PhilCare ER Vantage Plus

Healthcare is one the things I'm looking into investing this year. BOS and I have been looking for a HMO for our family but always putting it aside because of our busy schedule. But I think I may have found something that suits our busy schedule and for working moms and dads.

PhilCare is one of the country’s pioneering Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) companies. The company is built on a vision to allow Filipinos to enjoy better quality of life by providing them access to world-class health services. PhilCare also opened its e-commerce website in 2014 where it adapted the sachet-packaging or tingi system to making healthcare accessible to many. Today, PhilCare just made healthcare more accessible! Introducing to you, PhilCare's online-exclusive product, the ER Vantage Plus!

ER Vantage Plus is a one-time use healthcare benefit. It covers emergency care and hospitalization in over 500 PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide. ER Vantage Plus covers viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) and gives Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit of P50,000. ER Vantage Plus has 3 variants and tiered pricing according to the age of enrollee: ER Vantage Plus 40, ER Vantage Plus 60 and ER Vantage Plus 80.

ER Vantage Plus 40 gives you a one-time coverage of up to Php40,000 for emergency room care and hospitalization expense.

ER Vantage Plus 40 for Adults is for clients aging from 18 to 64 years old.

ER Vantage Plus 40 for Kids is for clients aging from 6 mos to 17 years old.

ER Vantage Plus 60 gives you a one-time coverage of up to Php60,000 or emergency room care and hospitalization expense.

ER Vantage Plus 60 for Adults is for clients aging from 18 to 64 years old.

ER Vantage Plus 60 for Kids is for clients aging from 6 mos to 17 years old.

ER Vantage Plus 80 gives you a one-time coverage of up to Php80,000 or emergency room care and hospitalization expense.

ER Vantage Plus 80 for Adults is for clients aging from 18 to 64 years old.

ER Vantage Plus 80 for Kids is for clients aging from 6 mos to 17 years old.

All of ER Vantage Plus's benefit includes:

• Doctors’ fees 
• Laboratory and diagnostic procedures 
• Room and board 
• Medicines (except vaccines) as medically necessary during confinement, except for cases declared as non-coverable 
• Special modalities of treatment which are medically necessary during ER and confinement and subject to P5,000 limit 
• Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as medically necessary during ER and confinement 

From PhilCare's website:

By definition, emergency cases are sudden, unexpected onset of illness or injury, which at the time of contract reasonably appeared as having the potential of causing immediate disability or death or requiring the immediate alleviation of severe pain and discomfort. Emergency cases include but are not limited to the following: (a) Massive Bleeding; (b) Acute Appendicitis; (c) Fractures/multiple injuries secondary to accidents; (d) Convulsions; (e) illnesses or conditions resulting in moderate or severe dehydration such as diarrhea or fever; and (f) Syncope. Pre-existing conditions and those conditions under the general exclusions of PhilCare are not covered. Read about the ER Vantage Plus coverage here.

ER Vantage Plus is not only accessible but also friendly on the pocket. Since this is an online-exclusive product, getting an ER Vantage Plus is very easy! Just go to PhilCare's online shop (shop.philcare.com.ph) and click on your ER Vantage Plus of choice to purchase.

Payment can be made with your debit card, credit card, online banking or over-the-counter!

Once your purchase and payment is confirmed, you will receive an email from PhilCare containing the registration details (voucher number, serial number, and PIN code) and the registration link. When you have successfully registered, you will receive your ER Vantage Plus voucher with your unique certificate number, validity period and complete product details. The plan is activated and becomes valid seven (7) days from registration date. After validation, your ER Vantage Plus is ready for use. An ER Vantage Plus is valid for one year and when it expires, you can always repurchase! Also, Philheath is required for the availment of this card during hospital confinement.

With just few clicks, you're good and ready with a great healthcare plan. You can choose a plan that suits your budget and when you're plan expires, you can always maintain or upgrade your plan. For more information on ER Vantage Plus, you can check out http://shop.philcare.com.ph/product-faq! And if you're ready to get a plan, visit http://shop.philcare.com.ph/ER-vantage-plus-80-for-adults!

Taiwan Excellence For Filipino Moms!

As a mom and I know a lot of moms would agree with me on this, we only want the best for my family. No matter what it is, we make sure we only give them the best of everything. And as moms of different households, we each have our own "best" products, things we love and would recommend to other mommy friends, right? I can see you nodding with me. Hihi! It's really different when a certain product has a seal of approval from moms.

The Taiwan Government recently launched the Taiwan Excellence campaign which aims to promote top quality Taiwanese brands and products to Filipinos.

The Taiwan Excellence campaign is organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade of Taiwan (BOFT), and implemented by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) - a non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan, is the symbol of quality that guarantees the superior value of Taiwanese lifestyle brands across Asia is now in the Philippines.

Taiwan Excellence Endorder, Iya Villania-Arellano

Taiwanese Excellence carries 56 different brands for home and living, sports, transportation, and personal care. The products under the Taiwan Excellence campaign have a guarantee of quality and having the seal makes it easier for moms like me to decide which brands and products.

For the home, there are like HCG, Tatung, TECO and Cashido. Products such as water ionizers, home appliances, cookware, bathroom and sanitary ware products. Ever since becoming a mom, I love going to the appliance store and checking out what's new and now I'll make sure to check the seal of Taiwan Excellence!

For electronic needs, there are laptops, USBs, routers from Acer, ASUS, Transcend, MSI. For a multi-slasher (is there such a word? Hihi) like me, a mompreneur/mother/driver/yaya, I always have to be on-the-go. Gadgets like these help me answer my emails, manage my finances, check our home thru CCTV, blog while waiting for Y in school and more!

Asus Fonepad 7.1

Acer Iconia W4

Transcend

For health and fitness, the campaign carries brands like Strida, Microlife, and Thermedic that offer bikes, fitness gear, and health care products. To take care of the family, we need to take care of ourselves too and stay fit and healthy!

I am glad there's a Taiwan Excellence campaign which now makes me more aware of quality Taiwan products that can help me juggle my everyday things to do and become the best wife, mom, and entrepreneur.

Fore more of Taiwan Excellence campaign and the brands it carries, check out www.taiwanexcellence.ph/ and 

https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph

MOVE with Meralco!

Truth: I never really paid attention to our electricity bill until I was married, living on our own and paying the bill on my own! 

And I always ask myself, why is my bill for the month higher/lower than the previous month. I asked the BOS to explain it to me so I would also understand what I'm paying for. I became conscious buyer when I need to buy a new kitchen or home appliance. And I also ask the helper and yaya to be more conscious and save energy!

I'm so happy when Meralco came out with their own mobile app called MOVE or MeralcO Virtual Engine.

Download the App now!

I love the features of MOVE app. You can can check the nearest Bayad Center in your area!

You can check the nearest Meralco office/s in your city.

You can calculate your monthly bill account buy inputting your appliances at home, wattage, no. of hours, days and weeks used. Very very helpful!

You can also check your monthly bill in the app! How cool is that! All you need is to sign up or login if you already have an account.

You can check your current and previous bill. And i you paid or not.

You can also check if there's any maintenance schedule in your area.

And last but not the least, the Bright Idea section where you can see a house with different rooms: kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc.

Click on a room and it will zoom in and you'll see the different appliances. Just click on one, for example the TV, and you'll get useful tips on how to save energy! This is one great way to teach our kids on how to save also.

Cool App noh?

Other helpful tips I can share with you are:

- When buying new appliances, always check the wattage. This can affect your bill every month. You can use the Meralco app to calculate how much each appliance ost you every month.

- Front load washing machines are energy efficient than top load ones. Hmmm.. I may need to change mine.

- If your budget permits, invest in inverter technology. This can save you in the long run.

- When buying a new aircon, always check the yellow paper! It's called the Energy Guide. The higher the number, the more energy saving it is!

- Unplug all of your appliances at night before sleeping (except the refrigerator). 

I hope my few tips can help you in a way. If you have more tips to share, please do and I will addit to my tips above! 

QC Living in Avida Towers Vita

I lived in Manila all my life. When I graduated from college and started looking for work, it will either be in Makati or Ortigas and travelling from Manila to these area are especially on rush hours! When I resigned from my first job and looking for another job, I opted to look in Quezon City. It was so much easier for me to drive to and from but I ended up working in Manila. Boo!

When BOS and I are still dating, BOS would always picks Trinoma because it's midway for both of us. While I sometimes dreaded it driving from Manila to Trinoma, he likes this mall so much! We both like to eat out and try new resturants and recently we've been frequenting Quezon City than we used to.  So whenever the BOS and I talk about where we want to move if and when we want move, I always say Quezon City! It's in the middle and everything is accessible!

And there's one more reason to consider living in Quezon City, the newest development of Avida Land, Avida Towers Vita, a three-tower residential development.

It's right beside Trinoma so you really nned not worry about accessibility to grocery, department stores, LRT or MRT. A garden nook and a Grand Lawn will be built to bring a relaxing breathing space amidst the hectic cityscape!

And as any Avida Land would have, Avida Towers Vita would also have, complete amenities.

Why Avida Vita Towers? It will be located at Ayala Land's latest City Center that is Vertis North, a 40 hectare community with a 2-hectare central park and storm water management system, and soon will be home to various trade and lifetyle centers!

With all of these establishments on the rise, Avida Vita Towers is really an ideal place to live in. I onced lived in condominium and I loved it because everything is near  and I wouldn't have to endure a long commute just to go to the grocery or to the pharmacy. And if I have to move to another condo, I would consider Avida Towers Vita!

Here's a video to help you visualize what would it be like to live in Avida Towers Vita!

For more information on Avida Towers Vita or any Avida condominium, please call (+632) 8485200 or visist http://www.avidaland.com

You can also check their social media accountsL
Facebook: Avida Land
Twitter: @avidalandph
Instagram: avidalandph

A Morning About Financial Planning and FQs

It's been 3 months since I resigned from my job. In a year or two, Y will start pre-school. Although I have a business and earning well, I can spend for our daily needs and expenses but I'm still worried about our future finances like their education funds, retirement funds, or the inevitable... death.

Ever since, budgeting and managing finances is not my forte. I want to invest my money but I don't know where to begin. I'm really glad that the #SoMoms have sessions like this, we get to learn and educate ourselves about different investments, how to save for our children's future and more. It's really a road to a #BetterMe.

But first, our venue for the session was at The Gallery 1 of New World Makati. It's a small function room with a private kitchen! I was floored! It's my first time to see a function room like this. I feel so sosyal. Hihi!

See the oven on the left side? Fresh bread is being baked!

The blueberry muffin is yummy!

To start our talk, Dandee Adapon of AXA gave a brief background about the company and why is it necessary to have a financial plan and being prepared.

And to talk to us more about money matters is Rose Fres Fausto. 

Mary Rose Fres Fausto graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1985, with a degree in A.B. Economics. She was an investment banker before she decided to be a full-time homemaker. She is married to Marvin, a fund manager, and they have three sons Marty, Enrique and Anton. She believes that raising their children well is the greatest contribution parents can give to the country and the best service they can offer to God.(Taken from her blog)

I was very kuripot during my school days. I would always keep my allowance so I can save. I like seeing my savings add up. My parents started us early, teaching us how to save and all. But well, what I wasn't prepared for was the expenses and money matters when I got married and had kids. I'm really scared that I won't have enough money for my kids' education! 

Money matters should be a family affair. In some families, speaking of money is considered to be not proper. But I think it's better to face reality rather than ignore it. That is why I've always been honest about our money matters to my husband.

I learned a lot from Rose's talk. And I hope I can do it and teach my kids on how to save and invest. Some of my things I've picked up from the talk: FQ - Financial Intelligence Quotient Didn't know there's such thing! Having a high FQ is your economic self defense! I want my kids to have high FQ! Kids nowadays have so much spending power, it really is the new generation. While I'm a bit scared, I want my children to be capable on managing their money.

Planning your financial future should involve your child. I never knew this. It's never too late to start teaching your kids about money, if not, start them young! Rose's kids invested their money in stocks. She and her husband taught their kids early, and I must say WOW. I must learn not to be scared of investing in stocks. Seeing how successful Rose and her husband with raising children to be money-wise, I want my kids to be the same.

I grew up having my own "kiddie" account. I remember my passbook has a Kangaroo cartoon. If I remember it right, it was from City Trust! And I also did the same for my kids. Yukie started her piggy bank (more like Robot bank) just this June. We told her that it will be her money to buy a new Barbie doll ( I don't know if that's a proper way of teaching), and she would always ask for our coins and put it in her piggy bank. But other than that, I opened a bank account for each of them when they turned 1. All of their ang paos from birthdays and Christmases, I deposit them to their respective accounts. And every time I have extra money, I also deposit to each of their account.

Got an emergency funds? Retirement savings? We need start to save for our retirement! My first thought was: What retirement? That's like years and years from now! We think that this is so far away that we delay saving for our retirement. This should be one of the first things to save for. I don't want to burden my kids of having to provide for me or ask money from them. They will also have their families in the future and that would be their priority.

Got extra funds? Invest them. There are so many kinds of investment nowadays, there are short term and long term investments. Choose what your comfortable investing your money into. Learn how they work and not just put your money where interest is high.

I'm so glad to have attended this talk. BOS and I need to talk pa about investments but I've certainly learned a lot! Thank you again #Somoms!

Of course, I would also like to thank New World Makati for serving us breakfast and lunch!

AXA is having an ongoing promo! You can win a trip to Lego Land in Malaysia! Just sign up here!

I'm a Philips Avent Trusted Mom!

Being pregnant the first time, you can get so overwhelmed with everything. Sometimes the pregnancy itself is already overwhelming. Another is when buying the baby's stuff. There's just so many choices! When I was pregnant with Y and was choosing what breast pump and bottles to buy, I did a lot of reading and research on what's the best brand to buy. And I chose Philips Avent!

My trusty Avent pump for 3 years!

I'm really honored that Philips Avent has chosen me along with other moms to be one of their trusted moms. My breast pump is one of the things helped became successful in breastfeeding while being a full time working mom! I did it for almost three years! I've chronicled my breastfeeding journey with Y, it's the reason why I started blogging. Here's one of  my favorite post!

Philips Avent is one of the world’s most trusted names in parenting. And after 29 years of understanding the needs of moms and their children, Philips Avent is launching their latest redesign of products aimed to combine breast and bottle-feeding in a way that is as close to nature as possible.

The Philips Avent New Natural Bottles takes pride in an extra-soft and anti-colic nipple. Unique comfort petals also make sure the nipple does not collapse during feeding. Plus, these bottles also feature a new ergonomic shape that makes it easy for both mom and baby to hold.

 

Philips Avent also wants to give moms total ease and comfort while breastfeeding. That is why the line of Comfort Breast Pumps is made to help any mother breastfeed for a longer period of time.

And here's my very own and brand new breast pump!!! I'm so happy!!!

It's so compact! Will do review soon!

I got to use the new pump for 2 weeks in the office. I'm still partial to my old Avent pump but I still like the new one. 

I'm so excited for this new partnership! Not only for me but also for my readers! Double yay!

The Trusted Moms and a dad with Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and the Philips Avent Family!