QC gov’t, SPARK Philippines launch initiative to further empower women entrepreneurs

[L-R] Angie Tijam-Tohid, Executive Creative Director, HAVAS Ortega; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; Maica Teves, Executive Director, SPARK! Philippines; Mona Celine Marie Yap, QC LGU, Department Head III,; and Kapitana. Arnie F. Castel, Kamuning Barangay Captain leads the launch of “The KITA Initiative,” a movement dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs.

The Quezon City government, in partnership with SPARK! (Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran) Philippines recently launched “The KITA Initiative” to further empower women entrepreneurs and recognize their significant contribution to the economy. 

Manulife Investment Management Launches Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund, an All-Weather Global Fixed Income Solution That Distributes Income

Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (“Manulife Investment Management Philippines”) announces the launch of the Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund (the “Fund”), a unit investment trust fund (UITF) that aims to provide a high-quality, low-volatility income opportunity by seeking the best sources of income across the entirety of the fixed income universe.

The Fund provides investors access to US Dollar-denominated fixed income and fixed income-related securities of issuers globally, giving them high-quality and stable income generation opportunities. Investors may access the Fund for as low as US$1,000 or PHP1,000.

“The Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund offers an all-weather wealth solution that combines the entirety of the fixed income universe, including traditional and non-traditional sources of income.  It provides high and sustainable opportunities that can help investors maximize their financial portfolio’s income generation across economic and interest rate cycles,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investment Management Philippines.

Forest Lake brings together Undas and Christmas with Undasko 2024

The Forest Lake team and executives come together
to celebrate the spirit of the season during
the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

Undas, the annual tradition of observing All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, can sometimes be an awkward time for Filipinos. Coming as it does in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, the event appears to be a somber prelude to the most exuberant and festive season of the year. 

Contrary to this view, however, Undas can be reframed as a wonderful opportunity to fulfill a time-honored custom while indulging in happy reminiscenses of our beloved departed. With this in mind, leading memorial park developer Forest Lake recently presented “UNDASKO,” its way of celebrating Undas and Christmas in one joyous and heartwarming event. 

Dionne Warwick... One Last Time

Special Show in Manila on January 24

For One Last Time … 6x Grammy Award Winner and Legendary Hall of Famer Dionne Warwick is coming to Manila for a special concert together with her Full 5-Piece Live Band on January 24, 2025 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets are now on-sale at TicketNet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide. Presented by Wilbros Live.

Dionne Warwick will be performing her Greatest Hits and Favorite Songs. She is well-known for her classic hits, including “Walk On By”, “Don’t Make Me Over”, “I’ll Never Love This Way Again”, “Alfie”, “That’s What Friends Are For”, “I Say A Little Prayer”, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”, “Do You Know The Way To San Jose”, “What The World Needs Now” and many more.

PalawanPay ProtekPadala: Your Shield Against Online Fraud

In today’s fast-paced digital world, online banking and financial transactions have made life more convenient and exposed users to risks like fraud and identity theft. According to a recent survey by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, over one-third of Filipinos have experienced online scams or retail fraud.

To address these challenges, the Palawan Group of Companies—a trusted leader in pawnshops and remittance services—introduces ProtekPadala, an innovative feature of PalawanPay designed to protect users from fraud and unlawful online activities.

Ace the IELTS: British Council offers 5 easy IELTS test tips for students preparing to study abroad

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the widely accepted and recognised English test taken by students and professionals wanting to work, live, and study abroad.  

The British Council, through the IELTS Ready Premium, equips aspiring international students with the right tools and support to take the IELTS with confidence and ease. 

The IELTS Ready Premium is the British Council’s latest support tool, offering personalised and comprehensive resources to help Filipino students who aim to study abroad effectively prepare for their exams.

For Filipino students dreaming of studying abroad, taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the global benchmark for English proficiency, opens doors to some of the most prestigious universities worldwide. The British Council, through its IELTS Ready Premium, helps test-takers by providing must-have tools, resources, including easy yet helpful IELTS test tips to confidently prepare for the exam and move closer to reaching their academic goals. 

The  IELTS Ready Premium is British Council’s free support tool where test-takers gain access to expert IELTS test tips, personalised study plans, and mock tests to tackle common challenges like time management, test anxiety, and complex question types. Covering all key skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—the tool equips students to build the confidence and skills they need to ace the IELTS exam.

Building Rome: Ridley Scott and his fellow filmmakers talk about recreating ancient Rome once again in “Gladiator II,” in cinemas December 4

Gladiator II is the most ambitious collaboration director Ridley Scott has done with production designer Arthur Max. The acclaimed filmmaker has often turned to Max to help build his creative vision. This is the 16th project Scott and Max have worked on together, a list that includes Gladiator, American Gangster, The Martian and Napoleon. 

“Everything is much bigger and more elaborate than anything we’ve done before,” says Max, who oversaw the design and build of ancient Rome for the movie. “It’s Gladiator on steroids. Ridley’s approach to making a film is always immersive. He’s involved in every phase, every department. It can be a challenge working with him, because he expects so much. And I love a challenge.”