Singlife Philippines launches Protect from Funeral Costs

In Filipino culture, being present is everything. Whether it’s for birthdays, emergencies, or moments of grief—showing up is how we show love. But what if you couldn’t be there when it matters most?

With Protect from Funeral Costs, the latest offering in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, Singlife Philippines makes it possible to do one last act of love—to show up for those that matter most, even when you no longer can.

This whole life insurance product offers a lump sum benefit of up to ₱500,000, which can help families cover funeral arrangements or other end-of-life expenses, giving peace of mind to both policyholders and their loved ones. Fully accessible through Singlife’s all-digital mobile platform, this solution empowers every Filipino to prepare responsibly, protect those they love, and continue showing up—even in their absence.

“Losing someone you love is already one of life’s most difficult moments, and having to rely on ‘abuloy’ or having to pass the hat just to pay for funeral costs makes it even harder,” said Lester Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Singlife Philippines. “Protect from Funeral Costs allows you to prepare in advance and leave behind a final act of love, one that ensures your family can grieve without financial worry. It’s part of our mission at Singlife: to empower every Filipino toward financial independence—in life, and beyond it.”

Growing Suite of Protection in the Singlife Plan & Protect App

Protect from Funeral Costs joins Singlife’s best-in-class suite of affordable, mobile-first insurance and investment solutions. These include life insurance, medical cost protection, and investment-linked plans—all designed to put financial control directly in the hands of customers. Like booking a flight or managing a savings account, buying funeral protection can now be done anytime, anywhere.

With funeral expenses in the Philippines typically exceeding ₱200,000, Singlife’s latest product provides straightforward, flexible coverage in the face of a very real financial risk.

The Protection You Leave Behind

Protect from Funeral Costs provides a lump sum cash benefit that gives your family the flexibility to honor your final wishes in their own way. Whether it’s for a modest ceremony or a more elaborate farewell, your loved ones can decide how to use the money without being locked into a fixed package from a funeral service provider. The product was designed with key features to give customers a convenient and easy way to plan for their funeral expenses.

 

·       Customizable and affordable protection: You can choose coverage from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000. Premiums are pocket-friendly, starting at just ₱447 per month, with payment terms of just 5 or 10 years—and your coverage lasts until age 120.

·       Built-in Financial Needs Analysis: Not sure how much coverage you need? This feature helps you estimate how much your family may need based on your preferred funeral type, casket, memorial lot, number of viewing days, and expected guests. Since most people don’t realize how much a funeral can cost, this unique tool empowers you to plan ahead and ensure your family won’t be caught off guard. 

·       Yearly coverage boost*: Keep your policy active and enjoy additional coverage* each year at no extra cost, helping you stay ahead of inflation and rising funeral expenses.

·       Spouse and child coverage: Extend protection to your spouse or life partner under one plan. Starting from the second policy year, you also have the option to enroll your child for coverage at no extra cost—no need to buy a separate policy for them.

·       Waiver of premiums due to disability: If you become permanently disabled during your premium payment period, you won’t have to worry about future payments—your premium payments will be waived but your coverage will remain active and in force.

·       Cash value and loan access: Over time, your policy builds cash value, which you can borrow from starting in the fourth year—giving you extra financial flexibility when needed.

·       Immediate cash assistance: Your beneficiaries will receive 10% of the cash benefit in advance upon submission of the policyholder’s death certificate and beneficiary’s identity verification. This helps cover urgent funeral expenses while the remaining amount is released upon claim approval.

 

*Coverage boosts come from non-guaranteed dividends, and their performance depends on market conditions.

A Final Act of Protection. A Lifetime of Love.

In a country where insurance penetration remains below 2%, Singlife Philippines is challenging the status quo by offering simple, relevant solutions that meet Filipinos where they are—on their phones, and in real life.

With Protect from Funeral Costs, the company transforms what used to be a taboo topic into a powerful expression of love and foresight. Because even if you can’t be there, your protection still can be.

Protect from Funeral Costs is now available exclusively in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, downloadable on the App Store and Google Play. Check how much coverage you need using the financial analysis tool and get an instant ₱300 in Singlife Credits—free—to help jumpstart your journey to financial independence.

                                                                                                                     

Because love doesn’t stop—even when life does.

Click here to learn more about Protect from Funeral Costs.

Abbott Champions Early Brain Development Through Nutrition and Play to Help Raise Fast Learners

Abbott, the global healthcare leader, announced the launch of a campaign to educate and empower parents with information to help them raise fast learners. At an interactive cognitive play workshop held today, Abbott highlighted how the early childhood years – especially between the ages of one to three – are a critical window for a child’s brain development and discussed the benefits of parents tracking key development milestones. 

Developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Josie Eusebio and Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr., Nutrition Medical Director for

Pacific Asia at Abbott, led the discussion at the “Raising Fast Learners: Unlocking Milestones in Year 3 and Beyond” event held

at ActiveFun BGC. The event focused on how cognition-based play, brain-building nutrition, and purposeful parenting can work

together to support early childhood development. Also present were Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and

Dennis Trillo, who participated in the workshop activities and shared their parenting experiences alongside their daughter,

Dylan.

A child’s brain grows to 80% of its adult size by the age of three. During this period, the brain forms more than one million neural connections every second—laying the foundation for essential cognitive, language, and emotional skills.  

''The brain’s neural connections are strengthened by consistent, positive daily experiences, responsive caregiving, and proper nutrition, making early childhood a vital window for shaping long-term learning potential,'' said Dr. Josie Eusebio, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, who presented at the workshop. ''Through simple activities and by prioritizing good nutrition, parents can support their child’s cognitive growth at the peak of their child’s brain development.'' 

Giving Parents the Ingredients to Boost Early Learning

The workshop hosted by Abbott included child development and nutrition experts who provided information and tips to parents on ways they can support their children.

Dr. Josie Eusebio led the Cognition Play Workshop guiding parents and children through simple yet meaningful activities. These exercises highlighted how everyday play can support brain development during a child’s critical growth years. 

Dr. Eusebio shared that during the third year of life, the brain continues to grow through three essential processes – neurogenesis (brain cells are born), synaptogenesis (formation of brain connections), and myelination (speed of connections within the brain) – which enhance the brain’s ability to process and retain information. These biological processes form the basis for how children think, remember, and learn.

''Brain growth in early childhood is rapid, and what parents do during this stage matters,'' said Dr. Eusebio. ''Simple activities like tracing, sensory play, and asking thoughtful questions help build the essential skills that support faster learning.''

Good nutrition – including a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fat – is also essential for brain development in children, providing the necessary nutrients for cognitive growth, memory, and learning.

''Nutrition with added gangliosides has been identified to help improve IQ scores in young children,'' said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in Asia Pacific, at the event. ''Abbott formulated Similac GainSchool with its exclusive Prodi-G Nutrition System—the first and only milk formula with added gangliosides. Together, these ingredients help strengthen neural pathways, protect developing brain cells, and promote faster learning during a child’s most formative years.''

Gangliosides are lipids found in the brain that play a key role in supporting the formation of brain connections, which are essential for how the brain communicates and learns. By building strong and efficient brain connections early on, children can have a better foundation for focus, memory, and long-term cognitive growth.

Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo take part in a hands-on play activity with their daughter Dylan. Guided by insights from Dr. Josie Eusebio’s Cognition Play Workshop, the family explored how everyday play can support Dylan’s development and help nurture her potential as a fast learner.

The workshop featured hands-on activities designed to show how play – when paired with the right nutrition – can help strengthen early brain development. Also present were Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo who shared their parenting journey in raising their daughter to be a fast learner.

   

Generika Drugstore Launches Search for Nation's ‘Best Supporting Nanay’

Generika Drugstore, the pioneering champion of quality generic medicines in the pharma retail space, announced the launch of its “Suporta sa Ginhawa Award for Best Supporting Nanay,” a nationwide search dedicated to spotlighting the most inspirational stories about mothers and mother-figures, who have provided extraordinary support to individuals and their families. 

At the heart of "Ginhawang Generika"

This search is deeply rooted in the brand’s core promise of Ginhawang Generika, its unwavering commitment to being a healthcare ally that empowers customers to better care for themselves and their families. This promise is brought to life through tangible benefits: 

• “Ginhawa sa Bulsa," offering up to 85% savings on generic medicines, especially thru housebrands, Actimed and Nutrawell, helping families afford complete prescriptions and allocate resources to other essential needs and simple joys;

• "Ginhawa sa Plus Services" through the provision of basic healthcare services like free medical consultations with partner doctors, free blood pressure checks, and other affordable basic healthcare options to proactively support community health; and

• "Ginhawa sa Katuwang," where friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists offer expert advice and medicine counseling, empowering individuals to better care for their families. 

Gino Guinto, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized the motivation behind this initiative: "The 'Suporta sa Ginhawa Award for Best Supporting Nanay' is our tribute to remarkable individuals who embody a nurturing spirit and provide unwavering support so their loved ones can continue to enjoy relief or ‘ginhawa.’ Their stories deserve to be heard and celebrated, and Generika Drugstore seeks to help share those stories to reach and inspire millions of our fellow Filipinos to overcome the challenges of everyday life."

How to nominate your "Best Supporting Nanay”

The "Suporta sa Ginhawa Award" invites everyone in the Philippines to participate by nominating their mother figure - someone who embodies exceptional nurturing support. This could be a mother, father, grandparent, sibling, guardian, or anyone who has provided the nominator with significant comfort and care, just like how a mother would.

To nominate, follow these steps:

1. Share Their Story: Create a 60-90 second reel on TikTok and/or Facebook answering the question: "Paano siya nakapagbigay sa 'yo ng best suporta sa ginhawa?" (How has he/she given you the best support for your well-being or comfort?). Use the hashtags #BestSupportingNanay #SuportaMoSaGinhawa #GenerikaDrugstore

2. Register Your Nomination: Complete the online registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/uB82rvRa6c .

3. Spread the Word: Encourage engagement (likes, shares, comments) on your entry. The entries with the highest engagement from each region (NCR, North & Central Luzon, South Luzon & Visayas, and Mindanao) will be recognized as finalists.

Prizes and Acknowledgement

The "Suporta sa Ginhawa Award for Best Supporting Nanay" will recognize the most inspiring maternal figures with the following:

• Grand Prize: One outstanding individual will receive P5,000 MEDPadala credits, Best Supporting Nanay trophy, and P15,000 in cash.

• Consolation Prize: All finalists will each receive P5,000 worth of MEDPadala credits and P5,000 in cash.

Nominations are open from June 3 to 30, 2025. For more details, visit Generika Drugstore’s official Facebook and TikTok pages.

 

Vermosa Green Run champions fitness, sustainability, youth sports, and animal welfare in 2025

The Green Run at Vermosa is back for the fourth consecutive time this June with a renewed commitment to fitness, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and youth sports development.

Entitled Vermosa Green Run 2025: A Force of Four in Year 4, it will be off and running on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite. This year, Ayala Land’s flagship multi-level running event launches a Plastic Donation and Collection Drive alongside its 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K road races.

All participants are encouraged to bring used plastics that will be recycled and repurposed by Ayala Land Estates Inc. and Makati Development Corporation (MDC). The plastic waste will be transformed into sustainable construction materials, concrete aggregates and other tools to build sidewalks and fences that will contribute to Ayala Land’s green development initiatives. Those who donate get a discounted rate on their Green Run registration.

 

Coming back for the third time is the popular 1K Dog Run that promotes Ayala Land’s advocacy for animal welfare. This special feature of the Green Run was introduced in 2023 to provide people a fun and meaningful way to engage in physical activity while bonding with their furry companions and to raise awareness on animal welfare.

 

The young athletes of Takbo Kabitenyo, a 200-member-strong group that runs for health reasons and competes in marathons around the country, will join the Green Run. The young runners from this group receive training, mentorship and the use of Vermosa’s sports facilities as part of Ayala Land’s championing of young athletes.

 

Event proceeds will benefit key advocacy partners, including Pawssion Project, which champions animal welfare, Haribon Foundation, a leader in reforestation efforts, and Takbo Kabitenyo, a local program supporting young athletes through training and mentorship opportunities.

 

"Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause; combining fitness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event," said Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications group head.

 

Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, proving that fitness can be a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.

 

For registration, more information and updates on Vermosa Green Run 2025, visit https://ayalaland.myruntime.com.

 

Me Time That Makes Mom Life Work: Anne Curtis on Maintaining Wellness While Doing It All

Anne Curtis has always embraced life on the go. As someone who wears many hats as an actress, host, entrepreneur, and hands-on mom, her schedule rarely slows down. With so much on her plate, she’s come to realize that feeling good inside is key to showing up fully—for work, for her family, and for herself.

One of her key wellness advocacies? Gut health.

“Sometimes, you don’t realize how important it is to take care of your gut,” Anne shares. “Feeling good inside your gut will make you feel and look better on the outside as well.”

As a self-confessed foodie and thrill-seeker at heart, Anne has always been open to trying new things, from sampling street food abroad to experimenting with recipes at home. But with that spirit of adventure comes the occasional tummy hiccup—those “oops” moments that can throw off your day. That’s why she’s learned how important it is to keep her tummy in check.  Whether she’s at home, on set, or across the globe, Anne believes that feeling good starts from within.

Behind the Glam: Anne as a First-Time Mom

Off-camera, Anne is a lot like many moms who are juggling family life, spontaneous travel plans, and  love for cooking. With this active lifestyle, she’s learned how important it is to stay balanced, especially when it comes to gut health.

“As a mom, when you travel, you learn to pack everything you could possibly need,” Anne shares with a laugh. “Then you realize what really matters—her comfort toy, any medicines, probiotics… and yes, that includes mine, too!”

For Anne, taking care of your gut is part of the much bigger picture. It’s about balance, energy, and showing up fully—whether that means powering through work, chasing after a toddler, or savoring the joys of everyday life.

“All of us moms are figuring it out,” she says. “We want to take care of our families, but also ourselves. And it starts with the little things—like making sure your gut is taken care of.”

Making Probiotics a Daily Essential

Anne’s wellness routine has evolved over the years, but one thing has stayed constant: probiotics.  Whenever she’s preparing for a shoot, enjoying a weekend getaway, or recovering from a food-filled adventure, she relies on probiotics to keep her digestion in check and her energy steady.

“Probiotics have always been part of my routine, as someone who’s always on the go and open to trying new food,” she shares. “Even back when I was single and even more so now that I’m a mom. It’s about being ready for anything—especially when you're constantly on the go.”

After discovering the benefits of probiotics for her digestive health, energy, and immunity, Anne made them a must-have in her daily routine. She feels more ready to take on whatever comes her way—whether it's a spontaneous food trip, a travel adventure, or a busy day with the family. That’s why Anne teamed up with Erceflora—a brand that fits right in with her wellness goals and what she stands for, and has become a trusted staple in her home.

“It’s something I trust—not just for me, but for my family too,” Anne says.

Wellness from Within

Anne’s wellness journey has shown her just how important gut health is to overall well-being. “I hope more Filipinos, especially fellow moms, realize how essential it is,” she shares. “When your gut’s off, it can throw off your whole day. You can’t show up fully if you’re not feeling your best—and taking care of your gut is one thing you can control.”

It’s this commitment to well-being that makes Anne the perfect partner for Erceflora. “We’re thrilled to welcome Anne Curtis to the Erceflora family,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead. “As someone who champions wellness, embraces adventure, and inspires countless Filipinos with her authenticity, Anne truly embodies everything we stand for. She understands that life isn’t always perfect—there are food trips, sudden travel plans, and unexpected ‘oops’ moments—but staying ready makes all the difference. Together, we hope to empower more families to take simple steps toward better digestive health, starting from within.” 

With summer rolling in, it’s a good reminder that sometimes, Life...Oops Happens. As Anne reminds us, feeling good starts from within. Whether you’re exploring new places, juggling a busy schedule, or just trying to savor the moment, taking care of your gut means you’re ready for anything the season throws your way. 

This summer, families can take simple, proactive steps to care for their gut health, because sometimes, Life… Oops Happens. Make gut health a priority and basta probiotics, Erceflora, along with proper diet and exercise.