5 Commuting Hacks in the New Normal

With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.

If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.

Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.

Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.

Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.

Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.

Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.

Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.

For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.

4 Christmas Gift Ideas that are Useful amid the Pandemic

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without gift-giving. It's one of the easiest ways to share love and spark some joy among family and friends. However, with all the challenges we faced this 2020, our priorities have become clearer. So, this Yuletide season, instead of the usual toys or trinkets, you can give your loved ones something useful and significant during these times.

As you prepare for a socially distanced Christmas celebration, AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, offers some perfect gift ideas for your upcoming monito-monita.

Hobbies and passion kits. With community quarantines in place, you may know several people who have discovered a hidden talent or hobby during the lockdown. You can cheer on your family or friends as they take on this new skill or hobby by giving them tools or appliances that they may need to pursue their newfound passion. Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint set and brushes for the late-bloomer artist. Hobbies can help ease anxiety, beat stress, and give joy, while helping one spend time in a creative way.

Self-care products. Many people have become anxious over the unprecedented health crisis. Try giving them self-care kits that can lighten the mood and make your loved ones forget their worries. A few therapeutic items you can put in the self-care kit include mandala coloring books, essential oils, chocolate bars, and skincare products. As indoor plants continue to be a growing trend, your plantitos and plantitas would highly appreciate these greeneries as many of them find comfort in taking care of them.

Home office gadgets. The pandemic has forced a lot of employees to adapt to a new working environment. This Christmas, you can help them achieve a comfortable workspace at home by giving them essential supplies as gifts. Gadgets, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, are terrific options. For more affordable budget options, you can also give them computer accessories, a file storage, a planner, seat cushion, or other items for their desks. These gifts would surely relieve some stress and increase their productivity at home.

Financial protection. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of being prepared for life’s unforeseeable circumstances. With all the unexpected situations this year, it would be a great relief to know that there is a way to ensure protection for your future or that of your family. Insurance, for one, can help with this and offer peace of mind. AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget. With AXA MyLifeChoice, not only are you protected for life’s unexpected events, you also receive an investment fund, which you can use for your long-term goals or for your family. It may seem unusual, but the gift of security for your family, especially during these times, is something that is valuable even beyond the holiday season.

To know more about AXA MyLifeChoice, visit http://bit.ly/MyLifeChoiceProtect1.

Win P100K Worth of Credits from AXA Philippines!

With Christmas just around the corner, AXA Philippines, one of the country's leading insurance providers, presents an exciting holiday surprise for all of its life and general insurance customers – a chance to win P100K worth of GCash credits!

Now is your last chance to avail of this exciting opportunity! If you’re an AXA Philippines customer, all you have to do is update your contact information through the Emma by AXA app by December 15, 2020. Simply download the Emma by AXA app on the Google Play or App Store, register, update your information, and you’re all set!

Once you have updated your information, you will automatically have an entry to AXA Philippines' e-raffle where one life insurance customer and one general insurance customer will win the grand prize of P100,000 worth of GCash credits.

By downloading the Emma by AXA app, customers and non-customers alike also gain the added benefit of free access to 24/7 emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and roadside assistance through the Rescue Line feature – a must-have amid typhoon season and the ongoing pandemic.

The app also allows customers to monitor their policy online and conveniently access their funds, investments, transaction history, and AXA’s e-servicing features. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jbvq4

AXA Capitalizes on Tech to Help Customers achieve their Goals

As the country adapts to the new normal, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has embedded tech processes for their new product, Goal Getter, to provide convenience in achieving one’s goals amid the COVID-19 health crisis and community quarantine.

"Technology has helped individuals and businesses alike as the country adapts to the new normal. At AXA Philippines, we continue to shift our efforts and services to a modern platform so people can still build financial plans and secure their future even as we face uncertainties due to the current pandemic,” said AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora.

Goal Getter is an investment and life insurance plan that helps you build your funds so you can achieve financial independence and realize your goals, whether it’s starting a small business, getting a car or condominium, or pursuing a post-graduate degree. It is readily available online so no need to meet with an agent. You can get started right in the comfort and safety of your own home and be on your way to achieving your goals in three easy steps.

Through Goal Getter's online service, you can personalize your investment, enter your information, and pay. You can start with an initial payment of as low as Php10,000 and keep adding to it with as little as Php5,000 monthly top-ups.

Customers can choose to invest in either the Philippine Wealth Bond Fund or Chinese Tycoon Fund depending on their risk appetite. Goal Getter allows policyholders the freedom to choose how much and how long they want to build their savings fund for their specific life goals.

Since AXA Philippines is committed to provide the best protection for its customers and their families, Goal Getter also comes with life insurance coverage. The policyholder’s beneficiaries may receive 125 percent of the total premiums paid or the actual account value, whichever is higher.

After months of staying at home, perhaps it is time for you to get back on track of achieving your goals and all it takes is a few clicks.

To learn more about AXA Goal Getter, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/goalgetter.

Lockdown Career Tips: 5 Pointers on How to be an All-Star at Work

Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory and seize opportunities to move it forward.

Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.

Improve personal branding. Your branding is largely based on your online image -- it allows you to let employers know your story, goals, skills, and expertise. It can make you stand out and give your career a boost. To build your personal brand, make sure to update and organize all your online profiles, especially on social networking platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. On your profile, use a professional photo and quantify your accomplishments. Try to avoid posting anything that isn’t appropriate for work. You should also opt to follow leaders in your field and share top industry stories. You can also create a personal website, portfolio, or blog where you can showcase your professional journey, work, and achievements.

Keep learning. If you want to be productive during quarantine, why not take online classes? There are thousands of options that can enhance your knowledge on business, communication, marketing, financial literacy, and more. Many websites, experts and even Ivy League schools in the U.S., are offering classes for free during the lockdown so make the most of this opportunity. You can also read career advice books that can help you be a more well-rounded person at work. Whether you want to know how to achieve work-life balance, become an excellent leader, develop better work habits, or recover from a career setback, there is something for you. Once the crisis is over, you’ll have gained new learnings that can be used in your career. Additionally, think about pursuing higher education and getting your master’s degree, which sometimes is a requirement for a job or even a promotion.

Find a mentor. A mentor can benefit you and your career in many ways. They can offer valuable insight in advancing your career and be a sounding board for your ideas at work. Since you may come from different backgrounds, having a mentor can sharpen your communication skills and provide a new perspective, which can be helpful in relating to your co-workers and other individuals you cross paths in your career. A mentor is also an avenue to build your network. When looking for a mentor, it’s advisable to consider someone you know who is at a job or position you aspire to be at. Alternatively, you can reciprocate the relationship by offering them resources or promoting their projects to your network.

Gain experience. Experience is one of the key factors that hiring managers look at. Consider making use of your spare time to gain more experience in the field that you’re currently in or an area you want to transfer to, while also earning some extra income. Even at home, you can seek virtual tutoring opportunities and other online freelance jobs. Try not to spread yourself too thin and find a side hustle where you can manage your own time, like being an AXA financial advisor. During this time, you might also want to consider doing volunteer work like organizing fundraising activities, food drives or PPE donations. You can even help the community and join a cause you’re passionate about.

Be smart with money. Living from paycheck to paycheck may hinder you from taking chances on progressing your career given the fear of being left with no steady source of income. If you want to take risks and advance your career, creating a financial plan is a must. Start building an emergency fund, save up for retirement, and opt to buy the right health and life insurance products so that you’ll have a safety net when emergencies or unexpected job problems occur. AXA Philippines has an extensive portfolio of insurance and investment products that suits every need and budget.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.

6 Typhoon Preparation Tips

The typhoon season is upon us, and it is important to be prepared for every possible scenario that may ensue.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some tips on how to secure yourself, your family, and your home from weather disturbances and their aftermath.

Stock up on essential items. The lifespan of a typhoon varies, but it can typically last for a few days to a week. During this time, people living in affected areas are advised to stay indoors, so make sure that you have enough food and supplies until the storm passes. Stock up on necessary items, including but not limited to rice, water, and non-perishable food like ready-to-eat canned goods. It is also best to store medicine, hygiene products, and other emergency supplies.

Prepare for power outages. Due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, people may experience multiple power outages during a typhoon. To lessen the inconvenience of not having electricity, make sure that all important gadgets, such as cell phones and powerbanks, are fully charged. Also make sure emergency lights and flashlights are working and you have extra batteries, candles and a lighter on hand.

Stay updated. During calamities, it is a must to stay informed. Check reliable news sources regularly so you can monitor the storm warning signal, cancellation of classes and work, and other updates on the typhoon. Aside from that, strong typhoons can trigger other destructive events, like landslides, so stay updated for more news and the directions of local authorities.

Boost your immune system. Aside from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you should protect your health during typhoon season because heavy rains and flooding can increase the transmission of water and vector-borne diseases like typhoid fever and dengue. To avoid getting infected, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, wash your hands, get enough sleep and exercise when you can.

Develop an evacuation plan. One can never be sure how strong a typhoon can get and how much damage it can cause. Be familiar with the location of nearby evacuation centers and the fastest routes there in case the situation becomes unsafe. In addition, memorize or list down the emergency hotlines. Also try AXA Rescue Line through the EMMA by AXA app for free and easy access to 24/7 emergency services. The app is available for download on the Google Play or App Store.

Secure your property. Before the typhoon hits, do a quality check of your house. Ensure that the roof is secure and has no holes, and check that the windows are closed, and gutters aren’t clogged. It is also best to turn off the main switch when the downpour begins. Keep important belongings and documents in a waterproof container and in an elevated place away from possible rising water. It’s also advisable to have extra copies of the documents. You can also prepare for any possible property damages with insurance packages from AXA Philippines, like Home Security and Comprehensive Car Insurance Online, that can provide coverage against acts of nature, including typhoons.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.