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Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

Manulife Philippines appoints Edgar Tordesillas as General Counsel

by Contributor July 1, 2026

written by Contributor

Seasoned legal and compliance leader returns to Manulife with more than 25 years of experience in the Philippine financial services sector

MANILA — Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, today announced the appointment of Edgar Tordesillas as General Counsel, effective July 1, 2026. He will be part of Manulife Philippines’ executive committee.

Tordesillas brings more than 25 years of legal and compliance leadership experience in the Philippine financial services sector, with deep expertise in life insurance and asset management. He is returning to Manulife Philippines, where he previously served as Vice President, Legal and Compliance from 2007 to 2011.

Most recently, he served as General Counsel for another multinational life insurer for 14 years, where he provided strategic legal and regulatory guidance to senior leadership and oversaw legal and corporate governance matters. He also led litigation, dispute resolution, contract negotiations, and compliance programs.

As General Counsel for Manulife Philippines, Tordesillas will advise the company on a broad range of legal matters and help identify legal risks and issues related to the company’s intended actions. He will also provide counsel to the executive leadership team on a range of strategic and operational matters, helping ensure that business decisions are legally sound and aligned with the company’s risk appetite.

“Edgar brings deep legal and compliance expertise, as well as a strong leadership track record that will be critical as we continue to strengthen governance and support the company’s strategic priorities,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “His extensive experience in the Philippine financial services sector—combined with his sound judgment and understanding of the regulatory landscape—will help us navigate complexity, manage risk effectively, and enable sustainable growth. He will play an important role in ensuring that our business decisions are aligned with our ambition to be the #1 choice for customers in the Philippines.” “Returning to Manulife Philippines is both meaningful and exciting for me,” said Edgar Tordesillas, General Counsel, Manulife Philippines. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and colleagues across the organization to support the company’s continued growth while upholding the highest standards of governance, integrity, and customer commitment. I am committed to helping strengthen the company’s legal and governance framework in a way that supports sound decision-making, prudent risk management, and disciplined execution across the business.”

July 1, 2026 0 comments

Community

Anne Curtis shares why making small, intentional choices is the biggest form of care

by Contributor May 19, 2026

written by Contributor

Manulife Philippines brand ambassador Anne Curtis shares a moment with daughter Dahlia, reflecting on the kind of future built on protection that every parent hopes to secure for their family.

MANILA — For actress, host, entrepreneur, and mother Anne Curtis, taking care of yourself and the people you love starts with the same commitment. It is reflected in the small, deliberate choices made every day.

Anne admits that her perspective on fitness has shifted over time, from chasing an image to moving with purpose. Her aim is to stay strong for the people she loves, for as long as she possibly can. Today, some of her favorite forms of movement are as simple as a long walk with no destination and no fixed pace.

“The moment I stopped trying to look a certain way and started moving to stay strong for the people I love, everything became easier,” Anne shared in one of her latest video collaborations with Manulife Philippines. “It’s not about the pace or the distance. It’s about showing up, both for yourself and for them.”

For Anne, that same intentionality shows up in the corners of home life too.

For Mother’s Day, her daughter, Dahlia Amélie, with a little help from dad Erwan Heussaff, made her way to the kitchen to prepare her mother’s favorite: a tomato-and-cheese toastie.

The moment, now posted on Manulife’s social media pages, captures what Anne has long believed—that the most meaningful acts of care are rarely grand. They are deliberate, repeated, and quietly attentive. As a Manulife customer since 2009, she embraces the idea that caring for yourself and your family start with little choices made every day.

Built around the way you MOVE

These beliefs are the heart of ManulifeMOVE, a holistic program that encourages Filipinos to take small, consistent steps toward better health. Whether it’s choosing more nutritious meals, building a habit of physical activity, or simply being more mindful of daily routines, ManulifeMOVE recognizes that wellness is built through choices and actions made over time.

The health and wellness program brings together the knowledge, tools, and partnerships that help customers take charge of their well-being. It empowers customers with insights on preventive care and everyday wellness, while also giving them access to discounted and exclusive offers on health services, from quick diagnosis to treatment and recovery. ManulifeMOVE is further backed by Manulife’s suite of health plans, covering critical illness and life protection from early diagnosis through recovery, so Filipinos are supported at every stage of their health journey.

“The people who are always there for us—those are the ones we trust with everything. The big things and the small things. It’s the same reason we trust Manulife to take care of what matters most. MOVE for the people who show up for you every day,” Anne shared.

ManulifeMOVE reflects Manulife’s refreshed strategy, advancing its strategic priority of empowering customers’ health, wealth, and longevity and aligns to the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030.

“Longevity is about living more years with strength, independence, and confidence, not simply adding years to life. ManulifeMOVE supports that goal by helping customers turn small, consistent actions into lasting habits, with credible guidance and access to expert insights and partner services that make wellness more doable,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“Filipinos don’t have to change everything overnight to start investing in their health and future. What matters is choosing to start and having the support to keep going. And inspired by Anne Curtis’ journey as a Manulife customer and a trusted and influential voice to many Filipinos, we want more people to feel empowered to live better, for longer,” added Hora.

To learn more about ManulifeMOVE and Manulife’s suite of health and life protection plans, visit manulife.com/ph or speak with a Manulife financial advisor.

May 19, 2026 0 comments

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Manulife Philippines Appoints Joy Ann Concepcion as Chief Marketing Officer

by Contributor April 27, 2026

written by Contributor

Appointment strengthens marketing leadership as Manulife Philippines advances brand, customer experience, and AI ambitions

MANILA, Philippines—Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, announced the appointment of Joy Ann Concepcion as Chief Marketing Officer, effective April 27, 2026. She will be part of the company’s executive committee.

In her new role, Joy will lead Manulife Philippines’ Marketing agenda—bringing together brand and advertising, content and social media marketing, performance marketing, propositions, digital platforms, AI and growth marketing, customer experience, digital transformation, and corporate social responsibility. She will focus on strengthening brand positioning, delivering simpler and more connected customer experiences, and driving sustainable growth aligned to the company’s business priorities.

“Joy is a proven builder and strategic leader who brings together creativity, customer obsession, and disciplined execution,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Her deep experience across brand, digital, and marketing transformation will be critical as we sharpen our focus on customer outcomes and accelerate our ambition to be the #1 choice for Filipino customers.”

Joy has held multiple leadership roles across Manulife Philippines’ marketing organization since joining the company in 2017. She has helped strengthen the brand, deliver commercial impact, and develop high-performing teams with a strong growth mindset.

“I’m honored to take on this role and to build on the strong momentum the team has created over the past years,” said Joy Ann Concepcion, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Working closely with our partners across the business, my focus is to sharpen how we deliver for our customers—strengthening the power of our brand, simplifying customer experiences, and turning our marketing priorities into real impact and meaningful growth—so we can better serve Filipinos with the protection, health, and wealth solutions they need.”

April 27, 2026 0 comments

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Filipino Women Prioritize Healthier Years and Financial Independence, Manulife Study Finds

by Contributor March 20, 2026

written by Contributor

#FYP: Future‑proofing Young Pinoys study also shows women report significantly higher stress and wider work-life imbalance gap than men
Manulife’s health and protection solutions aim to help Filipino women safeguard their health and longevity, income, and long‑term financial goals

MANILA, Philippines — Data from Manulife’s #FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys study shows that 60% of young Filipino women prioritize their healthspan—the years spent in good health—compared to 46% of male respondents. Women also place greater importance on financial independence than men (60% vs. 44%), underscoring that Filipinas want a future on their own terms.

Yet the path toward that future is not without its pressures. The same study finds that 73% of female respondents report high stress levels, compared to 55% of their male counterparts. The work-life balance gap offers a telling glimpse of why stress levels are notably wider among women (22%) compared to men (15%), reflecting the competing demands many Filipinas navigate across their professional, personal, and caregiving roles.

For many women, this pressure shows up as sustained stress that affects everyday well-being. One in five experiences shortfalls in sleep, while 15% struggle to maintain a balanced diet, foundational habits that directly influence health, energy, and resilience.

It is worth noting that awareness isn’t the issue. Most survey respondents report strong knowledge of health and wellness—yet 76% of millennial women say stress prevents them from pursuing their desired level of well-being, highlighting a persistent gap between knowledge and action.

“The data is clear: many women are feeling the physical and mental strain of trying to manage everything at once. With careers, caregiving, and financial pressures converging, Manulife is focused on giving Filipino women practical options to protect their health today while building financial confidence for tomorrow,” said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Products Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Turning insights into action: Solutions that help Filipinas protect their health today and build financial confidence for tomorrow

Through its suite of health and protection solutions, including the Manulife HealthFlex critical illness plan, which offers coverage for over 100 critical illnesses from early diagnosis to recovery, and provides additional benefits for gender-specific cancers, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer for women, among many others. Manulife Medical Secure, meanwhile, provides up to PHP5 million in medical coverage with cashless access to over 1,700 hospitals and clinics nationwide; and Manulife GoalReady, which supports long-term financial goals with protection and investment features, Manulife helps women safeguard their financial independence, no matter what stage or season of life they’re in.

As part of its global commitment to championing longevity, Manulife runs programs such as ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health platform designed to encourage healthier habits through everyday movement and proactive lifestyle choices Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life also recently entered into a partnership with ACHealth that aims to educate Filipinos on cancer prevention and help improve access to comprehensive cancer care.

“Closing the work-life balance gap starts with tools that enable women to protect what matters most: health, income, and time,” Mallabo added. “With the right coverage and guidance, women can move through every stage of life with confidence, whether they’re building careers, caring for family, or planning for the future. That’s how we champion longevity—not just living longer, but living better—by making financial wellness practical, personal, and empowering for every Filipina.”

As Women’s Month calls attention to the resilience and contributions of Filipino women, Manulife Philippines encourages women to prioritize their own health and financial security now and for the long term. This initiative builds on Manulife’s refreshed strategy, advancing its strategic priority of empowering customers’ health, wealth, and longevity and aligns to the recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030.

March 20, 2026 0 comments

Community

Manulife Philippines Marks 119 Years of Helping Filipinos Secure Better Futures

by Contributor March 12, 2026

written by Contributor

Manulife Philippines President & CEO Rahul Hora and Chief Marketing Officer Sonali Verma reflect on the company’s legacy as it enters its 119th year and its continued commitment to help make decisions easier and lives better for its customers.

Manulife ranked highest in customer recommendation among Philippine life insurers for second consecutive year.
The insurer is expanding access and broadening impact through new solutions and partnerships across health, wealth, and protection.
Manulife is putting longevity into action through research and thought leadership, innovation and advocacy, and community partnerships—helping make decisions easier and lives better for more Filipino families.

MANILA, Philippines — As one of the country’s longest-serving global financial services companies, Manulife Philippines marks its 119th anniversary with a renewed focus on customer-led protection, health, and wealth solutions that help Filipinos plan with confidence and financial peace of mind. In a survey conducted by global research firm IPSOS, Manulife was named the Philippines’ best-performing life insurer based on customer recommendation, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for financial advice and protection.

“To be the most recommended means Filipinos trust us, and trust is something you earn by listening and delivering on your word,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “For 119 years, we’ve listened to what matters most to Filipinos—from protecting their families to securing their health and building their financial future, and we’ve shaped our solutions around those priorities while supporting them through life’s major moments.”

For 119 years, Manulife Philippines has shaped its solutions around what matters most to Filipinos; from protecting families to securing health and building financial futures. President & CEO Rahul Hora shares how that same commitment drives the company forward today.

“Our customers’ trust inspires us at Manulife to remain true to our purpose: Decisions made easier. Lives made better. By expanding access to innovative and comprehensive protection, health and wealth solutions, we enable Filipinos to plan with confidence and live better, for longer,” Hora added.

Broadening access to holistic financial and health solutions

Rising healthcare costs remained a top financial concern among Filipinos in 2025 and many continue to feel a gap between the future they hope for and the one they expect, according to the 2025 Manulife Asia Care Survey. Additionally, the #FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys study, found that while young Filipinos are optimistic about aging, they still feel underprepared for long-term financial planning, with savings falling short of what they expect to need for retirement. The surveys also reveal that many Filipinos recognize the importance of preventive health, few have taken concrete steps toward it.

To help more Filipinos act on their financial and wellness goals, Manulife Philippines expanded its offerings across wealth, investment, and healthcare through new products and partnerships.

Health and protection access: Manulife Medical Secure offers up to PHP 5 million annual coverage and cashless access to over 1,700 hospitals and clinics nationwide, complementing HMO coverage. Manulife HealthFlex covers more than 100 critical illnesses with premium waiver and guaranteed benefits. Through Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, delivered on the flagship holistic health program ManulifeMOVE, Manulife health customers can access early-detection services, discounted cancer-screening packages, and dedicated support from Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.

Long-term savings and wealth building: Manulife GoalReady offers investment-linked coverage to age 99, local and global funds, and early loyalty bonuses, with premiums starting at PHP 2,000 monthly. Through its partnership with GCash, Manulife Investments Philippines, the asset management business of Manulife Philippines, offers several Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), including funds that invest in global and Asia-Pacific Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Accelerating reach through bancassurance and strategic agency expansion

Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation, and Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation continued to expand their collective reach—strengthening a shared network that enables more Filipinos to access their life and health protection and wealth-building solutions.

In 2025, Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) renewed their long-standing bancassurance partnership under Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp. (MCBL) for another 15 years. Since its founding in 2007, MCBL has offered customers comprehensive health and life insurance plans covering common critical illnesses in the Philippines, long-term savings, retirement planning, and a diverse range of fund options tailored to individual financial goals.
Manulife Philippines also recently expanded its physical presence with a new agency office in Makati City. In addition, the company will open six new and relocated branches across key locations nationwide—starting in March with Bacolod and San Fernando, Pampanga—to accommodate its growing agency force of more than 10,000 financial advisors and agency leaders and strengthen its ability to serve more Filipinos.

Manulife Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Sonali Verma talks about building financial confidence in the next generation, protecting the environment they will inherit, and forging partnerships that contribute to nation-building, because being a trusted lifelong partner means going beyond the policy.

Turning insights into programs enabling longevity and driving real-world impact

As Filipinos redefine what it means to live longer and better, Manulife champions a view of longevity that encompasses financial security, healthier lives, stronger communities, and a better world for future generations. This belief powers the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform backed by a CA$350 million investment that advances research and thought leadership, innovation and advocacy, and community partnerships to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

Key initiatives include Manulife Peso Smart, which has equipped over 4,000 young Filipinos across 18 schools with saving, budgeting, and investing skills, supporting financial resilience. Manulife Impact Forests, in partnership with the Haribon Foundation, has planted over 31,000 native trees across terrestrial and coastal sites nationwide, contributing to a healthier planet. Earlier this year, Manulife Philippines formalized a tripartite agreement with Haribon Foundation and the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF) to scale these initiatives and expand their collective reach.

“At Manulife, we believe our responsibility and impact as an insurer go beyond the policies we write,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Our commitment through the Longevity Institute is to drive action on helping people live longer, healthier and more financially secure lives. Aligned to our Impact Agenda, we’re building financial confidence in the next generation, protecting the environment they will inherit, and forging partnerships that enable us to scale our reach, deepen our impact, and proudly contribute to nation-building. When communities are healthier and more financially secure, families thrive and build a more resilient future. That’s what it means to be a trusted lifelong partner to Filipino families.”

March 12, 2026 0 comments

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Manulife Philippines Wins Most Creative Marketing Campaign at InsuranceAsia News Awards for Excellence

by Contributor October 28, 2025

written by Contributor

MANILA – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, won the Most Creative Marketing Campaign in the Philippines at the InsuranceAsia News Country Awards for Excellence 2025.

Manulife Philippines received the award for its Manulife Stories campaign, which showcased inspiring real-life stories from customers whose lives were positively impacted by the insurer’s comprehensive suite of products and solutions. These stories reflected how Manulife effectively addressed evolving health and financial needs through meaningful support and tailored coverage.

The featured stories are:

Marielle, who was able to finish her medical school because of the insurance benefit received when her mother passed away;
Yvonne, who used her husband’s death benefit to send her child to nursing school;
KL, a mother who used her policy’s living benefits to be able to afford an IVF procedure;
Peach, an HIV+ transgender woman, who was able to save up for her family’s needs through her insurance; and
Mark, a father of a child with special needs, who was able to obtain health coverage for his son.

Manulife Philippines recently bagged the Most Creative Marketing Campaign in the Philippines at the InsuranceAsia News Country Awards for Excellence 2025. Shown in the photo are Manulife Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Sonali Verma and members of Manulife marketing team.

“Our mission to make decisions easier and lives better for our customers in the Philippines comes to life through the Manulife Stories campaign,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “The experiences shared by our customers remind us that our interactions go beyond business transactions. We take pride in representing our commitment to being Filipino customers’ trusted partner towards a better, more financially secure future.”

Insurance Asia News is a leading regional publication, which offers commentary, features, and in-depth interviews for Asia’s insurance market. Now in its third year, the 2025 Philippines Awards for Excellence recognizes and rewards the accomplishments of market-leading companies and outstanding individuals, commending their pioneering efforts, innovation, and service to the insurance community.

October 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Manulife Philippines Honored as One of HR Asia’s 2025 Best Companies to Work for in Asia

by Contributor September 1, 2025

written by Contributor

MANILA – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, was named as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia, with a special citation on its sustainability practices, having received the Sustainable Workplace Award. The recognitions were given during HR Asia’s awards ceremony held in Pasay City on August 26, 2025.

HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia is a recognition program for organizations that have been identified by their employees as one of Asia’s employers of choice, exhibiting high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures. The winners were chosen based on the results of a survey taken by the company’s employees and benchmarked against overall market scores, and a presentation to the selection panel. The Sustainable Workplace Awards program recognizes organizations, which exemplify unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering a culture of sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Manulife Philippines, led by Chief People Officer Ardhi Siregar (4th from right), proudly receives the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025 award, reflecting over a century of expertise backed by a strong people-first culture. The company was also given a special citation on its sustainability practices, having received the Sustainable Workplace Award.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from HR Asia. This is a testament to the efforts of our high-performing teams to build better, together,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “With programs and initiatives that promote our people’s continuous learning and growth, inclusion, wellness, recognition, and engagement, we advance our commitment to making Manulife Philippines an employer of choice.”

Manulife Philippines was recognized for fostering a culture of engagement and inclusion through vibrant employee resource groups and an active engagement council, which champion initiatives that connect, support, and inspire its people. The company has also expanded its colleague volunteering efforts under its Impact Agenda, enabling team members to meaningfully contribute to causes that promote sustained health and well-being, inclusive economic opportunities, and a sustainable future. In support of continuous growth for its employees, Manulife invests in learning through its proprietary online platform, Pursuit, and LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, the company continues to empower its teams by rolling out generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) capabilities, helping teams enhance productivity, collaboration, and innovation in their daily workflows.

The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards is held annually in the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

September 1, 2025 0 comments

Uncategorized

Manulife Philippines Appoints Adnelle Valeza as Chief of Staff, Strategy, and Transformation

by Contributor August 18, 2025

written by Contributor

MANILA – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, today announced the appointment of Adnelle Valeza as new Chief of Staff, Strategy, and Transformation, joining the company’s executive leadership team.

Valeza joins Manulife Philippines with nearly three decades of international leadership experience across transformation, technology, and distribution. Her career spans both established corporations and start-up environments, where she has consistently delivered double-digit growth, led large-scale digital transformations, and built scalable sales and operational strategies.

Most recently, Valeza led business strategy and transformation at a Philippine-based life insurer, developing strategic roadmaps for non-Bancassurance channel expansion and led the company’s digital transformation initiatives. Prior to that, she held several senior executive roles at a multinational insurer, where she led regional M&A projects and digital strategy programs across Southeast Asia.

“Adnelle’s appointment is a pivotal step in strengthening our leadership team” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Her extensive expertise in project management, technology strategy, and business transformation will be invaluable as we execute our strategic priorities and accelerate our efforts to become the number 1 choice of our customers in the Philippines.”

In her new post, Valeza will be driving alignment across key business initiatives to enhance operational efficiency—underscoring Manulife Philippines’ drive toward high-quality, sustainable growth and digital customer leadership.

August 18, 2025 0 comments

Business Community

Evolving View on Longevity: For Filipinos, Quality of Life Outweighs Lifespan – Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025

by Contributor July 21, 2025

written by Contributor

Survey of 1,000 consumers in the Philippines shows Filipinos value independence, quality of life, and purpose over longer life spans.
Despite rising health concerns, especially among those aged 25-34, most Filipinos surveyed do not take sufficient preventive health actions.
Amid widening retirement savings gap, Filipinos see the link between finances and health but remain underprepared for retirement.
Many Filipinos place excessive reliance on cash as a placeholder investment, increasing the risk that they might outlive their savings in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

MANILA – A shift in how Filipinos view longevity is emerging, as they prioritize quality of life more than simply living longer as they age, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025: “Embracing Longevity: Enjoying a Better Life.” The comprehensive study, which surveyed 1,000 Filipinos, revealed that only 13% of respondents chose living a longer life as their top wish when they consider their older years, while 26% prioritize financial independence and 17% value staying physically, mentally, and socially active.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which ran in January and February, explored attitudes around how the region views longevity, as global life expectancies continue to rise.

Among those who value quality of life over lifespan, the respondents’ desired lifespan averages 69 years—below the national life expectancy, which is projected to reach 73.2 by 2050—suggests a preference for a life of purpose, vigor, and independence over sheer longevity.

“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live a good life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “They are no longer focused solely on longevity. Instead, they want to live better—with freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy life on their own terms. This shift challenges us to rethink how we support them—not just with insurance, but with holistic solutions that enhance their quality of life.”

Health concerns continue to rise, especially among younger Filipinos

The survey also revealed that health issues are a growing concern, particularly among Filipinos aged 25-34. Nearly 44% of respondents reported experiencing physical or mental health problems that affect their daily lives. Despite this, most Filipinos surveyed are not taking enough preventive action.

On average, more than half of the survey respondents engage in only 5 out of 17 recommended preventive health measures that can support a longer, healthier life. Critical indicators of long-term health—such as muscle mass and oxygen uptake—are monitored by just 16% of participants. These metrics are scientifically linked to longevity and overall vitality yet remain largely overlooked.

Despite this, 74% believe their current health habits are sufficient to protect their health as they age.

“There is a clear gap between awareness and action. Filipinos understand the importance of health, but many are not taking the necessary steps to protect it,” added Hora. “This disconnect could lead to long-term vulnerabilities, which will be challenging to address later in life. To bridge this gap, we encourage Filipinos to take more proactive steps, such as scheduling regular check-ups, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, to help safeguard their overall health and well-being.”

Filipinos face a retirement savings gap

The survey also highlighted the strong relationship between financial stability and health outcomes. A significant 80% of respondents believe that their financial well-being directly affects how long they can remain physically healthy. Similarly, 76% say it impacts their mental health and emotional resilience.

However, despite this awareness, the average retirement savings among Filipinos is only PHP 630,000—16% of the PHP 3.85 million they estimate they will need to retire comfortably.

“Filipinos recognize that wealth and health are deeply connected,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “However, their current savings and investment behaviors do not necessarily reflect this awareness. The gap between what they have saved and what they will need could compromise their ability to live independently and with dignity in later years.”

Retirement planning: A shift in priorities, but gaps remain

When it comes to preparing for retirement, cash remains king for many Filipinos. The survey found that 66% view keeping their money in cash or fixed deposits as one of their top 2 priorities, while 51% express they want to invest in property. However, more than half (54%) also expressed a desire for steady income streams during retirement—something that cash-heavy portfolios may not be able to provide, especially in the face of inflation and rising healthcare costs.

“We are seeing a shift in how Filipinos think about retirement,” Gaspar noted. “While they are starting to realize that relying solely on property or savings may not be enough, many still hold excessive cash, which raises their longevity risk or the risk that they might outlive their savings, particularly in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments, we empower Filipinos to create more holistic wealth portfolios by giving them diverse and affordable investment choices, which they can use as building blocks to mobilize their savings, receive recurring income streams and achieve financial independence throughout their lifetime. Today, Filipinos can choose from our suite of 22 unit investment trust funds (UITFs), including six income-paying UITFs, spanning multi-asset, fixed income, equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs) asset classes that can be accessed for as little as Php1,000.”

The value of professional financial advice is also evident in the data: 70% of those who work with financial planners believe they will have enough funds for retirement, compared to only 38% of those without such guidance.

Supporting Filipinos’ fresh definition of Longevity

As Philippine life expectancy continues to increase in the coming years, the need for comprehensive health and wealth planning becomes critical. “The message from Filipinos is clear—they want to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and have the financial freedom to do what matters to them,” Hora concluded. “At Manulife, we are committed to evolving our products and services to support this vision. That means offering solutions that go beyond medical and critical illness coverage to address health protection needs and offering investment options that can provide reliable income streams for a better, more fulfilling life.”

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Business Community

Manulife Philippines Wins at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 for Mobile App of the Year and Marketing Initiative of the Year

by Contributor July 10, 2025

written by Contributor

MANILA – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, received two awards at the Insurance Asia Awards 2025 held on July 8, 2025, in Singapore. The insurer was honored with Mobile App of the Year for the Manulife app and Marketing Initiative of the Year for the Manulife Stories brand campaign. These recognitions underscore Manulife’s commitment to making decisions easier and lives better for its customers through digital innovation and authentic engagement.

Setting New Standards in Digital Experience: Manulife App Wins Mobile App of the Year

The Manulife App, Manulife’s self-service insurance mobile app, empowers customers to manage and access their policies anytime, anywhere. Developed in response to Filipinos’ growing preference for digital financial solutions, the app features biometric login via Touch or Face ID, push notifications for policy updates and promotions, online premium payments via major credit and debit cards, digital access to policy documents and statements, real-time fund valuation for Variable Unit-Linked policies, and seamless contact information updates.

Since launching in 2023, the Manulife App has achieved nearly 70% adoption among customers, with consistently high user ratings of 4.7 stars on both iOS and Android platforms. The app has also contributed to operational efficiency, with straight-through processing rates rising by 32% from 2023 to 2024, helping eliminate manual interventions and delays.

“At Manulife, the customer is at the heart of everything we do,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “The Manulife App is an example of our drive to simplify insurance for Filipinos, helping them manage their policies with ease. This year, we are introducing Fund Switch and Universal submission, allowing our customers to submit requests for their transactions digitally. Our continued focus on improving our customers’ digital experiences is core to our transformation journey towards becoming the most digital and customer-centric global leader in our industry.”

Authentic Connections: Manulife Stories Named Marketing Initiative of the Year

The “Manulife Stories” brand campaign was awarded the Marketing Initiative of the Year for its innovative approach to storytelling and customer engagement. Launched in 2024 in the Philippines to introduce Manulife’s global brand strategy, “Where will better take you,” the campaign invited customers to share personal stories of how Manulife supported them through life’s milestones.

The campaign featured inspiring customer stories, including Marielle, who was able to finish her medical school from the benefit received when her mom passed away; Yvonne, who used her husband’s death benefit to send her child to nursing school; KL, a mother who used her policy’s living benefits to be able to afford an IVF procedure; Peach, an HIV+ transgender woman, who was able to secure her future; and Mark, a father of child with special needs, who was able to get health coverage for his son.

By employing a mobile- and video-first strategy and encouraging employees, advisors, and customers to share these stories across social media, the campaign achieved record-number engagement on Manulife’s digital platforms, including more than a 100 million impressions and a 20-point ad recall lift breaking industry and regional benchmarks.

“The Manulife Stories campaign reflects our promise to be Filipino customers’ trusted financial partner across generations,” said Verma. “By sharing real stories, we inspire trust and show how Manulife makes a difference in people’s lives—helping them live better every day.”

The Insurance Asia Awards recognize excellence and innovation across the Asian insurance industry, celebrating companies that demonstrate outstanding achievement in digital transformation and customer engagement.

July 10, 2025 0 comments