MANILA, Philippines -- Sun Life Financial Philippines honored recently the winners of the very first “It’s Time!” awards.

The event is a project of the Sun Life Foundation in line with its mission of empowering Filipinos through financial freedom. The winners were chosen from a roster of nominees who have proven their ability to beat the odds and succeed in providing a secure and stable future for their loved ones.

The Family Icon award went to Ms. Esperanza Yu, an OFW and single mom-turned-successful entrepreneur with two daughters. The recipient of the Investment Savvy Star was Edmund Lao, a sales engineer by profession and a financial literacy advocate at heart. The Retirement Champion award was given to Romeo Francisco who has remained disciplined in his approach to saving up for the future. The Wealth Wonder award was given to Juan Dayang Jr. who was also unanimously chosen as the Grand Prize winner.

“We are very happy with the public’s response to our first ‘It’s Time!’ awards,” said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Veron Estrella. Our winners are indeed the best financial freedom advocates worth emulating.’’

Meanwhile, the 3rd SunPIOLOgy 2012 has also been launched recently by Sun Life Financial Phils. It encourages everyone to “Rave and Run to Raise” funds for a cause. Once more, the company collaborates with Piolo Pascual’s Hebreo Foundation.

The triology opens on Dec. 10 with a benefit exhibit to be unveiled at the lobby of the newly inaugurated Sun Life Centre, a pioneering green structure in Bonifacio Global City.

With the theme “Panoramic Portals,” the 28-piece visual features Piolo Pascual’s latest photo collection side by side with original artworks hand-drawn by an Hebreo scholar.

The SunPIOLOgy 2012 Exhibit will be on display at the lobby of Sun Life Centre from Dec. 11 until Jan. 12, 2012, the eve of the photographer’s birthday. Online bidding to own a Piolo original will be available within that same period of time.

Next to kick off will be the “Sunset Run” which celebrates good health.

For more details and inquiries about SunPIOLOgy 2012, email infor@sunpiology.com for visit sunpiology.com.

Viva Concerts showcases Filipino talents 

Viva Concerts & Events, the concert producing arm of Viva Communications, has emerged as the proud showcase for the best Filipino talents. This year alone, it put together a series of successful shows topbilled by local artists.

On Nov. 11, Viva Concerts is coming up with a Martin Nievera show with Side A, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This will kick off Viva’s year-long 30th anniversary celebration. This will be followed by “Jon to the World,” starring Jon Santos and which will be staged at the Newport Theater of Performing Arts at Resorts World Manila on Dec. 5-6.

Scheduled for next year are “Once in a Lifetime,” the first ever team-up of megastar Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera at the Big Dome on Feb. 11, 2012; a repeat of “In The Company of Side A;” the OPM powerhouse trio of Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Basil Valdez; and the much-awaited return of Sarah Geronimo to the concert stage.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 7, go to poetess Alice Bernal, Ms. Annabel Santiago, Coke Nicolas, Aida Fandalian, Roberto Castro, Erwin S. Tagle, Gen. Ernesto Mata, Rommel S. Gumatay, Dennis Odesma, Maricar de Mesa, Mickie Joy Hyatt of Star Magic, and Mrs. Carol Matsuda of Networld Hotel…