Monday, October 26, 2026

SM J Mall Shapes New Lifestyle Experiences Closer to Cebuanos


A Japanese-inspired destination in Mandaue City, SM J Mall brings together dining, lifestyle, and leisure, giving Cebuanos more ways to explore, discover, and spend quality time together. 

CEBU, Philippines, 26th October 2026 - SM J Mall, a Japanese-inspired destination in Mandaue City, continues to redefine the mall experience for Cebuanos by bringing together dining, lifestyle, and leisure in one vibrant space. As Cebu’s most-loved mall destination, it offers maxed-out experiences for families, friends, food enthusiasts, and lifestyle seekers looking for new ways to spend time together. More than a place to shop, SM J Mall is where everyday visits become opportunities to discover, connect, and create lasting memories.


From the variety of dining choices at the Food Hall to various art installations and the laid-back atmosphere of Izakaya Terrace, every corner brings a different experience to discover, whether over a meal or a catch-up with friends.    

From its Food Hall and diverse dining concepts to the Izakaya Terrace and various art installations, SM J Mall gives visitors plenty of reasons to explore beyond traditional retail. Its Japanese-inspired design creates a distinctive setting for food trips, casual meetups, and weekend adventures, allowing Cebuanos to discover new flavors, capture memorable moments, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.


Friendly matches and shared moments take center court at Pickleball Social, where players can stay active, enjoy a little friendly competition, and bond over their love for the game. 

This experience-driven approach reflects the evolving direction of SM Supermalls, which continues to develop destinations that respond to how Filipinos shop, socialize, and pursue their interests. Under its broader My SM campaign, SM creates spaces for different communities, from foodies and fandoms to families and lifestyle enthusiasts. 


From signature events like the annual Cebu Matcha Fest to pet-friendly moments at Paw Park, SM J Mall brings people together through shared interests, new discoveries, and activities that make every visit worth the wait.

At SM J Mall, distinctive surroundings, dining destinations, and lifestyle attractions encourage visitors to explore, connect, and make every visit more memorable. This commitment to curating relevant experiences is echoed by Hanna Carinna T. Sy, Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing at SM Supermalls: “Food, leisure, and lifestyle concepts are leading the demand right now. We’re actively curating a mix that keeps shoppers staying longer, discovering new brands, and coming back more often.”

SM J Mall is part of SM Supermalls’ wider portfolio of destinations expanding the possibilities of retail, lifestyle, and entertainment. These include SM Nuvali in Laguna, set to open this November with its flagship eat-and-play concept, and South Coast City, home to the newly opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena for major concerts, live entertainment, sporting events, and the soon-to-open SMX Convention Center for conventions, exhibitions, and business events. Together, these developments underscore how SM continues to create destinations that drive tourism and regional economic growth.

Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, emphasized the company’s purpose: “All of these efforts aren’t just about building better malls—they’re about creating real, lasting opportunities for every Filipino. Our goal is to keep evolving alongside our shoppers, making sure SM remains a space where communities can connect, celebrate, and create memories together, showing our purpose in every experience we deliver.”


Good food, spontaneous selfies, and time well spent with friends are part of the experience at SM J Mall, where dining destinations and thoughtfully designed spaces make everyday meetups more memorable.

Through its distinctive Japanese-inspired concept and curated lifestyle offerings, SM J Mall brings Cebuanos closer to the experiences they seek, whether discovering new dining favorites, enjoying a weekend with family, or catching up with friends. As SM Supermalls continues to evolve its most-loved malls to meet the changing needs of Filipino communities, SM J Mall stands as a destination where people can explore, connect, and enjoy maxed-out experiences—all reflecting SM's commitment to Cebu.

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About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through "My SM," SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Honored and Grateful: Cebu Street Journal Named Top 3 Finalist in the 19th Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA 2026)

Reaching milestones is always special, but being recognized by the community you love and create content for is truly a unique feeling. I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that Cebu Street Journal has officially entered the Top 3 Finalists for the 19th Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA 2026) under the Best Cebu Events Blog category.

BCBA 2026

After taking home the award back in 2022, standing in the Top 3 again this year feels surreal.

Best Cebu Blogs Awards

What is the Best Cebu Blogs Awards?

Founded in December 2008 by Mark M. Monta, the Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA) is the pioneering and premier award-giving body that recognizes the talent and impact of Cebu-based bloggers, vloggers, and social media content creators. Organized by dedicated blogger volunteers—currently led by founder Mark Monta alongside committee members Geezelle Tapangan-Maningo and Cebu-based judge Ms. Nancy Cudis-Ucag—BCBA aims to celebrate finest local blogs that are truly at par with global standards.

Documenting Cebu's lively event scene has always been a core passion of mine. Whether covering festival highlights, grand venue launches, local community gatherings, or brand celebrations, my goal with Cebu Street Journal has always been simple: to bring you front-row stories of what makes our island thrive.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our BCBA 2026 Sponsors & Partners

This annual celebration of Cebuano digital storytelling would not be possible without the generous backing of our sponsors and partners who continuously empower the local blogging community.

A very special shoutout and thank you to our Venue Sponsor and Co-Presenter:

bai Hotel Cebu - baihotels.com
bai Hotel Cebu - baihotels.com

Co-Presenter & Venue Sponsor: bai Hotel Cebu – Thank you for hosting this year’s grand celebration at Cafe Corazon! We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone in such a premier venue.

We would also like to express our gratitude to all the incredible sponsors and partners supporting BCBA 2026:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Official Photographer & Multimedia Partner:

Blogger Partners & Media Partners:

Counting Down to Awards Night!

The journey comes together on November 23, 2026, at Cafe Corazon inside bai Hotel Cebu, Mandaue City, where the winners will be formally announced and celebrated.

To everyone who has supported Cebu Street Journal—by reading the articles, sharing posts, leaving comments, and casting your votes during the online polling period—daghang salamat kaayo! This milestone is dedicated to all of you.

Let’s celebrate Cebuano creativity together! 🥂

Official Hashtags: #BCBA2026 #TopCebuBloggersandCreators #CebuStreetJournal #baiHotelCebu

JEWELS OF THE SEA ILLUMINATE CHRISTMAS AT SM CITY ZAMBOANGA


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 25 October 2026 – The spirit of Christmas sparkled brighter than ever as SM City Zamboanga officially ushered in the holiday season with the grand unveiling and lighting of its breathtaking “Jewels of the Sea” Christmas centerpiece, highlighted by the mall's first-ever indoor giant Christmas tree standing 40 feet tall.


The festive celebration brought together local leaders, esteemed guests, shoppers, and families as they gathered to witness the magical illumination of the towering Christmas tree, inspired by the beauty of the seas surrounding Zamboanga City and the wonder of the Christmas season.


Leading the ceremonial lighting were Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Capt. Khymer Adan T. Olaso, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Mindanao 3 Lester Tantoco, and SM City Zamboanga Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, who joined hundreds of excited guests in officially welcoming the most wonderful time of the year.


At the heart of the display stands the majestic 40-foot Christmas tree, adorned with shimmering coral-inspired accents, opalescent shells, luminous pearls, sparkling crystals, and glowing sea treasures in enchanting shades of aquamarine, soft pink, deep purple, and rich gold. Together, these elements create an immersive underwater fantasy that transforms the mall atrium into a dazzling holiday destination.


Designed as an enchanting underwater palace, “Jewels of the Sea” pays tribute to Zamboanga City's deep connection to the ocean while celebrating the joy, wonder, and togetherness that define the Christmas season.


Lester Tantoco underscored the spirit of the season, saying, “Christmas is a celebration of joy, connection, and shared memories. Through our festive experiences, we hope to give families and friends more reasons to gather, celebrate, and create meaningful moments together at SM.”


The event also featured heartwarming holiday performances, festive entertainment, and the highly anticipated countdown to the tree lighting, culminating in a dazzling spectacle that filled the mall with excitement and Christmas cheer.


More than just a holiday display, the “Jewels of the Sea” centerpiece reflects SM City Zamboanga's commitment to celebrating local identity while creating extraordinary experiences for its shoppers.


As the holiday season unfolds, SM City Zamboanga invites everyone to visit the enchanting centerpiece, enjoy festive activities, and experience a Christmas celebration that is truly worth a gala to the max.


This Christmas, discover the sparkle beneath the waves, celebrate with loved ones, and create unforgettable memories at your most loved SM City Zamboanga, where the magic of the season comes alive.

Friday, October 23, 2026

SM City Mindpro Unveils Christmas Season with a Magical Carousel of Wonder and Festive Cheer


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 23 October 2026 – The spirit of Christmas came alive as SM City Mindpro officially welcomed the holiday season with the grand launch of its enchanting "Magical Carousel" Christmas centerpiece on the evening of October 23 at the Ground Level Activity Area.


Shoppers, families, community partners, and mallgoers gathered to witness the dazzling unveiling of the centerpiece, transforming the mall into a vibrant Christmas wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive décor, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and an elegant carousel-inspired display that captured the magic and wonder of the season.


The evening featured captivating performances from Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale, and the much-awaited ceremonial lighting that illuminated the centerpiece, drawing admiration from guests and creating a memorable start to the Christmas celebrations at your most loved SM City Mindpro.


Inspired by the joy, imagination, and timeless charm of a carousel ride, the centerpiece symbolizes the warmth of family, the excitement of shared experiences, and the enduring spirit of hope that makes Christmas truly special.


“Christmas is a season that brings people together and reminds us of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and meaningful connections,” said Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro. “Through our Magical Carousel Christmas centerpiece, we hope to create memorable moments for families and inspire joy among our shoppers and the community throughout the holiday season.”


Guests eagerly explored the festive attraction, taking photos with loved ones and creating cherished holiday memories amid the colorful lights and whimsical holiday displays.


Through its holiday offerings and community-centered initiatives, SM City Mindpro continues to be a place where families and friends come together to celebrate traditions, create lasting memories, and truly gala to the max this Christmas season.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Adulting in Your 30s: 3 Smart Money Moves for Cebuano Millennials

Adulting in Your 30s: 3 Smart Money Moves for Cebuano Millennials

Adulting in your 30s hits a bit differently here in Cebu. One moment you’re casually grabbing a coffee along IT Park or planning a quick weekend escape to Moalboal, and the next, you’re looking at your online banking app wondering where your salary disappeared to.

Between career milestones, monthly bills, family obligations, and the occasional "deserve ko 'to" food crawl around the metro, keeping your finances steady can feel like a secondary full-time job.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, building personal financial literacy is one of the most effective ways to secure your future. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. A few intentional habits can help you feel far more put-together.

Here are three practical money moves worth adding to your adulting checklist this year:

Adulting in Your 30s: 3 Smart Money Moves for Cebuano Millennials

1. Plan Your Payday Before It Spends Itself

Payday is always cause for celebration—until rent, utilities, household groceries, and subscription fees line up to claim their share.

Instead of watching your balance shrink reactively, practice setting intentional boundaries for your money as soon as it hits your account. A simple breakdown—allocating fixed percentages for essential expenses, personal wants, and savings—helps you enjoy your leisure time around Cebu without that lingering post-spend guilt.

2. Build a "Plot Twist" Fund

If there’s one thing adulting teaches us, it’s that unexpected expenses rarely give a heads-up. Whether it's sudden home repairs, medical emergencies, or urgent travel, having a dedicated emergency fund keeps life’s surprises from derailing your long-term plans.

If saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses feels overwhelming right now, start small. Think of it as keeping an umbrella in your bag even when the Cebu sky looks clear—you might not need it every day, but you’ll be glad it’s there when an unexpected downpour hits.

3. Explore New Ways to Grow Your Wealth

Once you have your basic budget and emergency savings intact, the next natural step in your 30s is looking into how your money can work harder for you.

While traditional options like high-yield savings accounts, time deposits, and mutual funds form a solid foundation, many young professionals are also looking into modern financial vehicles like cryptocurrency.

If you’ve been curious about crypto, the key is to start with education and small, manageable steps:

  • Learn the basics first: Understand how digital assets work, stay aware of market volatility, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
  • Keep it accessible: Platforms like GCrypto, available in the GCash app, allow eligible users to explore Bitcoin and other vetted cryptocurrencies directly in the app they already use daily.
  • Start low: You don't need massive capital to learn the ropes; platforms let you start exploring with entry amounts as low as ₱200.

The Takeaway

Financial confidence isn't about getting everything perfect on day one. It’s about building steady habits—budgeting intentionally, preparing for rain, and cautiously exploring new avenues for growth.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments involve risk and market fluctuations. Always conduct your own research, prioritize essential savings and emergency funds, and assess your financial situation before making investment decisions.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fire-Affected Families in Camino Nuevo receive aid from SM Foundation's Operation Tulong Express

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 20 October 2026 – In the wake of the fire incident that struck Camino Nuevo on October 16, SM Foundation, through SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga, immediately extended assistance to affected residents through its Operation Tulong Express program, bringing much-needed relief and hope to families recovering from the tragedy.


Employee-volunteers from both SM malls joined hands in the distribution of kalinga packs to 200 individuals affected by the fire, demonstrating SM's commitment to serving communities in times of need. Each kalinga pack contained essential food items to help ease the burden of displaced families as they begin rebuilding their lives.


The relief operation was carried out through the collective efforts of SM employee-volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to personally distribute the assistance, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and compassion that defines SM's social good initiatives.


“During difficult times, coming together as a community becomes more important than ever,” said Aileen Ann Enriquez, Mall Manager of SM City Zamboanga. “Through Operation Tulong Express, we hope to provide immediate relief and remind our fellow Zamboangueños that they are not alone in their journey toward recovery.”


The initiative reflects SM Foundation's continuing mission to uplift communities and respond swiftly to emergency situations, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Beyond providing basic necessities, the activity served as a message of solidarity and encouragement for families affected by the unfortunate incident.


For the employee-volunteers, the relief effort was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Their participation highlighted the culture of service and bayanihan that remains at the heart of SM's corporate social responsibility programs.


As affected families continue to recover from the incident, SM Foundation, SM City Mindpro, and SM City Zamboanga remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that bring comfort, care, and hope to vulnerable communities.


Through Operation Tulong Express, SM reaffirms its commitment to being a dependable partner in times of crisis, extending not only assistance but also compassion to communities when they need it most.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

How to Build an Emergency Fund in the Philippines Before Spending Your Holiday Bonus

Before You Spend Your Holiday Bonus, Start Your Emergency Fund.
Before You Spend Your Holiday Bonus, Start Your Emergency Fund.

As the holiday season approaches, many working professionals across the Philippines are eagerly looking forward to receiving their hard-earned 13th-month pay and year-end bonuses. While it is tempting to immediately spend this extra income on holiday travel, gadget upgrades, or sales shopping, financial experts advise taking a moment to prioritize your long-term financial security.

According to Earnest, Metrobank’s financial education program, building a dedicated emergency fund is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season. An emergency fund provides a crucial financial safety net for unexpected and urgent life events, ensuring you don't have to scramble or incur debt when challenges arise.

Here are five practical strategies from Metrobank to help you start and grow your emergency fund before doing your holiday shopping:

1. Allocate a Portion of Your Year-End Bonus

Between family gatherings, reunions, and exchanging gifts, holiday expenses can quickly accumulate. Before the festivities begin, set a clear budget for your celebrations and allocate a specific percentage of your 13th-month pay or holiday bonus straight into your emergency savings.

Even if you are not expecting extra year-end income, starting small with a realistic contribution from your regular salary is far better than waiting for the "perfect time" to begin.

2. Base Your Savings Target on Your Actual Expenses

Financial goals are personal, so focus strictly on your own monthly essentials—such as food, transportation, utility bills, rent, and household contributions. Once you calculate your average monthly expenses, set a practical first milestone.

According to financial guidelines:

  • Single individuals without dependents: Should aim for 6 to 12 months worth of average daily expenses.
  • Married individuals or those with dependents: Should aim for 12 to 24 months worth of average living expenses.

Remember, you do not need to hit your full financial target before Christmas. Building a safety net is a gradual process.

3. Separate Real Emergencies from Sales and Wants

A sudden medical situation or unexpected job loss constitutes a genuine emergency. On the other hand, flash sales, concert tickets, and festive outfits do not. Before drawing funds from your safety net, evaluate whether the expense is truly unexpected, urgent, and unavoidable.

Keep separate budgets for personal leisure and shopping so you can enjoy your wants without compromising your safety buffer.

4. Turn Saving into an Automatic Payday Routine

To avoid spending leftover cash at the end of the month, cultivate the habit of saving as soon as your salary arrives. Treat your emergency fund contribution like an essential bill payment every payday. Consistency in your saving routine will keep your momentum going long after the holiday season ends.

5. Keep Emergency Money in a Dedicated Savings Account

Storing all your money in a single everyday account makes it easy to accidentally spend your savings. Placing your funds in a separate, dedicated account gives those savings a clear purpose while keeping them accessible when real emergencies strike.

Solutions like Metrobank eSavings offer a convenient way to open and manage a separate savings account directly on your smartphone, helping protect your money from impulse-shopping ("budol") temptations.

Start Gifting Your Future Self Today

While enjoying holiday festivities with friends and family is important, setting aside a portion of your income for the future builds lasting financial peace of mind. To kickstart your emergency fund, you can open a Metrobank eSavings account in minutes using the Metrobank app and a valid government ID (available for new depositors).


About Metrobank: Metrobank is the country's second-largest private universal bank by assets, empowering retail and business clients with customized financial products and services. To learn more, visit metrobank.com.ph or follow their official social media channels.

Friday, October 16, 2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: AIA Philippines, Partners Bring Free Screenings to 100 Teachers

MANILA, Philippines — In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AIA Philippines and The Medical City (TMC), together with the ABS-CBN Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, recently mobilized the Hope Mobi Clinic to provide free breast cancer screenings to 100 public school teachers.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: AIA Philippines, Partners Bring Free Screenings to 100 Teachers

The initiative highlights the urgent need for early detection in a country where access to preventive healthcare remains a persistent challenge for many women. Beyond conducting active screenings, the partners signed a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their shared commitment to expanding community-based breast healthcare.


Addressing a Pressing Health Crisis in the Philippines

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Filipino women. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory estimated over 28,000 new cases in the country in 2024 alone—accounting for 32% of all new cancer diagnoses among Filipino women—alongside an estimated 11,160 deaths.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: AIA Philippines, Partners Bring Free Screenings to 100 Teachers

Because early-stage breast cancer often develops without visible symptoms, regular screening is crucial. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that limited access to early detection leads to delayed diagnoses, making medical treatment significantly more complex and costly.

"Teachers dedicate themselves to caring for others, inspiring potential, shaping character, and helping build the future through every life they touch. We want to help educators take care of their own health by making preventive breast cancer screening more accessible," said Melita Teo, President and CEO of AIA Philippines.

Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare

The Hope Mobi Clinic directly tackles common obstacles to preventive health services, such as high costs, long travel times, and inadequate local medical infrastructure.

Along with mobile mammography and clinical breast evaluations, the 100 participating educators received:

  • Comprehensive baseline tests: Free blood typing, blood pressure monitoring, and blood sugar checks provided by TMC.
  • Essential support: Grocery packages distributed by the local government unit (LGU).
  • Patient education: Guidance on self-examination routines and clear referral pathways for follow-up care.
"Early detection can change a patient’s health journey," emphasized Dr. Carlo Angelo Cajucom, Director of the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute at The Medical City. "Through Hope Mobi Clinic, we bring screening closer to communities so more women can take an important step toward protecting their health."

Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable Impact

Active since 2023, the partnership between AIA Philippines and TMC demonstrates the strength of multi-sector alliances in driving preventive care to underserved populations.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: AIA Philippines, Partners Bring Free Screenings to 100 Teachers

Representatives from civic and educational bodies echoed the sentiment:

  • Levi Grace Ambon-Rota, Head of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata program, noted: "Empowering communities begins with caring for the people who help shape them every day. Working alongside our partners allows us to further invest in community well-being."
  • Merlita Ynciong, Senior Education Program Specialist at DepEd Division of San Jose del Monte, added: "Through health education and preventive care initiatives like this, we help empower educators to take charge of their health so they can continue inspiring and nurturing students who contribute to the nation’s future."

The effort aligns with AIA’s broader "Rethink Healthy" movement, encouraging Filipinos to take proactive control over physical health, mental well-being, financial security, and personal purpose.

Notes:

(1) Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(2) Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Davao Excellence Meets Zamboanga: Discover Your Future with NU Davao at SM City Mindpro


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 15 October 2026 – Students and aspiring professionals in Zamboanga now have the opportunity to take a step closer to their academic goals as National University (NU) Davao brings its admissions and academic showcase to SM City Mindpro.


Located at Level 2 of SM City Mindpro, the NU Davao booth serves as a gateway for future students to explore quality education opportunities, connect with admissions representatives, and learn more about the university's diverse academic programs.


As one of the country's growing educational institutions, NU Davao offers programs designed to prepare students for the demands of today's evolving industries. Visitors can discover offerings in Engineering, Architecture, Accountancy, Management Accounting, Psychology, Tourism Management, Medical Technology, and Computer Science, including specialized tracks in Machine Learning and Digital Forensics. The university also offers a strengthened Senior High School program tailored to various career pathways.


The booth provides students and parents with a convenient venue to ask questions about admissions, scholarships, academic programs, and campus life. Whether planning for Senior High School or college, visitors can gain valuable insights into how NU Davao can help them achieve their educational and career aspirations.

With its commitment to delivering Education That Works, NU Davao continues to empower students with industry-relevant learning experiences, helping them become future-ready professionals and leaders.

Students, parents, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit the NU Davao booth at Level 2, SM City Mindpro and discover why their next big opportunity may begin here.

For inquiries, contact 0927 885 8600 or email admissions@nu-davao.edu.ph. 

Your future starts here. Visit NU Davao booth today and take the first step toward becoming who you aspire to be.

MediCard and The Medical City Partner for Connected Healthcare in the Philippines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, October 2026 - In a significant move to strengthen the Philippine healthcare landscape, MediCard Philippines, an AIA company and one of the nation’s leading health maintenance organizations (HMO), has partnered with The Medical City (TMC), one of the country's premier healthcare institutions. The collaboration reaffirms their shared commitment to delivering more connected, responsive, and accessible healthcare solutions to Filipinos nationwide.

MediCard and The Medical City Partner for Connected Healthcare in the Philippines

Executive Leadership Present at the Ceremonial Signing

  • MediCard Philippines: Dr. Cristina S. Cuevas (Medical Operations Head), Emerson S. Conducto (Provider Management Head), Maria Flerida I. Riyos (Provider Management Operations Manager), Maria Dezza B. Frondoso (Provider Management Officer), and Rhea D. Negrete (Provider Data Manager).
  • The Medical City: Dr. Ruben G. Kasala (TMC Ortigas EVP & CEO), Dr. Felix Ray P. Villa (TMC Iloilo CEO), Dr. Juan Antonio Maximiano R. Escano (TMC Pangasinan CEO), Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed (TMC Clinics CEO), Earline D. Borlongan (TMC Clark Hospital Director), Dr. Christian G. Delos Reyes (TMC Group Chief Officer for Strategic Partnerships), Racquel R. Cagurangan (TMC Group Chief Officer for Strategic Accounts), Rhea Manalili (TMC Strategic Accounts Group OIC), and Mathew Salas (TMC Medical Referral Program Head).

Strengthening the Healthcare Ecosystem Through Innovation

By combining MediCard’s suite of health maintenance services with The Medical City’s expansive network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers, the strategic partnership aims to streamline patient care and elevate healthcare experiences for members across the Philippines.

As part of its ongoing mission to enhance healthcare access, MediCard continues to roll out technology-driven and preventive health solutions designed to empower members proactively:

  • The MedGo App: An innovative mobile platform that simplifies how members access healthcare services and manage their medical needs seamlessly.
  • Mental Health Wellbeing Support: A comprehensive platform integrated directly into the MedGo app, enabling users to proactively monitor, manage, and prioritize their mental health.
  • Livewell Program: MediCard's flagship wellness program promoting sustainable, healthy lifestyles through health education, early screening initiatives, and targeted preventive interventions.

A Shared Vision for Filipino Health and Wellness

Strategic alliances between leading HMOs and top-tier hospital systems remain vital to expanding modern healthcare coverage across the country. Through this alliance, MediCard and The Medical City reaffirm their shared vision of building an integrated healthcare ecosystem—empowering more Filipinos to live Healthier, Longer, and Better Lives.