by Ferry Bayu | Aug 18, 2023 | Business
Create the future of your dreams with AIA A+ Signature
Part of adulting is the realization that you need to start planning early so you can create the future of your dreams. This can be as simple as building your own home, traveling the world, or retiring by the age of 40. Whatever those dreams are, it is only through careful preparation that you can achieve those dreams, and a big part of that is having financial resources.
Life can throw curveballs at you—sickness, accident, and death—and the best way to survive these is to be prepared, so that whatever happens, you don’t have to give up those dreams.
Here are four tips to help guide you on your way to creating the future you want.
Envision the future life that you want
How do you plan to live? Do you want to travel every year? Do you want your children to study overseas? Are you planning to retire when you hit 50? However you envision the future, it’s important to have a continuous income stream that will augment either your savings or your present earnings.
AIA A+ Signature provides guaranteed cash payouts, where you can get 10 percent of the face amount starting at the end of your fifth or sixth policy year (depending on the payment term selected) and then every two years thereafter. If you’re an early retiree, having additional money on top of your retirement funds coming in on a regular basis will help you sustain the lifestyle you used to have, plus allow you to do all the other things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t afford!
Plan your expenses wisely and set aside savings
Having enough budget to spare for the niceties of life comes at a price. If you want to be able to afford those, you need to have a delayed gratification mindset: make sacrifices now to get what you want later. For most people, this means cutting one’s budget to the bare minimum, and with 20 percent of their earnings going into their savings. This also means wiping out debts, and only taking on ‘good’ debts like mortgage and car loans.
AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life) now offers AIA A+ Signature, a product that lets you create a worry-free future with guaranteed benefits and cash payouts equal to 10 percent of your plan’s face amount.
With the flexible payment terms of paying for your policy within five, ten or twenty years, you are assured there is an option that allows you to work it into your budget, so you can set aside money to make your future plans happen.
Protect yourself from life’s many risks
Imagine how life would be for your family if you met an untimely passing. If you are the family breadwinner, the wisest course of action is to protect them from untoward life events as soon as you can. Nothing expresses your love more strongly than making sure that no matter what happens to you, your loved ones can continue to fulfil their dreams.
Should you live a long and happy life, life insurance can also be another way to leave behind an inheritance for your loved ones. Either way, you will leave behind a legacy that can take care of your family.
With AIA A+ Signature, your beneficiaries will receive twice the amount of coverage of the plan. This means that if the coverage is for one million, the two million that your loved ones will receive will go a long way towards ensuring that their needs are cared for.
Know when and what to invest in
Time is always on your side in investment. If you start early and invest for the long-term, you are in a better position to weather market volatility. 
Do not leave your eggs in one basket. Study the pros and cons and determine your risk appetite in investing. After ensuring you’re protected with life insurance, explore other ways to grow your money through variable unit-linked (VUL) products, bonds, equities, real estate, and other financial instruments.
If you’re on the lookout to get a multipurpose insurance product that has the potential to give you additional gains, you might also want to check out AIA A+ Signature. Aside from the guaranteed cash payouts, you can also have added savings from non-guaranteed dividends.
You need to make smart decisions today so you can create the future that you want for yourself and your family. With AIA A+ Signature, you’re one step closer to enjoying the life that you’ve always wanted, and look forward to a healthier, longer, better life ahead.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 18, 2023 | Business
Mondelez Philippines celebrates 60th anniversary in partnership with Parañaque City
Oreo, Cadbury, Eden, Cheez Whiz, Tang, and Toblerone: As Filipinos, it’s safe to say you’ve snacked on some of these offerings from Mondelez Philippines. As the brand continues its commitment to promote mindful snacking, Mondelez looks back and expresses gratitude to everyone who has been with them for over six decades of partnership, including their home, Parañaque City, since July 31, 1963.
On August 7, Mondelez Philippines hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at Sequioa Hotel in Paranaque City, attended by the brand’s executives and Paranaque government officials, including Mayor Eric Olivarez and Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte. “We extend our gratitude to the city of Parañaque for being our home all these many years,” said Mondelez Philippines Vice President Aleli Arcilla. “We have benefitted from the support that the city has provided us, and in turn we have done our utmost to be a responsible corporate citizen.”
Apart from being one of the city’s top taxpayers for many years, a part of the company’s sixty-year-old heritage is Mondelez Philippines’ various advocacies. In recent years, the company, along with the Parañaque City government, has launched several advocacy campaigns focusing on health, such as the company’s 11-year-long Joy Schools feeding program that has provided meals to thousands of the city’s students. Additionally, the company donated over 2,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to the Parañaque Local Government Unit (LGU) during the pandemic. Mondelez Philippines also collaborated with the city health office to provide a learning session for barangay health workers, highlighting its mindful snacking advocacy.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 16, 2023 | Business
Binance files for protective order against SEC
Crypto exchange Binance late on Monday filed for a protective court order against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, saying the regulator’s requests for information were “over broad” and “unduly burdensome.”
BAM Trading, Binance U.S.’ operating company, and BAM Management in a court filing in the US District Court of Columbia said the group had already provided sufficient information to the regulator.
The protective order seeks to limit the SEC, among other things, to four depositions from BAM employees and to drop the deposition of BAM’s chief executive and of its chief financial officer, without naming anyone.
Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the SEC declined to comment.
U.S. regulators sued Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao in June for allegedly operating a “web of deception,” listing 13 charges including claims the company artificially inflated its trading volumes, diverted customer funds, failed to restrict U.S. customers from its platform and misled investors about its market surveillance controls.
“The SEC has still yet to identify any evidence suggesting that customer assets were misused or dissipated in any way,” the filing said.
The SEC has declined BAM’s proposals to meaningfully limit its requests and is opposed to the motion for a protective order, the filing said.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 16, 2023 | Business
Philippine Travel and Tourism Industry: Ready for Takeoff
A new study shows that Filipinos are now more confident about traveling internationally, despite the COVID-19 situation. However, the rising cost of travel remains a major concern.
What’s holding Filipinos back from traveling? Study reveals top concerns
The travel and tourism industry in the Philippines is a crucial driver of economic growth, the country is looking for a strong comeback after facing significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, the industry contributed a remarkable 12.7% to the country’s GDP, amounting to PhP 2.48 trillion, and employed around 5.7 million Filipinos, making it a vital source of income for local communities.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the sector, causing massive disruptions and job losses over the past few years. In 2021, the sector was only able to contribute 5.2% to the country’s GDP. Tourism employment in 2021 also took a nosedive at an estimated 4.90 million, which, while higher than the 4.68 million recorded in 2020, is still significantly lower than pre-COVID numbers.
Amidst the adversity, promising signs of recovery are evident. According to a new study by Standard Insights, 76.63% of Filipinos feel safe and secure when traveling internationally despite the COVID-19 situation. Only 6.2% feel insecure about international travel this year. This resurgence of confidence signals a potential revival of the travel and tourism industry.

However, the study also revealed that the increased pricing of travel has become the biggest worry of 67.48% of Filipinos about travel in 2023, particularly with inflation and soaring commodity prices looming in the backdrop. This signifies the growing financial constraints of Filipinos, as they are now finding it more difficult to afford to travel.

Nonetheless, industry experts and government officials remain optimistic about the sector’s recovery. They are determined to capitalize on the newfound confidence among Filipino travellers and collaborate closely with businesses and the local community to rejuvenate the industry, reigniting economic growth. The collective efforts of businesses, government agencies, and the Filipino community will be vital in ensuring a successful comeback for the travel and tourism industry in the Philippines.
“The travel industry has always been a major driver of economic growth in the Philippines. However, our insights show that people are now more concerned about the rising cost of travel than they are about health and safety issues, which were a top concern last year. I am convinced that the tourism industry will rebound, and I am eager to see how the public’s opinion and behavior evolve in the coming months.” – Florian Gaudel, Founder & CEO of Standard Insights
Standard Insights is a market research firm that offers the best quality consumer insights using an innovative methodology. Our team of experts reaches real, representative respondents to give our clients the confidence they need when making important decisions about their brand’s future.
Standard Insights
Rémi Marié
Head of Digital
re**@***************ts.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 16, 2023 | Business
Rice ‘sufficient’ but DTI, DA to monitor prices: Palace
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday tasked the trade and agriculture departments to closely monitor rice prices and go after hoarders and “price manipulators,” Malacañang said on Wednesday.
“Rice supply is sufficient,” Marcos said, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office.
“Prices are, however, very variable,” he added.
The President said the government is working with the private sector to keep prices stable and continue providing affordable rice in Kadiwa stalls.
“The President will go after hoarders and price manipulators who take advantage of the lean months before harvest season,” Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.
The Department of Agriculture had said it would not be easy to ascertain price manipulation now that the NFA has been stripped off its regulatory function.
“Sa ngayon kasi hindi basta-basta pwedeng sabihin na price control, ano basehan natin? We are not in the position of a national emergency para mag price control,” DA spokesperson Rex Estoperez had said.
Rice price has been steadily rising in the past few months, further triggered by India’s export ban.
Marcos assured the public last week that the country would have enough rice supply until the height of the El Niño phenomenon next year.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 16, 2023 | Business
CyberDSA 2023: Forging a Resilient Digital Future Through Unprecedented Collaboration
The highly anticipated inaugural Cyber Digital Services Defence & Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2023 commenced today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, graced by the Minister of Communications and Digital, YB Fahmi Fadzil. Embracing the theme of “Advancing Digitalisation and Security Through Collaboration,” this three-day expo, running from 15 to 17 August, seeks to create a platform for networking, idea exchange, and forging alliances that will drive the nation towards a more secure digital future.
Organised by Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd. with robust support from CyberSecurity Malaysia and the Malaysian Armed Forces through Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division, CyberDSA spotlights cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and innovations, with over 100 exhibitors demonstrating their expertise. The event encompasses keynote addresses, talks, roundtable discussions, and exhibits covering topics such as cyber defence, land & cellular network security, big data, cloud computing solutions, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology.
“The cybersecurity landscape has witnessed a surge in increasingly sophisticated and persistent threats, and it is evident that no single entity, nor state can tackle this challenge alone,” remarked YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital. “The theme of “Advancing Digitalisation & Security Through Collaboration” is apt, as we must unite governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to leverage collective intelligence, resources, and expertise to fortify our defences and respond effectively to cyber incidents.”
Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, expressed, “We are incredibly proud to present the inaugural Cyber Digital Services Defence & Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2023. Our vision is to create a transformative platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among cybersecurity experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders. Through CyberDSA, we aim to strengthen the cybersecurity landscape, paving the way for a more secure digital future.”
Running in parallel with CyberDSA 2023, two significant events—Siber Siaga and CSM-ACE—are underway. The annual CyberSecurity Malaysia Awards, held during gala dinner, organised by CyberSecurity Malaysia, provides a platform for cybersecurity communities to network while recognising the invaluable contributions of individuals and organisations in the field. Siber Siaga, an embodiment of the Defence Cyber & Electromagnetic Division, underscores Malaysia’s journey towards cyber sovereignty through collaboration between the Malaysia Armed Forces (ATM), industry players, universities, cyber security practitioners, and the public.
CyberDSA 2023 casts a global spotlight, facilitating high-level discussions involving over 100 international cybersecurity leaders and delegates. Prominent events include the eighth INTERPOL Digital Forensics Expert Group (DFEG) meeting 2023 and the ASEAN CYBER Defence Network committee roundtable, providing platforms for experts to exchange ideas, address challenges, and foster collaboration in digital forensics.
General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Haji Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin (Retired), Chairman of CyberSecurity Malaysia, emphasised, “We are keenly aware of the rising cyber threats, posing significant risks to valuable information and national security. The potential economic consequences are immense, impacting both our country and the global economy. CyberDSA’s primary goal is to unite decision-makers from governments and private sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to create a more secure digital landscape. CyberDSA therefore plays a vital role in strengthening our cybersecurity and ensuring digital border safety.”
CyberDSA 2023 marks a pivotal step towards fortifying cybersecurity and securing our digital future. The event’s highlights include high level conferences delving into critical topics such as “Digital Transformation – Safely Full Speed Ahead” and “Winning in the Face of Financial Cybercrime”. The expo also features enlightening Flash Talks by exhibitors, notably including a key networking event, spotlight on celebrating women in digital transformation by YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital. Attendees can also engage in Technical Labs organised by Siber Siaga, offering hands-on training on topics like “Bluetooth HackMe” by Slawomir Jasek and “JupyterLab for Network Analysis” by Abd Halim Bin Mahmood.
The event also features a Hackathon Competition sponsored by Telekom Malaysia and a Special Opening Ceremony on 16 August 2023 by Siber Siaga, further amplifying the collaborative spirit of CyberDSA 2023.
Cyber DSA aspires to be the leading content-driven event, serving key stakeholders who are protecting national, public and business interests in cyberspace. It aims to connect decision makers in governments and private sectors to accelerate their cyber defence and security agenda. This event aims to impart latest knowledge and intriguing insights about cybersecurity while showcasing cutting edge technologies that would safeguard digital economies and foster global competitiveness
Cyber DSA
+603 2702 7700
in**@****************ns.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.