FWD returns as Conquering the World’s Coolest—and Toughest—Marathon!

“FWD is extremely proud to continue our support for this challenging and one-of-a-kind event, as it resonates our core values of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of limitless possibilities. Moreover, as a Pan-Asian insurer, we are a strong supporter of Asian achievement, endurance, and excellence. We chose Joyette as the Philippines’ representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon this year because of her indomitable spirit, something that will help her conquer the North Pole. As the first Filipina who is set to conquer the marathon, she will proudly bring both FWD and Filipino Pride to the world stage. Joyette has broken her own barriers as a triathlete, competing with the most experienced athletes in the world, and this is why we believe she is perfect to be the country’s representative this year.”” ~Peter Grimes, FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive

Last March 5, 2019, FWD Life Philippines, one of the fastest-growing insurers in the country, is pleased to announce FWD’s sponsorship of the “FWD North Pole Marathon” – which will be held on 9th April 2019 – for the third time. As a title sponsor for the ‘World’s Coolest Marathon’, FWD will also support this year’s representative to embrace the challenge at the extreme 89° latitude North.

Joyette Jopson: Fearless Filipina amongst Team Asia

“As an FWD Financial Wealth Officer, I take to heart our mission to take care of our customers’ financial future and change the way people feel about insurance. I am truly grateful to have been chosen to represent FWD and the Philippines in the North Pole Marathon as this really will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me! Inspired by the FWD’s Get Ready to Live brand spirit, I will bring with me relentless courage and determination against the world’s harshest conditions as I aim to make my country proud.” ~Joyette Jopson

At a media event held on March 5 launching FWD Philippines’ “Fearless in the Arctic” campaign, FWD introduced its representative runner, Joyette Jopson—triathlete, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines Filipino Elite Champion, and FWD Financial Wealth Officer. Jopson will be flying to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the forthcoming FWD North Pole Marathon.

Jopson will be joined by FWD representative runners from Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, collectively called FWD Team Asia, as well as runners from around the world, in what is dubbed as one of the world’s most challenging and grueling sporting events.

Conquering the World’s Coolest—and Toughest—Marathon

The FWD North Pole Marathon participants will be running on an ice sheet of 6 to 12 feet thick and above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, literally on top of the world. They will be running a 42-kilometer path with an average temperature of negative 30 degrees centigrade, even going as low as negative 40 degrees centigrade at times.

What makes the marathon unique is that it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. The marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.

“Joyette has rigorously trained in running, cycling, and swimming and has all the traits needed to succeed at the race. She also has the heart of a warrior—having won in several athletic competitions here and abroad—who plans to bring her courage and winning spirit to the 2019 FWD North Pole Marathon.” ~Roche Vandenberghe, FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing 

The North Pole Marathon has also been recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Northernmost Marathon on Earth" and is generally considered one of the toughest marathons ever because the runners do not only contend with their own physical limitations, but also with the freezing temperature, the biting wind, and the snow-filled path.

The 39-year-old Jopson has been joining local and international triathlon events for the last 13 years. She is a three-time Filipino Elite Champion and has won multiple championship triathlon titles. Committed to continuing the recent trend of Filipina athletes succeeding in international sports competitions, Jopson has already started training for her North Pole challenge.

For more information please visit fwd.com.ph.

About FWD Philippines

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest- capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.1  Based on premium income data published by the Insurance Commission2, FWD Life now ranks 10th in the insurance industry in terms of weighted new business premiums.

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has nine business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.

Shopee and L'Oréal Celebrate International Women’s Day with Debut Regional Super Brand Day

“Last year, we launched Super Brand Day as an avenue to recognize our key brand partners, and also to offer our users access to exclusive deals and products from their favorite brands. This collaboration with L'Oréal marks the first regional installment of our Super Brand Day series, and the tie-in to International Women’s Day makes it even more meaningful. We are proud to support L'Oréal’s belief in celebrating women and beauty for everyone, and we are confident that this Super Brand Day will be a great success.” ~Chris Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Shopee

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners L'Oréal, This International Women’s Day, the world leader in beauty, for Shopee’s first regional Super Brand Day. In celebration of women and sharing beauty for all, Shopee users across seven countries will be treated to an exclusive range of deals from the top three Women’s Internationally Favorite L'Oréal brands from across the world – L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier – that serve the need of female shoppers at every age range and beauty profile. Themed Women's Day, Live Your Beauty, the L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day will run from March 6 to 8, and will feature unbeatable L'Oréal offers, giveaways and a limited edition beauty box exclusively available via the L'Oréal Official Store on Shopee Mall.

As an International Women’s Day special, Maybelline New York will also be launching a limited edition Empowered Box exclusively on Shopee, containing the latest shades of Maybelline New York’s best-selling lipstick, the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink. Each limited edition Empowered Box contains two Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink lipsticks and a Maybelline SuperStay Eraser.

The L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day will feature three days of themed beauty deals, with each dedicated to one of three leading L'Oréal brands; L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier. Key highlights include:

• L'Oréal Paris: 50% off all Color Riche Matte lipsticks, including highly popular shades Rich Merlot and Hinted Blush, and 50% off Magic Retouch hair root concealer spray in Mahogany Brown.
• Maybelline New York: 50% off all Powder Matte and Creamy Matte lipsticks on March 8 during 2 rounds of flash sales at 12MN to 2AM and 12NN to 2PM. 
• Garnier: Buy 5 Take 2 promotion on all variants of Garnier Serum Masks, and up to 22% off on Garnier Micellar Water.

Shopee users can also stand to win additional discounts and special prizes by taking part in the L'Oréal-themed Beauty Ninja game, and a series of social media giveaways. Users who shop from L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier official stores on Shopee on March 8 also stand a chance to be one of three lucky raffle draw winners of a year’s supply of products from the brands. Finally, Shopee will host a special Facebook Live session on March 8 with Filipino online stars Doll Up Mari; and Kristine Roces, also known as RealAsianBeauty, to give away a wide array of best-selling products from L'Oréal.

All L'Oréal products can be found via the L'Oréal Official Store on Shopee Mall. Products under Shopee Mall come with 7 days return, 100% authentic guarantee, and free shipping.

Shop the L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day: https://shopee.ph/m/super-brand-day. Download the Shopee app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

From March 6 to 8, Shopee users can access exclusive deals from leading L'Oréal’s brands, including a limited edition beauty box exclusively available on Shopee!

Galileo presents an Awesome Singapore Math Add-Ventures

"Math is not just for geniuses, Math is for everybody. We wanted teachers to have strong content and good resources to match the Singapore curriculum. We wanted to provide a more interesting, fun and meaningful approach to learning and teaching math. As parents of young children, we see the importance of involving parents in this process. We relied heavily on e-students who remember us very fondly and really like our resources. But over the years, it has become harder to reach parents as school leaders are not willing to allow vendors inside. Teachers claim that they have never seen a concept taught in a particular way. Parents say they themselves learn first from the magazines before teaching their kids. Children's faces light up in 'Aha!' moments when they finally understand a difficult concept. Parent bond with children, playing time-based games or solving puzzles together. When even the Ministry of Education says our games are good and use them in their training sessions, even if they are not able to endorse products. Learning math can be fun, but it must also be meaningful. We can develop good magazines, games or apps, but most children need an adult (a teacher or a parent) to motivate them." ~Rosalind Phang, Add-venture Learning's

"Awesome Singapore Math Add-Ventures", a half-day workshop on Singapore Math for media guests, teachers, parents, and children happened last March 2, 2019, took place at Power Mac Training Center, 2/F Cedar Executive Building, 1006 Antonio Arnaez Ave., Makati City.

"The idea of Galileo was born out of the intention t uplift the education industry. We saw that the model for learning was evolving with the times. We saw the growing rate in tutorial services prompted by fast-paced schools trying to cope with the demands to produce competent and competitive members of society. However, not all children march at the same pace. There are those who learn differently and others who are not suited for big classroom environment." ~Ma. Rowena J. Matti, Chief Executive Officer for Galileo

Galileo provides a new way of learning a meaningful, exciting and fun MATCH and ENGLISH Enrichment Program. From 3-2 years old.

Benefits of the Galileo Program:

• Improve school grades
• Become academically competitive
• Develop a positive attitude towards studying by associating fun with learning
• Nurture skills and talents
• Gain lots of friends

Galileo's competitive advantage lies in its methodology and service. For each Galileo session, children do five different activities. Learning is instilled in a manner that they can understand the best.

Recognizing the important role of Math education in shaping the citizens’ global proficiency, the Ministers of Education decided to take charge of the country's learning roadmap. it completely restructured the math education system in Singapore during the 1980s. The new system moved away from rote learning and towards a deeper understanding of concepts. Singapore Math focuses mainly on building fundamental math skills, rather than focusing on content. 

Galileo's mission is to help empower learners by providing them with opportunities for learning enrichment that will make them independent, life-long learners and their vision is to be the preferred educational program that provides quality products and services that would advance the learning of their students.

Core Values:

Love for children - We nurture and recognize the individual needs of each learner.

Excellence - We provide a learning environment that is unsurpassed in the industry.

Accountability - We always put honesty and integrity above all our dealings with others.

Dedication - We are committed to applying all resources to address the learning needs of the child.

To strengthen its Singapore Math Program, Galileo has partnered with Add-Venture Learning, publishing, and training company headquartered in Singapore. Add-Venture Learning specializes in making Singapore Math an enjoyable experience for students through their game packages, apps, magazines, and training. Behind their products are prominent figures in the world of Singapore Math and are recognized for their contribution in shaping and training Singapore teachers of the Ministry of Education. 

The two educational think tanks have shared teaching and learning philosophies which complement their approach to making learning fun and meaningful through play. Both Galileo and Add-Venture believe that a child learns best by enjoying what is taught. Both companies employ game-play elements and a variety of activities to bring amusement, wonder, and knowledge in every engagement of any child. 

Singapore Math is a special method of teaching math that was developed in 1982 for children from kindergarten through grade 6, as part of the national curriculum under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. 

For more information about the Singapore Math Program and the Add-Venture Learning materials, contact the Head Office at 845-1234 or select centers: Galileo Legaspi, Makati City (810-8506); Galileo Better Living, Parañaque (846-5398, 0998-793-9363); Galileo Malabon (362-3154); Galileo Parada, Valenzuela (291-1136, 0948-365-2970); Galileo Sta. Rosa, Laguna (502-7023, 0988 554 8101); and Galileo Bacolod (433-4713, 0917-801-0338). 

GCash partners with Azumi Hotel’s Cavana Lounge

“This is truly an exciting time for Azumi and GCash as we have a lot in store for their clients.  Apart from the safe, convenient and easy way of payment,  the partner’s customers can also avail of our special promo when they download the app.  They just need to input the referral code “GOAZUMI”, and they can avail of a P20 rebate.  To make the experience more exciting, a Php 100.00 cash back will also be credited to their e-wallet, if they use the Scan to Pay technology within 14 days from registration.” ~Anthony Thomas, President, and CEO of Mynt. Mynt is the operator of GCash

GCash supports the launch of one of the newest and hippest bars in the Metro- the Cavana Lounge. Cavana lounge dubbed the newest and hippest bars in the south, is now open for Azumi Hotel guests and customers.  It boasts of its good bar bites and reasonably priced drinks perfect for a break for its guests and customers alike.  GCash users at Azumi can now enjoy, relax and avail of worry-free payment arrangement by using the GCash Scan to Pay technology.

“We are happy to invite everyone to kick back, relax and enjoy a drink or two after a long day’s work and nibble on our complimentary bar bites at our Cavana Lounge. Our valued partnership with GCash is also a plus because our customers can continue to experience the convenience of cashless transactions making our bar cool and hip.” ~Christopher Chilip, owner of Azumi Hotel

Cavana Lounge is located at the penthouse of the Azumi Hotel, one of the uprising boutique hotels in the Metro.  It is strategically located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport ready to cater to both local and international tourists.  Azumi is operated by Hospitality Innovators, Inc.

Downloading the app is easy, anyone with a smartphone can easily download through the App Store and Google Play using any network.

Have a taste of Heaven on Earth with perfect whiskey-chocolate pairing from Warner TV Philippines!

"We think Filipino audiences are simply going to love these new shows. With their tongue-in-cheek attitude and easy-to-watch style as well as some awesome on-screen talent we are looking forward to welcoming them to Warner TV, the No. 1 general entertainment channel." ~Jia Salindong-Du, Country Manager of Turner Philippines, the company behind Warner TV

Fans of Hollywood's finest are in for a treat with two new TV series on Warner TV, exclusive and express from the U.S. "Whiskey Cavalier" and "Miracle Workers" both have a star-studded cast from the likes of Harry Potter, Boardwalk Empire, Scandal and The Walking Dead.

Miracle Workers

Miracle Workers

A comedy set in the offices of Heaven Inc. When God plans to destroy the Earth, two low-level angels must convince their boss to save humanity. They bet him they can pull off their most impossible miracle yet: help two humans fall in love.

Miracle Workers

The divine duo leads the new TBS comedy "Miracle Workers," about the business of Heaven and God's destructive new plans.

Miracle Workers

The first season of anthology series Miracle Workers will be a Heaven-set workplace comedy based on Simon Rich's book "What in God's Name", starring:

• Daniel Radcliffe - Craig
• Steve Buscemi - God
• Geraldine Viswanathan - Eliza
• Karan Soni - Sanjay
• Sasha Compère - Laura
• Jon Bass - Sam
• Lolly Adefope - Rosie
• Mike Dunston - Laron Ron St. Claire
• Caleb Emery - Zach
• Theresa O'Shea - Nana
• Joey Thurmond - Mailroom Supervisor
• Parisa Johnston - Peg
• Kevin Wayne - Huge Man

Miracle Workers

Radcliffe will play Craig, a low-level angel responsible for handling all of humanity's prayers, and Steve Buscemi will play Craig's boss God, who has pretty much checked out and is ready to move on to his next project. To prevent Earth's destruction, Craig and fellow angel Eliza (Geraldine Viswanathan) must answer a seemingly unanswerable prayer: help two humans fall in love.

Whiskey Cavalier

After his emotional breakup, super FBI agent Will Chase is assigned to work with hard-hearted CIA agent Frankie Trowbridge. An FBI agent and his new partner, a CIA operative, embark on missions to save the world but have to put up with each other first.

The title of the tv series itself sounds so intriguing, it refers to a code for the initials/name of the main character, Will (Whiskey) Chase (Cavalier). The same is done with the names of other agents in the series.

Cast includes:

• Scott Foley - Will Chase
• Lauren Cohan - Frankie Trowbridge
• Ana Ortiz - Susan Samson
• Tyler James Williams - Edgar Standish
• Vir Das - Jai Datta
• Dylan Walsh - Alex Ollerman
• Josh Hopkins - Ray Prince
• David Fynn - Todd

Whiskey Cavalier is a high-octane, hour-long action drama that follows the life of FBI agent Will Chase aka Whiskey Cavalier (Scandal star Scott Foley) and CIA operative Frankie Trowbridge aka Fiery Tribune (Lauren Cohan, aka Maggie from The Walking Dead) who will lead an inter-agency team, full of flawed and funny, yet heroic spies who are out to save the world. Whiskey Cavalier is a perfect blend of action, suspense, comedy, and romance. 

Warner TV is known as the Home of the Superfans and is the No. 1 English general entertainment channel in both national urban and Mega Manila. Its shows include The Big Bang Theory, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow, Young Sheldon, Gotham and s raft of blockbuster movies.

Cath "Whiskey Cavalier" every Monday and "Miracle Workers" every Wednesday starting March 6, on Warner TV on SKYCable Channel 34 and Cignal Channel 235.

For more information about Warner TV and its programs, please visit WarnerTVAsia.com.

Let your kids shine at SM Little Stars 2019

“Through SM, Little Stars, we celebrate our commitment to making mall-going experiences fun,nurturing, and rewarding for the whole family, and to spark moments that kids will treasure today andin the coming years." ~Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for Marketing

SM Little Stars 2019

For over 12 years of celebrating talented Filipino kids, this year new celebrity host, judges, was introduced and SM Little Stars Achievers at SM Megamall took place on February 27, 2019.

SM Little Stars 2019

SM Supermalls unboxes a bigger and more exciting SM Little Stars as the kiddie-talent search Php9.5 million worth of prize includes:

• 2 brand new Chevrolet Sail
• Trips for 2 to China
• National University college scholarships
• An exclusive contract with Regal Artist Management
• Php 100,000.00 worth of cash
• SM GCs

SM Little Stars achievers who are now making waves in showbiz include 2016 Boy Grand Winner Marcus Cabais, who exhibits talent as a movie and theater actor, playing the role of the Young Simba at The Lion King The Musical. While 

SM Little Stars 2019

2014 Girl Grand Winner Chun Sa Jung wins fans with her acting prowess as a mainstay of a kiddie comedy show on TV.

SM Little Stars 2019

2013 Boy Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma who was awarded as WCOPA Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World in 2017 and has now become part of primetime variety shows.

SM Little Stars 2019

Esang De Torres

SM Little Stars 2019

Lei Andre Navarro

SM Little Stars 2019

SM Little Stars 2019

2016 Girl Grand Winner turned commercial model Sheena Kirtsten Bentoy who plays as the Young Nala in Disney's The Lion King The Musical Asian Tour.

The kids will get the chance to be trained by celebrity mentors and entertainment gurus in a series of workshops to develop their talent, boost their confidence, and encourage them to make new friends other participants.

SM Little Stars 2019

Let your kids shine at this year’s SM Little Stars! Auditions start on April 6 in select SM malls nationwide. For more information, visit www.smlittlestars.com.

SM Little Stars 2019

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

SM Little Stars 2019

Let kids shine at SM Little Stars 2019

Ricoh Philippines Partners in Empowering Learning and Development with Phoenix Publishing House!

“We have found through the Alagang Phoenix initiatives that we share common goals and aspirations – the betterment of society through the activities of the businesses that we run. It is also for this reason that this partnership is very close to my heart.  And I hope that with this joint program we may make some impact on our youth and on our country.” ~Eric Sulit, president, and CEO of Ricoh Philippines

Ricoh Philippines Partners in Empowering Learning & Development with Phoenix Publishing House

Phoenix Publishing House Inc. has recently partnered with technology and imaging company Ricoh Philippines in empowering learning and development of various mission schools in the country.  The partnership happened last February 13, 2019, at the Phoenix Publishing House Inc. office in Alegria Lounge, Quezon City.

Mr. Eric Sulit, President, and CEO of Ricoh Philippines

With a commitment to continuously improve the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of educators, the Phoenix Publishing House established Alagang Phoenix, the company’s CSR arm that conducts training and workshops for the academe. With the ultimate goal of aiding students to be successful in their chosen fields, the Alagang Phoenix program helps in promoting development and learning initiatives with the latest trends in the global education system. 

Dr. Cynthia Arcadio, Executive Director of PPH Education Foundation

Ricoh Philippines, on the other hand, is determined to help materialize a sustainable society. Driven with the company’s sustainability message, Driving Sustainability for Our Future, Ricoh pursues its sustainability goals through a balance of 3Ps – Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment). 

Mr. Carlos Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House

Ricoh Philippines has also been a fervent advocate of environmental protection and conservation through its Eco-Action Campaign, an annual global initiative focused on caring for the environment. Also part of the company’s CSR initiatives is its Adopt-a-School program.

The partnership of Ricoh Philippines and Phoenix Publishing House through the Alagang Phoenix program is an opportunity to usher in the development of schools in several communities and dioceses in the country.

House in Quezon City, Ricoh Philippines turned over its donation of multifunction printers and projectors that are deemed to be of great help to the recipient schools. Present at the turnover ceremony were representatives of the recipient schools including Rev. Fr. Elmer Jose Dizon, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Educational System, Msgr. Mauel Bravo Jr., superintendent of the  Archdiocesan of Lingayen Dagupan Catholic Schools, Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, superintendent the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System, Inc., and the Msgr. Michael Feliciano Veneracion, superintendent of Cabanatuan Catholic Educational System (CACES). 

Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo of Imus, Cavite shared that the donation will go a long way in improving the quality of education in their schools.

“We are truly grateful to Ricoh Philippines for this partnership. These devices will be of great value to the recipients and will help modernize the schools’ systems.” ~Ms. Lynda R. Sibal, Phoenix Publishing House Company President

For more information about Alagang Phoenix and Ricoh Philippines’ programs, please visit www.phoenix.com.ph and www.ricoh.com.ph.