it. There are actually a lot of stuff online that can help you achieve your bucket list. You can get discounts for your travel bucket list or win a free course. On Facebook, there is an ongoing bucket list contest on FWD Life Philippines’ FB page (@fwdlife.ph). When you win, you’ll be given the chance to actually do your bucket list! (Get Fit, Start a Business, Go Scuba Diving, Make an Indie Film, Make Your First Million, Create Your Own Restaurant Brand, etc.). Cool, right? Head to the page and check it out. I mean, what’s the harm in trying? 

Completing your bucket list is easier than you think. All you need to do is start. Start believing that you can achieve it. So stop dreaming about it. Stop waiting. And start doing! Good luck!

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. After its second full year of operations in 2016, FWD ranked #12 in total premium income, up one notch from previous year, according to the Insurance Commission’s report.1 By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest-capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.2 

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has nine business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.insurance.gov.ph" www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > 2017 > Based on Premium Income

2 Based on publicly available disclosures.

Tech Millionaire and Adventure Journalist Garrett Gee Inspires Students to Follow their Passion

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Garrett Gee (2nd from left) with Jefferson High School students (L-R): Lawrence Angelo, Joshua Natividad, Ryan Adion, Terry Sustal, Saul Molina, and Princess Sembrano. (Photo courtesy of Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion)

What would one do with a million dollars? Or in this case, $54 million? Tech millionaire and travel journalist Garrett Gee was faced with this very question after he sold his app to Snapchat in 2014. The story behind his mind-blowing success, and what he is now doing with his life were the subject of his chat with students of Jefferson High School in Daly City, California, as part of a joint outreach by ABS-CBN International and Discovering Routes.

According to their website, “Jefferson has a reputation for high academic and athletic standards, despite its designation as an underperforming school. The Jefferson Staff encourages students to achieve at their highest potential, developing skills necessary to become life-long learners and productive citizens.”

A Story of Success

As a sophomore at Brigham Young University, Garrett developed the app, Scan, with two other co-designers. Shortly after, legions of downloads followed its launch. This led to a TV feature on Shark Tank where he did not get the funding he sought. But as all great stories have their glorious endings, Scan was later acquired by Snapchat.

“I feel like it’s one of those classic questions: ‘What would you do with a million dollars?’ It was a really cool and humbling experience to be faced with that question,” Garrett admits to the class. And this was his plan, “Let’s sell everything we own, go super minimalistic, and just travel for some time. Let’s learn about different cultures, about different countries, and try to see what brings other people happiness all around the world.”

This minimalist, vagabond-style of exploring the world paved the way for the two of his landmark projects:

(1) The Bucket List Family – a social media documentation on Garrett’s family and their travels; and

(2) Discovering Routes– an original series from ABS-CBN Global Studios, that follows him and his sister, Miristi, as they return to their ancestral land.

Passion and Hard Work

Garrett’s talk highlighted that through all the positive and fun things happening in his life, “it all goes back to the high school days and the college days when I just made up my mind to figure out what’s right for me; that I need to follow my own passion. As long as I work hard at it, develop the skills, and don’t get lazy, I think I can make it happen.”

The Intro to Robotics class is the brainchild of Principal Mark Beshirs and teacher Joel Bruxvoort. Ryan Adion, a senior at Jefferson High, was impressed by how the class was captivated by their guest speaker. “People who talk here, they come in suits, he’s just dressed casually so I feel I can relate to him.” Junior student Saul Molina chimed in,“It was pretty cool how he split the money equally,” referring to how Garrett nontraditionally decided on dividing the profit from Snapchat evenly with his co-designers.

Beshirs and Bruxvoort are proponents for unconventional teaching methods. “I just see the smiles on their faces and their intent, and the really nice questions they asked. They start to see humanity, to see themselves,” shared Bruxvoort.

(Left) Jefferson High students pull out the Scan app on their phones and show these to Garrett. (Right) Garrett takes a selfie with the students before they parted ways.

On his end, the tech rockstar confided that this was one of his all-time favorite talks.

“I spoke at a lot of corporations and universities, but this is cool because when I entered into their classroom, I just saw a lot of people who remind me of myself back in high school, and I saw a lot of potential in them.”

The talk was made possible by Daly City Arts and Culture Commissioner Dorie Paniza, with Jefferson High School Principal Mark Beshirs, and ABS-CBN International’s Global Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Nerissa Fernandez.

(L-R) “Intro to Robotics” Teacher Joel Bruxvoort, Discovering Routes Executive Producer Keesa Ocampo, ABS-CBN International Managing Director for North America Olivia De Jesus, Jessica Gee w/ 3-year old Manilla, Jefferson High School Principal Mark Beshirs, Garrett Gee w/ 4-year old Dorothy, Consul General Henry Bensurto Jr, Consul Carlyn Monastrial, and Daly City Commissioner for Arts & Culture Dorie Paniza.

A Beacon of the Filipino American Community

Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco made a surprise visit to the class. He presented Garrett with a certificate of appreciation for his philanthropy and goodwill. Bensurto expressed his gratitude to Garrett for having “contributed to raising the profile of the Filipino people, not only in his country but the entire world; and for inspiring the young generation of Filipino Americans to discover their Filipino heritage and connect with the country of origin of their parents.

Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. (right) tells Garrett Gee (left) that what he is doing for the Filipino community is fantastic. Bensurto stated, “he opens up the beauty that the Philippines is all about – its culture, its people, its cuisine.”

A Quick Trek to TFC Headquarters

Prior to Garrett’s talk at Jefferson High, he visited the Daly City headquarters of ABS-CBN International to film fun digital content for Discovering Routes. Extending his Philippine experience, Garrett’s learning a bit of the language, still eating the food, and connecting with his roots.

Adventure journalist Garrett Gee sits down with Discovering Routes Executive Producer Keesa Ocampo to engage in a fun Q&A.

Garrett interacts with the officers and staff during his recent visit to the TFC headquarters. Clockwise from top left: Garrett greets officers in conference (L-R) Solutions Delivery Head Gilbert Talavera, Digital IT Officer Ria Vizcarra, Accounts Receivable & Remedial Officer Noel Duma, Digital Partnership & Integration Head Connie Lopez, and Global Business Development Head Enrique Olives; with Global Head of Theatricals JohnD Lazatin; talking with Global HR & Organization Development Head Vic Nuguid; with BA Executive Producer Troy Espera.

Keep up with this adventurer and follow his journey. New webisodes on Garrett’s exploits in the beautiful islands of the Philippines go live Mondays and Thursdays on www.DiscoveringRoutes.com. The Discovering Routes TV series can be seen around the globe on Myx TV and Lifestyle Network, and in the Philippines via Lifestyle TV.

ABOUT DISCOVERING ROUTES

Discovering Routes is an original series by ABS-CBN Global Studios that follows people to their lands of ancestry, in search of epic adventures. The series caters to the wanderlust of those who love to explore and travel and immerse themselves into food, music, culture, and adventure. Follow Discovering Routes on Facebook and Instagram.

Merci Buco: CocoNUTS ABOUT FLAVOR!

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How sweet is it that aside from the original coco water, you get to choose from two more flavors? Since Filipinos are naturally fond of sweets, Locally, the first quirky Filipino juice line made with indigenous local fruits, launched two more variants of the Locally Merci Buco coco water line: Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee. So you have not one, not two but three Merci Buco variants! Sweet!

Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee are flavors that appeal to the sweet tooth of every Filipino coco lover. And while they are often prepared as desserts, making them into drink flavors is not a bad idea at all! Imagine having your dessert and drinking it, too! What an amazing coconut concoction! Or shall we say...COCOction?!

Buco Pandan is an all-time favorite Filipino chilled salad made by blending shredded young coconut, pandan (screwpine leaves)-flavored gelatin cubes, cream and sweetened condensed milk. But as a drink, it has the refreshing kick of coco juice mixed with the exhilarating fragrance of Pandan leaves. So good that it will make you want to do the PANDANCE OF JOY! Drink some more and feel that burst of energy inside of you that will make you want to bust a move. It’s delicious, refreshing and naturally flavorful. 

Buco Lychee, meanwhile, is traditional buko salad made yummier and juicier with lychee and coconut jelly or nata de coco. As a drink, it is simply refreshing and sweet. It has coconut water that quenches your thirst mixed with the exotic goodness of Lychee. Think of it this way, it’s like drinking your dessert minus the calories! We won’t Lychee you, it is honestly good!

Locally Merci Buco is made from pure and organic coconut water sourced and organically grown from local farms in Bicol and Quezon, assuring consumers not only of 100% freshness from the best-tasting natural coco water but also of its numerous health benefits: low calorie content of 40 calories per serving, no sugar added (for plain coco water), no fat and cholesterol, gluten-free, not from concentrate, and non-GMO. What’s more, all variants have the natural properties of coco water such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

It is also the first local coconut water that is certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1 and EcoCert2. So you get to have a sweet time enjoying your flavored drink plus the assurance that it is safe and healthy. 

Packed in 330 ML and 1 liter eco-friendly recyclable tetra pack, Locally’s Merci Buco is available at Rustan’s and select PureGold and Robinsons supermarkets, and is exported to the US and the Middle East. 

Do us a favor and choose both flavors! Grab your Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee now!

Locally is the first quirky Filipino juice line that uses home-grown fruits. The brand mirrors the unique and fun characteristics of Filipinos with its catchy word puns, namely: Mangosteenie Miney Mo, Tamarind My Bell, Dalandan It Again, Guyabano-body but You, Calamansi’z the Day, Pomelong & Lasting Love and Save the Best for Sineguelast. 

For inquiries and more information about Locally products, visit the official Locally Facebook (@LocallyPhilippines) and Instagram (@Locally PH) pages

Sources:

1 https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic

2 http://www.ecocert.com/en/our-approach

DreamPlay's “Spookfest”, a Halloween adventure at City of Dreams Manila

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 DreamPlay, the DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space at City of Dreams Manila will hold its annual “Spookfest”, a Halloween adventure from October 28 to November 1 packed with thrilling games, exciting activities, special performances, and awesome prizes.

Children who wish to join can sign up for the “Spookfest VIP Package” for P1,500 which includes an all-day pass at DreamPlay, an exclusive experience to participate in the “Shrek or Treat Pumpkin Hunt” and “Shrek It Out” Costume Contest, admission to view the DreamWorks Halloween movie at the Dream Theatre, a pass to create pumpkin-shaped gingerbread cookies at Gingy’s Kitchen, photo ops with Shrek, and a Spookfest bag with DreamPlay goodies.

The “Shrek or Treat Pumpkin Hunt” enables kids to compete in groups to collect all the pumpkins of their assigned color – orange, yellow, blue, red, green, or white. The pumpkins are hidden in DreamPlay’s various attractions and each pumpkin gives a clue on where to find the next one. The first team to complete their specified pumpkins wins a prize.

Kids who come prepared with their scariest, coolest, or most creative costumes can join the “Shrek It Out” costume contest to be held on November 1 at 3 pm and get a chance to win an overnight stay at Nobu Hotel Manila or DreamPlay tickets. Each contestant shall register and secure an entry number. All participants will be called on stage to showcase their costumes. 

The “Shrek It Out Costume” contest criteria for judging are: creativity (based on overall look, color and personality) - 30%; originality (uniqueness of the costume) - 30%; complexity (intricacy of the costume) - 20%; and overall-appearance (overall style) - 20%. 

For inquiries and admission, guests can call 800 8080 or 800 0909 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

"An Evening with Pilita" at The Theatre at Solaire

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Asia’s Queen of Song, Pilita Corrales, icon and legend of the Philippine entertainment industry for the past 6 decades, goes on stage at 8 p.m. on November 17, 2017 at The Theatre at Solaire for “An Evening with Pilita”. 

With Ms Corrales in the one-night-only concert will be the immensely popular AMP Band and the inimitable string section of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra with Mel Villena as musical director. The exceptional combination of musicians will provide the big band sound of the 50s and 60s and a taste of the classics. 

The show will profile nuggets of time in Pilita’s life and career. She will be joined by her daughter Jackie Lou Blanco and son Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, both TV and motion picture personalities in their own right; her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez, and her old friends and colleagues in the industry Nikki Ross and Angie de la Cruz, better known as the Wing Duo.

Pilita started singing in Spanish as a host of the radio show “La Taberna” on KZPI. Her career took off in Australia where she became the first woman to top the Australian pop charts with a song called “Come Closer to Me.” She was the first artist signed up by Astor Records. There is even a street in Victoria named after her.

In the early 60's, Pilita was back in Manila to pursue a musical career in her home country. At the same time as she recorded albums in Spanish, English, Tagalog, and Cebuano, Pilita was signed up by ABS-CBN to host and star in a long-running television musical show called “An Evening With Pilita.” 

Ms Corrales has performed locally and abroad with stars like Sammy Davis, Jr., the Beatles, Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra, and Julie Andrews. 

When asked how she feels about the much-anticipated November 17 concert, Pilita says: 

“It is exciting. I will be at The Theatre at Solaire, which is beautiful and the sound is world class.” 

Pilita was given the well-deserved title “Asia’s Queen of Songs” when she became the first Filipino to win in an international music festival, named the Best Performer at the 1st Tokyo Music Festival in 1972.

She has received every award imaginable in the local music industry. All of these accolades and milestones in her colorful and celebrated life and career will be at the center of “An Evening With Pilita - the concert."

Carlo Orosa the show’s director explains: “We want to show a side of Pilita that a lot of the young people have not seen. She is the first Filipino singer to actually showcase the Filipino talent internationally. She is both an icon and a legend.” 

Pilita is elated to be the next music icon to perform in The Theatre at Solaire’s continuing Icons Series after the sold-out and well-reviewed concerts of Basil Valdez and Celeste Legaspi, “The feeling is like you’re on cloud nine.” 

Audie Gemora, Solaire's Entertainment Director says, “Solaire is home of OPM and what better way for us to establish this than to highlight ‘Icons of Filipino music.' Who can be more iconic that Pilita Corrales? Her distinct voice, performance style and image have regaled generations. She is the only one to have had numerous hit albums in Spanish, English, Tagalog and Bisaya. Anyone who has grown up watching “Bagong Kampeon” knows she has great personality and sense of humor. We cannot wait to have Ms. Pilita on stage at The Theatre Solaire.”

"An Evening with Pilita" is presented by Solaire Resort and Casino. For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 8919999.