The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

Monday, July 22, 2024

Leah Halili

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili marvels with childlike wonder on the release of her new single, “River By The Sea.”

Produced by The Ringmaster’s Francis Lorenzo, who has worked with artists such as Clara Benin, UDD, and Ang Bandang Shirley, the lush, folk-pop track finds joy in exploring nature and igniting one’s curiosity about the simplest things in life.

Leah considers her recent travel trip to Yosemite Park with her family two summers ago to be a songwriting inspiration for the track. “We were all in awe of this majestic place. We had witnessed everything from the peaks through the canyons, cliffs, rivers, and lush green meadows.”

She adds that the song expresses her willingness to learn, heal, and see more of the world’s beauty, not wanting to miss out on anything while still being capable of experiencing the best things that nature has to offer. 

“River By The Sea” expands her capabilities as a musician by further embellishing her sound with a more organic approach. Accompanied by stripped-down guitars and minimal keys, the song incorporates percussive elements like banging on wood and using an acorn to add a natural aspect to her sonic tapestry. The result is a rich, rewarding material that showcases her more genuine and adventurous take on musicality and production—of course with guidance from her producer Francis Lorenzo.

Also contributing to the songwriting aspects of the track is Leah Halili’s partner, Nikee Bañares, who laid down a melodic guitar as she was writing the song in its initial stages.

“He had made a beautiful melody to which he asked me to add my lyrics, and we worked on the demo together,” Leah reveals. “It took a while for us to record the song, as we wanted to wait until it was recorded in an actual studio.”

The song will be part of a 6-track EP to be released by the end of 2024 or early next year. 

The Changes act explains, “I do plan to release an EP as soon as I have all my singles remastered and find a common concept. I am currently writing more songs to add and as much as I want to give more details, I want to leave room for surprise! I hope people can stay tuned and continue to support my love for creating music.”

Leah Halili’s “River By The Sea” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

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Folk-pop artist syd hartha puts her own delicate spin on Apo Hiking Society’s “Panalangin”

Thursday, July 18, 2024

The young recording star teams up with acclaimed producer Brian Lotho on the stripped-down cover of an ‘80s classic

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha continues to captivate music listeners from various generations with the release of her new single “Panalangin,” a cover of Apo Hiking Society’s early ‘80s hit.
syd reinterprets the source material with a stripped-down arrangement and a delicate touch, adding her own stamp while retaining the essence of what makes the song a timeless classic.

Despite the fact that it is a cover, "Panalangin" is one of the most popular songs in Syd's gig repertoire. "It personally reminds me of very special memories I want to cherish forever."

The folk-pop recording artist adds, “I’ve always considered Panalangin to be one of the sweetest and most timeless OPM songs. The original version is very upbeat and pop, and I decided I wanted to add a feminine touch to it—something that sounds more mellow and softer, as if it came from a female perspective.”

syd’s version of “Panalangin” was arranged and produced by Brian Lotho of Sonic State Audio. They have professionally built a great foundation of trust and collaboration through the years, working together as constant collaborators for five years.

As for the tila tala act's approach to remaking a song into her own, syd admits that her goal has always been to strike a balance between her singing and playing style, which is very acoustic guitar-led, while staying true to the original's melodic qualities.

“Apo Hiking Society songs, specifically When I Met You and Panalangin have always been part of my ‘songs-I-wish-were-written-for-me’ playlist. When I was starting to learn the guitar, I listened to a lot of OPM, and those two songs really stuck with me. I always admired how they’re so beautifully written. It's an honor to be able to officially cover a song like Panalangin.”

syd hartha’s “Panalangin” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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EastWest Bank Sponsors Inaugural Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship at Subic Lighthouse Marina Hotel

Monday, July 15, 2024

Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship

EastWest Bank recently joined the Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship as a Major Sponsor, in partnership with Subic Sailing Philippines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. The event brought together sailing enthusiasts and Hobie Cat fanatics from Taal Yacht Club, the Philippine Sailing Association, and Subic Sailing Philippines. Valued EastWest customers, industry leaders, and media representatives such as Beni Gomez from Yacht Style and Barry Dawson from Active Boating & Water Sports Magazine were also present during the event.

The two-day event featured exhilarating races and exclusive promotions, showcasing EastWest Bank's commitment to supporting local sports, elevating Filipino sailors, and enhancing the lifestyle of its partners and clients. Skipper Peter Capotosto, one of the pioneers of the Hobie 16, also joined the National Championship.

A Celebration of Sailing and Partnership

The Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship is a significant milestone in the Philippine sailing community aimed to make the sport more accessible to Filipinos while highlighting the country's rich maritime heritage. The event featured intense, competitive races and an array of fun activities, creating a memorable experience and a perfect weekend getaway for all participants.

EastWest was represented by Oscar Navidad, Head of Credit Card Corporate Sales, Gen Rodriguez, Head of Marketing Services for Credit Cards, and Taytay Castro, Priority Center Head for Priority Banking Pampanga, showing full support for the sailing community during the event,

Notable attendees included the Managing Director of Subic Sailing, Vice President of the Philippine Sailing Association, IYT Instructor, and Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship Race Director, Marcus Avecilla, along with the entire race committee, crew, and staff. The Race Officer, Ed Umali, Jerry Rollin, Director of Philippine Sailing Association, and Troy Tayong, Coach of Philippine Sailing Association, played significant roles as jury members. Representing the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority was the Chief of Staff, Atty. Von F. Rodriguez.

Exclusive EastWest Credit Card Promotions

During the event, EastWest Bank highlighted a special promotion in partnership with Lighthouse Marina Resort. EastWest credit cardholders can now enjoy exclusive discounts and perks, including:20% Off on Rooms: Guests using their EastWest credit cards receive a 20% discount on room bookings at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, based on the best available rates.
10% Off on Dining: A 10% discount on a minimum single-receipt spend of Php 3,000 at Sands Resto Grill and 720 Bar until September 15, 2024, making dining experiences more affordable and enjoyable.

With this offering being just one of many available, these series of promotions are part of EastWest Bank’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional value and enhance the lifestyle of its customers. 

EastWest Uplifting Sports and Lifestyles

Mia Tamayo, SVP and Credit Cards Business Head of EastWest Bank, emphasized the bank’s tireless commitment to supporting sports and lifestyle activities. "We are thrilled to have sponsored the inaugural Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance our clients' lifestyle experiences. By partnering with Subic Sailing Philippines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Lighthouse Marina Resort, we also aim to elevate the sport and the community, making sailing more accessible and enjoyable for all."

Unforgettable Day of Sailing

The Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship event featured a variety of engaging activities designed to excite and delight participants, while fueling their passion for sailing. After the actual races, participants enjoyed a lunch buffet that culminated in a grand closing and awarding ceremony, followed by an after-party. Hosted by Managing Director of Subic Sailing and Managing Director of Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation, Zedrik Avecilla, the event also featured performances by Subic-based premier DJ VLD. Participants received a wide range of exclusive merchandise like branded shirts and personalized uniforms, taking home lasting memories of the event.

Looking Ahead

EastWest Bank’s sponsorship of the Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship is proof to its continued dedication to fostering community engagement and promoting sports in the Philippines. As EastWest Bank celebrates its 30th year in the industry, the bank remains committed to fostering meaningful connections within the community, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting initiatives that align with its mission of providing exceptional service and support.

For more information about EastWest Bank’s promotions and upcoming events, please visit:https://www.eastwestbanker.com/promos.
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Paolo Sandejas signs with Sony Music Entertainment, releases first official single “sirens”

Paolo Sandejas


The moody guitar-pop track showcases layers of maturity and earnestness to his musical craft

Rising OPM star Paolo Sandejas is the newest addition to the growing family of Sony Music Entertainment artists!

In just a short period of time, the breakout act has captivated the international audience with “Sorry,” a song that BTS’ Vco-signed and sang in one of his vlogs. In 2023, Sandejas dropped Bloom, a 6-track EP which features the hit single “Different Shade of Blue.” He is also one of the performers at the recently concluded Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2024, sharing the billing alongside some of the global heavyweights in the live music scene, including Jack Johnson, Parcels, and Thundercat. 

As part of his debut offering with his new label, Paolo Sandejas has finally released “sirens,” the first single off his upcoming solo album to be released sometime soon. Penned by Sandejas, the moody alt-pop track reveals a more mature approach to his musicality and songwriting.

The song also serves as a reunion project with Xergio Ramos, who was responsible for producing “Someone New,” his collab track with fellow singer-songwriter Martti Franca.

“The final track sounds so much fuller and more polished compared to what I initially brought to him, and I’m really grateful that he took the time and effort to help bring the song to life,” said the Sway artist. “You’ll definitely be hearing more of him working on my songs in the future.”

Lyrically speaking, “sirens” is about finding home in a person. As Sandejas puts it, the new song captures the feeling of being reckless and spontaneous in life, knowing that things will be fine as long as you get to spend precious time with the person you call home. 

He explains, “I wanted to keep the lyrics really simple with slight variations between verses to tell the story in a subtle way. As writers, we often try to fit as much as we can into a song, but for this track, I wanted to be as efficient as I could while still telling its story.”

Paolo Sandejas’ “sirens” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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Bigo Live Celebrates Filipino Artists at Inaugural Bigo Voice Music Fest

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Bigo Voice Music Fest
     The first-ever live music event celebrated Filipino talents and strengthened the community through music

 Bigo Live, the world’s leading global livestreaming platform, announced the winners of the first-ever Bigo Voice Music Fest competition on 28 June in Metro Manila, Philippines. Bigo Voice Music Fest is the platform’s inaugural online and offline music event connecting artists and music-lovers from all across the Philippines, bringing the joy of music closer to the local and global community through live experiences, happening in real-time. 

The three talented rising stars Nikki Enriquez (Bigo id: NikkiEnriquez), Ronnel Abinal (Bigo id: White_Official28) and Lailanie Balmediano (Bigo id: primelovekisses) won 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place, respectively, and received prizes including trophies and up to 200,000 Bigo Beans (the virtual currency on Bigo Live). During the event, audience members voted IKANG (Bigo id: ikangmo) as the “Most Impactful Icon of the Night.” The awards night was attended by over 200 fans and broadcasters, and featured captivating live performances by the top 14 Bigo hosts who came from all over the Philippines. 

The three artists emerged as winners after a series of online challenges on Bigo Live where over 100 Philippines-based broadcasters battled it out across three categories: Solo, Duo and Family Livehouses. The top 14 finalists, ranked automatically based on the points collected during their livestreams, were invited to perform in Manila. 

Here are broadcasters that performed during Bigo Voice Music Fest:

  1. Rency Consigna (id: RencyMusic)
  2. Alexa Marnilo (id: AlexaBokalista)
  3. Ria (id: riamariyaa)
  4. Hayag a.k.a SikatNgAraw (id: sikatngaraw)
  5. Arya (id: Im_jimjim)
  6. Edsel Santiago (id: santiagoedselll_)
  7. Mika Gomez (id: mixxhearts)
  8. Hannah Rentuma (id: hanarentuma)
  9. Gracie (id: GraCie05)
  10. Niezl Valera Gandol "Dimples" (id: Dimples23ASTA836)
  11. Eleisha Rosete (id: eleisharosete)
  12. Lailanie Balmediano (id: primelovekisses)
  13. Jannah Bocatiya (id: jfaye)
  14. Nikki Enriquez (id: NikkiEnriquez)

 

Fostering Connections and Community Spirit Through Music

Bigo Voice Music Fest demonstrated the power of live music to forge connections within the local Filipino community. Fans were treated to a unique ‘up-close and personal’ experience where music and community came to life. 

“The power of live performances lies in its ability to foster real-time connections between performers and audiences. We were thrilled to witness Bigo Voice performers amplify their shared passions and electrifying talents on stage. Their infectious energy helped to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, celebrate creativity, and forge lasting connections. This is truly what we envisioned for the Bigo Live platform – a safe space for artistic expression and forging unforgettable bonds,” said Ian Goh, Director, Bigo Live Philippines.

With the event’s immersive and interactive nature, Bigo Live underlined its commitment to providing a vibrant, safe, and inclusive social livestreaming platform, online and offline. Throughout the event, Bigo Live hosts could connect with other hosts as well as fans, forging stronger bonds with one another through their shared passions, creating memorable moments with the community.

Bigo Live stays committed to fostering an eco-system for content creators who inspire joy and positivity among  users and broadcasters. Bigo Live will continue to advocate for compassionate and connected communities by spearheading creator- and community-centric initiatives. These efforts will uplift our Filipino broadcasters and audiences, allowing them to bond with one another while expressing their authentic selves and talents.

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MMDA Celebrates Third Anniversary of Mobile Materials Recovery Facility

Thursday, June 27, 2024


The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proudly celebrates the third anniversary of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), an innovative project that has revolutionized waste management practices across Metro Manila. Launched on June 10, 2021, the MMRF initiative has already made significant strides in promoting proper waste segregation, recycling, and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The MMRF project, tagged as “Recyclable Mo, Palit Grocery Ko,” employs a commodity exchange system where residents can trade recyclable materials such as single-use plastics for essential goods. This initiative is one of the waste diversion programs under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Component 2 which aims to “Minimize Wastes in Waterways” by increasing waste diversion, and by encouraging active participation in proper waste management.

In line with the objective of MMFMP, the MMRF initiative diverts waste that could otherwise reach the waterways if left uncollected. By reducing wastes in the waterways, the risk of blockages that can lead to severe flooding is minimized, thereby improving the flood management in Metro Manila. This proactive waste management approach is crucial for reducing the flood vulnerability of the region, especially during the rainy season.

Over the past three years, the MMRF project has already engaged 79 barangays from 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila. With a total of 7,587 registered participants, the project has collected a total of 457,058.97 kg of recyclables, of which 361,135.17 kg were purchased by junk shops and 95,923.80 kg were brought to the MMDA-operated Solid Waste Management Facility located at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila. In exchange, the project has distributed goods worth PHP 1,641,971.88 to participating residents.

After three years of continuous operations, the project is now able to identify barangays that are ready to implement the MMRF commodity exchange system on their own. These barangays are being capacitated to ensure sustained implementation after system turnover. As part of its future plans, the MMDA aims to continue the operation of MMRF in barangays not yet ready for turnover and seeks additional partnerships with LGUs and private sector to further enhance the project’s sustainability.

“The success of the MMRF project over the past three years is a testament to the power of community engagement and innovative waste management solutions. We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to furthering our efforts to create a cleaner and more sustainable Metro Manila. The support and active participation of our residents and partners have been absolutely crucial in achieving these milestones,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

Key Achievements:

Barangay Engagement: 79 barangays from 17 LGUs have actively participated in the MMRF project.

Participant Registration: A total of 7,587 residents (2,201 males, 5,379 females, and 7 LGBTQ+ individuals) have registered and contributed to the project.

Recyclable Collection: The project has successfully collected 457,058.97 kg of recyclables, thereby improving waste segregation and increasing waste diversion among partner barangays

Goods Distribution: Recyclable materials were exchanged for goods worth PHP 1,641,971.88.

Partnerships: The project has formed partnerships with 42 junk shops and several private stakeholders, including Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) and Packaging Council of the Philippines (PPCP), ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
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EastWest Joins Vespa Day 2024


EastWest recently participated in Vespa Day 2024 held at The Tent at Villar City in Las Piñas City. This is in celebration of the Italian luxury brand’s 78th anniversary. The event, which attracted close to 2,000 participants, provided an opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to explore the Vespa brand of scooters and mopeds and take advantage of an exclusive EastWest Personal Loan offer:

Clean Loan - No collateral required.
Generous Loan Amounts – Up to Php 2,000,000, for the purchase of any of their chosen Vespa scooters, including accessories.
Flexible Terms - Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, and 36 months.
Low Monthly Rate – A competitive monthly rate of only 1.39% across all terms.
Zero Downpayment – An exclusive zero downpayment offer.

Celebrating the Partnership with Autohub Group

In celebration of EastWest Bank's 30th Anniversary and its "Further for You" concept, the collaboration between EastWest and the Autohub Group (distributor of Vespa as well as other brands like Aprilia, Triumph, and Segway) took center stage at a special event. This partnership exemplifies how EastWest's Personal Loan can make owning an iconic Vespa or other premium two-wheelers a reality, aligning perfectly with the bank's mission to take its customers further in their journey.

Drive Home a Vespa

EastWest invites all motorcycle enthusiasts and prospective buyers to explore the range of scooters from Vespa, a true Italian style icon in the world of mobility since 1946.

For Vespa fans who were not able to avail during the event, the special Eastwest Personal Loan offer is extended for a limited time. Just visit any of the Vespa showrooms or call EastWest’s Customer Service Hotline at +63288881700 for more information.


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Meghan Trainor releases sixth album, Timeless

Monday, June 24, 2024


Pop sensation Meghan Trainor has gifted the world her much-anticipated sixth album, Timeless. With 16 tracks that span from soulful ballads to high-energy bops, this album truly has something for everyone. Fans can dive into Timelessnow and experience the magic firsthand.

Meghan’s Heartfelt Message to Fans

Meghan Trainor expressed her excitement about the album's release, sharing, “Timeless is finally yours and I still can't believe it!! This album means so much to me! I got to work with so many incredible people to bring this album to life, and I’m so grateful for all of them and all the fans for showing so much excitement over it. I can’t wait to play these songs for you on the Timeless Tour! I’ll try not to cry every night with happy tears.”

Early Hits and Collaborations

Before the full album drop, fans were treated to three standout singles: “Been Like This” with T-Pain, “To The Moon,” and “I Wanna Thank Me” featuring Niecy Nash. These tracks showcase Meghan’s exceptional talent in both production and songwriting. The doo-wop inspired “Been Like This” is irresistibly catchy, while “To The Moon” offers a bass-heavy delight.

To celebrate the release, Meghan is kicking off the week with a performance on the TODAY Show Citi Concert Series, followed by appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenon June 11 and June 12, respectively.

Emotional Depth and Playful Vibes

Meghan’s vulnerability is on full display in tracks like “Forget How To Love,” where she addresses a lack of empathy with a powerful choir backing her. The playful yet biting “Whoops” proves Meghan’s prowess in creating anthems for every mood, even breakup songs, despite her happy marriage to Daryl Sabara.

The title track “Timeless” wraps up the album with a beautiful message, promising that while life may not last forever, true love endures.

Exclusive Merchandise for the Timeless Era

To mark this new era, Meghan has released a special crewneck and a range of music products and apparel available on Meghan-Trainor.com. Highlights include the Timeless Transparent Light Blue Vinyl, exclusive variants like the Timeless Sapphire Vinyl on Meghan’s TikTok Shop, and retailer-specific editions such as the Target Exclusive TimelessCD with a bonus track “Bite Me” and the Walmart Exclusive Timeless CD with an alternate cover.

The Timeless Tour

This fall, Meghan Trainor is hitting the road for the Timeless Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on September 4 at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH. With 24 shows lined up, the tour includes iconic venues like Madison Square Garden in New York, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

Joining Meghan on tour are fellow pop powerhouse Natasha Bedingfield for select dates, and “Lil Boo Thing” singer Paul Russell for the entire tour. Special guests Chris Olsen and Ryan Trainor will bring their unique charm and humor to the stage. Fans can expect to hear new tracks from Timeless along with beloved hits from Meghan’s previous albums. Tickets are available now at Meghan-Trainor.com.

Timeless Tracklist

  1. To The Moon
  2. Been Like This with T-Pain
  3. Crowded Room
  4. Whoops
  5. Crushin’ ft. Lawrence
  6. I Wanna Thank Me ft. Niecy Nash
  7. Love On Hold ft. T-Pain
  8. Forget How To Love
  9. Rollin'
  10. Maybe
  11. I Get It
  12. Sleepin’ On Me
  13. Hate it Here
  14. Bestie
  15. Doin' It All For You
  16. Timeless

Don't miss out on the musical journey of a lifetime with Timeless. Listen to it HERE. 


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Personal Collection wins big at 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, listed among PH best employers

Thursday, June 13, 2024


Personal Collection (PC), one of the leading direct selling and consumer goods company, has earned recognitions at the recent 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable practices and continued product innovation to better the lives of Filipinos.




PC bagged a Gold Stevie Award in the Social Impact Company category for its #GreenLifeGreatLife movement, serving as the anchor for its sustainable operations. These practices entail a steadfast commitment to regulatory compliance and strategic innovations in manufacturing and logistics.

Aside from transitioning to biodegradable packaging, PC has been implementing initiatives such as minimizing electricity and water consumption, enhancing distribution efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and lessening carbon emissions, among others. Moreover, the company has been taking significant steps to manage plastic waste, surpassing its 2023 goal by co-processing over 98 tons of plastic, in compliance with the Philippines’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

Additionally, PC continuously delivers groundbreaking solutions for Filipino families through innovation. This dedication inspired its Bronze Stevie Award for Excellence in Innovation in Consumer Products for its White Dove with DreamScentz™ Technology, its Baby Care Line.

Proven to provide HIMBING-BANGO for babies, the DreamScentz™ Technology incorporated in White Dove is a revolutionary fragrance that is clinically proven to help give longer and more restful sleep.

“We're deeply honored to receive awards for White Dove with DreamScentzTM Technology and our #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement. These recognitions belong to our employees, dealers, partners, and customers. Thank you for believing in our innovative efforts and our mission to make a difference now and for future generations,” Chairman of Environment, Social & Governance Committee Leejay Evangelista said during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards Night at the Shangri-La The Fort.

Recognized as one of the Philippines’ best employers




As the company advances its eco-friendly practices and innovation, PC simultaneously fosters an inclusive and empowering workplace for every Filipino worker. Recently, PC entered the list of The Philippines’ Best Employers in 2024, conducted by Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.

"Part of our values here at PC is people development. We are passionate about helping our employees grow and reach their fullest potential. Because we want them to also reach the "Great Life,” Senior Vice President of HROD and Chief People Officer Ruby Jaucian emphasized.

Dedicated to enhancing the overall employee experience, PC has been implementing initiatives with its people's well-being and growth in mind. These include extending health benefits and group life insurance to employees (including LGBTQIA+), as well as streamlining internal processes for increased efficiency.


The Best Employers list of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in partnership with Statista, assesses employer attractiveness based on tens of thousands of evaluations, opinions from thousands of employees, and scores from hundreds of companies.

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Boehringer Ingelheim and Sun Life strengthens partnership to make quality healthcare education more accessible to Filipinos

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines and Sun Life Philippines expand their partnership with one goal in mind: healthier and fuller lives for Filipinos. 




Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), inc. recently renewed their expanded partnership at the Sun Life Centre in Bonifacio Global City. Designed to improve health outcomes and deliver greater value to Filipinos, the partnership now covers chronic kidney disease (CKD) awareness programs.


With more than 7 million Filipinos affected by CKD , and the disease being among the leading causes of sickness and death in the Philippines, it is important that strategic and meaningful partnerships are forged to make a stronger impact for Filipinos. Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim recognize this problem as a trusted name in financial security and a global innovative leader in healthcare, respectively.


Mr. Ermel Teodoro, Interim General Manager Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, stated that “We collaborate with partners who we see have a common goal in making a real difference and a lasting impact to the lives of Filipinos in patient advocacy and disease awareness now, and for generations to come”.


Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO Benedict Sison said, “Since the beginning of our partnership in 2022, Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim have remained steadfast in driving towards our shared goal of empowering Filipinos to live healthier, fuller lives.”


The scope of Sun Life and Boehringer’s partnership programs includes disease awareness campaigns on common respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to rare respiratory conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases. There are also non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are two of the primary conditions that often lead to CKD.


“This renewed tie-up allows us to go beyond providing financial products,” adds Sison. “By working together with Boehringer Ingelheim, we can empower the nation to take a more proactive approach in protecting their overall health.”


Teodoro also stated that obesity and sedentary lifestyle are also high risks for CKD, “40% of Filipinos are suffering from obesity. Sedentary lifestyles, – one with limited movements or activities, can lead you to obesity and therefore, chronic kidney disease. ”


Now that the partnership has expanded to cover CKD, Boehringer hopes to reach more Filipinos and raise awareness on the risks of CKD because according to Teodoro, the symptoms for this disease will only show up in the late stages when CKD has severely progressed . The best preventive measure against CKD is to get tested for it regularly. There is a simple 2-step screening process to check kidney health. First is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eFGR), a blood test that measures the waste called creatinine in your blood; Second is the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test that uses a urine sample to measure albumin, or protein level present in your urine.


Making healthy lifestyle decisions is a must, but there’s only so much we can do when there are inevitable factors such as family history and aging. That’s why getting tested regularly is the best way to keep your kidneys healthy. Teodoro reminds everyone to “let your dependents, friends, and family know about the silent killer that is CKD. Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible and bring a loved one or two”.
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