4 Tips for a Thriving Career Amid the Pandemic

Wondering how to set yourself up for success in these uncertain times? While the pandemic may have put obstacles in your career path, there are still steps you can take to make sure you continue to grow and succeed in your chosen profession.    

To be a partner for Filipinos on their path to professional success, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, launched AXA Prime, an elite program to help professionals become the next generation of confident and empowered leaders. 

Here are some tips from AXA to boost your professional growth even with the changing business landscape:

Invest in your skillset. Learning to invest in yourself may be the most profitable investment you’ll ever make. There are numerous training programs you can sign up for to expand your professional horizon. For instance, with AXA Prime, you’ll have access to various immersive training programs that can help you become the best version of yourself in your career. AXA Prime will help you hone your skills, grow your network, and also open up diverse career and travel opportunities. 

Find a mentor. While passion may play a part in picking a career, this decision also involves much more, such as job security and opportunities for growth. As a member of AXA Prime, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded professionals and mentors who are success-driven and goal-oriented and can help you navigate through the different stages of your career journey.

Determine your purpose. Finding purpose in your career often comes from doing something you genuinely care about. It’s also important to look at your job through the eyes of the people using the product or service you are offering to determine the ways you can help fill a need, especially during crucial times like in a pandemic. With AXA Prime, not only will you be able to work for a better future for your family, but you’ll also get to help individuals and other families transform their lives with the comprehensive portfolio of AXA products and services.

Be adaptable and flexible. The job market has always been changing rapidly, and the pandemic accelerated it even further, especially in the digital space. To succeed during the pandemic and beyond, it’s crucial to adapt to ever-evolving workplaces. Under AXA Prime, you’ll get to work with the best specialized digital tools, which is critical in today’s business world. You can also train using the latest equipment and learning aides at the newly-opened AXA Prime Development Center, to prepare you for career challenges that may come your way.

The current career landscape can be stressful and overwhelming as of late, but you have the power to take charge and turn the situation around.  

To join AXA Prime, visit www.axa.com.ph/axaprime.

6 Tips to Help Strengthen Your Immune System

A strong immune system is more vital than ever during these times. Taking the necessary steps to further strengthen our immune system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help us fight COVID-19 and common illnesses such as the common cold or flu viruses. 

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares six self-care tips to strengthen your immune system by maintaining a healthy body.

1. Stay hydrated. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when too much water is lost from the body, the organs, cells, and tissue fail to function at optimal levels, leading to dehydration, headaches, indigestion, and kidney and heart failure. For your body to function properly, it’s important to replenish your water supply by consuming enough water. The recommended water intake is 2.7 liters per day for women and 3.7 liters per day for men. You can also stay hydrated by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, peaches, oranges, cucumber, celery, and lettuce.

2. Get moving. Exercise can help you feel better, sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, and even reduce stress and anxiety. While staying at home, why not organize a 30-minute Zumba or yoga session with your family? The CDC recommends doing at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, which you can spread out in smaller chunks of time throughout the day. You can also start a moderately intense exercise routine such as bicycling, brisk walking, or jogging.  Any of these activities will allow you to spend quality time with your loved ones while keeping your body strong and fit.

3. Manage your sleep schedule. Studies show that sleep loss can affect the immune system, which can lead to a wide variety of illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes and can trigger depression and anxiety disorder. As recommended by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, you need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested and for your body to function at its best. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can try these suggestions:  avoid using your smartphone and gadgets before bedtime since the light from the screens may affect your ability to fall asleep; do not eat, consume caffeine, or exercise at least 2-3 hours before bed to avoid overstimulating your body.

4. Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Alcohol and tobacco use may lead to major health risks like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. If possible, avoid alcohol consumption, and if you can, seek safe options to help quit smoking. If you have a loved one who consumes these substances, it’s also important to note that giving them your support may help them avoid picking up the habit entirely. 

5. Manage stress. Stress or anxiety can cause the body to produce stress hormones that can suppress the immune system and cause inflammation and imbalances in immune cell functions, all of which can put your health at risk. While it’s normal to feel stressed out sometimes, managing and handling your stress levels can help you start making changes that are good for your mind and body. If you think that the way you’re handling stress is taking a toll on your physical or mental health, you can always talk to your loved ones, consult a therapist, or practice breathing exercises or meditation.

6. Start a health care plan.  Having a health care plan can be your financial safety net just in case you or your loved ones fall ill. To help Filipinos prepare for unexpected health conditions and complications, AXA Philippines offers Health Care Access, which provides comprehensive and affordable health care coverage for hospitalization and other medical needs through a quarterly or annual premium. This health care plan comes in two types: Health Care Access Prime and Lite. Health Care Access Prime is ideal for those who have no employee health plan like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants, while Health Care Access Lite is perfect for those with coverage from their employer but need additional protection. Both policies come with a Longevity Health Fund, which you can tap into for health setbacks even beyond the age of 75, life and accident coverage up to PHP500,000, emergency care coverage, inpatient care coverage for hospital admission costs including doctors’ fees, inpatient surgical and special diagnostic procedures, and free access to 24/7 teleconsultation with a medical professional. Moreover, you can enhance the coverage of your plan with outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefit. 

Now more than ever, adopting healthy habits for a healthy immune system and having a backup plan can help safeguard your and your family’s well-being, especially during the pandemic. To know more about AXA Health Care Access, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access.

Secrets to Successful Tidying Up and Home Improvement Featured in First Run of AXA Rewards Real Sessions

Clearing your house of clutter will not only free up space, but can also help you and your family sleep better and become more healthy and active. This is why, when your home is overrun with clutter, it’s time to take action and focus on getting organized so you can start the new year on a cleaner, healthier note.  

This was the main message during the recent AXA Rewards Real Sessions workshop, organized by AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers. Real Sessions is a workshop series exclusively for AXA Rewards members that cover different aspects of life, all designed to help members achieve the life they want.

One of the perks of the rewards program is exclusive access to a series of workshops, the first of which was a talk on home improvement and decluttering by Christine Dychiao, the first certified Konmari consultant in the Philippines. Konmari is a simple but effective tidying method that helps people organize their homes and transform their lives. This was the first in the workshop series that will cover topics such as mental health, fitness and nutrition, financial empowerment, and more, happening throughout 2022.

Here are six KonMari rules of tidying that Dychiao shared during the online workshop:

Commit yourself to tidying up. Many people think that tidying up is a chore and something that takes too much time. But if you think about decluttering as a celebration - that you’re liberating yourself from clutter - you’ll be able to make more room for what truly matters. The less clutter you have, the more you can organize and lessen your stress. Committing at least three hours of your time a day to decluttering can go a long way.

Imagine your ideal lifestyle and space. A great way to start decluttering is by simply visualizing how the space will look, how you’d feel when moving in that space, and how you’d use that space. Do you want your books to be placed on a specific side of the room? Would you be staying in that space for a long period of time? It should be clear in your head on what the space will look like so you can organize it exactly the way you want.

Finish discarding first. A lot of people just move things around when they tidy up. They put the clutter on another bed, closet, drawer, or room, but it’s better to physically get the stuff out of the house. Ask yourself, “Do you really need this certain item that you haven’t used for a long time?” At some point, you have to let go of things that you don’t use anymore. You can donate them or practice regifting these items, just in time for the holiday season. This way, you can focus on things that really matter. 

Tidy by category, not by location. When you simply tidy up the same things together, you’ll see how much clutter you have of that particular thing. If you have a lot of books or clothes, you’ll see piles when you’re decluttering. It may also help you realize that maybe you don’t want to spend more money on the same stuff. You can start with your clothes -- gather everything in one spot, and decide on what you want to keep. For your books, don’t just pull them off the shelf. You have to go through each book. Ask yourself these questions: Are you done reading this book already? Do you have a friend that you think may love that book? After organizing them in piles, simply put back the unused or unread books on your shelf. 

Follow the right order. Start with the easy ones: books, clothes, papers. Then, you move on to the “komono” which translates as “miscellaneous.” And finally, end it with the sentimental items since these things are typically the hardest to let go of and you want to save them as long as you can. 

Ask yourself if it “sparks joy.” When you can’t figure out what to do with an item, always ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?”, “Is it functional?”, “Does this thing give me fulfillment and will it bring joy in the long run?” The key is to surround yourself with things that ignite your happiness. 

Once you’ve done tidied up, all you have to do now is make decluttering a habit in your life, and keep moving toward the decluttered, stress-free, and better life you want to live. Stay tuned for more life learning from upcoming Real Sessions next year.

AXA Rewards is an exclusive loyalty program for pre-qualified customers who meet a fixed set of criteria. To know about the AXA Rewards program, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/multimedia/articles/get-to-know-axas-exclusive-loyalty-program. 

AXA Asia and Africa Sponsors LPGA Golfer Yuka Saso, Winner of US Women’s Open 2021

AXA Asia and Africa today announced its partnership with Japanese-Filipina professional golfer Yuka Saso, winner of the 2021 US Women’s Open (USWO) and currently ranked #8 in the world. This marks the first time the brand has partnered with an Asian sports champion at the regional level.

The partnership was inspired by Yuka’s embodiment of AXA’s brand signature, “Know You Can”, which is rooted in the understanding that confidence is essential for people to successfully achieve their goals. She attracted global attention with her win at The Olympic Club in June of this year, tied for the recognition of being the youngest USWO champion of all time. The sponsorship also underlines AXA Asia and Africa’s commitment to celebrating women in sports, helping to support the development of Yuka’s career while raising awareness of gender inclusion through her inspiring story.

“Yuka Saso is someone we have always admired. As a young Asian female professional golfer of dual nationality, she has risen to the top through hard work, determination, and the tenacity to succeed. Today we are proud to partner with her in her journey to show all young Asian women that effort and self-belief can make anything possible, exemplifying how confidence can give one the capacity to go further,” says Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia and Africa. “Her passion, authenticity and grounded attitude set her apart and we look forward to enabling her long-term development.”
AXA Philippines President & CEO Rahul Hora echoes a similar sentiment. “We are honoured to support Yuka Saso whose half-Filipino heritage definitely inspires a lot of our customers to apply the same resolve in achieving their goals. We look forward to this partnership with Yuka as we try to reach out to more people with our messages of self-belief and protecting what matters, such as health especially of women.”
The young athlete had a tremendous amateur career highlighted by wins at the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Junior PGA Championship. Since turning professional in November 2019, Saso has continued her impressive form. In addition to her Major win, she recorded Top-10 finishes at 5 LPGA tournaments this season, and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The USWO win in June following a play-off was her breakthrough moment, and a testimony to her grit and mental toughness, which she credits to the support of her family.

“Having been in discussions with AXA since early this year, I am grateful for their interest in supporting me, which strengthened my confidence to perform,” says Yuka Saso. “Preparing for the US Women’s Open made me realise the difference it makes when you have a strong support network, and that has only become more true as I strive to stay grounded for the next stage of my career. Now, through our shared appreciation for the role of confidence and self-belief, I hope to be able to inspire other young women in Asia to achieve success in the world of sport and beyond.”
Saso is currently in Japan preparing for her third professional season and is planning to kick-start the LPGA campaign at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida, in January.

The collaboration with Yuka complements AXA’s existing portfolio of sport sponsorships, including a global partnership with Liverpool Football Club as The Official Training Partner, and with the NBA as Official Insurance Partner in the Philippines.

AXA Hailed as One of Interbrand Best Global Brands in 2021

For the 13th consecutive year, leading insurance company AXA is once again among the world’s Top 50 Best Global Brands, as recognized by Interbrand. The insurance leader is also among the Top 5 fastest-growing financial services brands globally.

Interbrand is the world’s leading brand consultancy for over 40 years, pioneering iconic work and forged many of the brand building tools that are now commonplace. The Best Global Brands list ranks the world’s most valuable brands, determined by brand performance and social relevance.

"We at AXA have always been guided by our commitment to helping Filipinos protect what matters to them, and we are thankful for the continued trust of our clients and partners through the years. This recognition from Interbrand inspires us to work harder to continuously develop relevant solutions that will enable our clients to secure their health and future.” said Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines.

This follows the recent recognition of AXA Philippines as the International General Insurer of the Year – Philippines at this year’s Insurance Asia Awards. The Emma by AXA PH app also bagged the Mobile App of the year – Philippines award.

For more information on AXA’s products and services and its initiatives, visit www.axa.com.ph.

AXA, Cebu Pacific give free insurance to Filipinos

To mark their first partnership anniversary, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, together with the country’s leading airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), extend the opportunity for CEB customers to get free insurance coverage up until December 31, 2021.

The special anniversary offer provides a life insurance coverage and personal accident insurance, each worth P25,000, with a coverage period of 3 months. This one-time offer is open to all CEB fliers aged 18 to 60 years old -all they need to do is sign up via https://bit.ly/CEBxAXAAnniv while slots are available.

Thru this partnership, every Juan now has access to an affordable critical illness plan with CEB Health Protect. This is the first of many non-travel insurance products that will be made available to address the health and financial needs of Filipinos.

The pandemic made many people rethink their habits, better prepare for the unexpected, and prioritize their health and wellness. “Protecting our health at all costs and preparing for accidents and emergencies have become more relevant than ever. With CEB Health Protect, we want to help every Juan protect their health and finances from unexpected situations – whether in their daily activities or while traveling. We are pleased to have found a partner in Cebu Pacific who also prioritizes safety and addresses the needs of its passengers even beyond travel,” said Rahul Hora, president and CEO of AXA Philippines.

“As we continue to listen to our customers, we recognize the need to prioritize every Juan’s health more so during this time. We are happy to keep offering CEB Health Protect and to be celebrating a milestone with our partner, AXA Philippines, to better equip Filipinos for unforeseen circumstances,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and customer experience at Cebu Pacific.

CEB Health Protect offers value-for-money coverage for top three (3) critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, and stroke. It also provides insurance benefits of up to P1 million, allowing families to receive up to 20% coverage for nine (9) minor critical conditions.


CEB Health Protect is a very affordable plan for every Juan who may wish to protect themselves and their loved ones. Every Juan can tailor fit the insurance coverage according to their personal needs and budget, with coverage available for as low as 18/day and flexible payment terms from monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually.

Selecting and purchasing CEB Health Protect can also be safely and conveniently done online on the AXA website, similar to how Cebu Pacific customers seamlessly book and manage their Cebu Pacific flights.

With CEB Health Protect from AXA Philippines and Cebu Pacific, every Juan can now protect their health and be prepared for just about anything in life or while travelling.

For more information on AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Tips for Cancer Patients to Navigate through the Pandemic

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been major concerns on access to health consultation and services, with immediate care not easily available for critical non-COVID-19 cases, such as cancer management. According to JCO Global Oncology, an American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal, apart from being at high-risk of worse outcomes with COVID-19, cancer patients are also experiencing disruptions and delays in delivery of health services.

Given the current challenges in health care, AXA Philippines, one of the country's leading insurance providers, shares useful tips to help cancer patients navigate through the pandemic:

Practice prevention protocols. We've all heard it many times before, but the adage "prevention is better than the cure" is more relevant now more than ever, especially for cancer patients. They should continue to practice the mandatory protocols against COVID-19 such as washing hands regularly, cleaning and disinfecting daily, limiting guests, and staying at home as much as possible. Aside from that, they also must live a healthy lifestyle so as not to worsen their condition. Among the simple lifestyle changes they can make include getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising daily, managing stress, and avoiding environmental toxins like tobacco and nicotine from smoking. 

Consult from home. With hospitals at full capacity and becoming a hotbed for the deadly virus, Philippine cancer organizations recommend that cancer patients avoid hospitals in the meantime and instead use teleconsultation. A short delay may be considered except in cases of emergencies where it's recommended to schedule surgery or check-up within 8 to 18 weeks.

Get vaccinated (upon advice of doctor). The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology strongly recommends cancer patients to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Current studies show that unvaccinated cancer patients have a higher risk of COVID-19 complications and death. Getting inoculated provides protection from severe COVID-19 conditions, hospitalization, and death. But before getting vaccinated, cancer patients must get clearance from their medical oncologist and health care team, as not all cases may be approached similarly.

Find a network of support. Having a network of supportive people is beneficial for one's health, mentally and emotionally. According to experts, a support network can give cancer patients a better quality of life. Family and close circle of friends are real sources of comfort and strength for cancer patients, especially in navigating the challenges of the pandemic when getting medical treatment is more crucial but can be more difficult. 

Pandemic or not, having cancer puts one in a difficult situation – physically, emotionally, and financially. To protect yourself and your family from the financial impact of critical illnesses like cancer, AXA Philippines offers Health Start, a health insurance plan that provides coverage from the top three critical illnesses — cancer, heart attack, and stroke, and some of their early-stage conditions at an affordable price. It has a variant with built-in coverage for the child of the insured against some critical conditions for minors. Portion of the premiums paid of the policy holder will also be returned at the age of 75, less any benefit paid, as a reward for living a healthy life. And in case of untimely demise, the family will receive a life insurance benefit to help them take care of their needs. 

To know more about Health Start, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/healthstart.

Pandemic Derailed Your Life Goals? Here’s How to Get Back on Track

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that the unexpected can happen anytime. When they do, it helps to have an insurance plan that can minimize the impact of unforeseen circumstances and help you stay on track with your life goals.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, helps Filipinos avail of a reliable and affordable insurance coverage with AXA MyLifeChoice, a flexible insurance and investment plan that caters to the policyholders’ individual needs.

The product allows customers to keep moving forward with their life goals with the guidance of AXA’s financial partners who can help them design a plan based on one’s individual goals and priorities ─ whether that may be health, education, income protection, or big purchases.

Clients can further customize their policies depending on their budget, investment profile, and protection benefits. Moreover, AXA MyLifeChoice also offers flexible life coverage that they can customize up to 30x the amount they pay annually.

“When it comes to life goals, especially long-term goals, some people may think that they’re hard to achieve, especially now that we are in a pandemic. But accomplishing your goals is possible when you allow room for flexibility and take small steps, like reaching out to financial advisors who are equipped with the tools to guide you on what to do,” advised Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer.

No matter the situation, taking the leap to achieve your life goals with no worries is now more attainable and convenient with MyLifeChoice. To know more about AXA Philippines’ MyLifeChoice, visit www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice or talk to an AXA Financial Partner via the landline at +632 8 5815-292.

AXA Philippines is General Insurer of the Year Its Emma app also wins at the Insurance Asia Awards 2021

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, was recognized at the prestigious Insurance Asia Awards 2021 with two distinctions: the International General Insurer of the Year (Philippines) and the Mobile App of the Year for the Emma by AXA PH app.

Among the initiatives of AXA Philippines that were lauded by the program were the company’s ability to ramp up its services amidst the painstaking challenges brought on by the pandemic, and for serving its customers in a new environment via new distribution channels.

The Emma by AXA PH mobile app, on the other hand, is positioned as the digital insurance and wellness partner of its customers to help them protect what matters. It has also added new functionalities in the past year to make customer claims easier. The app also provides free access to emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and roadside assistance through its Rescue Line feature.

“Our goal at AXA has always been to empower people to live better lives by providing options that help them prepare for the future, and ensuring that they can easily access these options anywhere they are,” said AXA Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora. “We thank Insurance Asia for the recognition which surely serves as our inspiration to continue pursuing our goals and being of service to our customers especially with the challenges of this pandemic.”

With the advent of the ‘new normal,’ AXA Philippines stepped up in the digital space. It launched a number of digital initiatives, including the AXA Virtual Assistant (AVA), which has enabled distributors to interact with customers so they can conduct their transactions online. Apart from making AXA’s products available through its e-commerce platforms, it also provided a seamless digital experience for customers and prospects through a ‘phygital’ (both in-person and online) approach. This paved the way for accelerated growth in the company’s specific customer segments and for the introduction of products that cater to the different needs of a broader customer base. Apart from flexible customer services and offers, it also took a strong stand on the health front amidst a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Insurance Asia Awards gathers leading insurance companies and honors exceptional initiatives and solutions. Since 2016, 130 companies from 24 countries have been recognized here as among the best in the insurance industry.

For more information on AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Artificial Intelligence Reshapes the Insurance Industry

AXA Philippines recently participated in the online regional roundtable discussion “Innovating with AI Technologies and Data Analytics” hosted by the Asia Internet of Things, Business Platform (AIBP) Focus, and Dell Technologies. Abby Oliva-Cenzon, AXA Philippines Director for Transformation and Technology Strategic Portfolio, joined the discussion as one of the key panelists and shared insights about AI’s significant and imminent changes in the insurance industry as companies evolve to insurance technology or insurtech.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the insurance industry by helping insurance providers deliver more efficient, effective, and personalized products and services to customers, the discussion revealed.
“Insurtech companies now use technological innovations like AI to redesign the current insurance model, looking to seek more savings and efficiency. Through these innovations, they are looking to offer ultra-customized policies, social insurance and dynamic price premiums,” said Cenzon.

She also shared that since the implementation of AI in the banking and finance industry, insurers have gained a competitive advantage in underwriting, improved claims management, and data-driven development of new insurance products.

“AI widens the scope of data sources that underwriters can use for their evaluations. AI uses big data analytics, allowing to dig deeper visibility into customers’ risk profiles, personally tailoring premiums. AI-based underwriting solutions enable insurers to deliver hyped and customized offerings, resulting in a swift price optimization,” she said.

Moreover, AI has accelerated the time it takes for a customer to buy a policy or settle a claim.
Cenzon added that by leveraging on AI technologies, AXA Philippines was able to establish its Social Media Command Centres. Another application that AXA Philippines uses to deliver faster customer service is MyAXA, a mobile app that allows customers to view their policy details, download policy documents, and make specific policy changes.

Moreover, the company’s Emma by AXA PH app serves as AXA Philippines AI chat bot partner that enables anyone to access AXA Rescue Line for free 24/7 emergency assistance, as well as allows customers to easily file claims and buy insurance online.

When it comes to embracing and utilizing AI, Cenzon also stated that insurance, banking, and financial technology (fintech) industries should work hand in hand to help traditional banks adjust and adapt to AI.

“Partnering with financial technology companies or fintechs can help expand the reach of the various types of available technologies. Instead of viewing them as competitors, AXA Philippines works closely together with fintechs from the FinTech Group of the Philippines where we help each other to adapt and scale,” Cenzon said.

Rapid advances in technologies especially in the next decade will lead to major changes in the insurance industry. AI will continue to redefine the insurance industry, carrying new technologies to create innovative products, harness cognitive learning insights from new data sources, and exceed customer expectations for individualization and dynamic adaptation.

Indeed, according to Cenzon, digital transformation in insurtech is “a game changer on how we see the insurance industry today and in the future.”

Other panelists who were also at the virtual roundtable included industry leaders, namely Dell Technologies Senior Director for Data Center & Compute Solutions Chin Wah Mak, Citibank Vice President and Global Program Manager for CXRam Kishore Jaladanki, and Microsoft Sales Director for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence – APAC Karthikeyan Rajasekharan.

For more information about AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Manulife Encourages Filipinos to Take Care of Mental and Physical Well-Being at “Health Matters” Webinar

Manila ― As more Filipinos become more conscious about their health and wellness because of COVID-19, global life insurer Manulife Philippines recently partnered with healthcare experts and health advocates in their latest webinar titled, “Health Matters: Caring for your mental and physical well-being.”

Dr. Vicki Belo, founder and medical director of Belo Medical Group; Dr. Ed Tolentino, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Quirino Memorial Medical Center; Rose Montenegro, former President and CEO of Makati Medical Center, and celebrity fitness advocate Julia Barretto shared how taking care of your overall health and well-being can help you adapt to the changes brought by the pandemic, reduce stress during challenging times, and live every day better.

Actor and host Luis Manzano hosted the event.

“Filipinos love to help other people, making sure that their loved ones are protected no matter what happens to them. But if you give too much of yourself to others and have nothing left, you won’t be able to support them anymore,” shared Dr. Vicki Belo. “So, investing in yourself is a good way to show how you love and support the people you care about the most.”

Dr. Ed Tolentino discussed the importance of seeking and giving support when needed and how taking care of your mental health helps you envision a better future. “In as much as we need to cultivate relationships, it is important to be able to accept help and support when we do need it,” he said. “Part of that is supporting others when we have the means to do so. In the new normal, resilience is not the ability to bounce back, but rather bounce forward. We will not go back to the way things were. Everything is going to be different moving forward. In this marathon race, we will all cross that finish line with new thoughts, feelings, and approaches to the way we live our lives.”

As the extensive pressures and stressors of the limelight may impact the mental health of celebrities, actress and fitness advocate Julia Barretto shared the importance of mental wellness when coping with and managing malicious rumors, public scrutiny and social media bashing that may come with a career in showbiz. “Surround yourself with people who motivate you to become better. In my case, it’s my family. No matter the challenges I face in life - may it be my career, personal goals, or financial goals - I always compartmentalize things so I won’t get overwhelmed. Learn to focus on things that matter to you.”

Lastly, Rose Montenegro talked about the value of healthy living and how prevention is always better than cure. “Health matters, and health costs. If you want to have the best medical treatment, you have to understand how much it entails to achieve it. So, don’t be afraid to know upfront costs on things that will help your health and well-being, so you are better prepared mentally, physically, and financially.”

Health Matters is the latest in Manulife’s series of wellness webinars, which are all available for viewing on Manulife’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ManulifePH) and website (www.manulife.com.ph).


About Manulife Philippines

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company opened its doors for business in the Philippines in 1907. Since then, Manulife's Philippine Branch and later The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.), Inc. (Manulife Philippines) has grown to become one of the country’s leading life insurance companies. Manulife Philippines is a wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation, among the world's largest life insurance companies by market capitalization. Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website www.manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We provide financial advice, insurance, and our global wealth and asset management segment, Manulife Investment Management, serves individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2020, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 118,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 30 million customers. As of March 31, 2021, we had CAD$1.3 trillion (US$1.0 trillion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $31.3 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 155 years. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

Stay on Track with Your Non-Negotiable Goals

We all have non-negotiable goals in life. These are goals you can’t compromise on, and they may range from tangibles like owning a car or house to non-tangibles like getting a quality education or enjoying a stress-free retirement. Whether big or small, these goals require a lot of work and commitment to achieve. To help you stay on track with your non-negotiable goals, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some simple tips you can follow:

List down your non-negotiable goals and their target date. To help you stay on track of your non-negotiable goals, it’s a good idea to write them down. It may seem deceptively simple, but experts have considered this to be very effective in achieving your ambitions. For each goal, be sure to add your reasoning, a gameplan and a timeline of when you want to accomplish them. This will help boost your motivation and help you stay focused. For example, if you’re planning to build a substantial amount for an emergency fund, know how much you want to set aside and for how long in order to reach your desired amount.

Don’t compare your progress to others. Each person has his or her own unique journey. So when it comes to fulfilling your goals, avoid making comparisons because that might only discourage you, especially when you feel someone has accomplished more. Trust your own pace and strive to stay focused on how you can improve yourself. Also, take valuable lessons from other people’s life experiences, such as TED Talk speakers, and apply it to your own journey if possible.

Follow through. The highest level of integrity is achieved when you follow through with what you say you’re going to do. This is how successful people attract big opportunities — people trust that they’ll keep their word. But as you follow through on your promise to others, you must also stay true to the commitments you made to yourself. If you’re constantly putting off all your life goals, you’ll never bring them to fruition. Stick to what you say you’re going to do — pursue your goals, dreams, and ideas!

Prioritize well. Too often, we are quick to abandon our goals and responsibilities to tend to other people’s needs. But remember, your dreams and goals are your own and no one can accomplish them but you. This means setting boundaries and knowing when to say yes and when to say no so you’re not constantly allowing others to lose sight of your own priorities. It’s good to help others, but be sure to put yourself first!

Monitor your progress. When it comes to monitoring your goals, planning and organizing your time is key. Have a notebook or a planner ready to list down your specific goals and be sure to tick off everything you have achieved so far. Tracking what you have accomplished is a big part of keeping your confidence and motivation high. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments, too!

AXA Philippines continues to be your partner in helping you stay focused with the Target Date Fund, a Philippine peso-denominated fund that helps manage and grow your investment so you can achieve your long-term goals. With AXA’s expertise in fund management, you’re assured that your funds are taken care of amid changing market conditions. Customers also have the flexibility to choose the date of their desired investment goal completion (2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045). They can also opt to remain invested in the fund even after reaching their target date as the fund can still provide the capital growth given its remaining allocation growth assets.

Achieve your non-negotiable goals by trying out these tips and with the help of AXA’s Target Date Fund. To know more, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/savings-investment/asset-master.