Obiena joins the 6-meter club

June 11, 2023 | 6:07 pm

IT WAS just a matter of time before EJ Obiena could accomplish what no other Asian before him has done.

It came one sunny Saturday in Bergen, Norway where the Filipino World Championship bronze medalist reached the Mount Everest of men’s pole vault by breaching the six-meter plateau in an exhilarating performance in the Sparebanken Vest Bergen Jump Challenge.

In one fell swoop, Mr. Obiena leapfrogged to 6.0 meters that set new national and Asian records and buried the old one at 5.94m that he registered a year ago when he snared a historic bronze at the Worlds in Portland, Oregon.

It also sealed the unchallenged Southeast Asian Games gold winner the crown as Americans KC Lightfoot, who had an identical 6.0m but got it only on the second attempt, and Sam Kendricks, who had a 5.88m, wound up second and third, respectively.

And because of it, Mr. Obiena can now breathe the same rarified air that only 27 others could, including Hall of Famer Sergey Bubka, who had a 6.15m, and the sport’s demigod in the almighty Armand Duplantis, who owns the world record at 6.22m.

It was made more impressive by the fact that Mr. Obiena was the only Asian to ever achieve such a feat.

“It all started with a dream to jump over 5m and set the national record to now be the 28^th person all-time to go over the 6m barrier and the first ever Asian/Filipino,” said Mr. Obiena.

“It took a few moments to sink in. But when it did, tears began to fall, there was no greater shoulder to cry on than my coach, Vitaly (Petrov). Couldn’t have done it without him.”

“Still a lot of work ahead and still a long season. Just happy and proud to be part of the 6m Club,” he added.

After it had all sank in, Mr. Obiena, who is chasing a spot in next year’s Paris Games, may have realized he had sent a clear message that for sure Mr. Duplantis and the rest of the world could read — He is coming for all of them. — Joey Villar

Gilas out to spring surprises in Women’s Asia Cup

June 11, 2023 | 6:07 pm

DUKE UNIVERSITY ace Vanessa de Jesus joins the Gilas core. — GODUKE.COM

GILAS Pilipinas will not troop to Australia only to play and participate in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

Tired of mere participation, the Filipinas are out to spring surprises and make some noise as per the marching orders of head coach Pat Aquino for the regional showpiece on June 26 to July 3 in Sydney.

“We really have to wake up. We’ve been here for the longest time. We can’t just play here. We need to improve,” Mr. Aquino, also the concurrent program director, told The STAR ahead of the team’s departure this week.

Gilas, since its promotion in 2017, has been settling for seventh-place finishes in order to stay in the elite Division A featuring eight of the Asia’s best women teams.

The Nationals are bracketed in the stacked Group B with five-time champion Japan, host Australia and Chinese Taipei this time but Mr. Aquino is undeterred in a bid to reach new heights, especially with the event serving as a Paris Olympics qualifier.

“We have to come out and play our game and show them who we are and why we’re here. We were not there just to play,” he added, also mentioning their SEA Games’ silver medal finish as added motivation.

“Most of the time, iyun ang tendency. There’s always a chance if we play our game well and we play together, and who knows, we can make suprises.”

Gilas is leaving no stone unturned to achieve that goal with a series of tune-up games against UAAP juniors runner-up Adamson boys team and Azusa Pacific University from the United States before holding a week-long camp in Melbourne starting Saturday.

In Melbourne where Duke University ace Vanessa de Jesus will join the SEA Games’ Gilas core, the team will play two to three friendlies against Australian clubs before flying to Sydney. — John Bryan Ulanday

Ardina slips to joint 13^th going to Shoprite Classic final round

June 11, 2023 | 6:06 pm

AFTER an opening four-under 67, Dottie Ardina slowed down with a 70 and slipped to joint 13^th going to the final round of the Shoprite LPGA Classic Saturday at the Seaview Bay Course in Galloway, New Jersey.

The Filipina ace produced a birdie and two bogeys in the first 11 holes but gained shots in the 12^th and 13^th and went bogey-free the rest of the way to ensure an under-par card.

From three down in Round 1, Ms. Ardina now faces a six-shot deficit in the last 18 holes of the $1.75-million event with her 36-hole tally of 137.

Swedish leader Dani Holmqvist, with her second-round 67, stayed on top with 131 with Korean Hyo Joo Kim (132 after a 65) breathing down her neck.

South African Ashleigh Buhai (65) sat at solo third at 134 followed by a big group sharing fourth — American Brianna Do (64), Thai Atthaya Thitikul (67), German Chiara Noja (67), Finnish Matilda Castren (67), Chinese Yan Liu (70) and Korean Jenny Shin (70) at 135.

Japanese Ayaka Furue (68), Korean Soo Bon Joo (70) and Swedish Anna Nordqvist (70) occupied 10^th to 12^th at 136, one-up on Ardina, Korean Jeongeun Lee6 (68) and English Georgia Hall (71).

Bianca Pagdanganan matched Ms. Ardina’s 70 to jack up her standing to joint 43^rd after starting the day at No. 53.

Ms. Pagdanganan had two bogeys against a birdie in her first nine holes but closed her round with a three-birdie, one-bogey card to improve on her first-round 71. — Olmin Leyba

Jubilant Man City overcome Inter to complete the treble

June 11, 2023 | 6:06 pm

UEFA Champions League-Manchester City — FINAL JOY WITH A TROPHY — Manchester City winning the UEFA Champions League Final after beating Inter Milan (1-) at Ataturk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. — REUTERS/ MAURIZIO BORSARI/AFLO

ISTANBUL — Manchester City finally expanded their domestic domination across the continent as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 with a second-half Rodri goal to win the Champions League for the first time and complete a rare treble on a nervous Saturday evening.

Pre-match talk of a stroll to European soccer’s most-cherished crown was off the mark, however, and it took a precise Rodri finish after 68 minutes to crack Inter’s resistance.

Even then City’s massed ranks had their heads in their hands as Inter threatened to drag a cagey final into extra time with goalkeeper Ederson making two superb late saves.

An eruption of joy greeted the final whistle with Man City’s players sprinting towards their fans in the Ataturk Stadium.

City not only won their first European trophy since claiming the now-defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970, they also became only the second English team to win a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, matching Manchester United’s sweep in 1999 when City were in the third tier.

Inter, bidding to lift the trophy for a fourth time, stifled Mr. Guardiola’s side with a superbly-executed display of traditional Italian catenaccio, especially in the first half in which City’s Kevin De Bruyne went off injured.

Even Man City’s Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland found himself shackled, but in the end Spanish midfielder Rodri, starting his 52^nd game of the season, came to the rescue.

City have now won 17 trophies since the 2008 takeover, although there is a cloud on the horizon with the club faced with more than 100 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations dating back to 2009.

On Saturday alongside the Bosphorous, that was the last thing City’s joyous fans cared about as they serenaded their side with club anthem Blue Moon a collection of hits by Oasis, whose brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are staunch Manchester City fans.

In finally guiding City to the European Holy Grail after gut-wrenching near misses, Mr. Guardiola became the first manager to achieve two trebles in European football, having done the Spanish equivalent with Barcelona in 2009.

He has delivered 12 major trophies for City since 2016 and, with the Champions League jinx broken, any sense of inferiority they may have felt to established European royalty like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool has been swept away.

Mr. Haaland had an effort superbly saved by Andre Onana, but Mr. Guardiola fretted on the touchline — even more so when Mr. De Bruyne was forced off in the 36^th minute.

City were sloppy at times with passes going astray, one of which by Manuel Akanji playing in Lautaro Martinez who selfishly failed to pick out substitute Romelu Lukaku.

Mr. Lukaku went even closer when his point-blank header was somehow kept out by Ederson’s shin and the Brazilian made another save from Francesco Acerbi.

It was City’s night, and the celebrations will be long and loud, while for Inter there was no repeat of their surprise 2010 win over Bayern Munich. — Reuters

Defending champion Iga Swiatek reigns supreme at French Open

June 11, 2023 | 6:05 pm

PARIS — Poland’s Iga Swiatek continued her dominance on Parisian clay with a third French Open crown in the last four years, defeating unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova 6-2 5-7 6-4 in a thrilling final to capture her fourth Grand Slam title on Saturday.

Ms. Swiatek has now lost only two out of 26 Grand Slam matches since moving to world number one in April last year and the 22-year-old became the youngest woman to bag consecutive trophies at Roland Garros since Monica Seles, who won from 1990-92.

The US Open champion also joined Seles and Naomi Osaka as the only women in the Open Era to emerge victorious in each of their first four major finals, but she was made to work for it by a determined Ms. Muchova.

“First of all congratulations to Karolina,” said Ms. Swiatek, who became the first woman to successfully defend the Roland Garros women’s singles title since Justine Henin in 2007.

“I knew it would be a tough match. I hope you’re going to have many more finals. Congratulations to your team. I know how much teams are important I wouldn’t be here without my team.

“To my team, sorry for being such a pain in the… I’ll try to do better. I know we won this tournament, but it’s not easy. Being on tour for two weeks, it’s tough. Thank you to my family as well; so many came from Poland and I feel the love.

“It’s not just about the performance, I really love being here it’s my favourite place on the tour.”

Ms. Swiatek worked the angles superbly from the baseline and blazed ahead 3-0 on a warm and windy afternoon on Court Philippe Chatrier before world number 43 Ms. Muchova settled the nerves, got on the board and threatened to break back.

Ms. Muchova had chances in the fifth game of the first set but the 26-year-old struggled to finish them off and found herself in more trouble in the next, before bailing herself out with a tight hold thanks to a delicate drop shot and backhand winner.

Ms. Muchova, who prevailed the only time the pair faced off in Prague in 2019, launched herself into Swiatek’s second serve but the Czech sprayed far too many errors and allowed her opponent to go up a set in 44 minutes with another break.

Ms. Swiatek continued to benefit from Ms. Muchova’s mistakes from the baseline and at the net to build a commanding 3-0 lead in the second set but the Czech fired a rocket of a forehand to break back and then level at 3-3.

Ms. Muchova began to grow in confidence and attacked with more accuracy to heap pressure on Ms. Swiatek, who hit a double fault to gift her opponent the opportunity to even things up in the next game but there was yet another twist in the tale.

After breaking back to make it 5-5, Ms. Swiatek surrendered her serve again but saved two set points before Ms. Muchova pulled off a magical volley at full stretch to set up another and finally forced a decider.

Ms. Muchova was brimming with self-belief, having edged Aryna Sabalenka in a three-setter in the semifinals, and went ahead in the final set, but Ms. Swiatek shrugged off the early break and wrestled back the momentum by winning three straight games.

The top seed dropped serve in the seventh game but broke back instantly and produced a tight hold to inch closer to the title, which she wrapped up when Ms. Muchova double faulted.

That sparked emotional scenes on center court as Ms. Swiatek shed tears of joy before joining her family in the crowd for a celebration.

In a moment that set social media alight later, she dropped the lid of the cup as she waved the trophy in the air.

For Ms. Muchova, it was a first defeat against a player ranked in the top three in six meetings.

“I’ll keep it short because it’s bit emotional,” she said, with tears flowing and the crowd chanting her name. “It was so close yet so far but I played one of the best, Iga. I want to congratulate you out loud again and your team.”

Ms. Swiatek’s third win in Paris put her level with modern day three-time champions Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said of the Pole: “She’s getting this special relationship with Roland Garros over the years. She’s still young … and we can imagine she will lift the trophy many more times here.” — Reuters

Wasted opportunity

June 11, 2023 | 6:05 pm

Hardly anybody gave Karolina Muchova any chance when she faced Iga Swiatek for the women’s singles championship at the French Open last Saturday. It wasn’t simply that she carried a largely undistinguished record in 10 years as a pro to her first Grand Slam final; she reached her highest world ranking in 2021, and, since then, endured a roller-coaster ride that had her 24 spots lower to 43^rd heading into the title clash. It was that she faced the clear-cut World Number One and reigning queen of Roland Garros, whose relatively easy journey to the set-to included four bagels and no loss of sets.

Still, it would have been foolhardy to contend that Muchova was not prepared for the challenge. She had a harder time en route, but if there was anything she showed throughout, it was that she made up for in resolve what she lacked in talent. In fact, she was likewise highly motivated, having proven her worth with a hard-fought victory against second seed Aryna Sabelanka in the semifinal round; the three-set triumph featured two tiebreakers and 12 games in the decider. Which is to say the confidence she bore across the net from Swiatek was far from irrational.

In the end, though, Muchova finished just a little short of her objective. Considering how her bridesmaid finish was crafted, she could well be tempted to note the wasted opportunity. Indeed, she led 2-0 and 4-3 in the third set, providing fodder for myriad What Ifs and Could Have Beens. Nonetheless, to engage in regret would be tantamount to wallowing in pity — and, certainly, there is no shame in her effort. And, in retrospect, she gains what she hitherto did not have: experience. No doubt, she will do better the next time around.

True, tennis is such an exacting sport that Muchova cannot be sure of getting another opportunity. Not even Swiatek, with a perfect 4-0 slate in major finals, has that luxury. All the same, the best that she can do is do her best. Which she did, and which she will. And the next time she finds herself under the klieg lights, she can rely on institutional memory to guide her. This is what she bought with her accomplishment — a priceless perk into the realm of royalty, and a lasting longing that should motivate her to exceed herself anew.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Elevate your gaming experience to the next level with this vivo smartphone

June 10, 2023 | 10:00 am

Attention to all the gamers out there: vivo‘s got the smartphone for you! Whether it’s Mobile Legends or Call of Duty, the vivo Y35 will give you the next-level mobile gaming experience that you deserve!

Since the inception of high-powered mobile devices that can perform heavyweight jobs, playing games on mobile phones has become a popular activity for Filipino gen z and millennials! Packed with powerhouse components, the Y35 offers the technology that is considered to be the absolute best to fulfill the Filipino gamers’ expectations!

Need more convincing? Whether you consider yourself a casual gamer or a competitive player, these are the solid reasons you have to get a hold of the vivo Y35:

Scale up your storage to meet your gaming needs

Got a strong craving for different mobile games but don’t have enough space? For true-blue gamers, this smartphone’s astounding 256GB ROM & 8GB RAM, plus up to 8GB extended RAM gives you access to a massive storage, letting you download and keep multiple heavy-duty gaming apps at will. To add, it speeds up the loading time with the bigger and faster RAM that comes along with it!

Get rid of lags in all of your intense gameplays

No more slowdown! A great gaming experience heavily relies on the processing power of the smartphone that is in your hands! Presenting, the smartphone equipped with Snapdragon 680: the processor of your dreams. This allows you to run large-scale apps easily and smoothly, ensuring no lags!

Aim for bigger gaming goals with bigger screen

Increase your gaming potential with a larger and higher-resolution screen. The vivo Y35 boasts 6.58″ LCD FHD+ Display with 1080P Resolution, offering you a larger display so you can take advantage of being able to play your games more immersively versus your other opponents. Plus, the clearer and better display guarantees you a totally improved gameplay!

If that’s not enough, with its 90Hz Refresh Rate, you can truly enjoy a more responsive and adaptive experience, whether you’re diving your enemies’ towers in ML or pushing rivals on COD. Matched with its Esports Mode and Do Not Disturb feature, you’ll be at the top of your game without any distraction!

Enjoy gaming for longer periods of time

Gaming can be a high-intensity activity that can turn into a long-running session! So if you consider yourself a passionate gamer, you’ll opt for a device that can support extended gaming hours! Equipped with 5000 mAh battery, the Y35 allows you to play your games for 7.05 hours without any anxiety! At the same time, it offers faster charging speed with its 44W FlashCharge component that permits you to achieve 70% of power in just 34 minutes, instead of hours!

If you’re on the hunt for a powerful smartphone so you can enhance your gaming skills and bring your A-game to the table, the vivo Y35 is the one for you!

Buy this vivo phone at the vivo official website, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok. You can also visit any vivo kiosks and concept stores nationwide to get a unit for yourself ASAP!

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As Puregold Channel’s Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile hits more than a million of views; Episode 8 gives a captivating blend of relatability and kilig

June 10, 2023 | 7:00 am

Since its premiere seven weeks ago, Puregold Channel’s Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile has accumulated more than a million views across its teasers and episodes—and spawned a ravenous fanbase around Bryce (Wilbert Ross) and Angge (Yukii Takahashi).

The digits say it all. Each Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile episode has garnered from 90,000 to 171,000 views; trailers have collectively reaped 160,000 to 186,000 views. These add up to 12.3 million views across Facebook and YouTube, to date. To top it all, the #anglalakisalikodngprofile hashtag has had over 12 million views on TikTok. Goes to show that nothing trumps the power of relatable love stories, and the delightful dose of kilig they bring.

Viewers will find out if Bryce and Angge will realize more of their feelings for each other in the upcoming episodes.

The release of each episode on Saturday nights has become a highly anticipated event for viewers who eagerly await the unfolding of the enthralling story.

Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile resonates with its audience by touching on both traditional Filipino values and modern concerns such as online dating. The beautiful storytelling—a delightful blend of humor, fun, and kilig—has sent viewers immersing in the lead characters’ struggles and joys, making them yearn for more.

Comments that pour in from engaged viewers highlight the series’ impact and appeal.

On episode 7, where Bryce and Angge finally meet, Lavender Gurl said, “Grabe, sobrang kilig ko na nagkita na sila! Love love love it to the max over! Sana matagal pa matapos. Ang ganda ng songs at ang linis ng quality ng video. Bagay talaga sila.”

Grande Sorella Vlog added, “Finalmente! Nagkita rin sila. I love it! Thanks Ninang Puregold. Naku, ituloy niyo na po ang kilig ha. Huwag na kayong maging bitter, char! Waiting for the next episode.”

Jamil De Torres looks forward to the next episode. “Excited na sa episode 8. Nagkita na sila, grabe. Kapana-panabik naman ang story, paganda nang paganda!”

Dorothy Joy Emiliano says it with humor. “Mas excited pa ako dito sa series na ito kaysa sa sahod ko, promise.”

Puregold believes that the overwhelming views and comments received by Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile attest to its top-notch content.

Ivy Piedad, Puregold Marketing Manager, affirms, “We are proud of the impact the series has had on viewers. This is a true reflection of Puregold Channel’s dedication to provide quality retailtainment. Our stories are relatable and relevant to Filipino audiences, and we are thrilled to witness such a positive response.”

In the upcoming episode, Angge and Bryce finally move from the digital platform to the real world. Will sparks fly? Will their friendship morph into something more? Will past issues resurface and pose a challenge to their blooming relationship?

To find out, tune in to Episode 8 on June 10, 7 p.m., when it airs on Puregold’s official YouTube Channel.

Do you want FREE entertainment? Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by enabling them to publish their stories directly on the BusinessWorld website. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Hann Philippines: Boldly leading the I.R. life in Clark

June 10, 2023 | 12:05 am

Hann Philippines, Inc. (HPI) is transforming the high-end integrated lifestyle resort industry in the Philippines with its Hann Resorts brand. The company has quickly established itself as one of the fastest-growing developers in the country’s hospitality and gaming sectors, just a year after the successful launch of its flagship property, the Hann Casino Resort.

Located in the heart of Clark Freeport Zone, Hann Casino Resort features a grand casino with 147 state-of-the-art gaming tables and 868 slot machines. It offers over 700 luxurious hotel rooms, including the first five-star hotel in Central Luzon, the Clark Marriott, and the first Swissotel in the Philippines.

Moreover, the resort features 18 restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a diverse range of local and international cuisines. Among them, 10 establishments have earned a prominent spot on TripAdvisor’s prestigious list of top restaurants, solidifying its reputation as the culinary capital of Clark. Soon, the resort is set to introduce a retail hub showcasing a thoughtfully curated assortment of leading global brands, specialty restaurants, bars and cafes.

Today, Hann Casino Resort stands as an iconic symbol of unrivaled hospitality and gaming excellence in the heart of Clark, serving as a key revenue driver for the economic zone. The impressive P25.5 Billion property has also become the employer of choice for individuals seeking employment opportunities within the region, currently providing job opportunities to about 3,000 employees. Its commitment to providing top-quality services and experiences has earned it a reputation as a sought-after employer, attracting skilled and talented individuals to join its ranks.

Hann Philippines Inc. (HPI) Vice President for Finance Mitchell Estacio receives the Top Employment Performance award from Clark Development Corporation (CDC) executives at the Clark Awards event.

Recently, Hann Philippines received recognition for its outstanding performance at the prestigious Clark Awards event organized by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

Hann Philippines has received excellence awards in three categories, namely: Top Investor, Top Income Generator, and Top Employment Performance, further solidifying its position as a leading hospitality and leisure developer in the Philippines. Moreover, one of HPI hotels, Clark Marriott was also honored by CDC with the CSR Award, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Recently, Swissotel Clark was awarded by Accor International as the Top Performing Hotel in the Asia Pacific in 2022, with 1,388 recruitments or 49% of the overall hotel sales in the Philippines.

Tarek Aouini, Vice President of Hann Hotels, and Dennis Andreaci, Senior Vice President of Hann Casino, are in charge of ensuring unforgettable experiences for guests at Hann Casino Resort and raising the bar in the leisure and hospitality industry.

Behind the success and accolades of HPI and its brands is its bold visionary chairman and CEO, South Korean businessman Dae Sik Han. Known to be one of the earliest movers in Clark, Mr. Han saw the potential of the former airbase to rise as an international leisure and business destination in 2006. Thus, opening Widus Hotel in 2008 and eventually expanding it with a casino. He continued to grow and transform the business into a fully-integrated resort that it is known today.

Mr. Han was honored with the prestigious Outstanding Leader Award at the 2023 ASEAN Gaming Awards, presented by Asia Gaming Brief, a renowned global news and intelligence organization. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Executive of the Year at the recently concluded Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific 2023, a highly respected award ceremony hosted by Gambling Insider, a trusted B2B gaming publication.

The event is powered by leading B2B-gaming publication Gambling Insider and the voting process is independently adjudicated by KPMG in the Crown Dependencies.

These awards are testaments of Mr. Han’s determination and unwavering commitment to realizing his vision for Clark despite the Covid pandemic. In 2021 he launched “Hann Casino Resort”.

Dae Sik Han, the Chairman and CEO of Hann Philippines Inc. (HPI), celebrated alongside industry colleagues and partners at the recently concluded Asean Gaming Summit, raising a toast to their collective achievements.

Mr. Han and the company have just begun. An unstoppable momentum is the driving force to more ambitious projects from Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga to New Clark City, Tarlac! A new global gaming and leisure destination called Hann Reserve, the biggest ultra-luxe integrated golf resort in the country. It is a quick 10-minute drive from the newly developed Clark International Airport and a convenient two-hour drive from Manila, the highly-acclaimed 450-hectare Hann Reserve development will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design, KJ Choi, and Sir Nick Faldo, along with the only PGA-affiliated player development facilities in the country.

These are complemented by sought-after international luxury hotel brands Banyan Tree and Angsana Resort, Sofitel and Emblems by Accor, and The Luxury Collection and Westin by Marriott International, as well as a mixed-use commercial. Upon completion, Hann Reserve is envisioned as a model for sustainability and eco-tourism that celebrates the local environment, culture, heritage and community.

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Achieve financial freedom: Insider advice to create the future that you want

June 9, 2023 | 6:03 pm

One of the first things that come to mind when you become financially independent is the excitement of finally having your own money to spend. As you age, the responsibilities start coming in, and slowly, you no longer feel that it’s yours. It just passes through your pocket and straight to the monthly expenses. That’s the sad reality of life. As your income increases, the expenses grow in parallel, sometimes even more than what you earn.

But no one wants to live like that. And it doesn’t have to be. We all want to look forward to a future where there’s enough left over to spend on non-essentials that make life more enjoyable. The secret is by achieving financial freedom. How? Here are four tips to help you create the future that you want.

1. Make some changes to your current budget so you can set aside savings for your future plans.

Having enough budget to spare for the niceties of life comes at a price. If you want to be able to afford those, you need to have a delayed gratification mindset: make sacrifices now to get what you want later. For most people, this means cutting one’s budget to the bare minimum, and with 20 percent of their earnings going into their savings. This also means wiping out debts, and only taking on ‘good’ debts like mortgage and car loans.

AIA Philippines recently launched AIA A+ Signature, their product that lets you create a worry-free future with guaranteed benefits and cash payouts equal to 10 percent of your plan’s face amount. With the flexible payment terms of paying for your policy within five, ten or twenty years, you are assured that there is an option that can allow you to work it into your budget, so you can set aside money to make your future plans happen.

2. Determine your vision for what you want in the future.

How do you plan to live? Do you want to travel every year? Do you want your children to study overseas? Are you planning to retire when you hit 50? However you envision the future, it’s important to have a continuous income stream that will augment either your savings or your present earnings.

AIA A+ Signature provides guaranteed cash payouts, where you can get 10 percent of the face amount (the total amount of your coverage) starting at the end of your fifth or sixth policy year (depending on the payment term selected) and then every two years thereafter. If you’re an early retiree, having additional money on top of your retirement funds coming in on a regular basis will help you sustain the lifestyle you used to have, plus allow you do all the other things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t afford!

3. Ensure that you are protected from life’s many risks.

Imagine how life would be for your family if you met an untimely passing. If you are the family breadwinner, the wisest course of action is to protect them from untoward life events as soon as you can. Nothing expresses your love more strongly than making sure that no matter what happens to you, your loved ones can continue to fulfill their dreams.

Should you live a long and happy life, life insurance can also be another way to leave behind an inheritance for your loved ones. Either way, you will leave behind a legacy that can take care of your family.

With AIA A+ Signature, your beneficiaries will receive twice the amount of coverage of the plan. This means that if the coverage is for one million, the two million that your loved ones will receive will go a long way towards ensuring that their needs are cared for.

4. Invest early and often.

Time is always on your side in investment. If you start early and invest for the long-term, you are in a better position to weather market volatility.

Do not leave your eggs in one basket. Study the pros and cons and determine your risk appetite in investing. After ensuring you’re protected with life insurance, explore other ways to grow your money through variable unit link (VUL) products, bonds, equities, properties, and other financial instruments.

If you’re on the lookout to get a multipurpose insurance product that has the potential to give you additional gains, you might also want to check out AIA A+ Signature. Aside from the guaranteed cash payouts, you can also have added savings from non-guaranteed dividends.

You need to make smart decisions today that will help you achieve your lifestyle goals if you want to create the future that you want for yourself and your family. By investing in AIA A+ Signature, you’re one step closer to enjoying the life that you’ve always wanted, and look forward to a healthier, longer, better life ahead.

Want to know more about AIA A+ Signature? Click here for more information. Click here for more information about AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

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GCash users can now go cashless on their next Euro trip thanks to Alipay+ partnership

June 9, 2023 | 5:00 pm

GCash users can now opt for a hassle-free, cashless payment method on their next Euro trip as the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet is now accepted in Europe’s top travel destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

This cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened collaboration and partnership with Alipay+ to offer a seamless and secure payment experience, as well as real-time foreign exchange (forex) with no service fee, allowing customers to a hassle-free and rewarding travel experience abroad.

Among the key merchants and stores that can accept GCash via Alipay+ are Harrods, Liberty London, and Harvey Nichols in the UK; Printemps in France; Müller and dm-drogerie markt in Germany; as well as itTaxi, and IVS Group, the leader in the vending machines market, in Italy.

“In line with our fervent commitment to make our customers’ everyday lives better and more convenient, we want to make sure that they can maximize their GCash account not only locally but wherever they are across the world. We look forward to expanding to other markets abroad soon and to partner with even more merchants in 2023,” GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said.

When paying for your purchases at these destinations, be sure to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout. Open your GCash app and select the QR or PayQR button at the bottom of the screen. Scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have the merchant scan your generated QR. Then check the amount, and click Pay to see the receipt.

So no need to bring cash or exchange currency for shopping abroad. Just choose the GCash Scan-to-Pay option for your purchases for a smooth and seamless travel experience – all in just a few taps on your phone via the GCash app! For more information, visit https://help.gcash.com/ and click the “How to Pay QR Internationally” topic.

GCash is continuously expanding its international payment touchpoints in partnership with Alipay+. Aside from the European destinations, the Philippine e-wallet can be used to pay in select merchants across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Qatar.

It’s also making its services available to more Filipinos worldwide as the GCash app can now be used with international numbers in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Italy, and Australia.

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Celebrate life’s most unforgettable moments with Okada Manila’s ‘Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay’ package

June 9, 2023 | 4:35 pm

Okada Manila, Asia’s largest integrated resort, announces the launch of its newest hotel package, “Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay.” This offer presents an opportunity for guests to celebrate their most special moments in a luxurious and breathtaking setting.

The new package features an exquisite experience that offers guests a choice of luxurious and capacious accommodations: the Manila Bay Suite, Tower Villa, Sky Villa, Villa Bohol, or Villa Boracay. Each of these options boasts of spectacular views and world-class amenities, ensuring to indulge guests.

In addition to the lavish accommodations, guests can enjoy an in-room family platter good for 10 to 30 people. With a choice between a Filipino and an Asian-themed menu, guests can delight in a curated sumptuous feast featuring a variety of culinary delights.

Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a long-awaited family reunion, this extraordinary experience offers the perfect setting for any occasion. Guests can bask in the stunning beauty of the sunset, as well as revel in the colors of one of Southeast Asia’s largest multi-colored dancing water fountains while enjoying a luxurious and unforgettable stay.

There are also various activities and attractions at Okada Manila to complete a guest’s total property experience. The resort features a world-class spa, The Retreat Spa; a magnificent glass-domed indoor beach club, Cove Manila; and a variety of signature restaurants that offer a world of flavors; a shopping haven, the Retail Boulevard; and an expansive casino gaming floor.

Overall, the “Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay” package at Okada Manila is an excellent opportunity for guests to celebrate life’s unforgettable moments in a majestic setting. With the stunning views, well-appointed accommodations, and excellent facilities and services, guests will surely have an extraordinary experience at Okada Manila.

This bespoke package is available for booking through January 28, 2024, with stay dates until January 31, 2024. As an added perk, Reward Circle members and new signups are entitled to earn points upon presenting their membership card at any point of booking or check-in.

For inquiries and reservations, send an email to roomreservations@okadamanila.com or call +632 8888 0777.

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