Friday, October 23, 2026

New Omron Complete BP + ECG 2-in-1 Device is Now Available at Mercury Drug for Convenient Heart Monitoring at Home

A device that makes it possible to check and monitor hypertension and signs of atrial fibrillation at home is now available to Filipino families. OMRON Healthcare Philippines, the country’s leading provider of health monitoring and management solutions,  has launched the Omron Complete hypertension and heart monitoring device in Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

 

The newest innovation combines blood pressure monitoring with electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, allowing users to check for both hypertension and signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in one unit. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation are often called the “silent twin killers"; conditions can go unnoticed until they lead to serious emergencies. With Omron Complete, high-risk groups such as the elderly, diabetics, and those struggling with obesity can now monitor their heart health more proactively, right at home.

 

The launch was  made possible through the partnership between OMRON Healthcare, Mercury Drug, and Medical Center Trading Corporation (MCTC),  underscoring the value of  trusted technology,  pharmacies, and medical expertise working together to advance heart health in the Philippines.

 

According to Jaime Espiritu, Mercury Drug vice president for operations, "Many of us don't realize how much can be caught early with the right tools—a home blood pressure monitor that can also detect signs of atrial fibrillation, for instance, can be the difference between early intervention and a preventable emergency. That is exactly why today's discussion matters so much.”

 

“Heart health isn’t something we should leave to chance, and it isn’t something any of us has to manage alone. Today,  three organizations work together toward one shared mission: to make sure that reliable heart health solutions are within reach of every Filipino family, whether that’s through the technology we build, the pharmacies you trust, or the medical expertise that guides you along the way,” said Jim Martin Ancla, Sales Manager at OMRON Healthcare.

 

During the launch held at the Mercury Drug Shangri‑La Plaza branch, Dr. Marlon T. Co, cardiologist and treasurer of the Philippine Society of Hypertension,  delivered a short lecture to Mercury Drug pharmacists on the importance of detecting hypertension and AFib early. He emphasized the critical role pharmacists play in bridging the gap, ensuring that patients receive the right medications for their specific conditions, and guiding them on appropriate medications and the use of reliable monitoring tools such as Omron Complete.     

 

“Hypertension is the number one modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and it affects about 70% of AF patients. That’s why early blood pressure control matters—it reduces atrial changes that lead to complications. If we screen hypertensive, high‑risk patients with ECG, we can catch subclinical AF before a stroke happens,” emphasized Dr. Co during his lecture. “Devices like Omron Complete, which combine BP and single‑lead ECG, make this practical. You don’t have to wait for hospital tests; you can do it at home. And because it’s validated against 12‑lead ECG studies, with sensitivity and specificity consistently above 85 to 99%, you can trust the results.”

 

Alongside Omron Complete, OMRON also showcased the HEM‑7383T1, another advanced monitor designed to detect irregular heart rhythms while providing accurate blood pressure readings. Both devices work seamlessly with the OMRON Connect app, giving users a simple way to track and share their health data with doctors or caregivers.

 

To bring trusted heart health devices even closer to Filipino families, OMRON is offering a FREE trial of Omron Complete at select Mercury Drug branches, including Shangri-La Plaza, Trinoma Mall, Manila Ermita Taft Apacible, Rockwell Center, Makati, The Link, E. Rodriguez Sr. Broadway, Quezon Avenue, Scout Borromeo, Q-Plaza Cainta, Pasig Meralco Comm'l Strip, Bonifacio Global City Market Market, Taguig Bonifacio Global City, San Juan Green Hills, Ortigas Avenue, Lag Southwoods Eco Centrum, and Paseo de Sta. Rosa, with more branches nationwide to follow soon. This initiative reflects OMRON’s commitment to making preventive care accessible, reliable, and part of everyday life.

 

With trusted technology now available at the country’s most trusted pharmacy, and pharmacists empowered with the knowledge to guide patients, OMRON, Mercury Drug, MCTC, and Collins are making preventive care part of everyday life. Together, they are helping Filipino families take charge of their heart health before emergencies happen.

 

For more information, visit https://omronhealthcare.com/

Thursday, October 22, 2026

BEYOND THE SCREEN: FEAR FACTORY CHALLENGES MOVIEGOERS TO BECOME THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR

MANILA, Philippines — From the team behind four unforgettable chapters of SINE SINDAK comes FEAR FACTORY, a bold new cinematic experience where horror goes beyond the screen.

Presented by Crystalsky Entertainment in partnership with Megaworld Cinemas, FEAR FACTORY: HORROR FILM FESTIVAL runs from October 28 to November 3, 2026, inviting horror enthusiasts and moviegoers to experience a new dimension of fear through international horror films, immersive digital entertainment, and an interactive cinematic challenge.

Building on the legacy of SINE SINDAK, Crystalsky Entertainment introduces a fresh concept that aims to make moviegoing more engaging and participatory. FEAR FACTORY brings together five featured titles: The Invisible Half, VHS Halloween, Madeline’s Curse, Maligno, and The Legend.

Each film offers a distinct journey into the unknown, exploring dark secrets, sinister curses, supernatural forces, and terrifying legends. But at FEAR FACTORY, watching the films is only the beginning.


Moviegoers are challenged to watch all five featured titles and pursue the distinction of becoming THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR. Through its interactive approach and digital entertainment elements, the festival invites audiences to become part of an experience that extends beyond the cinema screen.

“From the team behind four unforgettable chapters of SINE SINDAK comes FEAR FACTORY — a bold new cinematic experience where horror goes beyond the screen.”

Through its partnership with Megaworld Cinemas, Crystalsky Entertainment continues to explore innovative ways to present international films and connect with audiences. FEAR FACTORY aims to offer horror fans and curious moviegoers a distinctive alternative to conventional cinema-going.

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

Event: FEAR FACTORY: HORROR FILM FESTIVAL

Dates: October 28 – November 3, 2026

Venue: Participating Megaworld Cinemas

Presenters: Crystalsky Entertainment and Megaworld Cinemas

Featured films: The Invisible Half, VHS Halloween, Madeline’s Curse, Maligno, and The Legend

WATCH ALL AND BECOME THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR.

Sun Life Grepa Shines Among HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026

Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance providers, was named as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to talent development, employee engagement, and creating an environment that acknowledges the contributions of its people.

“This award is a shared achievement of the company and its employees, whose dedication and commitment demonstrate Sun Life Grepa’s values and culture in their everyday work” said Richard S. Lim, President of Sun Life Grepa.

A current four-time awardee of Great Place to Work, the company continues to empower its employees through robust employee programs focusing on growth and development, well-being, and culture-building.

By fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to unleash their brightest selves, Sun Life Grepa strengthens its ability to advance its core mission of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

This recognition is also the third HR award received by the company this year, contributing to the company’s continuing journey to become an employer of choice in the Philippine insurance industry and affirms its continued efforts in building a workplace environment where everyone is valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

PRESS RELEASE

The HR Asia Awards is one of the prestigious award-giving bodies in the region. Nominees need to go through evaluation process that requires employee engagement surveys and presentations. It recognizes companies with best-in-class HR practices and demonstrates high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace culture.

To learn more about Sun Life Grepa, you may visit: https://www.sunlifegrepa.com/