Hidilyn Diaz & Bea Alonzo Share Health & Financial Advice during Manulife’s Filipina in Action Webinar

Manila ―  Manulife Philippines, the local arm of international financial services group Manulife, recently celebrated International Women’s Month through a free public webinar titled, “Filipina In Action: In Business and Health,” featuring Manulife Philippines brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and award-winning actress and entrepreneur Bea Alonzo. 

Diaz and Alonzo shared their stories of success and challenges, by developing a winning mindset bravely pursuing their passions and carving the right path towards physical, mental, and financial wellness. Hosted by journalist and LGBTQIA+ member G3 San Diego, Filipina In Action also featured insights from certified life coach Carelle Mangaliag-Herrera, to help more Filipinos overcome challenges, live a meaningful and empowered life, and secure their future amid tough times.

“The pandemic continues to pose a lot of challenges on us, especially when it comes to our health and finances. Mental strain is seen to be more prevalent among Filipino women, too, as financial worries take a toll on people’s mental health,” shared Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. 

Manulife Philippines recently released its third Manulife Asia Care Survey results, which showed that of the 80% of Filipinos surveyed who have experienced mental health symptoms, 84% are women. They admitted experiencing feelings of sadness (51%), fatigue and sleeping difficulties (44%), excessive worrying (38%), and extreme mood changes (33%), especially working mothers and married women.

Henson added: “We hope that with insights from inspiring women like Hidilyn and Bea, we can support, empower and inspire more Filipinos to take charge of their lives and overcome life’s hurdles with courage, focus and confidence. As we help advance opportunities for growth, financial security, and well-being for all, we can continue building a more equal and inclusive world.” 

Taking charge of mind, body, and finances

Diaz shared how a champion athlete’s mindset can help Filipinos thrive in their everyday lives. “Hindi ko kinakalimutan kung saan ako nanggaling -- it keeps me grounded. I also surround myself with people na sinusuportahan na ako bago pa man ako nanalo ng gold medal. With this mindset and support system, natupad ko ang mga pangarap ko at na-motivate ako na tumulong at mas maging inspirasyon pa para sa iba.” 

Alonzo, who currently owns a 16-hectare organic farm in Zambales, shared her personal and entrepreneurial journeys. “The pandemic made me realize that life is short, and I still have several things I want to do in my life. So I plan and make wise investments to attain my goals. While I work hard, I remember to also enjoy the fruits of my labor.”  

In a special segment, Manulife’s top financial advisor Kim Zandueta also offered a few tips on how Filipinos can take care of their finances, mitigate risks, and reach their financial goals.  “Listing down your short and long-term goals is one way to start your financial journey. Categorize your dreams -- whether for travel, education, or business -- to identify the steps you need to take to accomplish them. Track your progress and make the necessary adjustments along the way.” 

Lastly, Mangaliag-Herrera advised how Filipinos can deal with life’s challenges so they can come back stronger than ever and more empowered.  “We need to build optimistic habits, which can include creating a productive morning routine, preparing a healthy breakfast, or allotting time to read inspirational books. You can also go for a walk, or simply celebrate small wins. Generating daily affirmations and training yourself to be positive every day can help you overcome whatever challenges that may come your way and truly make a difference in your life.”

Manulife’s Filipina In Action webinar is currently being streamed on Manulife’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. To know more about Manulife’s products and services, visit www.manulife.com.ph.

 

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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 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 provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our global wealth and asset management segment, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide. Our principal operations are in Asia and 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. In the previous 12 months, we made CAD$31.8 billion in payments to our customers.

Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com. 

Hidilyn Diaz and Bea Alonzo headline Manulife’s “Filipina In Action” webinar to celebrate International Women’s Month

Manila ― In celebration of International Women’s Month, life insurer Manulife Philippines, the local arm of global financial services group Manulife, will feature Manulife brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and award-winning actress and entrepreneur Bea Alonzo in its upcoming webinar titled, “Filipina In Action: In Business and in Health.” These successful Filipino women will share their stories and insights on how to take charge of one’s life through self-empowerment and self-belief, and managing mind, body and finances well to secure a better future.  

Slated for March 24, Thursday, at 3:00 pm, the webinar will be hosted by journalist and LGBTQIA+ member G3 San Diego, and will also feature advice from certified life coach Carelle Mangaliag-Herrera. 

“In our recent Manulife Asia Care Survey, we found that 81% of Filipinos surveyed have experienced mental health symptoms in the past six months, and majority of them are Filipino women. These symptoms include feelings of sadness, difficulty in sleeping and excessive worrying. In pursuit of our mission to support Filipinos’ overall wellbeing and empower them to make healthier choices, this webinar aims to guide them further in overcoming challenges and harnessing their power to achieve their life goals,” said Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “With Bea and Hidilyn at the forefront of this important conversation, we are confident that we can continue to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), promote more opportunities for women to thrive, and reinforce the important role that women play in building better and stronger communities.”

Manulife’s global DEI thrust includes supporting and promoting women empowerment and advancement in the workplace, while driving greater inclusion of various communities so everyone can truly belong. In 2020, the UN Women Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) recognized Manulife Philippines as one of the most gender-inclusive workplaces in the country. 

Those interested in joining the webinar can register at manulife.pub/FilipinaInAction. 

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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 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 provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our global wealth and asset management segment, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide. Our principal operations are in Asia and 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. In the previous 12 months we made CAD$31.8 billion in payments to our customers. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Hidilyn Diaz and Jollibee support Filipino Athletes to Reach Their Dreams

Many know Hidilyn Diaz as the first Filipino Olympic gold medal winner, but few know how hard the road was for this champion weightlifter before she reached her dream.

Having started weightlifting at age eleven, Hidilyn took years of practice, hard work, and grit to overcome the challenges that came her way. She even had to create makeshift weights using concrete and mag wheels when she was just starting out. After four Olympic stints in a span of 12 years, including a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the London edition of the Games, she finally had her golden moment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But even then, the road wasn’t easy—due to the pandemic, she had to train in Malaysia away from her family and she once again had to use makeshift weights in an outdoor gym.

Just like Hidilyn, many Filipino athletes also dream of their moment atop the podium. It is indeed a daunting task, with only a few given a chance to even qualify in the Olympic games. This is why Hidilyn, with the help of Jollibee, aims to pay it forward and help shape the next generation of Filipino champions.

“Bawat panalo, nagsisimula sa pangarap. At ang pangarap ko, maiangat ang mga kabataang atletang Pinoy,” Hidilyn said. “At natutuwa ako na sa tulong ng Jollibee, kahit papaano ay mabibigyan ko sila ng kahit konting pag-asa na makamit nila ang pangarap nila,” she added.

Jollibee, as a proudly Pinoy brand, will be donating a part of the proceeds from every purchase of the Champ & Joy Super Meal to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

“Jollibee has always believed in the heart and strength of Filipinos and that we can shine even at a global stage. Together with Hidilyn, we want to help nurture and support more Filipino athletes so they too can reach their dreams and continue bringing pride and inspiration to the country,” said Arline Adeva, Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.

Hidilyn also plans to donate weightlifting equipment for the grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas.

“Para mas ma-increase yung awareness about weightlifting at sana, ma-realize ng mga bata na posible na ma-achieve nila ang dream nila sa Philippines by starting out sa weightlifting,” she said before adding that she also plans to train athletes herself.

“Hindi naman ako forever na atleta. So kailangan na may kasunod na may ma-train ako na maging champion next to me. Kasi it’s not all about me, ang gusto ko, hindi lang ako ang champ, kundi lahat tayo,” Hidilyn said.

You can also do your part in supporting aspiring Filipino athletes with the Champ & Joy Super Meal. This delicious and filling combo includes a Champ burger, 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice, and a free Go Large Coke drink. As an added treat, customers will also get a special paper packaging featuring Hidilyn herself and a limited edition Hidilyn Diaz collectible card with every order of the Champ & Joy Super Meal. The meal is available for only PHP 240.00 in select Jollibee stores nationwide until November 30, 2021.

Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! You may also enjoy it via Dine-in, Drive-Thru, and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Hidilyn Diaz inspires the nation anew with her very own Kwentong Jollibee “Ginto”

When weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first gold medal after a near century-long wait at the Olympics, Filipinos from all over the globe rejoiced and celebrated her historic triumph. Hidilyn’s winning lift, which also set a new Olympic record, was a result of years of hard work, resilience, and dedication that she put into reaching her dream.

And this inspiring journey of Hidilyn—with all the challenges she had to overcome—is at the center of the latest Kwentong Jollibee short film entitled “Ginto”. Jollibee, in collaboration with its partner agency McCann Worldgroup Philippines, hopes to share Hidilyn’s story to bring joy and inspiration to every Filipino.

 

Looking back on her humble beginnings

Hidilyn vividly remembers when she first started training. “Ang gamit kong weights noon ay mga gallon ng tubig. Mayroon akong mahabang bakal, ‘yun ang bar ko, tapos sa magkabila ay mga bote na may lamang tubig o kaya buhangin,” said Hidilyn. There were a lot of challenges at the start of her career, she shared, and many instances when she wanted to give up. But these did not discourage her.

 

Her hard work paid off when she bagged the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

 

“Noong nanalo ako sa Rio, doon mas naging malinaw sa akin na maraming nakababatang atleta na nakatingin sa akin para sa inspirasyon. Kaya sabi ko, hindi ako pwedeng sumuko. Ilalaban ko hanggang makuha natin ang pinakamimithing ginto,” said Hidilyn.

 

Reliving her winning moment

To launch the short film “Ginto”, Jollibee held a virtual press conference last October 14. Seeing the film in full for the first time, the Olympic champion was touched to have witnessed her story from the lens of a viewer. “Naiyak po talaga ako, lalo na yung doon sa part na chini-cheer ako ng mga frontliners, ng mga bata. Masaya po ako na na-inspire ko sila gaya ng pag-inspire nila sa akin.” 

 

Hidilyn Diaz gets emotional while watching her Kwentong Jollibee “Ginto” and the surprise greetings from her loved ones

 

 

The image of Hidilyn clenching her fists in victory will forever be remembered by the whole nation. With “Ginto”, she got to relive this moment, along with the challenges she had to overcome leading to the Tokyo Olympics.

 

When asked how it was like re-enacting her own journey, Hidilyn said, “Bumalik lahat ng emotions — ‘yung saya, ‘yung hirap, at ‘yung pagpapalakas ng mga tao na tumulong sa akin para maabot ko yung pangarap ko.” To her, starring in her own Kwentong Jollibee short film was like another chance to relive her winning moment. “Masaya dahil ibang experience din for me ‘yung mag-act and rewarding dahil nakita ko ‘yung personal journey ko through another lens,” she added.

 

Long-time Kwentong Jollibee and award-winning director Pepe Diokno said it was a great honor to work on this project. “I’ve done a lot of Kwentong Jollibee films, and each story is different. But what sets ‘Ginto’ apart is that it’s a story of a sports icon that’s being revealed to the world. Hidilyn’s journey to success is the inspiration we need in these difficult times, and I treasure that I was able to do it with her and of course, Jollibee,” shared Direk Pepe.

 

Beyond her golden win

Now, with multiple awards and recognition, what more does a Hidilyn Diaz dream of? “For me, gusto ko po makatapos ng aking studies,” she said. At present, Hidilyn is taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. “Gusto ko po makuha ang aking diploma at makapag-develop pa ng training schools para sa mga aspiring na atleta gaya ko noong nag-uumpisa ako. Nandito pa rin ako kasi weightlifting ang passion ko at gusto kong i-share ito sa mga kabataan,” Hidilyn added. She also mentioned plans of setting up an outreach activity similar to a community pantry in the coming months.

 

Hidilyn’s Kwentong Jollibee special “Ginto” serves as a reminder that Filipinos can rise above challenges through “lakas at puso,” armed with the love and support of those around them. ​​

 

Watch the Kwentong Jollibee Ginto on the official Jollibee Facebook page and on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel, and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #KwentongJollibeeGinto.

Summit SuperSHEroes Come in Pink! 100+ Leaders of Breast Cancer Patient Groups Band Together

Last September 11, 2021, Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz surprised a group of Breast Cancer patient advocate leaders on the last day of the 2-day Patient Power Summit led and organized by the ICanServe Foundation Inc.

A SuperSHEro herself, Diaz related her humble beginnings, how she hurdled the battles that got in the way of her dreams with the grace and determination of a champion’s heart. Diaz emphasized, “Hindi ako sumuko. (I didn’t give up).” She said, the formula was simple “level up your game to reach your goal.” As a sports icon and an authentic leader in her field, she said the goal should always be to become a survivor and a victor.

In a gathering of cancer advocate leaders that represented 34 breast cancer patient groups from all over the country, the mission was beyond helping navigate a patient through wellness. “We continue to believe that early detection saves lives and we need to continue to make strides. But we also see the need to reach out and help each other, to share cancer resources, to work together to make an even bigger difference, to possibly come up with sustainable solutions for the breast cancer community,” Crisann Celdran, co-founder and Chairman of the ICanServe Foundation. She opened the summit with a call to the forerunners of the community to work closely together, elevate the advocacy and work towards speaking as one.

Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, founding Chairman of the ICANSERVE Foundation, pointed out this is a unique time in the health space where one witnesses the most number of founders of cancer patient groups carving a new path. “It’s a historical moment in the cancer space, as we witness the evolution of a new frontier we call the patient movement. We’re all founders, pioneers, and first or second generation volunteers. We have to be navigators for each other, as we shape a future, free of cancer,” Alikpala said.

Cancer patient leaders in attendance belonged to organizations that were independently created, hospital based, or founded with the help of a cancer doctor or a socio civic group. Yet they all shared the same concerns from psycho social, the drastic interruption in family life, to financial, to lack of access to quality care and affordable or free cancer diagnostics, treatments, palliative and survivorship care. ICANSERVE President Nikoy de Guzman also observed they shared the same burning desire to serve, “walang survivor na hindi lumaban.”

The patient leaders vowed they will not rest nor be complacent till breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stage cancer when it’s most curable, till every patient with cancer, no matter the stage, age, income bracket, religion, ethnicity, are given quality care and a chance to be with family for longer. Till seeing the end to breast cancer.

The Patient Power Summit was made possible and successful through the help of partner brands and organizations such as Bio-ONCO, AIA Summit, In the Pink, Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Nestle, Mondelez Philippines and Skincare for Hope.

To find out more information about how you can support breast cancer advocacy, like and follow the official ICanServe Foundation Facebook Page, www.icanservefoundation.org, and ICANSERVE on Instagram and Twitter.

Ginto: Jollibee and McCann Worldgroup Philippines release special Kwentong Jollibee on Hidilyn Diaz’s inspiring journey

While the whole nation rejoiced and celebrated the historic feat of Hidilyn Diaz during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, not everyone knew of the hardships that she had to overcome to reach her dream of winning the country’s first Olympic Gold medal. Now, her story of “lakas at puso” which made all that possible is immortalized in Jollibee’s latest Kwentong Jollibee, “Ginto”.

The short film chronicles the life-long journey of Hidilyn in typical Kwentong Jollibee fashion – heartwarming, tugs at the heartstrings and filled with life lessons – while aimed at continuing to inspire Filipinos to reach their own dreams.

“We wanted to pay tribute not just to Hidilyn’s victory, but to her strength, heart and resilience, which truly brought joy and uplifted the nation. And we thought it fitting to produce her own Kwentong Jollibee, not just to thank her for her feat but to somehow share her story so that we Filipinos can continue to be inspired by what she has achieved”, said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.

“Ginto” is directed by internationally acclaimed and resident Kwentong Jollibee director Pepe Diokno. The latest Kwentong Jollibee film is centered on how Hidilyn has become a champion and a Filipino icon who proved that hard work and grit pays off. “People can expect an inspiring story about dealing with defeat, and winning with perseverance,” he said. Direk Pepe also added that giving hope and providing inspiration was at the core of this latest Kwentong Jollibee film. “I think with the current situation, many Filipinos feel defeated and divided, but Hidilyn’s win gave us strength and brought us together,” he said.

For her part, Hidilyn cherished being part of her own, special Kwentong Jollibee. “Lahat naman tayo kilala ang Kwentong Jollibee. Usually, ito yung tungkol sa love and relationships. Masaya lang ako kasi naipakita dito yung love for sports, love for your dream, and love for your country. Sana naipakita namin yung inspirasyon na maidudulot nung Kwentong Jollibee Ginto,” Hidilyn said.

While Hidilyn’s rise to become a modern-day icon and the country’s pride and joy was well-documented, Jollibee and McCann worked together to creatively tell her story in a way that would make a lasting impact. “Everyone knows her story by now so the challenge was how to shine a new light on her in a way that would inspire and motivate Filipinos who may also be experiencing struggles and challenges,” explained NJ Mijares, Creative Director of McCann Worldgroup Philippines. “With every Kwentong Jollibee we create, we always ask ourselves ‘is this relatable? Will other people feel the same way?’ More so with this one. Because we're telling a story of a very specific person with a very specific achievement, we tried to tell it in a way that mirrors the dreams, the struggles, and the journey of millions of Filipinos.”

Watch the Kwentong Jollibee Ginto on the official Jollibee Facebook page and on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel, and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #KwentongJollibeeGinto.

Manulife turns over Php 10M Insurance Coverage to Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz

Manila ― Global life insurer Manulife recently turned over Php 10 million insurance coverage to Olympic gold medalist and Manulife Philippines brand ambassador Hidilyn Diaz, to celebrate her historic win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

The Olympic champion has received Manulife Horizons, an investment-linked insurance product that provides both life insurance protection and the potential for policyholders to grow their money.

Diaz’s journey with Manulife started in 2019, after she posted a call on her social media account for private sector support, as she prepared for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Manulife responded and named Diaz as one of their brand ambassadors, as the company aims to inspire more Filipinos to continue to believe in themselves, work hard towards their dreams, and turn challenges into opportunities.  

“Hidilyn’s inspiring Olympics story resonates during these challenging times, as we continue to face the pandemic. It highlights the strength of the Filipino, who, despite obstacles, never stops working hard to achieve their goals, so they can secure a better future,” said Richard Bates, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines.

"I am grateful to Manulife for believing in me even before the Tokyo Olympics," shared Diaz. “Winning the Olympic gold medal is not only a dream come true, but has also opened so many doors for me that will help me build a better future for me and my loved ones. With this life insurance coverage, I have peace of mind with the life protection it offers, giving me the confidence to face what lies ahead.”

Also present during the turnover were Manulife President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Bates; Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson; Chief Product Officer Jose Ang; and Hidilyn Diaz’s manager Noel Ferrer. 

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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 June 30, 2021, we had CAD$1.3 trillion (US$1.1 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.