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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A road for all

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

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

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

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

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

Biking towards sustainability

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

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

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

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

Insight Music gambles on teacher-composer Jayson Dedal, releases his debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin”

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Of the billions of dreams cast into the void every day, few make it with the certainty—and confidence—that gifted singer-songwriter Jayson Dedal felt when he did.

The 28-year-old Dedal, who is a real-life MAPEH teacher in a public school in Quezon City, recently signed up with the maverick record label Insight Music, which has just produced and released his debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin”.

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” marks Jayson Dedal’s first break as a recording artist under Insight Music, making his first professional affiliation an exceptionally propitious one.

The song also served as one of the official movie soundtracks of the label’s movie production and marketing arm Insight 360 Films’ “Miss Q&A: Para Sa Maganda Lang Ba Ang Love Life?” starring Kakai Bautista and Zoren Legaspi and directed by Lemuel Lorca. The first is expected to be released this summer.

“The movie is about lost dreams and trying to redeem them,” says Cahilig. “So having a song like ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’ is—pun intended—a dream match.”

Apart from his day job as a public school teacher, Dedal has been writing songs since college and is an active member of the Filipino Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers (FILSCAP). However, the opportunity to be a solo artist seemed to elude Dedal until Insight Music recognized his potential.

Indeed, Insight Music President and Chief Creative Director Chris Cahilig took notice of this fresh new talent early on. It was Dedal, after all, who wrote boy band 1:43’s hit songs such as “Pasensya Na” and “Ikaw Lang Talaga,” as well as “Sa Iba Na Lang” by BOU, which eventually became the official movie soundtrack of “Mia” (2020).  

Public school teacher Jayson Dedal is
Insight Music's newest signed artist

“I have always been incredibly drawn towards Jayson as an artist,” says Cahilig. “His body of work speaks volumes of his gift. And when you listen to what he has to say in ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’, you’ll understand why we simply had to make sure that his talent is heard.”

Set against lush instrumentation and fueled by Dedal’s buttery vocals, “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” conveys Dedal’s deep anxieties about an ambiguous future. Does God hear the songwriter's prayers’ for a better future?

“It’s a personal track, to be sure,” says Dedal. “I wrote it during the lockdown, and it’s the collective result of everything I’ve been worried about—my love life, the future, and my relationship with God.”

Having made peace with his vulnerabilities, Jayson Dedal is even more grateful to Cahilig and Insight Music for giving him the chance to express his creativity, and vent his anxieties, the only way he knows how—through his music.

Cahilig is likewise buoyant about Dedal’s journey in the music industry. “Some people might give a public school teacher one look and put them in a box,” he says. “But if anything, teachers are some of the best storytellers out there, and we’re lucky to have found one as talented and as enthusiastic as Jayson Dedal.”

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” by Jayson Dedal will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all other streaming platforms on March 5, 2021.

 

Ohmyhome: Homeownership remains a priority for Filipino consumers in 2021

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As tumultuous as the year 2020 was, it gave us key insights into what must be prioritized to continue living comfortably and securely despite the curveballs life throws at us. If anything, unexpected challenges make individuals and families appreciate the stability that having a roof over one’s head brings.

It was in 2020 as well, when Filipinos increasingly saw that property ownership can be a steadfast source of passive income even when facing an uncertain future. This is why Ohmyhome, a leading property solutions platform and an expert on real estate, believes that Filipinos—whether starting families, young professionals, or property investors—will still include homeownership in their priority list for 2021.

A trusted and reliable platform for housing services, Ohmyhome believes that every Filipino deserves to own a home that they can eventually pass to the next generation and serve as an investment that helps them build their wealth.

Race and Rhonda Wong, co-founders of Ohmyhome, say that this view is supported by data culled from the Ohmyhome application and website, which were launched in the Philippines in September. “In December 2020,” they relate, “house and lot properties in Cavite and in Novaliches, Quezon City, garnered significant levels of interest. These locations being north and south—and on the fringes—of Metro Manila is a pleasant contradiction.”

Race and Rhonda are likewise anticipating a boost in real estate activity this year, noting that forecasts for Philippine real estate show a positive outlook for 2021, as upcoming business developments and national infrastructures are set for completion within the next two years.

Forecasts for Philippine real estate show a positive outlook for 2021, as upcoming business developments and major infrastructures that are set for completion this year will encourage individuals to venture into property investment.

A trusted and reliable platform when it comes to housing services, Ohmyhome believes that every Filipino deserves to own a home that they can eventually pass to the next generation and serve as an investment that helps them build their wealth. One of the company’s primary objectives is to help customers reach this milestone with ease by providing a wide range of property listings in an easy-to-use platform, complemented by comprehensive agent services.

Property solutions platform Ohmyhome seeks to assist prospective Filipino property buyers in their homeownership journey by offering better services and producing more content that will serve as helpful resources for app and website users.

 Filipinos who want to see and study properties for sale within their price range and preferred location may visit the Ohmyhome website or download the Ohmyhome app via Google Play or Apple Store.

Currently, the Ohmyhome application can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple Store, while the Ohmyhome website can be visited via any platform. Both the app and the site have user-friendly interfaces fit for prospective Filipino homebuyers.

More than the interface, however, Ohmyhome takes pride in the way it conveys information to future property owners. Race explains, “Through our DIY platform and services, clients are given the chance to see and study properties for sale within their price range and preferred location. We inform our consumers on the appraisal potential, and even note problems or issues that could arise for every property they take interest in.”

As Filipinos continue to prioritize homeownership this year, Ohmyhome will strive to offer better services. As Rhonda stresses, “The team is always working hard to improve our website and application. We want to give a more streamlined experience for property transactors on the platform. We will also be producing more content that will serve as helpful resources for app and website users.”

Ultimately, Ohmyhome wishes to assure its users that they can always trust its platform and rely on their commitment to help more Filipinos achieve their dream of owning a home. “When customers are familiar with every aspect of the property they are considering, they become better equipped to reach an informed decision and get the most value from the home they plan to purchase.”

About Ohmyhome

Ohmyhome makes property transactions simple, fast, and affordable through a DIY platform, top-tier agent services, mortgage advisory, conveyancing, and much more.

It is Singapore’s leading PropTech Solution and a CEA-licensed real estate agency.

The DIY (self-serve) platform connects homeowners and searchers directly at no cost. Thousands of property listings are genuine, unique, and simple to browse. Innovative features such as ‘ShoutOut’ and ‘Open House’ enhance the overall user experience. For those who prefer comprehensive and professional assistance, competitively priced house and condominium agent services are available.

Powered by advanced technology and trusted by customers, Ohmyhome agents are the most efficient in the market. Since its launch, Ohmyhome has 175,000 monthly active users. More than 5,300 homes have transacted through Ohmyhome, which represents a combined value of over US$1 billion.

Ohmyhome was launched in Malaysia in July 2019 and in the Philippines in September 2020, as part of its expansion plans in the Southeast Asia Region. It is the first cross-border, one-stop property solution with its tech-enabled offerings that have served thousands of customers in Singapore.

For more information, please visit: https://ohmyhome.com/en-ph or download the app at https://ohmyhome.com/download-app.

 

Learn More About the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Philippines Through #VaccineAlamin : TikTok partners with the Manila City Government on this important COVID-19 vaccine education campaign

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The COVID-19 vaccine is gradually becoming available around the world, and in the Philippines, preparations are underway for a vaccination program roll-out in the coming months. Vaccination plays a key role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic by preparing a person's immune system to fight the virus, should you be exposed. This potentially helps to reduce its spread within entire communities. 

At present, the majority of Filipinos are still unwilling to receive the vaccine due to concerns over its safety, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey. This poses a challenge to the implementation plans of both local and national government units. To address this, the City Government of Manila has partnered with TikTok for #VaccineAlamin, a COVID-19 vaccine education campaign. #VaccineAlamin aims to boost awareness on the health benefits of immunization, and spread accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine to the public.

The #VaccineAlamin Campaign was launched via TikTok Live last February 22. During the event, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno provided an overview of what local government units are doing to support the nationwide vaccination program. According to him, their goal is not to force people to get vaccinated but instead encourage and help educate them, to enable more Filipinos to make informed decisions once the vaccination program is underway. 

Mayor Isko identified fear and misinformation as two of the biggest barriers that need to be broken down. He said,

"Kaya nagkaroon ng doubt ang ating mga kababayan, dahil dun sa nangyaring isang bakuna na medyo nagkaroon ng masamang impresyon ang mga mamamayan. Pangalawa, 'yung mga misinformation about existing vaccines all over the world."

The mayor also stressed the importance of communication, adding that the most effective strategy is to engage people, and make sure that they have access to factual information. He said,

"I think it's more on talking to the people, kaya kami nagpapasalamat sa TikTok, because this is a set of audience, because of its demographics, if we can use this type of outlet, malaking bagay kasi 'yung tao directly makatatanong samin."

He adds,

"Having TikTok nowadays, helps us. People are into it, so why not use it as a form of communication. Sa dami nang binabasa ng mga tao ngayon, sa dami ng pumapasok na impormasyon sa tao ngayon, kailangan maging catchy."

Manila City Health Officer, Dr. Arnold Pangan, also spoke at the launch event. He explained some important things that people need to know about the vaccine. Dr. Pangan clarified that, while the vaccine protects you from suffering from a serious form of COVID-19, it is still possible to get the disease after being vaccinated against it. This is why it is important to still take precautions such as physical distancing and mask-wearing. 

According to Dr. Pangan, "You may still be infected with the COVID-19 virus, tuloy-tuloy pa rin dapat ang ating pag-iingat kahit social distancing, kahit wearing of mask, kasi it's not a guarantee. Pag nabakunahan ka na, ang maganda doon, you will be protected from having a severe form of COVID-19 infection."

Members of the TikTok community can show their support for the #VaccineAlamin Campaign by using the hashtag, and sharing creative content filled with factual information about the virus and the vaccine to boost awareness. Whether it is a skit, a song, or a dance video, as long as it helps spread #VaccineAlamin's message, it is sure to make a difference. Mayor Isko himself issued a challenge to TikTok creators to join the hashtag challenge in order to amplify the campaign. He said, "Create a video that will help inform others about #VaccineAlamin Campaign, i will copy it and tag you!"

TikTok values the safety of the entire community, and the #VaccineAlamin campaign is a great example for how the platform can be used to do good. Through its dynamic features like TikTok Live and hashtags, information dissemination becomes easy, enjoyable, and relatable, while still being meaningful and impactful.

As CNN Philippines News Anchor, James Deakin, who hosted the launch event, said, "It's such a pleasure to use this platform in a way that I never foresaw, but it is very effective. We just want to be able to reach out to as many people as possible. We'd like to thank TikTok for making this possible, for inviting us over here to share this information. As we keep saying, I hope it doesn't sound cliché, we're all in this together."

Learn more about #VaccineAlamin on TikTok, and help spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

What makes a #MomApproved meal? Try these mom-approved tips to help your kids eat better

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Is your child a fussy eater?

You are not alone, mommy! Most of the time, moms feel that their efforts go unnoticed as their children turn away from the delicious and filling meals they serve. Even though it is considered normal for growing kids,^[1] this kind of behavior needs parental intervention because this may lead to skipping meals.

But no matter how picky they are, there are a lot of things you can do to help your kids eat better. Mekeni Food Corporation listed down mom-approved tips you should consider to make mealtime more enjoyable for your little ones.

Add a dash of creativity

We all eat with our eyes first and yes, even kids do that! Make mealtime exciting for your kids with the way you plate and present food to them. Infuse various tastes, vivid colors, and even texture to the dish you serve just like how a gourmet meal is served in a fancy restaurant. Surely, kids will want to eat their food right away!

You can also put a twist to their meals by adding different styles and layering different tastes to tickle their taste buds. Hotdog in a bun? Boring. Grilled cheese hotdog sandwich topped with shredded cheddar cheese, some pickle relish, and a dollop of mayo and mustard? Divine! Play with shapes too or their favorite cartoon characters by serving their meals bento-style.

Sprinkle consistency to daily meal

One of the factors that can influence kids’ eating habits is time. Make sure that you put consistency in their mealtime by setting up a routine especially on what time they should have their breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snack times.

You can also make their everyday meals more nutritious by mixing veggies into their favorites and creating a totally different meal! How does roasted veggies with tiny pieces of hotdog and ham sound? 

Drizzle mealtimes with delightful memories

Who says you can only bond over mealtime? Involve your children in food preparation so they can learn at an early stage and feel the fulfillment in preparing and serving food to the family. Not only that you get to make memories with them while in the kitchen, but you can make them feel more invested in the meal.

By involving them in food preparation, you can also tickle their creativity. Allow them to experiment on shapes and flavors that will let them enjoy the food more!

Top off mealtimes with love

Sharing meals with the whole family is one of the best ways to help kids eat better and maintain a happy heart. This does not only allow you and your kids to talk, but this also enhances their health and well-being. Didn’t you notice? Kids are happier when everyone at home is at the table and happily eating together.

All these mom-approved tips are proven and tested to make mealtimes even more fun for kids, just like Mekeni Food Corporation’s PICNIC Hotdog! Available in Red and Cheesy Brown variants, moms can attest that kids and kids-at-heart love its juicy, delicious, and meaty flavor in every bite. #PicnicIsMomApproved as it makes eating time more fun and exciting!

Mekeni PICNIC Red Hotdog and Cheesy Brown Hotdog are available in 250g, 450g, 500g, and 1kg packages in all leading supermarkets, wet markets, online stores, and Mekeni’s Home2Home delivery service.

^[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316224/