Amongst all financial instruments, life insurance is one of the most misunderstood and unappreciated until it’s too late which is the reason why insurance penetration remains to lag behind in the Philippines. I really like that some insurers are becoming very creative in advocating awareness about financial literacy and the value of insurance and one of them is Sun Life Financial.

A few years ago, I was invited along with a few advocates and media practitioners to view Sun Shorts, Sun Life’s first salvo into the production of short films that will go beyond creating awareness — it leaves a lasting impression in the heart and minds of those who watch it. When I received an invitation for the advance screening of Sun Life’s new set of short films dubbed as Sun Shorts 2, I was really excited because I know these films will once again touch the hearts of many and move them towards being more mindful toward financial security.

As I viewed all 3 of the the new short films of Sun Life’s Sun Short 2, I was even more moved this time because that are really well made and even more emotionally engaging. I highly recommend everyone to watch the films of Sun Shorts 2.

They have already released the first film entitled “Waves”, a truly moving story about ensuring your dreams when you ensure the dreamer. Happy viewing!

Financial services companies, especially life insurance companies are not known for good advertising or branding campaigns. Time was, all you see is their logo or some ad that talks about their services. Worse, many of these companies advertisements are usually a newspaper spread on who their top agents for the year or a recently concluded contest — yeah, that’s going to sell more insurance — not! From a purely marketing and advertising perspective, life insurance is not your bench-mark when it comes to hi-impact promotions.

When I saw this short film, I take it back. This is a very good way to talk about a brand. Good one Sun Life, I hope this endeavor will make Pinoys appreciate life insurance better. I think the ante is up — looks like we will see better campaigns from other insurers too.. and hopefully, banks too!

It is an honor to feature the 2012 outlook of a captain of her industry. I had the privilege to work with her about a decade and a half ago and it is a treat to see her in a meteoric rise to CEO, Ms. Riza Mantaring of Sun Life Financial.

Here’s the 2012 Outlook of Ms. Riza Mantaring

There is a lot of uncertainty attached to 2012.  While prospects appear to
have improved over the past few months from the earlier fears of a double
dip recession in the US or worsening of the European debt crisis, a number
of factors can affect global economic growth — a still bumpy and difficult
resolution to the Euro debt crisis, the struggle to cap large deficits in
other developed countries, political tensions in the Middle East and North
Africa, slower growth and higher inflation in emerging markets, and
political uncertainty as several countries undergo elections.

While 2012 is difficult to predict, we feel the Philippines is in a strong
position to weather the challenging economic and market climate this year.
Interest rates are projected to remain low, which should encourage
investments, while the robust flow of OFW remittances should continue to
support strong private sector consumption.  Increased government spending
is expected to boost economic growth.  Even under the best of circumstances
though, we expect volatility given the challenges in the global front, and
we do not expect equity markets to post outsized returns.  Still, fund
managers who adopt the right trading strategies through the market ups and
downs can produce good returns.  For fixed-income, the outlook for rates
remaining low underpins the outlook for decent returns.

Who is Riza Mantaring?

Ms. Mantaring is currently the President and CEO of one of the country’s preeminent financial services company, Sun Life Financial. Sun Life is a leading provider of life insurance and mutual funds. Riza has been in the financial services industry for over two decades and has been involved in information technology, customer services and operations. She was later named as the COO of Sun Life prior to her appointment of CEO. Under her management, Sun Life continues to improve its market share in the country and introduced many trail blazing enhancements. Sun Life has recently launched a pioneering financial literacy advocacy called “It’s Time” utilizing multiple media which resulted to their winning of many awards, even an international award.