The Storyteller Online

AIA Philippines strengthens presence in Visayas with new branch in Bacolod

Monday, November 11, 2024

AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc. (AIA Philippines), formerly Philam Life, announced the inauguration of its newest branch in Bacolod City, further expanding its footprint in the Visayas region. This expands AIA Philippines' nationwide network and underscores the company's commitment to providing life and health protection to more Filipinos, helping them live healthier, longer, and better lives.

Located over 700 kilometers south of Manila, Bacolod City is known as the City of Smiles, and one of the rising economic powerhouses in the country. Recently named the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit in Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities Category, Bacolod represents a key market for AIA Philippines. As the city flourishes, so does the demand for comprehensive financial security and health insurance products.

"This new branch signifies our dedication to Bacolod’s growth and our mission to support Filipinos across Visayas," said AIA Philippines President and CEO Melita Teo. "As the needs of Filipinos evolve, AIA Philippines continues to innovate our suite of solutions and services to meet those needs. This branch equips and empowers our agency force in the city, helping individuals and families live healthier, longer, and better lives in a constantly changing world."

AIA’s Bacolod branch will contribute to local job creation by housing a team of highly trained agents who provide financial advice and support, guiding clients in selecting the right protection plans tailored to their unique needs -- contributing to the financial security of the city’s growing population.

With over 75 years of experience serving Filipinos through insurance protection, AIA Philippines remains committed to understanding evolving needs, and empowering individuals and families across the country. The company offers a wide range of insurance solutions that can help more Filipinos achieve their goals, protect themselves and their loved ones, and secure their future.

To know more about AIA Philippines, visit https://www.aia.com.ph

insurance

Manulife and MCBL Launch Limited-offer Wealth Management Product Wealth Guarantee

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Manulife and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL) announce the launch of Wealth Guarantee, a new single-payment insurance plan that aims to help customers grow their wealth in seven years through a comprehensive savings plan.

Wealth Guarantee is a medium-term wealth management product that grants policyholders yearly payouts of up to 4.5% over six years with 100% capital return. Wealth Guarantee also provides 125% life protection coverage, ensuring that policyholders are adequately protected during the plan’s seven-year term.

“At Manulife, we are dedicated to continuously providing our customers with products and services that fit their unique financial needs and goals. We recognize the hard work that Filipinos put in to secure their envisioned future, and we aim to be their trusted partner in achieving financial freedom. Our latest offering — Wealth Guarantee — is designed to bring customers one step closer to that dream,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“Through Wealth Guarantee, we are giving Filipinos an investment plan option that offers competitive guaranteed returns and valuable life insurance protection, enabling them to diversify their portfolio and gain financial security,” Hora added.

Wealth Guarantee is suited for investors interested in a medium-term savings plan, and for those looking to build their legacies for future generations.

Wealth Guarantee will be available for a limited time beginning November 11, 2024, through Manulife financial advisors. It can also be availed through Manulife’s financial sales associates based in China Bank branches nationwide.

property

Vista Land, Pioneering the Future of Real Estate in Mega Manila

Mega Manila continues its rapid expansion with the emergence of new metropolitan centers, offering promising real estate opportunities for both local buyers and international investors. Cities such as San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Caloocan in Metro Manila, and Antipolo, Rizal are at the forefront of this transformation, driven by infrastructure projects, appreciating property values, and visionary master planned developments. Leading the charge in shaping this emerging urban landscape is Vista Land, the Philippines’ leading integrated property developer, whose portfolio is redefining modern lifescapes and poised to become premier destinations.

Mega Manila, a hotbed for real estate investment

Mega Manila, a region that extends beyond the core of the National Capital Region, has become a focal point for real estate development. This headway is primarily fueled by ongoing improvements in regional transportation, including the construction of MRT Line 7, the extension of LRT Line 1, and the completion of new highways and bypass roads. These advancements have facilitated easier access to and from Metro Manila and surrounding areas and transformed peripheral cities into megacity hotspots, positioning them as attractive hubs for residential and commercial growth across Luzon.

For buyers and investors in San Jose del Monte, Caloocan, and Antipolo, these real estate options present compelling opportunities as they provide accessible points into the real estate market coupled with the potential for capital appreciation over time.

San Jose del Monte, Bulacan: Gateway to the North

Situated just north of Quezon City, San Jose del Monte is a vital point in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7, which links the city to North Avenue and North Luzon East Expressway (NLEE), connecting Commonwealth Avenue to Norzagaray. Additionally, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (C-6) will further enhance connectivity by linking Bulacan, Rizal, Manila, and Cavite, reducing traffic congestion in Metro Manila and offering more efficient routes.

One of the notable master planned developments in the city is Aspen, a 38-hectare mountain-town-inspired community that brings the elegance of alpine living to Bulacan. It features Colorado-themed architecture, and a host of lifestyle facilities, making it an ideal choice for professionals and growing families.

Aspen will have its own village brimming with energizing endeavors to choose from. Aspen Village is a five-hectare haven of retail, reverie, and relaxation—whether it be for culinary delights, athletic hobbies, or restorative pursuits.

Within the estate is Aspen Residences, a multi-tower complex that features a clubhouse, swimming pool, a play area, outdoor spaces for yoga and gym, as well as walking and jogging paths, encouraging residents to stay active and healthy.

Caloocan: Emerging Urban Center in Northern Metro Manila

Caloocan is stepping up from a capital outpost to becoming one of the most favorable locations for real estate investment in Metro Manila, driven by its connectivity to the rest of the metro. As a result, the city is becoming desirable for enterprises and residents seeking modern conveniences with premium real estate options.

Strategically situated in the growing northern corridor of Metro Manila, North Commons is designed as a master planned development featuring condominium properties, retail establishments, co-working spaces, and resort-style amenities. It also features CoLab, a state-of-the-art workspace that fosters productivity and collaboration.

The Suites in North Commons, a series of mid-rise residential towers, offers amenities catering to young professionals and families. One of its key highlights is Skyscapes, a rooftop space with 360-degree city views, giving residents a place to unwind and socialize.

Antipolo, Rizal: A Lifestyle and Cultural Hub in the East

Antipolo, the capital of Rizal, has evolved from a quaint hillside community into one of the fastest-growing cities in the Philippines. Major thoroughfares and upcoming infrastructure developments like the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 extension aim to enhance connectivity, positioning Antipolo as a key gateway between Metro Manila and the provinces.

Vista Land is crafting a master planned development intricately weaving art with everyday life. A portmanteau of the Spanish vida, which means life, and Italian arte, which means arts, the 152-hectare Vidarte combines Italian-inspired architecture with the artistic flair of the locale. Vidarte Residences is the ideal home for those seeking a life that sparks creativity and nurtures artistry. With its thoughtfully designed, low-density floor layouts, the development intersperses art pieces between studio and two-bedroom units, creating an environment that constantly inspires.

A Look at the Future of Master Planned Developments in Mega Manila

Vista Land’s shift towards large-scale master planned developments reflects its commitment to unique, premium, and sustainable lifescapes that align with the diverse needs of modern-day Filipinos, all while promoting limitless growth opportunities.

For more information on Vista Land master planned developments in Mega Manila, visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaEstatesOfficial for news and offerings.

news

Chevron leads Batangas shoreline cleanup, collecting 12 tons of trash in time for sea turtles’ nesting season

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Chevron Philippines Inc, marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, Chevron Holdings Incorporated (CHI), Chevron’s global shared services organization based in the country, joined forces again with several partner organizations and volunteers to collect 239 sacks of trash, equivalent to 12 tons, along the coastline of San Pascual, Batangas for the annual Chevron Coastal Cleanup.

A total of 206 volunteers showed up along the 5-kilometer shoreline of Chevron Batangas terminal to help make the area a safe nesting ground for vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles. Chevron has been hosting the local San Pascual cleanup since 2007 and recorded a stark increase in hatchlings within two years. In fact, the number grew from 23 hatchlings in 2022 to 768 in 2024.

Batangas Terminal Manager Ray Año said that Chevron has remained loyal to this annual tradition as part of its larger mission to promote environmental stewardship, “It’s our social responsibility, and we encourage all our employees to partake in whatever efforts they can to help the environment.”

Arlita Narag, CHI Corporate Affairs Manager, said that the volunteers value the opportunity to help keep the coastline clean. “The cleanup is also a good reminder to be responsible with waste disposal, as this can ensure that less waste ends up in the oceans and on shorelines where they negatively impact marine life,” she added.

Chevron recognizes it cannot do these annual cleanups alone. Hence, it has fostered meaningful partnerships with the local government and other private companies over the years and enlisted their members as cleanup volunteers.

Charlene Constantino of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Lipa said that the long-standing partnership of Chevron with the government for these coastal cleanups has truly benefited the Olive Ridley turtle population. She pointed out that this species’ unique trait is that the grown turtles return to their hatching grounds to lay their eggs. Hence, she invites more volunteers to join the future coastal cleanups to ensure that the species’ population will continue to grow.

Constantino added, “We’re looking forward na hindi lang sa libro makita ng next generations ang mga pawikan but for them to also have a firsthand encounter. [We look forward to the time when the next generations will not only see these turtles through a book but for them to also have a firsthand encounter.]”

The annual coastal cleanup is a testament to CPI’s continued commitment to making a safe habitat for sea creatures. Chevron also organizes regular tree-planting activities and hosts school seminars on practices such as waste segregation as part of its dedication to human safety, livelihood, and the environment.

news

PH chapters to host JCI World Congress 2026

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, a leading leadership development organization in Asia, alongside the Angeles City Culiat chapter, has been granted the esteemed hosting rights to the JCI World Congress in 2026. This prestigious event is expected to attract thousands of young leaders from around the globe, providing a platform for dynamic talks from pioneering businessmen, networking, and collaborative projects.

The event aims to connect Filipino JCI members with their global counterparts, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices. It’s an initiative that not only promotes international collaboration but also strengthens local chapters through valuable relationships. By doing so, JCI Philippines ensures it remains a vibrant and innovative community of young leaders.

“Securing this hosting right is a testament to the exceptional organizational capabilities and dynamic spirit of these two esteemed chapters. As preparations gear up, the anticipation builds for a conference that promises to leave a lasting impact on all participants and further elevate the Philippines' standing in the global community,” said Luis Angelo Sevilla, appointed 2026 JCI World Congress Director.

Founded to empower young people to create positive change, JCI Manila and JCI Angeles City Culiat have been actively involved in various initiatives that address community needs and foster leadership development. Their projects range from disaster relief and educational programs to environmental sustainability and public health campaigns.

For instance, JCI Angeles City Culiat has a proven track record of organizing impactful events that uplift communities. Following the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, JCI Angeles City Culiat launched "Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan" (TTKD), a street party event aimed at boosting community morale and revitalizing the local economy. Over three decades later, JCI Angeles City Culiat continues to spearhead TTKD, which has grown into the largest street dance party in the country. This annual event has garnered JCI prestigious recognition, including the Best Civic Involvement Program award.

Through their dedicated efforts, these chapters not only provide immediate benefits to their communities but also inspire future leaders to take action, contributing to a culture of active citizenship and impactful service.

JCI Manila and JCI Angeles City Culiat are ready to embrace their role in such a prestigious event after 28 years, following the historic 1998 conference held in the Philippines. Opportunities like this highlight the hospitality and potential of Filipinos on a global scale, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for leadership and innovation.

The conference will be held at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation. Recognized as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination in the Philippines, Clark offers world-class facilities and an ideal setting for international gatherings.

JCI Philippines members are encouraged to attend and engage in this pivotal event. Stay tuned for further information.

business

Popeyes Boosts Operational Efficiency with Paywatch’s EWA Program

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Popeyes Philippines, a global fast-food brand renowned for its Southern-style fried chicken and Cajun-inspired cuisine, has partnered with Paywatch to offer Earned Wage Access (EWA) as a new employee benefit. This initiative represents a new-generation approach to enhancing financial support for its workforce.

Popeyes returned to the Philippines in 2019 and has quickly expanded to over 50 outlets nationwide. With a focus on modernization and digital transformation, the company’s commitment to innovation extends to employee welfare. In an industry characterized by rapid growth and high employee turnover, Popeyes aims to improve workforce well-being with EWA—a program that enables employees to access a portion of their wages before payday. This service provides greater financial flexibility for daily expenses and emergencies, helping to reduce reliance on short-term loans.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency Amid Industry Growth

As the demand for convenience food continues to surge, the Philippines' quick service restaurant (QSR) market is projected to reach $7.9 billion by 2026, driven by the fast-paced lifestyle and evolving preferences of Filipino consumers, according to Allied Market Research. To keep up with this anticipated growth, Popeyes is investing in operational efficiency through a workforce empowered by financial stability. With EWA, employees can access a portion of their earnings before payday without incurring debt or hidden fees. This immediate financial support reduces financial stress, translating to improved attendance, higher retention rates, and significant cost savings on retraining and rehiring, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.

"Retaining employees effectively helps our company avoid productivity setbacks. We believe that implementing EWA will enhance our employees’ well-being, leading to improved productivity and higher retention rates.," said Ed Kintanar, Chief Finance Officer of Popeyes Philippines. "Paywatch’s expertise makes them the ideal partner to help us introduce this innovative benefit."

Empowering Employees Through Financial Flexibility

Globally, Paywatch’s EWA solution has been adopted by leading brands, including well-known food service companies. By partnering with Paywatch, Popeyes Philippines demonstrates its leadership in employee welfare within the local QSR sector. The initiative not only aims to boost employee satisfaction but also to optimize business operations by fostering a more resilient and engaged workforce.

"Paywatch is committed to advancing financial wellness across diverse sectors, including food service and retail," said Rowell Del Fierro, President of Paywatch Philippines. "We are excited to see the positive impact that EWA will bring to both employees and businesses, knowing it can enhance financial well-being while also improving overall operations."

By implementing Paywatch’s EWA program, Popeyes is setting a new benchmark for employee care in the fast-moving QSR industry, ensuring that its team is not only financially secure but also highly motivated to deliver exceptional service.

For more information about Paywatch, visit https://www.paywatchglobal.com/

business

GoTyme Bank, foodpanda launch loan program for MSMEs

Monday, November 4, 2024

GoTyme Bank and foodpanda have joined forces to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within foodpanda’s online food and grocery delivery platform. This collaboration offers partner vendors flexible financing for working capital, providing them the financial boost they need to sustain their businesses.

The loan program directly addresses the financing challenges faced by MSMEs in today's economic climate, characterized by rising operational costs and lack of access to funding.

It gives online food delivery entrepreneurs easy access to capital at competitive interest rates with a simple application and repayment process. The program also complements foodpanda’s existing “Negosyo Like a Panda” initiative, which offers business loans to partner vendors to fuel their business growth.

Championing Filipino MSMEs

GoTyme Bank, a collaboration of Tyme, a multi-country digital banking group, with members of the Gokongwei Group, is the country’s fastest-growing bank, with 4.5 million customers, having operated for less than two years.

foodpanda is a subsidiary of global food delivery leader Delivery Hero, an on-demand food and grocery platform headquartered in Singapore. It is committed to delivering customers their favorite meals quickly. Today it is the largest food and grocery delivery platform in Asia, operating in 11 Asian markets comprising thousands of restaurants across 400 cities. It was launched in the Philippines in 2014, and today delivers meals from curated local restaurants to food lovers nationwide. Currently operating in 150 cities and municipalities, the platform continues its expansion across the country.

This partnership aligns with GoTyme Bank’s mission to support Filipino entrepreneurs by bridging the credit gap for MSMEs, which form a growing portion of its customer base.

GoTyme Bank, together with foodpanda, empowers MSMEs to thrive by streamlining the loan application process and offering flexible repayment options. Through this partnership, foodpanda partner merchants can focus on their core operations while enjoying the convenience of paying more during peak seasons and less during lean times. This tailored approach helps MSMEs optimize their cash flow and achieve their financial goals.

“We are committed to leveraging GoTyme’s expertise in digital banking and MSME lending,” says Lhecks De Castro, foodpanda Philippines finance director. “Since majority of our partner vendors come from the MSME sector, our goal is to offer innovative and accessible loan products specifically designed for them. This partnership goes beyond digital inclusion for our MSME partners; it prioritizes their financial empowerment.”

GoTyme Bank President and CEO Nate Clarke says he appreciates foodpanda’s recognition of GoTyme’s dedication to supporting MSMEs. “Through this exciting partnership, we look forward to providing entrepreneurs with the crucial financial support they need to achieve their dream business,” he says.

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