#TakeChargeOfYourHealth: AXA unveils Health Care Access to allay concerns on rising medical costs

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A virtual family day with the theme #TakeChargeOfYourHealth was hosted by AXA Philippines on August 11, Wednesday in line with the latest developments that constantly threaten ours and our families’ health and safety. Medical persons and celebrity guests Dr. Randy Dellosa, Megan Young, Mikael Diaz, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Edric Mendoza, and Niña Corpuz discuss how we can take charge of ours and our family’s health.

AXA empowers Filipinos to take charge and protect themselves against financial uncertainties
with its new affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.

According to a report on health spending released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in late 2020, paying for one’s medical needs grew in the country by 11% in recent years.

 

On this spending, a staggering 48% of the expenses came from “household out-of-pocket”—meaning Filipinos have resorted to digging into their hard-earned savings or worse, turning to loans from well-meaning families, to be able to pay for the cost of hospitalization or other medical expenses that they did not have the capacity to cover.

 

In a separate report from the National Economic Development Authority, it was cited that 96% of Filipinos are concerned about their own and their family’s health, but only 16% are prepared to pay for medical costs. But it does not have to be this way.

Take charge of your future through AXA Health Care Access

 

With this as a backdrop, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, introduced its latest health insurance plan Health Care Access via a virtual press conference on August 11, 2021.

 

“We know all too well that sudden medical emergencies can happen to anyone, much worse if it rears its head during a pandemic,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and CEO. “We developed Health Care Access as a way for Filipino individuals and families to protect themselves from life’s unexpected moments—freeing them from their worries while affording them a more secure future.”

 

An inclusive and value-for-money health care solution

 

AXA Health Care Access offers a comprehensive and affordable health care solution for one’s hospitalization and medical needs through a modest monthly or annual premium.

 

It comes in two plan types: Health Care Access Prime and Health Care Access Lite.

 

Health Care Access Prime provides comprehensive coverage of up to five million pesos (PHP5,000,000) annually. This plan is ideal for those who have no HMO like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants. Health Care Access Prime offers inpatient and outpatient care, and emergency care treatment up to the Annual Benefit Limit (ABL). This also includes an Annual Physical Exam starting from seven basic exams, with a life and accident insurance benefit of up to PHP500,000. Moreover, customers can include optical care benefits to the plan by paying a small additional annual premium.

 

For those with HMO coverage from their employment but need additional protection, Health Care Access Lite is designed to provide just that on top of one’s existing health care plan or personal health fund. Health Care Access Lite offers inpatient and emergency care treatment up to the ABL. It also includes life and insurance accidents from PHP50,000 to PHP500,000. Moreover, you can enhance the coverage of your plan with outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefit by also paying a small additional premium.

 

Full coverage in a pandemic plus other benefits

 

AXA Health Care Access provides full coverage and cashless payment arrangements which is advantageous given today’s ongoing pandemic. It also comes with free access to 24/7 teleconsultation via voice or video call with a medical professional.

 

Other superior benefits include the Longevity Health Fund, which one can tap into for health setbacks as they grow older and when they need it the most—beyond the age of 75. Customers get guaranteed renewability, family coverage within one plan, and even a premium reduction of 10% when the plan is extended to at least one family member, plus the option to add a ‘booster’ or add-on depending on your specific needs.

 

The Critical Illness Booster provides additional cash benefit if one gets diagnosed with any of the 56 critical illness conditions, and may be used for other medical expenses or as income replacement. The Annual Benefit Limit, on the other hand, automatically increases one’s annual benefit limit by 10% every three years to help keep up with rising medical costs.

 

AXA Health Care Access, which will be available starting August 16, encourages a more proactive and preparedness-oriented attitude towards health for everyone, allowing Filipinos to take full charge of their physical wellbeing for the future.

 

For more information on Health Care Access, visit https://bit.ly/3xwunlp.

Reader’s Digest’s 23rd Annual Awards Reveal The Brands And Personalities Filipinos Trust The Most

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A year has passed since Reader’s Digest’s first virtual Most Trusted Brands Awards. A lot has happened in that time, but COVID-19 is still affecting millions of people and their livelihoods. But we at Reader’s Digest were not going to allow the pandemic to stop our 23rd annual survey of Philippines’ Most Trusted Brands and Personalities from going ahead.

Upholding the new norm during these challenging times, this is the second year we are presenting our award ceremony in a virtual format. 

You can view it at https://www.trustedbrands.asia/virtualawards/

Perhaps more than any other year, trust has been the guiding human emotion we’ve all had to rely on to navigate through our day safely. In terms of the current situation, that means getting proactive and reaching out to customers and audiences like never before. It’s all about maintaining a relationship with individuals.

THE PERSONALITIES FILIPINOS TRUST THE MOST

Just like previous years, one of the highlights of the 2021 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands awards is the list of most trusted personalities in the following categories: Most Trusted News Presenter; Most Trusted Radio Presenter; Most Trusted Variety/ Entertainment Presenter; and Most Trusted Sportsperson.

The personalities that Filipinos put their trust in most were:

MIKE ENRIQUEZ

Most Trusted Radio Presenter

With a career spanning five decades, Radio GMA President and 24 Oras senior news anchor Mike Enriquez is well known for his integrity. At 66, Enriquez is approaching nearly half a century in the media. Throughout his career he has worked in both TV and radio as a reporter, editor, program director, station manager, president and, of course, presenter.

JESSICA SOHO

Most Trusted TV Presenter

With millions of viewers tuning in every Sunday to Kapuso Mo, GMA Network’s top-rating current affairs program, the expectation of being challenged and inspired by the country’s most celebrated female journalist is an honor the TV veteran takes very seriously. For 34 years, Jessica Soho has built a reputation for tackling tricky investigations and life-changing human-interest stories.

RYAN AGONCILLO

Most Trusted Entertainment/Variety Presenter

Trust and honesty are characteristics that are closely aligned – so it should be no surprise that these words are often heard when describing Ryan Agoncillo. Last October, the former star of the noontime show Eat Bulaga came out in support of people who suffer from depression when he posted on social media about his own battles with the debilitating condition. This honesty won him many supporters.

MANNY PACQUIAO

Most Trusted Sportsperson

Since winning his first professional fight at 16, Manny Pacquiao has built an impressive sporting career that has seen him rise out of poverty to become the most successful sportsperson in the Philippines. The past year has been challenging for Pacquiao – the only boxer to win major world titles in eight different weight divisions – who now has to balance his boxing career with the responsibilities of being a senator in the National Congress.

THE BRANDS FILIPINOS TRUST THE MOST

The award-winning Trusted Brands, outlined in the Reader’s Digest 23rd annual survey, listen to customer concerns, sympathize with their situations and provide the necessary support and assistance to their customers because they appreciate these valued relationships.

“Trust matters when it comes to weathering a crisis, and ultimately, trust is built on the traditional foundations of quality, consistency, honesty and delivering on your promises,” said Editor-in-Chief, Louise Waterson.

This is the kind of service and quality that helps a consumer understand that the brand they know and trust is still on their side, and working hard to continue the relationship they worked hard to build.

Platinum Awards went to those brands that perform exceptionally, based on consumers’ perception. In the poll, these brands attained scores that exceed those of their nearest competitors. Some of the awardees were:

• Investment Fund Company – Sun Life;

• Bank – BDO;

• Credit Card Issuing Bank – BDO;

• Optical Shop/Stores – Executive Optical;

• Pharmacy/Drugstore – Mercury Drug;

• TV Network – GMA;

• Pen – Pilot;

• Mattress – Uratex;

• Tires – Goodyear;

• Milk Tea Shop – Macao Imperial Tea.

Gold Awards went to brands that had outstanding results, based on the perception of consumers. Some of the brands included in this list were:

• Airfreight/Courier Service – J&T Express;

• Personal/Consumer Loan – BDO;

• Investment Fund Company – BDO;

• Life Insurance – Manulife;

• Personal Computer – Acer;

• Cooking Oil – Baguio Oil;

• Credit Card Issuing Bank – Citibank;

• Optical Shop/Store – Ideal Vision Center;

• Plasticware – Orocan;

• Air Purifier – Sharp;

• Washing Machine – Sharp;

• Washing Machine – Whirlpool;

• TV Network – ABS-CBN.

About the survey

The survey is an independently commissioned poll, with the results appearing exclusively in Reader’s Digest Philippines. Leading market research agency Catalyst Research surveyed a representative sample of 8000 individuals from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan to determine which brands consumers trust most.

The survey reveals the brands, products and services that consumers believe in, over more than 50 categories.

Media backgrounder – The Philippines’ Most Trusted Brands & Most Trusted Personalities

Please ensure Reader’s Digest Asia is credited in any coverage, thank you.

INTERVIEWS

To arrange an interview, contact Media Support & Events Manager, APAC, Rebecca Zhang at +61 0431279228 or rebecca.zhang@readersdigest.com.au

Turn Your Passion into a Career with these Must-Haves from Shopee’s Aug 15 Payday Sale

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Shopee collaborators share inspiring insights on pursuing content creation, hosting, entrepreneurship, and product innovation

Thinking of turning your passion into a career? It’s an exciting but challenging path. You’ll have to invest your time, energy, and money with no guarantee it’ll all succeed. Then again, doing what you love can feel rewarding in itself. If you’re unsure, start pursuing it on the side to gain experience and build a portfolio. Should you choose to pursue your passion from there, a truly fulfilling career journey awaits!

For those considering following their passions, read on to get motivated by Shopee collaborators Elize Mariano, Mary Grace Khu, Patty Marabut, and Angelo Casimiro, who all managed to turn their dreams into full-blown careers.

Elize Mariano

  

Content creator Elize Mariano may be young, but her ambitions were set in stone early on. Elize was exposed to the spotlight frequently as a performer, and growing up, she fell in love with the industry. “At an early age, I started thinking about how I could achieve my desired career. I fixed my social media accounts and became active with engaging with my followers.”

Her tip for those hesitant about pursuing their passions is, simply, to give it a try. “Never doubt yourself when it comes to pursuing something your heart and soul desires. You can always start small and build on that, little by little.”

For aspiring content creators, stable, higher-quality videos is key. Elize strongly advises creators to invest in a Tripod. “This purchase made me realize the importance of having high-quality technical equipment in this field, especially now that we are in a pandemic.”

 

Mary Grace Khu

Mary Grace Khu’s passion lies in creating meaningful connections, which is why she chose to pursue a career as an events host. MG started hosting professionally a decade ago, but her passion for being onstage dates back to her childhood. At a young age, she realized she loved bringing joy to her audience and that this was what she wanted to make a living out of.

She shares that it’s important to hold on to personal values when pursuing one’s passion in such a fast-paced industry. “Don’t forget to stay grounded. Stay humble and build a healthy working relationship with others. Learn from whatever mistakes that brought you to where you are. And most importantly, have a grateful heart.”

For MG, would-be hosts who want to pursue gigs from home should get a Boya Lapel Mic, which ensures quality audio output to satisfy potential clients.

 Patty Marabut

Like most of us, Patty Marabut’s true passion had nothing to do with the course she took in college. An engineering graduate, Patty found herself starting a business due to her passion for food and her innate entrepreneurial drive. She is currently the co-owner and VP of marketing at The Lost Bread, and also the owner of Royal Harness and The Kind.

Patty and her partner initially found it difficult to entice customers, which is why she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think things through before taking the plunge. “It’s still important to run numbers and assess the risks before starting. Not every passion can be turned into a career, but with proper planning and the right people behind you, it’s possible.”

Patty also believes that for one’s business to succeed, aspiring entrepreneurs should invest in their employees’ well-being. “The number one driver in pursuing our passion individually and as a team is the people behind us. Initially we started with simple plastic chairs for our employees, but when Christmas 2019 came, we decided to gift them all with comfortable Swivel Chairs from Shopee.”

Angelo Casimiro 

He’s still in school, but college student Angelo Casimiro has already built a thriving career in innovation. Angelo’s interest in the subject developed at just four years old, when his grandfather, a retired mechanical engineer, taught him to build homebrew wind turbines and remote control cars. Angelo went on to win robotics competitions and even became the first Filipino awardee at Google Science Fair competition. Now, he also shares DIY electronics projects and tutorials on social media.

Turning one’s passion into their career doesn’t happen overnight, but Angelo assures aspiring inventors that their drive will sustain them. “Just remember to stay curious everyday and never give up on your goals. And never forget to pass your knowledge to others who are also eager to learn.”

Get started on electronics projects with this Physics Electrical Package from e-Gizmo, Angelo’s go-to Shopee store.

Check out Shopee every akinse to enjoy exclusive deals on must-haves for pursuing your passion! At Shopee’s Aug 15 Payday Sale, get free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱150 off vouchers, and up to 50% Bills Cashback.

To discover more deals, visit https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale.

Stay safe at home this akinse by going cashless with ShopeePay, your all-in-one e-wallet which you can use to Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at multiple merchants nationwide. Top up your ShopeePay wallet through your debit card and online banking to enjoy exclusive ShopeePay promos such as up to 50% Bills Cashback when you pay for Meralco, Maynilad, and more; discounted load up to 50% off; ₱10 mobile data for only ₱1; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and more.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

J&T Express' free door-to-door service in NCR helps MSMEs during ECQ

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PH Global Jet Express Inc. (J&T Express Philippines) strengthened its premium door-to-door pick up service, free of charge for customers in Metro Manila, to make transactions safer, easier, and more convenient especially during the recently announced Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

With this service, customers won’t have to drop off packages at J&T branches but can simply schedule pick-ups from the comfort of their homes via mobile app, company website, or its phone hotline. There is no minimum number of packages required to avail of the service as long as the pick-up and drop-off points are within NCR.

“J&T remains committed to supporting communities through deliveries. Now more than ever, it is important to sustain the bounce back of the economy despite another community quarantine due to the spread of the new COVID variant. The door-to-door service is among J&T’s initiatives with bayanihan to help our kababayans during the pandemic,” Vice President of J&T Express Philippines Zoe Chi said.

For the past year, J&T has extended help for frontliners and communities through transport and delivery services for COVID response and immediate disaster relief. It also launched initiatives to help local e-commerce businesses grow by providing quality delivery services.

All J&T branches will remain open to serve the public even during ECQ in Metro Manila while implementing necessary health and safety protocols to protect both its frontliner riders and customers. The free pick-up service aims to enable Filipinos, especially small businesses, to still send essentials to their customers and remain operational despite the strict community quarantine period.

Customers in NCR can book J&T’s free door-to-door pick up service using three convenient channels.

Customers can choose from three easy options to schedule their free pick-up. They can visit the website at :C:\Users\New User\Documents\PR FILES\Articles\J&T Pantry\www.jtexpress.ph and log in via Google or Facebook account; or download the J&T Express mobile app from Google Playstore or AppStore. J&T representatives are also available to schedule pick-ups through phone calls at (02)8911-1888. All transactions will be confirmed and coordinated by J&T before assigning a rider.

J&T’s free door-to-door pick-up service is one of the company’s initiatives to support communities and entrepreneurs despite the recent lockdown.

J&T currently has more than 600 branches nationwide, providing delivery services to Filipinos 365 days a year even on holidays. Aside from the scheduled deliveries, customers can also track their packages real-time thru J&T’s service platforms via mobile, website, hotline, and social media. 

To know more about the company’s services, visit https://www.jtexpress.ph/.

Adrian-Keann romance faces backlash in iWantTFC's "Love Beneath the Stars"

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After falling in love in the hit boys’ love movie “The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson will find their relationship threatened by intense scrutiny and backlash in its sequel series “Love Beneath the Stars,” an iWantTFC original that streams for free starting August 16.

As their love story continues, senior high school students Dominic and Luke (Adrian and Keann) officially become a couple. However, a controversial scandal, a third party, and disapproval from grown-ups will put their romance on the rocks and their future up in the air.

In an interview, Adrian and Keann shared the important lessons viewers can learn from the series about love and same-sex relationships.

“When you choose someone, you have to stick with them. The moment you choose that person, you also have to accept all the challenges that come with it. Because Dominic and Luke faced multiple challenges when they decided to choose one another,” said Adrian.

Keann added, “Love knows no gender. No one can tell you who you should or should not love. Even if fate decides that you’re not supposed to be with this person, if you genuinely love this person and you want this person to be part of your life and you know he’s going to be good for you, then by all means you should fight for it.”

In the sequel, Dominic’s deepening friendship with a fellow schoolmate named Gio (Vaughn Piczon) will cause tension between him and Luke.

However, an even bigger issue is bound to jeopardize their relationship. After attending their graduation ball as each other’s dates and sharing a kiss in public, their relationship will cause major uproar at their conservative all-boys Catholic school. The controversy will also upset Dominic’s parents (Agot Isidro at Romnick Sarmenta), who will strongly disapprove of his relationship with Luke.

Will Dominic and Luke rely on the stars to decide on their future or are they willing to gamble for their love?

“Love Beneath the Stars” is written and directed by Dolly Dulu and also stars Nikki Valdez, Agot Isidro, Romnick Sarmenta, Victor Silayan, and Iyah Mina. The iWantTFC original series will have six episodes with a new episode dropping every Monday starting August 16.

“The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” which won 2nd Best Picture at the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, is also currently streaming for free on iWantTFC in the Philippines. The movie and its sequel series are also accessible to premium iWantTFC subscribers outside the Philippines.

Watch the movie and the series in the Philippines for free on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and on iwanttfc.com. Viewers can also enjoy watching iWantTFC on a bigger screen through select devices on VEWD, ROKU streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV for global users, and VIDAA for select countries. iWantTFC is also available via Chromecast and Airplay. For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https://iwanttfc.com/help#tfc-on-smart-tv.

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWantTFC’s Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.