Manulife Philippines, CanCham Convene Leaders to Strengthen the Country’s Care Ecosystem

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●        Government, private sector, and healthcare leaders gathered to pursue a whole-of-society approach and chart actions from screening to survivorship at CanCham’s General Membership Meeting.

●        Focus areas included prevention, early detection, digital health solutions, sustainable financing, and scaling HPV vaccinations and other interventions.

(L-R) Atty. JV Salud (Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Manulife Philippines), Dr. Ramy Roxas (Chief Operating Officer, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital), and Rahul Hora (President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines)

At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ General Membership Meeting, held in cooperation with Manulife, leaders aligned on integrating cancer care systems and adopting a whole-of-society approach to help Filipinos live healthier lives and secure stronger financial futures.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham) held its General Membership Meeting (GMM) at Ayala North Exchange in Makati Central Business District on February 11, with the theme “Strengthening the Philippines’ Cancer Care Ecosystem.”  As one of the longest-serving Canadian businesses in the country, Manulife Philippines supported the gathering as the official event partner, bringing together government, private sector, and healthcare leaders to address one of the Philippines’ most pressing health challenges.

Cancer remains a significant challenge for Filipino families. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, cancer was among the three leading causes of death among Filipinos for the first eight months of 2024, while the Manulife’s Asia Care Survey shows it remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos. These concerns are compounded by systemic barriers to care: financial constraints and limited access to screening mean many patients are diagnosed only at later stages, when treatment is more complex and costly.

Geographic disparities further exacerbate the problem, with Filipinos outside Metro Manila facing fewer options for timely and specialized care. As a result, the heavy burden of out-of-pocket expenses places tremendous strain on families already navigating the emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis.

"For too long, a cancer diagnosis in this country was whispered like a death sentence, not just biologically, but financially. It was a 'catastrophic' illness in every sense of the word, capable of wiping out a lifetime of savings in a single treatment cycle," said Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary, Department of Health. "But (today), I am here to tell you that the narrative is changing. Under the banner of Universal Health Care and our 8-Point Action Agenda, we are moving from a position of fear to a position of 'readiness.' A Cancer-Ready Philippines is a nation where the quality of your care is determined by the urgency of your need, not the weight of your wallet."

"Cancer is a formidable foe, but it is not invincible. We are building a healthcare system that is inclusive, proactive, and, above all, deeply human," Herbosa added.

The GMM focused on several critical areas, including strengthening prevention programs, advancing digital health solutions for early detection, developing financing models that make cancer care more accessible, and scaling human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and other interventions. The event featured talks examining the DOH’s priorities and the role of private sector partners in expanding cancer care access.

To help address the growing impact of cancer, Manulife is strengthening its focus on longevity, prevention, and financial protection.  In 2025, Manulife launched its global Longevity Institute, a platform for research, innovation, thought leadership, advocacy, and partnerships. The Institute is backed by a CA$350 million investment through 2030 to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Here in the country, Manulife Philippines also recently partnered with AC Health on cancer prevention and care programs, reinforcing its commitment to help Filipinos prepare for the risks of critical illness. This commitment is underscored by a recent study showing that 41% of medical spending is out of pocket and 33% of Filipinos feel their health insurance coverage is insufficient.

“We at Manulife are on a mission to make decisions easier, and lives better for our customers, and we know that cancer and other diseases are a challenge to these. That’s why we remain deeply committed to respond with urgency and compassion,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By working with likeminded collaborators such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, fellow businesses and organizations, and with the support from the Department of Health, we can build a future where our kababayans do not face a cancer diagnosis with fear and financial uncertainty, but with hope, support, and access to the right care.”

With a history of 119 years of serving Filipino customers’ evolving health and protection needs, Manulife Philippines supports a whole-of-society approach to understanding the patient journey in cancer care. This means recognizing the different dimensions of their condition and the support that they need: from awareness and early detection to access to healthcare and treatment, strong financial protection, emotional and psychological care, and continuity of care across all stages.

“CanCham is mobilizing our network and convening our member-organizations to align employers, insurers, and health innovators around early detection, digital pathways, and sustainable financing, so patients are guided from diagnosis to survivorship,” said Christopher Ilagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. “The collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, with private sector leadership from companies like Manulife, demonstrates our shared commitment to addressing one of the country’s most urgent healthcare needs.”

 

  

Resources:

●     Philippine Statistics Authority - https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/heartbreaking-numbers-understanding-the-philippines-leading-causes-of-death

●     Manulife’s Asia Care Survey - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/thought-leadership/asia-care-survey/2024/physical-and-mental-well-being.html

●     Manulife Longevity Institute - https://www.manulife.com/ca/en/about-us/longevity-institute

●     In Wellness and In Health study - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/manulife-studies/in-wellness-and-in-health.html

We’ve All Been There: When Your Train Card Runs Out—There’s a Convenient Alternative!

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In a rush and dealing with top-up issues or checking your balance? Commuters now have a reliable way to pay for trains with GCash.

Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers.

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

One Less Thing to Worry About—Thanks to GCash

Somewhere between the morning rush and the daily routine, you discover GCash—and finally, no more second-guessing your balance while the line grows longer behind you, checking your balance in a stored value card reader, or lining up again to reload at the ticket booth or machine.

With GCash, your phone or GCash Visa Card is your train ticket!

And even on days when you do need to cash in, it’s easy–You can CASH IN FOR FREE at GCash cash in machines, available across all MRT-3 stations, or transfer funds online from your bank accounts. Topping up can fit seamlessly into your commute instead of disrupting it. With FREE WI-FI AT THE MRT also available, you can complete transactions on the spot—no data, no detours, just a smoother commute from start to finish.

With GCash, you can ride the MRT-3 in hassle-free ways:

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your mobile phone.
2. Turn on the NFC feature.
3. Login to your GCash app.
4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just one tap away. Just login to your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, don’t forget to tap your phone again at turnstile to automatically deduct the exact fare.

Scan your GCash Commute QR

No NFC-enabled Android phone for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details.

Here's how easy it is:

1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.
2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.
3. Scan your Commute QR at the turnstile, then proceed to the train platform

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account.

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 commute using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. The GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash wallet – use it directly to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of online and offline stores and withdraw from your GCash account in any ATM for as low as P10. See the details of your GCash Visa Card payments on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient payment method, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and after it is delivered to you, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.
2. To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.
3. To link – Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.
4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found on the back, then submit.

In a world where every minute is accounted for, convenience isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. Saving precious minutes by skipping the line at the ticket booth or machine, eliminating a bit of stress there, and keeping your headspace intact can make all the difference in how the day feels. Simple tools, like GCash, take the friction out of everyday routines, proving that small wins add up.

With its growing daily usage, GCash has become a trusted and established payment option at MRT-3—making it a seamless part of the everyday commute. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

vivo V70 arriving in PH with Pop Mart ZSIGA collab Golden Hour

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vivo officially confirms the arrival of the vivo V70 in the Philippines on February 28, 2026, marking a new chapter for the brand’s V Series with a high-profile collaboration with POP MART and its popular IP, ZSIGA. Headlining the launch is the exclusive Golden Hour colorway, a design inspired by warmth, self-expression, and modern lifestyle aesthetics.

Centered on the concept “Bloom Under the Sun,” the collaboration explores the intersection of fashion, imaging, and personal identity. Through this partnership, vivo and Pop Mart aim to connect with the younger generation by blending creative storytelling with cutting-edge smartphone design, reinforcing vivo’s position as a lifestyle-driven technology brand.

The Golden Hour colorway draws inspiration from the glow of the setting sun, symbolizing authenticity and individuality. It aligns with ZSIGA’s “Under The Sun” series while reflecting vivo’s understanding of young users’ mindset. The new color encourages users to embrace their true selves and capture meaningful moments in the light of their own golden experiences.

In addition to Golden Hour, the vivo V70 will also be available in Alpine Gray, offering a refined and minimalist option for users who prefer a more classic look.

New design for a new generation

The vivo V70 introduces a completely refreshed design that balances elegance and durability. The device features an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, making it drop-resistant, non-deformable, and corrosion-resistant for everyday reliability.

Its camera module is now crafted from metal material, elevating the phone’s premium feel. The matte back panel uses high-end glass that is anti-fingerprint and stain-resistant, ensuring both style and practicality. On the front, the vivo V70 showcases ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels, delivering a more immersive and modern viewing experience.

With its updated design and fashion-forward collaboration, the vivo V70 positions itself as a stylish portrait flagship smartphone built for self-expression and creativity.

Official launch on February 28

Filipino consumers are invited to tune in to the vivo Philippines Facebook page to witness the official launch of the vivo V70 on February 28, 2026 at 5 PM.

Through its partnership with Pop Mart ZSIGA and the introduction of the Golden Hour colorway, vivo V70 sets a new standard for how technology, design, and lifestyle converge in today’s smartphone experience.

For more updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website for the latest news, product information, and launch highlights.

LG Unveils UltraGear evo, Redefining 5K Gaming With World’s First AI Upscaling Technology

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Expanding the Boundaries of High-Resolution Gaming With a New Lineup Spanning OLED, New MiniLED and Ultra-Wide Formats

SEOUL — LG Electronics (LG) announced today the global launch of its new premium gaming monitor brand, UltraGear evo™, set to debut at CES 2026. Building on LG’s established leadership in 5K and 5K2K gaming displays, UltraGear evo expands the boundaries of high-resolution gaming with a portfolio of 5K-and-above monitors spanning OLED, New MiniLED and ultra-wide formats, combining ultra-high definition, speed and immersion across multiple form factors. The inaugural UltraGear evo lineup features three flagship models – 39GX950B, 27GM950B and 52G930B – united by a shared foundation of high-resolution excellence.

At the heart of this evolution is LG’s commitment to uncompromised image quality, reinforced by a newly introduced on-device AI solution. This proprietary technology powers the world’s first 5K AI Upscaling technology.* This technology achieves stunning 5K-class clarity without the burden of GPU upgrades and allows gamers to enjoy a wider range of content in high definition – transcending original resolution limits.

39-Inch 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor With 5K AI Upscaling

The LG UltraGear evo 39-inch GX9 (39GX950B) builds on the legacy of the GX9 series as a 39-inch 5K2K OLED gaming monitor that delivers uncompromised visual quality and immersive gameplay. Building on this foundation, with the new on-device AI solution, the monitor analyzes and enhances content in real time before it reaches the panel, delivering stunning 5K-class clarity without requiring GPU upgrades. This goes beyond resolution, incorporating AI Scene Optimization and AI Sound, the monitor refines images and audio performance for a more immersive audiovisual experience.

Visual performance is enhanced by LG’s Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology, delivering improved brightness, color accuracy and panel longevity with perfect black and lifelike colors. Designed to adapt to different gaming genres, the Dual Mode feature allows seamless switching between 165Hz at 5K2K resolution and 330Hz at WFHD, supported by an ultra-fast 0.03ms (GtG) response time – enabling gamers to prioritize either visual fidelity or ultra-smooth competitive play.

The 1500R-curved 21:9 ultrawide display that retains the vertical height of a 32-inch screen while expanding horizontal immersion for both gaming and multitasking. With a pixel density of 142 PPI and VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certification, the monitor delivers detailed highlights and deep blacks even in the darkest scenes.

World’s First 5K New MiniLED Monitor solving for blooming

The LG UltraGear evo 27-inch GM9 (27GM950B) sets a new standard for 27-inch gaming monitors as the world’s first 5K New MiniLED display designed to dramatically improve blooming control. By effectively minimizing halo effects that commonly affect high-resolution MiniLED displays, the monitor delivers professional grade 5K precision with exceptional optical clarity. Featuring 2,304 local dimming zones, combined with Zero Optical Distance engineering that minimizes the gap between the panel and LED, the monitor delivers ultra-high luminance and refined contrast accuracy that preserves fine details across bright and dark scenes alike.

Like the 39-inch GX9, the 27GM950B incorporates the on-device AI solution, enabling 5K AI Upscaling, AI Scene Optimization and AI Sound to enhance image and audio in real time without GPU overhead.

For versatile gaming performance, the monitor supports Dual Mode operation, allowing users to switch between 165Hz at 5K resolution and 330Hz at QHD, paired with a fast 1ms (GtG) response time. Certified VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and delivering peak brightness of up to 1,250 nits, the display ensures vivid highlights, intense flames and sharp flashes of light are rendered with striking realism alongside deep, controlled blacks.

World’s Largest 52-Inch 5K2K 240Hz Gaming Monitor

The LG UltraGear evo 52-inch G9 (52G930B) introduces a new class of large-format gaming displays as the world’s largest 5K2K gaming monitor, offering gamers an unprecedented range of screen size options within the UltraGear evo lineup. The expansive scale is paired with a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate, ensuring consistent responsiveness and image fidelity.

The massive screen features the vertical viewing height of a standard 42-inch 16:9 display, stretching horizontally for an expansive 12:9 panoramic view. This form factor provides a workspace 33 percent wider than a standard UHD monitor. A 1000R curvature encloses the user’s peripheral vision for seamless immersion. Visuals are equally impactful delivering vivid color and deep contrast validated by VESA Display HDR™ 600.

“The new UltraGear evo marks a definitive turning point, signaling the end of compromises in gaming display performance. With innovations like industry-first 5K AI Upscaling, the lineup ensures that whether gamers prefer perfect blacks, unmatched brightness, or expansive scale, they can enjoy the same high standard of performance, clarity and immersion in high resolution” said Lee Choong-hwoan, head of the Display Business at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “This reflects our excellence in delivering high-resolution technology not only to the B2C gaming market but also through precision-driven B2B solutions like medical monitors.”

The bar-raising LG UltraGear evo lineup is set to be showcased at CES 2026. Visitors can experience the evo lineup’s high-quality visuals through two zones: the “Dream Setup” inspired by the Reddit’s gaming communities and a SimCraft-powered racing simulation featuring the new 39-inch GX9.

In addition to the new evo series, sales of the UltraGear™ GX7 (27GX790B) will commence in global markets on the opening day of CES 2026. This 27-inch gaming monitor boasts a QHD Primary RGB Tandem OLED display, 540Hz refresh rate and Dual Mode (HD 720Hz), matching the high expectations of avid gamers.

Galaxy A07 5G: The Formula for the Game-Winning Good Value Phone

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Long battery life, smooth scrolling, fast connectivity, and more

For everyday hustlers, having a game-winning formula to tackle the day requires being equipped with a reliable mobile device. For them, a phone is not a luxury but a tool of the trade. The Galaxy A07 5G combines endurance, speed, and durability to create the ultimate work partner that helps gain real-world wins for today’s hustlers.

Check what makes the Galaxy A07 5G the game-winning value phone:

Winning trio with 6000 mAh battery, 120Hz display, and hyper-fast 5G

Forget about constantly reaching for the charger, for the Galaxy A07 5G is engineered for endurance. Featuring a massive 6,000 mAh battery, this device delivers all-day power to keep all apps, games, and media running with less interruptions so dedicated workers, including security guards and delivery riders stay productive through long shifts or be entertained on breaks.

The lasting power is matched by a fluid visual experience. Whether a delivery rider is quickly toggling between navigation and booking apps, or a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clerk is scrolling through long inventory lists, the 6.75” edge-to-edge display with a 120Hz refresh rate reduces frustration, allowing them to work efficiently or even play on the side smoothly.

Completing the formula is the speedy 5G power. For ride-hailing service drivers and riders, faster connection means accepting bookings ahead of the competition. This instant connectivity also allows users to keep in touch with their loved ones through video calls, or a stutter-free streaming experience during days off.

Galaxy Advantage to keep your device even more reliable

The Galaxy A07 5G is always ready for the A-Game, offering highly reliable features like Gemini Live for instant answers and insights on any topic using natural speech recognition or Circle to Search with Google for convenient on-screen search–be it text, images, or even music.

On top of these, users also get 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates so buying one with hard-earned money feels worth it, especially with the need to protect personal data and information. The IP54 rating gives an additional layer of hardware protection for those occasional splashes.

Reliable and Accessible

Win in the game of life with the Galaxy A07 5G for only Php 8,290 for the 64GB variant and PHP 9,990 for the 128 GB variant, available in Black and Light Violet. Buy the Galaxy A07 5G until March 31, 2026 and get a FREE Travel Adapter and enjoy 50% off on select wearables. Buying one is also made more accessible with 0% installment for up to 6 months with Samsung Finance+. Get it at https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a07-5g-light-violet-128gb-sm-a076blvbphl/buy/ or at the nearest authorized Samsung Experience and Retail stores nationwide.

For more information, visit samsung.com.ph or Samsung Philippines Newsroom through this link: https://news.samsung.com/ph/galaxy-a07-5g-the-formula-for-the-game-winning-good-value-phone.

Terms and conditions apply. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-248463, 248779, 247370 Series of 2026.