Manila, Philippines – Are you ready to turn your everyday experience into a selfie-worthy moment? Get on the groove and try Poppy Blush by Sugar Dolls PH! It’s a must-have cream blush for women who need a touch of skincare glow, flawless color, and dewy radiance.

What sets Poppy Blush apart from its contemporaries is its versatility. It’s a hybrid skincare makeup that adds a gorgeous color to your look while enhancing your skin. Think hydration, antioxidants, and a silky-glide formula that blends like a dream and stays put all day. From getting on the daily grind to heading to a meeting, Poppy Blush keeps your glow game strong.

Are you in need of a vibrant drama or subtle chic? There’s a hue in this lineup just for you:

 Pink Pop: A bold raspberry pink for fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. Imagine a lively flush that brightens (never clashes!) and looks instantly youthful.
 Heartbeat: Terracotta coral meets burnt orange. This sun-kissed shade amps up golden undertones and suits medium to tan skin. (Olive beauties, Heartbeat is made for you!)
 Bubbleglow: If bubblegum pink makes you smile, dive into Bubbleglow. Think fresh and playful, perfect for porcelain to light-medium cool tones.
 Cherry Rush: Brick red meets raspberry—your go-to for sculpting cheeks on medium to deep skin. Warm, earthy, and oh-so flattering for olive complexions.

Poppy Blush goes deeper than pretty pigments. Packed with vitamins, it delivers deep hydration and skin conditioning, reinforces the skin barrier (hello, long wear!), and brings anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action to soothe and support. Plus, it actively mattifies and controls oil for the kind of radiance that’s never greasy.

Application? Effortless. Dab, blend, and you’re done—on cheeks, eyes, lips, wherever you want a multitasking color lift.

Thanks to its blendable, hydrated finish and pocket-friendly price, Poppy Blush is taking over the conversation online, while lighting up makeup bags everywhere in the world. Beauty experts and creators call it a “game-changer.” Now it’s your turn to glow!

Get your hands (and cheeks) on Poppy Blush and experience color, confidence, and care in one sweep. Selfie ready? Always. Glow on, doll!

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK reinforced its commitment to the Bantayan Island communities in Cebu through Ulan Alang sa Bantayan, the company’s climate resilience initiative, alongside its annual gift-giving activity.

Launched in 2024, Ulan Alang sa Bantayan aims to educate communities and build long-term resilience against the impacts of climate change, with a focus on water security. In the programme’s pilot year, Pru Life UK donated two rainwater harvesting systems for its adopted communities – providing a reliable 2,000-liter supply of clean water to over 500 families. Training sessions on the proper use and maintenance of the systems were also conducted to ensure sustainable support for the communities.

This year, the company continued the programme by facilitating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) training and distributing gift packs as part of its annual gift-giving tradition. To further community capacity-building, Pru Life UK also conducted a pilot run of a new financial literacy programme for adults developed by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc.

“Ug alang kanako, dako kaayo og impact ang WASH program, labi na sa tubig tungod kay ang tubig maoy naghatag og kinabuhi alang kanatong tanan, ug naghatag og limpiyo sa atong matag usa. Ug labaw sa tanan, dako kaayo ikatabang kanato, ingon nga paglimpiyo sa atong kaugalingon, ug labaw sa tanan, personal hygiene alang kanato. Dako kaayo ni’g ikatabang tungod kay kon limpiyo ang atong kaugalingon, limpiyo sab ang atong palibot. (For me, the WASH programme has a huge impact, especially when it comes to water because water gives life to all of us and provides cleanliness for each one of us. Above all, it greatly helps us in cleaning ourselves and maintaining personal hygiene. This is very important because when we are clean, our surroundings are also clean,” said Rolly Giducos, community leader from Maricaban, Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, one of the community beneficiaries).”

Pru Life UK’s support for Bantayan Island started when the Prudence Foundation formed a multi-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to help rebuild the homes of residents affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. When the housing initiative was completed in 2017, the company continued its annual outreach, which has since evolved and expanded through the Ulan Alang sa Bantayan programme, which was developed in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to align with its broader climate and health advocacy.

“Our work in Bantayan reflects our belief that progress is built through trust and shared responsibility,” said Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer. “As Ulan Alang sa Bantayan grows, so does our dedication to helping communities prepare for the future with confidence and security.”

Through sustained partnerships and programmes that address both immediate and long-term needs, Pru Life UK continues to embody what it means to be a trusted partner in protection – one that Filipinos can count on today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  
 
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 
  
Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of Q3 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 –years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

Pru Life UK, together with Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, has turned over a combined Php 6 million donation to Save the Children Philippines to support children and families affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

The ceremonial turnover gathered leaders from Pru Life UK, Prudential plc, Save the Children Philippines, the Insurance Commission, and the British Embassy Manila—demonstrating a united front in strengthening disaster response and long-term community resilience.

The donation will fund back-to-school and hygiene kits for 960 learners and provide multi-purpose cash assistance to 224 families in Cebu and Catanduanes, two of the hardest-hit provinces. This initiative builds on the immediate relief already provided to Pru Life UK employees, agents, and partner communities across the Visayas region.

“Today, we come together with a shared purpose: to bring hope and help families and children affected by the recent typhoons recover faster,” Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK, President and CEO said. “This donation strengthens our partnership with Save the Children Philippines and reinforces our mission to protect the most vulnerable.”

Chakrabarty noted that this latest support continues the company’s long-running collaboration with humanitarian partners, including joint efforts with Save the Children Philippines following super typhoon Egay in 2023 and typhoon Kristine in 2024. He emphasised that strengthening resilience is central to Pru Life UK’s sustainability priorities.

“By supporting families and children, we help communities prepare, recover, and thrive. Together with Prudential, we are also committed to delivering long-term, climate-ready insurance solutions,” Chakrabarty added.

“We thank Prudence Foundation, Pru Life UK, and its employees for bringing hope to the children and their families affected by the recent typhoons. Many of them have had their houses swept away by the typhoon. And any donation, especially cash assistance, will really go a long way to buy essential needs such as a few bags of cement, wood, GI Sheets for their roofing. And in a sense, for these families, knowing there are people and corporations willing to lend a hand, it gives them a lot of hope that whatever comes about in the future, there is still hope and a life worth living for,” shared Atty. Alberto Muyot, Save the Children Philippines CEO.

The donation underscores Pru Life UK’s broader mission to advance inclusive protection, enhance community preparedness, and help Filipino families rebuild with resilience and dignity.

#

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  
 
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 
  
Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of Q3 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 –years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, whiletheir Davao District office is in Door 2&3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

The Care Companion zone concluded Samsung’s “Your Companion to AI Living” vision at The First Look 2026 — highlighting technology’s most human purpose, care.

For decades, care has been reactive, addressing problems only after they arise. Samsung aims to change that by embedding AI across its product ecosystem to support safety, health and security. The goal is to shift care from response to anticipation — an approach Samsung calls Intelligent Care.

Samsung Newsroom visited the final area of the exhibition to see how Galaxy devices serve as the hub for healthier, safer everyday living.

View of the Care Companion zone

Upon entering, visitors encountered the futuristic Galaxy Z TriFold showcased on a Transparent Micro LED display.


Galaxy Z TriFold

Video Link: https://youtu.be/Y48W42RnTaY


Personalized Health Management: Optimizing Daily Routines

In the Self Care – Good Sleep section, visitors learned how wearables such as Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring track sleep conditions while working in concert with lighting and connected home appliances including the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro air conditioner and Infinite AI Air Purifier. Without user input, the connected home automatically optimizes temperature and airflow to support a more comfortable sleep environment.


Galaxy devices connect with TVs and home appliances to create optimal sleep conditions.

Tristen Menzies

“I love being able to take AI out of my pocket and use it right away,” said Tristen Menzies, a digital content creator from Guam. “What I appreciate about Samsung is that it creates AI that complements your life, rather than interferes. I think that’s the direction we should be heading.”

Family Health Care: Supporting Everyone From Older Adults to Pets
Early Detection and Prevention of Cognitive Health

Healthcare is expanding beyond individual management to encompass every member of the family. Samsung introduced features designed to help detect dementia early in older adults at the Family Care – Brain Health section. By analyzing lifestyle patterns through mobile and wearable devices, the system can identify early signs of cognitive decline and send alerts to designated caregivers, enabling timely intervention.

More important, however, is preventing cognitive decline before it occurs. To that end, Samsung analyzes a wide range of everyday indicators—including speech, typing, walking, sleep and gait—to detect subtle changes in cognitive function. The system also recommends brain-training programs to help older adults reduce concerns about cognitive decline and maintain healthier, more independent lives.

Demonstration of Samsung Health’s cognitive decline detection feature

AI-Enabled Pet Health Monitoring

Samsung’s AI extends to pets as well. The SmartThings Pet Care service helps identify common health conditions such as dental disease, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Using AI, SmartThings Pet Care analyzes photos of household animals with on-screen guidance to help identify potential health concerns.


SmartThings Pet Care checks for cataracts in a pet.

AI Home Monitoring: Smart Detection for a Safer Home

When users are away from home, AI-powered home care monitoring offers greater peace of mind. Vision AI analyzes video and audio collected from connected devices such as refrigerators equipped with cameras and TVs, detecting potentially dangerous situations and sending alerts directly to the user’s smartphone.

When no one is home, TVs and refrigerators with built-in cameras can display summaries of moments flagged as potentially risky. Furthermore, AI home monitoring can compare detected faces with images stored in the user’s photo gallery to determine whether the person is a known contact or a stranger.

With AI home monitoring, users can feel more at ease even when away from home.


Alert activity demonstration


Dr. Rob Longwell


“What I like about Samsung’s AI ecosystem is how everything is connected,” said Dr. Rob Longwell, a member of the media from Beverly Hills, CA. “Home security and safety are especially important to me, and I was impressed by how devices work together to help protect the home.”

Expanded Safety Services: Greater Protection Through Partnerships

The zone concluded with a look at how Samsung’s AI technology works seamlessly with a wide range of partner products, including sensors, cameras and smart door locks, to support safer living.

Wall with compatible devices from partners

With the Care Companion—designed to help everyone live with greater peace of mind, safety and well-being—Samsung concludes the “Your Companion to AI Living” journey presented at The First Look 2026.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to continue expanding its AI ecosystem to create experiences that users can trust and rely on with confidence.

Get a chance to win a Samsung AI Appliance worth up to ₱52,999!

Sign- up now at https://www.samsung.com/ph/handraiserces/

Terms and conditions apply.
Promo runs from January 2 – 22, 2026 only.
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-245240 Series of 2025

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

This initiative aims to raise awareness on the value of water and promote responsible consumption among communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Lakbayan offers a unique opportunity for participants to experience the entire water cycle: from the raw water source and treatment to distribution and wastewater management. Through guided tours of Manila Water’s state-of-the-art facilities, visitors gain firsthand knowledge of the processes that ensure safe, clean, and reliable water supply, as well as the systems that treat wastewater before returning it to the environment.

Since its inception in 2006, Lakbayan has engaged thousands of students, local government units, and private organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of the water cycle and the collective role in preserving this vital resource. In 2025, Manila Water, led by its Advocacy Managers and Facility Managers, conducted a total of sixty-five (65) Lakbayan tours, participated by 2,151 individuals.

Among the organizations who participated were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DILG-National Capital Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Government of Makati, Sangguniang Kabataan of Quezon City, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pateros, San Agustin Seminary, University of the Philippines, Technological University of Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, Western Mindanao State University and other public and private schools and private businesses.

“Water is a finite resource and its responsible use is a shared obligation, yet it is often overlooked,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.

“Lakbayan allows us to share the science, innovation and our dedication behind every drop. Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action, whether through simple daily habits or large-scale programs, to conserve water and protect the environment. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple of impact,” he added.

The program underscores Manila Water’s advocacy for water conservation and environmental protection. By showcasing the complexity and importance of water and wastewater management, Lakbayan empowers participants to become champions of sustainability in their own communities.

Manila Water welcomes all stakeholders to experience Lakbayan. For schedules and reservations, interested parties may email info@manilawater.com.

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

MANILA, Philippines — Hanabishi invites everyone to celebrate the holidays with creativity by showcasing their budget-friendly Christmas recipes on TikTok for a chance to win PhP15,000 and a Hanabishi multi-cooker.

Running from December 17, 2025 to January 23, 2026, the “Paskong Praktikal TikTok Challenge” encourages home cooks, food lovers, and families to share the delicious festive recipes that highlight their resourcefulness.

“For Filipinos, Christmas is about family and sharing a meal around the table, no matter how much it costs,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Appliances.

How to Join

“Paskong Praktikal TikTok Challenge” is open to all Filipinos, aged 18 years and above with a public TikTok account. To participate, contests must do the following: Post a budget-friendly ulam or dessert video on TikTok and tag @myhanabishi.
Include a caption explaining how the dish is “tipid but festive.” Use the hashtags #PaskongPraktikal and #MyHanabishi. Videos must be a maximum of 60 seconds and should clearly show the cooking or preparation process.

To complete registration, participants must visit https://bit.ly/PaskongHanabishi2025, fill out the required details, and submit a screenshot of their TikTok entry through the link provided. One TikTok post equals one entry. Entries must remain public throughout the entire contest period.
“We want to see real, practical tips and recipes that Filipino families can actually recreate at home. Whether it’s a modern twist on a classic dish or a clever ingredient swap, every entry tells a story,” Ong-Chua said.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following:
1 Budget Friendliness – 30%
2 Storytelling / Practical Tips Shared – 30%
3 Taste Appeal / Presentation – 15%
4 Creativity – 15%
5 Hanabishi Appliance Usage – 10%
Entries that feature any Hanabishi appliance during cooking or preparation will automatically earn an additional 10% (or 10 points) under the Hanabishi Appliance Usage criterion.
No matter how simple or grand the spread is, what makes holiday gatherings special is coming together, and Hanabishi is proud to be part of those moments,” Ong-Chua said.

The deadline for the submission of entries to “Paskong Praktikal TikTok Challenge” is on January 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The judging will be held on January 30.
The winners will be notified through their registered mail, email, and SMS, and their names will be posted on Hanabishi’s official TikTok account on January 31.
For more information about the contest, follow Hanabishi’s official social media accounts.

GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI releases his first full-length album in two years, BEFORE I FORGET, out now via Columbia Records.

Introduced by three singles, “A COLD PLAY,” “A PERFECT WORLD,” and “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE,” BEFORE I FORGET signals a powerful turning point for the 22-year-old artist, defined by vulnerability and emotional clarity. Steeped in introspection and showcasing LAROI’s distinctive songwriting and genre-bending prowess at new heights, each track gives an intimate insight into his world.

“BEFORE I FORGET is about the music. Nothing else. That’s what I want people to hear.”

The new album follows LAROI’s 2023 album THE FIRST TIME, whose deluxe edition arrived the following year with five additional tracks including “NIGHTS LIKE THIS PART 2,” the sequel to “NIGHTS LIKE THIS,” and fan-favorite “GIRLS.” LAROI continues to push creative boundaries with every new project, cementing him as one of the most compelling voices shaping music today.

BEFORE I FORGET Tracklist:
ME + YOU
JULY
PRIVATE
COME DOWN
RATHER BE (feat. Lithe)
A PERFECT WORLD
5:21AM (feat. Andrew Aged)
A COLD PLAY
THE MOMENT (feat. Clara La San)
NEVER CAME BACK
THANK GOD
I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU
MAYBE I’M WRONG
HER INTERLUDE
BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE

ABOUT THE KID LAROI
At just 22 years old, LAROI has already established himself as one of the fastest rising stars in the music industry. In 2021, He logged a record-setting hold at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Stay,” his collaboration with Justin Bieber, dominating radio waves and building global recognition. The Kid LAROI has captivated fans across the world with songs including “Let Her Go,” “Diva” ft. Lil Tecca, “Go” ft. Juice WRLD, and “Without You,” the latter of which led to his debut Saturday Night Live performance with Miley Cyrus. His 2020 debut mixtape, F*ck Love, earned chart-topping success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 Chart. In recognition of his major achievements, LAROI received the highly coveted “Best New Artist” nomination at the 64th GRAMMY Awards (2022). LAROI’s full-length album, THE FIRST TIME, made a splash in 2023, debuting at #26 on the Billboard 200. The album also reached #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart, becoming LAROI’s second top-three entry in Australia.

LAROI had a massive 2024 starting with the release of the deluxe version of THE FIRST TIME, which featured five new tracks. He embarked on The First Time Tour which brought him across Europe, North America and Australia. He released three new singles including “GIRLS,” which he debuted live on tour ahead of the release, along with “APEROL SPRITZ,” and “SLOW IT DOWN” featuring Quavo. “ALL I WANT IS YOU” marked LAROI’s first release of 2025 and was followed by his highly anticipated single “HOW DOES IT FEEL.” With his new releases, LAROI continues to push genre boundaries and impress audiences with his undeniable star power.

JJ Moreno will succeed Benedict Sison as CEO and Country Head and continue to grow

Sun Life’s business as the Number 1 life insurer in Philippines

JJ Moreno (left) will succeed Benedict Sison (right) as CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines

Manila, PHILIPPINES – (January 9, 2026) – Sun Life today announced that Benedict Sison will retire as Chief Executive Officer and Country Head, Philippines, following a distinguished fifteen-year career with the company.  Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno, currently President, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., will succeed Benedict as the next CEO and Country Head, Philippines, effective 1 April 2026. 

To help ensure a smooth transition, Sison will continue to serve as a strategic advisor and Chairman of the Sun Life Philippines Holding Company and the Sun Life Foundation until 31 December 2026. 

Sison became CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines in 2018 and has guided strong growth across the business. Under his leadership, Sun Life has sustained its position as the number one life insurer in the country and today has over 6.2 million Clients and a strong network of over 22,000 advisors.  Sun Life has expanded into new businesses with the launch of the Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation, introduced innovative Client solutions, and expanded support for the Filipino community through the Sun Life Foundation. Sison has played a leading role in the Philippine Life Insurance Industry, having served two consecutive terms as President of the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA). His leadership and industry contributions were honored with the Executive Champion of the Year award at the Asia Trusted Life Agents and Adviser Awards (ATLAA).

Moreno has worked closely with Sison and the Sun Life Philippines leadership team since joining Sun Life in May 2025. He brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across multiple industries, including financial services, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation. Prior to joining Sun Life, he held roles as President and CEO of AF Payments, and Chief Strategy Officer at Metro Retail Stores Group.      

“I am delighted to appoint JJ to lead Sun Life Philippines,” said Manjit Singh, President, Sun Life Asia. “JJ has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our Clients, and an unwavering commitment to our strategy to help more Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. I also want to thank Benedict for his outstanding leadership for nearly eight years. Under his guidance, Sun Life Philippines has sustained our position as a market leader and trusted partner, helping more than 6 million Filipinos to achieve their life goals.”

Moreno will lead all Sun Life’s businesses entities in the Philippines.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role,” said Moreno. “Since joining Sun Life, I have seen the strength of our people and our purpose here in the Philippines. I look forward to working with our teams to help more Filipinos to achieve their goals for lifetime financial security and healthier lives, while building an organization that is innovative, sustainable, and a great place to work.” 

The Municipality of San Juan in La Union, in partnership with GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is rolling out a digital Fund Disbursement Service and issuing free GCash Visa Cards to ensure faster, safer, and more timely delivery of financial assistance—particularly as the community prepares for the increased financial needs of the holiday season.

For years, beneficiaries in San Juan have relied on manual payout processes that required long queues and in-person verification at crowded disbursement venues, often causing delays during peak periods such as year-end.

San Juan, La Union Mayor Mariquita P. Ortega underscored how the initiative strengthens the LGU’s commitment to efficient public service delivery. “The Municipality of San Juan is committed to modernizing the way we deliver public service, and this initiative with GCash is a major step toward faster and more transparent financial assistance distribution,” she said. “By adopting digital disbursement, we are reducing long queues, eliminating risks associated with manual cash handling, and ensuring that every eligible citizen receives support quickly and securely.”

With GCash as its digital partner, the LGU is now shifting to a streamlined distribution model that reduces wait times and physical movement for both residents and LGU staff. Through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service, financial assistance can be released digitally, allowing beneficiaries to receive support more quickly and with fewer steps using the free GCash Visa Card. The card also enables residents without mobile data, or bank accounts to securely access their aid—making the system especially beneficial during the busy holiday period.

From a tourism and long-term development perspective, Sangguniang Bayan member Mitos Magsaysay, chairman of the Tourism Committee, highlighted how digital payments support both residents and visitors during peak travel months. “As the surfing capital of Northern Luzon, San Juan welcomes both local and international tourists, and digital payment options like GCash make their experience more seamless,” Magsaysay said. “Beyond convenience, this initiative helps improve digital financial literacy among our residents as we prepare for a more technology-driven future and work toward becoming a world-class municipality.”

Emphasizing the partnership as a broader strategy to make public service delivery more inclusive and efficient, GCash vice president and head for public sector Cleo Celeste Santos said, “By providing free GCash Visa Cards and conducting financial literacy sessions, we aim to empower communities with stronger financial tools and knowledge—helping families better manage their finances during the holiday season and beyond.”

GCash assistant vice president for public sector pre-sales Nikki Serquiña added that the initiative also responds to San Juan’s need for reliable and timely financial access. “San Juan, La Union frequently faces strong typhoons, making fast and dependable financial assistance crucial. Through this partnership, residents can receive support quickly, safely, and without unnecessary delays—even during challenging times.”

Residents who have experienced the new system shared how it will make a difference in their daily lives. One beneficiary said, “The GCash Visa Card has been a huge help because we can now receive financial assistance faster, even if we don’t have time to go to the municipal office. From the financial literacy session, I learned how to better manage my budget and use the GCash card for safer transactions better than cash, especially this Christmas and New Year.”

This partnership program aims to benefit key sectors in LGU San Juan – from public and private employees, to vendors and business operators, transport groups, students, and farmers. Through this collaboration, GCash supports San Juan’s transition from manual processes to a more efficient and citizen-centered digital system—helping ensure that financial assistance reaches residents on time, when it matters most.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Manila, Philippines – Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark Cruz, Kate Jalipa, Juliana Villafuerte, Neron Mendiola, and RJ Perkins, who spent time with the children and distributed gifts.

The afternoon program opened with live performances and a clown show that hyped the basketball court with laughter and anticipation. During the gift distribution, smiles spread across every child’s face as more than 760 loot bags and gifts were handed out, along with 300 packed meals.

The event was led by Ms. Chardy Baldoza a.k.a. Cha Canicosa, the event organizer and Marketing Director, in collaboration with Sugar Dolls Inc. PH. The initiative was made possible through the support of the Core Management Team, Ana Lusong, Hazelyn Perez, Carlo Villanueva, Pastor Vhern, and Ms. LA Marquez, whose collective efforts guaranteed the program’s success.

As expected, the charity drive reflected Sugar Dolls’ vision of using beauty as a force for good. By spreading love, joy, and care, especially to children, the brand is committed to strengthen its community ties and inspire kindness beyond the holiday season. As the celebration concluded, what remained was a shared sense of compassion and connection: a reminder that the most beautiful impact is created when a brand chooses to give back.