by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 2, 2021 | Lifestyle
The uncertainties that came with the global health pandemic led to the financial stress that altered the lifestyle of many Filipinos. For close to two years since the global COVID-19 pandemic started, many lost their jobs and had to make do with what little savings they have stashed away.
A study titled, “The State of Banking and Financial Wellness” commissioned by US-based research firm Forrester, indicated that more than half of Filipinos identified building their savings as one of their top concerns when it comes to personal finance.
The desire to have some money safely stashed when rainy days come is one that is shared by every Filipino—regardless of stature in life or the money they earn. When COVID-19 hit, the majority of Filipinos were left without a stable means of livelihood as the strict lockdown badly affected the economy, leading to a significant number of business closures and an uncertain future for those engaged in the gig economy.
Stemming from its desire to push for financial inclusion for every Filipino, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading micro financial service providers, to introduce Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings in 2019. Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings provided Filipinos with an accessible and convenient means to save their hard-earned money by addressing the common barriers in saving, including lack of accessibility, the need for numerous documentary requirements, and the high cost of starting and maintaining a balance.
“Our main priority is to be a one-stop-shop for the micro-financial needs of our kababayans. With our commitment to financial inclusion and mobility for everyone, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account is one of the great products we have created to empower many of our kababayans to save, regardless of their status in life,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said.
The promise of having money saved in times of need was what inspired Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account holders Pillilia Pardo and Maria Luisa Luna to open a savings account and work hard to build a comfortable fund that they can rely on when needed.
Pillilia Pardo, sari-sari store owner
Pillilia Pardo, a 79-year-old, sari-sari store owner from Las Piñas and a loyal micro-savings account holder, dreams of imparting the value of savings to her children.
Pillilia, a 79-year-old sari-sari store owner in Las Pinas, makes sure to deposit a fraction of her daily earnings into her micro-savings account. With her store located right beside the Cebuana Lhuillier Casimiro branch, she has become a daily fixture for the branch personnel who assists her on her everyday transactions.
“Napakahalaga ng savings, kasi pag dumating ang pagkakataon na ikaw ay magigipit, kailangan mo ng pera. Kung mayroon kang ipon, anytime puwede ka makapag-withdraw,” shares the septuagenarian.
When the pandemic hit, Pillilia used her micro-savings account to augment her day-to-day expenses, which included medicines, food, utilities, and rent. When the lockdowns affected her store’s earnings, she was comforted by the fact that she did not have to resort to borrowing money in order to get by.
“Hindi ka magsisisi kung nakapag-ipon ka…anytime nangailangan, nandiyan ang ipon ko. Mayroon akong magagamit,” she adds.
Maria Luisa Luna, a garbage collector
Maria Luisa Luna, a 64-year-old, garbage collector from Manila relied on her micro-savings account when the pandemic badly hit her family.
For Maria Luisa, it was her savings that literally saved her family in the midst of the strict Manila lockdowns. She earns her keep by collecting recyclables which she then sells in a junkyard.
For over two years, even before the lockdown began, she would make sure that a portion of her earnings goes to her Cebuana Lhuillier micro-savings account, which she intends to use during emergencies.
“Hindi na kami makapangalakal nung naghigpit sa lockdown. Yung kinakain namin, halos galing na lang sa ayuda ng gobyerno pero hindi naman sapat yun. Nagkasakit pa ang anak ko. Hindi ko naman matiis na hindi maipagamot. Doon ko na naisip na gamitin yung ipon ko sa Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Tuwing may kailangan sa bahay, gaya nang pangkain at pang-renta, withdraw ako. Tapos pagpapagamot sa anak, withdraw ulit,” Maria Luisa shares.
She admits that the protracted quarantine period had drained her savings, but now that everything is slowly going back to normal, she has also resumed building her emergency nest egg, visiting the Cebuana Lhuillier branch nearest her after a day of collecting recyclables and items to sell.
Since its launch, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings has enabled more than 5.5M account holders to have a semblance of peace of mind in times of great need and emergencies. As a cash agent, Cebuana Lhuillier provided account holders with a reliable and highly accessible venue to deposit and withdraw their money in any of its 2,500 branches nationwide, anytime and anywhere.
In 2020, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings was made even more accessible and convenient with the introduction of its new digital features.
“We’ve always believed that Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings should be able to evolve according to the changing needs of its users. By going digital, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings is providing greater IPON POWER to its account holders, by providing them convenience and mobility in maximizing the use of their savings through digital channels,” Cebuana Lhuillier bank President, Dennis Valdes added.
Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings boasts of greater IPON POWER through the following features: withdraw cash in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide anytime and anywhere; purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide; 24/7 unlimited banking access with the eCebuana app; and do cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide.
With more and more Filipinos slowly realizing the value of saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings is gearing towards further improving its features to better provide its account holders with a dependable ally they can continuously rely on.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 30, 2021 | Personal Care Tips
The secret to youthful, glowing skin is really no big secret. Locking in moisture or keeping your skin hydrated is key in maintaining that dewy, soft, and young-looking complexion. This, of course, is easier said than done. Drinking enough water, following a specific skincare routine, and using the right products are just some of the ways to care for your skin and keep it hydrated.
Ever Organics, the effective and affordable skincare line formulated with organic-based key ingredients, shares these tips to help keep your skin moisturized every day.
Skip the long, steamy showers.
Hot showers and washing your face with warm water can be very relaxing and refreshing. But did you know that long, hot showers can actually strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry and rough? Instead of using hot water to bathe or wash your face, use lukewarm water instead—and make sure to apply moisturizer while your skin is still wet post-shower.
Drink an adequate amount of water.
From helping your skin maintain elasticity, to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, drinking lots of water can do amazing things to your skin and your overall health as well. As recommended, drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day is the best and most natural way to achieve that glowing, dewy complexion.
Pat your face dry after cleansing.
Another simple way to retain your skin’s smooth texture is to change how you dry your skin after cleansing. Instead of rubbing your face dry, try gently patting your face using a soft towel to absorb the water without irritating your skin. Your skin will definitely thank you for this!
Use hydrating skincare products.
Products that penetrate through your skin and deliver water are vital, especially if you have dehydrated skin. A good example of this is Ever Organics’ Tomato Glass Skin Gel Lotion.
This gel lotion is infused with 95% tomato extract that brightens and revitalizes dry or irritated skin and aids in maintaining a healthy and youthful glow to the skin. Not only that, but this gel lotion also contains Lotus Flower extract that has natural anti-aging benefits and Centella Asiatica Extract which is a rich source of amino acids and is a good hydrating ingredient to soothe upset or compromised skin. It is also formulated with Green Tea and Licorice Root extracts to help prevent acne, itching, irritation, and redness.
Ever Organics’ products are available on their official Shopee and Lazada stores, and Watsons branches nationwide. Check out Ever Organics on Facebook (facebook.com/EverOrganics/), Instagram (@ever_organics), Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) or Shopee (www.shopee.ph), and check out their online store (campsite.bio/everorganics)
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 23, 2021 | Business
The Philippines ranks ninth in the world among countries with extreme weather events in the 2020 World Risk Index, according to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department by the House of Philippine Congress. When natural disasters and calamities strike, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the most vulnerable segments.
Since MSMEs make up the majority of businesses in the Philippines today, Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading micro-financial services company has teamed up with AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, and the German Development Cooperation / Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ), to unveil its newest microinsurance product, the MicroBiz Protek Jr., which will help to insure microenterprises against typhoons, floods, earthquake, lightning, and fire for an annual premium as low as P172.
Rahul Hora, President, and CEO of AXA Philippines
“AXA Philippines is dedicated to sustainability, and we have launched this product in response to the climate and disaster risk that Filipino MSMEs are constantly exposed to. We hope that through this product, Filipino entrepreneurs can now enjoy the protection that they need to sustain their businesses during natural calamities and disasters,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President, and CEO.
Jonathan Batangan, PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies Vice President and Group Head
“With the Philippines being one of the top five in the world most at risk for natural disasters, I think it’s only right to offer such a product to our MSMEs. Hopefully, this is something that we can be able to scale and promote for the protection of the MSME sector,” said PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies Vice President and Group Head Jonathan Batangan.
The new product, which was introduced during a recent virtual launch, offers lump sum cash assistance in case of property damage caused by natural calamities and disasters. Moreover, it offers 10 percent personal accident insurance for two employees, 10 percent cover for robbery and burglary, and free emergency assistance through the Emma by AXA PH app.
Likewise, GIZ also shows its support to the MSMEs through this product: “Our private-public partnerships with companies like AXA Philippines is filling parts of the vacuum of climate and risk insurance products in the Philippines, and we are very happy with the development of the MicroBiz Protek Jr.” shared Dr. Volker Steigerwald, GIZ Programme Director.
(Clockwise from top left) Jimmy Loro, GIZ RFPI Asia senior advisor; Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president, and CEO; Jonathan Batangan, PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies vice president and group head; and Dr. Volker Steigerwald, GIZ program director during the MicroDRI Project Microbiz Protek, Jr. product launch.
Also present during the virtual unveiling of MicroBiz Protek Jr. were Department of Trade Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and AXA Philippines Chief of Retail Propositions Alok Rungta.
Protect your business now by availing of MicroBiz Protek Jr. via https://bit.ly/3gPDMPq.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 21, 2021 | Health and Wellness
A teleconsult website that promises to make medical consultations easy and convenient for many Filipinos was finally launched today, October 20.
QURE.ph, an all-Filipino-made website, provides a platform for online video consultations, connects doctors and patients for easy scheduling of appointments, and makes available a directory of pharmacies and other health and wellness providers.
What is Qure?
QURE.ph offers a free platform for doctors who want to expand their services via teleconsult amid the increasing demand for a virtual consultation.
Garry Libby – Qure CTO
“We created this platform with the Filipino patient in mind. It’s a simple website and it does not complicate the teleconsultation process. Even those not comfortable with technology will find these consultations easy to do. This is our new normal and QURE is here to help you navigate the future of healthcare,” said Gary Libby, QURE Chief Technology Officer.
A trip to the hospital may also be burdensome these days, as the COVID pandemic persists. QURE will help Filipinos find their way through this public health crisis while keeping their health in check.
“This will definitely benefit doctors and patients. No more overbooking for doctors, and no more long lines for patients waiting for their turn at clinics. Whether via teleconsult or face-to-face check-ups, the scheduling system of QURE helps both patients and doctors,” Libby added.
Andrea Trinidad – Qure CEO
Andrea Trinidad, Chief Executive Officer of QURE, said the idea of the teleconsult platform started last year when the lockdowns extended and it became difficult for patients to see their doctors. Trinidad, who has a life-long disorder called hemophilia and is the president of Hemophilia Advocates Philippines, said the pandemic really affected patients.
“When I was approached by my friends last year and they shared with me their idea of a telemedicine platform, I told them it was brilliant. We envision QURE to be an e-mall of health services where you can book consults, buy medicines, book laboratory appointments, and even book a consult with the veterinarian for your fur babies,” she added.
More to know about QURE:
The platform is data-safe, both for patients and doctors.
Registering is FREE for patients and doctors. Consultation fees range from P500 to P1,500, depending on the doctor’s specialization. But for its introductory price, QURE is offering a 50% discount for consultations.
Registered users can look for doctors for their teleconsult.
Specialists have expertise in Cardiology; General Surgery; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Integrative General Medicine; Internal Medicine, Dermatology; Otolaryngology (ENT); ENT Specialist Head & Neck Surgery; Psychiatry-Adult; Physical Medicine/Rehab; Pediatrics; Allergy & Asthma, Immunologist; Urology; Sleep Medicine/Insomnia; Ophthalmology; Family & Occupational Medicine; Cardiology; Pediatrics-Pulmonology; Family Medicine; Lifestyle Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery and Hematology/Oncology.
Also in QURE’s pool of experts: Nutritionist Dietician; General Dentistry/Orthodontics; Dentistry/Prosthetic and Esthetic;
The website lets you know who is online.
Is the doctor in? No need to guess or call the doctor’s secretary. Through the QURE website, you can easily see if the doctor is available to take consultations.
Find doctors in your area or teleconsult with a specialist anywhere in the Philippines
QURE has a growing number of specialists from all over the country. The drop-down menu on the website shows that many doctors have already signed up. Many more are joining QURE in the following weeks.
It’s a growing health and wellness community.
In the coming months, expect more health and wellness features. You will also soon see reviews of doctors done by patients themselves.
For more information about QURE, you may contact us at su*****@**re.ph or 0991.398.8781. To check our pool of specialists, visit https://qure.ph/search-doctor.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 20, 2021 | Events
Responsible investing is a strategy and practice of incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in one’s investment decisions. It can yield better results in the long run, not just for the investor, but also for the community at large. One of the companies that believe this is AXA, a leading global insurance brand. In recent years, the insurance company has developed a philosophy of ‘responsible investing is also good investing’ as part of its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The benefits of responsible investing were covered in “From All into All Clean,” a recent webinar organized by AXA in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP). The webinar featured the Chief Investment Officers of AXA’s global asset managers, AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) and Architas, who shared their experience in transitioning to a responsible investment approach and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors they consider in their manager and fund selection process.
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer of AXA IM
Jaime Arguelles, Architas’ Chief Investment Officer
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer of AXA IM, said: “We want to invest in companies and in all kinds of different assets that not only deliver a good financial return but also, through their operations, are beneficial to society and to the environment. To us, responsible investing is also good investing. It’s not an additional service but at the core of what we do.”
Responsible investing is part of AXA’s global sustainability strategy that is built around climate action and inclusive protection. AXA assesses the impact of its sustainability strategy in three key areas: as an insurer, as an organization, and as an investor.
As an investor, AXA has committed to reaching €25 billion of assets in green investments by 2023 and to decrease the carbon footprint of its general account assets by 20% by 2025. Its asset managers practice an exclusions-based approach, where certain companies or sectors cannot be held in portfolios, and integrate ESG considerations in their investment processes. AXA has also developed a proprietary ESG research and scoring methodology, which has been applied to over 9,000 partner companies in its database.
“For us, ESG is a criterion that we believe enhances returns,” explained Jaime Arguelles, Architas’ Chief Investment Officer. “We believe that it is essential for us managers to have this integration right now to influence good behavior, and work towards climate change and other criteria of ESG areas.”
Webinar 2
“From All into All Clean: How your investments can support sustainable development and climate action” is the second of a three-part webinar series that will run until October. Through the webinars, AXA and the ECCP hope to provide an informative responsible investment platform where local investors can equip themselves with the knowledge needed to become more responsible in their investment decisions and for fund managers to effectively guide them through the whole process.
Webinar 3
The third webinar, “The Road to Net Zero: A look inside China’s quest to champion climate action” will be held on October 25 at 4 pm. For the full schedule and to register for the responsible investing webinars, visit the ECCP website at https://www.eccp.com. More information can also be found on the AXA Philippines Facebook page or by visiting the AXA Philippines website at https://bit.ly/AXAECCP_Oct.
For more information on responsible investing topics, check out AXA IM at https://www.axa-im.com/responsible-investing and Architas at https://www.architas.com/responsible-investing.
Hot showers and washing your face with warm water can be very relaxing and refreshing. But did you know that long, hot showers can actually strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry and rough? Instead of using hot water to bathe or wash your face, use lukewarm water instead—and make sure to apply moisturizer while your skin is still wet post-shower.
Another simple way to retain your skin’s smooth texture is to change how you dry your skin after cleansing. Instead of rubbing your face dry, try gently patting your face using a soft towel to absorb the water without irritating your skin. Your skin will definitely thank you for this!
Products that penetrate through your skin and deliver water are vital, especially if you have dehydrated skin. A good example of this is Ever Organics’ Tomato Glass Skin Gel Lotion.
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