SUN LIFE’S #liveBrighter Campaign: Millenials For A Financially Prepared Generation

The new generation of workforce, the Millenials, wants to grow with a company that respects their individuality while being part of a noble cause. Such opportunity is possible when one becomes a Financial Advisor. This is a door that Sun Life (of Canada) Philippines, Inc. opens wider with a recruitment drive called #LiveBrighter. It aims to present the profession as a career choice for Millennials who wish to have the time and resources to pursue their passions as theyBrighter advocate financial foresight and planning.

 “Millennials are known to be slashers as they juggle a lot of things live travelling, blogging, and other passion projects on top of their regular 8-5 jobs. It sounds very aspirational but how can they sustain this in terms of time and resources?” said Sun life Recruitment Manager Fin Bernardo. “With that in mind, we see that the profession of a Financial Advisor is a perfect fit for their lifestyle,” added Bernardo.

After introducing the Financial Advisor in popular culture thru its engagement with Cinema One’s Single/Single, Sun Life dishes out the #LiveBrighter Sessions. This is a series of meet-ups to show how a Financial Advisor lives up to the demands and rewards of the profession. It aims to reach more Millennials and send them the message that their dream job is just here all along.

L-R (Arriane Serafico, Agnes Cuaso, Host)

Guided by the core values of a Sun Life Financial Advisor- caring, professional, inspiring, and winning - #LiveBrighter Sessions will give a taste of the benefits one can enjoy in choosing this particular career path. More than the chance to earn unlimited income, it also provides perks such as all-expense travel and the freedom to work with an unbridled schedule.

With more Filipinos keen on getting insurance and investment products, the possibilities for new Advisors are endless. “We need more Financial Advisors to educate Filipinos on the importance of preparing for unexpected life’s events and offer them solutions that let them have Money For Life,” explained Bernardo.

Choose to #LiveBrighter now. Register to the next #LiveBrighter Forum by visiting bit.ly/LiveBrighter.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies, a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 billion.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippines (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

NABH International Accredits Cabrini Medical Center as its first in Southeast Asia...

The National Accreditation Board for Hospital International (NABH International) continues to support the Philippines in gaining international accreditation in the field of healthcare. The latest accreditation was awarded to St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center.

A non-profit organization, NABH International is recognized by International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). One of the organization’s main objective is to redefine healthcare quality in the developing worlds but at the same time, providing accreditation with an affordable cost.

St. Frances Cabrini celebrates momentous achievement

The organization has seen their main objective being imbibed by this world-class provincial medical center.

St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center, located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, has always held on to their mission statement which is to passionately strive in providing healthcare needs and deliver high quality healthcare service to improve lives.

The hospital has aimed to provide excellent service to the entire Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region. They have achieved various milestones one of which is to be one of the only four hospitals in Southern Tagalog accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

It has also been the chosen venue for international medical missions targeting indigent people of Region IV and V that do not have access to proper medical care. These missions support the hospital’s advocacy and that is to ensure that they extend the same quality of service to everyone who goes inside their hospital doors who is in need of medical care.

“St. Frances Cabrini has complied with all the standards of NABH International. This ranks them at par with the best hospitals in the world in terms of patient care and patient safety.” NABH Director Dr. BK Rana stated who was also one of the assessors.

St. Frances Cabrini is the only hospital who is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact Initiative. An organization that is anchored in the practice of human rights, fair labor practice, and protection against corrupt practices.

"Although our hospital had all the universal equipment and qualified specialists all these years, the hospital achieved NABH accreditation only when it thoroughly started following all the NABH norms of documentation, patient safety and patient education. The NABH accreditation is actually more for the interest of the patients’ care and safety as it ensures best treatment for patient," said Dr. John Cresencio F. Alonzo, SFCMC President/COO.

St. Frances Cabrini officials led by Dr. John Alonzo and Dr. Florentino Afable (7th and 10th from R-L) were awarded by NABH International CEO Dr. K K Kalra and Director Dr. BK Rana (6th and 8th from R-L)
as witnessed by HealthCORE executive director Joyce Socao-Alumno (5th from L-R)

Joyce Socao-Alumno, NABH Philippines Representative and Country Head of Aster DM Healthcare says, “Accreditation is beyond licensing which is the basic requirement for hospitals and even more than ISO certification. Accreditation is a tool that is meant to assist hospitals achieve excellence by benchmarking with the best of the best. A hospital cannot claim it is world-class if there is no third party expert to say that what they are indeed of global standard. NABH International, just like JCI, is recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQUA) as an accredited agency that audits hospitals against the global standards of patient care and patient safety. These assessors were trained and licensed to do the audit. The NABH International assessment is more than lip service. It involves audit of the entire organization of the hospital from the CEO down to the lowest ranking staff, and every nook and corner of the facility.”

Having an international accreditation also gives the Philippines the opportunity to explore the medical tourism industry that is currently on an uptrend. St. Frances Cabrini is the first to be proclaimed as a Medical Tourism Special Economic Zone. Another achievement under the hospital’s long list of distinctions.

The NABH International plans to continue extending their international accreditation to the Middle East and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

The process may be tedious but once the organization completed and passed the assessments, they will be accredited for three years.

“This accreditation does not only target city hospitals. NABH International also provides accreditation to small health care organizations, wellness centers and blood banks to name a few. Each category has a set of standards that they need to comply with. These organizations may apply under the relevant accreditation program that depends on the services that they offer. Hopefully, more hospitals and wellness centers in the Philippines will achieve international accreditation in order for the Philippines to gain global acceptance in the field of healthcare,” Alumno added.

TPB to host the county’s biggest travel trade event

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is set to host the country’s biggest and most significant travel trade event – the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), on September 4-6, 2016 at the Marriot Grand Ballroom. In line with the Visit the Philippines Again 2016 (VPA) campaign, this year’s PHITEX is set to once again promote the country as the premier tourist destination among some of the world’s biggest travel and tour buyers.

With this year’s theme “#PHITEX2016: Bigger Business”, TPB is bringing a larger and improved PHITEX with more sessions allocated for business-to-business interactions and better designed pre-tours and post-tours.

Kicking off this week-long event is the 27^th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 2-3 at SMX Convention Center. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), PTM is considered to be one of the major travel trade exhibitions in the promotion of domestic and inbound tourism. The event attracts buyers from all over the world as it presents the best and most affordable tour packages in the country.

Highlighting the event is the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which includes exclusive business-to-business appointment meetings between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers. By giving them the chance to personally meet the local sellers, buyers are introduced to the Philippines’ marketing trends and practices. In exchange, sellers are given an edge to offer globally competitive tour packages to the international market. These sessions will also provide foreign buyers the opportunity to experience the fun and exciting post tours to main Philippine attractions and destinations.

“PHITEX has been instrumental in strengthening the brand image of the Philippines,” shares TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III. “By introducing the best tourism products and services to the international market and bringing together the different stakeholders in the tourism industry, the country has become an important destination, not only for various international and high-level business and economic meetings but also for travel and trade. In fact, the country has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors from January to May 2016. This is 13.02% higher than the accumulated arrivals in January to May 2015.”

Now on its 15^th year, PHITEX has been continuously sustaining the growth that the Philippines has gained in the global tourism market.

Adventure vehicles in this week’s Wheels

Nissan X-Trail and Juke are the ideal vehicles for outdoor adventures

This week in Wheels, join the audacious team of motoring journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they take some of the country’s ultimate expedition rides for a spin on the open road.

Uly takes in the beautiful sceneries of Samar aboard the robust Nissan X-Trail and Juke. Explore the automobiles’ superb features and discover why they’re the ideal vehicles for outdoor adventures.

Matteo visits his adorable furry friends at the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and takes them on a ride with the Chevrolet Trax. As he test drives the Trax, witness the compact SUV’s swift performance and streetwise features and technologies.

Meanwhile, Kap exposes some of the bad habits of Pinoy drivers that should be avoided to prevent road rage. He will also share the consequences of aggressive driving and tips on dealing with it.

Finally, Manny discovers a new line of watches from Ferrari. Know how these refined and exclusive collection of timepieces were crafted, the Ferrari style.

It’s all these and more on the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch it every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook.com/PhilStarWheels, @PhilStar_Wheels on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram. 

ELRO Retail Corporation wins big in local and international tilts

ELRO Retail Corporation,  a leading player in the footwear retail and distribution industry in the country, proudly took home a string of prestigious awards, both local and international, that recognizes their marketing and sales leadership in the Philippines and across the region.

ELRO was hailed as the Number One Sales Producer for the Oceania and Asia Region, in the recently concluded Grendene World Sales Convention held at the Sofitel Rio De Janiero in Brazil.

Francisco R. Elizalde, ELRO Retail Corporation President and 

Magno Kleber de Freitas, Grendene Export Manager

The Grendene World Sales Convension is organized by Grendene S.A. – manufacturer of Ipanema, Grendha, Rider, and Zaxy brands of footwear – as the company’s way of recognizing the initiatives and accomplishments of its global distributors and international representatives. It acknowledges not only the attainment of sales goals and targets, but also recognizes how the brand promise of Grendene’s portfolio of footwear – known for their strong personality and brand recognition – is maintained in various markets around the world.

From left:  Belinda Benghui, PRA Auditor; Adrian Cristobal, DTI Secretary; Francisco R. Elizalde,  ELRO Retail Corp. President;  Wricks Recario, ELRO Retail Corp. Sales Division Head and    Arthur Coronel, PRA Vice President.

Meanwhile, Bambu retail store, home of the famous Brazilian footwear brands Ipanema, Grendha and Rider, was recently bestowed the Marketing Excellence Award for its hub located at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall in Olongapo City. With this year’s theme “Designing for Retail Tomorrow, Today,” The Ayala Merchants Rewards Program recognizes the achievements and innovations of Ayala Malls’ merchant partners who have made significant contribution in the retail industry.

Furthermore, Bambu received the coveted Most Outstanding Retailer of the Year Award, Fashion Shoes and Bags – Small Category, during the 2015 Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers of the Year Awards Night held at the Marriot Hotel, Manila. This prestigious award, given out by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the largest organization of the country’s top retailers and prime movers, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), cites the outstanding performance of local retailers that exemplify the best business models as well as good ethical practices in their operations.

“These awards bestowed on us by Grendene, AyalaMalls, and the Philippine Retailers Association, serve to inspire us to further push the brands that we carry,” states Francisco R. Elizalde, ELRO Retail Corporation President. “It forces us to remain innovative and dynamic as we respond to changing customer needs.”

ELRO Retail Corporation, founded in 2005, is an established player in the footwear retail and distribution industry in the Philippines, and is committed in providing excellent service and uncompromising professionalism to all its customers.

BUBBLE MAN DISHWASHING LIQUID : Giveaway and Product Review

Since we don’t employ household help, I’m always on the lookout for effective and reliable products to help us finish the chores quickly so we can still have more quality time to bond as a family.

In one of the events I attended a few weeks ago, Bubbleman Dishwashing liquid was one of the sponsors, they gifted us with a basketful of Bubbleman products. Bubble Man, is a Filipino-made dishwashing liquid, it comes in three variants, Kalamansi (green), Lemon (yellow) and Anti-Bac (blue).

Product Intro during the event by Mommy Joy Mendiola (by OccassionsofJoy.com) and

Ms. Jen Dizon, from Mikewell World of Household Products Company, 

maker of Bubble Man Dishwashing Liquid,

Was I so glad, I was given the opportunity to try and see for myself how effective the product was.

We’ve been using the said product for 3 weeks now and we’re very satisfied with it. True enough, what they claim is so true, it’s easy to wash off the plates. As they say in their tag line “Easy Rinse, Gentle on Hands” because it really cleans well but doesn’t irritate the hands. 

I tried using it in two ways 1st I dilute it in water for not so oily dishes and utensils, and 2nd, I put the pure liquid directly into the sponge for oily and greasy dishes, and it works effectively both ways.

I also like the not-so-strong smell of this product, as it cleans well the dishes, they also smell clean, just a mild scent.

Being eco-friendly means that it’s sustainable and safe to use for our family and safe for the environment. It’s perfect for the eco-friendly lifestyle that we’re trying to adapt as a family. Bubble Man Dishwashing Liquid is a product of Mikewell World of Household Products Company.

Their prices are quite affordable at P32.00 (55 ml.), P65.00 (20 ml) and P120.00 (880 ml). You can find them at the following stores: LCC Department Store, Mercury Drug Stores, Puregold, Gaisano Mall, San Roque Supermarket (SRS), Walter Mart, Fisher Mall, Robinsons Supermarkets and The Landmark. You may visit their Facebook Page for more details.

“LEAVE BORING BEHIND” Promo by Hotel Jen

HONG KONG – August 4, 2016 – Hotel Jen unveils a series of destination-centric offers to help adventurous travellers seize the day, meet the locals and explore the city when they stay at one of the 10 Hotel Jen properties in Asia Pacific. This launch kicks off the brand’s new “Leave Boring Behind” campaign together with the release of fresh video content.

“Hotel Jen was launched by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts two years ago to cater to today’s independent travellers who are passionate about discovering new places, cultures and experiences,” said Marisa Aranha, vice president of sales and marketing for Hotel Jen. “The brand was inspired by a virtual persona, Jen, who is a professional hotelier with a love for travel and life. We regard our guests as ‘friends of Jen’ and want to help them explore hidden gems and re-discover the magic of travel.”

Available now until September 30, 2016, the “Leave Boring Behind” packages include a specially chosen activity that will enable curious jetsetters to delve deeper into a destination. Prices start from US$80++ and include late check-out, accommodation and daily buffet breakfast for two people. Members of the Shangri-La Golden Circle loyalty programme will earn double award points when they book this package.

The destination activities available through the “Leave Boring Behind” packages include: 

Malaysia – Cruise amongst mangroves, catch crabs or harvest mussels in a kampung (small village) in Johor or hop onto a trishaw for an all-you-can-eat durian feast in Penang. 

Manila, Philippines – Ride handcrafted bamboo bicycles on a guided tour of Intramuros, Manila’s historic centre and old walled city. 

Singapore – Sample local specialities and sight-see from the comfort of a GOURMETbus or get refreshed in the thrilling slides and pools at Adventure Cove Waterpark. 

Maldives – Visit Vilimalé City, including the fish market and old mosque, for a glimpse of everyday life in the Malé capital. 

Brisbane, Australia – Spot majestic humpback whales from a catamaran as they breach and play in Moreton Bay in winter. 

Greater China – Explore Beijing and its historic hutongs on foot, enjoy traditional North Korean cuisine and cultural performances in Shenyang or be dazzled by the evening lights of Hong Kong on board a classic junk. 

To encourage travellers to move away from tourist traps and generic activities, an international community of “Jensetters” who are creative resident experts will share their insider knowledge on the cities where Hotel Jen is present. Published on Instagram, these eclectic insights will revolve around native rituals, after-hours activities, food and art.

For more information and to book a stay, visit http://www.hoteljen.com/leave-boring-behind. Follow @HotelJen and join the social conversation with #LeaveBoringBehind.

About Hotel Jen

Catering to a new generation of independent travellers, the Hotel Jen brand delivers quality, comfort and value with a playful twist and friendly service. Hotel Jen embraces the love for life and travel, helping adventurous souls explore and discover. Launched in 2014, Hotel Jen offers 10 vibrant hotels in some of the best locations across Asia Pacific, including Singapore; Hong Kong; Beijing and Shenyang in mainland China; Manila; Penang and Johor in Malaysia; and Malé, Maldives. New Hotel Jen properties have been announced for Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, with development projects under consideration in gateway cities in Asia Pacific. 

For more information, visit www.hoteljen.com or join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Little White Box Trunk Show Made Sweeter With Villa del Conte

Little White Box treated Manila’s fashion elite to luscious Villa del Conte chocolates at the recent Little White Box trunk show at the exclusive Makati Garden Club. Guests had their choice of Villa del Conte’s Italian artisanal creations such as the heavenly chocolate bar flavors in milk chocolate with cereals, 50% dark chocolate with crunchy toffee and sea salt, or fine milk chocolate with hazelnut chips. You can also make your events and parties sweeter and more enjoyable! 

Visit Villa del Conte stores at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia. 

For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. 

Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ 

to know more about Villa del Conte, 

or follow them on 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh, 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/villadelconte and 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte

Cohen Meals on Wheels, The Convenient Way To Eat Healthy

Are you having a hard time keeping up with your diet plan? Have your food delivered to your doorstep! It’s convenient, a timesaver and most importantly, effective.

A study published in the medical journal, Obesity Research, suggested that food provision is an effective strategy to weight-loss patients: “Better results might be achieved if more direct approaches were taken to make environmental changes by providing food to participants.”

In the Philippines, one popular food delivery service is the Cohen Meals on Wheels, which is exclusively offered to the followers of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, a personalized and rapid weight-loss program through nutrition. The Cohen Meals on Wheels delivers customized food to clients following the guidelines of the Cohen program.

“We aim to provide a solution to clients who find it a challenge to prepare their own meals daily,” says Chef Pixie Sevilla. A pastry chef, consultant, food stylist, and food writer, Chef Pixie went through the Cohen program herself before leading the team of chefs who prepare the Cohen Meals on Wheels dishes based on a weekly menu.

“The temptation of clients to cheat mostly comes from the lack of time to prepare their meals, or if they do have time, they tend to prepare the same meals over and over again. With Cohen Meals on Wheels, we make sure that we prepare their meals accurately and we plan the menu in such a way that they will look forward to it every day and will enjoy eating them as well,” she elaborates.

Pajeon

 A growing number of clients have found Cohen Meals on Wheels to be an answer to their needs, including Dr. Ryan Capitulo, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor. Dr. Capitulo weighed more than 300 lbs. and suffered from hypertension when he enrolled in the Cohen program.

Beef Stroganoff

Like most clients, he did not have a knack for cooking so he ordered food from Cohen Meals on Wheels to follow his personalized meal plan. “I don’t know how to cook and I don’t have the time to prepare my own meals. Cohen Meals on Wheels has definitely helped me follow my meal plans and lose weight.”

Cauliflower Arancini

Aside from convenience, Dr. Capitulo also said that buying food from Cohen Meals on Wheels was cheaper compared to his usual food expenses. “Oftentimes, I was spending 3,000-5,000 pesos just for food before I started Cohen. What’s more, the dishes taste excellent, considering the guidelines of the Cohen program.”

Happy and satisfied with the Cohen Meals on Wheels service, Dr. Capitulo was not deprived of delicious food while following his personalized Cohen meal plan. Most importantly, his weight has also dropped. He lost 88 pounds in 4.5 months.

Dr. Ryan Capitulo, an obstetrician-gynecologist and

assistant professor, lost 88 pounds in 4.5 months with Cohen Meals on Wheels

As for Chef Pixie and the people behind Cohen Meals on Wheels, they are continuously looking for new recipes to add in the menus. They are also considering the possibility of a larger delivery scope. “There are some inquiries that we can’t cater to yet because of the area they are in, especially in the major cities outside Metro Manila.”

To know more about Cohen Meals on Wheels, 
visit www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph, or follow 

http://www.facebook.com/CohenLifestylePhil on Facebook 

and  http://instagram.com/cohenlifestyleph on Instagram. 

For orders and menu inquiries, 

call Ella at 828-5251 or 0917-526-4026