"Apprentice Asia" Winner Graces Sun Life's Live Brighter Session

The first winner of the hit reality show "Apprentice Asia," Jonathan Yabut, graced Sun Life Financial's "Live Brighter Session," a gathering for bloggers and aspiring financial advisors, to share the story of how he rose from humble beginnings to become a successful businessman and in-demand motivational speaker.

Yabut, who served as a chief of Staff for AirAsia for a year after winning in the reality show hosted by Malaysian business mogul Tony Fernandex, now runs his very own JY Consultancy & Ventures, which operates in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Addressing the bloggers and aspiring advisors, he talked about the work principles that has brought him to where he is now, and also emphasized the importance of serving a social purpose. According to Yabut, the latter is what will keep one inspired to keep improving his work.

Apart from Yabut, Sun Life Financial advisor JP Cruz also spoke, giving the bloggers an inside look at his own career, as well as his personal journey. He spoke about how he reached rock bottom in both his finances and his love life, and what he did to overcome the struggle. Now a successful Sun Life advisor, Cruz interestingly stressed a thought akin to what Yabut emphasized: that is to have a deeper reason for the work one pursues. In his case, Cruz finds it by helping people achieve lifetime financial security.

“There's so much inspiration to be had in this Live Brighter Session, between Jonathan's and JP's stories. I'm sure that the bloggers who joined us in the venue and even those who tuned in via Facebook Live found motivation to continue pursuing their dreams and finding a purpose to serve,” Sun Life Financial Advisor Recruitment Manager Fin Bernardo said. “We hope that this also opens to them opportunities that they can enjoy if they become a financial advisor. It's a career that's definitely meaningful, and at the same time financially rewarding.”

“Live Brighter Sessions” are set to be held in Cebu and Davao. For more details, follow @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Interested to become a Sun Life advisor? Visit bitly.com/sunlifeadvisor to learn more.

Matteo Guidicelli and Sun Life Launch VLOG on Investing

Initially became known through his racing career, having started at an early age of 11, currently a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic and having a pretty successful career will soon be launching his vlog on Investing and financial planning. In cooperation with Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc he will teach Filipinos about how investing can help make their #lifegoals come true.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead another financial literacy campaign for SLAMC. It’s definitely relevant and timely. I myself have life goals I’d like to pursue, and I’m happy to share that ever since I ‘made it mutual’ with Sun Life, I’ve been well on my way to achieving all those goals. It would be great if more Filipinos can experience the same.” - Matteo said.

SLAMCI President Valerie Pama said that the company is committed to helping more Filipinos discover the benefits of investing so they may reap its rewards. "We all have goals htat we'd like to accomplish, such as buying a house or a car, traveling to a dream destination or planning a wedding. All those goals require a significant amount of money and most Filipinos easily become deiscouraged knowing how much they have to raise to get their dreams. "We'd like to show them that by saving and investing in mutual funds, all their dreams can become a reality. They simply have to 'Make it Mutual'."

This campaign of Sun Life entitled "Make it Mutual" is first of the series of financial literacy initiatives this year. Mylene Lopa which is Sun LIfe's Chief Marketing said  that the coming days will be more exciting as Sun Life rolls out its Financial Independence Month Campaign in June. "We remain committed to this cause. Sun Life is always eager to promote it in ways that are creative, relatable, easily understandable, " she said "We will never tire of advocating financial literacy to Filipinos."

Sun Life Asset Managfement Co.,Inc. (SLAMCI) is the mutual fund arm of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. SLAMCI is one of the leading asset management companies in the country with P57.8 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) as of April 2017. It currently manages 11 mutual funds collectively called the "Sun Life Prosperity Funds"

Dubai Based Supermodel and Fitness Guru Rania Gamal Promotes Philippines as a Must See Summer Destination for MIddle Eastern Travelers

With summer holiday just around the corner, Dubai-based celebrity, model and fitness guru Rania Gamal went to the Philippines recently to discover breathtaking places that will surely enjoy by people living in Dubai and the rest of the Middle East region and will be the perfect getaway destination for the upcoming holiday season.

BATANGAS and MANILA

Rania Gamal visited one of the country’s popular summer destinations for locals – Batangas. Rania stayed at Acuatico Beach and Resort Hotel that was owned by the famous Filipino designer Mama Rene Salud’s family. During her stay, Rania enjoyed the stunning beach and sunset in the property. She has experience local food like seafood, Batangas lomi, Barako coffee, to name a few, where she found exactly right for Middle Easterns to try.

During her stay in Batangas, Rania also had a photoshoot for Playboy Philippines’ Renegade issue where she is on their prestigious cover and for luxury travel magazine Xpedition Middle East.

After Batangas, Rania explored the bustling city of Manila where she stayed at City of Dreams in Pasay City.

With close to 100,000 tourist arrival from the Middle East region in 2016, Rania encourages more people from region to visit the Philippines and explore its stunning beaches and hospitable people.

“I plan to visit more cities in the Philippines on my next visit. I would like to explore the beaches of Boracay and Palawan as I heard they have the world’s best beaches and coastlines”

“With Middle Eastern continuously looking for a place to spend their holidays, I believe that it is high time for Philippines to be recognize as the MUST SEE summer destination most especially for Middle Eastern travelers”

“I hope that many establishment will cater more to Muslim tourists like halal food options and halal kitchen so Muslim travelers will be more confident on visiting the country”

The Middle East market are known as quality travelers – they stay longer and spend bigger compared to other to tourism markets.

Rania Gamal plans to collaborate further with Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East office to further promote the Philippines in the Middle East region.

About Rania Gamal

Rania Gamal is a Dubai-based fitness guru, model, actress and TV presenter. She started modelling when she was 17 years old while living in Germany and was the face of Loreal products and the cover of different international magazines. Rania loves traveling the world and she can speak 5 languages fluently including Arabic, English, Danish, German and French. Rania is also a fitness, lifestyle, and health aficionado teaching women not only to eat healthily but also about being independent and being empowered. She had her post graduate diploma in PR & Journalism at World Media Academy, a school accredited by Washington-based ICFJ (International Centre for Journalist). Rania Gamal was also the official host for P. O. W. E. R. E. D. (Professional Overseas Women Empowerment, Recognition and Equality Day) held in Vesna Restaurant and Lounge at Conrad Hotel.