The Truth About Retirement: What You Need to Know

Retirement is a chapter in life that many look forward to, yet few are truly prepared for. 

An online survey by Sun Life Asia across the Philippines, mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia Singapore, and Vietnam conducted in July 2024 revealed that 21% of retirees in the Philippines had not planned their retirement expenses and close to half express regret over past financial decisions, with 73% saying they have not saved enough for retirement.

Today, many Filipinos live well into their seventies, and many may outlive their retirement savings, as the cost of living doubles approximately every eight to 10 years, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Additionally, major illnesses that come with age can deplete years of hard-earned savings.

These realities highlight the urgent need to plan early. To guide Filipinos on this journey, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (SLGFI) recently hosted a webinar, “Pamana, Property, and Peace of Mind: Retirement and Asset Planning for Every Filipino.”

The session addressed common misconceptions that often prevent Filipinos from prioritizing retirement and estate planning:

1. “I’m too young to start.” 

One is never too young to start preparing for retirement. The key is time – starting early allows your savings and investments to grow through compounding, where earnings generate more earnings. Waiting too long could also lead to higher costs, as insurance premiums tend to increase with age.

2. “I don’t have assets to protect.”

Some believe estate planning is only for the rich. In truth, even modest savings, pensions, life insurance, or a small family home, are worth safeguarding. Retirement planning is about protecting what you’ve worked hard for to ensure your family’s security in the future.

3. “My children will take care of me in the future.”

It’s common for Filipino parents to assume their children will support them in their old age. However, by the time one retires, children often have families and responsibilities of their own. Depending solely on them can create financial and emotional burdens, which can lead to strained relationships in the family.

4. “I’ll plan later when I have more money.”

Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime. Planning for the future now gives families protection and peace of mind early on. Plus, one does not need a significant amount of money to start planning for retirement. Small steps such as creating an emergency fund, writing a will, or designating beneficiaries can already make a difference.

5. “Planning is too complicated and only for experts.”

While legal and financial terms may sound overwhelming, the first steps are simple: organize financial and legal documents, grow your savings, secure basic insurance, and communicate openly with family members to avoid disputes in the future. These actions provide ample protection for the retiree and their family without requiring expert knowledge.

Sun Life Grepa’s Commitment

Life insurance plays a vital role in retirement and estate planning because it provides instant liquidity that helps families handle estate taxes and legal fees without added financial strain. 

Recognizing this need, Sun Life Grepa offers these solutions that help Filipinos prepare for retirement and protect what matters most—their family and legacy:

Sun Grepa Secure Income: A life insurance product that offers guaranteed yearly payouts, offering a stable income stream during one's retirement years plus scheduled lump sum bonuses at advanced ages to support other needs.  

Sun Grepa Legacy: A protection and savings plan that helps preserve wealth and ensures a smooth transfer to loved ones through guaranteed benefits. It provides lifetime insurance coverage and annual cash benefits that can serve as extra income during retirement, while also securing funds to help heirs settle estate taxes.  

Sun Grepa Power Builder 1: A one-time payment plan that combines guaranteed life insurance protection with flexible investment options. It allows funds to grow faster with no upfront charges and comes with guaranteed acceptance. 

Retirement and asset planning may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, every Filipino can enjoy their golden years with independence, dignity, and comfort. 

For more information on retirement and estate planning solutions, talk to a Sun Life Grepa advisor or visit www.sunlifegrepa.com.

Bright Balikbayan Spending: An OFW’s Finance Guide for the Homecoming Season

MANILA, PH – October 2025 – Homecoming season is the time that every Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) looks forward to. It’s a chance to be with family and a time to celebrate all the hard work. However, the pressure to spend generously, especially with pasalubong and gifts, can quickly derail financial plans.

 

While the homecoming is a time of celebration, it’s also a moment to reassess financial priorities. The joy of reunions and festivities can easily lead to overspending or neglecting long-term goals. That’s why it’s essential for OFWs to come home not just with gifts, but with a clear financial strategy. Here are some money management tips to ensure your homecoming is memorable and financially secure.

 

1. Set a “Homecoming Budget”.

The biggest mistake is operating without a plan. Before you purchase your plane ticket to go home, set a realistic budget for your entire stay. A well-planned budget acts as a financial compass, as it allows you to enjoy the season without the stress of overspending or dipping into funds meant for future goals.

 

List down everything you will need to spend on, including pasalubong, reunions dinners, family trips, aguinaldo for nephews and nieces, and even unexpected requests. More importantly, it should not eat into your regular allocations for savings, investments, and emergency funds.

 

When thinking of your pasalubong for your loved ones, it is important to remember that the value of a gift lies in the thought behind it, not the price tag. OFWs often feel pressured to bring home luxury items or expensive gadgets, but practical and more affordable gifts such as useful household items can be just as appreciated.

 

2. Manage expectations with love.

There is a common notion that OFWs have unlimited funds, and as such, relatives and friends tend to expect them to spend during gatherings or borrow from them for certain needs. This is why setting financial boundaries is important. It’s a delicate and sensitive conversation, but it’s also an act of responsible love.

 

Begin this conversation by communicating your goals. Explain that work is being done towards an important long-term goal, such as starting a family or buying a home. This helps relatives and friends understand that money is allocated for the family’s future, not just current wants.

 

It is also acceptable to politely decline loan requests, especially those that are not for critical emergencies. Should you opt to lend, anticipate the possibility that they may not pay you back and consider how it can affect your own expenses and future goals. 

 

3. Have a family financial planning session.

Use your time at home to have a discussion with your family on financial goals. Whether you are saving for a house, a child’s education, retirement, or your plan to come home for good, open communication is key.

 

To make the session more productive, consider inviting a Sun Life financial advisor to guide the conversation. Advisors can help assess your current financial standing, clarify insurance needs, and recommend suitable investment options. Their expertise can also help family members understand the importance of financial planning.

 

To keep the session engaging, especially for the younger family members, your advisor can incorporate Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices. There is a version developed specifically for OFWs and their families to have a fun and educational way to learn about financial literacy and spark meaningful conversations.

 

As you enjoy your homecoming, don’t forget to mind your well-being too. Being an OFW, protecting all your hard work also means securing your health because this is directly tied to your and your family’s financial security. This is why Sun Life Philippines created Sun Life OFW Health Protect, the first insurance solution made of Overseas Filipinos, which offers comprehensive life and health protection tailored to your evolving needs. This solution provides coverage up to age 100, access to 24/7 teleconsultations with Filipino doctors, and flexible payment terms depending on the contract duration.

 

While you’re in the Philippines, this may be a good time to talk to a Sun Life advisor to ask about Sun Life OFW Health Protect, so you can give yourself the ultimate pasalubong: the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your future is protected against unexpected health crises.

 

Homecoming season is a beautiful time in every OFW’s journey. It is a time to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect. By budgeting wisely and planning with your family, you can turn your homecoming into a powerful step forward, not just for yourself but for the people you love. Your hard work deserves nothing less than a brighter, healthier future.

 

To know more about how Sun Life helps overseas Filipino workers come home for good, visit www.sunlife.co/HomeForGood.

Philips Smart Lock Technology Safeguards Filipino Homes in the Digital Age

Driven by Filipinos’ growing demand for safer and smarter homes, traditional locks are being replaced with systems that combine both physical protection and digital convenience. From video doorbells and motion sensors to smart locks, adoption is on the rise as consumers look not only for convenience but also for stronger safeguards against cybersecurity threats. The Philippines’ smart lock market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 21.1%, reaching an estimated value of $8.96 million in 2025.

 

Aside from demanding enhanced security, today’s more discerning homeowner is looking for Internet of Things (IoT)-driven smart lock systems that provide holistic security and ease of use. This reflects a real-life need: parents wanting reassurance when children arrive home from school, professionals seeking peace of mind while away at work, or families looking for safer ways to share access with relatives. The trade-off for these IoT conveniences, however, are digital threats that generally characterize modern technologies, such as wireless interception, app vulnerabilities, hacking, and lock bypasses.

 

Fortunately, smart lock systems continue to evolve, with manufacturers developing better technologies to protect not only the devices, but also associated consumer data and the networks in which they operate. After all, any kind of smart home security is only as good as the technology that runs it. Philips is leading this transformation in its line of Smart Locks.

 

Security at all levels

 

Beyond the hands-free and reassuring home security experience, Philips Smart Locks are engineered with upgraded device intelligence to defend against emerging cyber threats such as physical tampering, wireless interception, and even remote breaches at the cloud and app level.

 

The hardware design features electromagnetic shielding to defend against Tesla coil attacks, while Bluetooth safeguards prevent hackers from copying and reusing wireless signals. Identity verification technology adds another layer of protection, and the smart lock’s firmware is secured to prevent tampering.

 

Encrypted network pairing and communication links also enable dynamic security codes and mutual authentication to counter wireless protocol attacks. Philips uses a multi-layered network security architecture that includes a web application firewall, host and cloud-native intrusion detection, and other infrastructure to intercept hacking and distributed denial of service attempts.

 

Finally, AES encryption and mutual authentication are implemented between the cloud and app to prevent remote attacks. In the event of a hacking attempt, the smart lock device’s remote unlocking capability is disabled, requiring homeowners and other users to perform secondary key verification.

 

On a strategic level, Philips follows a comprehensive security management system policy and strict monitoring and auditing processes to safeguard the physical and digital infrastructure of its cloud service providers. In addition, the Philips Smart Locks app complies with local and global laws on information security and data privacy standards.

 

Key takeaways

Smart home security has become an essential component in Filipino homeowners’ quality of living. But a smart lock is only as good as the technology that drives it. Going beyond convenience, Philips Smart Locks are engineered with physical, infrastructural, and cloud capabilities to protect the homeowner’s home as well as their personal data, demonstrating Philips’ commitment to holistic security and bringing consumer protection to a whole new level.

Sun Life Expands Collaboration with Go Negosyo to Empower Filipino MSMEs

MANILA, PH – September 2025 – Sun Life, the No. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines in terms of total premium income, has announced the expansion of its strategic collaboration with Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization that champions Filipino entrepreneurship, to further empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

 

Building on the success of their initial tie-up, the expanded collaboration will bring free financial consultations to MSMEs through Go Negosyo’s 3M on Wheels events, a roving caravan that delivers mentorship, money, and market access directly to entrepreneurs. Sun Life financial advisors will be on-site to offer personalized financial planning and insurance guidance tailored to the unique needs of business owners.

 

Last year, the partnership made a significant impact with 25 3M on Wheels Caravans held nationwide, reaching thousands of MSMEs and providing them with access to financial education and mentorship. The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback from participants highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

 

The expanded tie-up also includes content collaborations such as financial literacy talks at Go Negosyo events and Coffee and Play sessions featuring Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices, which is designed to teach financial concepts in a fun and engaging way.

 

“Our collaboration with Go Negosyo is a natural fit,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “We share a common vision of a nation where entrepreneurship thrives, and where every Filipino is given the opportunity to reach their full potential. As we celebrate our 130th year of service to the Filipinos, helping MSMEs secure their future is a priority for us because we believe that they are the backbone of our economy.”

 

Joey Concepcion, Founder of Go Negosyo, added: “Access to capital, along with financial literacy, will be crucial as we help MSMEs realize their role as drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth. Government cannot do it alone, and neither can the private sector. We must work together so that doors remain open for all Filipinos to realize their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs.

 

Through the expansion of this collaboration, Sun Life and Go Negosyo reaffirm their shared commitment to building a financially empowered and entrepreneur-driven Philippines – one MSME at a time.

 

To know more about Sun Life’s products and services for business owners, visit sunlife.co/entrepfinancialplan or talk to a Sun Life Financial Advisor today.

Giving Your Child the Future They Deserve

Raising a child has never been easy. In today’s economic climate, it’s especially challenging. With tuition fees and healthcare costs on the rise, Filipino families face financial pressures that make long-term planning for their children harder yet more urgent than ever.  

 

While many parents hope to give their children a better life, hope alone is no match to inflation, emergencies, and the rising cost of living. The question is no longer whether families should prepare for the future, but how soon they can begin. 

 

Here are five reasons why now is the right time to secure your child’s future: 

 

1. Inflation is eating into your child’s financial future. 

The country’s inflation rate increased to 1.5% in August 2025 from 0.9% the previous month, and factors such as increasing geopolitical conflicts and the changing regulatory landscape may drive the rate further upwards. Parents must be prepared to manage the impact of rising costs on their children’s future, including essentials like education, healthcare, and daily living expenses. 

 

What often gets overlooked is the compounding effect of inflation on long-term goals. What seems sufficient today may fall short in just a few years, which may leave children unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. 

 

2. Delaying protection could mean higher insurance costs. 

 

Insurance premiums are rising alongside inflation. As life expectancy increases and healthcare costs soar, insurers adjust their rates accordingly. Moreover, medical underwriting becomes more stringent with age and health conditions. This means getting an insurance plan later can cost more than getting one now.  

 

Buying protection plans early, while the child is still young and healthy, not only ensures lower premiums but also guarantees coverage for health concerns that may develop later in life. It also buys time for policies to accumulate value. 

3. Education is getting more expensive every year. 

 

The cost of education continues to rise as schools implement new technology-related and miscellaneous fees as well as other charges. In 2024, private schools have petitioned for tuition increases ranging from 3% to 12% for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA). 

 

With education costs steadily rising, it is prudent for parents to start saving as early as now to ensure their children have access to quality schooling when the time comes. 

 

4. Emergencies can ruin even the best-laid plans. 

 

When emergencies hit, education funds are often the first to be diverted. A report by The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) revealed a 39% national dropout rate in higher education, with financial constraints beyond tuition as the main reason. 

 

There is no telling when an emergency or tragedy will arrive. However, the one thing that families have control over is their children’s education fund. Having an educational plan in place, even a modest one, guarantees that a child’s schooling is taken care of no matter what happens. 

 

5. Early preparation gives peace of mind. 

 

For most parents, securing a child’s future goes beyond finances. It’s about having peace of mind that, come what may, their children will be protected and supported. Insurance offers that peace of mind. It’s a way of making sure that even in the face of illness, loss, or unexpected hardship, a child’s education and well-being will not be compromised. 

 

Ensuring Your Child’s Future 

 

At Sun Life Grepa, parents can choose from four life insurance plans to ensure their children’s education: 

 

Sun Grepa Power Builder 5 and 10: A short-paying life insurance plan that provides access to investment outlets, helping parents build a future source of income while providing guaranteed life protection to secure for their child’s future.  

Sun Grepa Secure Income: For parents who prefer guaranteed returns, this is a life insurance product that offers guaranteed yearly payouts, offering a stable income stream to support your child’s education or other future needs. 

Sun Grepa Elev8: A savings and insurance plan that grows with the child, offering increasing protection benefits and guaranteed cash payouts every two years starting in the eighth policy year. 

  

To know which insurance plan aligns with the future you want for your child, contact a Sun Life Grepa advisor,  visit www.sunlifegrepa.com, follow us on Facebook or email sunlifegrepa@sunlifegrepa.com. 

LOOCK and Three Links Smart Home Bring the Future of Security to Northern Luzon

San Fernando, La Union – September 2025 – In today’s world where safety and convenience must go hand in hand, global smart lock leader LOOCK has partnered with Three Links Smart Home to deliver world-class smart security solutions to Filipino households across Northern Luzon—especially in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Nueva Ecija, and nearby provinces and cities.

This partnership marks an exciting step forward for families and businesses who want to enjoy smarter, safer, and more affordable living.

“Technology should not be exclusive—it should serve the people,” said a representative from LOOCK. This belief is what inspired Three Links Smart Home to bring LOOCK to Northern Luzon—so that families, entrepreneurs, and communities can experience peace of mind without paying a premium. With LOOCK smart locks, every household can now enjoy convenience, reliability, and true security.

OPENING THIS OCTOBER: EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE IN LA UNION

This October 2025, Northern Luzon will take a bold leap into the future of home security with the grand opening of the LOOCK Showroom by Three Links Smart Home at the Grand Plaza Building, San Fernando, La Union.

For the very first time, customers can:

- See and experience LOOCK’s smart locks and home devices up close

- Get VIP assistance to discover the benefits of every feature

- Unlock exclusive discounts only for showroom visitors

It’s more than just a showroom — it’s a gateway to smarter living, peace of mind, and modern security made simple.

SMART SECURITY THAT WORKS FOR EVERY HOUSEHOLD

LOOCK offers a complete lineup of smart security solutions designed to meet the needs of families, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike:

- Facial Recognition Locks – Next-level biometric protection, ideal for main doors.

- Weatherproof Outdoor Locks – Heavy-duty smart locks built to withstand the elements, perfect for gates and outdoor iron doors.

- Aluminum Alloy Door Locks – Sleek, stylish, and durable — made for modern homes.

- Office Glass Door Locks – Professional-grade security for offices, shops, and commercial spaces.

- Indoor Bedroom Locks – Convenient and secure solutions for interior doors.

- Samsung Smart Locks – Premium international models trusted worldwide.

- Smart Safe Boxes – Keep valuables protected at home or in the office with modern smart-safe technology.

With these options, households and businesses can choose the right lock for every door, every space, and every lifestyle.

WHY LOOCK SMART LOCKS? BECAUSE YOU DESERVE MORE.

LOOCK smart locks are not just gadgets — they’re designed to change the way you live:

- Rock-Solid Reliability – Built tough with premium aluminum alloy and blue gem glass, resistant to sun, moisture, and daily wear.

- Effortless Access – Unlock doors with a fingerprint, password, RFID card, TTLock app, Tuya app, mechanical key, or even emergency USB power.

- Guest-Friendly Security – Generate temporary passwords for guests, staff, or tenants with ease.

- Always Ready – Multiple backup options mean you’ll never be locked out.

WORLD-CLASS SECURITY WITHOUT THE OVER PRICED PRICE TAG

With prices starting at only ₱2,499, plus professional installation and lifetime technical support, LOOCK proves that true smart living doesn’t have to be expensive.

For homeowners, entrepreneurs, and Airbnb hosts, LOOCK is more than a lock — it’s an investment in peace of mind, safety, and convenience.

GCash Highlights Role of National ID in Enabling Inclusive, Secure Finance at BSP Forum

A trusted digital identity system lays the foundation for true financial inclusion, helping ensure that every Filipino, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access essential financial services with confidence.

This was the central message at the recent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Forum on Digital Identity, where GCash, the country's leading finance finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, shared how its integration with the National ID eVerify Authentication Service (NIDAS) is making identity verification easier, more accessible, and more inclusive to help more Filipinos, especially those with limited access to traditional IDs, open an account.

Held at the BSP Assembly Hall, the forum brought together leaders from government, financial institutions, and the tech sector to examine how digital identity can support more secure and inclusive financial systems. Guided by the theme “Building Trust and Synergy in Digital Identity for an Inclusive and Secure Financial System,” the discussions emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and user-centric solutions that address real-world access challenges.

Representing GCash was Joanne Avendaño, vice president and head of customer experience management, who shared the company’s experience as the first and only Electronic Money Issuer integrated with NIDAS. This enables GCash users to validate their identity using their National ID in real-time, eliminating the need for multiple traditional IDs, which many Filipinos today still lack. This approach has helped reduce drop-offs during onboarding and has improved the success rate of account creation, especially among underserved groups. Most importantly, it has helped streamline onboarding for a broader range of users.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has always been more than just ID acceptance. It’s a shared commitment to make sure that no Filipino is left behind in the digital economy,” said Avendaño. “By enabling real-time National ID validation and bringing services on-ground, we’re helping more Filipinos complete their verification journey with ease and confidence,” Avendaño added.

The forum also featured insights from the National Privacy Commission, World Bank, Korea Credit Information Services, and several units within the BSP. Topics ranged from data governance and consumer protection to practical implementation challenges and international benchmarks.

Avendaño joined fellow panelists from Asia United Bank, Seabank Philippines, Maya Philippines, and the Bankers Association of the Philippines in discussing the value of coordinated efforts, shared learnings, and responsible use of digital identity systems in strengthening public trust.

Beyond app integration, GCash has also worked with the PSA and local government units (LGUs) to support on-ground National ID registration and account onboarding events, which were held in schools, barangays, and underserved communities across the country. This approach brings both digital identity and financial access closer to Filipinos who need it most.

With digital ID adoption gaining momentum, GCash’s role as an early adopter highlights the importance of responsible integration, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement in building a more accessible and inclusive financial ecosystem.

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

New Smart Home Trend Blend Style and New Technologies to Uplift Filipino Home Security

The integration of smart home technologies in the Philippines is experiencing growth in demand as affluent home, apartment, and condominium unit owners increasingly seek to blend comfort, efficiency, savings, and aesthetics in their living spaces without sacrificing security. By this year, household penetration of these smart devices is estimated to be 61.7%, with at least four million consumers owning at least one smart home device by 2026

 

This shift toward smart home technologies is fueled by Filipinos families’ desire to manage their homes more easily and efficiently, even from afar, with the use of smartphones or voice assistants. In turn, this aspiration for a better standard of living is driving the need for modern home security systems, including smart locks.

 

Today’s smart locks have been elevated from being a luxury item and affordable to only a few to becoming an essential component of a twenty-first century home. In addition, smart locks have evolved to offer highly advanced capabilities, going beyond the basic padlock and key of yester years, to ensure homeowners’ peace of mind.

Philips, a trusted global brand best known for its commitment to innovation, technology, and durability, is introducing Philips Smart Locks to the Philippines with the aim of transforming the way Filipinos homeowners approach home security.

 

By merging state-of-the-art features with a sleek, minimalist design, Philips smart locks offer a solution that not only safeguards families but makes them applicable for any kind of home design.

Combined with polished style, Philips Smart Locks feature remote and keyless access, fingerprint unlocking, Wi-Fi connectivity, two-factor authentication, real-time alerts, and sleek designs, making them the ideal upgrade for modern Filipino residences. As a key component of smart home living, the Philips Smart Lock will surely resonate with today’s homeowners seeking both beauty, function and efficiency.

 

The 8000 series of app-driven smart locks offer several access methods from the outside including: fingerprint, PIN codes, key tag, or mechanical key to users a variety of options for heightened security. Meanwhile, the 7000 series smart door locks provide the unique function of using the homeowner’s palm vein to unlock with a simple wave of the hand or facial recognition—touchless sensing technologies that address hygiene and sanitation.

 

Impressively, Philips smart locks carry IP65 certification granted by the International Electrotechnical Commission, the world standard signifying its strength to resist dust and water penetration. This unique capability makes Philips Smart Locks the ideal security system to be installed both indoors and outdoors, having the capability to endure the extreme weather conditions in the Philippines.

 

On their next home renovation, Filipino homeowners who choose Philips Smart Locks are assured they have selected the best in security, innovative and convenient functions, trusted technologies, and design.

Pru Life UK Strengthens Its Promise of Protection with “The Power of Two” Solutions

In a time when uncertainty is increasingly part of everyday life, Pru Life UK is taking another bold step to further empower Filipinos with guarantees they can count on.

At its latest launch, a first-of-its-kind curated culinary journey at Electric Garden, Bonifacio Global City, aptly themed The Power of Two: Count on Guaranteed Income and Protection with PRU, Pru Life UK introduced to market two powerful solutions—PRUSteady Income and PRUWealth 10—designed to provide steady payouts and lasting protection to help Filipinos plan, grow, and secure their future with confidence.

“Life is about the meaningful moments—big and small,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer of Pru Life UK. “And no matter what every day brings, we want Filipinos to know they can count on PRU. With these two products, we give them the tools to embrace every chapter of life while ensuring that their financial plans are backed by guarantees.”

Pru Life UK aims to make financial planning simpler, accessible, and more empowering for every Filipino through its reliable solutions. By combining guaranteed payouts with reliable protection, the company addresses the growing need for stability amid life’s uncertainties. These reliable solutions were thoughtfully designed to cater to different priorities—whether it is securing steady cash flows, preserving wealth, or preparing for future milestones—helping customers take control of their financial journey with confidence.

PRUSteady Income is a 20-year endowment plan for individuals who value predictable income while ensuring strong protection for the future. It provides 10% guaranteed annual cash payouts from the 11th to the 20th policy year, a 100% maturity benefit at the end of the term, and up to 200% life insurance coverage. It delivers financial stability without sacrificing long-term growth—ideal for parents and professionals preparing for major milestones.

Targeted for affluent clients, PRUWealth 10 offers a balance of growth, preservation, and protection. Available only for a limited time, this endowment plan provides a guaranteed 5% net annual cash payout for 10 years, a 100% full premium back upon maturity, and 110% life insurance coverage based on single premium paid. Beyond these guarantees, the plan builds cash value over time, allowing flexibility to access funds when needed.

Backed by Prudential plc’s over 175 years of global legacy, and with more than two decades serving Filipinos, Pru Life UK continues to stand as the market leader in new business premiums as of H1 2025 and serves over 930,000 individual policyholders nationwide. 

“With this latest launch, we reinforce our mission to empower Filipinos to live fully today and feel secure about tomorrow,” added Dee. “We promise to provide certainty in an uncertain world with customer-focused financial solutions that are built on guarantees. Whatever your stage in life—earning, growing, or preserving—Pru Life UK has a solution that fits.”

For more information on PRUSteady Income and PRUWealth 10, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph or follow Pru Life UK on Facebook. Product terms and conditions apply

Sun Life Tops Philippine Life Insurance Industry for the Second Quarter of 2025

MANILA, PH – August 2025 – Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the country’s first and longest standing life insurance provider marking its 130th anniversary this year, has secured the number one spot in the industry for the second quarter of 2025, with a total premium income amounting to PHP 28.9 billion.

 

This achievement reflects Sun Life’s exceptional performance and its unwavering commitment to delivering quality service and Client experience. It underscores the company’s dedication to its Clients, commitment to excellence, and the collective efforts of the agency force and head office – solidifying its position as a leader in the life insurance sector.

 

“Amidst economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Sun Life remains focused on what matters most – our Clients,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “We are committed to being their Partner for Life, always prioritizing their needs, delivering innovative solutions, and cultivating a culture of excellence, integrity, and care.”

 

This achievement comes on the heels of Sun Life’s back-to-back wins at the Insurance Asia Awards, where its product, Sun Life Secure Income, was recognized with the Product Innovation of the Year Award, and at the HR Excellence Awards, where it was bestowed the Gold Award for Excellence in Innovation.

 

“All these show that being Client-centric will always lead us to our best work,” Sison said. “We are grateful to our Clients for the support and inspiration and look forward to our continued journey together for years to come.”

 

To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

A Practical Guide to Managing Your Finances During Ghost Month

MANILA, PH – August 2025– Ghost Month, or the seventh lunar month, is a time of deep-rooted traditions and beliefs in the Philippines. It is believed that this is the time when the gates of the underworld are open, and spirits roam the Earth. While it is a period for honoring ancestors and exercising caution in life, it is also a time when many people pause major financial decisions.

 

However, a temporary slowdown in activities does not mean your financial progress has to stop. Sun Life believes that Ghost Month can be an opportunity to reset and strategize. Instead of seeing it as a time of bad luck or misfortune, consider it a period for thoughtful financial planning and preparedness.

 

Here are some tips on how to manage and navigate your finances during Ghost Month.

 

1. Avoid impulsive, big-ticket purchases.

The most well-known financial superstition of Ghost Month is to avoid buying big-ticket items like a new car, a house, or even starting a major home renovation. From a practical standpoint, this is a great rule to follow. Use this month as a chance to pause and reflect on your purchasing habits. Ask yourself: Is this a “want” or a “need”? This period of non-spending can help you save money and re-evaluate your long-term financial goals.

 

2. Focus on financial housekeeping.

With fewer major transactions and business ventures, Ghost Month is the perfect time for financial housekeeping. You can use this period to review your budget and go through your spending habits over the last few months to see where you can cut back. You can also take this time to sort through your bank statements, insurance policies, and investment paperwork. It is very helpful to have a clear and organized financial portfolio.

 

3. Build your emergency fund.

An emergency fund is your safety net against life’s uncertainties. If you do not have one yet, now is the time to start. Set a goal to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This will offer a sense of security that no superstition can shake.

 

4. Study your investment options.

While you may be hesitant to make a big investment during Ghost Month, this is the perfect time to explore your options. You can use this period to learn more about the different ways you can grow your money, such as Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) or mutual funds. This is a time for research and education, not necessarily for making a move.

 

5. Plan for future financial goals.

Think of Ghost Month as a quiet break before a busy and productive fourth quarter. Instead of making major moves, use this time to plan for them. You can meet with a financial advisor from Sun Life so they can help you create a long-term plan based on your personal goals.

 

Ghost Month is a reminder that while some things are beyond our control, we can always prepare for the future. Just as you take precautions during this period, you can also take proactive steps to secure your financial well-being. Sun Life can provide you with the tools, personalized advice, and financial security to face life’s challenges, year-round. This Ghost Month, focus on what you can control in your financial future, and let Sun Life help you build a brighter one.

 

To learn more about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Manulife Philippines, Erwan Heussaff Partner for Video on the Importance of Healthy Eating

MANILA, Philippines – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, and its brand ambassadors, food content creator Erwan Heussaff and daughter Dahlia, premiered their third collaborative video, which emphasizes the importance of healthy eating.

The video, now live on Heussaff’s social media pages, shows the father-daughter tandem bonding at home on a rainy day and cooking tomato soup, highlighting that even small steps and simple recipes can make an impact on our overall health.

“Teaching kids to eat right at an early age is just as critical as instilling values like honesty or kindness. It sets the foundation for their life-l99ong health, discipline, and relationship with food,” Heussaff said. “Obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases once seen in adults, are now affecting kids. Healthy eating early can help prevent these long-term issues.” 

A recent Manulife Philippines study found that 33% of Filipinos consider their current lifestyle as unhealthy, while 24% of respondents say they do not really know what is considered a healthy diet. Further, this year’s Manulife Asia Care Survey revealed that while people in the Philippines view physical health as the most important factor to living their desired lifespan, only 5 of 17 preventive actions are being taken by more than half of the respondents to stay healthy. With his collaboration with Manulife, Heussaff aims to show how small everyday habits can lead to a healthier lifestyle. 

“Insights from our recent studies reveal Filipinos are aware of the importance of their physical health to living a better life. Despite the high level of awareness, there are still gaps in their action to fully attain a healthy lifestyle,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.  

Verma added, “At Manulife, we remain committed to empowering Filipinos to take charge of their health, wellness, and financial security through our products and solutions. Additionally, our partnerships with trusted public figures like the Heussaffs help us communicate this message—making decisions easier and lives better for more Filipino families.”

Since joining wife Anne Curtis as a Manulife brand ambassador, Erwan has collaborated with the insurer to produce a video series, which supports Manulife’s commitment to enable Filipinos to live healthier and better lives. The first two featured healthy cooking tips and the company’s Impact Agenda initiatives with Haribon Foundation in Quezon Province. The Heussaffs also recently starred in Manulife Philippines’ latest brand campaign, “M Knows Better.” 

NGA 911 Philippines, Provider of Cutting Edge Emergency Response Technology in the Country, is Now Certified by Global Emergency Response Standards Body

NGA 911 Philippines, the local subsidiary of Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) of California and a global innovator in the field of emergency response, is now a member of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

 

NENA is a global non-profit organization that ensures emergency services in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world conform to strict global standards in their operations. NENA collaborates with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) on the European side so together the two agencies can ensure that emergency response systems worldwide are efficient, reliable, and capable of providing timely assistance to those in need. 

 

Recently, NGA 911 LLC in the US and NGA 911 Philippines participated in the NENA 2025 Long Beach Conference Program that showcased how Next Generation 911 technology can transform public safety and emergency response and also became a NENA member.

 

Public safety professionals and agencies from around the world explored innovations in emergency communication at the conference where the transformation of Logan County’s 911’s dispatch center into a next-generation emergency response hub was a key highlight. The adoption of advanced systems such as Next Generation 911 (NG911), real-time mapping and GPS tracking, and seamless communication platforms revolutionized how the county’s public safety hub performed was demonstrated. These technologies enable faster, clearer, and more coordinated responses between dispatchers and first responders.

 

NGA 911 Philippines has been responsible for upgrading the public safety systems of various LGUs and institutions in the Philippines to guarantee immediate and accurate response to emergency calls in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country. LGUs already served by NGA 911 Philippines like Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro City, Municipality of Mambajao in Camiguin Island, and Bustos, Bulacan have reported on how their emergency response capabilities have been revolutionized by the NGA 911 technology.

 

NGA 911 uses cutting-edge technology to improve communication, location accuracy, and data sharing between emergency service providers and link them together to address an emergency call. Moving beyond traditional voice-only calls, the NGA 911 technology enables to public to use multimedia text, photos and videos with their calls. These are then processed by the system to ensure faster call routing and enhanced location services. The result is quicker, more efficient, and coordinated responses during emergencies. 

 

With the NENA membership, NGA 911 Philippines can better assure LGUs and institutions that its services conform to the highest global standards in. emergency response.

 

Becoming a NENA member opens doors to transformative opportunities in public safety because NENA plays a key role in shaping the future of emergency services through its standards, training, and technological support. NENA standard technologies enable faster response times, real-time data sharing, GPS tracking, and seamless communication between dispatchers and first responders.

 

For the Philippines, adopting NENA standards and NG911 infrastructure offers the potential to modernize the country’s 911 services. Benefits include enhanced agency coordination, improved training for emergency personnel, and more efficient, data-driven resource management. Ultimately, these innovations are expected to improve response times and elevate the quality of emergency care across the nation.