Chief Strategic Marketing Officer Greg Martin hands over the travel certificate to the winner, Kath Madula

All it took was her dreams, five referrals, and a pledge. Now, Kathleen Madula gets to experience the rewards of financial security as the grand winner of Sun Life Financial Philippines’ (SLFP) It’s Time to Tell a Friend promo. The island paradise of Boracay awaits her for a 3-days and 2-nights stay at the Boracay Regency Lagoon.

However, the trip is mere frosting on top of her financial cake. This advocate believes in the value of insurance, investment, and choosing the right partner for a brighter tomorrow. And her journey begins by basking under the warmth of the Sun.

A commitment

Even before learning of the contest, Madula was already thinking of ways on how to grow her money. Then she remembered the It’s Time billboard along C-5 and quickly visited the website, where she learned more about investment opportunities available in the country.

“Money is inevitable in this life we live in. We have the right to enjoy our life and money helps you achieve your dreams,” said Madula. She plans to avail of a health insurance plan, considering it a priority. Moreover, she wants to provide financial security for her family through an insurance policy.

Plan of action

According to her pledge, her dreams include setting up her own business and investing in real estate. Of course, she does not want her dreams to remain as mere wishful thinking. So Madula is now practicing the art of managing her finances. In fact, she has her own breakdown of funds, which she follows as much as possible

Towards financial freedom

With her plan already put into place, Madula recognizes how discipline and a dependable partner can pave the way to financial freedom. For her insurance and investment needs, she would entrust her future with SLFP. “Sun Life is running the business for more than a hundred years already. I’ve heard thru friends as well as read in papers and online positive feedback about this company. That’s why I’m very much interested with Sun Life,” she explained.

Madula also encourages fellow young professionals to take the first step in fulfilling and protecting their dreams. There are financial products that could suit everyone’s needs, including references that can be freely accessed online, such as the It’s Time advocacy.

“One only needs to stand up and make an effort to learn about it. It’s not as hard as it seems to be. You’ll be thankful once you learn how to manage your money well. It’s time to take action and make your dreams into reality,” she advised.

Blazing a trail with the country’s very first financial literacy advocacy, Sun Life Financial Philippines (SLFP) invites everyone to first register as an advocate the through the www.itstime.com.ph site. Upon completion, refer at least five friends and post a pledge of personal financial commitment in order to qualify for the promo.

Open to Philippine residents only, the latest It’s Time contest runs until June 20, 2010. Winners will be drawn via electronic raffle on June 25, 2010 at 5/F, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The prizes are not convertible to cash.

One grand prize winner will receive a travel certificate for 3 days and 2 nights accommodation at the Boracay Regency Lagoon together with a round-trip airfare for two, including round-trip terminal fees as well as land and boat transfers from the hotel to the airport. Travel period is from June to October 15, 2010 only. Other prizes at stake include three Rudy Project watches, five SLFP messenger bags, ten SLFP desktop calendars, and twenty SLFP diaries. An entry can only win once in the promo.

“It’s Time wants to educate and guide Filipinos about the value of good financial planning. And we encourage our advocates to also carry the good news of financial freedom, with the trip to Boracay as a very sweet incentive in helping us with our advocacy,” said SLFP Marketing Head Mylene Lopa.

For more information, visit www.itstime.com.ph.

When will I finally have the time and energy to do that?

That was one of my statements during a coffee break with a girlfriend — a rare event in my life that constitutes of a hurried gulp, snippets of chika and recounts of what I have to do for the day.

Let me tell you about myself. I work in one of the multinational firms at the heart (heat is more like it) of Makati. I wake up at 5 AM, prepare my kids’ meals, check if they’ve gotten their assignments done correctly, send them off to school, kiss the hubby off to work and attend to my responsibilities as head of the Retail Department of the company I work for. The rest of my day is a blur of boardroom drama, cracking the invisible whip and a plethora of mind-boggling decision-making, process meetings, brainstorming sessions and surprise! More meetings.

At roughly 6 PM, my battle with the maze we know as EDSA begins and ends at around 8 PM., during which I call Yaya Nimfa to tell her what to cook for dinner. As I arrive home, I kick my heels off and plop myself into the sofa for about five minutes until the kids start making lambing mommy for playtime. After tucking them all in to sleep, fatigue of course becomes history at the sight of them—-until hubby calls me and turns on the charm for a back rub and a massage. I attend to my nightly skin care rituals and drift off to a six-hour sleep if I’m lucky — two if I am not,

Yes, this is my life. AND the vicious cycle starts again.

You see, it’s sort of an understatement to say being a woman — a working mother, in these times. While our husbands toil during the day (God bless them) and dive into sleep after, we toil during the same hours, make sure the kids are taken cared of, the household menus planned, and the financial decisions made and the husband happy. It was about the same time I realized that when the hubby did surprise me one night with the sweetest gift ever. He gave me what seemed like the best gift ever next to my diamond solitaire Cartier ring: a life insurance plan.

The whole idea seemed a little morbid at first, I admit. After all, this was my death we are going to cover! But of course, hubby reasons it’s more than that. But when hubby relayed to me what his advisor friend told him, I finally realized I’ve been denying myself the care I could have gotten from this Sun Maiden plan.

Truth be told, it’s been a while since I’ve declared a real Me, Me, Me Day. I miss not being able to have my pedicure in peace. For a while now, I haven’t had a pedicure session because my fingers are in perpetual relationship with my Blackberry. Some days, I catch myself daydreaming of a weekend locked up in a spa, relaxed and pampered beyond imagination. I dream of not having to do (rather manage, sorry Yaya) household chores and my husband taking charge of the kids’ needs so I can take the break of a lifetime.

While pondering over this, I got to thinking more about the Sun Maiden policy my hubby bought for me. According to Ace, hubby’s advisor friend, this Sun Maiden plan gives me free diagnostic/preventive procedures for the first 10 years, such as pap smears, mammography, ovarian cancer tumor marker and other female-only procedures — on top of the life insurance coverage and financial assistance for female critical illnesses that it has. Oh and there’s a benefit, too, for up to 3 childbirths – and that is more than enough for me!

At least now, I feel secure that I can remain healthy by getting all those procedures done and the financial assistance I have if I get struck by a deadly disease (God forbid!) off my worries (and off my expenses!) . And really, I feel like I’m being rewarded for being a woman-in-charge!

I’m so glad hubby got this plan for me. It just seems logical after all. I take care of my family and work and this Sun Maiden takes care of me.

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Sun Maiden debuts in the June issue of Working Mom with Pia Magalona as its endorser:

Time to Tell a Friend Promo Mechanics

How to join:
(This raffle is open to Philippine residents only.)

1. Register through the It’s Time! website: http://www.itstime.com.ph/tell/, by providing a valid email address and your full name (as appearing in your birth certificate).

2. Wait for the confirmation email in your inbox. As soon as your registration is complete, you may start referring the email addresses of your friends. At least five (5) valid email addresses must be referred to qualify for the promo.

Sun Life Financial agency force, members of the Marketing Team, and all SLFP employees with the position Department Head and up, and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are disqualified from this promo. These persons and their email addresses are also considered as invalid referrals for purposes of this promo.

3. Aside from referring at least 5 email addresses of your friends, you must also post your story on the advocate page, http://www.itstime.com.ph/be-an-advocate/ to qualify for the promo. This means that you must post a pledge of personal financial commitment (e.g. It’s Time for me to start saving more of my salary).

4. One (1) grand prize winner will receive a travel certificate for 3 days and 2 nights accommodation at Boracay Regency Lagoon and round-trip airfare for two, including round-trip terminal fees, land and boat transfers from the hotel to the airport. This promo is valid from May 13, 2010 to June 20, 2010 only. Travel period is from May 2010 to October 15, 2010 only.

5. Only one (1) grand prize winner will be drawn via electronic raffle, with thirty- eight (38) minor winners of Sun Life items, (i.e., three (3) winners of Rudy Project analog watches, ten (10) winners of SLF Desktop Calendars, five (5) winners of SLF messenger bags and twenty (20) winners of SLF diaries). An entry can only win once in the promo. An entry who has already won is deemed ineligible to win other prizes thereafter. For example, if a previous winner’s entry has been picked again, his/her entry will be deemed invalid and another winner will be drawn. Sun Life Financial has the exclusive right to determine the validity and eligibility of any entry. Taxes on the prizes, if any, shall be for the sole account of the winners.

6. Raffle draw will be on June 25, 2010 at 5/F, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The prizes are not convertible to cash.

7. Winners will be notified via a phone call and email coming from a representative of Sun Life Financial, with information on how to claim their prizes. Winners are required to present at least 2 valid photo-bearing IDs. Prizes must be claimed at 5/F, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

8. If a winner cannot claim his/her prize personally, his/her representative must bring his/her 2 valid photo-bearing IDs, notarized special power of attorney authorizing the representative to claim the prize, and the winner’s 2 valid photo-bearing IDs. Minors below 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must likewise present at least 2 valid photo-bearing IDs. Prizes that remain unclaimed within thirty (30) days from raffle draw are deemed forfeited in favor of Sun Life Financial Philippines.

9. The winners must agree to authorize Sun Life Financial Philippines to use his/her name and image in any publicity release or advertising material that may be made in relation to this promo in any medium (TV, Radio, Print) without limit as to the time and number of exposures.

It’s Time! aims to address the market’s growing need for information and guidance about financial planning. Through a multi-media approach, Sun Life wants the public to act with more urgency in fulfilling their financial goals.

Digital messengers

Aptly called Blog Time, the affair came at the heels of a nationwide mall campaign that aims to cultivate awareness and empower Filipinos to achieve financial freedom.

Bloggers from diverse backgrounds snap away as Pia Magalona stepped into the front.

“We believe that bloggers are today’s thought leaders, and they can help spread the powerful message of financial planning through their digital medium,” said Sun Life marketing services head Mylene Lopa.

"So how exactly do we get to our ideal lifestyle? I have two words for you: saving and investing," says Bam Aquino.

Pia fight back tears as she recounts how she and Francis have thought they would be growing old together.

Hannah Villasis and Vince Golangco pose with the advocates at the booth.

Bloggers Jenny and Jeff Aspacio write down their pledges at the It's Time! booth

Pia shares stories and laughs over Italian food with some of the female bloggers.

Bam Aquino, on the other hand, enjoys bonding with other bloggers.

As a social entrepreneur, Aquino imparted the lesson of saving and investment, a value nurtured by his own parents. On the other hand, Magalona espoused the benefits of life insurance, which helped her family recover from the early loss of her husband. Both shared personal stories and even tips on how to start one’s own journey to prosperity.

On the advocacy

To encourage active online participation in the advocacy, the Tell-a-Friend program allows an advocate to invite their friends to also sign up. Prizes at stake are Rudy Project watches, SunPIOLOgy calendars, and Kulay Pinoy diaries.

1. Visit www.itstime.com.ph and sign up as advocate.

2. Specify your name, age, address, and telephone number in the form so that we could contact you.

2. Click the “Invite-A-Friend” then enter the e-mail addresses of your cyber-friends.

3. Every referral who signs up gives you one raffle point.

4. Raffle will be held every 2 weeks.

Grand Prize:

Rudy Project Watch

10 Kulay Pinoy Diaries

10 SunPiology Calendars

Winners will be notified thru email or phone.

Aside from the online promo, the It’s Time Challenge invites mall-goers to Check, Commit, and Carry Out for a chance to win instant prizes and a trip for two to Switzerland.

Related Links:

http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/03/03/sun-life-financial-its-time/
http://fitzvillafuerte.com/the-personal-finance-habits-of-filipinos.html
http://boy-kuripot.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-time-for-sun-life.html

When Zenaida Bangloy heard the news that she won the P 120,000 It’s Time starter fund contest, she refused to believe her luck. After all, this hard-working Igorot knitter loops beautiful creations with her own hands. And for such a blessing to simply fall on her lap, it filled her with overwhelming gratitude and an unwavering belief for a brighter future ahead.

The Path of Prosperity stems a new road from here. Zenaida Bangloy (center), a 48 yr.old Mountain Province native wins the Php 100,000 pot money (with additional Php 20,000 raised from the ITM cards) from It’s Time’s raffle promo last December 2009. Together with Zenaida is Marketing Services Head Mylene Lopa and her SLF Financial Advisor from Redwood, Jocelyn Audar.

Stitches and riches
A Mt. Province native, Zenaida and her family live in an Igorot community situated around Cainta. They knit bonnets and other novelties that they sell in big markets like Baclaran. And to augment their humble income, the Bangloys also maintain a simple sari-sari store.

But what makes this particular household remarkable is their faith in the merits of insurance and investment. Prior to winning her BizFund, Zenaida availed of SunProtect10, which she will finish paying for this coming April. She also ventured into investment with her latest acquisition of a Variable Universal Life policy.

So when asked what she plans to do with her prize money, Zenaida’s answer was not surprising. “Para po sa business. At para rin sa dagdag na insurance ng pamilya (For our business. And for additional coverage for my family),” she said. Also, she found it much easier to get a loan from her insurance dividends as compared to banks.

Tapestry of advocates
In a country of low insurance penetration and shallow investment appreciation, Zenaida demonstrates a very mature and savvy attitude towards her finances. Her Sun Life agent even revealed that she never missed a payment, even during a lamentable period of neglect where no agent was catering to her needs.

Of course, it does not hurt that the community where she belongs also recognizes the value of financial freedom thru insurance and investment opportunities. Surrounded by financially responsible neighbors, Zenaida is now reaping and enjoying the fruits of her labor, a virtue that she eventually shared with her children.

And what will be her advice for Filipinos who are yet to find the right needle to stitch their financial tapestries? “Hindi niyo alam kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Mas mabuti nang handa kayo para sa inyong pamilya (You never know what can happen. So it’s better to be prepared, especially for your family),” shared Zenaida.

MANILA, Philippines — Nine out of 10 Filipinos have nothing to bequeath to their loved ones when they pass away, thus leaving many young dependents with an uncertain future, research done by the financial giant Sun Life of Canada shows.

Sun Life’s latest study on lifestyle, attitudes and relationships (SOLAR) also showed that 45 percent of senior Filipino citizens—those aged 65 and above—become a burden to relatives after retirement while 30 percent are dependent on charity and 22 percent continue to work instead of enjoying retirement.

Only 2 percent of retired Filipinos could be considered financially dependent, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines Inc.) president Riza Mantaring said in a press briefing on Friday.

“The statistics aren’t very good,” Mantaring said. “Filipinos don’t understand as well as they should the importance of preparing for their future.”

The urgency of boosting Filipinos’ financial literacy, Mantaring said, was the reason why Sun Life started seven months ago the “It’s Time!” campaign, seeking to bring to a broader market base the importance of preparing for the future.

The It's Time! booth opens at Shangri La Plaza Mall

The latest SOLAR study, which was based on a survey of 1,200 respondents from various income segments last year, showed that health ranks among the top concerns for Filipinos. But while 76 percent of Filipinos are concerned about paying for health treatment, an overwhelming 85 percent have to dip into their savings when they get sick instead of depending on health insurance.

Insurance penetration also remains low in the country even in the presumably financially savvy “AB” income segment (45 percent).

Continue reading here: http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20100206-251545

MANILA, Philippines–Shortly after master rapper Francis Magalona lost his eight-month battle with cancer at 44 years old, his wife, Pia Magalona, was told she had a check waiting for her at life insurer Sun Life of Canada.

The mother of eight was overwhelmed.

Her late husband made big bucks from his show business career and was fortunately proactive in his financial affairs, covering Pia and their children in case of uncertainties.

Life insurance is a policy that protects against financial loss, when the insured person dies.

Insurance is paid to named beneficiaries in exchange for timely payment of premiums at regular intervals, or in lump sums.

Continue reading here: http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100207-251864/Pia-Magalona-on-a-quest-for-financial-freedom

And just like most regulatory bodies, the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) recognizes corporations and organizations that pour out efforts in making sure that what they communicate to the rest of the world is something that is borne out of truth.

Don Peji, Creative and Digital Communications Manager, accepts the award of merit
from PANA Officers.

Last January 28, 2010, Sun Life Financial Philippines was one of the names that the Philippine Association of National Advertisers has recognized. The PANATA Awards’ aim was to recognize member companies who have effectively communicated their brand by promoting exemplary Filipino values. It also seeks to encourage member companies to develop outstanding communications campaigns using Filipino values as content. This project aspires to further enhance PANA’s advocacy of upholding “Truth in Advertising.” For 2009, Sun Life’s It’s Time! Campaign garners an award of merit.

Currently, Sun Life’s financial literacy campaign, It’s Time! is making its waves ripple across media channels, with its newest TVC featuring PBA cager James Yap and son Baby James, print ads and soon, radio and billboards, as well.

*from the PANA website.