Tuesday, September 7, 2021
When Colet Raya and her husband Gelo enlisted the help of Sun Life financial advisor RJ Montes for their insurance and investment needs, little did they know that he would also be the key to fulfilling their dream business.
“The first time I got insurance from RJ, na-feel ko na kaagad. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, okay si RJ,” Colet said. “And I was right. Through the years, he stayed talaga with us. Today, I have 10 policies with Sun life – for me, my husband, and for my three children.”
RJ’s advice proved crucial when the couple came across an opportunity for them to venture into build-and-sell. As interested as they were in pursuing the business, they had no idea how they could fund it without sacrificing their financial priorities.
Fortunately, they had in RJ an advisor who was not only on top of their financial plans, but also makes an effort to constantly check in on them. When he learned about Colet and Gelo’s plans, he presented the idea of using the earnings from their investment-linked insurance plan, which has grown over the years, to fund their business venture.
“Sobrang sarap ng pakiramdam kasi natuloy yung business nang hindi kami na-gipit,” Colet shared. “Yun ang gusto ni RJ – ang magamit namin yung mga naitabi namin kasi nag-earn na, at hindi lang hintayin ang maturity ng policies. We can still enjoy it in the present.”
For his part, RJ credits Colet for her openness to his advice as they collaborated in ensuring their financial preparedness. “The fruit of their investments allowed for their business to rise,” he said. “That’s the beauty of what we do as a Sun Life advisor. We help clients realize their dreams by being financially prepared.”
The couple is one of RJ’s many clients within the Raya clan. The relationship stems from RJ’s very first client, who was the father of Colet’s husband. Accompanied by his parents who are also Sun Life financial advisors, he presented to the Raya patriarch as a young and rookie financial advisor, and successfully earned his trust and loyalty. Since then, RJ has been a partner of the entire Raya clan for their insurance and investment needs and had been a long-time financial advisor to Colet’s family.
Knowing fully well the benefits of having a Sun Life financial advisor, Colet encourages others to partner with one as well. “RJ is not just our financial advisor. We have a personal relationship as well,” she says. “Like our family, everyone deserves to have a partner for life.”
RJ and Colet’s story are among those featured in Sun Life’s latest campaign dubbed “Part of Your Life, Partner for Life” as featured on https://bit.ly/2021partnerforlife as well as Sun Life’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sunlifeph) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/sunlifeph).
Want to find your own partner for life in your financial journey? Visit www.bit.ly/advisormatch to connect with one today.
Monday, September 6, 2021
SM shoppers can continue to share the joys of learning with children who need them most through The SM Store’s Donate a Book campaign, which is now ongoing at select branches nationwide until September 30, 2021.
· Visit the Donate a Book booths at participating branches of the SM Store at Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
· Donate new or pre-loved books. All books are very much welcome, especially storybooks, educational, and hobby books that can help spark a child’s curiosity, imagination, and knowledge.
· Donate and match with Learning Is Fun (LIF) books that are available at The SM Store. LIF offers a wide range of books from toddlers to adult categories such as activity books, early learning educational books, cookbooks, reference books, storybooks, Inspirational books, and game and toy books. Being the participating partner of the said campaign, the company will donate the same number of books sold during the program period.
· School supplies are welcome. you can also donate notebook packs of 6 and school sets that include a backpack, notebooks, rulers, and pens that are4 available at The SM Stationery section.
In exchange, shoppers will receive 100 pesos discount coupon for every donation made.
The Donate-a-Book campaign began in 1998 as one of SM Foundation’s groundbreaking mall-based programs. It has since been part of the SM Store’s community programs since 2015, collecting and distributing almost 800,000 books and learning materials through the generosity of The SM Store customers.
Friday, September 3, 2021
ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, expands its network of partner merchants. ShopeePay is now accepted at over 50,000 locations nationwide to cater to the evolving needs of the Filipino consumer, allowing users to enjoy a seamless and convenient experience when it comes to cashless payments. With this, ShopeePay adds merchants such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, and Tiger Sugar to its roster.
Ruoshan Tao, Head of ShopeePay Online Philippines, said, “We have seen a steady acceleration in the adoption of digital payments as Filipinos fulfil more daily needs online amidst the ongoing pandemic. Through ShopeePay, we strive to ensure that users can shop and pay with ease. Through our partnership with thousands of establishments across the country, Filipinos can incorporate digital payments into their day-to-day lives while enjoying the many benefits ShopeePay has to offer. We will continue to enhance the e-wallet experience through various initiatives and collaborations with more brands in the future.”
More people continue to opt for cashless transactions for their convenience and safety. By 2026, the projected transactional value for digital payments is worth 11.29 trillion US dollars. With many shoppers shifting to digital payment methods, ShopeePay continuously finds ways to make the transition seamless, stress-free, and rewarding. In addition to growing its network of partner merchants, ShopeePay offers convenient digital transactions coupled with exciting discounts and cashback promos.
Pay Bills
ShopeePay provides users with a safer way to settle various kinds of payables from the convenience of their homes. Users can use ShopeePayto pay bills from the following companies: Meralco, Maynilad, and Manila Water for utilities; PLDT, Globe, Smart, and Converge for mobile, landline, and internet payments; BPI for credit card payments; and DragonLoans, Home Credit, SkyPay, and Cashalo for loan payments.
Scan to Pay
Users can Scan to Pay with the ShopeePay QR code at over 2,500 ShopeePay partner merchants with over 15,000 total branches nationwide. These include new establishments such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, HB1 Pharmacy, and Tiger Sugar, on top of existing essential merchants like Puregold and Seaoil.
Meanwhile, users can also Scan to Pay for their COD orders with their Shopee Xpress rider. This feature is an added layer of security since they can check the parcel first to see if the order is correct and in good condition before paying. In addition, the payment is also contactless - ensuring the safety of both the buyers and riders to reduce potential health risks.
Users can also purchase ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the Shopee app and apply discount or cashback vouchers when they Scan to Pay with ShopeePay.
Scan & Donate
The pandemic has further emphasized the need to help each other. With ShopeePay’s Scan & Donate feature, individuals can donate to their preferred charitable organization from the comfort of their own homes. Through ShopeePay, users can donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, and many more.
Easy Top-Ups
ShopeePay values the safety of its users which is why it continues to grow its network to expand its services all over the country. With over 38,000 top-up points in big cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, users can top up at payment and remittance centers such as 7-Eleven CliQQ, Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop, and Robinsons Department Store. Users can also enjoy easy and convenient top-ups as well through Online Banking, Debit Card, and Linked BPI Bank Account anytime and anywhere.
Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day
Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day is a much-anticipated event with exciting deals and promotions for all shoppers. This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, ShopeePay continues to expand its network of partners and offerings to enable users to do more with just a few taps. Users can buy load and stay connected on a budget with discounted load. Users can also get up to 50% bills cashback or up to ₱100 off on payments when paying for bills with Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, and more. For in-store purchases, ShopeePay users can also buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app to enjoy discounts and cashback when they Scan to Pay at Puregold, Puremart, Ultramega Supermarket, and more.
As consumer behavior progressively changes, ShopeePay will continue to push for initiatives and tap into essential brands to serve the Filipino community. For more information about ShopeePay, and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay
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| Visayan Spotted Deer |
It might as well be Central Park. This 1.2-hectare jungle located beside the Negros Occidental Capitol, ostensibly Kilometer Zero, is home to critically endangered animals endemic to the province. The so-called Big Five are here: the Visayan Spotted Deer, the Rufous-headed Hornbill, the Visayan Warty Hog, the Tarictic Hornbill, and the gracious yet enigmatic Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon.
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| Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon |
Begun in the mid-1980s as the Biodiversity Conservation Center under the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, in 2018 the Talarak Foundation assumed its management, renaming it Negros Forest Park. At any given time the park is home to some 150 animals, including birds of prey, wild cats, and reptiles. Their cages are camouflaged among endemic tree species that once covered the rainforests of Negros, bringing this recreated habitat as close as possible to its original look and feel.
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| Rufous-headed Hornbill |
This “jungle classroom” amid modern infrastructures bears intrinsic appeal to a wider audience. Its sheer magnificence as a wooded area in a highly urbanized space makes it a rare occasion to marvel at the wonders of nature, so that from that place of awe, people might pull themselves by the bootstraps and embrace conservation work in earnest.
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| Tarictic Hornbill |
Negros Season of Culture believes that nature is part of human heritage. In September and October this year, the NSC will pursue an environmental issue featuring three efforts that have proven success in environmental conservation and protection in Negros Occidental. The series includes Danjugan Island, PeacePond, and the Negros Forest Park.
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| Visayan Warty Hog |
For more on Negros heritage, visit www.negrosseasonofculture.com and like us on FB and IG @NegrosSeasonOfCulture.
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Are you ready for the start of Shopee’s most exciting, action-packed shopping season yet? September marks the start of the busy -ber months, so if you want to get a head start on all your holiday shopping, you’ve come to the right place.
This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, you can look forward to plenty of big discounts from your favorite electronics, fashion, beauty, and home & outdoors brands. If you want to begin budgeting for your shopping spree, check out Shopee’s Top 99 Deals this 9.9 to help you narrow down your wish list. These exciting, limited deals are exclusively available on September 9. Grab them while you can, because you’ll only see price drops like these from your favorite brands during 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Check them out by heading over to http://shopee.ph/m/top99.
Meanwhile, take a sneak peek at the Top 9 Deals below:
Staying home with the whole fam? Make sure your house remains spick and span with Dyson V11 Fluffy+ Vacuum. It’s currently one of the most in-demand cordless vacuum cleaners on Shopee, and with 185AW suction power and a 60-minute run time, it’s not hard to see why.
Coffee lovers, we know you’ve had this Nespresso Inissia Coffee Maker on your wishlist for the longest time. This lightweight coffee machine comes equipped with an ergonomic handle, a folding drip tray, and a removable water tank that can hold 23.8 oz.
Curious to see what the air fryer fuss is all about? The Deerma KZ100 Air Fryer definitely lives up to the hype. Using its high-speed air circulation technology, you can whip up healthy food such as chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, corn, shrimp, and more in no time.
It’s important to stay thorough with cleaning routines during these times. Spray your bathroom with this Lysol Disinfectant Twin Pack. This hygiene essential dissolves the toughest toilet stains in seconds, kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, and deep cleans hard water stains, rust, and mineral deposits.
A sturdy pair of denim jeans is a good investment you’ll get much use out of in years to come. This pair of Levi's Engineered Jeans provides a comfortable and relaxed fit, making it perfect for easy everyday style.
Calling all moms: now’s the time to stock up on baby essentials at great prices! Make sure to grab a few packs of Enfagrow A+ Powdered Milk, which contains a brain-boosting combination of MFGM Pro with DHA to support your child's holistic development.
If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, a much-needed self-care pamper sesh might do you some good. Pat the tension away with Lancôme Youth Activator Serum, a concentrate that has been hailed by the beauty community as a miracle in a bottle. After cleansing and toning, apply this lightweight product to your face to keep your skin smooth, refined, and radiant.
Start a healthier routine from home and achieve the recommended number of steps per day with Ovicx Q2S Plus Treadmill. Its compact, foldable design will help you save space. It comes with a smart LCD display, Bluetooth functionality, and a tablet or phone holder.
Is the humid weather wreaking havoc on your skin? Integrate the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Set into your nighttime skincare routine. This 9.9 Super Shopping Day exclusive includes Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask EX, Cica Sleeping Mask, and Lip Sleeping Mask Berry for a brighter and clearer complexion.
This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, you can also enjoy discounts up to 90% off on brands such as Abbott, Havaianas, Maybelline, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Breyleemall.ph, Del Monte, Unilever Beauty, Adidas, P&G Beauty, Enfagrow, Huawei, Vivo, Pampers, Realme, and Xiaomi.
Enjoy the convenience of going cashless with ShopeePay, your all-in-one e-wallet. Top up your ShopeePay wallet conveniently now until September 8 through your debit card, online banking, or over-the-counter payment partners to enjoy exclusive ShopeePay promos such as up to 50% Bills Cashback when you pay for Meralco, Maynilad, and more; up to 50% off on mobile load; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and more.
Until September 11, get the chance to win ₱100 worth of free money by activating your ShopeePay wallet, verifying your account, making a purchase worth at least ₱100 using ShopeePay, and signing up at https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-p-
For more deals this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/99.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Jackie Chan is one of the most recognized and respected actors around, and he also has plenty of stunt-performing and filmmaking credits up his sleeve. While most of us will never be the awesome actor Jackie Chan is, we can still emulate certain aspects of the A-lister’s persona, such as his zeal, discipline, and dedication to his craft.
At Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day, check out some of the best deals to help you channel your inner Jackie Chan:
Get motivated by his active and healthy lifestyle
You don’t have to do stunts like Jackie Chan—and since it’s potentially dangerous, we would advise you against doing so—but you could surely take notes from the man’s dedication to his exercise regime, which reportedly includes weightlifting and martial arts training. Create a workout schedule, grab a Kool Non-Slip Mat, and start working out.
As an action star, Jackie Chan performs plenty of stunts and follows tough workouts, which can drain the body of fluids. To stay in top shape, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Always make sure to carry a Klean Kanteen Insulated Tumbler with you during workouts.
Incorporate his cool, low-key fashion sense into your wardrobe
In his movies, Jackie Chan wears plenty of comfortable outfits so he can perform his signature kung-fu moves with ease. Whether you’re working out or just dressing down an outfit, look as cool as Jackie Chan himself with the classic Adidas Track Jacket. This supremely comfortable jacket is made from Parley Ocean Plastic yarn sourced from upcycled plastic waste.
Find inspiration from his values and past works
Jackie Chan went through a lot to become the iconic star he is today. To start gaining your own insights about life and building your emotional fortitude, give Meditations: Complete and Unabridged a try. This collection of journals contains personal reflections penned by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Get inspired through a line-up of Jackie Chan movies. Get the Vivamax 1 Month Plan and enjoy a full-day Jackie Chan marathon with films such as Railroad Tigers, Armour of God, Skip Trace, City Hunter, and more. You can also watch a wide variety of local and international action shows and movies.
Find entertainment while you shop, discover more promos from Shopee Mall, and enjoy convenience and value with ShopeePay
At the 9.9 Super Shopping Day this September 9, log on to Shopee Live to play a Jackie Chan-themed trivia game where you can win ShopeePay credits and catch an exclusive interview with the star. Jackie Chan will also feature on in-app games such as Shopee Spin & Win, Shopee Shake, and the all-new game Shopee Collectibles, where players can collect a set of items until September 9 to win rewards such as a Samsung TV.
Meanwhile, if you’re going on a shopping spree, you can also enjoy discounts from brands such as Abbott, Havaianas, Maybelline, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Breyleemall.ph, Del Monte, Unilever Beauty, Adidas, P&G Beauty, Enfagrow, Huawei, Vivo, Pampers, Realme, and Xiaomi.
Enjoy the convenience of going cashless with ShopeePay, your all-in-one e-wallet. Top up your ShopeePay wallet conveniently from now until September 8 through your debit card, online banking, or over-the-counter payment partners to enjoy exclusive ShopeePay promos such as up to 50% Bills Cashback when you pay for Meralco, Maynilad, and more; up to 50% off on mobile load; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and more.
For more deals this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/99.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.




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