Nicquee's Nook

Surviving the Pandemic with Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

Two mothers speak on how micro savings has become their dependable ally during these trying times

The uncertainties that came with the global health pandemic led to financial stress that altered the lifestyle of many Filipinos. For close to two years since the global COVID-19 pandemic started, many lost their jobs and had to make do with what little savings they have stashed away.

A study titled, “State of Banking and Financial Wellness” commissioned by US-based research firm Forrester, indicated that more than half of Filipinos identified building their savings as one of their top concerns when it comes to personal finance.

The desire to have money safely stashed when rainy days come, is one that is shared by every Filipino—regardless of stature in life or the money they earn. When COVID-19 hit, majority of Filipinos were left without a stable means of livelihood as the strict lockdown badly affected the economy, leading to a significant number of business closures and an uncertain future for those engaged in the gig economy.

Stemming from its desire to push for financial inclusion for every Filipino, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading micro financial service providers, to introduce Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings in 2019. Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings provided Filipinos with an accessible and convenient means to save their hard-earned money by addressing the common barriers in saving, including lack of accessibility, the need for numerous documentary requirements, and the high cost of a starting and maintaining a balance.

“Our main priority is to be a one-stop shop for the micro financial needs of our kababayans. With our commitment of financial inclusion and mobility for everyone, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account is one of the great products we have created to empower many of our kababayans to save, regardless of their status in life,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said. The promise of having money saved in times of need was what inspired Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account holders Pillilia Pardo and Maria Luisa Luna to open a savings account and work hard to build a comfortable fund that they can rely on when needed.

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World’s No. 1 Prayer App names Gary V as Philippine Ambassador

I was so lucky to have been part of PRAY.COM‘s Philippine launch as it named our very own Mr. “Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano as it’s PH ambassador last September 9, 2021. It was such a heartwarming event, I was literally tearing up as Gary V shared his personal prayers, his personal experiences with our Lord, and his faith! Truly this man is not afraid at all to proclaim his faith to anyone!

Launched in 2017 by founder Steve Gatena, its mission is to grow faith and cultivate community. Now reaching more than 10 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, it is the simplest way to incorporate prayer into our daily life with its audio format. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily prayers, pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. In this new venture, Gary V becomes the voice behind Bible stories like Joseph as well as meditation prayers that will inspire his millions of fans.

Steve says, “Gary V is an inspiration to Pray.com and the world. The way he talks about his faith, his willingness to reach out to people directly, and encourage them to pray – it’s special. With so many out there struggling with mental and spiritual health because of the pandemic, Gary has chosen to share his voice with all of us. Now you can pray with Gary V anytime on Pray.com”.

Prayer forms a vital part of Gary V’s day. He reveals he was honored to join Pray.com and introduce the empowering prayer app to Filipinos. He says, “I want to encourage everyone to pray. I have survived so many health challenges. I am here with you today only by the grace of God. I am unashamed to share my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. I am grateful, first of all to God, and to Pray.com for giving me a platform to help others draw closer to the Almighty God who gave His only Son to save us,”. Furthermore, he opened that prayer has been his sanctuary and refuge, especially during this pandemic. During this heartbreaking season, no one has been spared from challenges, from grief, pain, and loss. Just recently he lost his photographer of 30 years, Raymund Isaac, to Covid19, who took his photographs for the posters of Pray.com.

He adds, “I want to encourage everyone – no matter what you are going through – take a moment, stop, and pray. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Start a conversation with God who loves you, God who is everywhere, God who knows you and hears your every cry. The Word promises – we can approach His throne of grace and always, we will find help in our time of need; He who has promised is so much more than able”.

The new Pray.com app aims to enable more people of faith to make prayer a part of their daily lives. The platform has multiple functions that can be accessed by registered users such as: daily prayers every morning, nightly prayers before bedtime, audio Bible stories, Christian meditations, prayer plans, podcasts of pastors from around the world including globally renowned Christian personalities like John Piper, TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Manny Pacquiao, and even Philippine pastors such as James Aiton of Favor Church, Paul and Shoddy Chase and Mylene Evangelista of New Life Church, and Bo Sanchez of Light Of Jesus Family. It also has inspirational music of different genres. It’s really an all in one prayer app!

In a time of global crisis, prayer is a path to guidance, healing, and comfort. Gary and Steve hope that Pray.com will become part of every Filipino’s life as we navigate the uncertainties of a world in great turmoil and persevere to overcome.

For exciting updates and more information on Gary Valenciano, visit www.GaryV.com; follow @GaryValenciano1 on Twitter and @garyvalenciano on Instagram; subscribe to Gary Valenciano on YouTube; and like Gary Valenciano Official on Facebook.

Pray.com is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play; and check out “Make Us Whole Again” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Help spread the word about Pray.com by posting it on your social media platforms using the hashtags #PrayPhilippines and #PrayWithGaryV.

Spa day at home? Here’s how you can make it extra special with Speaks G

Spa and wellness treatments might not be a part of your necessities at the moment, but we could all use a relaxing escape from the stress of pandemic. Now, more than ever, it is essential for us to indulge in pampering ourselves on a regular basis. Not only it is pleasurable, it is also extremely beneficial to your well-being especially now that we spend most of our time indoors.

It may be an impression that spa is a type of luxury and that it may be expensive to squeeze in your weekly budget, but trust us, you don’t need to splash out a large amount of cash to treat yourself into a fancy self-care time—and you can totally DIY within the comforts of your own home!

As a skincare brand that makes every user experience the power of healthy and flawless skin, Speaks G is the perfect partner to recreate an at-home spa day session you long deserve to have.

Here’s how you can have a simple, stress-relieving spa day at home with Speaks G:

Jump in the shower and give yourself a good rejuvenating scrub

Dead cells can sometimes accumulate on the surface of your skin and lead to dull and dry skin. That’s why regular exfoliation is important to nourish the skin. Speaks G’s Whipp Relief Soap helps in eliminating dead cells and deeply cleanses the skin. You will feel instantly refreshed and lighter after scrubbing away those skin impurities.

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