by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 24, 2017 | Lifestyle
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a young professional, the same rule applies when it comes to retirement: It helps to prepare ahead. In fact, the sooner in your life you prepare for it, the more benefits you will reap, and the more you will be able to live what you love when the time for retirement does come.
AXA, global leader in insurance and investment, recently organized a discussion to introduce a new product thataims to help customers live the life they love as they get older – AXA Retire Smart.
The event was attended by award-winning author, newspaper columnist and former advertising executive Barbara Gonzalez; broadcast executive turned entrepreneur Jose Ramon “Monchet” Olives; chef, restaurateur, surfer, and TV host JP Anglo; and erstwhile brand manager and current skincare entrepreneur Jacqueline Yuengtian-Gutierrez, to provide insights on having the right game plan in place to have a good retirement.
Each successful in his/her own right, the four speakers shared the points of view of different generations.
Gonzalez and Olives chose to leave top-level executive posts before reaching their companies’ mandatory retirement ages.
Gonzalez said, growing tired of the pressures of managing a large family-owned advertising agency, she opted for a less stressful but still productive and meaningful life. She conducts writing seminars and makes jewelry. “Do what you want to do and have fun!” she said. Life should not end when retirement age was reached. “It’s just a phase, actually.”
For Olives, a major factor for his early “retirement” was he wanted a change of pace from the pressures of the highly competitive broadcast industry. “I want to pursue a more creative passion and take care of myself moreas life can send you something unexpected. What’s important is to be happy.”
Today, he takes care of the family business of handcrafted fans.
Gutierrez had reached the top of the corporate ladder, but she wanted to spend more time with and focus on her family.
She quit her job in a multinational firm and started her own skin care line after making sure she was financially prepared for the major undertaking. “It is important to save up and set aside funds for future needs,” she said.
Anglo acknowledged that many of his peers hardly thought about retirement. Although his ventures were doing well, Anglo said he was already thinking about his retirement goal, which was “to cook for free and for the ones I love,” and how to accomplish that.
AXA Retire Smart is an investment-linked, regular pay product bundled with life insurance coverage that helps you strategically build a future fund that you can tap when you retire so you can live what you love.
Its savings component gradually builds your future retirement fund with payment schemes that are easy on the pocket, while a portion of your premium is allocated to funds designed to grow your investment.
And because it also is a life insurance product, a lump-sum cash benefit is provided to your family in case of your untimely demise. To learn more about AXA Retire Smart, visit axa.com.ph today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 22, 2017 | Events
Augmented realities and fake news, the politics of relationships, Manila as dystopia. These are some of the themes that will be tackled and presented in ‘To Differ, Digitally; Calls for Change Through New Media’ an exhibit by the College of Saint Benilde’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) in partnership with the New Media Cluster of the School of Design and Arts.
The clamor for change is now played out on the platforms of digital and social media as the tools of every person to differ and speak out. New Media, as this exhibit portrays, are vital means to merge art and design with the independent statements by our educators today.
The production is the first digital exhibit of the CCA and as well, the first one that is headlined exclusively by Benilde faculty, in particular those from the New Media Cluster composed of the Photography, Digital Film, Animation and Multimedia Arts programs.
SDA New Media Cluster artists of the To Differ, Digitally Exhibit
Molly Tamola Velasco-Wansom, Lea Sacdalan Abarentos, Katrina Santiano Juane, Penny Angeles-Tan, Jomel Gregorio, Rafael Liao, Sharon Mapa, Vanju Alvaira, Hannah Sison, Jesse Ray Lazaro, Mito Tubilleja, Mochie Cuyco, Roy Molon, Pepe Manikan, Don Henry Bañaga Bolo, Volty Garcia, Daniel Enriquez, Yolec Homecillo, Love Asis, Leo Santos, Jag Garcia, and Seymour Sanchez will present their statements and calls for change through the use of contemporary tools and platforms.
Curated by Arch. Gerry Torres, Director of the CCA and Karen Ocampo Flores, Benilde faculty and curator, Philippine Women’s University School of Fine Arts and Design (PWU-SFAD) Studio Gallery.
The exhibit will run from November 23, 2017 to January 20, 2018. The opening of the exhibit will be on November 23, 6:00PM at the 12th Floor SDA Gallery, SDA Building.
This is open to the public. See you all there!
For more information about this event please visit the website Be Heard, Benilde! or check out their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 21, 2017 | Banking and Finance
Citi Philippines recently launched its newest credit card product, dubbed Citi Simplicity+, which is touted as an industry first for the country – offering no annual fee, no late payment fees, and no over limit fees, as well as 10% back on interest charges for on-time payments. The introduction of Citi Simplicity+ responds to the needs of consumers for a card that’s well-suited for busy lifestyles, by providing a remarkable customer experience that’s simple and convenient.
Aftad Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO
Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed said, “Citi Simplicity+ is an example of Citi’s commitment to putting our clients’ interests first while creating economic value. With Simplicity+, we simplify the client experience and make it more convenient and beneficial for our clients to undertake everyday purchases and transactions.”
Other benefits available to Citi Simplicity+ cardholders include:
- Citi PayLite for easy installment purchases,
- Click for Cash for emergency cash loans,
- Citi One Bill for hassle-free auto-debit payments, and
- a world of special privileges on shopping, travel, and dining.
Says David Stoughton, head of Credit Payment Products at Citi Philippines: “With a growing urban population in the Philippines where people are living in a much more fast-paced environment, Citi Simplicity+ offers consumers peace of mind with its simplified terms and conditions, no annual fee, no late fees, and no over-limit fees. This is extremely convenient for people who are constantly on the go, managing multiple tasks and schedules. Through Citi Simplicity+, we are also showing our appreciation to those who pay on time by giving them 10% back on interest charges.”
The Citi Simplicity brand has been rolled out previously in the US, Australia, UAE, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
To apply for the Citi Simplicity+ Card, please visit https://www.citibank.com.ph/simplicity.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 21, 2017 | Lifestyle
Upgrade your home with designer furniture at easy-on-the-pocket payment terms with Citi Credit Cards ongoing offer at Pottery Barn and West Elm.
If you love entertaining, chic furniture can turn small spaces into cozy spots with the help of Pottery Barn. Fun furniture, beddings, toys and other child-friendly items to make playtime and sleeping fun for children are available at Pottery Barn Kids.
With Citi PayLite, you can get multi-functional furniture and other houseware items at 15% off at Pottery Barn stores in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City, and Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.
If you are opting for a classic, understated look, West Elm is the perfect store for you. It is best known for collaboration: craft communities co-create its home accessories, furniture and décor with independent designers, while its Style + Service lets you work with Home Stylists for free.
Take advantage of the 15% discount offered by its flagship store at Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City for all purchases made with Citi PayLite payable up to 24 months.
In this latest partnership, Citi PayLite lets you get the highest quality furniture, latest appliances and most attractive accessories at 0% interest and payable up to 24 months. Available exclusively to Citi cardholders, PayLite also gives you exclusive discounts, free gift certificates and other special offers up until January 31, 2018.
“Our homes are our own personal space, a place where we start and end our day. This is why it deserves only the most comfortable furnishing in the most appealing designs,” said Citi Philippines Credit Payment Products Director David Stoughton.
“Citi PayLite provides an opportunity for homeowners to enjoy, be comfortable and have only the best experience at home through partnerships with top-of-the-line brands.”
The time to transform your house into a home with Citi PayLite is now! For more information about this exciting offer and other exclusive rewards from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 20, 2017 | Events, Health and Wellness
Nikka Garcia, LJ Moreno-Alapag and Isabel Oli-Prats have many things in common, among them, being devoted wives and doting mothers to their children. Nikka is married to actor Patrick Garcia and mom to Chelsea and Nicole; and she is also a mommy blogger. LJ is wife to retired PBA player and now Meralco Bolts assistant coach Jimmy Alapag, mother to Keona and Ian, and runs a pastry business, The Lollicake Factory. They are also both expectant mothers. Isabel is married to actor John Prats and mother to Lily Feather.
All ladies have one important thing in common: they are thankful to have been blessed with husbands who are hands-on fathers.
During the Tribute to Moms by Cetaphil held in SM Makati on August 27, they shared how they manage to strike a healthy home-life balance and stay looking and feeling great.
The Balancing Act
LJ Moreno-Alapag and husband, Jimmy Alapag
LJ says that she has learned to maximize her time. “You have to be strict with time management, otherwise, you won’t get things done. I’m lucky because now both [my kids are] in school, so I get some ‘me time’. Lately, what we’ve been doing is [whenever possible], Jimmy and I will drop them off at school, then we have breakfast [together], then go home and he gets ready for his practice and I have my quiet time, and I check on my commissary downstairs. After having kids, my priorities changed.
What I decided to do after I got pregnant was move [the commissary] to the ground floor of the house, good thing we had space. At least I am able to check on the business and be with the kids because they always want to be with me. And if I bring them to the office, I won’t be able to get anything done. Now that it’s at home, they have their playroom upstairs and I can bake downstairs.
Even my workout, I moved to the house because I can’t go to the gym anymore. I compiled Zumba videos and even now [that I’m pregnant], I do prenatal yoga [guided by] videos. You have to manage your time well and be strict with it.”
Husband, John Prats and Isabel Oli-Prats
Isabel says splitting parental duties with her husband is a great help. “My husband is an actor and his schedule is really hectic and there are days when he is not busy. So it is hard to adjust. When my husband is home, he’s very hands-on, so nakakagalaw ako. I can leave the house or I can cook.”
Husband, Patrick Garcia and Nikka Garcia
According to Nikka, she has found that changing her perspective has improved the time she spends with her family. “I’ve learned that I just have to put my heart into what I’m doing at that particular time. When I’m giving my eldest attention, I’m there. Pag lumipat ako sa youngest ko, kumpleto din siya. When I spend time with Pat, kumpleto din siya. I’ve learned to just be in the moment with good time management and focusing my mind and my heart at that particular time. I’ve been able to accomplish more, it’s more than spending time, it’s quality time.”
Getting “Me Time”
The celeb moms agree that being a wife and mother does not mean you have to give up being yourself. According to Isabel, she makes time to work out when Feather is asleep. Nikka treats herself to pampering with an hour in the salon or by having a massage. LJ makes the same concessions. She also added that she wakes up earlier than her two babies so she can have quiet for her prayer time in the morning.
Using the science of gentle
The three mothers have amazingly clear skin — how do they do it? They each confess that their skincare regimen is simple.
“I’m really lazy when it comes to going to the dermatologist. So I just make sure that I really wash my face and moisturize hanggang leeg before going to sleep.” LJ says.
Nikka says that “As much as possible, I don’t apply makeup every day. I use the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser to wash my face and moisturize. It’s so gentle. Especially now that I’m pregnant, your skin dries up. It’s what has worked.”
According to Isabel, “College pa lang, I use Cetaphil talaga. My dermatologist prescribed it for me. Even when I was pregnant, my doctor told me to use it. [As celebrities,] we’re always wearing makeup pag nasa labas, make sure really clean before going to sleep. I use the Cetaphil Lotion also.
Nakakatuwa, my baby has sensitive skin, so sabi din ng doktor, ‘yun yung puwede sa kanya. So I just use Cetaphil Lotion, Cetaphil Massage Oil, Cetaphil Shampoo, Cetaphil Body Wash.”
LJ, Nikka and Isabel are mothers, like many mothers out there. Real women who try to the best of their abilities to strike a healthy balance of being wife and mother without sacrificing time to take care of themselves. They have found an ally in gentle skincare in the full range of Cetaphil products.
Cetaphil is the most prescribed skin care product by dermatologists and pediatricians. Cetaphil is available in department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.
Gonzalez said, growing tired of the pressures of managing a large family-owned advertising agency, she opted for a less stressful but still productive and meaningful life. She conducts writing seminars and makes jewelry. “Do what you want to do and have fun!” she said. Life should not end when retirement age was reached. “It’s just a phase, actually.”
For Olives, a major factor for his early “retirement” was he wanted a change of pace from the pressures of the highly competitive broadcast industry. “I want to pursue a more creative passion and take care of myself moreas life can send you something unexpected. What’s important is to be happy.”
Gutierrez had reached the top of the corporate ladder, but she wanted to spend more time with and focus on her family.
Anglo acknowledged that many of his peers hardly thought about retirement. Although his ventures were doing well, Anglo said he was already thinking about his retirement goal, which was “to cook for free and for the ones I love,” and how to accomplish that.
Its savings component gradually builds your future retirement fund with payment schemes that are easy on the pocket, while a portion of your premium is allocated to funds designed to grow your investment.
The clamor for change is now played ou
Says David Stoughton, head of Credit Payment Products at Citi Philippines: “With a growing urban population in the Philippines where people are living in a much more fast-paced environment, Citi Simplicity+ offers consumers peace of mind with its simplified terms and conditions, no annual fee, no late fees, and no over-limit fees. This is extremely convenient for people who are constantly on the go, managing multiple tasks and schedules. Through Citi Simplicity+, we are also showing our appreciation to those who pay on time by giving them 10% back on interest charges.”
If you are opting for a classic, understated look, West Elm is the perfect store for you. It is best known for collaboration: craft communities co-create its home accessories, furniture and décor with independent designers, while its Style + Service lets you work with Home Stylists for free.
The celeb moms agree that being a wife and mother does not mean you have to give up being yourself. According to Isabel, she makes time to work out when Feather is asleep. Nikka treats herself to pampering with an hour in the salon or by having a massage. LJ makes the same concessions. She also added that she wakes up earlier than her two babies so she can have quiet for her prayer time in the morning.
Nikka says that “As much as possible, I don’t apply makeup every day. I use the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser to wash my face and moisturize. It’s so gentle. Especially now that I’m pregnant, your skin dries up. It’s what has worked.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.