After continuously bringing vibrant energy to the music industry, the highly talented artist pami from Juicey is back with her latest sassy single, cry jar, her first release since her highly acclaimed debut album puffette, and fresh out of her “Best Hidden Gem of the Year” award win at the prestigious TOTY Music Awards in Thailand yesterday.
This pop track features a light, easy-listening vibe contrasted with biting lyrics that challenge everyone to evaluate the cost of heartbreak in their relationships. ‘cry jar’ represents the transformation of pain into something measurable through the concept of an “emotional compensation” jar. “If you don’t want to try in love, then fine! Pay the price. Every time you make me cry, those tears go into the jar as proof that the pain isn’t disappearing—it’s piling up,” said pami about the single.
‘cry jar’ was written by pami during a song camp in Sydney, Australia, an environment that sparked new inspirations for her. The track is designed with a playful, bright, and almost sweet sound to contrast its straightforward and sarcastic lyrics.
pami adds: “I didn’t want this song to feel heavy or dramatic. I wanted it to be a dark joke that reflects the truth: if someone keeps hurting you without care, that damage comes with a price.”
pami is a Thai singer-songwriter who debuted in 2024, quickly catching the attention of fans worldwide with her pop sensibilities and warm vocals in her debut EP out of nowhere. This was quickly followed by her debut album puffette in 2025, which introduced pami to a wider audience that has followed her growth since.
Over the past year, pami has stood out as one of the brightest young and rising acts in Asia, playing in festivals across multiple countries such as LaLaLa Festival in Indonesia, BiKN Shibuya in Japan, Zandari Festa in South Korea and Bangkok Music City in Thailand.
Developed with Microsoft, “Pera Coach” converses in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon to make financial services easier to understand for all Filipinos.
Reinforcing its role in advancing financial literacy and inclusion nationwide, finance super app GCash introduces the Philippines’ first artificial intelligence–powered financial coach to be embedded in an e-wallet. Developed with support from Microsoft and powered by enterprise-grade AI, it converses in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon to make financial services easier to understand for all Filipinos. Pera Coach responds contextually to user prompts like financial goals, budget considerations, and risk appetite, delivering guidance personalized to each user’s financial journey.
Despite improvements in the country’s financial inclusion agenda in recent years, the ability to meaningfully use a broader range of financial services, like insurance and investments, remains limited. Persistent gaps in financial literacy contribute to this low adoption, with many Filipinos lacking access to clear and credible guidance. According to a 2021 survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), just 2% of Filipino adults were able to correctly answer six basic financial literacy questions.
Pera Coach aims to address these challenges by providing always-on access to clear and tailored financial education within a platform millions of Filipinos already use daily.
“Financial literacy should not feel intimidating or out of reach,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “With Pera Coach integrated directly into the GCash ecosystem, Filipinos can receive real-time guidance that’s practical, contextual, and easy to understand, helping them make more confident financial decisions.”
“Even everyday moments like deciding how much to set aside for a weekly budget, comparing different savings accounts, or choosing a potential stock, can shape long-term outcomes, and we want to support users through those moments,” he added.
Leveraging AI for inclusion
Beyond the launch itself, the launch signals a broader GCash strategy aimed at leveraging emerging technology to solve real-world financial challenges. “We firmly believe innovation should go beyond adopting the latest technology. Rather, the true value of innovation is measured by the impact it has on the lives of everyday Filipinos, especially the underserved,” Bangit continued.
Likewise, Microsoft echoes the transformative potential of generative AI when applied to real, everyday use cases.
“Millions of Filipinos already carry a financial platform in their pockets, but only one in four is financially literate. We’ve made real progress in financial access, but access without understanding isn’t inclusion—it’s an empowerment gap. And closing that gap is nation building,” said Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager Jonathan Que.
“In working with GCash, we are putting a personal AI financial coach in the hands of every user, from the sari-sari owner in Davao to the OFW family in Pampanga. Responsible AI, built into the app millions already trust, turns everyday transactions into everyday learning. When every Filipino can understand their finances, save with confidence, and invest in their dreams, we don’t just strengthen households, we strengthen the nation.” he added.
To access Pera Coach and begin receiving personalized financial education content, GCash users need to open the app, go to ‘Invest’ and tap the Pera Coach banner. For more information, visit the Help Center.
MANILA, PH – March 2026 – Sun Life Philippines, the country’s No. 1 life insurance company in terms of total premium income, recently hosted the Women’s Business Mission of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada at the company’s head office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through research, dialogue, and strategic business engagement. Its Women’s Business Mission brings together women-led and women-owned Canadian companies to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment in key markets across Asia, while advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
The Women’s Business Mission event underscored Sun Life’s commitment to empowering women in the insurance and financial services industries by championing innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions that strengthen connections between the company and its Clients.
As part of the experience, delegates were given a firsthand look at Sun Life’s digital transformation initiatives through interactive technology booths showcasing tools developed in-house to enhance both advisor and Client experience. These included Advisor Social, a digital content management platform for advisors; Advisor Buddy, a digital onboarding and navigation tool for new advisors; and Medical Document Translation, a cost-efficient, low-risk solution that helps accelerate underwriting decisions.
“We are incredibly proud of the tools we build in-house, but true innovation requires knowing what you can’t build alone,” said Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines. “At Sun Life, we actively look for opportunities to partner with startups because they bring the agility and niche expertise we need to solve complex problems fast. We treat our partners as co-creators, and looking at the brilliant women founders in this room, my genuine hope is that some of your companies will soon join our ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, highlighted Sun Life’s Canadian roots. “What began as a Canadian company’s commitment to the Philippine market has grown into a long-standing partnership with Filipino families, businesses, and communities, and we’re excited to do more,” he said.
Present during the event were Sun Life’s women leaders, including Joy Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc.; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines; Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines; and Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines.
Sun Life Philippines continues to champion women leadership across its organization. Women make up 73% of the company’s more than 22,000-strong advisor force, while 51% of its senior leadership roles are held by women. This reinforces Sun Life’s belief that inclusive leadership drives stronger outcomes for Clients, communities, and the business.
Persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools continue to put Filipino children at risk of preventable infections. In the Philippines, diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of illness and hospitalization nationwide, with studies linking around 80% of diarrhea-related deaths to poor access to safe water and sanitation. This recent health concern shows how unsafe water and poor hygiene continue to expose children to avoidable infections.
Enter Batang Matatag, Erceflora’s flagship advocacy, tackling child mortality from diarrhea by flipping the script—from treatment to prevention. The initiative champions gut health awareness, hygiene education, and improved sanitation, reaching over 200,000 children across different regions in the Philippines since its launch in 2022.
“Batang Matatag reflects our commitment to protecting children not just through treatment, but through prevention—empowering communities with the knowledge, habits, and support to build strong foundations for lifelong health and resilience. Real change begins with the small things families do every day, it starts at home, in schools, and in everyday choices,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead.
The Batang Matatag initiative by Erceflora has built WASH facilities and donated refrigerated drinking fountains to over 104 schools across BARMM, Luzon, and Rizal, helping drive measurable health gains and improving everyday environments where children learn and grow. 20% decline in diarrhea cases in partner Rizal schools and a 50% reduction in BARMM schools have been observed during School Year 2024–2025.
Looking ahead, Erceflora aims to reach 150,000 students and healthcare providers in 2026 as the program expands across Rizal and Metro Manila, strengthening its mission to build more resilient children through better gut health and hygiene practices.
“Being Batang Matatag starts with taking care of one’s body, but this mission goes far beyond any single product or organization. We call on parents, educators, and partners to work with us—because building stronger, healthier children is a shared responsibility we cannot achieve alone,” Opella Healthcare Philippines Country Head, Emma Valette emphasized.
Batang Matatag Day 2026: Growing the Mission, Strengthening More Young Lives Five years in, Batang Matatag isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. Batang Matatag Day 2026 marks a renewed push to expand the program’s reach, highlighted by a visit from Opella Healthcare’s executive leaders—CEO Julie Van-Ongevalle, Chief Growth Officer Alberto Hernandez, and Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer Matthieu Brucker—and partnerships with seven new schools, including Maharlika Integrated School in Taguig.
There, 200 Grade 2 and 3 learners joined interactive activities—including the Batang Matatag Bus sessions on proper handwashing—to promote healthy habits early and strengthen well-being at its foundation.
“For the past five years, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, schools, and communities across BARMM and Luzon, we’ve been helping children look after their health—especially their gut health, which supports 70% of immunity. We want more kids across the Philippines to know this and be truly Batang Matatag. We’re committed to reaching even more this year,” Carol-Ann Stewart, Opella Healthcare AMEA President, noted.
For partner schools, the impact is already tangible—and points to what sustained investment can achieve.
“Batang Matatag’s services and contributions came at a crucial time, enabling us to provide improved drinking and washing facilities that will have a lasting impact on our school community. We are honored to be among the program’s beneficiaries. More than the resources, your commitment has brought joy to our learners and strengthened an environment where they can thrive, grow, and build healthier habits for the future,” said Dr. Romeo O. Olalo, Principal of Maharlika Integrated School.
MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AT ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.
MAT-PH-2600358 / Ver 1.0 / DA 03-2026 / DM 03-2026 Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.
From breakthrough hits to enduring anthems, the band is set to perform a career-spanning set featuring new arrangements and a few surprises
Pinoy rock icons The Dawn returns to the big stage with another major concert celebrating their 40th anniversary in the local music industry.
Following the successful staging of Ballet & Ballads, a special collaboration between the band and Ballet Manila held early this year, The Dawn is gearing up for another special show featuring the current band lineup and some exciting surprises that will surely make headlines once announced.
Dubbed “Kwarenta,” the highly anticipated concert will take place at The Theatre at Solaire on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The concert also marks The Dawn’s legacy as one of the pillars of Filipino rock music, producing remarkable classics that resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Directed by Paolo Valenciano, Kwarenta will showcase a career-spanning setlist drawn from The Dawn’s 1987 self-titled debut up to 2018’s Ascendant, signaling an even more ambitious and carefully curated production—both in concept and design.
Emerging in the mid-1980s, The Dawn helped define the modern Filipino band movement. Over the decades, the band has built a formidable catalog anchored by enduring anthems such as “Enveloped Ideas,” “Salamat,” and “Iisang Bangka,” which have transcended eras and shifted cultural discussions. Their work has become part of the collective memory of Filipino audiences: performed in intimate gatherings and singing contests, large-scale concerts and battle-of-the-bands competitions, and everything in between.
Kwarenta, as a concept, is a comprehensive portrait of The Dawn’s journey as a collective. Their story is one of persistence and reinvention. Lineup changes, industry shifts, and the loss of key figures—including founding guitarist Teddy Diaz—have emboldened their history and catapulted them into the pantheon of Pinoy rock greats. Few acts achieve such longevity while maintaining audience connection and renewed creativity.
As vocalist Jet Pangan reflects, reaching 40 years was never assumed; it is, in many ways, the result of hard work, discipline, and support from fans. ”Four decades is something to be really thankful for, and it’s all because there are still people out there who enjoy our music and gigs.”
Sharing Jet’s enthusiasm, guitarist Francis “Kiko” Reyes promises a 40th anniversary show that will go down in history as one of the decade’s finest. “40 years is quite a big slice of time. We wanted to highlight the stuff that has happened across four decades. It’s a milestone; it’s definitely not lost on us. It will be special and, I think, quite emotional. It won’t be just a ‘the best of’ gig.”
Audiences can expect reimagined and exciting new arrangements, incredible production values, and the possibility of surprise guest appearances. The celebration extends globally with the Kwarenta Tour, with confirmed dates across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and more cities to be announced.
Event Details: Kwarenta: The Dawn 40th Anniversary Concert June 27, 2026 The Theatre at Solaire, Paranaque City
The bar opens at 6:00 PM / The show starts at 8:00 PM Exclusive after-party (SVIP bundle) at 11:00 PM
Tickets will be available starting 12 noon, 6 April 2026.
For tickets, please contact:
Ticketworld: www.ticketworld.com.ph Ticketworld: +63 917 550 6997, +63 999 954 5922 The Dawn Hotline: +63 949 686 6768
GCash introduces its new international transfers feature which enables Filipinos to send same-day transfers with transparent tracking and competitive forex
As part of its commitment to enabling Finance for All Filipinos, GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has launched GCash International Transfers. This first-of-its-kind e-wallet feature enables users to send money directly from their GCash wallet to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets.
The service is currently available in 16 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, with plans to expand to more countries soon.
Ideal for families that send support for loved ones abroad or micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sourcing raw materials, inventory, or specialize services from overseas, this new feature enables GCash users to send money in Philippine pesos to international bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets in key countries. Recipients receive funds in their local currency, eliminating conversion concerns and ensuring straightforward access to transferred amounts.
This new initiative breaks down time and cost barriers for families who send allowances, educational support (including for “pasabuy” services), and business funds to suppliers abroad.
“GCash International Transfers reflects our commitment to extending financial inclusion beyond Philippine borders,” said Arjun Varma, GCash international general manager. “We want Filipinos to have access to fast, affordable, and transparent international transfers, whether they are supporting family abroad, sending allowances to students, or paying for goods and services across borders.”
Before the launch of this service, sending money abroad using traditional transfer methods was often complicated by slow processing times, high fees, and a lack of visibility on when funds would arrive. GCash International Transfers addresses these challenges by enabling same-day crediting for most corridors and next-day transfers to the United States, giving recipients faster access to funds when they need them most in just 5 easy steps.
Zero transfer fees from March 12 to 31 for Middle East transactions
Filipinos in the Philippines can now send money internationally to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman via GCash with absolutely zero fees and no minimum transfer amount. This special offer is available from March 12 to 31, 2026, making it easier for families back in the Philippines to provide financial support to their loved ones in the Middle East.
Users can easily complete an international transfer by tapping Transfer on the GCash dashboard, selecting International, choosing the destination country, channel, and recipient type, and confirming the payer. Throughout the process, the feature provides real-time tracking, giving both senders and recipients transparency on the transfer status, which is not typically available in traditional bank transfers. With service fees starting as low as ₱180 and designed to be up to 2–3 times more affordable than typical bank remittance charges, the service ensures more of every peso sent reaches its intended destination.
The fully digital experience means users can complete international transfers anytime, anywhere, without the need to visit physical remittance centres or banks, which is particularly valuable for Filipinos in provinces and remote areas who may have limited access to traditional remittance services.
By removing barriers of time, cost, and uncertainty in cross-border payments, GCash International Transfers strengthens the financial connectivity of Filipino families, students, businesses, and communities across 16 countries.
Reinforcing its vision of Finance for All, GCash ensures that Filipinos can access essential financial services and support their connections worldwide with ease, transparency, and security.
The Filipino R&B icon urges young artists to protect themselves – an issue mirrored in his new film, Songs For Selina
Filipino R&B king Jay R recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the exploitative practices in the local music industry.
This comes after young singer-songwriter MRLD broke her silence about her departure from OC Records, alleging unfair compensation and limited marketing support, with claims that have sparked broader conversations online about transparency, artist rights, and the power imbalance between emerging musicians and record labels.
In a TikTok video posted over the weekend, Jay R spoke out about what he calls “uncomfortable truths,” reflecting on the dark side of the industry that has long placed new artists at a disadvantage. “I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and situations like this really do happen to artists,” Jay R said. “It has happened to me as well. When you’re starting out, you enter record deals and contracts without fully understanding what’s written in them. Sometimes, you don’t really comprehend the terms.” He stressed the importance of legal advice and contract literacy for emerging musicians navigating the complexities of recording agreements.
“That’s why it’s important for artists to carefully read their contracts,” he added. “You should have a lawyer and review everything line by line. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. It’s a harsh truth about the industry, but it’s real. And honestly, I think it’s perfect timing that this issue has come to light. Artists need to be educated about what really happens behind closed doors.” The short-form video post has garnered more than a million views on TikTok and Facebook, combined, fueling wider debate about accountability with the music business.
Jay R further expanded on the topic during the press conference for Songs For Selina, a music-themed film that he produced and stars in. While fictional in form, the project echoes the same tensions now being publicly discussed: creative ownership, exploitation, and the invisible pressures artists face behind the spotlight. “Artists sometimes fear being marginalized or even blacklisted when they speak about the truth,” Jay R shared. “The story of Songs For Selina comes from real experiences: ours and the stories of fellow artists who have lived through these realities.”
Starring Rachel Coates and Mica Javier, Songs For Selina explores the power structures embedded in the music industry and the ethical dilemmas confronting artists as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and survival in a competitive landscape.
Whether by coincidence or design, the film’s themes now resonate with real-world conversation unfolding across the Philippine music scene—one that many believe is long overdue. Songs For Selina opens in Ayala Cinemas nationwide beginning March 18, 2026.
Baguio City once again came alive with colors, blooms, and celebration as the Panagbenga Festival filled its streets with floats, music, and the vibrant spirit of the Cordillera community. Beyond the festivities, the festival also highlighted a deeper story unfolding on the ground: how local entrepreneurs—many of them small family-run businesses—are gaining greater access to financial tools that allow them to participate more fully in the local digital economy.
For many nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), access to safe and convenient financial services is not just about efficiency—it is about opportunity, dignity in work, and the ability to grow their livelihoods. At this year’s Panagbenga Festival, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, supported local merchants by bringing practical digital solutions and on-ground activities that help level the playing field for small businesses.
By enabling simpler, safer, and more accessible transactions, these tools help ensure that even the smallest vendors—from sari-sari stores to flower stalls—can serve more customers and benefit from the surge in tourism during one of the country’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
The grand celebration was led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, together with Congressman Mauricio Domogan and the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon as guests of honor. The local government recognized the growing role of digital financial access in helping communities strengthen livelihoods and support inclusive economic participation.
“As proof of Baguio’s resilience, our deep pride in our Cordillera heritage, and our unique capacity to celebrate culture with discipline, it fuels our creative economy and strengthens local livelihood,” said Vice Mayor Olowan.
For this year’s festivities, GCash carried the theme “Festival of Progress: Empowering Local NMSMEs as the Heart of the Celebration,” highlighting how cashless payments help small businesses serve more customers and unlock new income opportunities during peak moments of celebration.
GCash activations reached festival-goers and merchants across multiple touchpoints—from bus terminals and malls to gas stations, public markets, and along the famous Session Road. Merchant crawls showcased MSMEs embracing digital finance, while mall and market activations demonstrated how QR payments and GCash Pera Outlet can transform everyday stalls into community financial service points.
For this year’s Panagbenga, GCash initiative highlighted how accessible digital tools—from QR payments to community-based digital hubs for financial transactions — can help small merchants participate more equitably in the festival economy and expand their growth opportunities.
“Financial inclusion is about ensuring that every enterprise — no matter the size — has access to the tools needed to participate and thrive in today’s economy. Through solutions such as QR payments, SoundPay Plus, EasyPOS, and PocketPay, we help give smaller businesses the same opportunities as larger enterprises. At the same time, GCash Pera Outlet enables sari-sari stores and market stalls to provide essential services such as bills payment, remittances, and mobile load, bringing financial access closer to communities,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector.
Strengthening livelihoods at the community level
Across Baguio’s neighborhoods, sari-sari stores, flower vendors, cafés, and market stalls are more than businesses—they are lifelines that sustain families and support local communities. During Panagbenga, these entrepreneurs serve as the frontliners of local commerce, welcoming thousands of visitors and supporting household incomes.
For many merchants, access to digital financial tools has helped make their livelihoods more stable and resilient.
Jen, a cashier at Caroline Trading, has seen the small sari-sari store grow into a mini mart since adopting GCash. “Halos lahat nasa GCash na po, at mas dumami pa ang pumupunta dahil parang pinakamadaling way dito sa amin—very convenient. Mas nag-improve yung sales kasi halos cashless na po lahat. Para sa mga negosyo na mag-start pa lang, i-try lang nila kasi effective siya.”
For GCash Pera Outlet partner Marie Audrey Salvador, a general merchandise store owner in Baguio’s public market, going cashless created a more stable income stream while allowing her business to serve as a financial access point for the community.
“Nag-start kami ng negosyo noong July 2023, at napakarami na nitong naitulong sa akin—sa bills, sa rents, at sa travels with family. Dati sapat-sapat lang; ngayon nakaka-afford na rin kami mag-travel. Aside from cashless payments, nagse-serve din kami as cash-in, cash-out, pay bills, at load—sobrang laki ng tulong.”
Meanwhile, Tita Leah’s Food Specialty, a well-loved Baguio delicacy brand, found that digital payment tools helped streamline operations as their business expanded. “Dati hiwalay din ang nakukuha ng transaction confirmation. Na-solve yun ni SoundPay. Ngayon hindi na kailangan ng storekeeper na tumawag sa amin for confirmation—seamless na siya,” shared Don Paez.
For Yuan, a barista at Balai Studio Cafe, the shift to cashless payments also means better service for a growing number of tourists. “GCash eases our business operations at talagang napakadali. Marami po kaming foreigners na customer at naghahanap din po sila ng cashless payment.”
Protecting livelihoods in the digital space
As more Filipinos embrace digital finance, ensuring safety and trust remains essential to protecting the livelihoods of merchants and consumers alike. GCash continues to promote awareness and education to help users safeguard their accounts and income. The message remains simple but important: do not click suspicious links and never share your one-time password (OTP) with anyone.
By strengthening financial safety and awareness, GCash aims to ensure that small businesses can confidently participate in the digital economy while protecting the income they work hard to earn.
Sustaining inclusive growth beyond the festival
While Panagbenga lasts only a few weeks, its impact on communities can endure far longer. By expanding access to financial tools and services, GCash supports local entrepreneurs in building stronger businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to the broader local economy.
For GCash, working alongside communities like Baguio City is part of a broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion, expanding economic opportunity, and helping build an economy where progress is shared—ensuring that the benefits of growth reach even the smallest businesses at the heart of Filipino communities.
● #FYP: Future‑proofing Young Pinoys study also shows women report significantly higher stress and wider work-life imbalance gap than men
● Manulife’s health and protection solutions aim to help Filipino women safeguard their health and longevity, income, and long‑term financial goals
MANILA, Philippines — Data from Manulife’s #FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys study shows that 60% of young Filipino women prioritize their healthspan—the years spent in good health—compared to 46% of male respondents. Women also place greater importance on financial independence than men (60% vs. 44%), underscoring that Filipinas want a future on their own terms.
Yet the path toward that future is not without its pressures. The same study finds that 73% of female respondents report high stress levels, compared to 55% of their male counterparts. The work-life balance gap offers a telling glimpse of why stress levels are notably wider among women (22%) compared to men (15%), reflecting the competing demands many Filipinas navigate across their professional, personal, and caregiving roles.
For many women, this pressure shows up as sustained stress that affects everyday well-being. One in five experiences shortfalls in sleep, while 15% struggle to maintain a balanced diet, foundational habits that directly influence health, energy, and resilience.
It is worth noting that awareness isn’t the issue. Most survey respondents report strong knowledge of health and wellness—yet 76% of millennial women say stress prevents them from pursuing their desired level of well-being, highlighting a persistent gap between knowledge and action.
“The data is clear: many women are feeling the physical and mental strain of trying to manage everything at once. With careers, caregiving, and financial pressures converging, Manulife is focused on giving Filipino women practical options to protect their health today while building financial confidence for tomorrow,” said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Products Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Turning insights into action: Solutions that help Filipinas protect their health today and build financial confidence for tomorrow
Through its suite of health and protection solutions, including the Manulife HealthFlex critical illness plan, which offers coverage for over 100 critical illnesses from early diagnosis to recovery, and provides additional benefits for gender-specific cancers, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer for women, among many others. Manulife Medical Secure, meanwhile, provides up to PHP5 million in medical coverage with cashless access to over 1,700 hospitals and clinics nationwide; and Manulife GoalReady, which supports long-term financial goals with protection and investment features, Manulife helps women safeguard their financial independence, no matter what stage or season of life they’re in.
As part of its global commitment to championing longevity, Manulife runs programs such as ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health platform designed to encourage healthier habits through everyday movement and proactive lifestyle choices Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life also recently entered into a partnership with ACHealth that aims to educate Filipinos on cancer prevention and help improve access to comprehensive cancer care.
“Closing the work-life balance gap starts with tools that enable women to protect what matters most: health, income, and time,” Mallabo added. “With the right coverage and guidance, women can move through every stage of life with confidence, whether they’re building careers, caring for family, or planning for the future. That’s how we champion longevity—not just living longer, but living better—by making financial wellness practical, personal, and empowering for every Filipina.”
As Women’s Month calls attention to the resilience and contributions of Filipino women, Manulife Philippines encourages women to prioritize their own health and financial security now and for the long term.
This initiative builds on Manulife’s refreshed strategy, advancing its strategic priority of empowering customers’ health, wealth, and longevity and aligns to the recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030.
As Lent approaches, many Filipino families switch things up and adhere to modest, meatless meals. It’s all about vegetables, fish, and plant-based cuisine that everyone enjoys. At SM Hypermarket Baliwag, customers will find fresh, healthful foods, making it simple to stick to tradition without feeling deprived.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
In the produce section, everything from leafy greens like kangkong and pechay to staples like eggplant and squash is readily available. These are on-the-go ingredients for the classic recipes people keep coming back to during Lent. Over in the seafood aisle, there’s no shortage of choices: fish, shrimp, shellfish—these are perfect for grilling, steaming, stewing, or whatever suits the family.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
Curious about new options? SM Hypermarket also stocks more plant-based products lately. Tofu and meat substitutes such as vegetable dumplings are right there on the shelves, so going meatless feels less like a sacrifice and more like something to actually look forward to.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
Put it all together, and SM Hypermarket Baliwag really helps families whip up meals that feel meaningful, nourishing, and affordable all throughout Lent.
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