Pru Life UK distills the value of long-term wealth

In photo: [L-R] Atty. Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer; Rex Mendoza, Chairman of Rampver Financials; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; and Kris Ong, founder of Drambox Ph and a Scotch Malt Whisky Society & Single Cask liaison for the Philippines.

Pru Life UK gathered high-net-worth individuals for its Pru Life UK Private Reserve Series: Value. Distilled is an exclusive forum dedicated to creating wealth through discipline, protection, and resilience in volatile markets.

The event combined market insight with a curated whisky tasting experience, reflecting the evening's main message: long-term value is built over time through patience, balance, and expert guidance.

Opening the event, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Chakrabarty said the discussion was about “building sustainable long-term wealth” and the role of “clarity and discipline” in shaping financial decisions over time.

“At Pru Life UK, we help individuals and families in protecting what matters most and planning with confidence for the years ahead. We have financial solutions that balance protection, income stability, and long-term growth.” ~Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer

Rex Mendoza, a finance and investment leader, delivered the forum's keynote address, discussing how investors can navigate global uncertainty, identify opportunities, and prioritize protection in their wealth strategy.

Mendoza said modern wealth planning is no longer just about growth. It is about building portfolios that can withstand volatility, protect families, and support long-term goals.

Customers also joined an interactive discussion on portfolio positioning, risk management, legacy planning and strategic financial decision-making in shifting market conditions.

Pru Life UK also showcased a suite of premium financial solutions for high-net-worth customers, including PRUWealth 10, an endowment plan with guaranteed payouts and protection; PRUMillion Protect, a high-protection investment-linked plan; and the PRULink Strategic Income Fund, a globally diversified multi-asset fund.

The evening concluded with a whisky tasting session led by Kris Ong, who made a connection between whisky maturation and wealth creation. Customers were reminded of the importance of patience, craftsmanship, and long-term thinking.

Pru Life UK reinforced its role as a long-term partner for customers seeking to preserve, grow, and pass on wealth, drawing on 30 years of experience in the Philippines and Prudential's 178-year global heritage.

The Pru Life UK Private Reserve Series is part of the company's ongoing commitment to providing insight-driven, premium customer experiences.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 35,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

Sony Alpha Fest 2026 Inspires the Next Generation of Filipino Creators Through Learning, Innovation, and Hands-On Experience

Sony Philippines hosted Alpha Fest 2026 in Foro de Intramuros, where hundreds of photography and filmmaking enthusiasts, aspiring creators, and industry professionals celebrated creativity with inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, interactive experiences, and the most recent innovations in Sony's Alpha imaging ecosystem.

Shuhei Sugihara shares his opening remarks at the Alpha Fest 2026

Kentaro Imamura takes guests on a journey through the Sony Alpha Experience

Sony Philippines President and Managing Director Shuhei Sugihara, along with Marketing Director Kentaro Imamura, officially opened the festival before revealing Sony's latest imaging innovations, including the Alpha 7R VI, FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS, RX10 V, and the highly anticipated FX5.

A first look of FX5, Sony’s newest addition to the Cinema Line

One of the highlights of Alpha Fest 2026 was the introduction of Sony's newest imaging innovations, the RX10 V and the all-new FX5, both designed to meet the changing needs of today's creators. The RX10 V, Sony's fifth-generation all-in-one super zoom camera, has a versatile 24-600mm ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T lens, AI-powered Real-time Recognition Autofocus, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps, and 4K 120p recording in a compact body, making it an ideal companion for travel, wildlife, sports, and everyday photography.

Jiggie Alejandrino’s wedding and portrait session

Meanwhile, the Sony FX5 joins Sony's Cinema Line as a powerful full-frame camera designed for professional filmmaking. The FX5 offers exceptional cinematic performance in a lightweight, production-ready design. It features a full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor, the latest BIONZ XR™ processor, integrated AI, and advanced recording capabilities such as Open Gate, internal 16-bit X-OCN, and up to 4K 240p recording. The RX10V and FX5 demonstrate Sony's ongoing commitment to providing innovative imaging solutions that enable photographers, filmmakers, and content creators to realize their creative vision.

Street photography session with Martin San Diego

Manny Librodo’s shooting session in the Festival Zone

Throughout the day, attendees were able to learn directly from some of the country's most respected names in photography and filmmaking through genre-specific sessions. Win Magsino discussed Wildlife Photography, sharing techniques for photographing animals in their natural environment. Jiggie Alejandrino spoke about Wedding and Portrait Photography, sharing tips for creating timeless and emotive portraits for wedding photography. Martin San Diego took charge of Street Photography, demonstrating how to tell compelling stories using everyday moments.

Win Magsino shares his techniques with Wildlife Photography

Jason Magbanua shares his techniques on Wedding Videography

Nicco Valenzuela led the afternoon sessions on Landscape Photography, covering composition, light, and storytelling in outdoor photography. Jason Magbanua, an acclaimed wedding filmmaker, shared his knowledge of Wedding Videography, emphasizing cinematic techniques and narrative-driven filmmaking, while Manny Librodo, one of the Philippines' most celebrated portrait photographers, spoke about Festivals and Portrait Photography, inspiring attendees with his signature approach to portraiture and cultural storytelling.

Q&A Session with National Geographic Explorer, Noel Guevara and award-winning Thai Street Photographer, Tavepong Pratoomwong

Noel Guevarra, NatGeo Explorer, Conservation Photographer & Filmmaker

Tavepong Pratoomwoong, International Street Photographer

Alpha Fest 2026 also featured distinguished guest speakers from the Alpha community. Noel Guevara, a National Geographic Explorer, conservation photographer, and filmmaker, shared his experiences using Sony's Alpha 7R VI to document marine life and promote environmental conservation. Meanwhile, Tavepong Pratoomwong, an award-winning Thai street photographer known for his unique style, led a special Street photography session, encouraging attendees to look for extraordinary moments in everyday scenes.

Fast Talk sessions with Miki Labarda

Miki Labarda, a ravel videographer and content creator, also led a special session on stage where she discussed her journey as a content creator, the growth of the creator community, and the impact of Sony and the Alpha Fest event on visual storytellers like herself. Together, these speakers demonstrated the limitless possibilities of visual storytelling, inspiring craters to see familiar subjects from new angles while constantly pushing the limits of their creativity.

As the Alpha community grows, Sony remains committed to assisting creators from various fields at every stage of their journey by providing innovative imaging technology, educational initiatives, and experiences that inspire them to capture and share stories that change the world.

Pre-Order Offers

 

Camera enthusiasts can still take advantage of exclusive pre-order offers on Sony’s latest imaging innovations. The Sony RX10 V pre-order is still ongoing at SRP PHP 130,999. Customers who purchase from July 10 to August 7, 2026 will receive a free NP-FZ100 Battery worth PHP 4,490, making it a perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers looking for an all-in-one camera capable of capturing everything from everyday moments to wildlife and sports. 

Meanwhile, the newly announced Sony FX5 is available for pre-order at participating Sony Centres and authorized retailers nationwide from July 23 to August 24, 2026 at an SRP of PHP 318,000 for body only and PHP 349,000 with the XLR Handle. Customers may reserve one (1) ILME-FX5 or ILME-FX5B unit with a PHP 5,000 down payment. Upon purchase, customers who successfully register their camera on My Sony will receive a complimentary NP-SA100 battery, valued at PHP 6,400, upon presentation of their email confirmation of successful product registration.

For more information about the Sony RX10 V and Sony FX5, including complete product specifications, participating dealers, and pre-order promotions, visit the official Sony Philippines product pages at:

RX10 V: https://www.sony.com.ph/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/rx10m5

FX5: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilme-fx5

 

For the latest updates, visit the Sony Philippines website or follow Sony Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

SONY CORPORATION

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Beard Papa brings its world-famous Japanese cream puffs to SM City Grand Central

Dessert lovers in the North Metro now have a new reason to visit SM City Grand Central, as Beard Papa officially opens its 16th branch, the latest addition to the mall's expanding dining lineup.

Beard Papa, known worldwide for its freshly baked cream puffs, brings its signature Japanese pastries closer to shoppers in Caloocan and surrounding cities, providing a sweet stop for families, students, and food enthusiasts seeking a premium dessert experience.

Dessert lovers in the North Metro now have a new reason to visit SM City Grand Central, as Beard Papa officially opens its 16th branch, the latest addition to the mall's expanding dining lineup.

Beard Papa, known worldwide for its freshly baked cream puffs, brings its signature Japanese pastries closer to shoppers in Caloocan and surrounding cities, providing a sweet stop for families, students, and food enthusiasts seeking a premium dessert experience.

Beard Papa's story began in 1999 in Osaka, Japan, with baker Yuji Hirota welcoming customers into his small neighborhood bakery. His warm personality and distinctive white beard earned him the nickname "Beard Papa" among loyal customers. Inspired by the joy of sharing freshly baked pastries, he developed the cream puff, which would eventually become the brand's global signature.

Every Beard Papa cream puff is made with a double-layered shell of delicate choux pastry inside and a crisp pie crust outside. Each pastry is filled only after it has been ordered, resulting in a light, crunchy shell paired with smooth vanilla bean custard and whipped cream. This commitment to freshness has become one of the brand's distinguishing characteristics.

Beard Papa has grown from its humble beginnings in Osaka to more than 500 stores in 15 countries and territories, introducing the Japanese tradition of freshly made pastries to millions of customers worldwide.

Shoppers at SM City Grand Central can now enjoy the same freshly prepared cream puffs that have made Beard Papa an international favorite. Whether it's an afternoon snack, an after-shopping treat, or a dessert to share with family and friends, each cream puff is designed to deliver the brand's signature balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling.

Beard Papa's arrival expands SM City Grand Central's dining options, introducing North Metro shoppers to another globally recognized food destination. As the mall's mix of local and international brands grows, visitors can expect even more exciting culinary experiences in one convenient location.

Visit Beard Papa at SM City Grand Central to see why its freshly baked cream puffs continue to bring smiles and a taste of Japanese oishii, or deliciousness, to customers worldwide.

Belmont Hotel Manila Turns Rainy Days into Moments of Comfort and Purpose

Guest room at Belmont Hotel Manila, offering a comfortable space to rest and savor the moment.

When rain disrupts the day's plans, the simplest things can provide comfort: a warm Filipino meal, a quiet room, time to rest, and the opportunity to pause without having to travel far.

This rainy season, Belmont Hotel Manila introduces Rainy Day Comforts, an overnight experience that combines Filipino comfort food, access to wellness and leisure facilities, and a significant contribution to the ongoing planting of Sampaguita.

Batangas Lomi served in-room as part of Belmont Hotel Manila's Rainy Day Comforts experience.

Designed for guests who want to unwind and enjoy a more leisurely stay, the experience brings familiar Filipino flavors directly to their room. Guests can choose between Beef Pares and Batangas Lomi, both of which provide a warm and satisfying meal to enjoy in the comfort and privacy of their own accommodations.

A selection of Filipino comfort food featuring Batangas Lomi (left) and Beef Pares (right).

The experience also allows guests to enjoy the hotel's amenities at their leisure, from a quiet swim in the rooftop pool to a workout at the gym or a relaxing session in the sauna.

Beyond personal comfort, the experience serves a greater purpose.

A portion of every Rainy Day Comforts stay will benefit Seeds of Hope, Belmont Hotel Manila's initiative to help the Sampaguita community and continue planting Sampaguita, the Philippines' national flower. The initiative supports the hotel's ongoing sustainability efforts as well as its affiliation with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts' Petals to Purpose program, assisting in the creation of meaningful impact through Sampaguita cultivation and care.

Located at the heart of Newport City and right across Runway Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila offers a convenient escape for travelers arriving through NAIA Terminal 3, airport guests between journeys, and those looking for a nearby pause from the usual pace of the city.

Rainy Day Comforts starts at PHP 5,399, inclusive of an overnight stay, a choice of Beef Pares or Batangas Lomi, and access to the rooftop pool, gym, and sauna. Available until September 30, 2026.

Guests may book their stay through belmonthotelmanila.com or by emailing stay@belmontmanila.com.

Because when the rain changes the plans, there is still time to Savor the Moment.

About Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under the Alliance Global Group Inc. The hotel chain is the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group recognized by the World Travel Awards in 2024 and the country’s largest hotel operator with 14 hotels, 8 brands, and 9,000 room keys including the ones in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature brand of service, The Sampaguita, across its brands including Savoy and Belmont in Boracay, Mactan Cebu, and Pasay. Richmonde hotels in Eastwood, Ortigas, and Iloilo. And Kingsford Hotel and Grand Westside Hotel in Paranaque; Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo; in Twin Lakes Hotel in Batangas; and Mercure Mactan Cebu in Mactan Island.

Discover the Magic of Saving as BPI Launches Jumpstart Savings Account with Disney-Themed Pop-Up Event

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) invites families, young dreamers, and Disney fans to attend "Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart," a Disney-themed event taking place on August 1 and 2 at the Glorietta Activity Center.

The event, which will last only two days, provides a unique opportunity for parents and children to immerse themselves in a world where learning about saving meets fun and wonder. Designed specifically for families with children aged 7 to 12 (with eligibility extended to 17), the experience demonstrates how a child's first savings account can spark lifelong financial habits.

The event will provide guests with a free first look at BPI's new savings account, Jumpstart, which combines practical banking features, financial education, and engaging digital experiences. At the heart of Jumpstart are three financial education tools that make saving fun, engaging and habit-forming:

• A Disney-themed Sleeve that acts as a modern piggy bank, available in multiple designs, featuring Disney Princess heroines, Spider-Man, and Mickey Mouse and Friends.
• A BPI-proprietary Jumpstart Book that teaches savings fundamentals through stories and hands-on activities.
• A kid-led, parent-assisted Jumpstart Web App that gamifies the savings experience. Kids can earn by completing chores or tasks, answer questions that reinforce lessons from the Jumpstart Book, and engage in learning and play. The web app also allows children to track their progress as they build positive money habits.

Inspired by Disney storytelling and guided by the theme "Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart", the event brings Jumpstart to life through interactive, super-sized installations and exciting activity zones. The Disney-themed Jumpstart Sleeve, Jumpstart Book, and Jumpstart Web App invite families to explore playful environments. For example, the event will incorporate designs of popular Disney characters such as Disney princesses, Spider-Man, and Mickey & Friends.

The pop-up demonstrates how saving can be a fun shared adventure with the family. An on-site account opening booth will also be available for families who want to start their child's savings journey at the event. When you pay with your BPI Debit Card, you will also receive event-exclusive deals on select Disney-themed packages.

“As BPI continues to innovate for the next generation of Filipinos, Jumpstart reflects the bank’s commitment to helping parents build strong financial foundations for their children—one small saving habit at a time.” ~Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking at BPI

Make your child’s first step into saving a memorable one. Visit the BPI Jumpstart launch event in Glorietta Activity Center on August 1 from 1PM to 9PM, and August 2 from 10AM to 9PM  and be among the first to experience a magical start to big dreams. No pre-registration is required.

Jumpstart is one of several initiatives commemorating BPI's 175th anniversary, reflecting the bank's dedication to empowering Filipinos at all stages of life through meaningful partnerships, innovative financial solutions, and financial education.

For more information, visit bpi.com.ph/jumpstartevent

Beyond Mobility: GAC Champions Philippine Sports through Partnership with Cignal and TV5

GAC Philippines is increasing its support for Philippine sports through a strategic partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, which will connect the global mobility brand with Filipino fans in some of the country's top basketball and volleyball leagues.

By collaborating with the official broadcasters of the PBA Governors' Cup, Premier Volleyball League On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 Men's Basketball, GAC connects its lineup of smart, high-performance vehicles to some of the country's most anticipated basketball and volleyball action.

GAC's sports marketing campaign, Go Above Competition, echoes the brand's initials, and it brings this mindset to life both on the court and on the road, accelerating its brand presence in the Philippines through high-energy fan engagement.

Throughout the partnership, fans can expect GAC broadcast integrations, custom player features, and highlights honoring game-changing performances. These activations aim to bring GAC closer to millions of sports fans across the country while also expanding the brand's global sports marketing tradition into the Philippines.

The partnership also demonstrates how GAC vehicles cater to the diverse lifestyles of Filipino sports fans and active families. From the all-electric AION V and AION UT, which are designed for smart and efficient everyday mobility, to GAC's diverse lineup of MPVs that provide space and comfort for families, teams, and their gear, the brand offers mobility that complements life both on and off the court.

The local initiative reflects GAC International's global commitment to aligning its core values of perseverance, teamwork, and innovation with the dynamic spirit of sports. Building world-class mobility in the automotive industry necessitates unwavering determination, precise engineering, and relentless self-improvement.

"Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country. Sports embody energy, endurance, and relentless determination, which are values that lie at the very core of GAC’s brand DNA. Through this partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, we aim to inspire Filipino sports enthusiasts by bringing together the dynamic spirit of competition and our commitment to world-class mobility." ~Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International

Globally, GAC International's sports marketing footprint includes top-tier athletic disciplines on multiple continents. GAC has been an official sponsor of prestigious football clubs such as Mexico's Deportivo Toluca FC and Australia's Sydney FC, as well as cricket's international Global Super League in the Caribbean and major European golf events such as the Rosa Challenge Tour in Poland. From supporting official mobility fleets for China's 15th National Games to sponsoring endurance events such as the Bolivia Half Marathon, GAC has consistently aligned its high-performance vehicles with the energy, teamwork, and competitive spirit of international sports.

For the latest news and updates, follow on Facebook and Instagram.

La Mesa Ecopark celebrates World Environment Day with youth #ECOmmitments for climate action

Anchored on this year’s theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to engage in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the vital role of the younger generation as future climate champions equipped to address escalating environmental challenges.

In honor of World Environment Day 2026, the Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted an event focused on youth-led environmental advocacy. 

Based on this year's theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to participate in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the importance of the younger generation as future climate champions prepared to face escalating environmental challenges.

The celebration began with a special screening of the inspiring documentary "The Foresters: A Story of Climate Keepers," organized in collaboration with MAD Travel. The film, which chronicled real-life stories of grassroots communities and young people working together to protect nature, inspired participants to take an active role in conservation and cultural community outreach. 

Following the screening, the youth participants put their inspiration into action by writing down their individual #ECOmmitments. These pledges outlined specific, actionable steps they will take to practice responsible environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in achieving a sustainable future.

The youth leaders then took a guided #BiodiverCity Walk through the La Mesa Ecopark, which is a rich sanctuary of diverse tree species. The trail included an educational visit to the Butterfly Garden, which provided a closer look at the fragile, thriving ecosystems. 

To leave a lasting, positive impact on the watershed, a ceremonial tree planting event was held to highlight the long-term benefits of reforestation. Youth participants planted two seedlings of Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), a rare tropical hardwood endemic to the Philippines also known as Philippine Ironwood. The Malampaya Foundation donated the ecologically valuable seedlings, which represent strong cross-sectoral collaboration in environmental conservation.

The celebration concluded with a hands-on seed extraction activity. Having marveled at the towering Kupang (Parkia timoriana) trees earlier on their BiodiverCity Walk, participants enjoyed extracting seeds from their pods. The collected seeds will be nurtured at Bahay Punlaan and eventually spread throughout the La Mesa Ecopark and the adjacent La Mesa Nature Reserve. 

The World Environment Day event is a preview of more eco-activities at the La Mesa Ecopark, which will open Phase 2 in July. The public can expect more spaces for groups and families to enjoy leisure activities, teambuilding, and connecting with nature.

In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted a gathering dedicated to youth-led environmental advocacy. 

During this World Environment Day celebration, the Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark successfully demonstrated the wave of collective action fueled by youth passion, demonstrating that the next generation holds the key to creating a sustainable, climate-resistant world.