Citibank Philippines invited financial experts to provide valuable insight to Citigold clients. Giving a comprehensive report on Philippine economic and financial markets was Ramon Tejero, head of research, analysis and communications of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc. (CFSI), while Marion Kohchet-Chua, vice president for Retail Banking and head of Citigold Makati, shared with guests the wide range of Citi’s products how available for their consideration.

According to Tejero, investors should take precautions on risks involving equities, and should weigh carefully their options in asset class diversification. "While investors may be rewarded over the long-term, the risks should be emphasized here as much as the rewards. They should also consider the risk of inflation eroding the purchasing power of their assets. On asset class diversification, in order for investors to capture dependable benefits from this, some patience is needed and they should not expect these benefits to accrue in a single year. They should also consider the underlying exposures of their investments and be disciplined in maintaining part of their portfolio in our-of-favor asset categories."

After enlightening guests on the global economic outlook and what options they could try to boost their investment portfolios, Chua took the floor to introduce guests to Citigold’s expertise in wealth management and the multitude of financial products available to suit their financial needs. Explained Chua, "Citigold takes pride in providing a higher level of banking experience to clients. This is reflected by the teamwork advantage we offer each Citigold client, where they have an entire wealth management team to take care of their financial needs. Apart from this, Citi’s global network access ensures our clients market updates and research, access to topnotch research, stock quotes, and Forex rates, and invitations to financial seminars. Finally, we give our client the best lineup of products tailor-made to suit their financial needs."

Healthy kids forum a success

A parenting forum presented by Nestlé Philippines has emphasized the importance of providing kids healthy and nutritious breakfast to boost their health and development, start their day right, and help them perform better in school.

This message was the highlight of "How to Raise Happy and Healthy Kids," a forum attended by moms with school-age children held recently at the Nestle Center in Rockwell, Makati City. Both working and stay-at-home moms took time off from their hectic weekend schedules to listen, learn and have fun with other moms and join animated discussions on parenting, nutrition, and tips on raising bright and healthy kids.

"Kids today lead busy lifestyles that are packed with school work, sports, and other activities. It is must for parents to give them nutritional support while not taking away their appetite. This parenting forum aims to educate mothers on fiving kids proper-nutrition, particularly healthy breakfast, to support all their activities everyday," said Joey Uy, country business manager for Nestle Cereals.

The forum, which was hosted by mom-model Bianca Valerio, featured a talk by Prof. Amy Santiago, trainer and resident nutrition speaker of Nestlé Philippines, who discussed the importance of healthy breakfast for school-age children. "Whole grains contain all the healthy parts of the grain that provide kids sustained energy release and support memory and concentration while enabling them to feel full longer and creating good and healthy eating habit. Whole grains also promote good digestion, maintain healthy body weight, prevent heart diseases and cancer, and control diabetes," explained Santiago.

A fun run like no other

Over 2,000 running and fitness buffs participated in the third Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 presented by Gatorade at the Bonifacio Global City. Among those who participated were Sen. Pia Cayetano and world-renowned violinist John Lesaca, Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Leica Carpo, among many others. Eduardo "Vertek" Buenavista overtook lead runners to capture the men’s division title in the 15-km footrace. The fun run was spearheaded by Master Sports Corp. president Lovell Gopez, general manager Paolo Cagalingan and Mizuno Corp. Asia-Oceania sports division senior manager Kiyoshi Tatani. The event was sponsored by Mail and More, Starbucks, BMG Solar, CITGO lubricants and Beeline Helicopters. Watch out for the 4th Mizuno Infinity Run dubbed "Race Day" on Jan. 10, 2010. For inquiries, call 757-3160.

Business conferences held in Cebu

With the aim of promoting and developing Cebu’s business and tourism industry while at the same time addressing today’s socio-economic issues, The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5-star hotel in Cebu, in partnership with the Cebu Business Club and the Makati Business Club, recently hosted two significant business conferences entitled "Facing Old Challenges, Forging New Engagements" and "Meet the Business Icons." Hardworking general manager Hans Hauri warmly welcomed business executives, economists, as well as top business and entrepreneurship students from various schools in Cebu who actively took part in these highly-successful business fora which featured notable key speakers from both business and government sectors.