Manulife Philippines Appoints Erica Jurilla Santos as Chief Operations Officer

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Manulife Philippines announced the appointment of Erica Jurilla Santos as Chief Operations Officer, effective 15 September 2026. She will join the Manulife Philippines Executive Committee.

Erica Jurilla Santos

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Santos will lead operations delivery, customer experience, and transformation initiatives to strengthen service excellence across customer and distribution journeys

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As Chief Operations Officer, Santos will lead Manulife Philippines’ operations strategy, with a focus on strengthening service excellence, operational performance, digital adoption, and customer-focused innovation. Her leadership will support the company’s continued transformation and commitment to delivering better experiences for customers and distribution partners. Her appointment reflects Manulife Philippines’ continued focus on building stronger operational capabilities, enhancing customer and distribution experiences, and advancing business transformation in support of its ambition to be the #1 choice for Filipino customers.

“Erica is a highly experienced operations leader with a strong track record in transformation, operational resilience, process efficiency, and talent development,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Her deep understanding of service delivery and customer experience will help us further strengthen our operations, improve how we serve customers and distribution partners, and support our growth ambitions in the Philippines. Erica’s appointment also reinforces our commitment to developing future-ready operations that enable our teams to serve with greater speed, consistency, and care.”

Santos brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across insurance, contact center, and back-office operations, with deep expertise in service delivery, workforce strategy, financial governance, vendor management, customer experience, and operational transformation. Since joining Manulife Business Processing Services in 2022, she has made significant contributions to strengthening operations, most recently leading a 600-FTE organization supporting Manulife’s U.S. insurance business across new business, policy administration, and life and health claims.

“I’m honored to take on this role and to work with the talented teams across Manulife Philippines,” said Erica Jurilla Santos, Chief Operations Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Operations plays a critical role in shaping the customer and advisor experience, and I look forward to helping build stronger, simpler, and more responsive ways of working that deliver meaningful value for our customers and our distribution teams. Together, we have an opportunity to build more agile, customer-centered operations that support Manulife’s growth and help make decisions easier and lives better for more Filipinos.”

Your Everyday Routine Deserves Better Oral Care: Meet 5 usmile Solution

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In a country known for its warm smiles, love for coffee, and sweet merienda traditions, usmile believes that healthier oral habits should be part of everyday Filipino life. Guided by its "Prevention Over Treatment" philosophy, the global professional oral care brand introduces its science-backed solutions designed for modern lifestyles.

"Oral care should be proactive. By combining science-backed innovation with user-friendly products, we hope to make preventive oral care a lasting habit for Filipinos," said Dr. Jitao Liu, usmile Chief R&D Scientist.

Here are usmile’s specialized solutions designed to meet different oral care needs and lifestyles:

Optical White 2.0 “Purple Corrector”: Instant Whitening

Leading the lineup is the Optical White Toothpaste, usmile's flagship whitening toothpaste for Filipinos who enjoy weekend café hopping or are always ready for spontaneous selfies. Powered by advanced stain-dissolving technology, its purple color-correcting formula effectively whitens teeth and helps maintain a brighter smile for up to 16 hours, making it ideal for busy days that stretch from morning coffee to evening celebrations.

Designed for everyday comfort, Optical White 2.0 is also alcohol-free, bleach-free, and mineral oil-free, enhancing brightness in a gentler, daily-use whitening routine. Users may see possible results upon continuous usage

A proven favorite across Southeast Asia, Optical White Toothpaste has become the top-selling toothpaste brand on TikTok Shop in the Philippines and has received massive success in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Fresh White Toothpaste: All-Day Fresh Breath

The Fresh White Toothpaste, designed for Filipinos constantly on the go, acts as a perfume for the mouth, eliminating odor-causing bacteria for all-day freshness. It features zinc ions that target odor-causing bacteria, alongside 3D microcapsules with enzymes and apple polyphenols that help neutralize bad breath while leaving a fresh, fruity aftertaste.

Fresh White provides up to 12 hours of fresh breath for lasting confidence throughout the day. It is available in three variants: Frosted Camellia, Juicy Grape, and Jasmine Tea.

Repair White Toothpaste: Cavity Protection, Stain Removal, Enamel Repair

usmile’s Repair White Toothpaste offers a smarter approach to whitening. It uses a safe water-free whitening technology with fluor-calcium phosphate compatibility that protects tooth enamel and whitens teeth without harsh bleaching.

Its formula is powered by triple bio-enzymes that deliver up to 2.5 times stain enzymolysis, which break down stubborn stains more efficiently. By combining effective stain removal with enamel-friendly care, Repair White makes it easier for Filipinos to enjoy their favorite merienda treats while maintaining a healthier, more confident smile.

Strength White Toothpaste: Enamel Strength and Whitening

Completing the toothpaste lineup is the Strength White Toothpaste, clinically formulated with a 3-in-1 Pro Whitening System and 99% high-purity baking soda that gently restores the teeth's natural whiteness. It helps regulate oral pH balance and minimize enamel loss from acid erosion from daily food consumption. With Maximum Enamel Guard, it also helps strengthen enamel while protecting teeth against cavities, making it a reliable choice for long-term oral health.

Strength White offers everyday protection that keeps up with Filipinos’ packed schedules, snacking habits, and constant social interaction.

Sonic Electric Toothbrush Y1S: 

Efficient, Comfortable Brushing

Topping off usmile’s innovative dental lineup is the Y1S Electric Toothbrush, designed for Filipinos who want a deeper clean at home. It removes up to 99.99% of plaque, features an air-cushioning brush head for gentle gum protection, and comes in an ergonomic Roman Column design for a more comfortable grip. It also offers up to 365 days of battery life on a single charge.

The Y1S is also recognized with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance and TÜV Rheinland, confirming that it is safe and effective for plaque removal. With more than 10 million units sold worldwide, it brings trusted, science-backed brushing technology to everyday oral care.

For more information, visit usmile's official stores on TikTok Shop and Shopee and follow its social media pages (TikTok | Facebook).

HONOR Magic V6 Unfolds into Every Side of Modern Filipino Life

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Here’s how different personalities bring the HONOR Magic V6 into their everyday lifestyles.

The HONOR Magic V6 shows how one foldable smartphone can move across the different sides of modern Filipino life—supporting work, active routines, social moments, entertainment, and content creation in one slim, premium device.

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The HONOR Magic V6, designed to seamlessly fit into the many ways people live, work, and play

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As HONOR Philippines brings its latest flagship foldable to more Filipinos, the HONOR Magic V6 is emerging as a device built for people who shift between productivity, movement, style, entertainment, and creation throughout the day.

Through familiar personalities across business, sports, fashion, and lifestyle, the Magic V6 highlights how a foldable device can support the moments that define a full day.

Made for the Hustle

Vince and Patricia Hizon with the HONOR Magic V6, a versatile companion for their busy days

For personalities who balance professional commitments, social occasions, and active routines, a device needs to do more than stay powered on. It should help them manage tasks, stay connected, and capture moments without slowing down the pace of the day.

Vince and Patricia Hizon bring the HONOR Magic V6 into routines shaped by meetings, events, travel, and moments on and off the spotlight. Its expansive foldable display gives them more room to multitask, while its slim design makes it easy to carry as they move from one commitment to the next.

Ready for Life on the Move

Marvi Monsalve and Jesse Guerrero with the HONOR Magic V6 during the inaugural HONOR Magic V6 Golf Cup, bringing the flagship foldable into their passion for the game.

For golf players like Marvi Monsalve and Jesse Guerrero, mobility is part of the lifestyle both on and off the course. The Magic V6 fits into days that can shift from time on the green to social occasions, errands, and everything in between.

With a 6,660mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery and IP68 and IP69 ratings, the Magic V6 is built to support long, active days while giving users added confidence to bring their device through different environments and routines.

A Natural Fit for Lifestyle and Social Moments

Ida Andu and Isabelle Lim with the HONOR Magic V6, complementing their style while capturing moments worth sharing.

From capturing everyday moments to sharing them with others, smartphones have become an integral part of modern lifestyles. For Ida Andu and Isabelle Lim, the Magic V6 complements moments centered around fashion, beauty, travel, and social occasions. Its slim, premium foldable design makes it a natural companion for users who want technology that fits seamlessly into their personal style.

Its HONOR AI Falcon Camera System, featuring a 50MP Wide Main Camera, 64MP Ultra-Clear Telephoto Camera, and 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera, gives users the versatility to capture everything from spontaneous moments to carefully composed shots.

One Foldable, Many Ways to Live

What makes the HONOR Magic V6 stand out is not only what it can do, but how naturally it fits into many ways of living. From work and business to sports, fashion, entertainment, and everyday moments, the Magic V6 is designed for people who move between roles and experiences throughout the day.

With its premium foldable design, powerful performance, advanced AI capabilities, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery, the HONOR Magic V6 gives users more freedom to live, work, play, and create on their own terms.

#UnfoldTheRealMagic now for only Php 119,999 at any HONOR Experience or Partner Stores! Get it from Lazada (https://bit.ly/Lazada_MagicV6_PR) to get FREE HONOR Pad X8b worth Php 12,999!

Discover more of what HONOR Magic V6 has to offer here: https://bit.ly/Web_HONORMagicV6_PR!

To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.

GCash makes investing in Arthaland follow-on offering more accessible with GStocks PH

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Filipinos can look forward to easily participating in Arthaland Corporation’s (ALCO) upcoming Series G and H preferred share offering, giving investors an opportunity to invest in the sustainable property developer directly through GStocks PH, offered by broker AB Capital Securities Inc. in the GCash app. The shares are priced at PHP 500 each, with Series G (ALCPG) offering a dividend rate of 7.3260% per annum and Series H (ALCPH) offering 7.8105% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the issue. Preferred shares typically pay fixed dividends and give holders priority over common shareholders in receiving dividends. The offer period for ALCO’s share sale will run from September 14 to September 18.

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Through GStocks PH powered by AB Capital Securities Inc., fully-verified GCash users can now seamlessly subscribe to Arthaland Corporation’s (ALCO) Series G and H preferred shares right from their smartphones

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The offering expands retail investors’ access to additional ways to earn potential income, while helping address challenges that have traditionally made stock investing less convenient. In the past, retail investors often needed a separate bank account to begin trading in the stock market and had to coordinate with a physical broker to participate in share issuances, including follow-on offerings.

The fully-digital IPO/FOO subscription feature of GStocks PH, offered by AB Capital Securities Inc., provides retail investors a more seamless and transparent investment experience during share sales like initial public offerings and follow-on offerings. With the built-in subscription meter and real-time allocation of the broker’s tranche, investors can check the availability of broker-allotted shares on GStocks PH and confirm their share allocations at the moment of subscription rather than waiting for the close of the offer period.

Should the broker’s initial tranche be fully taken up and the offering become oversubscribed on GStocks PH, retail investors can still place orders and receive their allocation results after the offer period.

“Financial inclusion is not only about more financial services. It is about creating a simpler, more rewarding experience that keeps Filipinos’ needs in mind. By digitizing financial services and making investing more convenient, we make it easier for Filipinos to participate and take greater control of their financial journeys,” emphasized Winsley Bangit, group head of new businesses at Mynt.

Fully-verified GCash users can strengthen their investment journey by opening the GCash app, going to Invest, and selecting GStocks PH. The platform offers instant onboarding to new users, and free fund transfers to and from the GCash wallet with no bank account needed.

By expanding digital access to securities offerings, GStocks PH continues to help broaden participation in the capital markets and provide Filipinos with more convenient ways to earn and grow their hard earned money.

PLDT Home brings fiber connectivity to Camotes Island, opening more digital opportunities for families and communities

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The new Fiber Unli All 1499 is now available to households in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela.

CEBU, Philippines — PLDT Home has expanded its fiber network to Camotes Island, bringing reliable broadband connectivity to more families and communities across the municipalities of San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela.

Known for its powdery white-sand beaches, underground caves, and rugged cliff-jumping spots, Camotes Island is often called the “Lost Horizon of the South.” Its laid-back atmosphere and natural attractions make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a quieter tropical escape from crowded tourist hubs.

The expansion is part of PLDT’s ongoing commitment to help bridge the digital divide and to extend reliable connectivity to more communities across the country, including those on Camotes Island in the Visayas.

“Expanding into Camotes Island is about more than extending our network footprint. It is about helping close a connectivity gap that can limit access to opportunities. By bringing reliable fiber connectivity to island communities, PLDT Home is providing families with the digital infrastructure they need to participate more fully in today’s digital economy,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, PLDT Inc.

More digital opportunities for Camotes families

Residents may subscribe to the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499 plan, which offers unlimited fiber internet at speeds up to 200 Mbps.

The plan also includes 63 Cignal channels and HBO Max Standard for entertainment, unlimited landline-to-landline calls and landline-to-mobile calls to five nominated Smart or TNT numbers, and 9GB of Smart mobile data each month. By bringing home internet, entertainment, and mobile connectivity together in one plan, Fiber Unli All 1499 gives families more ways to stay connected while helping them make the smart choice for their household’s everyday digital needs.

The new Smart mobile data inclusion extends the home plan's value beyond the household. Subscribers can share the 9GB monthly allocation with up to three of their nominated Smart or TNT numbers, giving family members mobile data they can use on the go.

Reliable home internet can help students access educational resources, enable family members to work and communicate from home, and give families easier access to digital services such as online banking, telehealth, government platforms, and e-commerce. It can also support home-based entrepreneurs and local businesses that rely on connectivity to reach customers, promote their products and services, and manage transactions online.

Improved connectivity can also support Camotes Island’s continued development as a tourism destination by helping local businesses and residents promote the island’s natural attractions and local experiences to a wider audience while staying connected with customers, visitors, and communities beyond the island.

Working with local communities

PLDT Home partnered with local government units and community partners in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela to introduce its fiber services to residents. The rollout includes community visits and information booths at key locations, including the Agora Public Market in San Francisco, the RBC Business Center near Poro Port, and an area beside the Tudela Municipal Hall.

The expansion also supports local employment through community-based sales and service activities. PLDT Home is engaging local agents and partners to assist households interested in applying for fiber connectivity.

Through its continued network expansion, PLDT Home reinforces its commitment to Filipino families and communities. It also underscores the PLDT Group’s broader nation-building mission to connect more Filipinos and extend the benefits of technology to communities beyond major urban centers.

Residents may visit PLDT Home booths and authorized local representatives in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela to inquire about Fiber Unli All 1499 and check service availability in their residential areas.