Sony Life offers loans to clients affected by Ondoy; extends grace period to 61 days

---
We, at Sony Life, pray and hope that you and your loved ones are safe from the devastation of typhoon Ondoy. In line with our desire to assist you during these trying times, we are extending the grace period by 30 calendar days. This results in a total grace period of 61 calendar days and covers policies with due dates from September 26 to October 26, 2009.

Moreover, for those in calamity areas who are eligible for a policy loan, I will call you to confirm if you would like to avail of it. If so, you won't need to go to our office; If you are in Metro Manila or nearby areas, I would personally deliver the cash to you.

For further inquiries, you may call me at (02) 577.1624 (duo), 0917.811.LIFE (5433), 0922.85.CAIRO (22476), or 0919.484.2000. You may also email me at servedbycairo@gmail.com.

God bless us all.

Share

Truly professional

---

In February this year, I started following the Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money. It is an online, interactive book by Robert Kiyosaki, author of the #1 bestselling personal finance book of all time, Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Launched after Barack Obama was inaugurated president of the United States, the book was written as history unfolded.

It is a must-read book, with a number of controversial assertions: "Your house is not an asset" and "Savers are losers," among others.

The good thing is that he encourages feedback; and since it is interactive and online, had promised to incorporate them into the book as it was written.

This is a feedback on a minor point. Kiyosaki doesn't like mutual funds, to which--like most of his assertions--I agree. But his generalization against all insurance people is not fair: "Never ask an insurance salesman if you need more insurance."

In his "Let's Discuss" page, this was my reply to him:

Thank you for this project, Robert. A Mensa member, I have been following the Conspiracy and have greatly benefited from it. I'd like to tell you that you are one of three authors that I respect the most, along with Anthony Robbins and Stephen Covey.

I find it quite unfair, though, when you generalize against insurance people. Many of them are probably unethical, or just after the sale, but not all. A growing number are truly professionals.

Please take a look at the Lifeplanners of Sony Life, for instance. We started with just 27 in Japan in 1979 and now we've made quite an impact--even though there are less than 4,000 of us. I'm a Lifeplanner in the Philippines, and I really tell a client not to get more insurance if he has no need (we have a software to determine that.) When a client visited us here in the Philippines two years ago, I did a financial-needs analysis and found out that her total coverage of some $310,000 (around 15 million pesos) was more than enough--because her two sons were grown up and in fact had their own jobs. I advised her to give up some of her policies.

Otherwise, keep up the good job. I admire your burning mission. Mine simply is to save lives. 

life plan

Share

Prayer for a happy death

by Corazon C. Aquino

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So remind me each day, most loving Father
To be the best that I can be
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true,
To embrace what is good
To reject what is evil
To adore only You.

When that final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long
Let them comfort each other
And let them know how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray for each other.
Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven
You alone are my hope
You alone are my salvation
Thank You for Your unconditional love. Amen.

life plan

Share

Michael Jackson called Sony Life founder "sensei"

(In Japan, sensei is a word used to address teachers, lawyers, doctors, or clergymen. It is also used to show respect. This article was culled from the J-CAST Business News. Akio Morita, founder of Sony Corporation, established Sony Life in 1979.)

JAPAN – July 24, 2009 – More than two weeks has passed since the news of the death of Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop," reached Japan. While the cause of his death is still under investigation, and he is becoming a legendary person, it was found that there had been a Japanese person whom Michael had deeply adored by calling him with the honorific title of "sensei" before his death. That person was Akio Morita, one of the founders of Sony Corp.

How can I attract the hearts of young people?

Michael Jackson and Akio Morito came to know each other in 1987. In September of that year, after the release of the album "Bad," Michael made his first visit to Japan for a solo tour. The relationship between the two started at that time when Morita, with his wife Ryoko, went to see Michael's show. After the show, Michael requested Morita through his manager for a meeting.

What went on then is described in an article written by his wife Ryoko and posted in the official website Akio Morita Library. Her article is entitled the "'true profile of Morita as a man vol.6' Memory of meeting with Michael Jackson" (renewed on July 7, 2009). She wrote about what happened at the time of Michael's Japan visit for a solo tour in 1987 as follows: (Michael's direct quotes are not available. Thus all are translations from Japanese.)

"I heard that he apologized repeatedly by saying, 'I wanted to thank about Mr. Morita's coming today. Today I couldn't perform my show to my 100% satisfaction. I couldn't sing. I want to show you much better performance than today next time. So I want you to come again without fail."

While in Japan, Michael attended Ryoko's birthday party held at the home of Morita. He seemed relaxed in such an occasion and enjoyed himself, acting like a child, showing interest to things he could see, particularly an automatic piano and music box. The relationship continued after that and he visited the Moritas whenever he came to Japan.

He also peppered Morita with such questions as "How can I attract the hearts of the young people?" "How can I become a person people respect more?" and "Who can I believe?"

Sent his taped message to Morita recuperating from illness

In November 1993, Michael was greatly worried when he learned that Morita had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage. Michael then recorded a message on a cassette in his own voice for Morita.

According to the "tokudane" programming for broadcasting on the Fuji Television networks, the recording on the tape started with "Mr. Morita" followed by talking to Morita in a tender voice. The label on the cassette said to the effect, "please play this tape and listen in the morning, afternoon and evening."

"Mr. Morita, Mr. Morita, Mr. Morita. I am Michael Jackson calling here. Please get well. Get well soon. You are to lead us. You are our teacher, leader, and we ourselves. You have taught us many things. You are a very strong person. I trust you. 'I'll get well day by day no matter what.' 'I'm feeling better and better." Please repeat these words in your thought." (This was translated mostly from Japanese.)

The recording lasted 20 minutes with songs and continued to cheer up Morita. The "I'm feeling better and better" was especially repeated three times with several seconds of silence in between so that Morita would be able to say it by himself. Morita died six years later in October 1999, and he heard the recording every morning and evening all these years.

This is an episode that shows the tender heartedness of Michael. Lamenting over the untimely death of Michael, Ryoko said in the website posting that "Michael could not believe anyone and he found comfort in children and animals. He is now in heaven and in the comfort of the quiet. He rests in peace, free from care for anyone."

life plan

Share

Lifeplanner Value®

by Taro Okuda, President, Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.*

Life insurance is designed to turn tomorrows into certainties. Accordingly, when we provide life insurance to customers, we begin by painting a picture that depicts their future lives. We aim to provide optimal protection for each customer so that their dreams for the future remain intact even when the unfortunate occurs. Through consulting services based on each customer’s life plan, we seek to share with customers their dreams and wishes and their thoughts for their families, as well as their uncertainties and concerns for the future. But rather than simply sharing thoughts, we believe the new challenge for Sony Life lies in providing services as only Sony Life can that help customers realize their dreams and overcome their uncertainties. We see it as our mission as a life insurance company to provide the financial security and high-quality services that can help our customers lead secure lives and realize their dreams.

Our corporate slogan, LIFEPLANNER VALUE®, defines our resolve to accompany customers through each life stage and help them realize their dreams and live fulfilling lives. Through this resolve, which each of its employees pursues, Sony Life aims to be a company that earns the support and trust of its customers.

In addition to its customers, Sony Life values all its stakeholders, including employees, their families, local communities and shareholders, and strives continuously to have hope-filled tomorrows together with them all. As we work to build positive relationships with all the people who surround the company, we will aim to achieve healthy growth as we strive to raise the level of certainty of the security we provide.

*(excerpts from Sony Life's 2008 Annual Report)

life plan

Share

Where to find gasoline that's 4 pesos cheaper

---

I was cruising along EDSA on my way to Makati a week ago, and I noticed the incredibly low price of gasoline at the Total station just before MRT-Boni Avenue. I slowed down a bit, hoping to see an equally good deal at the next gas station. And boy was I surprised; Caltex did have the same low price. And it was roughly 4 pesos cheaper than the price of Xtra Unleaded with e10 at the Petron station near my home.

Aren't we glad when a rollback of 1 peso or even 50 centavos was announced? Well, this is a price difference of 4 pesos!

So as an added service for my clients, I am making this post to inform them of the lowest-priced fuel products in Metro Manila. Updates will be posted in the Comments section.

Obviously, it would be impractical to go to this station if it is out of the way. So if you have information on the lowest-priced fuel products in other areas, please feel free to post it here for everyone's benefit.

By the way, if you're going the other way, the Caltex station on EDSA after Kalayaan Avenue offers low prices as well. But this Boni station still beats it by a few centavos.

Caltex Station on EDSA corner Boni Avenue (as of July 13, 2009):

e10: P33.20 per liter
Silver: P34.95
Gold: P37.75
Diesel: P27.50.

PS. For those in Cebu and other provinces, please check the DOE monitor for the average prices.

N.B.
Lowest-priced* unleaded gas in the metro: P51.80/liter; lowest-priced* diesel: P41.05/liter (Flying V North Fairview, between Batasan ang SM-Fairview)

*based on my monitoring, as of  October 21, 2011

Share

Sony comments on the passing of Michael Jackson

from the website of Sony Music

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.
Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Five of Jackson’s solo albums–“Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label–are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

life plan

Share