Sun Life flexes dominance as #1 life insurer in the Philippines

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (Sun Life) once again flexes its dominance in the Philippine  life insurance industry by ranking No. 1 in both the Total Premium Income and New Business  categories. 

According to a report posted by the Insurance Commission (IC) on its website, Sun Life landed on  the top spot in terms of Total Premium Income, with earnings reaching more than 52.6 billion as  of December 31, 2022. The top position for this category has been held by the company for 12  straight years, proving the stability and solid strength of the organization.  

In parallel results, Sun Life also led in the New Business category by generating more than 9.7  billion worth of new business, eclipsing the figures of the nearest contender within the same  period.  

Alex Narciso, President, Sun Life of (Canada) Philippines, Inc
Sun Life President Alex Narciso
Benedict Sison, CEO & Country Head, Sun Life Philippines
Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison

“More than anything, being No. 1 reflects the confidence of our clients who have chosen Sun Life  to be their partner in securing their future. We thank them for the privilege,” says Sun Life President Alex Narciso. “Rest assured that we will continue to strive to be worthy of their trust.” 

Meanwhile, Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison lauded the company’s advisors and  employees. “This accomplishment is the result of everyone’s concerted efforts, as we strive to  bring our clients a delightful experience throughout their financial journey. This affirms that  anchoring ourselves on our clients and our purpose to help them achieve lifetime financial  security and live healthier lives will always lead us to great results, and we are inspired to do  more,” he said. 

Now on its 128th year, Sun Life pioneered life insurance in the Philippines and remains to be the  longest-standing insurer in the country. The news about its No. 1 ranking comes on the heels of  the announcement by the Trusted Brand Awards that Sun Life has once again earned the Platinum  Award in both the Insurance and Investment Fund Company categories for 13 years in a row. 

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management,  wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has  operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United  Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore,  

Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2022, Sun Life had total assets under  management of CAD 1.33 trillion. For more information, please visit http://www.sunlife.com.  

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock  exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Newbie content creator? Here’s an 8-step guide on how to find your audience

Whether you’ve taken on content creation as a job or you’re doing it as a hobby, you definitely need to figure out which group of people you will be creating content for: your audience.

Identifying an audience is one of the most important steps for a newbie content creator. Without a clear understanding of who your audience is, it can be difficult to create content that resonates with them. You want to be able to tap into their goals, wants and pain points to be able to craft the kind of content that can effectively impart information they need to inspire them to take action.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to identify your audience as a newbie content creator:

Step 1: Define Your Niche

The first step is to define your niche. What is the topic or area you want to create content about? This could be anything from fitness to cooking to personal finance. Defining your niche will help you create content that is focused and relevant to your audience.

Being a multi-passionate person myself – with a lot of opinions or factual tidbits to share on a myriad of topics – I chose to streamline my content to those relating to food, travel and the urban lifestyle.

Which particular niches would you like to focus on?

Step 2: Research Your Competitors

Researching your competitors can provide valuable insights into your target audience. Look at other content creators in your niche and see who their audience is. Analyze their content and engagement metrics to understand what kind of content resonates with their audience.

In due course, you might want to evolve your view of your fellow content creators from being your competitors into being your partners and co-creators.

Some of my best work have been the product of collaborations, shared experiences or shared knowledge among fellow content creators.

Step 3: Define Your Target Demographic

Once you have a clear understanding of your niche and competitors, you can define your target demographic. This includes factors such as age, gender, location, interests, and behaviors. Understanding these demographic factors will help you create content that appeals to your audience.

Given my topics and interests, I have determined my audience demographic to be mostly urban and suburban GenX and Elder Millennial working women who are interested in food and travel and who already have their own home. I believe that I have some insights on what their concerns and interests are and can produce content that can appeal and resonate with them.

Step 4: Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research can help you gain a deeper understanding of your audience’s needs and preferences. Use online surveys or focus groups to collect data on what your audience is looking for, what challenges they face, and how you can provide value to them.

You can also join Facebook Groups related to your chosen niche (eg. foodies, travelers, homebodies, etc) and take note of the discussions and comments posted there.

Step 5: Analyze Your Social Media Analytics

If you already have a social media presence, analyzing your analytics can provide insights into your audience. Look at metrics such as engagement, reach, and demographics to understand who is interacting with your content.

Step 6: Engage with Your Audience

Engaging with your audience can provide valuable feedback on your content and help you build relationships with your followers. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage discussion to better understand your audience’s needs.

Step 7: Use Keyword Research

Keyword research can help you understand what your audience is searching for and what topics are most relevant to them. Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find relevant keywords and phrases that you can use in your content.

Step 8: Stay Flexible and Adapt

Finally, stay flexible and adapt as your audience evolves. As you create more content and engage with your audience, you may discover new trends or interests that you can incorporate into your content. Be open to feedback and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Additional Resources

Want more in-depth resources on building your audience as a content creator? Check out this books available on Amazon.com:

Content Inc.: Start a Content-First Business, Build a Massive Audience and Become Radically Successful (with Little to No Money) by Joe Pulizzi

This book teaches how to create a content marketing strategy that builds a loyal audience and generates revenue, covering topics such as identifying your niche, creating valuable content, and promoting your brand.

How To Build An Online Audience: The step-by-step guide to getting more social media followers, bigger email lists and more traffic to your website by Patric Morgan

The book covers various strategies and tools that content creators can use to increase their visibility, attract more followers, and ultimately monetize their online presence.

Known: The Handbook for Building and Unleashing Your Personal Brand in the Digital Age by Mark Schaefer

This book focuses on building a personal brand and developing a loyal audience, with tips on creating valuable content, leveraging social media, and standing out in a crowded online world.

Identifying your audience is a crucial step for any newbie content creator. By defining your niche, researching your competitors, conducting market research, analyzing your analytics, engaging with your audience, using keyword research, and staying flexible, you can create content that resonates with your target audience and build a loyal following.

Make money off your content today!

Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.

Header image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

From Hobby to Career: 8 factors to consider in making content creation your livelihood

Do you like taking pictures and videos and sharing them on social media? Do write well and publish your thoughts and views online?

Then, you might have wondered about making a living out of creating content.

Content creation has become a popular way to make a living in recent years. Whether you’re a writer, blogger, photographer, or social media influencer, there are many opportunities to turn your passion for creating content into a lucrative career.

However, before jumping into this field, there are several factors to consider. Here, we will explore eight things to keep in mind when making content creation your livelihood.

1. Your niche

One of the first things to consider when making content creation your career is identifying your niche. There are many topics to create content about, and many groups of people who follow specific interests. It’s essential to find a niche that you are passionate about and can specialize in, as well as one that has an engaged audience that can become your followers.

For example, if you’re interested in photography, you could specialize in wedding photography, product photography, or fashion photography to cater to the need of its audiences for information and inspiration.

Personally, I’ve always seen myself as a city girl so my content covers things to do, food to eat and places to see in the city. I want to show fellow urbanites the sheer number of possibilities that city living has to offer. This way, my topics are easily accessible to me, in line with my interests and can resonate with my audience.

Finding your niche can help you stand out from the competition and attract clients who are looking for your specific expertise or tap into your audience.

2. Your portfolio

Once you’ve identified your niche, building a portfolio is essential. A portfolio showcases your best work and helps potential clients understand your style and expertise. You can create a portfolio website (in my case, this blog serves as my portfolio) or use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your work. When building your portfolio, ensure that you include a diverse range of projects that showcase your skills and expertise.

3. Your rates

Setting your rates can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting. To establish your pricing, you can research the rates for content creation in your niche and location among your fellow content creators. Some content creators charge hourly rates, while others charge per project. When setting your rates, keep in mind your experience, the type of content you create, and your target audience. Crafting a rate card with these information will be helpful when pitching your services to potential clients or when responding to inquiries from those who want to hire you.

4. Your network

Establishing a career on content creation relies heavily on tour reputation and connections. Networking with other content creators, potential clients, and industry professionals is essential for finding work and building a a name for yourself in the industry. Attend events, join online communities related to your niche, and connect with others through social media.

You can also reach out to local businesses or brands and offer your services. Some of my most memorable and rewarding projects were with brands that I’ve reached out to.

5. Your time and finances

Content creation can be time-consuming and unpredictable, so it’s essential to manage your time effectively and plan for the ups and downs of freelancing. You would need to have a system in place to manage your projects (especially in meeting your deadlines and producing your deliverables), as well as your resources.

Your work might require you to invest in equipment or travel so you need to factor those into your expenses. You would also need to have a good understanding of the financial side of things, including taxes, invoicing, and budgeting.

6. Your skills

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in your field as the world of content creation is constant changing. Invest in your skills by taking courses or attending workshops to stay relevant and competitive. You can also read blogs, listen to podcasts, or watch tutorials to learn from other content creators.

7. Your business plan

To make a living out of content creation, it should be treated as a business. Creating a business plan can help you stay focused and achieve your goals. A business plan should include your financial goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and growth plan. Check out business plan templates available online to get started.

Your business plan may not be set in stone; it may need to adapt to changing situations. However, having one helps you stay within your means while keeping your eye on your future as a content creator.

8. Your unique voice

Finally, it’s essential to find your unique voice as a content creator. Your voice is what sets you apart from others and makes your content unique. When creating content, think about your brand voice, tone, and style that’s true to who you are and that your audience can relate to. You may take a funny or irreverent tone or a more formal approach when writing your copy or delivering your lines. For my own posts, I usually take a casual and friendly tone as it’s the one I’m most comfortable with and one I think my audience will appreciate.

Experiment with different formats – such long-form content such as e-books, online courses and white papers, or short-form content such as blogs and social media posts – to find what works best for you and your audience.

While making a living from creating content can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, it does require careful planning, hard work, and dedication. By taking these eight factors into consideration, you can increase your chances of success as a content creator and achieve your financial goals.

Excited to begin your career as a content creator? Check out these five recent books on on Amazon.com to help you get started:

The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas by Melanie Deziel

Follow a step-by-step process for generating unlimited story ideas to help you overcome writer’s block and consistently create high-quality content.

Content Inc., Second Edition: Start a Content-First Business, Build a Massive Audience and Become Radically Successful by Joe Pulizzi

Learn from a detailed guide for building a content-first business that can help you build a massive audience and achieve success.

The Art of Content Marketing: Develop Your Content Strategy, Find Your Audience and Grow Your Business by Malcolm Dewey

Learn how to develop a marketing system for long term business success by developing your strategy, creating compelling visual and written content, distributing the content and measuring results.

The Freelance Content Marketing Writer: Find Your Perfect Clients, Make Tons of Money and Build a Business You Love by Jennifer Goforth Gregory

Learn how to find clients, charge what you’re worth, and build a profitable content creation business.

Master Content Marketing: A Simple Strategy to Cure the Blank Page Blues and Attract a Profitable Audience by Pamela Wilson

Overcome writer’s block and attract a profitable audience through effective content marketing techniques.

These books on content creation should provide you with valuable insights and strategies to build a successful career in this field.

Want to monetize your content already? Sign up for an Intellifluence account today!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete deliverables, then receive your payments.

Photo Credit: Header image by Ivan Samkov on Pexels

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

SKY Fiber brings faster and improved speeds just in time for the holidays

In the spirit of giving, home internet service provider SKY Fiber boosts the speed promos of select Super Speed Plans while keeping the same monthly subscription fee so that new and existing subscribers can instantly enjoy faster and seamless connection during the holiday festivities this December until May 31, 2023.

Starting December 9, customers can avail the 50Mbps Plan priced at P1,699 per month and get up to 150Mbps speed for free. This is an increase of more than 70% from the previous speed boost promo of only up to 85Mbps.

Moreover, the 30Mbps Plan for P1,299 a month can now provide up to 45Mbps speed while the 100Mbps Plan for P2,299 a month provides up to 200Mbps within the promo period.

With such high-speed connectivity, families can conveniently stream shows together, connect with their loved ones through video calls, or join in virtual Christmas parties without interruption.

Further elevate the yuletide fun at home by getting a SKY Fiber Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plan. Aside from faster speed boosts, these plans can provide access to over 190 cable channels and hundreds of apps and games via the SKY Evo digibox included in the bundle.

The 40Mbps Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plan which costs P1,699 per month can now give up to 100Mbps speed compared to the 80Mbps free speed boost before. The 80Mbps cable-bundled plan priced at P2,499 per month also treats subscribers with speeds up to 170Mbps versus the former offer of up to 135Mbps only.

This December is the perfect time to switch to SKY Fiber because new subscribers of select plans who submit their application online can get an added treat of up to P400 free Jollibee e-GCs until December 31.

You can subscribe online via the official website (mysky.com.ph/skyfiber) or through SKY’s 24/7 assistant KYLA on the website, Viber, or Messenger.

Follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter (@myskyupdates), and Instagram (@myskyupdates) for further news and promotional updates.

Product details provided in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them online with like-minded people as some of the biggest perks of my job.

Image by our-team on Freepik

Hosting on Airbnb gains momentum in the Philippines amidst growing appetite for travel

As the holiday season awaits and the travel rebound continues to unfold, more Filipino travelers are embracing flexible travel while more homeowners turn to hosting on Airbnb for additional income. A new survey commissioned by Airbnb* reveals that over half of Filipinos polled expressed interest in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel. 

Around the world, Airbnb has seen strong growth rates of  new Hosts, especially in countries with high inflation rates. Notably, 77 percent of Filipinos polled said they were looking for ways to offset rising costs of living. The survey also shows that desire for travel remains high, with over a quarter of respondents saying that they will continue to find ways to travel even if general costs of living rise. 

In a trend that started since the pandemic, millions are now enjoying their newfound freedom to live and work anywhere. Notably, 65 percent of Filipinos polled said that they are now more flexible in terms of their type of holidays and time of travel. Notably, of those who plan to travel within the next year, 1 in 4 Filipinos said they plan to travel without set dates.

This new approach to travel and living continues to shape the choice of accommodation among Filipino travellers. When asked about factors that influence when and how they travel:

  • Almost half indicated they are likely to travel if they can find accommodation that makes longer stays easy and comfortable
  • 35% pointed to destinations offering unique styles of accommodations
  • 25% prioritised access to amenities that make it easy to combine remote work with travel, such as a dedicated workspace and a fast, reliable internet connection

This growing appetite for travel among Filipinos puts homeowners in a unique position to take advantage of the Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb one’s home which was announced early this month. In Q3, Pasay ranked as the #1 trending domestic destination for Filipino guests on Airbnb, followed by El Nido, Cebu City, Paranaque, and Iloilo City.**

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said the fundamental shifts towards long-term stays and flexible travel point to the increasingly important role that short-term accommodations (STRA) like Airbnb play in the new era of travel. 

“This growing appetite for travel is a positive sign as tourism recovery gathers pace. More keenly, this is an opportune moment for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs to Airbnb their homes and earn additional income to mitigate rising living costs or support their travels,” he added. 

* Online survey of 1063 respondents in the Philippines commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by YouGov between 6-12 October 2022

** Based on increase in searches of destinations (minimum 1,000) in Q3 2021

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The 2022 Winter Release: Introducing Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb your home

 In May, Airbnb introduced Airbnb Categories so that millions of people could discover homes they never knew existed. Today, Airbnb is introducing Airbnb Setup to make it easy for millions of people to Airbnb their home. Airbnb is also providing even more AirCover for Hosts and adding six new Airbnb Categories. 

  • Introducing Airbnb Setup – The all-new, super easy way to Airbnb one’s home, with free one-to-one guidance from a Superhost.
  • Even more AirCover for Hosts – Now featuring even more top-to-bottom protection, with guest identity verification, reservation screening, and $3M damage protection, including coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables.
  • New Airbnb Categories –  Adding six new categories of homes, as well as improving the way Airbnb Categories are displayed.

“Airbnb was born during a recession. Joe and I couldn’t afford to pay our rent, so we inflated three air mattresses and created an AirBed & Breakfast. Soon, people all around the world joined us,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb. “Today, just like during the Great Recession in 2008, people are especially interested in earning extra income through hosting. That’s why we’re introducing an easy way for millions of people to Airbnb their homes. With Airbnb Setup, every new Host can get free, one-to-one guidance from a Superhost from their first question through their first reservation. And with even more AirCover for Hosts, now is the perfect time to put your place on Airbnb.”

Airbnb 2022 Winter Release
Brian Chesky for Airbnb

New homes on Airbnb are getting booked almost immediately. Half of listings that were activated and booked in Q3 2022 received their first reservation within three days. Airbnb also saw  strong growth rates of new Hosts, especially in certain countries with high inflation rates. 

Introducing Airbnb Setup

Over the past year, more than 30 million people have visited Airbnb to learn about hosting. Today, Airbnb is making it easier for millions of people to get started. Introducing Airbnb Setup, the all-new, super easy way to Airbnb one’s home. Airbnb Setup includes:

  • One-to-one guidance from a Superhost – When a host begins Airbnb Setup, Airbnb will match them with a Superhost for free one-to-one guidance from their  first question through their  first guest. New Hosts can chat with their  Superhost over audio, video, or messaging. Airbnb is launching with 1,500 Superhosts in over 80 countries who are dedicated to helping new Hosts get started. 
  • An experienced guest for your first booking – For a new Host’s first booking, they  can choose to welcome an experienced guest who has at least three stays and a good track record on Airbnb.
  • Specialized support from Airbnb – As a new Host, they  get one-tap access to a specially-trained team of Community Support agents. They can help with everything from account issues to getting paid and are available via phone, messaging, or email in over 42 languages.

Even more AirCover for Hosts

Last November, Airbnb  introduced AirCover to provide unmatched, top-to-bottom protection for every Host on Airbnb. Today, Airbnb is making major upgrades to AirCover for Hosts:

AirCover for Hosts - 2022 Winter Release
Airbnb Setup Match with a Superhost - 2022 Winter Release
  • Guest identity verification – Airbnb is expanding identity verification to all booking guests traveling to the top 35 countries and regions on Airbnb—representing 90% of all reservations. Airbnb will expand guest identity verification worldwide in Spring 2023.
  • Reservation screening technology – Airbnb is launching its  proprietary reservation screening technology in the US and Canada, which helps reduce the chance of disruptive parties. Airbnb will expand its reservation screening technology worldwide in Spring 2023.
  • $3M damage protection Airbnb is tripling damage protection from $1 million to $3 million – covering both Hosts’ homes and its contents. 
  • Auto & boat protection Airbnb  now provides damage protection for cars, boats, and other watercraft that Hosts park or store at their properties. 
  • Art & valuables protection A wider range of fine art, jewelry, and collectibles will now be repaired or replaced at appraised value.
  • Easier to file a claim Hosts can now file a claim for damage protection in a few simple steps and easily track its progress from submission through payout.

New Airbnb Categories

In May, Airbnb introduced a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories. Today, Airbnb is introducing six new categories:

Listing Highlights - Adapted Top of the World and Play Category - 2022 Winter Release
New Categories - Adapted - Canada - 2022 Winter Release
  • New – Homes added to Airbnb within the past 10 weeks.
  • Top of the world – Homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, often with stunning views.
  • Trending – Highly-rated homes that received more listing views compared to the previous week.
  • Adapted – Homes adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.
  • Play Homes with basketball courts, game rooms, miniature golf, water slides and more.
  • Hanoks – Traditional Korean homes constructed of natural materials.

Airbnb is  also improving what categories it shows guests. For example, when you launch the app, you’ll find the Vineyards category if you recently searched for homes in Napa. In addition, more details will be presented in search results when viewing categories. For example, homes with amazing views will list the type of view, and homes near national parks will show the distance to the park entrance.

New Categories - Top of the World and Hanoks - 2022 Winter Release
New Categories - Top of the World listing - 2022 Winter Release

Worldwide rollout starting today

Airbnb Setup, upgrades to AirCover for Hosts, and new Airbnb Categories will begin rolling out worldwide this week.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals across over 220 countries and regions. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way. As the only platform offering hosted travel and the ability to live anywhere on a global scale, Airbnb has become a noun and a verb and most traffic to our platform remains organic. We will continue to invest in innovations that expand the travel market and lead the way in turning travel into a way of life.

Scan on the Go With Portable Scanners

Scanners are one of the most important devices when it comes to transferring physical information to digital information. The value of a scanner depends upon the job that it is trying to accomplish and whether or not it was designed to handle that particular task. For instance, you wouldn’t use a scanner designed to process and replicate beautiful art and photography in an industrial setting that needs to process tens of thousands of scans in a given day. While the high-volume scanner will perform the task, it is not designed to replicate the nuance and color depth of a professional photo scanner.

What Is a Portable Scanner?

Portable scanners are small, electronic devices that allow documents or images to be captured and converted quickly and efficiently to digital format. They are designed to be light and small so that they can more easily be transported from place to place. 

The small size and light weight of the portable scanner are as valuable as its ability to process the physical into the digital. They’re small enough to bring on the road. Indeed, some are small enough to put in your pocket. 

A Minimalist’s Guide To Scanning

Portable pen scanners are slightly larger than your average fountain pen and can scan the text of a document line by line. Users simply pass the scanner over the text of letters, memos, brochures, magazines or newspapers, at which point it is uploaded immediately and turned into digital data. 

Other portable scanners are as wide as a page and roll quickly down the page, capturing the data. Some models will read the text back, which is convenient for users with vision or reading challenges.

While portable scanners are ideal for many purposes, they aren’t meant to capture data in high resolution. This means that they aren’t suitable for scanning photographs or other applications in which a high-quality result is desired.

True Mobility

There are many scenarios in which a portable scanner is an important tool to have on the scene. Consider a drive-through flu and COVID booster shot station, in which the medical staff still needs signed permission to administer the shots. With a page-sized portable scanner, each of those critical signatures is digitized, probably to a cloud-based database, and secured immediately. 

If a library was having an event that brought its borrowables to remote locations, a portable barcode scanner and a laptop can effectively create a circulation desk on the spot. As each book is assigned a particular bar code, inventory can be tracked precisely and efficiently, whether books are being checked out or returned. 

Portable scanners can be the difference between clean, efficient and timely data entry and a process that entails other steps that could compromise that data. They are as easy to travel with as popping one into your backpack, briefcase or pocket. They also effectively help create a functioning office space wherever you have the internet as you can immediately begin to process your uploads. Visit an office supply website today and check out the newest portable printers so that you can expand your printing options from anywhere.

Image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

AIA Philippines empowers PH businesses with comprehensive health benefits

Employees are the backbone of any organization and as such, companies must take good care of them. Happy employees mean a motivated workforce with higher productivity, and lower turnover, which can be very expensive in the long run. 

Businesses who don’t prioritize employee welfare may end up losing over $1 trillion because of high employee turnover rates. And with the benefits package one of the most critical elements considered by employees when deciding to stay in their current jobs, it’s an important aspect of human resource management. 

AIA Philippines Comprehensive Health Benefits

For those who are not aware of the ideal basic benefits they should receive, these should include group life insurance, total and permanent disability compensation, accidental hospital reimbursement, hospital income benefit, and critical illness benefits. These benefits are provided to employees and some even extend it to their families as well. 

Investing in these protection and health-related benefits for employees is a must, and companies must find an insurance provider with the strength and stability to deliver on its promises. Fortunately, AIA Philippines, the country’s premier life insurance company, has all these protection and health benefits covered—and more!—to empower more businesses in providing the most important benefits to their people. 

AIA Philippines recognizes that the growing small to medium enterprise business owners are eager to keep their employees satisfied and cared for, which is why it developed packaged yet flexible solutions to cater to organizations’ specific needs, with comprehensive solutions against death and sickness.

Moreover, AIA Philippines is equipped with ready rates for ease of premium computation, as well as mental and social wellness programs as added value offerings on top of the packaged solutions offered. The life insurer is even extending these healthcare benefits to employees who travel across southeast Asia. 

AIA Philippines Comprehensive Health Benefits

The Regional Passport is a program that connects beneficiaries to select quality providers in key healthcare hubs within the ASEAN region for easy cashless access to treatment. This program’s benefits include elective in-patient hospitalization, preferential rates on medical services, and seamless coordination with healthcare providers. 

AIA Philippines’ benefits go beyond the physical wellness of its customers. It supports organizations’ efforts to care for their people holistically through the Think Well program. This initiative grants employees access to benefits for behavioral health, emotional support, and legal guidance. By availing of this premium service, employers can safeguard the entire workforce’s well-being. 

To help employees make better financial decisions, AIA Philippines has partnered with the Praxis Company through a comprehensive program called Financial Literacy Gameplay. This premium benefit educates employees on responsible finances through fun games. By signing up to this benefit, more employees can make better financial decisions to attain their goals and help them live better. 

“An organization is only as strong as its employees, and that’s why we at AIA Philippines are empowering more companies to provide its people with the most holistic benefits,” Andy Rubio AIA Philippines Associate Director for Corporate Solutions Sales said. “By developing flexible protection and wellness solutions to our corporate partners, we are able to make protection and quality healthcare more accessible to more Filipinos, allowing us to bring to life our purpose of helping them live healthier, longer, better lives.”
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.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

#TwitterForAgency: How businesses can leverage the Twitter advantage

Twitter has been around for sixteen years and, in the tech industry, that is quite a remarkable case of longevity.

As a micro-blogging facility where, through short and mostly text-based posts called “tweets,” Twitter has become the venue for news to erupt and go viral and for movements to take root and spread.

While other social media platforms may dominate, in terms of user base or ability to create curated content, Twitter, with a global audience of 237.8 million users as of Q2 2022, has owned the space for “what is happening and what people are talking about right now.” Twitter is where people go to get the on-dits on sports, music, entertainment, technology, gaming, business and cultural changes, among others.

This presents various possibilities that brands can leverage to boost their digital presence and drive their businesses.

Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency

Recently, representatives from Twitter’s Asia-Pacific offices and its exclusive Philippine reseller Entravision MediaDonuts gathered its clientele and agency partners for its first in-person event after more than two years.

Held at the Enderrun Tent last September 29, the event titled “#TwitterforAgency” gave the attendees a sneak peek into what’s next for Twitter: from its product roadmap focusing on solutions that drive purchase, emerging trends and conversations that can shape the future for this platform as well as creative executions that can tap communities and conversations to grow their business.

Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency

Together with my marketing teammates from SKY, I attended this event to gain some insights on how to leverage Twitter for our company and the brands we carry.

Some of my key takeaways from this learning session include:

  • Twitter is the platform to launch something new and connect with what’s happening. Given its unique position to capture what is current and what drives conversations, Twitter’s audiences are likely among the first to try out new products.
  • People visit other social media platforms for who they know, people visit Twitter for what they care and are passionate about. On this platform, people are leaning into their passions: they buy, try and share their experiences in real-time.
Twitter for Agency
Welcome Address
Krishna Iyer – Head of Agency Development, APAC, Twitter
Twitter for Agency
The Power of Twitter’s Audience
Tina Pang – Head of Client Solutions, SEA, Twitter
Twitter for Agency
The Conversation: Twitter Trends 2022
Anna Dy – Country Head, Entravision MediaDonuts, PH
Twitter for Agency
Talking Shop: Twitter’s Solutions
Hoai An Pham – Sales Partner Manager, APAC, Twitter
  • Twitter audiences are seen to be broad – have diverse interests, affluent – have significant purchasing power, and growing – mostly young (72% between the ages of 16 and 34) with more joining the platform everyday.
  • To succeed on Twitter, you must harness the influence of communities. Communities form public and real-time conversations about topics that people are passionate about. Some of the fast-growing communities on Twitter include gaming, food, music, beauty and finance. Users in these communities tweet at least three times more than the average Twitter user, driving a lot of the conversations. Brands are also seen as part of these communities and of users’ enjoyment of the platform.
Twitter for Agency
Talking Shop: Twitter’s Product Roadmap
Yu Yan Tay – Senior Performance Product Specialist, APAC, Twitter
Twitter for Agency
Video Behaviors on Twitter
Rex Fontaneza – BU Head, Entravision MediaDonuts, PH
Twitter for Agency
Brand Creativity
Jean Labrador – Client Account Manager & Strategist, Philippines, Twitter
Twitter for Agency
Closing Remarks
Pieter-Jan de Kroon – CEO, Entravision MediaDonuts

Wondering what people on Twitter are talking about and how you can ride on these conversations? Here are today’s Twitter trends that can become tomorrow’s big movements:

  • The Great Restoration which encompasses a heightened focus on one’s well-being as well as a growing appreciation for the environment. Rewilding or “getting back to nature” is seen as a way of coping with anxieties from external factors such as politics and the global healthcare crisis. People are looking for changes in their home and community environments sparking demand for livable cities where there are green spaces and where people can rebuild lost connections and feel at peace with nature. Conversations are also seen to be leading towards topics involving self-reflection, mutual support, green spaces, outdoor exercise, nature photography and forest bathing.
  • The Force of Fandoms which shows how pop culture topics drive conversations among passionate fans of music, TV and movie personalities, who are no longer content sitting on the sidelines but are actively finding their tribes online for support and friendship.
  • Finance Goes Social which is marked by the democratization of finance-related conversations, among both finance experts and non-professionals. More people are talking about money: how to make it and spend it.
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency
Twitter for Agency

Global leading PR firm Ogilvy & Mather stated “With over 500 million tweets a day, Twitter is the world’s largest focused group.”

By listening, learning from and joining Twitter conversations, brands can bring their attributes to light and get people to talk about them.

Many thanks to Entravision MediaDonuts and Twitter for this very enlightening learning session.

TuneCore expands in PH to offer new payment options for local music creators

Leading independent DIY digital music distributor TuneCore, a division of global digital music company Paris-based Believe, expands its payment methods in the Philippines and Southeast Asia to better serve their growing artist base in the region. The first of its kind global agreement affirms the company’s commitment to providing the best user experience for independent artists in the Philippines and the SEA region where alternative payments options are more popular than credit cards.

TuneCore, whose international presence has more than doubled over the last 18 months, has partnered with global financial technology platform Adyen. The company has launched localized payment methods in the Philippines through Gcash. Others include Indonesia through Dana (GoPay coming soon), Vietnam through MoMo, and Global (Non-US countries) through China Union Pay.

Andreea Gleeson, CEO of TuneCore, emphasizes: “As TuneCore continues to expand, we not only offer best in class services on a worldwide level, the company also brings that same mindset to our local markets. For TuneCore artists, we not only want to support their artistry but we want to make it easy for them to distribute their music. Last year we launched the New Artist plan, which enables creators to release their music to social platforms for no upfront fee. Now with the launch of our expanded payment services, creators can access full distribution services seamlessly.”

Cyrus Chen, Head of TuneCore Southeast Asia, adds: “In Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam, card penetration remains low while e-wallets usage is quickly becoming ubiquitous among the population in recent years. By prioritizing our payments infrastructure to include local payment options that our artists prefer, demonstrates our commitment to the region’s growth. This is part of TuneCore’s hyper-localization efforts to ensure the most positive user experience for our Southeast Asian artists.”

In the coming months, TuneCore will push the program out to other countries and regions. Earlier this year, TuneCore launched its revolutionary new pricing program which allows artists at any stage of their careers to distribute their music. The program allows music creators to release tracks and albums on an unlimited basis via plans ranging from free/no upfront cost (new artist), $14.99 (rising artist), $29.99 (breakout artist) to $49.99 (professional).

Faryal Khan-Thompson, Vice President, International, TuneCore, shares: “Southeast Asia is an important market for TuneCore as there is an abundance of talent and growth in the region. Our partnership with Adyen simplifies and streamlines payments, giving access to music creators who previously would not have been able to distribute.”

About TuneCore  

TuneCore is the global platform for independent musicians to build audiences and careers – with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Tencent and more than 150 download and streaming stores worldwide, while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration, worldwide royalty collections, and placement opportunities in film, TV, commercials, video games and more. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of Believe, is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, and Austin, and operates globally through local teams based in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, India, Japan and Singapore across 5 continents. www.tunecore.com

About Believe

Believe is one of the world’s leading digital music companies. Believe’s mission is to develop artists and labels in the digital world by providing them the solutions they need to grow their audience at each stage of their career and development. Believe’s passionate team of digital music experts around the world leverages the Group’s global technology platform to advise artists and labels, distribute and promote their music. Its 1,565 employees in more than 50 countries aim to support independent artists and labels with a unique digital expertise, respect, fairness and transparency. Believe offers its various solutions through a portfolio of brands including TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, Naïve. Groove Attack and AllPoints. Believe is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: BLV. ISIN: FR0014003FE9).

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