Pru Life UK partners with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines for Islamic financial promotion and education

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Following its receipt of Takaful operator license, Pru Life UK is partnering with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP) to promote Islamic finance and Takaful through financial education and capacity-building initiatives and help expand reach of financial inclusion to more Filipino communities, primarily in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

(L-R) Maricel Estavillo,Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability; Hon. Amilbahar P. Amilasan, Jr. Chairman and CEO, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP); Undersecretary Renato Reside, Department of Finance; Dean Jukipli Wadi, Pru Life UK Shariah Committee Chairman; Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations & Sustainability Officer; and Imelda Tarhata F. Macarambon, Chief Operating Officer, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP)

Takaful, a Shariah-compliant form of insurance, means joint guarantee. It is founded on cooperative arrangement and aligns with the principles of mutuality and solidarity.

“Pru Life UK’s Takaful journey is driven by our commitment to social inclusion, aiming to provide financial protection to more Filipino families. We are excited to collaborate with AAIIBP on financial education and capacity-building to help address the need to fill in the gap in financial education especially for Muslim communities, shares Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK’s Chief Legal, Government Relations and Sustainability.

Pru Life UK is preparing to introduce an insurance product, subject to regulatory approval that is compliant with Shariah rules and principles, in support of the Philippine government’s financial inclusion thrust, and help Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos achieve financial security.

AAIIBP is the first Islamic bank in the country with the mandate to promote and accelerate socio-economic development through banking, financing and participating in agricultural, commercial and industrial ventures based on the concept of Islamic banking.

“As the country’s first Islamic bank, AAIIBP is committed to advancing financial inclusion through Shariah-compliant solutions. The partnership with Pru Life UK on financial education and capacity building is a significant milestone in our efforts to uplift Muslim communities and empower them to become key contributors to the nation’s progress. We are eager to witness the positive impact this collaboration will bring,” said AAIIBP’s Chairman & CEO Amilbahar Amilasan, Jr.

This collaboration between Pru Life UK and AAIIBP is a promising step towards a more inclusive and financially resilient Philippines.

Part of Pru Life UK’s Takaful journey is the roll out of community investment and engagement initiatives. In October 2024, the insurer launched the “Adopt-a-Madrasah Programme, covering over 450 students and teachers from three community madrasahs in Bangkal, Davao City. Pru Life UK targets to expand the reach of this programme and launch financial education sessions in key sites across the country especially in Mindanao this year.

For updates on Takaful initiatives, please visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/Takaful.

SPOTTED: Share This Billboard and Win a Brand New HONOR X9c 5G

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Capture HONOR X9c 5G’s billboard along EDSA and you will get a chance to win a phone

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines took pride with its first ever billboard. Staying to its innovative and out-of-the-box concepts, a mechanical billboard just for the toughest phone can be seen along EDSA-Kamuning. Capture it and you might just win your very own HONOR X9c 5G!

"We’re very proud of our growth. We started two years ago, and our progress has been unstoppable. Now, we’re launching our very first billboard and we’ve got something for our HONOR fans. Spot and share to win an HONOR X9c 5G,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Spot and Win and HONOR X9c 5G Billboard Contest

From January 16 to 31, you can get a chance to WIN a brand-new HONOR X9c 5G in just three easy steps!

1. Like and Follow HONOR Philippines Social Media Pages (FB, IG, TikTok, X)

2. Take a video or photo of the HONOR X9c 5G billboard

3. Post and answer the question; "Why do you deserve to win an HONOR X9c 5G?" and tag three of your friends with the hashtags: #HONORX9c5G #TheToughestPhone #AllAngleTripleDefense #SpotTheToughestPhone

The winner will be announced on February 5, 2025 via HONOR PH’s Instagram Story.

A BRAND-NEW ROLEX DATEJUST Watch is still up for grabs when you pre-order HONOR X9c 5G until January 24 for only Php 16,999! Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9c_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9c_PR) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9c_PR).

For more affordable payment options, the HONOR X9c 5G is also available through installments via TikTok Paylater with the same freebies until January 24, 2025.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Make Your Moment: OPPO Announces Lamine Yamal as Global Brand Ambassador

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OPPO today announced 17-year-old Spanish football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, as its global brand ambassador. In his new role, Yamal will play a pivotal part in OPPO’s “Make Your Moment” brand refresh initiative, working with OPPO to inspire more young people worldwide to seize the present, channel their passion into action, and create their own extraordinary stories for the future.

“Lamine is not just a gifted footballer but an inspirational young man with an incredible passion for the game,” said Billy Zhang, President of Overseas Marketing, Sales and Services at OPPO. “Like countless young people worldwide, Lamine refuses to be held back by anxiety or uncertainty about the future. Instead, he focuses on his passions and concentrates his energy on the present, finding fulfillment and strength through his dedication.”

Yamal with the OPPO Find X8 Pro engraved with his name and jersey number.

OPPO Opens a New Chapter with Yamal

Since breaking onto the international stage in 2023, Yamal has not only captivated football fans worldwide with his stunning performances, but also earned admiration for his humility and maturity. Despite the packed schedule and immense pressures that come with being one of the world’s top footballers, Yamal has remained dedicated to his studies, and in response to the wave of fame and attention, he believes that “the best way to handle it all is to focus on the work at hand and stay present”.

To OPPO, Yamal represents more than just talent; he embodies the pursuit of authenticity and individuality. Following his recovery from a recent injury, he approached challenges with a fresh perspective, prioritizing disciplined training and thorough preparation to make his comeback in top form. This commitment to responsibility and mindfulness aligns perfectly with OPPO’s “Make Your Moment” philosophy, making him the ideal choice as the global brand ambassador.

Since 2015, OPPO has been expanding its brand collaboration in the world of sports, including its partnership with the UEFA Champions League. By combining its cutting-edge AI and imaging technology with the passion and energy of sport, OPPO is creating unparalleled experiences for fans worldwide. The partnership with Yamal not only brings together sports and technology but also strengthens the connection between the brand and younger generations to inspire young fans globally to make their moment.

Giving Back Through Football

Every time Yamal scores a goal, he celebrates with his signature “304” hand gesture, paying tribute to the post code of his hometown, Rocafonda. The simple but meaningful gesture reflects Yamal’s deep connection to his roots and serves as a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring young footballers who share his love for the game.

As OPPO global brand ambassador, Yamal will channel this same attitude into a series of football-related community initiatives designed to spread the “Make Your Moment” spirit to even more people. These efforts aim to support grassroots football development while supporting facilities upgrades and calling on young people to submit creative ideas for football charity projects, empowering them to bring innovation and energy to football philanthropy. Additionally, Yamal’s stunning images will be featured on OPPO’s AI Studio platform, giving fans the unique opportunity to “become Yamal’s teammate” and experience the passion and joy that football brings.

OPPO Refreshes Brand Amid Continuing Global Success

The new “Make Your Moment” brand slogan comes as OPPO continues to expand its presence globally. Currently, the company operates in over 70 countries and regions, with more than 300,000 retail spaces worldwide. OPPO’s overseas shipments account for approximately 60% of its total volume. Helping to drive this success is the growing popularity of products such as the recently launched Find X8 series, which has garnered widespread acclaim globally thanks to its outstanding camera features, gaming performance, and battery life.

OPPO’s close involvement with football, particularly its partnership with the UEFA Champions League, has enabled the brand to break new ground. By bringing together its advanced technology with the energy of football, OPPO has created new technology experiences to resonate closely with global fans.

OPPO’s collaboration with Lamine Yamal extends this close synergy between technology and the passion of sport. From the football field to everyday life, OPPO continues to pay tribute to the power of young people, empowering them with technology and passion to seize every moment and shine in their unique way.

From Brand Ambassador to Franchisee - Dimples Romana joins rank with purpose-driven business partners of Generika Drugstore

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Actress and TV host Dimples Romana has gone beyond her role as brand ambassador for Generika Drugstore—she has ventured into the drugstore business by opening her very own store in Nasugbu, Batangas.

“In my entire career, this is my very first time to franchise with one of my brands. And that says a lot about my trust in the brand. I trust the people and I believe in what we want to achieve here,” she said.

“Full disclosure: This is not part of my package as an endorser. This is really an initiative of our corporation to really get into the business,” she added.

According to Dimples, her partnership with Generika Drugstore aligns with her values of serving families and communities, especially those in need. Partnering with close friends to form a corporation, Dimples took on this mission-driven enterprise with business partners Rowena Lindayag and Danica Domingo, who also share the same passion, hoping their store becomes a pillar of support for Nasugbu residents.

Danica said Generika’s commitment to affordability and patient care resonated with her, making it a perfect fit for their community's needs. Rowena, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions about generic medicines and how Generika Drugstore continues to prove its value in providing high-quality and affordable healthcare solutions.

“We need to constantly remind people that efficacies of branded and generic medicines are just the same, expect that what we offer here in Generika Drugstore are significantly more affordable,” she said.

New franchisees from LIAHDO (Lindayag, Ahmee, and Domingo) Corp. including Dimples Romana-Ahmee pose with leaders from Generika Drugstore during the grand opening ceremony of their very own Generika Drugstore in Brgy. III, Nasugbu, Batangas in October 2024.

Not only has Generika Drugstore been a trusted name in making affordable and quality medicines accessible to Filipinos, but it has also become a platform for entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while giving back to their communities.

Co-creating value for communities

For Orven Rivera, brother and business partner of singer and celebrity Ariel Rivera, returning to the Philippines after years in Canada meant rediscovering his roots and finding not just a viable venture, but also a bridge to serve his community. He was able to achieve those through Generika Drugstore.

“Generika Drugstore was the right fit for us because they had a mission that resonated with our ideals. And when you have values that align, it naturally translates into trust. And when you have that trust, it gives you more drive to succeed. And when you have that drive, it's easier to make relationships not just with your team, your staff, but with the community,” he emphasized.

Orven highlights how their stores in Metro Manila are able to provide affordable healthcare products, create local jobs, and support community initiatives because for him, they’re not only services but actual lifelines for countless families.

More than just a business, long-time franchisee Pearl Cambronero considers Generika Drugstore as a legacy of service to her communities in Negros Oriental by providing access to quality. affordable generic medicines and by building a strong relationship with both partners and customers through her consistent implementation of value-added healthcare services in her stores for almost 13 years.

“We offer Plus Services, and that is ‘Libreng Konsulta’ with partner doctors, which we do once a month, as well as the efforts of our frontliners who regularly provide ‘Libreng BP’ in our stores. These made us stand out among our competitors and left a lasting mark in people whom we have helped,” she said.

Pearl shares the importance of executing with excellence and consistency in keeping the trust of their customers over the years.

Helping entrepreneurs through simplified franchising

In 2023, Christian Galang joined the franchise, seeing this venture as an addition to his existing businesses in telco and hospitality management.

According to him, the support system of Generika Drugstore, coupled with the reputation of the Ayala ecosystem, removes the guesswork of franchising.

“I see their integrity. I know that they are honest and fair to their partners. Very straight. When you say that a company is Ayala-owned, you have no doubts,” he said.

Christian Galang shares how Generika Drugstore‘s operational support makes opening stores in North and Central Luzon stress-free due to feasibility studies, location strategies, and training provided by Generika’s operations team, allowing him to focus on growth.

Having been part of the Generika Drugstore family since 2012 through their company MegaFran Corporation, siblings Felicia Trinidad and Fausto Tirona III started out on a chance encounter with the idea of franchising, eventually growing into a meaningful business that has positively impacted the communities they serve.

Fausto shared, “When I was working in corporate, my buddy, he introduced me to the idea of putting up a drugstore. And so, I found it a viable option. I attended a seminar and told my sister about it, and she was able to find our first location in Blumentritt. that's how it started.”

“It may have been by chance, but I would still pick it because I find Generika Drugstore as a quality brand. The design and business model are very solid for franchises. That's why we decided to open more stores,” he added.

His sister Felicia’s advice to aspiring franchisees? Do it now.

“There's no perfect day of when to start. You just have to start now. Work on it now. Make that call. That's all you have to do,” she shared.

Siblings Felicia and Fausto Tirona III share the importance of finding locations in densely populated areas, including residential areas, ensuring that the Generika Drugstore is accessible to people who need them most, even during emergencies.

For franchising inquiries, contact us at franchising@generika.com.ph or get in touch with Richard Mataya at 0917-859-2920 / 0917-598-9913.

Generika Drugstore is part of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, that aims to provide Filipinos access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Christopher de Leon Celebrates 5 Years with Pacific Cross Philippines: A Partnership Rooted in Trust

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Award-winning Filipino actor Christopher de Leon has once again solidified his partnership with Pacific Cross Philippines, renewing his role as the brand’s trusted ambassador. Since 2019, Mr. de Leon has been the face of Pacific Cross, embodying the brand’s commitment to providing reliable health and travel insurance for Filipino families.

“I’m proud to continue my journey with Pacific Cross,” shared Christopher. “They have been a reliable partner in my own health journey, and I’m honored to represent a company that stands by its promise of care and protection.”

Christopher’s connection with Pacific Cross goes beyond endorsements; it’s personal. In 2020, when he faced a challenging battle with COVID-19, Pacific Cross was there to provide crucial support. This first-hand experience deepened his belief in the brand’s dedication to protecting the health and well-being of its clients.

The ceremonial contract signing was held on November 21, 2024, at the Pacific Cross Head Office in Makati City. The momentous occasion was graced by Pacific Cross executives, including local and regional leaders. It was a celebration of a partnership built on shared values and trust.

Adding a personal touch to the day, Christopher was joined by his wife, Ms. Sandy Andolong de Leon, and their daughter, Ms. Mica de Leon. After the formalities, the family took time to meet Pacific Cross employees, spreading warmth and joy throughout the office. Employees were thrilled to interact with the celebrated actor, snapping photos and sharing stories—a true testament to the inspiring figure Christopher has become.

As Pacific Cross Philippines moves forward with its mission to provide innovative and trustworthy insurance solutions, having Christopher de Leon at its helm as Brand Ambassador underscores the company’s dedication to uplifting Filipino families.

For Christopher, this partnership is more than a professional commitment—it’s a shared advocacy for ensuring a healthier, more secure future for every Filipino.

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About Pacific Cross Philippines

Pacific Cross is one of the leading medical and travel insurance providers in the Philippines. As Pacific Cross is here to find ways to best serve its clients during times of need, they are providing COVID-19 coverage for travelers through their Travelsafe Insurance Plans. Pacific Cross reserves the right to review and limit coverage and/or impose the exclusion on pandemics at any time.