by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2022 | Business
AXA Philippines, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently organized the “Road to Net-Zero: The look inside China’s quest to champion climate action” forum, hosted and moderated by Zaid Alrifai, Head of Architas Asia. Architas is a global asset manager under the AXA Group that manages investments on behalf of institutional and retail clients. This is the last installment of a three-part webinar series that advocates responsible investing.

Clockwise from top left: Aidan Yao, Senior Emerging Asia Economist of AXA Investment Managers; Zaid Alrifai, Head of Architas Asia; and Dexter Agcaoili, AXA Philippines Investment Solutions Director.
During this Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) webinar, Aidan Yao, Senior Emerging Asia Economist of AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) talked about how achieving the Paris Accord’s aim for carbon-neutrality can be a challenge without the immediate action of countries with high carbon dioxide emissions.
The good news is that China, the top carbon emitter, last year announced the country’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality before 2060. Their first step is to flatten the emission curve from now until 2030. Then, the transition from the peak of carbon emission to net-zero emission by the end of 2060. This undertaking comes with the need to reallocate resources from some parts of the economy and society.
“In China, green bonds helped to finance wide areas of industries that are consistent towards carbon neutrality such as the renewables, the electric vehicles, batteries, green building, and water conservation,” Yao said. Green bonds finance new or existing projects that benefit the environment and foster net-zero emissions.
China’s burgeoning green bonds market presents enormous investment opportunities for companies like AXA who have been following the principles of ESG.
As a long long-term global investor, AXA has a duty to act in the best interest of its policyholders and stakeholders. With the help of its global fund managers, Architas and AXA IM, AXA is committed to aligning its investments with the principles of ESG and integrating these factors in its investment decisions that over time would influence positive change in the companies it invests in.
As responsible investors, AXA aims to reach 25 billion euros in green investments by 2023, reduce its own carbon footprint of AXA’s general account by 20 percent by 2025. As an insurer, it is also developing insurance products that cater specifically to the needs of the vulnerable population. As an organization, it will promote awareness on climate change and the knowledge on ESG through training and further education of its employees and stakeholders.
Through the recent webinars, AXA and the ECCP hope to provide an informative platform where local investors can equip themselves with the knowledge needed to become more responsible in their investment decisions and for the fund managers to be their partners and effectively guide them through the whole process.
For more information on Responsible Investing topics, visit https://www.axa-im.com/responsible-investing or https://www.architas.com/responsible-investing/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 8, 2022 | Food & Beverage
Meal preparation may seemingly be a daunting task year on year but have no fear. There’s always room for new food discoveries and hacks. Foodies and homemakers alike are always on the lookout for something different yet easy to prepare and definitely, palate and tummy pleasers. A great break from having delivered meals! Make part of your New Year’s resolution to try out these new, life-easing products in the market by San Miguel Foods.
Go Veega

For vegans, try familiar comforts such as Veega’s meat-free Tapa and Tocino, which are fully cooked and completely free of animal meat and by-products. For flexitarians, there are Korean-inspired faves such as Meat-free and ready-to-eat Bulgogi and Spicy Soy Garlic Balls. You’ll never miss out on flavor with these meat-free wonders.
Breakfast thy will be done.

Purefoods Deli Breakfast and Purefoods Beef Bacon
Rethink about skipping breakfast with perfect breakfast mates: Purefoods Deli Breakfast Sausage and Purefoods Beef Bacon. They are so good, you’ll truly want more. And beyond breakfast, these delicious products can also be served in a lot of ways.
Create “chicken’’ na chicken meals.
Make meal preparation a breeze in 2022 with freshly marinated and ready-to-cook Chicken Timplados. Prepping meals can be done in minutes with any of these easy chicken sarap variants: Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Fried Chicken, BBQ, Tocino, Teriyaki, Spicy Fried Chicken, Oriental Wings, Spicy Wings, Inasal and Roasters (marinated whole chicken) in Lemon Herb and Smoked Pepper. The menu will never be boring with the selection of variants cooked as is or leveled up with some twists.
Develop a Pasta-stic Habit.

Purefoods Spaghetti Sauce
Have pasta anytime with Purefoods Spaghetti Sauce. Just reheat and toss in cooked noodles or level up with the addition of some ingredients. Either way, you’ll get consistent, satisfying pasta sauce each time.
Make meal preparation and dining with the family an enjoyable food adventure, even allowing enough “me time” in-between with these new discoveries.
Also, check out www.homefoodie.com for recipe ideas with these products!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 6, 2022 | Lifestyle
Surely, you still have a holiday hangover. There’s something about being able to spend time (albeit online or in small groups) with friends and loved ones in this cuddle weather that allows us to have restful minds and peaceful hearts even just for a moment.
At this moment, you’re probably high on natural endorphins and have a renewed sense of clarity. Don’t you just want to hold on to that feeling as you walk into a brand new year?
We’re approaching 12 months of endless opportunities; 52 weeks and ways to be better; and 365 days of unknown possibilities. The power to right our wrongs is upon us!

photo credit to Josiah Go
“COVID-19 has left many feeling displaced. ‘I’m stuck. What can I do? How do I move forward?’ The pandemic has affected us in so many ways, bringing up fear, worry, and even languishing. We, at Viviamo, want to reassure Filipinos that these feelings of hopelessness and despair can be replaced with hope and positivity. That is why we offer you the tools to help you switch from that mindset of ‘simply surviving’ to thriving! We have the power to rewrite our own stories,” shares Viviamo CEO Darlyn Ty-Nilo.
For 16 years now, Viviamo, makers of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, have been creating empowering products. Scratch that – more like, Dreampowering products – Dreampowerment is an advocacy that is so close to the core of Viviamo’s purpose and has grown a 10,000+ strong community through The Bella Tribe, BDJ Plan With Me and You Got This Facebook Groups that ultimately help Filipinos desire a life full of love and joy through mindfulness, journaling with love, planning with courage and this year, coaching for abundance.
Literally, turn a new page in your life with any of these products from Viviamo’s 2022 Collection:
The Belle de Jour Power Planner (P599, P699, P1,199) is not a planner with empty pages. It’s a LIFE PLAN. BDJ believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. The 2022 edition is the support you didn’t know you need that will allow you to declare your purpose in life.
It gives you the space to remember who you are in 4 stylish designs that suit your personality and are packed with lifestyle coupons from over 40 brands; free mobile and desktop wallpaper downloadables, Spotify playlists, and NEW features this year include free virtual reality meditation videos and 12 Coaching Experiences led by 12 world-renowned experts in the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Strengths Finding, Reiki Masters, Holistic Aromatherapists, Business and Beauty Experts, Energy Healers, Positive Psychologists, Motivational and Image Training Professionals in the BDJ Coach Quenza App that you can access from the pages of the BDJ Planner.
“I wasn’t much of a journaling person and was satisfied with simply writing my schedules on sticky notes. However, last year was highly toxic for me and I was in an identity crisis. When I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw an advertisement for the 2021 Journal and was intrigued with the design –the girl on the cover is beautiful and she looked confident. I liked the design, the content, and the marketing strategy so I decided to give journaling a try. A year has passed and I don’t think I can ever live without your journal; I don’t think I can ever use another journal if it’s not the BDJ version. I’ve imprinted my soul into it and I will continue to support you as your journal has with its owners.” shares Trisha Manao, one of the many users of the BDJ Power Planner.
The Navi Journal (P599), on the other hand, invites you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and features 12 magnificent staircases around the world that you can virtually explore through the exclusive I Am Cardboard virtual reality videos embedded in the QR codes of the monthly dividers throughout the year. Despite their grandeur and intricacies, these captivating staircases are still just a small representation of what your mind can create. And yes, it has a coupon booklet too!

You might be thinking, “You never know what will happen in life. There are things that are out of your control.” This is why you struggle with using a planner. The 2022 Everything is Possible Planner (P599) is inspired by phases of the moon that embody inspiration, renewal, and unwavering energy, this year’s EIP Planner is what you’ve been waiting for. Featuring 13 Monthly Calendars (covering Dec 2021 to Dec 2022), special Pages that help you achieve your goals and open possibilities, and a vertical weekly layout with timestamps, EIP has been helping people achieve their big and small goals for a decade now. It’s a planner that’s designed for go-getters like you who know exactly what they want and will do anything it takes to make those dreams happen. Now is the right time to finally stop feeling like a victim of circumstance and start living the life you want. It’s not too late. It never is. Just as the moon transitions, so will you.
And finally, The Focus 2022 Journal (P550) is a guide to help you accept your life as it unfolds. With each phase, chapter, or stage of life comes new challenges and experiences that make up the fabric of our lives. It’s a great tool to inspire you to shove the distractions aside and put your goals to the forefront. With its dedicated weekly grid layout and unique worksheet pages, you will be able to start building the tomorrow you want with laser-like clarity.
Viviamo also has beautiful leather Quest Journals (P280, P499, P699, P999) in 4 sizes that you can switch out fillers and create a journaling system with, along with calendar pads and other productivity tools! Who says you only need one notebook? Get a journal for every aspect of your life, every piece of your brain to start rewriting your story.
Pour out your worries, visualize your dreams and turn them into actionable plans with these exciting journals from Viviamo! Choose all or any from www.shop.ilovebdj.com and www.crazyaboutpaper.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 14, 2021 | Governance

Hon. Atty Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla
Rep. Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla, Chairman of the House Committee on Revision of Laws, hails the ratification today by the House of Representatives of the bicameral conference committee report on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 2332 and House Bill No. 7836 on increasing the age in determining statutory rape.
“In the report, we determined that the age of statutory rape be set to under 16 years of age in view of the global standard on statutory rape age,” Rep. Deloso-Montalla explained. “We also aligned with this bill the age of consent in other crimes under the criminal code and other anti-child abuse and exploitation laws like the R.A. No. 7610,” she added.
The Sweetheart Clause
The Representative of the 2nd District of Zambales also said that the Committee “… also provided a “close-in relationship” or “sweetheart clause” to recognize the legitimate relationship between 2 teenagers… that is in consonance with the age of criminal liability under RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act or RA No. 9344, as amended by RA No. 10630. Most importantly, rape and other acts of sexual exploitation, under this bill, is now applicable to a man, woman, or child.”
Rape Cases in the Philippines
“The enactment of this bill is long overdue as the data scream loudly and clearly speak that the crime of rape remains rampant in the country. What we know are the reported cases but the true statistics may be higher considering that there are a lot of unreported and unaccounted cases of rape and other forms of sexual abuse and exploitation that are happening,” Rep. Deloso-Montalla further said.
“Now that we have ratified the Bi-Cam report on the anti-stat rape bill, it is now a step closer to becoming a law! We will always endure ascertaining that our children are given optimum protection under our laws and within the bounds of the democratic society that we have,” she averred.
Initially, 9 bills were referred to the Committee on Revision of Laws relating to the amendments to Anti-Rape Law with specific provisions on increasing the age of consent on statutory rape. There were similar bills that were referred to the Committee on Welfare of Children Chaired by Rep. Yedda K. Romualdez. The 2 committees jointly heard and deliberated exhaustively on the proposed measures and came up with a substitute bill – HB 7836 or An Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Including Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape.
The bill was approved on Third Reading by the House of Representatives on December 1, 2020.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 14, 2021 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Everyone surely longs for the warmth that the holiday season brings, especially in a country known to celebrate Christmas as a tight-knit community. Holiday shopping at bazaars and fairs, Christmas carols around the neighborhood, homecoming reunions, pamamasko, and gift-giving may have been reduced to a dose of nostalgia for the past year but this time, GCash shows us that we are headed for brighter days!
This Christmas, GCash, the leading e-wallet platform in the Philippines, is bringing to life these well-loved Filipino Christmas traditions and giving us more reasons to celebrate and be merry. GCash, the undisputed #1 financial app in the country with over 40 million users to date, is inviting everyone to Merry GCash, its biggest and brightest Christmas celebration, with guaranteed daily rewards and a chance to be the first GCash millionaire, digitizing your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions.
Showing that Life Is G during the most awaited season of the year, GCash enables users to share these well-missed holiday experiences with their loved ones, wherever they may be, and delight them with exciting rewards and deals over the holiday season.
Mag-Enjoy sa Christmas GLife Tiangge
GCash invites users to experience a more rewarding thrill of fulfilling wish lists and Christmas shopping. No more going through the dreaded Christmas rush, as GLife merchants will offer exclusive discounts and promos open for all users to enjoy!
Simply click on GLife on the GCash app, select the MerryG category, and shop from featured brands and MSMEs.
Globe at Home
- Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE advanced modem and get a free TP-link extender
- Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE Black Pink themed modem and get a free TP-link extender
- Get 50% off when you purchase a TP-link extender
Auntie Anne’s
Save as much as P115 when you get the Holiday Bundle, which includes a box of pretzels and 1 liter of lemonade for only P550
Food & Drink
Cafe Calypso, CiderBears, Dream Coffee, Mayani, Taste and Tell MNL
Health & Wellness
EYEPRO, VPharma, Other Options Lifestyle
Home
Shibui, Hamlet Kids Room, Magnificent Marketing, Orion
Retail & Fashion
Aug3 Clothing, Baby Cuddle PH, Bibs Manila, FanLife, Milkwear, Skinni
Mamasko When You Send Love, Send Pamasko
The tradition of aguinaldo will continue to live on even if we can’t physically visit our ninongs, ninangs, or inaanaks. With Send Love, Send Pamasko, GCash gives us a convenient and safe way to send love to our loved ones and share blessings with partner charities. Even OFWs who can’t make it home can send their pamasko from anywhere across the globe to anywhere in the country with GCash.
It only takes a few taps to make a difference and make Christmas more meaningful. With Send Pamasko, users can donate in GLife for participating charity partners. Sharing the spirit of goodwill, GCash is partnering with ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Save the Children, OFW Family Club, UNICEF, and WWF. To send love to these causes close to your heart, select GLife on the GCash app and click on GCash For Good.
If you are thinking of adding a special Christmas touch to your pamasko for your family and friends, Send Pamasko and Send with a Clip features allow you to use special themes created by partner charities and the GCash Barkada. Simply fill in their GCash number and total amount, add a thoughtful message, select from holiday themes and confirm the transaction to show them how much they mean to you.
Magsaya With A Chance to Win 50 Million Worth of Prizes
Brighten up your holidays with more chances of winning just by using your GCash app. Catch up and connect with your loved ones this holiday season with the Lucky Load promo. For every PHP 50 worth of transactions through Buy Load on your GCash app, you get a Lucky Load ticket. With each ticket, you get to pick 6 out of 30 icons, and when you match at least 3 icons, you get a share of the pot prize of up to PHP 100,000.
GCash brings you traditional Christmas parols that are not only delightful to watch but also rewarding to light up. With Shake it Up, Light it Up, users can collect as many parols as they can through the GCash app and light them up for daily discounts and prizes!
For a minimum spend of Php 100 using GCash, users earn one unlit parol per feature per day, which will appear the next day on their Merry GCash page on the app.
Users can also ramp up their entries when they transact using GCash Padala, GSave, GInvest, GInsure, GLife, and GCredit — serving as multipliers to instantly receive two unlit parols with just one transaction. Simply shake these parols to light them up and reveal their prizes. The first parol will give the user a guaranteed merchant voucher while the other parol entitles the user an entry for a chance to be one of 5,000 winners of the Merry GCash raffle.
Aside from giving away different packages, GCash will give away a Sari-Sari Store Showcase to 3 GCash users. During the Grand Draw on Dec. 21, one lucky winner will be the first GCash millionaire.
While waiting for the raffle draw, GCash users who participate in the Shake it Up, Light it Up will get daily discounts and prizes from partner merchants.
A+ Rewards x Foodpanda
- 60PHP off with a min spend of 300PHP when you order from Jollibee via Foodpanda
- FREE DELIVERY with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from Foodpanda
- 40PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from Foodpanda
A+ Rewards x SHEIN
- 15% off when you purchase from SHEIN (no min spend)
A+ Rewards x TeraBox
- 2-week free trial with TeraBox
A+ Rewards
- 10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you spend on Alipay+ Store
A+ Rewards x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang In-Game Voucher
- 30PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you make an in-game purchase on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Available for both Google Play Store & App Store)
A+ Rewards x Steam
- 10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you purchase from Steam
DITO
- P20 load voucher to buy DITO Regular Load or High-Speed Data Promo, Min. Spend P199
While the ways we celebrate Christmas have changed over the years, especially during the pandemic, we all know that the greatest gift we can give is connecting and sharing joy with our family, friends, loved ones, and our kababayan in need of love. This Christmas, GCash is one with Filipinos in keeping the Christmas spirit alive with all the holiday surprises and promos it has to offer. All set to have a #MerryGCash? Click https://go.gcash.com/merrygcash and experience the many reasons why #GPaRinAngPasko with GCash!
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.
GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.
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