SOCIAL MEDIA

More Young Professionals Are Saying Yes to Life Insurance — And It All Starts with Just Three Questions

Wednesday, June 18, 2025


For young professionals starting to get serious about their future, the questions start piling up. Budgeting? Sure. Saving? Trying. Investing? Sounds intimidating, but it’s on the list. Life insurance? That still feels like a “someday” thing.

Until you read this: “Only 3 questions to get started with Sure Start by EastWest Ageas.”

Wait — What? Just Three?

No long questionnaires. No intimidating jargon. Only a simple form with three health and lifestyle questions. Answer that, and you’re on your way to securing your very first life insurance plan.

Insurance That Makes Things Simple

Sure Start by EastWest Ageas is built for first-timers: the fresh grads, the young professionals, the people who want to start protecting what they’re earning without dealing with complex policies.

Here’s what you get:

Guaranteed Death Benefit: 100% of the basic sum insured goes to your loved ones

Funeral Assistance: An extra 10% to help cover final expenses

Overseas Benefit: An additional 20% if something happens while you’re abroad

You can also boost your plan with optional riders such as Accidental Death, Accidental Disablement, Critical Illness, and Hospital Cash, valuable add-ons that offer extra peace of mind.

It Grows With You, Too

Here’s the cool part: Sure Start doesn’t just sit in your inbox after you buy it. As life happens — you get married or start a family — your coverage automatically increases by 10–20%, without reapplying or submitting extra paperwork.

You can also choose between 1-year or 5-year coverage (renewable up to age 80), and when you’re ready to upgrade, you can convert your Sure Start plan into other EastWest Ageas. Again, no medical exams or do-overs needed.

Need It Budget-Friendly? Say Less.

For something that does a lot, a Sure Start plan doesn’t take a lot. Annual premiums start at just Php 8,000* — that’s about Php 21 a day. Saving a little every day can truly go a long way. With just Php 21 daily, this is a smart way to build long-term financial security and protect your future.

A Small Move, A Big Adulting Win

Getting life insurance can be simple, straightforward, and made just for you. With Sure Start, it’s a smart, easy move you can make early in your journey, sans the stress of overthinking. If you’re new to the working world and ready to start strong, Sure Start is here to meet you where you are and help you grow from there.

To learn more about Sure Start, talk to an EastWest Ageas financial advisor or visit eastwestageas.com.ph.


*Minimum premium may be higher for older clients.
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PLDT Enterprise Boosts Transport & Logistics with Smarter, Stronger Connectivity Solutions


PLDT Enterprise is accelerating digital progress in the country’s transport and logistics sectors by delivering stronger, smarter wireless connectivity through Wireless Indoor Coverage.

Given the Philippines’ archipelagic geography and rugged terrain, many areas stand to benefit more from wireless connectivity solutions than from traditional wired infrastructure, making solutions like Wireless Indoor Coverage especially relevant in supporting the evolving needs of these industries.

“Reliable wireless coverage plays a critical role in enhancing communication across transport and logistics operations, from real-time SMS updates to clear voice calls and seamless data access. Whether inside warehouses, distribution hubs, or transit terminals, strong connectivity ensures accurate coordination, minimizes failed deliveries, and keeps customers informed every step of the way. This ultimately drives greater operational efficiency and boosts consumer satisfaction,” said John Gonzales, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Consulting Services and Technology Management at PLDT Enterprise.

A Commitment to Transport and Logistics Innovation

PLDT Enterprise’s Wireless Indoor Coverage is about enabling transformation. By integrating wireless connectivity within vehicles and transit hubs, the solution supports the industry through:

  • Reliable connectivity on the move, enabling uninterrupted access to safety systems and communications as vehicles travel through different environments
  • Consistent, mobile-ready coverage that supports real-time safety features and critical system updates wherever the journey leads
  • Remote network management for vehicle fleets, ensuring timely security and configuration updates
  • Extended coverage into previously underserved zones, enabling consistent wireless connectivity in enclosed spaces such as bus depots, terminals, and vehicles where signal traditionally weakens
With wired internet still a challenge in some areas of the country, wireless broadband, particularly 5G, emerges as a powerful alternative in the meantime, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and wider reach to connect underserved areas and enable next-generation technologies.

Given this, Wireless Indoor Coverage helps solve long-standing industry challenges in transport operations—such as ensuring timely SMS alerts (including OTPs), enabling reliable voice calls during emergencies, and maintaining strong mobile data signals for seamless access to navigation apps, dispatch systems, and cloud-based tools.

All these innovations and their respective benefits align with the broader nationwide effort to overcome digital barriers in infrastructure, as highlighted in recent reports on wireless broadband advancements in the Philippines.

Enabling Safety, Efficiency, and Growth for Long Routes and Regional Mobility

PLDT Enterprise’s wireless solutions are designed to keep fleets connected even as they traverse remote areas and regional boundaries. Whether managing cargo transfers between provinces or maintaining communication on extended delivery routes, the solution supports stable, secure wireless access that scales with the mobility needs of the country.

This expanded reach reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to being the trusted network partner for nationwide transport transformation.

Moreover, by offering transport operators the ability to manage their wireless networks remotely via cloud platforms, the solution not only enhances operational continuity but also boosts cybersecurity and resiliency—key pillars in today’s security-sensitive landscape.

Driving Collaboration for Future Innovations

PLDT Enterprise envisions this initiative as a call to action for transportation companies, logistics operators, and public sector stakeholders to come together and reimagine how businesses move.

“We invite industry players to collaborate with us in crafting wireless solutions that are tailor-fit for their specific environments and use cases. Connectivity should move with you—and with PLDT Enterprise,” Gonzales added.

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s comprehensive suite of solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise_wireless-indoor-coverage_pr
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Cashalo Secures US$75M to Boost Financial Inclusion, Hits 5 Million Loans Milestone

Monday, June 16, 2025


Cashalo celebrates a major milestone with the signing of a US$75 million loan facility from global investment firm Community Investment Management. The partnership aims to expand access to fair and responsible digital lending for underserved communities in the Philippines, supporting Cashalo’s mission to promote financial inclusion and uplift more Filipino lives. (From L-R): Luke Stidham - President of Paloo Financing; Mac Muir - CFO of Empower; Gabby Ayala - General Manager of Paloo Financing)


Cashalo, a leading digital financial services provider in the Philippines, has secured a loan facility of up to US$75 million from global private investment firm Community Investment Management (CIM). The facility will support Cashalo’s rapidly growing business in the Philippines and further its mission to expand access to fair credit to millions of underserved Filipinos.

“This partnership will enable us to accelerate our mission to expand financial inclusion and social mobility throughout the Philippines,” said Luke Stidham, President of Cashalo. “With CIM's backing, we have an incredible opportunity to uplift even more Filipino communities by scaling our impact and ensuring more Filipinos are included in the financial system.”

Bernhard Eikenberg, a Partner at CIM for its emerging markets strategy, added: “We’re proud to support Cashalo’s mission in the Philippines. Their data-driven approach, commitment to transparency, and inclusive strategy reflect the future of responsible digital lending.”

The CIM partnership comes as Cashalo marks its first anniversary as part of Empower Finance, a US-based fintech committed to democratizing access to fair credit. In the past year, Cashalo has significantly expanded its digital lending capabilities, improving customer experiences and increasing opportunities for financial inclusion across the country. To date, Cashalo has granted almost 5 million loans to Filipinos.

As part of this new chapter, Cashalo is introducing a refreshed brand identity that reflects its growth, momentum, and enduring mission. The redesigned logo features bold blue typography to convey stability and trust, complemented by golden-yellow sun rays symbolizing the optimism and resilience of the Filipino spirit.

With the new facility in place, Cashalo will continue to invest in its core digital lending business, expand product offerings, and reach deeper into underserved Filipino communities.

“We look forward to continuing our investments in the Philippines to drive financial inclusion,” said Warren Hogarth, Co-Founder and CEO of Empower Finance. “Cashalo is uniquely positioned to lead the way in delivering scalable, data-driven credit solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more, visit cashalo.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Cisco and PLDT Enterprise Champion a New Era of Work at Tech Week PH Cebu

Pavel Svatos

Global tech leader Cisco speaks at Tech Week PH Cebu, joins PLDT Enterprise in reimagining the digital landscape of the Philippines.

The future of work is already unfolding, and it’s more connected, secure, and intelligent than ever before. This was the message of Cisco’s APJC Leader, Partner Networking Specialist, Pavel Svatos, during the second leg of Tech Week PH 2025, where PLDT Enterprise gathered business leaders, tech visionaries, and public sector stakeholders to explore how digital innovation can drive inclusive growth across the regions.

Hosted for the first time in Cebu and the greater Visayas region, PLDT Enterprise’s Tech Week PH 2025 underscored the growing importance of regional digital transformation conversations. It also signaled PLDT Enterprise’s continued momentum in bringing global tech leaders closer to local enterprises. Cisco's presence championed PLDT Enterprise’s mission to enable digital transformation in every corner of the country.

Addressing over 1,000 participants from across Visayas, Svatos shared Cisco’s bold vision for powering the workplaces and industries of tomorrow—focusing on the convergence of AI, security, and connectivity. He spoke about how AI is changing everything, citing examples of AI-powered customer chatbots, and use cases across healthcare, logistics, and even data centers on wheels.

He stressed that companies that adapt fast will lead, while the ones that don’t will risk falling behind. The workplace also doesn’t function without a secure, intelligent network that powers seamless connectivity, zero-trust security, and real-time collaboration. As a networking and security leader, that’s what Cisco delivers—and is proud to bring to the Philippines.

Svatos underscored that while work takes place anywhere today – at offices, hospitals, stores, and even moving vehicles, many businesses still struggle with hybrid work gaps, inefficient infrastructure, and rising security risks.

Cisco’s answer is an integrated ecosystem of AI-ready networking, cybersecurity, observability, and collaboration solutions, built to ensure digital resilience and smarter business outcomes.

Together with partners and tech innovators, PLDT Enterprise’s Tech Week PH featured Tech City—an immersive showcase of solutions, including those from Cisco, bringing to life how next-generation technologies can power industries forward.

By bringing global experts like Cisco to Visayas and Mindanao, PLDT Enterprise is actively expanding access to world-class innovation, aligning with its long-standing goal of bridging the digital divide and building a more inclusive, future-ready Philippines.

“At Cisco, our strategy is to securely connect everything to make anything possible. We’re not just connecting people, places, apps, data and things wherever our networks can reach. We’re also protecting all of this against threats, downtime, and risk and providing the underlying digital resilience that is so crucial for businesses today,” said Zaza Soriano-Nicart, Managing Director, Cisco Philippines.

Tech Week PH now moves to its final and biggest chapter in Metro Manila, where it is expected to gather the largest number of participants and deliver its most expansive showcase yet.

To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s solution, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-cisco-joins-tech-week-ph-cebu-pr

Tech Week PH 2025 is powered by Cisco, Alibaba Cloud, CSG, Ericsson, Fortinet, Huawei, Avolution, Fibercom Telecom, Canon, Delinea, Dream, Hikvision, Kital Connect, Pronet, Quanta Dance, Soprano, and Trend Micro.
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ChildFund teams up with Manila LGU, DepEd to modernize ICT Hubs, promotes online child safety

Friday, June 13, 2025


ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with ChildFund Korea, is transforming digital learning environments in public elementary schools in Manila through its Pro-Digital LOOP Project by upgrading information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, providing training workshops to communities on safe digital practices, and supporting the development of national online child protection policies.

Launched in November 2023, the Pro-Digital LOOP Project addresses two critical challenges in the country’s education system: unequal access to technology and increasing online risks to children. Through partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc., the project is establishing inclusive and tech-enabled classrooms that promote safe, effective, and equitable learning experiences for all.

Marlene Floresca, Senior Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines, emphasized that multi-sectoral partnerships allowed them to yield holistic impact of the initiative: “The project has transformed schools and homes by equipping them to better support children’s digital learning. Our approach not only provides technology but also strengthens safe digital literacy, ensuring that children can thrive academically and protect themselves online.”

This shift is already evident in the classrooms. “Many of our students now come to school excited to learn because they can explore digital tools safely and creatively,” said Eremeo Monte, ICT Coordinator at Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School in Manila. “We’ve seen how ICT hubs can spark curiosity and help students learn better across subjects—from reading to science.”

Since its launch, the Pro-Digital LOOP Project has enhanced digital learning in 10 Manila public elementary schools by providing 200 laptops, smart TVs, printers, air conditioners, and refurbished ICT hubs with high-speed internet. In addition, 200 licensed Microsoft applications were distributed, and 346 teachers—including subject specialists in math, reading, and science—along with ICT coordinators, principals, and education staff, were trained in using multimedia digital resources appropriate for their elementary students.

The project also engaged parents and caregivers, with more than 2,000 oriented on the goals of Pro-Digital LOOP and the importance of safe digital learning at home. Over 6,000 students and nearly 400 teachers actively used the ICT hubs during the last quarter of 2024, enhancing digital skills and academic performance.

Minjin Kim, Country Program Manager of ChildFund Korea, shared, “Teachers have become more confident using digital tools to deliver lessons effectively, and students are more engaged and better able to understand their lessons because of the interactive nature of digital learning.” She added that the establishment of ICT hubs provides access to richer academic resources, enhancing teaching and learning experiences.


According to Camille Villareal, ICT Coordinator of Bagong Barangay Elementary School, “The new equipment and digital resources have truly changed how we teach and engage with our students. They’re now more interactive and eager, especially in subjects like math and science, where multimedia tools make lessons clearer and more exciting.” Likewise, Carmela Conmigo, ICT Coordinator at Beata Elementary School, expressed, “The training we received helped us integrate technology effectively, and the community’s involvement has been key to ensuring students learn and stay safe online.”

Building on these improvements in teaching and engagement, Carol Salba, Principal at Bagong Barangay Elementary School, highlighted the broader impact on students: “The gadgets and instructional materials provided through the project have been a great opportunity for our students. They are more motivated to learn, which translated into increased participation and a lower dropout rate this year. We hope this program continues so that even more students can benefit from it.”

Beyond schools, the project has contributed to strengthening policies on safe digital literacy and learning environments. Collaborative meetings with tech companies like Meta and TikTok paved the way for upcoming advocacy meetings and policy dialogues involving children. Likewise, engagements with the DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Bureau are set to include online safety in the revised DepEd Child Protection Policy, supported by training initiatives and policy digitalization efforts.

Parents have also noticed the impact. “One PTA (parent-teacher association) member recognized the efforts to raise digital literacy and ensure online safety for children,” Kim noted. Parents expressed appreciation for the project’s role in addressing challenges related to excessive phone and game use.

By bridging the digital divide and reinforcing child protection online, ChildFund envisions a future where every Filipino child has access to safe, technology-enhanced learning that empowers them to succeed in an increasingly connected world.

 

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Bigo Live Philippines Champions Authenticity and Diversity with BIGO PRIDE 2025


Partnering with LOV3LABAN and spotlighting Filipino LGBTQIA+ creators throughout Pride Month

Bigo Live, the leading global livestreaming platform, proudly debuts BIGO PRIDE 2025, a month-long celebration honoring the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines. This year, BIGO PRIDE 2025 features a dynamic mix of in-app activities, offline activations, and billboard campaigns that amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ community and encourage individuals to embrace their identities authentically.

As part of its Pride Month initiatives, Bigo Live is a proud partner of LOV3LABAN 2025, a Pride march and festival taking place on 28 June 2025. Through this partnership, Bigo Live will sponsor the event, host an on-site interactive booth, and highlight the platform as a safe and empowering space for self-expression. This collaboration underscores Bigo Live's ongoing commitment to uplifting LGBTQIA+ community and driving positive impact both online and offline.

To complement the festivities, Bigo Live launched a series of creator-led podcast-style videos, featuring LGBTQIA+ streamers who share personal stories of resilience, creativity, and community. These heartfelt videos spotlight how Bigo Live has helped amplify their voices and foster a supportive community for minorities, culminating in the highly anticipated Bigo Drag Show, a celebration of bold talent and artistic expression happening on 27 June 2025.

“BIGO PRIDE 2025 is more than just a Pride event; it is a reflection of our core values at Bigo Live,” said a Bigo Live Philippines spokesperson. “We are deeply committed to fostering a truly inclusive and supportive global community where every voice is not only heard, but celebrated.

Our LGBTQIA+ creators bring incredible talent, creativity, and positive impact to our platform. Our collaboration with LOV3LABAN 2025 allows us to further uplift and empower this community, ensuring they feel valued and supported. We believe that by embracing diversity in all its forms, we help build a more inclusive and accepting world, both digitally and in real life.”

Bigo Live Fosters an Inclusive LGBTQIA+ Community

For over nine years, Bigo Live has celebrated Pride with engaging livestreams and in-person events that spotlight the talents and stories of LGBTQIA+ creators-particularly from the Filipino community. These initiatives reinforce Bigo Live’s role as a platform where authenticity thrives and where creators can express themselves freely and meaningfully.

Bigo Live remains dedicated to reinforcing its role as a platform that connects users through meaningful, interactive events and promoting a sense of belonging. The platform empowers creators to reach audiences worldwide and drive positive change through creator-centric tools, real-time engagement, and global visibility.

To find out more about Bigo Live, please visit our website.
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inDrive Celebrates Independence Day with “Drive to Freedom” Campaign Honoring Partner Drivers


In celebration of Philippine Independence Day, global ride-hailing app inDrive proudly launched its 'Drive to Freedom' campaign, a heartfelt tribute to the country’s hardworking ride-hailing drivers and their right to choose their own trips, time, and way of life.

As part of the campaign, inDrive distributed 500 Philippine flags to partner drivers across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod from June 9 to 11, bringing the spirit of independence directly to local Tambayan driver hubs. These flags are a symbol of pride and unity were warmly received, with many drivers proudly displaying them on their vehicles.

“Ang kampanyang ito ay hindi lang pagdiriwang ng kalayaan, isa rin itong pagkilala sa ating mga partner drivers na araw-araw lumalaban para sa kanilang pamilya at kinabukasan. Sa inDrive, may kalayaan silang pumili ng biyahe, oras, at kita. Saludo kami sa inyong sipag at dedikasyon,” said Vanessa Taqueban, Country Driver Operations Team Leader, inDrive Philippines.

The flag distribution kicked off a series of activations under the Drive to Freedom campaign, including:

In-App Thank You Message & Bonus Challenge: On June 12, drivers received a heartfelt Independence Day greeting in-app:

“Saludo kami sa iyong sipag at pagiging bahagi ng malayang paglalakbay ng bawat Pilipino.”

Drivers were also invited to join a two-week bonus challenge rewarding the most active participants with prizes including mobile phones, grocery vouchers, and limited-edition Independence Day merch.

“Kwento ng Kalayaan” Video Series: Drivers were encouraged to post their personal inDrive stories on social media using #DriveToFreedomPH, highlighting how the platform has helped them gain more freedom and flexibility in their lives. Selected stories will be awarded exclusive prizes.

“Driver to Freedom – Appreciation Day”: To cap off the celebration, inDrive will host a special appreciation day at its office after June 24, honoring top-performing and most inspiring drivers with recognition and rewards.

Through these efforts, inDrive aims to strengthen its emotional bond with drivers, reinforce its commitment to empowerment and independence, and celebrate the true heroes behind every trip.

This Independence Day, inDrive salutes every Filipino driver for being champions of freedom on the road and in life.
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