Monday, January 5, 2026

DOUBLE VICTORY: SUN LIFE GREPA EARNS TOP HONORS AT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AWARDS 2025 AND INSURANCE ASIA AWARDS 2025

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance companies, has achieved a double milestone after receiving recognition from two prestigious international award-giving bodies for its MyBiz program – an innovative suite of insurance and protection solutions designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  
 
Sun Life Grepa was named Best MSME Insurance Initiative of the Year at the International Finance Awards 2025. The annual program recognizes industry excellence by honoring organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and contribution to their respective sectors. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation of their achievements and impact on their industries. 
 
The company also took home the MSME Insurance Initiative of the Year – Philippines at the Insurance Asia Awards 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year (2022 – 2025) that Sun Life Grepa has been honored by Insurance Asia, which celebrates outstanding insurers across the region for their excellence in claims management, product innovation, customer experience, and digitation transformation. 
 
“These recognitions from Insurance Asia and International Finance Awards affirm our mission to build brighter futures by protecting the very backbone of our economy – the MSMEs,” Peter M. Miranda, Vice President for Group Marketing Operations at Sun Life Life Grepa. 
 
Launched in 2022, the MyBiz program provides MSMEs with easy access to holistic insurance packages that cater to the wellness, protection, and recovery needs of their employees. The program, offered through Sun Life Grepa Healthcare, features three comprehensive packages – Accident ProSafe, Smart Care Plus, and HIPSTER – to meet the evolving needs of businesses across various stages of growth, from start-ups to established enterprises. 
 
“Through sun Life Grepa Healthcare, employers can provide their teams with straightforward, affordable, and comprehensive protection plans – whether their business is just starting, expanding, or thriving,” Miranda added. 
 
To learn more about how Sun Life Grepa helps empowers MSMEs and safeguard their employees’ future, visit any Sun Life Grepa branch, speak with a Sun Life Grepa advisor, or follow Sun Life Grepa Healthcare on Facebook. 

Fresh Year, Fresh Deals! Shop Big Savings at SM End of Season Sale

The shopping fun isn’t over yet, as SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan throw the most exciting New Year deals with their “End of Season Sale” until January 11.

Shoppers can take advantage of up to 70% discounts on selected items via mall-wide sales from well-loved stores such as the SM Store, Watsons, Surplus, Miniso, Sports Central, Simply Shoes, and many more. This is also the best time to give the house a makeover with the essentials from SM Appliance Center, Ace Hardware, and Our Home.

Refresh your wardrobe with the latest fashion purchases at the malls' fashion tenants, and begin the new year with the best experience possible through unbeatable offers from selected beauty and wellness brands. Whether it's self-care or style enhancements, there's something for everyone in 2025.

Don’t miss out on these exciting deals. Come and visit SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan and get all that you need for a great start to the year!

Kickstart the New Year in Style with 10 Free Feel-Good Shows on Samsung TV Plus

Need some downtime to ease yourself into 2026? Here’s a tip from us – sit back and relax on the couch with some heartwarming shows that will set the mood for fresh beginnings. Whether you’re soaking up these cozy moments with family or carving out some well-deserved me-time, some dedicated TV time can be a much-needed reset before you dive into the year ahead.
 
Samsung TV Plus can be a great place to start – where you can enjoy a range of content direct from your Samsung Smart TV - all you need is a compatible Samsung Smart TV, a Samsung Account and an internet connection[1].
 
From intense culinary battles and steamy kilig romance to mind-blowing myths that keep the barkada debating, and high-stakes game shows that keep the fun and suspense alive, here are our 10 feel-good picks for you to binge on during your downtime:  

 
1. MasterChef
 

Home cooks from all walks of life battle it out in the MasterChef kitchen, taking on high-pressure culinary challenges in the hope of being crowned the next food superstar. Renowned chefs set the tasks and judge each dish, so expect tense cook-offs, emotional eliminations, and plenty of mouth-watering creations.
 
2. Hell’s Kitchen
 
In Hell's Kitchen, two teams of aspiring chefs are put through intense cooking challenges and dinner services for a shot at claiming the prestigious job of head chef at a top restaurant, all under the guidance of world class chef Gordon Ramsay.
 
3. Survivor
 
One of TV’s most iconic franchises, Survivor whisks contestants away to far-flung lands where only the cleverest, toughest, and most strategic competitors survive. Expect dramatic alliances, daring moves, and grueling trials as each participant battles to outthink and outmaneuver the rest, all in pursuit of a coveted grand prize.
 
4. World of Love Island

In the ultimate game of love, a set of singles jet off to a villa in the sun in World of Love Island, in hope for a summer of passion and romance. To remain in paradise, the singles have to win the hearts of the public. The audience at home decides who gets eliminated, with the final couple winning the ultimate prize.
 
5. Deal or No Deal
 
This iconic game show, Deal or No Deal, puts contestants in the spotlight as they negotiate, gamble and keep their cool for a shot at a life-changing cash prize. With every box opened and deal considered, the tension mounts, making for edge-of-your-seat television that’s as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
 
6. K-Food by CJ ENM
 
If you’re craving something new, dive into the flavors and stories behind Korean cuisine with K-Food by CJ ENM. From traditional recipes to contemporary twists, it’s a mouth-watering celebration of food and culture.
 
7. Mythbusters

Curious minds will love Mythbusters, where a team of experts put urban legends and viral myths to the test. Expect explosive experiments and infectious humor as the Mythbusters crew reveal what’s real and what’s pure fiction — making science both thrilling and entertaining at the same time.
 
8. Hot Ones
 
If you love celebrity interviews with a twist, Hot Ones is a must-watch. Follow the journey of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, as they squirm through burning-hot chicken wings while answering host Sean Evans’ tough questions – it’s as fun as it is fiery.
 
9. Come Dine With Me
 
A British institution, Come Dine With Me sees complete strangers compete to host the ultimate dinner party. Expect drama, laughs, and surprise culinary triumphs as they vie for a cash prize.

10. Premier Sports

If you’re a sports fan, Premier Sports will be your go-to channel for unmissable sporting action. Catch some of the world’s top sporting events, including adrenaline-pumping matches from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, National Football League, Cage Warriors, and the Volleyball Nations League LIVE without missing a beat.
 
As technology advancements continue to shape the way we consume content, Samsung is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to launch a FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) service in the Philippines[2]. Since launching a year ago, Samsung TV Plus has provided a wide range of live TV channels including entertainment, news, movies and more across the platform throughout the region. Today, it is a trusted destination for free, accessible content in the Philippines, offering over 80 channels.  
 
If you’re looking for entertainment without the cost or a subscription, Samsung TV Plus is your answer, providing access to a world of classic shows as well as fresh, local content. With an impressive line-up spanning festive music, mouthwatering food and global pop sensations, the service has something for everyone to enjoy. So, make it a point to check out Samsung TV Plus and you might just discover your next favorite show —just switch on!