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BPI-Philam encourages protection for OFWs against the global rise of COVID-19 variants

Many OFWs’ employment requires them to travel to-and-fro, increasing their chances of exposure to the virus. Having life insurance can serve as financial protection from tapping into their savings for medical bills and similar expenses.

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Bancassurance leader BPI-Philam urges Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to protect their hard-earned savings from unexpected expenses amid the pandemic. With the still rising number infections of COVID-19 variants worldwide, it has become even more urgent to have life insurance protection that would safeguard OFWs and their families.

As COVID-19 variants continue to evolve and spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) had begun to assign labels as to Variants of Interest or Variants of Concern. Just last month, the government reported that three close contacts of an OFW infected with the COVID-19 variant first detected in India, known as Delta or B.1.617.2, also tested positive.

“OFWs sacrifice so much to save for their families and for their futures, but the sad reality is that it’s possible lose everything in one unfortunate incident. The hospitalization of a family member due to severe COVID-19 infection alone could wipe out years’ worth of their savings. We’ve heard the same thing happen many times, and we want to help change it so we’ve made it our mission at BPI-Philam to assist OFWs through difficulties to enable them and their families to live healthier, longer, and better lives wherever they are,” said Surendra Menon, BPI-Philam Chief Executive Officer.

Just recently, BPI-Philam extended its free Php 200,000 COVID-19 insurance for qualified BPI and BPI-Philam customers to help Filipinos stay secure during these uncertain times. This free insurance coverage can be supplemented with other insurance plans like BPI-Philam’s Critical Care 100, which has health coverage that provides financial protection from setbacks caused by medical emergencies.

Many OFWs’ employment requires them to travel to-and-fro, increasing their chances of exposure to the virus. Having life insurance can serve as financial protection from tapping into their savings for medical bills and similar expenses.

OFWs are also encouraged to think for the long-term and be prepared for the worst. Life insurance can help them achieve their goal of having financial freedom upon retirement. For those who want to start saving and even invest, there are life insurance products that have an investment part that may help grow their funds. These allot a portion of their premiums to the policyholder’s life insurance coverage, while the remaining portion goes into an investment fund, which may continue to grow even after the full payment of the policy.

For OFWs, having the right life insurance plan gives their families back home peace of mind knowing that they are protected. They can live a worry-free life, letting them focus on accomplishing their goals. BPI-Philam helps by offering the right life insurance products that allow them to protect what they have built over the years and reach their ultimate goal of coming home sooner.

More information about BPI-Philam is available at its website<bpi-philam.com>, Facebook page<fb.com/BPIPhilamOfficial>, via the virtual assistant Bessie (on Messenger), or through a Bancassurance Sales Executive at BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branches nationwide.

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Manulife Wealth and Asset Management appoints Fabio Fontainha as Head of Asia

Fabio will be a member of the Manulife WAM leadership team and Manulife’s Global Leadership Team (GLT). He will be based in Hong Kong and report to Paul Lorentz and will also have accountability into Phil Witherington, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

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Manulife Wealth and Asset Management (Manulife WAM), the global wealth and asset management business of Manulife that brings investment solutions to institutional, retirement, and retail customers across the globe, has announced Fabio Fontainha as its new Head of Wealth & Asset Management, Asia, effective February 2025. Fabio succeeds Michael Dommermuth, who is leaving the firm at the end of the year.

“We are excited for Fabio to build on the momentum that has been growing for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management in Asia as we look to provide wealth and investment solutions to even more investors. We believe his expertise in key areas of focus for our business will make his transition into the role feel tangible almost immediately,” said Paul Lorentz, President and CEO, Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. “We are also appreciative of Michael’s commitment to our firm and the impact he has had on our expansion in multiple markets over more than two decades, ranging from multiple emerging Asia markets including India, as well as the conversion of our joint venture in China into a wholly-owned entity in Manulife Fund Management. We are grateful for his leadership that has provided broader capabilities to our clients across Asia.”

Fabio will be a member of the Manulife WAM leadership team and Manulife’s Global Leadership Team (GLT). He will be based in Hong Kong and report to Paul Lorentz and will also have accountability into Phil Witherington, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

Fabio will collaborate closely with all country and regional heads, chief investment officers, and global product teams to deliver investment capabilities for the region. He will also drive Manulife WAM’s strategic growth plans locally and provide local oversight to the retail, retirement and institutional businesses, partner closely with local functional heads, and serve as a touch point for teams working on strategic initiatives throughout Asia.

Fabio was previously at Citigroup where he had an extensive career spanning more than three decades including experience with consumer and private wealth, as well as retail markets. He has also lived and worked in Tokyo, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur during this time. He most recently served as Global Business Execution Head – Citi Private Bank. Throughout his career he has managed global, regional, and local businesses in Asia, Latin America, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East with various mandates including Head of Retail Banking for Citi across APAC (Asia Pacific) and EMEA (Europe Middle East Africa).

“I’m delighted to be joining Manulife WAM at a significant inflection point in their business. I have been privileged to see the expansion and growth in Asia throughout my career and admire the progress and the commitment Manulife WAM has made to serve its clients in the region,” said Fabio. “I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise to this role and help to meet the goals of our institutional, retail and retirement clients.”

Manulife WAM believes its business will see additional organic growth opportunities as a result of prevalent global megatrends including the retirement savings gap, increased longevity and the need for individuals to prepare for potentially spending additional years – or even decades – in retirement compared to previous generations, and the anticipated demand from both the middle class and high net-worth populations who are seeking additional solutions to save and invest and new strategies to diversify their portfolios.

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PhilCare members can now access Healthway’s full-service offerings

This development comes on the heels of a recent partnership that allows PhilCare members to receive leading-edge, holistic, and affordable cancer treatment via the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH).

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PhilCare, one of the country’s top HMO providers, has entered into a partnership with Healthway Multi-Specialty Centers (HMC), the clinic arm of Healthway Medical Network (HMN), to provide its members access to their full suite of services, from diagnostics to primary care.

This development comes on the heels of a recent partnership that allows PhilCare members to receive leading-edge, holistic, and affordable cancer treatment via the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH).

“We are excited to be joining forces with PhilCare as they are aligned with our entire care continuum model that starts from screening, diagnosis, and treatment, all the way to post-recovery. We’re happy that their members can now access our multi-specialty clinics and hospitals located all over the Philippines,” said Mr. Jaime Ysmael, Healthway Medical Network President and CEO.

“Our Healthway Multi-Specialty Centers are very eager to develop special programs and packages for PhilCare members, as well as to deliver high-quality care to them in the most efficient way possible. I am certain that the partnership will expand to other exciting mutually beneficial initiatives,” Mr. Ysmael continued.

According to PhilCare Executive Vice President for Operations Raymond Tiangco, the partnership is a testament to the alignment of the goals, mission, and vision of PhilCare and Healthway Medical Network, through its Multi-Speciatly Centers, to provide quality care to the Filipinos – and this sets his company apart from the rest of the market.

“Unlike other HMOs that are putting up their own clinics, PhilCare has a different plan,” he added. “We intend to partner with experts. And there is no more premium brand than Healthway when it comes to delivering healthcare services.”

Healthway Multi-Specialty Centers COO Edwin Magsino said that HMC is happy to become the go-to provider of PhilCare members for essential healthcare needs. He is confident that the partnership will satisfy the needs of many people—from their entry to the clinic all the way to their availment of HMC services.

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Watson boosts global expansion, unveils 16,800th store worldwide

This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

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As Watson, the parent company of Watsons Philippines, announced the grand opening of its 16,800th store worldwide, further consolidating its position as the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with a portfolio of 12 brands operating across 29 markets. This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed her excitement at the store opening ceremony, “The opening of our 16,800th store represents more than our growth as a company – it symbolises our commitment to serving the communities worldwide. With every store we open, we create jobs, foster customer relationships, and build lasting trust.”

“16,800 is a number with special meaning in Chinese culture. The number 6 symbolises ‘everything goes smoothly’ while 8 represents ‘good fortune’. We embrace the special meaning of this milestone and look forward to a future of lasting success and prosperity, not only for our business growth but also in extending these best wishes for a brighter future for the world during this festive Christmas season,” Malina added.

Commitment to Continuous Growth

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of AS Watson Benelux, remarked, “We’re honoured that AS Watson’s 16,800th store worldwide opens in vibrant Rotterdam, demonstrating AS Watson’s steadfast commitment to growth in the Benelux region and globally. As the No. 1 health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands, Kruidvat serves its customers with nearly 1,000 O+O stores and over 24,000 passionate colleagues and has become an integral part of many Dutch people’s lives.”

The brand-new store will serve over 11,000 customers every week. As one of the largest Kruidvat stores, it spans over 770 square meters and is designed to enhance O+O shopping experience with clear in-store navigation. The store offers an extensive assortment of over 36,000 products, making it the largest selection among all Kruidvat stores.

Watsons Philippines operates in over 1,100 stores nationwide, reflecting its commitment to bringing health, wellness, and beauty closer to every Filipino. Enhancing this experience is the Watsons app, which provides customers access to exclusive deals, personalized recommendations, and convenient services such as Click & Collect and home delivery.

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to innovation and excellence in customer experience, and will continue its growth journey with the purpose of putting a smile on the customers’ faces today and tomorrow. 

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