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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.

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.

More proposal videos:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zTGtfAJiFdhnwUda/?mibextid=w8EBqM

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=952309522922798&id=100058742288463&mibextid=w8EBqM

https://www.tiktok.com/@mailabarleta/video/7335883669778844934?_r=1&_t=8juR4nvBk7G

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=266943226439223

For Additional reference and postings:

X: https://twitter.com/RightToCareCard/status/1759787227947901303

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RightToCareCard/posts/327409023598934

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.”

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.

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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.

In response to the increasing market demand for sustainability innovations, Enercon Asia, a premier supplier of all-inclusive energy and power system integrator solutions, is happy to announce the expansion of its services into the Philippines and the launch of an advanced smart energy assessment and monitoring system.

Businesses all around the world are adopting more energy-efficient technologies to reduce their use of energy in the face of the global issue of achieving energy sustainability. Since the Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has acknowledged the need for more energy-efficient usage, this trend is particularly noticeable there.

Enercon has launched its Remote Energy Monitoring System in response to the pressing need for cutting-edge energy saving solutions. The power grid, solar panels, batteries, generators, and other energy sources are all easily connected to an Internet of Things (IoT) power monitoring system. It also comes with a data-driven platform to help organizations become ready for sustainability reporting and management.

Dr. Azhar Othman, Executive Chairman, Enercon Asia, “Our goal is to advance towards a more intelligent and sustainable energy landscape while assisting businesses in navigating the complexities of energy efficiency. We aim to empower businesses to actively monitor their energy consumption, address challenges in establishing carbon reduction goals, and most importantly, achieve a significant reduction in power consumption costs.”

In addition to catering to commercial and industrial sectors, Enercon strategically positions itself to support rapidly growing industries such as microgrids and data centers. Projections from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) indicate a fivefold increase in data center capacity by 2029. Enercon’s timely launch of the Remote Energy Monitoring System, combined with their proficiency in integrating Data Centre Power system solutions, is well-positioned to support businesses in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of energy consumption efficiency.

“Recognising that power consumption constitutes a significant operating expense for many facilities and building owners, we are committed to helping them better manage their energy usage. Through site verification, measurement, monitoring, and analysis with state-of-the-art smart energy monitoring equipment, our teams ensure that clients have a thorough understanding of their energy consumption patterns, on top of meeting compliance requirements. By incorporating preventive and predictive measurements, our solution furnishes businesses with insights into their energy consumption patterns. Moreover, it facilitates remote monitoring of facilities’ energy usage, empowering businesses with enhanced control and efficiency in overseeing their energy resources,” said Roland Lim, CEO of Enercon Asia.

Enercon has been a leader in power generation and control for the commercial, industrial, and rising sectors for the last fifty years. Enercon provides more than just energy audits; its services also include asset management, which includes routine preventive maintenance, updating and retrofitting electrical equipment, as well as comprehensive commissioning, testing, and training. Power systems’ continued longevity and efficiency are guaranteed by this all-encompassing strategy. With the support of a group of energy experts and auditors, Enercon is already an ESCO registered business in the Philippines, helping businesses adhere to RA-11285, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

For more information, visit https://enercon-asia.com.

In order to future-proof operations and reduce carbon emissions, Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and digital automation, emphasizes the significance of a green approach to data center architecture and operations. As a result, the sector will become more resilient to rising demand and sustainable.

Power Up: Fuel Your Path For Success was an event held by the corporation recently to address the difficulties and current state of the data center market with players in the field.

The worldwide data center research group Uptime Institute projected a 500% increase in global data generation between 2019 and 2025. Because data centers require a lot of energy to operate, their sector is thought to be responsible for 1% of the world’s electricity usage.

“Data centers have become integral to our rapidly growing internet economy. The need to transition to sustainable operations has become more pronounced,” said Carlos Leviste, Business Development and Marketing Director at Schneider Electric Philippines. He added that industries have previously leaned heavily on fuel alone to run their operations. As data center facilities are energy-intensive, data centers play a pivotal role in sustainability. The most efficient way would be to shift to electricity and digital.

However, there is a growing preference across industries for maximizing energy management systems and digital tools, which not only drive operational efficiency but also promote sustainability. Data centers, equipped with smarter operations, can optimize costs, speed, and capital to prepare them for future technological integrations and risk mitigation.

Schneider Electric is at the forefront of this advancement with its extensive suite of digital solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. For instance, APC, Schneider Electric’s flagship brand, offer high-efficiency uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), cooling units, and monitoring systems to foresee any unwanted downtime within the data centers and pinpoint inefficiencies to their operations.

In particular, the oil-free cooling centrifugal compressors with magnetic bearings chiller systems that Schneider Electric utilizes allows data centers to consume power more efficiently and sustainably.

Similarly, Schneider Electric provides renewable Power & Grid solutions that can help produce electricity sustainably to fuel data center facilities’ increasing needs.

“Through these solutions, data center facilities can reduce operational costs in design and engineering, function using grid-compliant assets and software with reduced cybersecurity risks and ensure proactive maintenance of assets to maintain optimum uninterrupted performance,” said Sara El Fanidi, Power and Grid Sales Leader of Schneider Electric APAC.

Schneider Electric has expanded its EcoXpertTM Partner Program to include new industry certifications, further demonstrating its dedication to sustainable digital transformation. By enabling partners to become dependable consultants on data center and critical infrastructure solutions, these certifications hope to ensure that data centers are not just resilient and efficient, but also sustainable.

Schneider Electric is redefining the data center industry by leveraging the power of digital transformation and linked infrastructure to create a new standard that puts sustainability, dependability, efficiency, and resilience ahead of quickly shifting needs.

The Philippines’ connectivity reliability has been improved with the completion of Eastern Communications’ “Express Route” project, which was part of the joint venture that is the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN). The initiative’s goal is to provide robust and inclusive internet connectivity, with an emphasis on improving services in regions that are frequently affected by typhoons and natural calamities.

Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental are locations covered by the PDSCN Express Route, which went into effect on February 9.

With the PDSCN Express Route active, Eastern Communications is ready to facilitate on-ground connections and offer improved bandwidth to meet the varied needs of Filipinos, particularly in areas prone to cable faults, typhoons, and natural disasters.

“We celebrate the completion of Eastern’s PDSCN Express Route with all Filipinos. Together, we welcome a new era of possibilities and build a more reliable connectivity infrastructure for all,” said Delfin Lopez, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation.

The PDSCN Express Route is a 1,000-kilometer network of submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables connecting South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The route was strategically designed to be composed of at least 80 percent of cables laid via submarine and less than 20 percent of cables laid in-land. By minimizing the terrestrial fiber network, the Express Route aims to reduce the likelihood and frequency of network faults caused by cable cuts on road networks.

“While roadwork development is in place in these areas, the completion of the PDSCN Express Route becomes pivotal in laying a solid groundwork for a more reliable connectivity and driving digital empowerment nationwide,” said Eastern Communications’ PDSCN Consultant Albert Tuason.

The entire PDSCN initiative, which commenced last July 2022 in Subic, Zambales, has been a collaborative effort with co-owners Globe Group and InfiniVAN Inc., and spans a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, with landing cables established in 32 Point of Interconnect (POI) sites.

As the PDSCN initiative continues to unfold, it holds the promise of transforming the digital landscape of the Philippines, paving the way for a more connected and resilient nation.

Building a digitally empowered Philippines

Eastern Communications’ winning entry at the 2023 Asian Telecom Awards, entitled “Eastern Communications Strengthens Infrastructure & Product Portfolio to Swiften Digitalization of Philippine Businesses,” highlighted the PDSCN project as one of the infrastructure and product expansion efforts recognized. The winning entry highlights Eastern’s support for digitizing cities and urban centers primed for rapid growth and opportunities. The B2B Client Initiative of the Year award went to the submission.

Additionally, at the 2023 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern Communications received recognition as the recipient of the Philippines Customer Experience of the Year award in the Telecommunications category. The company highlights its commitment to satisfying client demands and providing “high-tech and high-touch service,” and as it grows across the country, it hopes to recreate its unique and genuine customer experiences.

For additional information regarding business-grade ICT and internet solutions offered by Eastern Communications, please visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000.

On the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Bataan, descendants of our World War II Filipino and American veterans, along with military personnel, representatives from the local and national government, the diplomatic community, students, families, and more, will once again walk in our heroes’ footsteps at the Bataan Death March Commemmorative Walk.

This coming March 16 and 17, 2024, the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), in collaboration with the Department of National Defense (DND), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), will host the annual Freedom March, a 160-kilometer memorial walk for the WWII heroes.

Starting in Mariveles, Bataan, and ending in Capas, Tarlac, the Freedom March will follow the real historical path of the Death March.

The public is cordially invited to participate in this solemn remembrance of the bravery and selflessness of the American and Filipino warriors who fought in one of history’s most tragic periods at the Battle of Bataan.

“The Freedom March isn’t just a journey over land; it’s a journey through time, honoring the undying spirit of those who walked before us,” Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said. “This year, as we walk, we don’t just tread on the ground; we walk alongside the echoes of bravery and resilience that resonate through our nation’s history.”

The Freedom March encapsulates the route taken by approximately 66,000 Filipino and 10,000 American POWs. It stretches from Mariveles and Saysain Point in Bagac town, Bataan province, to Camp O’Donnell in Capas town, Tarlac province.

This path, steeped in history, offers a tangible connection to the past, turning every step into a personal encounter with history. This act of remembrance reinforces the narratives of endurance and resilience that form the bedrock of our heritage.

According to  Villa-Real, the 2024 Freedom March is designed to be a powerful educational experience, providing participants with an opportunity to connect deeply with history. Unlike the original Death March’s grueling journey, the event features a symbolic 10-kilometer walk, making it accessible for more individuals who wish to participate in this act of remembrance. Participants may opt to join certain segments of the walk that may start in a location nearest and most convenient for them.

 The march symbolizes a united front in honoring the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom. “Each step taken in the Freedom March is a step of gratitude, a step of understanding, and a step towards ensuring that the legacy of our heroes endures,” added Villa-Real.

Everyone is cordially invited to join the Freedom March, which is a call to action to not only walk but also to fully engage with the profound lessons of history. Participants who are interested can sign up at bit.ly/freedom-march-2024. It costs nothing to register.

“As we march, we do more than remember; we pledge to carry the torch of their legacy forward, shining a light for future generations,” concludes Villa-Real.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/veteransbankmarch for additional details about the event.

Close to 5,000 employee volunteering hours also clocked in for Manulife’s community investment across Asia

In line with its global Impact Agenda, which aims to provide significant programs that promote long-term health and well-being, foster equitable economic opportunities, and expedite a sustainable future for environmental preservation, the domestic division of top global insurer Manulife has extended its partnership with eminent nature conservation organization Haribon Foundation by means of the Forests for Life initiative.

“As we reach and engage more communities across the country through our Impact Agenda, we will continue to strengthen our community investments that will not only help us build a better business to better the world, but also foster kindness, generosity, and the bayanihan spirit among many Filipinos,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

11,250 seedlings to be planted in 2024

Manulife Philippines pledges to plant 11,250 native tree seedlings in Masinloc, Zambales this year through the Haribon Foundation. This extends Manulife’s partnership with Haribon, which started in 2022 with an aim to plant 15,000 seedlings in the provinces of Quezon and Rizal to aid in the restoration of Philippine rainforests.

The town of Masinloc is home to a 30,000-hectare reforestation area known as the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, which is part of the Zambales highlands and is home to several endangered bird and non-bird species. The region’s biodiversity was destroyed when chromite mining operations were conducted there in the past. In order for the devastated environment to recover today, replanting and conservation are crucial.

To help advance positive environmental change, Manulife has been working on implementing its sustainability action plans. In 2022, Manulife contributed USD 25.1 million in total community investments globally. There are also 1.3 billion trees planted by Manulife Investment Management all over the world since 1985, testifying to its longstanding commitment to create more nature-positive world for its communities*.

Manulife Volunteer Days launched in 10 markets in Asia, including the Philippines

Employee giving and volunteering is also part of Manulife’s community engagement initiatives for its Impact Agenda. During the “Season of Giving” last year, the company launched its Manulife Volunteer Days, a week-long program that provided more than 56 volunteering opportunities for employees globally to volunteer for chosen organizations within their communities. These range from tree-planting, financial literacy activities for students, and other engagement activities for ethnic minorities, elderlies, and various communities in need.

In addition, Manulife also launched the Move for your Community in Asia, where more than 1,700 employees from 10 markets, including colleagues from Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life and Manulife Investment Management Philippines, accomplished various step goals in five days, achieving 34 million steps in total. These recorded steps were converted to community investments, such as the 900 Peso Smart learning kits for elementary school students in the Philippines through the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation and Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation.

“Since 2017, our financial literacy program Peso Smart has been instrumental in promoting the value of basic financial skills such as saving, budgeting, and investing among young children,” Rahul added. “As Peso Smart has expanded over the years to cater to broader segments — including parents, educators, and university students — we hope we can financially empower more Filipinos to live worry-free and confidently, while securing a better future.”

Additional community investments from Move for your Community in Asia include 10,000 lunches for students in Vietnam through the Lotus Charity Foundation, 10,000 reusable box lunches for students across all campuses of the Rabbit School in Cambodia, and a public sanitation and clean water facility in Indonesia through Dompet Dhuafa.

See this video or visit https://www.manulife.com.ph/ImpactAgenda for the complete account of how Manulife develops its Impact Agenda in the Philippines. Visit Manulife’s website at https://manulife.com.ph for additional details.

*Source: Manulife ESG Report 2022