FWD sends off sole Filipino runner to North Pole Marathon

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Pan-Asian insurer FWD Life Insurance, one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in the Philippines, is sending off the country’s lone representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon.

Multi-sport athlete and cancer survivor Luisito “Louie” Sangalang is set to fly to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the Marathon, which will be held on April 9. He will join ten (10) other FWD-sponsored runners from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan in the grueling marathon. Collectively, the 11 runners are dubbed “FWD Team Asia”.

The FWD North Pole Marathon runners, hailing from all over the globe, will be running on ice sheet measuring 6 to 12 feet thick which is above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, literally on top of the world. They will be traversing a 42-kilometer path with an average temperature of negative 30 degrees centigrade, even going as low as negative 40 degrees centigrade at times. The marathon is unique because it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. The FWD North Pole Marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.

FWD Life Insurance prepares Louie Sangalang for 

this once-in-a-lifetime experience

To prepare for the race of a lifetime, Sangalang has joined various local marathons to keep his body in top physical shape. To enable his body to adjust to the extreme cold weather, he has continuously trained inside an industrial freezer with a temperature that mimics that of the negative 30-degree centigrade temperature in the North Pole.

Sangalang says the support given by “The FWD Squad” helped him in preparing for the FWD North Pole Marathon. Triathlon coach Ani De Leon-Brown as well as Sangalang’s running coach Ige Lopez provided the athletic training and guidance. Romi Garduce, the first and only Filipino to have completed the Seven Summits in 2012, gave valuable advice on how to survive the extreme cold.

Other members of the Squad include celebrity mom Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and son Benjamin, who gave motivational support for Sangalang, and radio DJ and host Sam YG, who joined Sangalang in his rigorous training sessions.

From overcoming life challenges to conquering 

the world’s summit

According to FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Peter Grimes, Sangalang’s resilience in overcoming different challenges is one trait that resonates well in Filipinos and this made him the perfect choice to represent the Philippines in the marathon.

“Louie's inspiring story of being a cancer survivor and his passion for fitness, which he uses to inspire Filipinos to live an active lifestyle, also best represent what FWD stands for: embracing the opportunities in your life without hesitation,” said Grimes.Apart from Louie, FWD is also sponsoring runners who have their own life challenges but are pursuing the FWD North Pole Marathon experience nonetheless. Representing Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively, are para-athlete Shariff Abdullah, dubbed as Singapore Blade Runner, and the visually impaired Leung Siu Wai.

Louie’s send-off party was held on March 22 at the Bonifacio Technology Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The FWD-sponsored send-off event was attended by FWD executives and team members, North Pole Marathon campaign collaborators, Louie’s friends and relatives, and his support squad.

This is the second year that FWD has sponsored 

the North Pole Marathon.

FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing, Roche Vandenberghe shared, “FWD saw the North Pole Marathon as a unique and important platform to communicate the idea that everyone should live life to the fullest, stay true to their passion, and not give up their goals, because FWD will always have their back!”

About FWD Philippines

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.

7 Must-Visit Churches to Include in Your Visita Iglesia List

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Every Holy Week, Catholics from all walks of life traditionally visit seven different churches as part of the Visita Iglesia to pray and reflect on their lives. 

As one of the largest Christian countries in the world, the Philippines is, by no surprise, full of beautiful churches where devout Catholics can choose from for this long-standing religious practice. 

To help you save time and lessen your research work, Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, has picked out some of the churches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces best known for their unique historical and miracle stories which you can visit this Holy Week.

1. Quiapo Church - Manila

Photo from Quiapo Church

The Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, has been a symbol of Catholicism in the Philippines for centuries.

Every year, many flock to the basilica to pray before the popularly known Black Nazarene. The annual festival of the Black Nazarene attracts millions of devotees who believe that the life-sized religious figure has delivered miracles in the various aspects of their lives.

2. Barasoain Church - Malolos, Bulacan

Photo from National Historical Commission of the Philippines

If you owned a 10-peso bill in the late ‘90s, you probably saw this church’s image on the back of that note.

The Barasoain Church is recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as the Cradle of Democracy in the East and as one of the country’s most important structures. It was chosen as the site of the Philippines’ first Congress, where the revolutionary Malolos Constitution was crafted, paving the way for the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in 1899.

3. Parish of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace - Lipa, Batangas

Photo from Mapio.net

In 1948, a postulant at the Carmelite Monastery of Lipa claimed to be graced by the Virgin Mary with an apparition in the compound’s garden. Stories further claimed that days later, rose petals with religious images rained on the monastery as a sign of the apparition.

Today, the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Parish stands as a reminder of the event, drawing the faithful to the site for decades. It is situated amid the bustling city of Lipa, providing a safe and quiet haven for contemplation and reflection for the faithful.

4. Santo Domingo Church - Quezon City

Photo from Diocese of Cubao

The Santo Domingo Church is known across the Philippines and Asia for two main reasons: it’s one of the biggest churches in the continent, and it serves as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila.

Yearly, devotees flock to this site for an annual procession featuring Our Lady of La Naval de Manila. The interiors of the church, which boast of colorful stained-glass windows and centuries-old artifacts, is also an attraction to tourists and locals alike.

5. Baclaran Church - Parañaque City

Photo from Baclaran Church

This church is the national shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and is one of the largest Marian churches in the Philippines. Every Wednesday, the Baclaran Church is flooded by devotees who pray their patron’s novena and attend the Holy Mass.

Located along Roxas Boulevard, this religious structure commonly attracts Catholics from all walks of life, especially those seeking refuge from life’s ordeals like various illnesses, marital problems, financial troubles, and more.

6. Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral - Baguio City, Benguet

Photo from choosephilippines.com

Named after Our Lady of Atonement whose intercession is directed to the reconciliation of sins, the cathedral is a central figure of Catholicism in Baguio.

Managed by the Pink Sisters on Brent Road, this cathedral is known for its iconic pink facade. It’s popular both as a tourist spot and a site for prayer and reflection, thanks to its closeness to nature and its proximity to other frequented places in the city.

7. Manaoag Church - Manaoag, Pangasinan

Photo from asianjournal.com

According to folktales, the Virgin Mary appeared before a young farmer in Manaoag, giving him instructions on where she wanted a church to be built. This was believed to be the Manaoag Church’s origin.

Renowned as the pilgrim center of the north, the Manaoag Church is home to Our Lady of Manaoag. It is frequented by many Catholics because of the centuries-old ivory statue of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

With these must-see churches, you can surely complete your Visita Iglesia list and focus more on reflection and recollection. Discover what these churches have to offer as you take the time to contemplate with your family and friends. Feel free to also share your reflections this Holy Week, and take part in inspiring others and creating a culture of shared success in life and in business!

Capture and share the beauty of these churches as you travel with a mobile connection you can count on. Visit the myBusiness Postpaid page and find ThePlan for you!

Shopee launches Xiaomi Official Store

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Now, around 11 million Shopee users in the Philippines can now access a wide variety of Xiaomi official products, including the company's popular range of smartphones and ecosystem products at very competitive prices. 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has signed an official partnership with global technology leader, Xiaomi to launch the Xiaomi Official Store. 

Redmi 5 16GB will be available at a special price of 5,990 PHP through anexclusive Shopee flash sale on 4 April

With this partnership, around 11 million Shopee users in the Philippines can now access a wide variety of Xiaomi official products, including the company's popular range of smartphones and ecosystem products at very competitive prices. 

To celebrate the launch of the Xiaomi Official Store, the popular 16GB model Redmi 5 will be exclusively sold online on Shopee at a special price of 5,990 PHP, with 10% Shopee coins cashback, through an exclusive flash sale on 4 April. Additionally, users who pre-register their interest from 23 to 31 March will receive a 250 PHP Xiaomi voucher, which can be used to “offset the purchase of all accessories and ecosystem products on the Xiaomi Official Store.

  

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer, Shopee said, “In the past few years we have witnessed tremendous growth in the number of Filipino consumers purchasing electronics, and in particular, smartphones, online. In the Philippines, electronics is one of the leading product categories sold online with a total market volume of USD 543 million in January 2018; and is also one of the top performing categories on Shopee. We are delighted to partner with Xiaomi, a global technology leader, to provide a greater variety of choices for consumers and to strengthen our position in the electronics category.”

“We are excited to partner with Shopee, one of the leading e-commerce platforms in the region that has steady growth and potential. The Philippines’ e-commerce market is expected to see high growth this year, and we are confident with the strategic partnership with Shopee, it will extend our reach and highlight our commitment to continue to bring more innovative products into the market and provide greater access to technology for more Filipinos,” said John Chen, Regional Director (SEA Region), Xiaomi.

Redmi 5 is powered by octa-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 450. The smartphone comes with Dual Micro-SIM, with 5.7-inch Full Screen display at an 18:9 aspect ratio which further equipped with high capacity battery at 3300 mAh. The 12MP rear camera has a 1.25-micron pixel size and phase detection autofocus, and the front-facing 5MP comes with an LED Selfie light that will enable you to take great selfies even better in low-light conditions.

Download Shopee for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Visit Xiaomi’s Official Store on Shopee, https://shopee.ph/xiaomiofficialstoreph 

More about Xiaomi Philippines can be found via http://www.mi.com/ph/ 

iPhone lookalike Vivo V9 with 24MP AI selfie camera to start pre-order on March 26

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Global smartphone brand Vivo will accept pre-orders of its new flagship phone, the V9, beginning March 26. 

The announcement was made during Vivo's summer-inspired launch of the V9 at the City of Dreams Manila on March 22. 

For those who want to be the firsts to get their hands on the Vivo V9, it will be available for pre-order starting March 26 until April 5, 2018.

Aside from getting first dibs on the Vivo V9, those who will pre-order the new flagship smartphone will enjoy an additional six months of warranty and an anti-theft Bobby Bag. These perks will give them an additional savings of Php4,990.

The Vivo V9 features a FullView^TM Display and 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch display and side bezels of 1.75mm. It delivers AI-powered perfect shots with its 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual rear camera. The V9 is a sleek and stylish smartphone that can take the “perfect shot” and provide the “perfect view.”

Vivo's newest flagship smartphone is equipped with the latest Android 8.1 OS and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64 ROM.

The Vivo V9 retails at Php17,990 at all authorized shops nationwide. It is available in Pearl Black and Gold. 

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and

Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 

Globe Business, GCash ink partnership with Shakey’s Philippines - Enables toll-free hotline #77777 and scan-to-pay feature

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Shakey’s Philippines, one of the biggest and most iconic pizza store chains in the country, has tapped Globe Telecom and GCash to allow its customers to order and pay for their pizza, pasta, chicken, and other favorite food and drinks with just their mobile phones.

From L-R: Anthony Thomas, Mynt President and CEO; Albert de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Commercial Officer; Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO; Vicente Gregorio, SPAVI President and CEO; Jorge Concepcion, SPAVI General Manager; and Peter Maquera, Globe SVP for Enterprise Group

Together with Globe Business, the information and communication technology arm of Globe Telecom, Shakey’s Philippines has expanded its order and delivery operations through number #77777 which will allow over 60 million Globe customers nationwide to order toll-free via their mobile phones and landlines. 

With the growing demand for delivery services, this mobile solution ensures greater reach and easier access for guests even those in hard-to-reach provincial areas. That is why a growing number of the country’s top fast food chains have and are partnering with Globe Business to avail of the #Hashtag service.

At the same time, Shakey’s Philippines is also adopting GCash Scan to Pay service to pilot initially in 11 branches. The Scan-to-Pay feature provides a hassle-free payment system that comes with special promos and discounts for guests.

“Our partnership with Globe Telecom maximizes our opportunities to offer a full range of order and delivery services to our guests. Through Globe Business and GCash, both industry leaders for business solutions and e-finance services, Shakey’s Philippines is confident that this partnership will flourish to serve more guests with quality food and excellent delivery service,” says Vicente Gregorio, President and CEO of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Venture Inc.

Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO, also expressed that the collaboration will primarily benefit the customers of Globe, GCash, and Shakey’s.

“Both the #Hashtag and GCash Scan to Pay feature give guests of Shakey’s Philippines the power to use their mobile phones as a tool to make transactions easier and more convenient. Globe continuously strives to improve and create solutions that bridge business gaps and provide companies with the technology that will allow them to empower and connect their customers,” Cu said.

With over 200 stores nationwide, Shakey’s Philippines intends to roll out GCash Scan-to-Pay within the year. The rollout is piloted in the following Shakey’s branches: BGC Stopover, Market Market, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Loyola (Katipunan), Buendia, Valero, Glorietta, Park Square Makati, Makati Avenue, UPS (Shakey's WOW Center) and Magallanes.

With this added partnership with Shakey’s Philippines, every GCash Scan to Pay user is entitled to its promos. A 10 percent cashback capped at Php500 will be rewarded to GCash users when customers pay through the feature until March 31, 2018.

To use GCash Scan to Pay, customers just need to download the latest version of the GCash App, register for an account and fund their GCash wallet at any of over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets nationwide. Once funds are loaded in the GCash wallet, a customer can then swipe to the left or choose Pay QR then Scan QR and point the smartphone’s camera to the merchant’s QR code to scan. They can also pay bills and send money through the GCash App.