Philam Life transforms the culture of customer service experience through SPARK

“Philam Life has always been the leading innovator in the life insurance industry. Among the roster of recent innovative transformation initiatives we have introduced is GENESIS by Philam Life, a modern state-of-the-art facility supported by technological tools and development programs which paved the beginning of a culture of excellence in the financial advisor practice.” said Philam Life CEO Ariel Cantos.

The latest addition is the opening of their first flagship store in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. SPARK by Philam Group derived its name from the light that has ignited a flame in transforming the culture of customer service experience.

“Our innovation this time focuses on giving our customers the best experience. We are transforming our customer service centers into one-stop shops to make sure we cater to their growing and differentiating needs in this fast-paced environment. What makes it different is that we have expanded our services to the entire Philam Group including agency, bancassurance and mutual fund business transactions”, Cantos added.

“This shows our commitment to make significant investments into setting new industry standards in
customer service and financial advisor practice in the country. We have the capacity to do this being the strongest life insurance company with solid foundation of consistent financial growth in key metrics that matter to our customers. ” he concluded.

SPARK by Philam Group is a state-of-the-art customer service center that offers fully digital and
personalized services. It serves as the pilot office of all the company’s flagship stores that will open soon in key cities nationwide.

SPARK makes use of technological platforms to make services faster and easier for customers amidst
the sleek interiors of a modern-day office. It showcases the company’s latest technological capabilities such as the online customer portal called e-Plan, the Agency Portal for Philam Life financial advisors; and My PAMI Investor Portal, for the company’s mutual fund customers.

The newly launched customer portal E-plan allows Philam Life clients to manage their policy details and transact, anytime and anywhere, transforming the level of customer service beyond the traditional face-to face transactions.

Philam Life’s Chief Life Operations Officer Richard Bracken said, “At Philam Life, we believe that everything should start and end with the customers. This portal has a human centric design, which means that this was designed by the customers for the customers. For example, one of our key findings revealed that 90% use mobile devices for online activities, so we have made e-Plan to be mobile optimized.”

With the help of our customers, Philam Life’s e-Plan has become the customer portal with the
most comprehensive digital platform in the market today.

To those who prefer face-to-face transactions, Spark has customer service representatives to help
customers with their inquiries and policy concerns. There are digital ambassadors who can guide them on the use of the digital platforms available in the center. In addition to that, an Advisor for the Day is present to conduct financial needs assessment to customers looking for solutions for their real life needs.

A special corner is dedicated to Philam Vitality – the first of its kind in the Philippines and the only fullscale wellness program offered by Philam Life to promote healthy living. Through Philam Vitality, members earn points, discounts, and rewards for living a healthier life.

Bracken said, “SPARK is the outcome of our extensive series of customer relationship studies that were devised to understand our customers in terms of ways to make it easier for them to do business with us. The key findings guided us in working our way to reinvent and improve the face of customer service.” 

Haier TVs let homes enjoy digital broadcast without a “digi-box”

In three to five years, Philippine television is expected to shift from analog broadcast to digital, said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last May. The shift promises consistently clear audio-visual quality no matter the distance from the station, on top of having more channels to watch from local networks.

The transition does come with a catch: homes will need to upgrade their analog TV setups. This is currently being satisfied by “digi-boxes,” or external digital tuners, offered by cable providers to subscribers.

For households that are only after local programs, having to pay for an external digital tuner along with cable subscription might be too much for a limited budget. Fortunately, TVs are now being designed to address that possible problem.

“Advances in TV broadcasting shouldn’t become an inconvenience to the average Filipino family,” Haier’s Director of Product Planning for TV and PC Joseph Bandol said. “That is true especially when it comes to the cost. Television is meant to be enjoyed, not cause worry.”

Haier responds to the upcoming transition with the introduction of digital TVs. Designed with a built-in ISDB-T-compliant digital tuner, these new sets not only make the shift less of a hassle, they also come with features for fully immersive entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Crisp, crystal-clear reception

Unlike their analog counterparts, digital TVs receive signals without degradation or interruption. This means that viewers get to fully enjoy channels that offer shows in high definition with Dolby Digital audio.

To add to image quality, Haier digital TVs are designed with in-plane switching (IPS) panels for the LCD screen along with the latest in picture enhancing technologies. The sleek, two-tone design and metallic strip detail further create a polished, classy look without the high price.

Haier also adds a “Timeshift” feature for those who want to record shows either in real-time or by schedule. This lets families avoid rushing home to catch their favorite programs, with the benefit of getting to watch together for that much-needed quality time.

“Ultimately, Filipinos look forward to quality family time at the end of the day, which is usually spent in front of the TV after dinner,” Bandol added. “This makes the viewing experience important. With a TV that delivers great image and sound quality, families can fully appreciate the rare moments they spend together.”

Haier currently offers two digital TV lines: the B8500 series and the K5000 Smart digital series. Available in 32-, 40-, 50-, and 55-inch screen sizes, the K5000 has a YouTube TV feature for browsing online videos, as well as a Smart Share function that enables users to connect their smartphones to the TV and play media.

All Haier digital TVs come with a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

Action classic ‘Lethal Weapon’ TV series, premieres this month on Warner TV

The classic cop-duo Riggs and Murtaugh, of the buddy cop action franchise Lethal Weapon fame, will soon be on the small screen every week as Warner TV premieres Lethal Weapon the TV series, same day as the US, on Thursday, September 22 at 8:10pm.

Starring Clayne Crawford (Rectify) as the ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs and Emmy nominee Damon Wayans (My Wife and Kids, In Living Color) as cautious, by-the-book cop Roger Murtaugh, Lethal Weapon is guaranteed to bring you non-stop laughs and edge-of-the-seat action.

Based on the hit movie franchise, Lethal Weapon tells the story of detectives Riggs and Murtaugh as they work a crime-ridden beat in modern-day Los Angeles. Grief-stricken after the loss of his wife and unborn child, Riggs moves to California to start over at the LAPD. He’s paired up with Murtaugh, who’s just returnedto the job after a near-fatal heart attack. As soon as they meet, Riggs’ penchant for diving headfirst into the line of fire immediately clashes with Murtaugh’s prudent technique. It’s clear from the moment they meet that their partnership is doomed. But despite Riggs’ recklessness, Murtaughhas never feltmore alive than he has in years.

Creating a TV series after four successful films posed a challenge for producers Matt Miller, Dan Lin, Jennifer Gwartz and McG. At the Television Critics Association summer press tour, all four are positive about reviving the Lethal Weapon franchise in a fresh, new way.

Finding the perfect Riggs and Murtaugh was the biggest challenge for the producers. “We sat down with Richard Donner, who had directed all of the movies, and just kind of wanted to get his blessing on things. He told us, ‘It’s great. But you have to have the right actors for the job.’” Miller said.

Wayans came on early in the process, but the search for Riggs wasn’t as serendipitous. The producers had to go through a lot of candidates in Los Angeles, New York and Australia. Eventually, they found Crawford in an independent movie and the rest, as they say, is history.

“We think that of all the challenges of remaking a show and remaking this iconic franchise, I would say the casting is what I’m most proud of. That you watch this show and you don’t think about Mel Gibson and Danny Glover at all. You just watch these two - and they’re amazing together on screen,” Miller added.

Catch the premiere episode of Lethal Weapon, same day as the US, on September 22 at 8:10pm. And before the series premiere, you can relive the adventures of Riggs and Murtaugh in the 1987 originalLethal Weapon movie at 6:16pm, also on Warner TV.

Centennial Garden: PH first necro-tourism site in Sta Rosa Laguna

I used to work at a hospital, at the Information/Admitting Section. I remember admitting a 7-yr-old Leukemia patient, she looked frail and sickly but still managed to smile and say her hi's and hellos to everyone. After a year of seeing her checking in and out of the hospital, I was surprised to see her name at the Information Death logbook first thing in my shift. I thought she was into recovery, but death took her just the same.  I felt lonely for her parents and relatives. That was the time, the subject of dying was brought up with friends. Everyone has their last will and testament "habilins". Some are morbid and impossible. Mine is simple and achievable. I wanted to be burned and put in an urn preferably in green or light blue.  Whatever that may be, just figure it out. I wanted everyone to wear pink,blue or gray and no funeral songs to be played around. Everyone who would visit should wear her/his best dress or top.She must wear red/ pink lipstick, with platform, heels, boots or sneakers and a bag accessory. No flipflops, fitflops or sinelas. No jeans please.  Please take time to wear your best during my funeral. I literally wanted a party. Kundi dadalawin ko kayo. Hahaha.

Seriously, the thought of death terrifies me to no end, not for me but for my kids, that I would be leaving behind. I wanted before that dreaded day comes, they would all be settled and happy.

I never thought I would be attending a "funeral" event. The invite came just in time, because November is fast approaching for a halloween post and that everyone should be aware of the funeral cost now before they face the inevitable death. Makapaghanda man lang. Anytime today, tomorrow or next year we may never know, but at least we had a running funeral pricelist to take note of. This is a wise investment for now.

We left Makati at around 4:30 pm and arrived at Phoenix Memorial Chapels and Crematory, Inc. at 6pm last September 16. It is located at Sta Rosa, Laguna .  We were greeted by Ms. Lhenn Jontongco, Phoenix Memorial Chapels and Crematory Inc Marketing and Communications Officer. She toured us around the area and were informed of the services offered by Phoenix Memorial services and the Centennial Garden.

It is equipped with modern facilities and amenities that cater to all your funeral needs. A metal casket would cost you around php90k to php500k. It depends on the casket, there is also a wooden casket available for request.   If you opted for your loved ones to be cremated. There is an urn with different style, color, shape and design to choose from. If one does opt for cremation for financial reasons, as is increasingly common, or because of the threat of disease, the remains must still be interred at a cemetery; they can't be kept at one's home or be scattered.

Phoenix Memorial Chapels boasts of courteous, approachable and hardworking personnel who all work as a team to give their clients the best and comfortable services at par with high-end memorial chapels and crematories at very reasonable prices.

Aside from architectural design and top-of-the-line facilities, clients are assured of comfort as they rest and a presentable reception area for their guests.

For their busy clients, guests, and families, they made sure that they are always connected with a free WIFI in the area.

RECEPTION AREA

The Reception Area is manned by hospitable personnel on a 24-hour service shifts.

Viewing Chapels

Our viewing chapels are all fully air-conditioned and equipped with purifiers for the comfort of our clients and their guests. Each viewing chapel has sound-proof partition that gives our clients the freedom to chat with their guests without worrying that they are disturbing the other guests.

Each viewing chapel can accommodate up to 300 persons, with big screens overhead projector for memorialization.

Hotel-Like Family Rooms & Bedrooms

Everybody knows how enervating the funeral services to the relatives. They offer family rooms and bedrooms that are equipped with cable TV, DVD, WIFI, refrigerator, microwave oven water dispenser, dining table, chairs, King and Queen size Bedroom showcase for family’s comfort— all to reenergize each and every member of the family.


More so, they provide a decent but very affordable memorial service packages that are all tailored-fit on the financial capability of clients—starting with a PHP20,000.00 for residential and Proximity viewing.  

Service Package includes:

• Transfer of the body to which include embalming and other preparations
• Casket
• Viewing & Visitation Facilities
• 24-hour assistance from the Funeral Director and Staff
• Securing all the necessary permits
• Registration of Death Certificate
• Funeral Hearse for Interment

PHILIPPINES OPENS FIRST NECRO-TOURISM SITE

The Philippines has officially become a venue for a world-class necro-tourism site with the construction of its first-ever Leisure Memorial Park in Laguna which offers not only a best place for quality-time bonding among friends and relatives but a walk on one of the famous phases in World History.

Located approximately 15 minutes away from Alabang, the Centennial Garden in Santa Rosa City has a fascinating landscapes, avant-garde facilities and state-of-the-art amenities that one would not think that it is really a memorial park but a glamorous recreation area at par with popular parks here and abroad.

Among the state-of-the-art facilities are the high-pressure sodium light which illuminate and highlights the beauty of the park, the water plaza and water fountain, neatly-landscape lawns lined with Royal and Dates Palm trees.

The Centennial Garden is also surely a hit among the children with sheds and modern playground.

“The Centennial Garden is nestled on verdant natural surroundings but is bordered by hallmarks and a touch of modern architecture that exude an aura of comfort, serenity and beauty. A place to remember and town’s pride” said Santa Rosa Mayor Dan Fernandez during his visit at the park.

But what makes the Centennial Garden special and extra-ordinary is its architecture inspired by the Ancient Greece which can be seen in in the main entrance that is bordered with familiar Greek gods and goddesses and some of its facilities and adornments named after Greek architectural wonders.

This is the part where the walk on World History happens, according to Ms. Lhenn Jontongco, Marketing and Communications Officer.

“No one can deny the legacy of the Ancient Greece on the world’s arts and sciences.   The contribution of the Ancient Greece remains essential even today from arts and sciences and even to languages,” said Jontongco. 

GREAT ESCAPE

Situated outside but not very far from Metro Manila, the Centennial Garden provides a great escape from the stressful traffic jam in the metropolis—the reason why some people are discouraged from visiting their loved ones no matter how close their resting place from their homes or places of work.

Add the usual security and parking issues in going to memorial places inside Metro Manila every All Saints and All Souls Day and you and your family are already wasted or too tired to honor your departed loves ones.

Jontongco said that the planning of the Centennial Garden is anchored on the comfort of its clients.

“We have spacious parking areas and on the aspect of security, we have round-the-clock security that includes surveillance cameras,” 

The Centennial Garden has also efficient drainage system that ensures the safety of its clients and their vehicles as well as clean and modern comfort rooms.

MAXIMED LEISURE

The Centennial Garden is also located near the popular tourist destinations in Sta. Rosa City such as the Enchanted Kingdom and the Nuvali.

“We are not out to compete, instead, but out to complement by maximizing the leisure activities for both our clients and our visitors because the Centennial Garden is a best stop before going or after going to these popular places in Sta. Rosa,” said Jontongco

Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys as new judges of The Voice in Starworld this September 20

Singing a new tune as it returns exclusively to StarWorld this September 20, The Voice will be featuring two new judges for its 11th season. Joining singers Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as judges on The Voice Season 11 are R&B diva Alicia Keys and pop superstar Miley Cyrus, making this season the first ever with two female judges on the panel. Host Carson Daly also returns to present this exciting reality competition for the 11th year straight.

Alicia and Miley are set to inject the The Voice with fresh enthusiasm, with both performers bringing years of experience in the entertainment business as well as having distinct personalities that will complement that of Levine and Shelton well. Although Miley’s wild-child persona initially seems at odds with Alicia’s sophisticated cool, the two artists both have the skills and professionalism to offer contestants solid advice when it comes to performing and developing their vocal talents. Alicia and Miley are replacing Pharrell Williams and Christina Aguilera on the coaching panel for this season, packing the panel with a feminine power that will appeal to a wide audience and inspire more female singers to come to the fore.

Both Alicia and Miley are familiar to fans of The Voice because they appeared on the show on previous seasons: Alicia served as an advisor for Team Pharrell in the Battle rehearsals in Season 7, while Miley was chosen to be key advisor for the Knockout rehearsals in Season 10. Their increased role in the show puts them in a position to not only determine the best young singers in the US but to also groom them for potentially successful careers in entertainment, lending their expertise and giving them tips for navigating the highly competitive global music industry. Helping the judges develop the talents of their teams as mentors for the Battle Rounds are revered musical artists, including veteran singer Bette Midler for Team Blake, rock legend Sammy Hagar for Team Adam, YouTube success story Charlie Puth for Team Alicia, and rock goddess Joan Jett for Team Miley.

Charo Espedido, Head of Marketing and Programming at FOX Networks Group Philippines, said, “Season 11 of The Voice promises to be a bigger and more exciting series with the addition of Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys, two very talented and globally respected performers who are perfect examples of strong women who’ve changed the world of entertainment with their distinct styles. StarWorld is proud to be exclusively delivering this reality series to its solid fan base in the country and holding the banner high for female empowerment.” 

The Voice Season 11 premieres on September 20 live via satellite at 1 PM, with two primetime encores at 6 PM and 8 PM. Catch episodes every Tuesday and Wednesday live at 1 PM with primetime encores at 6 PM and 8 PM, exclusively on StarWorld!

Starbucks PH unveils Starbucks Teavana handcrafted beverages and Full Leaf Tea Sachets

I started drinking teas 8 years ago when I had a hard time walking because I was overweight then. (I was 145lbs) My doctor gave me meals to religiously eat for a month and drink hot teas instead of iced cold teas and sodas. I lost around 25 pounds and my skin cleared up too. With proper diet, exercise and green teas, I maintained my ideal weight of 118lbs until today. I have been buying and collected sachets from different brands local and imported.  I began to love the taste of teas since then, I could differentiate a caffeine from a non caffeine, a white from a green tea,  that's how distinctive my palate when it comes to teas.

That's why I was excited when Starbucks PH launches Starbucks Teavana Handcrafted Beverages and Full Leaf Tea Sachets. I could buy anytime, anywhere when I ran out of sachets. For the healthy and beauty buff, Starbucks also carries Youthberry tea sachet with super fruits, acai fruit,  tropical pineapple and mango flavors with high quality white tea, balanced by rosehips and tart green apple. It has antioxidant properties to delay the early signs of aging, how's that for your everyday tea?

Starbucks Coffee PH launches Starbucks Teavana Handcrafted Beverages and Full Leaf Tea Sachets on September 10 at Starbucks ABS CBN branch as a core offering in more than 6,200 Starbucks stores across China / Asia Pacific region, and the Philippines.

The invite says we could dressed up in any of the colors provided, green, peach, yellow or pink. I decided to come in my yellow mustard A skirt. I learned later on that I represented Youthberry, my favorite white tea sachet! I love how Starbucks ABS CBN store turned into a fiesta ambiance with bright fun colors everywhere. Lakas maka good vibes!

This modern tea experience gives customers the opportunity to enjoy a range of unique iced and hot tea beverages with bold, layered flavors, handcrafted the way only Starbucks can, for the first time.

“The launch of Starbucks Teavana brings an entirely new tea occasion specifically developed for our customers in Asia, who increasingly want new and different tastes and experiences,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Global Retail. ”With Starbucks Teavana, we see a tremendous opportunity to leverage the company’s expertise in creating best-in-class retail experiences, handcrafting customized beverages, and sourcing the finest ingredients, to create a new, premium tea experience. Just as we’ve done for coffee, this is tea reimagined at Starbucks.”

Fueled by innovation, the new individually handcrafted beverages are the result of an in-depth, creative exploration of flavor, culinary trends and premium ingredients by Starbucks industry-leading beverage innovation team, with the goal of bringing something new and unexpected to customers. These ingredients come to life as skilled baristas craft each beverage by hand and unleash a sophisticated, delicious flavor profile.

Tea is a $125 billion global category and is the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Starbucks is leveraging all of the company’s internal expertise, including knowledge in creating best-in-class retail experiences and handcrafted beverages, to create a new premium tea experience for customers. The launch of Starbucks Teavana is the first time Starbucks has launched a brand on this scale since 2008 with the launch of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, and represents an important growth opportunity for the business.

Beginning today, Starbucks Philippines is offering three new Starbucks Teavana Handcrafted Beverages:

Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls
This refreshing beverage combines Starbucks® Teavana™ hibiscus tea and bursting pearls of real pomegranate juice for a tart kick of flavor.

Iced Shaken Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey
Combines a traditional western black tea experience with a creative twist that is delicious iced with bites of pomelo fruit, grapefruit and honey for a touch of added sweetness.

Matcha & Espresso Fusion
Our fine Matcha powder layered with milk and Starbucks signature Espresso Roast creates a beautiful layered beverage and is an inventive combination of coffee and tea, to be enjoyed hot or iced.

With Starbucks Teavana, Starbucks also draws on its long heritage of commitment to using only the most premium, high-quality ingredients. Leveraging deep relationships with tea growers, Teavana sources the world’s highest-quality teas and botanicals. Starbucks sourcing and blending experts cup (taste) hundreds of teas daily to select only the finest teas for Starbucks Teavana.

In addition to handcrafted beverages, Starbucks is also introducing Starbucks Teavana Full Leaf Tea Sachets. Through a curated selection of packaged full leaf tea sachets, customers now can now enjoy a new tea experience in our stores or in the comfort of their own home through a contemporary at-home experience.

The six (6) new, delicious and vibrant Starbucks Teavana hot teas available beginning this September 14 include:

Black Tea

English Breakfast – A handcrafted blend of Indian Assam, Sri Lankan Ceylon and Chinese black tea. This tastes great with or without milk.

White Tea

Youthberry – Inspired by super fruits, acai fruit is blended with tropical pineapple and mango flavors with high quality white tea, balanced by rosehips and tart green apple.

Green Tea

Emperor’s Clouds and Mist – Exclusively harvested during the month of April and grown on the steep, windy slopes of Huangshan Mountain at 3,500 feet above sea level, this tea has a rich body and a naturally sweet flavor.

Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas

Hibiscus – Bright, juicy papaya and mango combined with citrus lemongrass for a naturally caffeine-free blend. Hibiscus flowers lend the tea a slight tartness and extraordinary deep fuchsia color.

Mint Blend – This tea’s spearmint base is rounded out with cool peppermint notes and undertones of spicy-sweet lemon verbena. The mint leaves come from the highly sought after and prized Pacific Northwest mint known for its high amount of mint oil.

Chamomile – The Chamomile used for this tea is sourced from Croatia. It provides the overarching flavor for this soft, soothing floral blend.

Teavana continues to be a strategic priority for Starbucks. Starbucks acquired Teavana Holdings, Inc. in December 2012, and together provide unparalleled expertise in the super premium tea category, bringing exotic blends, great flavors, wellness and innovation to customers globally.