Top 3 Online Resources for Financial Education

According to a Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Ratings Services, only 25% of Filipino adults are financially literate. This is actually considered very low and alarming. The good news is there are a lot of efforts in the country to promote financial literacy and thus, we no longer have any excuse not to improve our skills in personal finance and financial management. 

Aside from seminars, books and workshops, online resources have been launched and made available especially for Filipinos. Here are the top online resources to start-off your financial education. 

1. Brighter Life Institute - Open for enrollment since 2014, the award-winning Brighter Life Institute or BLI is an organized learning program inspired by MOOCs (massive online open courses). For this year, BLI rolls out the Moving Up module – a set of lessons which aim to teach families basic financial planning practices and the value of honest conversations about money, even to one’s children.

The Moving Up module takes its cue from Sun Life’s ‘Money For Life’ philosophy, which shows a holistic journey through four different life stages. With lessons spanning from creating a household budget to preparing for future milestones such as a college education, BLI’s latest offering can now be accessed via http://brighterlife.com.ph/bli-moving-up/.

2. My Future Fund Calculator - For a glimpse of how an insurance-with-savings product can help in reaching one’s dreams on time, the My Future Fund Calculator is available via bit.ly/myfuturecalculator. Just set a target date, choose a My Future Fund nearest the target date, and pair it with a suitable Sun Life variable life insurance product.

My Future Fund is perfect for families who are preparing for a specific purpose, like a college education or owning their own home.

What’s more, users of the My Future Calculator can get a chance to win P25,000 cash when they share it on Facebook and subscribe to Brighter Life Institute through the Plan 4 Your Fam, Win a Future Fund promo. Full mechanics here.

3. Websites or Blogs

Now on its fourth year, #SINAG invites Filipino bloggers and online journalists to be part of Sun Life’s financial literacy advocacy by sharing and posting about their insights and experiences on money management.

From securing their future to learning about financial instruments, #SINAG is a valuable compilation of life stories and advice from writers who also believe in the benefit of being financially prepared.

Interested writers can send a link of their entry to editor@brighterlife.com.ph. Full contest mechanics can be found here. 

Now, we can say goodbye to financial illiteracy and start having a #BrighterLife.

For updates on Brighter Life Institute, My Future Fund Calculator, and #SINAG, follow us on social media via @sunlifeph.

4 Life Lessons Every Millennial Should Know

Millennials or those who have been referred as Generation Y are the individuals who grew up in an electronics-filled and increasingly online and socially-networked world. 

If you are born between 1982 and 2002, then continue reading this post and learn more about these life lessons that you should know. 

1. Be The Best At What You Do. 

Millennials are said to define themselves more by their interest and passion rather than careers. According to Mr. Renee Barian Romero, an avid online gamer who loves to join international competitions and now a successful business consultant and CEO, millennials should strive to be the best at what they do whether it's about arts, writing, dancing or even online gaming. 

Renee Barian Romero giving the "GAMER TO GAINER" talk.

When you play games, you take adversaries as a challenge to become the best. Quitting is never an option. Focus on learning and improvement. 

One of the lucky students who got a surprise gift. 

2. Be a Game Changer.

Millennials are known to be passionate about things that impact others: the planet, the environment, social justice, poverty. With proper guidance, these passions can make themselves as ‘changemakers’. What other generations might consider an ‘interest’, Millennials see it as central to who they are. They define success in terms of their ability to turn these interests into accomplishments or even a career. 

3. Be a Responsible Social Media User

Growing up in a digital environment, one can tap increasing potential with all the resources available. However, if not utilized properly, these resources may also become distractions that may hinder one’s personal or career growth. Ms. Maria Sigrid Lo, award-winning blogger / social media influencer reminds millennials to be responsible social media users. One should try to post something positive and helpful. 

Ma. Sigrid Lo talks about SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MILLENNIALS

As millennials, let us be more than a selfie-crazy generation. Make sure to practice social media etiquette. 

4. You are Responsible for Your Dreams

Sha Nacino, a prolific speaker, and author of Mission Happiness and Money and Me shared that in order to make our dreams come true, you have to be clear on what you want. Be specific. Visualize and find out what you really want in your life. 

Sha Nacino shares tips on HOW WE CAN MAKE OUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

Once you know what your goals are, write your dreams. Create a dream board that will serve as a reminder.

Lastly, act on it. Dreams don't happen overnight. Take small steps but make sure you do it consistently. You personally have the control on making your dreams come true. Believe in yourself and not on other people's perception about you. 

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These are just some of our key takeaways during the A MILLENNIAL’S DREAM - an event all about inspiring students and other stakeholders to pursue their passion and purpose through productivity and entrepreneurship in the digital age. 

This was held last October 12, 2017 at the Jovito H Sayson National High School and was made possible through the support of event partners: Merzci - Best Bacolod Pasalubong, Cabalen SM City Bacolod, Steel Art Billboards, Maskape 3in1 Coffee, Kurv'z Boutique, Sweet Hill Ice Candy Negros, WRITE University, When In Manila, Sigrid Says, DHADHA GARCIA, Mea in Bacolod and My Metro Lifestyle.

Here are some photos of the event: 

Despite the rain, more 300+ participants joined the event. 

Grade 12 students sold their handicraft projects which they made during their TLE classes. 

Maskape, one of the event sponsors gave out samples to all event attendees. 

Grade 9 students offered Face Painting Services

Raffle Prizes from Merzci - The Best Bacolod Pasalubong

Erwin Boiser of Sweet Hill Ice Candy Negros gave away free samples and
a NEGOSYO PACKAGE to one lucky participant. 

Grade 10 offered the famous Bacolod "Inasal."  They also won THE BEST BOOTH AWARD.

This event was organized by THE PURPLE SECRETARY under the DIGITAL AND ONLINE TECH ADVOCATES PROGRAM. For inquiries, you may email them at thepurplesecretary.events@gmail.com

Passion Series No. 1: Helping People #LiveBrighter

If you have been following my other page, The Purple Secretary, you might have noticed my favorite hashtag #makepassionyourprofession. It is actually one of my favorite personal advocacies which I got from the movie, 3 Idiots, and Sha Nacino's MISSION HAPPINESS book. It is the same idea that was presented in Yeng Remulla's book -- START SOMETHING. 

It is all about finding the 3P's in life -- Passion, Purpose, and Profit. Find all these three things together at the same time and this is what we call - The Sweet and Perfect Spot. So, I am launching these series on my blog to share stories and inspiration about how to make passion your profession. We will discuss different career options that you can consider with high hopes that you can also find your own sweet and perfect spot. 

First Stop: Helping Other People #LiveBrighter

Whether we admit it or not, financial illiteracy is one of the major concerns nowadays. You might be able to hear stories about people who used to be really rich but now is left with nothing due to bad luck or bad decisions. Regardless of the reason, we can say that proper financial planning could have made things different. 

Thus, one of the careers that you can consider is to become a Sun Life Advisor, you can help people (passion) plan for their future while enjoying limitless earning potential (profit.) In this way, you can make a positive difference in the lives of others by helping them fulfill their financial goals (purpose.) 

A big portion of the population is still without any form of life insurance and investment. By providing relevant financial advice and guiding them along the way, you can help ensure their security and growth, and help them build a solid future for themselves and their loved ones. 

Here are other reasons why you should consider being a Financial Advisor: 

1. Flexible Time

This job does not require you to be in the office 8-5 instead you get to enjoy flexible working hours allowing you to fulfill your other roles in life. By being able to manage your own schedule, you can allocate your time according to your priorities. 

2. Rewarding Career

Aside from a competitive incentives package, a job well done is rewarded with a trip to local and international destinations, cash bonuses, gift certificates and other exciting prizes. 

3. Work with a Reputable Company

Sun Life is the number one and longest-standing life insurance company in the Philippines. They provide solutions to various financial needs, such as income continuation, education, retirement and wealth accumulation. 

4. Free Training

Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced worker, Sun Life makes sure that you are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill your role in helping other people. Personal and professional advancement is highly valued in Sun Life. With its continuous learning and training programs, you can reach your full potential. 

Interested to start a #LiveBrighter Career? Here's how you can get started:

1. Join a #LiveBrighter Forum 

2. Attend the interviews/ take the Personality Orientation Profile Screen Test

3. Take the Licensing Exam at the Insurance Commission

4. Finish the Sun Life Training Course

5. Complete the Contracting and Coding Process

For more details, visit www.sunlife.com.ph

Also, feel free to share in the comments below if you are found your sweet spot or if you are still searching for one. Make sure to follow us on Facebook to be updated with the next Passion Series post.

Top 6 Dog Movies You Shouldn't Miss

Every furparent would love to watch a dog film until the part where the dog dies. No matter how much we tell ourselves it's not true and just a fictional story, we all end up crying a bucket of tears. As they say, it is better for humans to die in the movie as long as the dog survives. Do you agree? (I'm so bad.) 

This Sunday, Crumpy, Cheesecake, and Cinderelly would like to share the top 5 dog movies you shouldn't miss. 

1. Marley and Me - Newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston moved to Florida, where they are starting their life as a married couple. Then, the Grogans decide to adopt Marley, an adorable yellow Labrador pup. But Marley soon grows up to be a mischievous and naughty dog. Despite all the adventures, Marley still manages to bring out the best in John, Jenny and their growing family.

2. 8 Below - In the frozen wasteland of Antarctica features a tale about the bonds of friendship and loyalty. Three members of a scientific expedition, Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker), his friend Cooper (Jason Biggs) and an American geologist (Bruce Greenwood), must leave their beloved sled dogs behind after a devastating accident and increasingly perilous weather conditions. The dogs struggle to survive on their own during the harsh Antarctic winter.

3. Hachi: A Dog's Tale - A college professor played by Richard Gere finds a dog on a train station and forms a lasting bond with him. (This is a personal favorite and this is based on a true story.) 

4. Max - A highly trained service dog (Max) was too traumatized to remain in service after his handler U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott was killed in Afghanistan. He was instead adopted by Kyle's family back in the U.S. Kyle's teenage brother Justin (Josh Wiggins) has problems of his own and doesn't want the animal. However, Max may be Justin's only chance to learn what really happened to his brother. Justin and Max begin to bond and set out to unravel and find out more about the mystery of Kyle's death.

5. Legally Blonde 2- Yes! You read that right. It is not purely a dog movie but this movie about Elle Woods (played by Resse Witherspoon) is about her journey to Washington, D.C., to have her say about animal rights, but is ignored by every politician she encounters and quickly learns that the White House can be even tougher to navigate than the Ivy League. It is a great reminder to all of us to be the voice for all our dogs and other animals. 

6. A Dog's Purpose - This 2017 movie is all about finding the meaning of a dog's existence in the lives of its humans. It is a story about the unbreakable bond between his dog and owner as they find each other again after multiple reincarnations. This movie will give us hope to the reunited once again with our lost angels. 

Some of these movies have really sad endings but still, they are worth watching. Just like having a dog, we all know that due to their short lifespan, owning one will lead to a major heartbreak. However, an opportunity to be with them no matter how short it is definitely worth the pain. 

Ending this post with my favorite quote from Anatole France, "Until you have loved an animal, a part one's soul remains unawakened."

World-class natural remedy for Filipina beauty & wellness expert’s crowning glory

When they say "kilay" is life, it simply means that it is very significant and that it is something we can't live without. I personally believe that our hair and not just our eyebrows make a huge difference in our lives. I am not just referring to our physical appearance but also to its functions.   

Thus, hair loss has become a big concern for both men and women. It can have a devastating effect on anyone who experiences it. According to Web MD, the average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair and loses up to 100 of them a day, which is normal. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows, and they can experience losing more than hundreds of strands which is quite alarming. 

So what can you do to prevent it? 

For beauty and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, embracing wellness is the first step to help improve the hair’s condition and make people look younger.

“If you choose to have a wellness lifestyle, then expect wonderful changes such as radiant skin, energy, and a general sense of well-being,” she emphasizes. “In time, you will realize that you have successfully delayed the aging process.”

The beauty and wellness expert says that choosing wellness as a lifestyle includes eating nutritious food, exercising, getting a good sleep, drinking generous amounts of water, managing stress, getting enough sunshine, and above all, staying positive. 

On top of a daily healthy regimen, a supplement is necessary to maintain a healthy hair and scalp. Many people opt to use chemical-based products. But for her, the use of natural products is a must and the best solution for hair loss.

“There are hair treatment products in the market today that claim to be effective but their ingredients could contain chemicals that may prove harmful with long-term use,” she enthuses. “Choose natural. Say NO to harsh chemicals and let nature do the makeover,” she emphasizes. 

Natural ingredients such as virgin coconut oil (VCO) and aloe vera are loaded with beneficial properties, which boost the health of the scalp and hair. These and much more natural herbs and essential oils can be found in NOVUHAIR, a topical scalp lotion with 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss, which the beauty and wellness expert approves of.

“Even if I have been blessed with thick hair, I know that it has to be cared for,” she maintains. “I use NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion once daily in the evening before bedtime. Next morning, I apply it on my scalp again, then a shampoo after 30 minutes. Those who wish to further thicken the hair, it is a must to also use the shampoo and conditioner daily.” 

Eventually, she noticed impressive effects after using this breakthrough product: significant lessening of hair fall, abundant growth of tress, and the return of locks’ luster.

Apart from being effective, it’s a very safe solution, too. A local clinical study has proven that NOVUHAIR has no adverse side effects with continuous use. 

Moreover, NOVUHAIR is not just for those who experience hair loss. Younger people, especially the millennials, can use it for maintenance or prevention if hair loss runs in the family.

Cory recommends NOVUHAIR to everyone, especially to those who want to maintain their hair the best way they can. For her, this globally-competitive natural product answers the needs of a discriminating, health-conscious public.

Born on August 11, the granddaughter of the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino is an author, and television and radio host. She has been a strong advocate for natural health, beauty, and wellness for more than two decades.

“Twenty years ago, it was as simple a goal as weight loss. But when I saw the dramatic effect it had on my vitality and complexion, I knew that this was the good path to take. For those who wish the same things I wanted then, this would be just as easy to embrace,” Cory recalls. 

She wrote a series of best-seller books entitled “Forever Young”, which feature beauty and health tips as well as her own workout programs. Likewise, she also made a fitness video called “Cory Quirino’s Celebrity Workout for Beginners”.

For her, living in the 21st century has its challenges. She says: “The best way to live long and be well is to live a natural life.” 

Truly, for a natural woman like Cory, her crowning glory deserves nothing but a world-class natural remedy that is NOVUHAIR.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also have the product delivered right at your doorstep through Lazada at https://bit.ly/2Jc92Vk

For more information, contact NOVUHAIR hotlines at 413.6570 and 0922.8830575, visit www.novuhair.com, and their FB page.