FWD supports financial inclusion with comprehensive health protection portfolio

Tweet

FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”) supports financial inclusion to cover the underserved sector of society who are vulnerable to critical illnesses through its comprehensive yet affordable health and wellbeing portfolio, which includes Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance, BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance, and Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance. The portfolio covers costs of hospitalization, recovery from illness, and disease management, offering different premium tiers for customers from diverse financial situations.

“We continue to innovate our products so we can contribute in closing the protection gap, making everyone from all walks of life get the protection they need,” said FWD PH Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer Roche Vandenberghe. “With these health protection plans, we’re changing the way people feel about insurance by encouraging them to invest in their health because they can now afford it.”

Being diagnosed with critical illness can be the beginning of financial concern for patients and their families. Open heart surgery alone, for example, may cost at least Php300,000 in a public hospital, depending on the disease and its severity. Given the grave risks posed by common critical illnesses, FWD took a proactive approach to help people prioritize their health and wellbeing through insurance protection. Filipinos now have access to comprehensive health protection that covers all bases while empowering them to celebrate living.

The Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance offers up to six times the claims for major critical illness, three times maximum claims for cancer and non-cancer respectively. It covers the insured from wellness to recovery, including proper health screening and maintenance, coverage from critical illnesses, and a supplement benefit for treatment and recovery. It also offers maturity or death benefit and minor critical illness benefit, among others. The plan allows consumers to customize their policy as necessary with protection boosters.

The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is an easy-on-the-pocket, easy-to-buy, and easy-to-claim health plan that protects against the top three critical illnesses: stroke, heart attack, and early-to-late-stage cancer. It provides high protection at minimum cost, alleviating Filipinos’ health-related financial concerns. At an affordable premium, customers can buy up to a maximum of Php 2 million total aggregated health benefit amount. They may also take advantage of the reward of unlimited consultation with licensed physicians at Aventus Medical Inc. clinics nationwide. The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is available via the FWD Online Shop at shop.fwd.com.ph.

The Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance, which covers 42 major critical illnesses and allows up to three times the claims for unrelated major critical illnesses. Dubbed as the zero-waste health plan, Set for Health guarantees that the insured gets a return from all premiums paid as it offers up to three times the claims for major critical illnesses, and 100% refund of the premiums paid if they never make a claim. Additionally, dependents get 100% of the benefit amount should the insured pass away before age 75. This plan is available via reaching out to a financial advisor or the FWD Online Shop, and it offers flexible payment options so customers can pay under their preferred terms.

Important financial decisions require help from professionals. Customers can talk to FWD’s financial advisors to seek expert advice on which plans they need, depending on their background and life plans. For more information about FWD Life Insurance’s health and wellbeing products, visit fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing/.

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2021, FWD Life Insurance ranks 3rd and 5th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and Total Premium Income2, respectively in the Philippines.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD reached its 10-year anniversary in 2023. The company is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Total Premium Income

P-Pop star MONA recalls memories of being a fan on new single “Tagahanga"

Tweet

“Tagahanga” is produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWon Lee and written by MONA herself.

 

Filipino singer-songwriter MONA channels the inner thoughts of a fan girl on “Tagahanga,” her official second single under Sony Music Entertainment.

The song tells the story of a passionate fan who rallies around her idol, hoping to connect with them in a meaningful way and get noticed. It was also penned by MONA herself, who admitted that her experiences as a fan inspired the storytelling.

“To an extent, I’d say that these memories come from a place of love and adoration,” MONA shares. “I took the experience to heart when I decided to start a career in music, because at some point in my life, I know how it feels to be a fan.”

On “Tagahanga,” the promising songstress transforms her positive energy into a euphoric pop anthem. She delivers the material produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWon Lee with a balance of introspection and enthusiasm, singing as if she’s fully committed to the essence of the narrative.

“The producer prominently highlights the bass and guitar parts, creating a driving rhythm that encourages dancing and movement,” the Always Remember act adds. “This, in turn, sets the tone of the track, adding a layer of fun and excitement.”

MONA recently joined Sony Music Entertainment’s esteemed roster of P-Pop talents, which also includes KAIA, Fourth Impact and SB19 among its lineup. With more than 18 million followers on TikTok and a growing portfolio as an influencer, the breakthrough artist hopes to conquer the local music scene with her vocal abilities and solid pop instincts.

MONA’s new track “Tagahanga” serves as a follow-up to her debut single “Always Remember,” a song that values the importance of self-worth and preservation in facing one’s fears.

MONA’s “Tagahanga” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ed Sheeran releases his new single ‘Eyes Closed'

Tweet

Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video (watch here).

Ed originally wrote ‘Eyes Closed’ a few years back. Starting out as a break-up song, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning after Ed suffered heartbreaking loss, which led him to revisit and reimagine the original version of the track for ‘-ʼ. One of the most pop-leaning sonics on his highly anticipated new record, ‘Eyes Closed’ captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video. Directed by Mia Barnes, we see Ed on a night out being followed by a blue monster - serving as a metaphor for grief, Ed is unable to shake it, wherever he goes, reminding him of the void that’s left in his life.

Speaking of the new song and the video, Ed says – “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it.

When I was thinking of concepts for the Eyes Closed music video, I wanted to make a video inspired by movies like Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary friend who’s a giant rabbit that no one can see. There’s also a book I read my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature. Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”

Ed’s soul-baring new album ‘-‘ will be released on 5 May through Asylum/Atlantic. Written against a backdrop of grief and hope, Ed wrote and recorded the fourteen-track record with Aaron Dessner (The National) in February last year after a series of hard-hitting events impacted his life.

Announced earlier this week, his all-new, four-part documentary ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ will air on Disney+ from 3 May 2023. Blending never-before-seen personal archive, interviews and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today.

ED’S NEW ALBUM ‘-ʼ (SUBTRACT) SET FOR RELEASE

ON 5 MAY 2023

PRE ORDER

NEW DOCUMENTARY ‘ED SHEERAN: THE SUM OF IT ALL’ TO AIR ON DISNEY+ FROM 3 MAY 2023

OFFICIAL TRAILER

ED SHEERAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

Here are some of the biggest Asian acts performing at the City of Firsts

Tweet

Get ready for top Asian acts coming to Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater

Memorize those fanchants, gather your merch, and take out your lightsticks because some of the biggest pop acts in Asia are taking over the City of Firsts!

Starting this weekend, some of the most in demand and popular artists are coming to Manila to meet their fans and treat them to exciting performances.

First are Moonbin and Sanha who will be having their first fanmeeting and concert at the New Frontier Theater this Saturday, March 25. Moonbin and Sanha is the first official sub-unit of ASTRO, and they have chosen Manila as the first stop of the MOONBIN&SANHA (ASTRO) Fan Con: [Diffusion]. Get ready for performances and special stages that were especially prepared to thrill Pinoy Arohas. To get your tickets, for the MOONBIN&SANHA (ASTRO) Fan Con: [Diffusion], please visit this link.

Next, we have WayV who will be coming to Manila for their Phantom Fan Meeting tour this Sunday, March 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. WayV, the Chinese sub-unit of the hugely popular NCT, will be performing here in the country with five members, Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery, and YangYang and will be performing many fan favorites such as Take Off, Love Talk, and their latest single from their fourth mini-album, Phantom. Aside from non-stop performances, the members have many surprises in store. So, WeiZenNies, make sure to be there for WayV’s first fanmeet in the country. To secure your tickets, click this link.

The fun doesn’t stop there because you’ll get to see back-to-back-to-back K-pop performances from a Hallyu legend and two of the biggest fourth gen acts today! On April, 11 see The Boyz, Aespa, and Taeyeon dominate the stage of the Big Dome for K-Verse at the Big Dome. Prepare for a night of powerhouse vocals and energetic performances at K-Verse. Visit this link for tickets and more information.

Another Korean celebrity is also coming to the New Frontier Theater to meet his fans! Kim Mingue, who rose to stardom after his career-defining role on The Heavenly Idol, is meeting his Pinoy fans at the Heavenly Moment: Kim Mingue 1st Fanmeet in Manila on April 14. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this event! Buy your ticket here.

Meanwhile, EXO-Ls can celebrate because EXO-SC, the sub-unit composed of Sehun and Chanyeol, is coming to Manila for the Back to Back Fancon Tour. It will happen on May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the boys have prepared many performances and surprises for Pinoy Exo-Ls. More information will be provided soon, so stay tuned!

Lastly, the it girls of K-Pop are also headed for the Big Dome! Get ready for The Prom Queens: IVE The First Fan Concert on June 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Sing your heart out to IVE’s monster hits like Eleven, Love Dive, and After Like at their first concert here in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more details and ticketing info for this event.

For more information about these events, visit the Ticketnet website. To learn more about the Smart Araneta Coliseum, please visit www.smartaranetacoliseum.com. And to discover what the New Frontier Theater has to offer log on to www.newfrontiertheater.com.

Gen Z Pinoys have more mind health conditions than the rest of the world’s youth

Tweet

AXA Mind Health Index reveals more than half of Gen Z in Asia

are suffering from poor mental health, affecting their professional lives

According to a study by leading insurance provider AXA, the Filipino respondents in the 18- to 24-year-old bracket that admitted going through bouts of depression and anxiety were higher than global numbers. In the Philippines, responses for depression kick in at 35% (vs. 27% globally) while anxiety is at 16% (12% globally). While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mind health across society, the latest findings from the annual AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 has revealed that Gen Z (aged 18-24) appears to be taking the brunt of the impact, with more than half of Gen Z globally (54%) and in Asia (51%) experiencing poor mental health. The Survey identifies specific challenges they face in today’s workplace, while also highlighting the need for employers to explore tailored support to address a potential surge in turnover in young talent.

The research found that Gen Z have the highest proportion of those struggling (associated with emotional stress and psychosocial impairment) at 18% globally and 14% in Asia, more than any other age group. Globally, only 13% of young people aged 18-24 are flourishing at the pinnacle of mind health, with the proportion being 15% in Asia, both the lowest across all age groups. This makes 18-24 the only age group globally that has more people struggling than flourishing.

Gen Z show greater ability to work under stress, though most likely to resign

In Asia’s workplaces, the survey reveals that Gen Z talent are affected by several key challenges that pose a potential threat to their mind health. These include uncertainty about the future (69% vs 59% globally), struggling to separate work life and non-work life (49% vs 39% globally), finding it hard to keep up with the pace of change at work (47% vs 38% globally), and a lack of job-skill fit (14% vs 9% globally). This last factor has a very strong correlation with mental wellbeing, as those that have the right job skill fit are 2.5 times more likely to perform their best according to the research.

The results also show that the 18-24 age group in Asia has the highest percentage of people who intend to resign in the next 12 months (21%). Yet the survey found a clear indication that those in the 18-24 age group who are flourishing are less likely to resign, with the rate being only 16%, highlighting the importance of effectively enabling positive mental health in supporting employee retention.

Workplace mental health support plays a vital role in overall mental wellbeing

Support for mental health in the workplace has risen up the agenda during the pandemic. The research also reveals that in Asia, companies that provide mind health support are 2.5 times more likely to have employees that are flourishing. In particular, while 1 in 4 Gen Z employees who feel they are getting good mind health support at work are flourishing, the rate is only 1 in 100 among those that do not see such support, which is the biggest difference among all age groups. This indicates mind health support in the workplace also has the greatest impact on the mental wellbeing of Gen Z, making this group a priority target for such solutions.

Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia and Africa said, “While mind health has rightly attracted greater attention in the wake of the pandemic’s disruption on our lives, these findings emphasise that the next generation of talent across Asia are facing severe challenges. Companies need to examine how they can make a tangible difference with support relevant to the needs of their Gen Z employees, not only to help with productivity and retention, but to tackle this urgent issue affecting societies across the region.”

Bernardo Serrano Lopez, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer, adds, “While we see a considerable improvement in mind health globally, this does not mean that we can just sit back and simply let things run its course. The insights from this study helps organizational leaders and people managers steer their initiatives to better benefit our employees’ physical and mental health. At AXA, we take pride in consistently supporting programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And we take these learnings to continue evolving our programs to better suit our employees’ needs and to further our vision to become a company where they are #FitToFlourish.”

Overall people in Asia are getting mentally healthier, believe that stigma is declining

Despite this concern, the research found that the proportion of people flourishing in Asia[1] climbed from 19% to 22%, with Asia seeing a bigger rise than the global average. By contrast, the proportion of those struggling in Asia fell to 12%, a year-on-year decrease of 2%. This speaks to improving mental wellbeing across the board. In addition, 36% of respondents globally agree that stigma related to mental health is declining, compared to 31% last year.

The findings show that 25% of people globally are flourishing, with Thailand (37%), a new entrant this year, topping the list and Italy (18%) showing the lowest level. A closer look at Asian countries and territories in the survey finds that the Philippines had the largest proportion globally of people getting by, at 39%, followed by Hong Kong at 37%. Across the region, the largest proportion of languishing and struggling were both in Japan, at 31% and 14% respectively.

Access the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 at axafittoflourish.com.

[1] Asia year-on-year comparison only relates to Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan.