Monthly Archives

February 2024

Sports

Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay: Using Futsal to Teach Technical Skills and Financial Literacy

Allianz PNB Life’s Grace Dar Santos, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Lead; Jesus Dennis Montealto, Henry V. Moran Foundation, Program Coordinator; Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sustainability, Allianz PNB Life; Kevin Goco, Philippine Football Federation and Fang Siong Chong, Chief Financial Officer, Allianz PNB Life

Recently, the Henry V. Moran Foundation (Moran Foundation) and Allianz PNB Life Insurance Inc. (Allianz) launched the Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay futsal for development program. This grassroots initiative uses futsal to teach technical skills and foster financial literacy in Department of Education (DepEd) public schools.

“The program innovatively uses futsal, an indoor small-sided version of football, widely played in Philippine grassroots communities. Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to teach public school children technical skills in football as well as basic financial literacy through capacity building trainings for teachers, training sessions with students, and competitions,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Sustainability in Allianz. “Teachers who attend the training receive balls to be used in their schools, and also have the chance to be seconded to further coaching and official development programs under the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).”

***Danny Moran, Chairman, The Henry V. Moran Foundation***

“Since 2008, the Moran Foundation has been supporting football for development programs in public schools, orphanages, and NGOs across the country,” said Danny Moran, Chairman of the Moran Foundation. “But we realized that a major difficulty in promoting field football in most Filipino communities and schools is the lack of access to pitches. However, all these schools have access to covered basketball courts so it was natural to use futsal (indoor 5-aside football) for the kids as it is a game that has been proven to be an excellent formator of one’s technique, skill, and game awareness.”

Because of the Moran Foundation’s strong connections to the PFF and its relationship with DepEd, the Liga Eskwela Kaagapay Program fosters the growth of futsal. The Moran Foundation, in partnership with the PFF, organizes futsal competitions to complement the program’s training for PE instructors, which teaches them the fundamentals of futsal coaching, refereeing, and tournament organization. As of 2024, the program is operational in 12 school divisions/cities within DepEd Region 7 and all 16 school divisions/cities within the DepEd National Capital Region. Mindanao will soon adopt the program as well.

Along with teaching public school instructors how to use futsal skills and games to teach public school students basic financial literacy concepts like goal setting, saving, and budgeting, the program also highlights the use of futsal for the development of financial values. In 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas released a report indicating that the Philippines’ financial literacy rank is third from last in ASEAN, with only 25% of the population possessing this knowledge.

***For the win: Pasig U18 celebrate their U18 championship win***

“Football and futsal in schools are fun for both the teachers and the students. Thus, through our partnership with the Moran Foundation, Allianz PNB Life hopes to address the financial literacy gap in the Philippines by using an attractive medium like futsal to get basic concepts across to public school teachers and students,” added Riola. “Liga Eskwela Kaagapay helps achieves Allianz PNB Life’s sustainability agenda in the country since it directly helps us address the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Better Education.”

***Game time: U18 girls defending champion Valenzuela (maroon) vs Manila***

Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to work with at least 100 public school teachers to reach 10,000 public school children in collaboration with DepEd Regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The winners of the one-day Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival 2024 in La Salle Greenhills last Jan. 21 are as follows:

● 12U Boys: Champion – Mandaluyong; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

● 12U Girls: Champion – Manila; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

● 16U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

● 16U Girls: Champion – Malabon; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Parañaque.

● 18U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Manila; 3rd Place – Quezon City.

● 18U Girls: Champion – Valenzuela; 2nd Place – Pasig; and 3rd Place – Caloocan.

February 24, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

Wealth-Building Product’s Availability Extended by Allianz PNB Life, Step Up 7

With the state of the nation’s economy right now, protecting and growing money are two crucial factors to take into account. To be prepared for their future demands, Filipinos should increase their savings and make sure that their assets grow.

With its STEP UP 7 financial product, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) is still dedicated to its goal of guaranteeing the financial future of more Filipinos by assisting them in accumulating wealth for their families and as a means of protection. The acronym for the Short-Term Endowment Plan with Uniform Payouts is STEP UP 7. It is a seven-year-maturing, single-pay, non-participating endowment life insurance plan. Stable income stream

Stable income stream

The STEP UP 7 is ideal for individuals who want to add another stable and guaranteed stream of income to boost their savings while enjoying the benefits of insurance coverage. The plan offers guaranteed protection, maturity benefits, and an additional annual payout of 3.25% for 7 years.

Since its launch in 2019, it has garnered the attention of customers becoming one of the most availed products of AZPNBL. Its popularity among customers led to the roll-out of the product’s third tranche with an allocation of 2 billion pesos.

AZPNBL opened the third tranche in May 2023 with an adjusted coupon rate to adapt to current market trends and prevailing yield rates. It garnered even faster sales due to the attractive coupon rate offered to both new and repeat customers.

Opportunity to build a legacy

Given its success, AZPNBL has decided to extend the STEP UP 7 offer starting January 15, 2024, until supplies last. This extension allows more customers to avail of this plan and take advantage of its benefits of boosting their savings.

Allianz PNB Life Chief Product Provider Officer Leo Tan, Jr. says, “I am immensely proud and excited to reintroduce our special proposition, STEP UP 7. It is tailored specifically to the unique financial needs and preferences of Filipinos and is designed to provide guaranteed savings and protection for those seeking medium to long-term financial solutions.

Our proposition includes a guaranteed payout feature that allows customers to save up over time with the additional payout every year, while providing a level of protection with insurance coverage. This ensures that Filipinos can achieve financial stability and security while they work towards their financial goals. We understand the importance of financial security for Filipinos, and we have designed the STEP UP 7 propositions with this in mind. We take into account the long-term outlook and affinity of Filipinos towards financial planning, ensuring that our proposition aligns perfectly with their needs.”

Customers of PNB get exclusive access to the STEP UP 7 product. Visit the closest PNB branch to learn more about the product through AZPNBL Life Changers.

February 23, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

SZA drops a five-track soundtrack pack for “Saturn”

SZA, a four-time Grammy Award winner signed to Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records, releases a five-track audio bundle for “Saturn.”

The bundle comprises the main, sped up, a cappella, and instrumental versions of “Saturn,” which was originally heard live at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards in a breathtaking performance from Mastercard’s GRAMMY House.

So far, SZA’s new track has received excellent feedback. The track is described by Billboard as a “enchanting” new single that finds “the superstar disappointed with the world around her and wonders if life would be better if she could start over on Saturn.” Variety praised the track for its dreamy and hazy qualities, noting that it’s “SZA in classic SZA form, singing of the despair and helplessness plaguing the world at large and setting it against rich, enveloping production.”

The main version of “Saturn” was written and produced by SZA, Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic and Monsune.

Next month, SZA will set sail overseas for several festival dates, including Lollapalooza Argentina on March 16, Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024 on March 22, and more. For all upcoming tour stops, please visit https://www.szasos.com/tour/.

Links to “Saturn”

https://sza.lnk.to/Saturn

https://sza.lnk.to/Saturn/youtube

Continue to listen to SOS: https://sza.lnk.to/SOS

Download hi-res publicity photos: https://www.rcarecords.com/artist/sza/

Follow SZA:

https://www.instagram.com/sza/

Tweets by sza

https://www.facebook.com/sza/

For more information, please contact:

[email protected]

Saturn by SZA is currently available on all digital music platforms worldwide through RCA Records, Top Dawg Entertainment, and Sony Music Entertainment.

February 23, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

We can’t get enough of the LGBTQIA+ couples in Quezon City who are “preposing” to each other with Right to Care Cards

Although conventional rings can be used by any couple to express their commitment to one another, the LGBTQIA+ community is not influenced by this since marriage equality is not yet legalized in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, a few same-sex couples in Quezon City are making a difference and are genuinely taking the next step forward by “preposing” to their partners using a Right to Care Card!

Similar to typical prenuptial videos, each couple has shared videos on social media demonstrating how they proposed to their partners using a Right to Care Card, which formally enables LGBTQIA+ partners to make decisions for their partners in the event that they are hospitalized or require medical attention. Previously, this right was only available to heterosexual married couples, if they were not their immediate family.

Rea Leen shared the preposal video of her long-term partner via Facebook post, thanking Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for giving them an opportunity like this. “For [those] outside Quezon City, I hope your city will have this too soon, and maybe in entire Philippines. Let’s spread love and enjoy!”, she shares.

Watch Rea’s Preposal here: [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1766519250491149]

Winch, who also shared their preposal to their partner, Anne, also expressed similar sentiments while thanking the Quezon City government for this initiative. “Isa itong malaking step para sa lahat ng LGBT couples na magkaroon ng karapatang legal na maalagaan ang aming mga partners,” they said through the caption posted.

Watch Winch’s Preposal here: [https://www.tiktok.com/@kain.mars/video/7336049700245605637?_r=1&_t=8jvQBzzgjBK]

Both couples also attended the fourth iteration of Quezon City’s commitment ceremony, with over 200 LGBTQIA+ couples participating. Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated during the ceremony that this is a way to fulfill the city’s promises since it passed the Gender-Fair Ordinance a decade ago.

Fifteen couples received their Right to Care Cards during the event, marking the first time they had done so since registering a year ago. More information will be dispersed shortly, according to the Gender and Development Office in Quezon City. In the meanwhile, individuals who have not yet received their card can provide a copy of their Special Power of Attorney contracts at hospitals.

Being the first city in Asia to do so, Quezon City created a stir when it introduced the project during Pride month in 2023. Over 700 LGBTQIA+ couples had registered for the Right to Care Card as of February 2024. You can register for the card online bit.ly/RightToCareReg or at the Quezon City Gender and Development Council office.

Security Bank uses Avaloq to spearhead the digital revolution of the wealth management industry

One of the best-capitalized private universal banks in the Philippines, Security Bank offers a range of services including asset management, leasing, foreign exchange, stock trading, and customized finance. The bank increased its clientele by a CAGR of 40% and increased its wealth management assets under administration by a CAGR of 44% since establishing its wealth management division in 2017. Based on these findings, Security Bank has been named Best for HNWs (high net worth) in the Philippines by Asiamoney for three years running (2023, 2022, and 2021). Security Bank has teamed up with Avaloq to advance the bank’s digitalization, streamline its front office, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth in response to the growing demand for customized wealth management services.

With the help of its new wealth management platform, Security Bank will be able to provide its wealthy and high net worth clientele with a comprehensive range of customized investment advising services and products by automating and standardizing operations. Security Bank will see increased operational efficiency as a result of high straight-through processing (STP) and service accuracy rates for payments, securities, and money processing provided by the Avaloq Core Platform’s native automation capabilities. As a result, Security Bank will have greater resources to devote to offering individualized service, developing fresh, cutting-edge products, and branching out into new markets and customer groups.

Avaloq’s intuitive RM Workplace solution will provide Security Bank’s relationship managers with a complete overview of client profiles and portfolios, ensuring more targeted communication and simpler transaction management to boost productivity and foster closer client relationships. This will also enable the bank’s relationship managers to offer tailored investment advisory services to a larger, more diverse client base. The solution can be fully customized based on the bank’s needs and is seamlessly integrated with the Avaloq Core Platform.

Arnold Bengco, Financial Markets Head at Security Bank, said: “The bank’s strategic partnership with Avaloq will strengthen our wealth management capabilities even further. We continue to innovate our financial markets products to meet the evolving needs of our clients. With this acute focus to deliver tailored solutions and distinct BetterBanking service, we’re confident our new platform will attract incremental investment AUM and help deepen customer relationships with our Bank.”

Lucose Eralil, Executive Vice President Head Enterprise Technology & Operations at Security Bank, said: “This new partnership with Avaloq reflects our commitment to digitally transforming our bank to deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders and to become the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines. With Avaloq’s specialized wealth management platform and RM Workplace solution, we can further expand our wealth management business to help individuals and businesses in the region grow and preserve their wealth. I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Avaloq over the years to come.”

Pascal Wengi, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa at Avaloq, said: “We are firmly committed to supporting Security Bank on its digitalization journey across the front, middle and back office. By automating end-to-end processes, from order entry to reporting, the Avaloq Core Platform will provide the operational foundation for the future growth and success of the bank’s wealth management business. At the same time, our RM Workplace solution will empower the bank’s relationship managers, helping them to build lasting relationships with their clients. We are proud to work closely with Security Bank to support the growth of the Philippines’ wealth management sector.”

February 22, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Enchanted Kingdom: Promoting travel and providing top-notch service

During the CALABARZON tourist Excellence Appreciation 2023, which took place in the Twin Lakes Hotel in Laurel, Batangas, last January, the Department of Tourism honored Enchanted Kingdom—the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines—for its significant contribution to the travel and tourist sector.

Along with Local Government Units (LGUs), partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), private tourism businesses, the academic community, media partners, institutional partners, and well-known locals, Mario O. Mamon, Chairman and President of EK, and Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, COO, accepted the award.

“This recognition is an affirmation that Enchanted Kingdom is in the right direction towards our vision to be a world-class integrated attractions destination in Asia, and as the Philippine leader in wholesome family leisure and entertainment,” said COO Dr. Mamon.

Dr. Mamon, an advocate of tourism in Laguna, is also the president of Laguna Tourism Council Philippines. “EK is committed to contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. It is our mission to create and provide magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime, both for our domestic and foreign guests,” Dr. Mamon furthered.

EK’s Learning and Development Manager, Pauline C. Barreiro also received an award for her participation as a trainer for the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training program for 2023. Currently, 90% of Enchanted Kingdom’s Cast Members (employees) are FBSE trained. “The FBSE Training Program has deepened our appreciation of the culture of service excellence in the Philippines. In EK, all cast members take the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence to heart as we greet every guest with a passionate Mabuhay, magical day!,” shared Ms. Barreiro.

The Laguna government also recognized EK last year for bringing in the most same-day visitors in 2022. According to DOT’s most current Regional Distribution of Overnight Travelers data, the City of Santa Rosa, where EK is located, recorded 40,188 overnight foreign travelers and 92,728 overnight domestic travelers.

Famous Laguna delicacies were on display at the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub, which EK and DTI Laguna built in 2022. The Pugad Shop at EK’s Cultural Village zone also featured gift packs of coffee and tea, as well as locally made bags and accessories. AGILA the EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines that honors the splendor of Philippine travel destinations, goods, and people, is also housed at EK. Enchanted Kingdom has been actively promoting travel and local goods for the past 28 years.

February 21, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

The deluxe version of Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Raven’s latest album, Kinulayan, has been released

The young multi-hyphenate will be launching his latest record on February 21 at Balcony Music House in Makati City

Listen to the album’s new single “LML” and bonus track “AOLID”

raven, a Filipino singer-songwriter and producer, explores the hues of life in her latest album Kinulayan, which is out now through Sony Music Entertainment.

Raven defines a Kinulayan as someone whose life was monotonous and uninteresting until they met someone who was worth taking a chance on in a romantic relationship.

With the primary intention of spreading happiness that radiates with positive emotions and expressions, the emerging phenomenon wrote and produced Kinulayan. Kinulayan is an energetic, colorful, and free-spirited record that makes it easy for listeners to enjoy life’s small pleasures and the escape they provide.

“The songs in the album reflect the different stages in a relationship,” the Balcony Music Entertainment act shares. “From catching feelings to wanting to spend the rest of your life with the other half, the record traces these developments from a romantic standpoint.”

Track list

The young newcomer’s second studio album features nine songs, with the addition of the bonus track “AOLID.” raven explains that the etymology of “AOLID” comes from the word “solid,” which he tends to mistype quite often. “It’s is my way of reclaiming the term in all its imperfect glory, while embracing the expression to lift others up and rise against the odds.”

Other songs in the album include the focus track “LML,” which was penned during a very tumultuous phase in his personal life. On the bedroom-pop ditty, raven turns moroseness into a source of inspiration, paying tribute to that special someone who helped him recover from the rock bottom and gave him a reason to make meaningful memories again.

Check out the tracks from his new album:

1. May Sasabihin Lang

2. Tayo Parin Talaga

3. Sinta

4. Sunday

5. Biyahe

6. LML

7. Pangako

8. AOLID (feat. Kvrt & Nichimi)

9. Pangako (with Angela Ken)

Album launch

This Wednesday, February 21, at 7:00 PM, raven will formally unveil the deluxe edition of his second studio album, Kinulayan, at Makati City’s Balcony Music House.

The album’s tunes, along with some previously released ones, will be performed live by the open-genre act for the first time. Weekends, ALYSON, Maki, Nichimi, TALA, and others are support acts. Get registered beginning at 6:30 p.m.

raven’s Kinulayan is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

February 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Sports

A significant part of the 52nd Golden Tee Invitational Tournament is played by ArenaPlus

Your go-to sports betting app, ArenaPlus, did not hold back in supporting Philippine sports entertainment as it participated in the 52nd Golden Tee Invitational Tournament, which was held at the Manila Golf and Country Club from February 5–10, 2024.

ArenaPlus assumed the position of major sponsor for the event, also known as a Platinum Sponsor, and contributed Php 1,000,000.00 as the cash prize for the winner of the tournament. The brand feels that this sum is akin to the value that golf provides to the Filipino people in terms of both amusement and livelihood.

Notably, ArenaPlus’ participation also included being counted among the tournament players. The Golden Tee Sponsors Tournament portion of the event saw 10 representatives from the brand join in as they too worked to secure their own victories.

Event goers, from players to spectators, were given the additional treat of visiting ArenaPlus’ booth, which gave away goodies to its visitors.

ArenaPlus wants to continue its involvement in the local sports and leisure scenes because it is committed to fostering the growth and development of Philippine sports and culture. They keep creating new channels and chances to increase the accessibility and relevance of sports and leisure for Filipinos. Through its collaboration with the 52nd Golden Tee Invitational Tournament, ArenaPlus makes esoteric sports accessible to a wider audience.

Digiplus Interactive Corp. is a leading provider of gaming and leisure services in the nation, and BingoPlus and ArenaPlus are two of its proud flagship brands. Visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net for additional updates, or get the apps right now from Google Play and the App Store.

February 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, Tech

Ayala Foundation and Globe’s Hapag Movement feed 4,500 people in Basilan

**Globe’s Hapag Movement and the Ayala Foundation, with the help of local community organizations, brought meals to students in 21 Basilan schools December 1, 2023 to January 10, 2024.**

The nation’s hunger rates are still rising, and millions of people are having everyday difficulties obtaining food. According to the most recent Social Weather Stations study, hunger rates increased by 12% in December 2023, especially in Mindanao, which is home to some of the nation’s poorest regions.

The Hapag Movement has targeted Basilan, a province that has long struggled with poverty and conflict, in an effort to remedy this. A 2023 study by the Philippine Statistics Authority states that 46.9% of Basilan’s population lives in poverty, making it a “relatively high” rate.

The Hapag Movement and its implementing partner Ayala Foundation recently provided supplemental nutrition to 4,500 students in 21 schools spread over 4 municipalities in Basilan, thanks to the assistance of local community groups.

Just last month, alumni of the Ayala Foundation’s Basilan Leaders initiative–Leadership villages (BYLP–LeadCom) initiative assisted the Hapag Movement in providing supplemental nutrition to isolated villages, indigenous peoples, and families of former soldiers. There were 2,500 beneficiaries of this endeavor.

Support also extended to livelihood, with the Hapag Movement providing seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Lantawan town and Lamitan City with the help of LeadCom alumna Nurhati Tangging.

“What we’re doing in Hapag is providing opportunities na mas ma-expand pa ng ating partner farmer beneficiaries sa Basilan ang kanilang pagsasaka. The Hapag project is providing them vegetable seeds at ibang pananim, at the same time fertilizer na magsu-support sa kanilang pananim,” said Tangging.

The project has also reached families of former combatants who have returned to the fold and is reintegrating with the community– a critical component in achieving lasting peace in the conflict-stricken province.

“We identified the different beneficiaries we have in Basilan sa pamamagitan ng kung sino po ‘yung active farmers na nangangailangan ng support lalo sa mga seeds. This Hapag project is also an opportunity to provide foods sa families ng former combatants at kani-kanilang pamilya,” Tangging said.

One notable project was led by community leaders Adzhar Baluan and Saddam Pacio, and teacher Nur-aisa Anilon, all of whom are also BYLP–LeadCom alumni, who organized a feeding program for nearly 1,000 students in December 2023.

“In Globe, we are fully committed to working alongside communities, stakeholders, and local leaders to deploy sustainable solutions that will significantly benefit Filipino families grappling with the harsh reality of involuntary hunger. Through the Hapag Movement, we are determined to secure a more promising future for our less fortunate kababayans,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

The stories of Basilan communities and their support for the Hapag Movement are a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have in making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

As millions of families continue to grapple with hunger, the Hapag Movement needs your support. Those who would like to send help may donate via the New GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. Just follow these steps:

Donations may also be made using GCash through the following steps.

On the Globe of Good website, credit card donations are also accepted.

Visit to find out more about the Hapag movement. globeofgood#gref; https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good#gref.

February 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

The town now has a new night market! Estancia’s Mercato Centrale and The Strip Circulo Verde open

The weekly food market you love is now located at Ortigas Malls. Mercato Centrale is now open at Capitol Commons, Estancia, and The Strip at Circulo Verde.

Mercato Centrale, widely regarded as the nation’s top food and lifestyle night market, serves as a central location for entrepreneurs to showcase their goods to food enthusiasts worldwide. Customers at The Strip and Estancia Mall may now savor a variety of foods and beverages all day long as of this month.

The schedule for Ortigas Malls’ Mercato Centrale is as follows:

The Strip at Circulo Verde: February 8 to 29, every Thursday to Sunday from 3pm to 11pm (If you purchase a bucket of Heineken Silver, you’ll get a free 0.0 Heineken Cap)

Estancia, Capitol Commons: February 14 to March 10, every Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm

Visit Mercato Centrale in Estancia and The Strip if you’re looking for a place to relax with your loved ones throughout the weekend or during your lunch break. Allow Ortigas Malls to contribute to your “Larger Than Life” eating encounter.

***

The Ortigas Malls app is your one-stop shop for all your larger-than-life experiences. Register for the Ortigas Community Card to receive exclusive offers, discounts, and benefits.

Make sure to like and visit the Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia Mall official Facebook pages for additional details and updates on the activities held by Ortigas Malls.

February 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

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