Tag: inclusivity

Sun Life Grepa: Building a Culture Where Employees Shine

In today’s competitive corporate world, a positive workplace culture has become more than just a perk—it’s a driving force behind employee success and company growth. At Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), this is a reality. Known for providing life insurance and financial protection in the Philippines, the company also stands out for fostering a workplace where employees are valued, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

A Vision That Unites and Empowers

At the heart of Sun Life Grepa’s success is a strong and clear vision. The company’s leadership believes that their people are the key to staying at the top of the industry. According to Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim, employees are not just a part of the company, but its most important asset.

“We recognize that our people are our greatest asset—they are the ambassadors of our products and services, consistently keeping us among the top life insurance companies in the Philippines. We continue to build on our gains by empowering them to excel at Sun Life Grepa,” Lim said.

This vision is translated into a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, development, and inclusivity, allowing employees to positively impact the lives of their clients.

Global Recognition: A Great Place to Work

Sun Life Grepa’s efforts to create a thriving workplace haven’t gone unnoticed. For two consecutive years—2022 and 2023—the company earned the prestigious Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification, a global recognition that highlights exceptional employee experience.

According to the GPTW survey, an impressive 88% of Sun Life Grepa employees said the company is a great place to work. Even more notable is the feedback on inclusivity: 93% of employees believe that people are treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation. This is a reflection of Sun Life Grepa’s commitment to fostering a diverse and accepting work environment.

The survey also revealed that 92% of employees are proud to tell others they work at Sun Life Grepa. This sense of pride comes from a company culture that celebrates special moments, welcomes new hires warmly, and ensures a safe and supportive workplace.

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment

Sun Life Grepa is dedicated to creating a culture of care where employees are valued, heard, and supported in their growth. For the company, this means ensuring that everyone feels included, regardless of background or identity.

“We are here to make employees successful and fulfilled, so we make sure that we foster a culture where everyone is valued, heard, and accepted, where their talents are developed and fully harnessed, and where they are equipped with the training and tools they need to achieve their goals,” explained Sun Life Grepa Human Resources Head Pinky Moreno.

This focus on inclusivity goes beyond policies—it’s reflected in how employees are treated daily, with a genuine sense of belonging.

Stories of Belonging and Growth

For many employees, Sun Life Grepa is more than just a workplace—it’s a second home. Maria Kathrina Iquina, a Registered Medical Technologist, shared her experience of growth and support within the company.

“I’m very thankful that I found a second home in Sun Life Grepa. The company hones our skills through diverse experiences and encourages continuous learning with workshops and seminars to advance my career. It supports employees like how it supports clients. At Sun Life Grepa, you are not just an employee, but you are family,” Iquina said.

This sense of family is a key part of the company’s culture, and it’s one that has been especially appreciated during difficult times. Senior Payroll Assistant Marilou Madueno highlighted how Sun Life Grepa adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by creating programs that supported the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of employees.

“Sun Life Grepa ensures that every employee is treated with care and compassion, prioritizing our well-being. We engage in various company activities and events, and even during challenging times like the pandemic, the company has adapted with programs that support our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. The genuine concern and support embodied by ‘Sun GrePAMILYA’ make this company a truly great place to work,” Madueno shared.

Empowering Success Through Continuous Development

At Sun Life Grepa, employees are not only supported in their day-to-day roles but are also encouraged to continuously improve and develop their skills. Through targeted training and development programs, the company ensures that its people are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Investment and Partnership Engagement Head Wingkee Lomeda shared how the company has helped her transform her career and mindset. “I never imagined working in the insurance industry, but everything changed when I joined Sun Life Grepa. Here, I feel truly supported, as my efforts are recognized and valued. Sun Life Grepa has empowered me to achieve my goals and transformed my mindset, showing me that mutual respect and value, not just passion, are key to long-term fulfillment in a company,” she said.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Continued Growth

As Sun Life Grepa moves forward, the company remains committed to enhancing the employee experience. It continues to invest in various engagement programs, ensuring that employees can become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally.

By staying true to its mission of valuing and empowering its employees, Sun Life Grepa creates a workplace where everyone shines together. This commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a sense of family is what makes Sun Life Grepa not just a great place to work, but a place where people can thrive.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Mangha-Likha Exhibit: Redefining Art with Unconventional Materials

In the realm of art, innovation knows no boundaries. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and where artists dare to break free from traditional norms. The Mangha-Likha exhibit, recently held at the Gateway Gallery, is a testament to this artistic audacity. It became a world where Filipino artists have defied art conventions by crafting mesmerizing artworks from unconventional materials.

The Birth of Mangha-Likha

Mangha-Likha was not born overnight; it sprouted from a visionary mind. Gari Apolonio, the Museum Curator of Gateway Gallery, envisioned a national art competition that would challenge artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. Yet, this competition morphed into something more significant. With the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the exhibit “Mangha-Likha: Defying Art Conventions” became a reality. This group exhibition became a platform for a select group of Filipino artists who refuse to be bound by traditional gallery norms.

Unconventional Artists and Their Materials

The heart and soul of Mangha-Likha reside in its artists, each wielding their unique materials and techniques, as well as infused their art with unconventional charm:

  1. Tess Ureta Aligaen – A needlework artist, Tess uses various fabrics and intricate embroidery techniques. Her artworks are alive with vibrant patterns and colors, revealing her passionate craftsmanship.
  2. Gilbert Calderon Angeles – Gilbert’s canvas is a collection of ground shampoo sachets, as he creates eco-paintings using plastic laminates. His pieces not only captivate the eyes but also deliver an essential message on environmental awareness.
  3. Percival Denolo – Known as the mud artist, Percival has garnered national acclaim with his unique mud shadow artworks. With mud collected from a termite mound in his backyard, he transforms an unusual medium into captivating monochromatic paintings.
  4. Mai Pimentel De Dios – A cancer survivor, Mai found healing in art. She uses discarded palochina as her canvas, creating striking surrealist paintings that beautifully capture emotions and tell stories.
  5. Sasha Garcia – Sasha’s art is all about thread. She meticulously stitches her life onto repurposed fabric, delivering art that advocates wellness, peace, and care for the environment.
  6. Jordan Bulanit Mang-Osan – Jordan hails from the Cordillera region and uses solar art to celebrate his indigenous culture. He harnesses the sun’s power to create culture-based images, an extraordinary technique that’s deeply rooted in tradition.
  7. Marvel Obemio – With a focus on recycling, Marvel creates intricate pieces from upcycled pull tabs and discarded plastics. He believes in reducing waste while producing art that’s both engaging and eco-friendly.
  8. Noel Quidlat – Noel’s claim to fame is his three-dimensional portraits crafted from masking tape and backlight. He initially shared his time-lapse videos on social media, instantly attracting a massive fan base.

Mangha-Likha’s Message

At its core, Mangha-Likha is about redefining what art can be. It challenges the established norms and blurs the lines between the conventional and the unconventional. As a collective, the exhibit conveys a powerful message, one that resonates with themes of sustainability, inclusivity, equality, and ecological balance. It promotes values like courage, resilience, determination, resourcefulness, and originality.

The Exhibition and Its Impact

The exhibition opened with a gathering of esteemed guests, including Prof. Felipe de Leon, former Chairman of the NCCA, Tess Rayos del Sol, Head of the National Committee on Art Galleries under NCCA, and Christine Diane Romero, Executive Director of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF). Their presence underscored the importance of Mangha-Likha and its role in the ever-evolving art scene.

The exhibit was a testament to the commitment of JAAF, which extended its support to make this endeavor a reality. Notably, the exhibit’s reach goes beyond its physical presence. It includes a published catalog and a captivating video tour available on the Gateway Gallery YouTube Channel.

The Mangha-Likha exhibit reminds us that art isn’t confined to a traditional box. Instead, it’s a dynamic force that challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of creativity. In today’s art world, where innovation knows no bounds, the work of these artists is a breath of fresh air. Their unconventional materials and techniques bring an exciting and contemporary perspective to the realm of art. It’s a testament to the power of art in challenging and transforming society, promoting a message of inclusivity, sustainability, and equality.

Details provided in a recent press release.