More Than Miles: Why Running Crews Are Becoming the New Social Circles for Young Filipinos

“See you tonight” is taking on a whole new meaning for young Filipinos. The meeting spot is now a starting line, the evening plan is a few kilometers together, and catching up happens stride for stride along the city route.

For many Gen Zs and Millennials, running is no longer just about tracking personal bests or sweating off a stressful workday—it is officially becoming the new social circle. Across urban centers, running crews are popping up as vibrant communities where shared miles, post-run conversations, and genuine connection matter just as much as crossing the finish line.

Recognizing this powerful cultural shift, HOKA is exploring how run clubs are evolving into modern spaces for wellness, friendship, and unwinding after dark.

When Running Becomes Part of the Nightlife

Where traditional happy hours and indoor hangouts used to dominate after-work schedules, many are now opting to lace up their running shoes instead. A night run gives people something active and refreshing to look forward to:

• A Pace for Everyone: Whether someone is chasing a faster kilometer or simply glad to move after a desk-bound day, both find a welcoming place in the group.
• Built-in Motivation: Showing up becomes natural when you know familiar faces will be right there running alongside you.
• The Post-Run Cool Down: The experience doesn't end at the finish line. Crews linger afterward to trade stories, cool down, and plan the next meetup.

HOKA Midnight Run: Celebrating Movement and Community

Bringing this social side of running to life, the HOKA Midnight Run transforms an evening race into a shared city experience. Moving away from early-morning start lines, the event carries the energy of a night out, complete with music, vibrant nightscapes, and the collective spirit of fellow runners pushing toward the finish line together.

"Movement can help people feel connected and balanced in their daily lives, whatever their pace or goal." — HOKA's Fly Everyday Philosophy

For HOKA, the race is just one part of a larger running culture shaped by everyday connections, recovery routines, and the friendships that keep people showing up week after week.

Keep Moving Through the Night: Nationwide Legs

The HOKA Midnight Run continues its tour across key regional hubs, inviting local runners and crews to experience their city after dark in Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark. Whether you are aiming for a personal goal, introducing a friend to their first race, or searching for a new running crew, each leg offers a chance to take part in the movement.

📍 Find HOKA Store Locations & Gear

To learn more about the HOKA Midnight Run and test-drive race day gear, visit HOKA.com or visit official concept stores:

• Metro Manila: Ayala Manila Bay, SM Aura, One Ayala, Greenhills, Trinoma
• Regional Stores: Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Iloilo, Ayala Malls Abreeza Davao

Shop, Save, and Win at SM City Mindpro's Hermosa Sale

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 08 October 2026 – Get ready for a week of unbeatable deals, exciting rewards, and festive shopping fun as SM City Mindpro's Hermosa Sale takes over from October 10 to 16, 2026.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off on great selections from participating stores, making it the perfect time to score must-have fashion finds, home essentials, gadgets, and more at incredible prices.

But the savings don't stop there. For every ₱1,000 worth of purchases, shoppers will earn one e-raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes, including an HONOR 600 Smartphone, UGREEN Powerbank, and SM Gift Pass.

The more you shop, the more chances you have to bring home fantastic rewards.

As Zamboanga celebrates the Hermosa Festival season, your most loved SM City Mindpro invites families, friends, and bargain hunters to make the most of this week-long shopping extravaganza filled with discounts, prizes, and exciting surprises.

Visit SM City Mindpro and gala to the max from October 10 to 16 and turn your Hermosa shopping haul into a rewarding experience. Shop your favorites, save big, and get a chance to win!

For updates, visit and follow SM City Mindpro on all social media platforms. 

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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. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Big Deals, Bigger Celebrations at SM City Zamboanga’s Hermosa Sale

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 07 October 2026 – Get ready to elevate your Hermosa Festival shopping experience as SM City Zamboanga brings exciting deals and unbeatable discounts during the Hermosa Sale, happening October 10 to 16.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off on great selections from participating stores mall-wide, making it the perfect time to score fashion finds, lifestyle essentials, gadgets, home items, and more at amazing prices. 

Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, hunting for gifts, or simply looking for the best bargains in town, SM City Zamboanga's Hermosa Sale offers a week-long shopping celebration packed with value and savings for every shopper. 

As the city gears up for the festive Hermosa season, SM City Zamboanga invites everyone to gala to the max and make the most of the celebration with exciting deals, great finds, and a fun-filled shopping experience for family and friends. 

Don't miss the Hermosa Sale from October 10 to 16 at your most loved SM City Zamboanga and enjoy discounts of up to 70% off on great selections. Shop, save, and celebrate Hermosa Fest the SM way! 

For updates, visit and follow SM City Zamboanga on all social media platforms.

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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. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

InLife Benefits Partners with The Medical City for Pioneering Corporate Chronic Disease Management

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — InLife Benefits and The Medical City have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch an insurer-led Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) for corporate accounts and their employees. The pioneering initiative marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the Philippine healthcare and insurance industry.

The strategic partnership combines InLife Benefits’ extensive corporate network and employee benefits expertise with The Medical City’s clinical infrastructure in chronic, preventive, and specialized care.

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Transforming Corporate Healthcare in the Philippines

Under the agreement, InLife Benefits acts as the insurer partner—identifying corporate accounts and facilitating member engagement. The Medical City serves as the clinical partner—delivering medical expertise, dedicated care teams, clinical facilities, and patient care pathways to screen, manage, and monitor employees with chronic conditions or risk factors.

The program addresses a growing health challenge across the nation, where non-communicable and lifestyle-related diseases continue to strain Filipino families, employers, and healthcare infrastructure.

“About 1 in 3 Filipino adults has hypertension or roughly 16.8 million people, yet only around 1 in 5 has it under control. Almost 4 in 10 Filipino adults are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions. The role of the insurer should not begin when somebody gets sick and end when we pay the claim. We need to help our members stay healthy, identify risks earlier, and help those who already have chronic diseases manage them better.”

— Maria Noemi G. Azura, President and CEO, InLife Benefits

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Moving from Curative Care to Early Prevention

Traditional corporate health coverage often operates on a curative model—initiating intervention only after a medical condition advances or leads to emergency hospitalization. The Chronic Disease Management Program shifts this model toward proactive, continuous care.

Through systematic health risk assessments and risk stratification, corporate employees will be routed into customized care pathways based on their individual health profiles:

• Early Screening: Identifying non-communicable disease risk factors before symptoms manifest.
• Regular Disease Management: Providing ongoing care for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
• Continuity of Care: Connecting patients seamlessly across clinics, outpatient facilities, and hospitals.
• Lifestyle & Medication Guidance: Empowering members with long-term monitoring and preventive habits.

“Through CDMP, we want to champion screening and prevention of Chronic Diseases by providing benefits to our employees and to our members even before catastrophic claims are necessary,” stated Dr. Isabel Umali, Deputy Medical Director of InLife Benefits.

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Clinical Leadership and Sustainable Care

The Medical City will oversee the clinical execution of the program across its extensive hospital and clinic network, emphasizing long-term health outcomes over reactive treatments.

“We are going to continue to focus on preventive healthcare and lifestyle management. Even if patients are not feeling anything at the moment, it is important to monitor the disease, take the medication, and focus on lifestyle management. Once complications set in, it impacts the quality of life and the lifespan of the patient.”

— Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, Executive Vice President and CEO, The Medical City Ortigas

Dr. Mariann Almajar, Chief Medical Officer at The Medical City, emphasized the integrated care approach: “We want to make sure that we screen them early, manage them, so that we delay complications related to these diseases. As a network, we’ll be able to take care of the patients from the clinic to the hospital.”

Additionally, Racquel R. Cagurangan, Group Chief of Strategic Accounts and Patient Experience at The Medical City, noted that tracking long-term patient outcome data through the CDMP will help strengthen preventive care delivery and lay the foundation for a more predictive healthcare approach in the Philippines.

AIA Philippines Wins Bronze at Global Influencer Marketing Awards for Sparking National Conversation on Healthy Living

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — AIA Philippines (formerly Philam Life) has earned Bronze for Best Use of User-Generated Content (UGC) at the 2026 Global Influencer Marketing Awards held last month in London. Honored for its campaign “AIA 100 Voices: Redefining What Healthy Means for Filipinos,” AIA Philippines stood out as the sole winner from the Philippines at this year’s international awards ceremony.

AIA Philippines was also the only insurance brand recognized in its category. Now in its eighth year, the Global Influencer Marketing Awards celebrate exceptional campaigns, creators, and agency partnerships across the globe.

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Moving Beyond Polished Ideals

Developed by AIA Group and driven by AIA Philippines, in partnership with Ogilvy Philippines, the AIA Voices movement set out to dismantle conventional, highly stylized portrayals of wellness. Instead of traditional top-down branding, the effort established a participation-led ecosystem where creators, AIA employees, and everyday individuals could share raw, real-life perspectives on well-being.

The initiative formed a core pillar of AIA Group’s regional Rethink Healthy movement, aimed at expanding wellness definitions across four distinct dimensions:

According to the AIA Philippines Rethink Healthy Study, local respondents view health through a multifaceted lens:

• Physical Health: 52%
• Mental Health: 30%
• Financial Health: 12%
• Environmental Health: 7%

Despite these nuanced priorities, mainstream health content often promoted narrow, aspirational ideals that felt unattainable or financially out of reach for many everyday Filipinos.

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Authentic Stories from Real Communities

AIA Philippines reversed the standard campaign model by posing a simple prompt to creators: “What does healthy mean to you?”

Rather than following rigid scripts, participants highlighted personal, everyday realities:

• Cancer Recovery: A triathlete shared her personal healing process.
• Affordable Nutrition: A professional chef demonstrated accessible, budget-friendly meal preparation.
• Climate Anxiety: An environmental advocate explored ecological concerns as a mental health topic.
• Self-Care & Boundaries: An AIA Life Planner reframed saying “no” as a vital aspect of emotional well-being.

The initiative gained further momentum through long-time brand ambassadors Kathryn Bernardo, Nico Bolzico, and Solenn Heussaff. Popular P-pop group SB19 also joined as new brand ambassadors, sharing their personal stories to encourage wider youth participation.

“We wanted AIA Voices to feel less like a campaign telling people what healthy should be, and more like a conversation about how Filipinos actually live and take care of their health. We’re very proud to see that work recognized on a global stage, proving that the most powerful stories are the ones people choose to tell themselves.”

— Katherine Wong, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, AIA Philippines

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Campaign Reach and Performance

Performance Metric	Result
Creators Engaged (2025)	~120 creators
Content Pieces Produced	170+ stories
Total Reach	62M+ people
Total Impressions	100M+
Engagements	4M+
Brand Awareness Lift	+5 points
Consideration Lift	+6 points
Preference Lift	+3 points

By fostering real-world conversations across physical, mental, financial, and environmental wellness, AIA Philippines continues its overarching mission: helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

SM Supermalls transforms its malls into entertainment and community spaces

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls is more than just a mall for retail and dining. As customers look for places to create new memories, SM Supermalls continues to transform into an all-day destination where they can do more—discover hobbies, catch the latest blockbusters, stay active, bond with their fur-babies, and forge new connections with a welcoming community. Today, SM Supermalls is evolving beyond the traditional mall experience, bringing together entertainment, leisure, wellness, and community in one vibrant and inclusive space. 

A grander cinematic journey at SM Cinemas

SM Supermalls continues to bring the latest Hollywood blockbusters and local film gems to its customers, allowing them to immerse themselves in a shared entertainment experience. SM Cinema has introduced several innovations and enhancements, from advanced screening technologies and more comfortable recliners to improved amenities, to make the cinematic adventure more memorable.

SM Nuvali, the mall operator’s 91st mall slated to open in November, will feature the country's first LED cinema. Eager moviegoers can look forward to a more captivating cinematic journey through LED screens that offer greater clarity and color accuracy, plus a richer movie-going experience with the community.

Across SM Supermalls properties, premium reinventions further enhance the cinematic experience. SM City Cebu’s upcoming Cinema Hall upgrade will soon set the atmosphere for elevated moviegoing. These include SCREENX at SM Mall of Asia, where synchronized side-wall projections extend the action across three walls, and Directors Club, which pairs plush leather recliners with Dolby Atmos sound and sharp laser projection.

SCREENX at SM Mall of Asia introduces a revolutionary approach to moviegoing through synchronized side-wall projections.

Moreover, Event Screens at select branches offer flexible spaces for private screenings and watch parties.

Adding to this experience is a new premium Snacktime concept, with new snack and beverage choices to help audiences enjoy a complete movie experience from start to end. Whatever type of movie experience audiences seek, they can find it at SM Cinemas. 

SM City Cebu’s upcoming Cinema Hall upgrade will soon set the atmosphere for elevated moviegoing.

The ultimate foodie hub

SM Nuvali will feature an SM Food Hall that combines a curated mix of local and international food choices, set against a backdrop of Instagram-worthy interiors.

Upgrades across SM Cinemas have been complemented by fresh dining concepts featuring new food items, viral bites, and communal events for all the foodies out there. Food doesn't just satisfy hunger and cravings; it can also bring people together. With that in mind, SM Supermalls continues to serve up more ways for foodies to connect, discover new flavors, and enjoy memorable moments together.

In addition to the beloved and familiar food and retail tenants, SM Nuvali will feature an SM Food Hall that combines a curated mix of local and international food choices, set against a backdrop of Instagram-worthy interiors. SM Food Hall’s modern and vibrant atmosphere is designed to bring people together to feast, share stories, and celebrate life. 

SM Supermalls will also bring SM Game Park to SM Nuvali, where Southies can gather for games, sports, and of course, food. In addition to bowling lanes, archery zones, and darts, SM Game Park at SM Nuvali will feature dedicated spaces where friends and families can just sit, eat, laugh, share stories, and have an awesome time. 

Across your most-loved SM Supermalls, new dining districts let mallgoers explore more flavors and culinary experiences. The SM Foodcourt and the Skygarden feature popular and new restaurants and cafes to fill your hearts and tummies. SM Supermalls remains the place to be for delicious eats, refreshing drinks, and new favorites. 

Get active at your most-loved SM Supermalls

More and more Filipinos are embracing an active lifestyle, and SM Supermalls has met their needs by offering more sports events and destinations for everyone. It continues to pioneer the pickleball mania in the Philippines with courts that can host enthusiasts and seasoned players alike.

Beyond pickleball, SM Supermalls continues to expand and introduce more SM Game Parks across its properties, giving more customers a chance to play bowling, archery, darts, mini-basketball, and more. Additionally, the SM Active Hub, its nationwide sports and fitness program, continues to offer free play, classes, tournaments, and other activities to give people more opportunities to get fit. SM Skating nurtures future champions through new skating rinks, learning and training sessions for Filipinos from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.

Dedicated spaces for communities SM Supermalls has carved out more dedicated spaces, such as event lawns and indoor areas, for communities to gather for different events. Whether it’s a seasonal event or a local community activity, these locations are flexible venues where communities can create and celebrate new experiences together. The refreshed SM By the Bay and SM Sky Pampanga feature bigger and better rides for kids and kids at heart to enjoy. With more exciting attractions and play areas, families can spend more quality time filled with fun, laughter, and warmth. For our fur babies SM Supermalls has never forgotten our dear fur babies who bring us joy and laughter. Through Paw Parks across its properties, SM Supermalls ensures our furry friends have spaces to play and explore. SM continues to create inclusive destinations where every family member feels welcome.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena Creates New Reasons to Visit, Stay, & Experience Cebu

Concertgoers make their way to the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, Cebu’s newest destination for major entertainment and sporting events. 

CEBU, Philippines, 2nd October 2026 - Cebu is becoming a destination with always another reason to stay a little longer. From major concerts and sporting events to shopping, dining, leisure, and new experiences, visitors can now max out their Cebu experience by turning a trip to a show or tournament into a full day—or even a weekend—of discovering what the Queen City of the South has to offer. For SM Supermalls, this growing mix of experiences at SM Seaside City Cebu and across the complex adds another dimension to Cebu’s tourism story, giving both locals and visitors more reasons to come, stay, and explore.

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena has welcomed major acts including TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, and Yeng Constantino recently, giving music fans more reasons to visit and experience Cebu. 

The arrival of major concerts at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena has already helped bring this idea to life. The venue welcomed BINI for its sold-out Signals World Tour, followed by IV of Spades’ Andalucia Tour. The entertainment lineup continued with TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan’s “In Between” concert, Hillsong Worship’s Asia Tour, and Yeng Constantino’s Biyaheng Bente 20th Anniversary Concert. Together, these events have brought different audiences to Cebu, creating more opportunities for music fans from neighboring provinces and other parts of the country to make a trip out of their concert experience. 

Disney On Ice’s “Let’s Dance!” was officially unveiled during its media launch at SM Seaside City Cebu. 

The calendar now extends beyond music, with basketball and volleyball tournaments bringing another audience to Cebu. The East Asia Super League (EASL) will open its 2026–27 season with a double-header at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on October 3.  These events add sports tourism to the destination mix, giving fans another reason to travel to Cebu while creating opportunities to combine games with shopping, dining, sightseeing, and overnight stays. Other much-anticipated events expected to draw visitors from other regions to Cebu are Disney On Ice, the highly anticipated LANY concert this November, and the upcoming SexBomb concert in December. 

For SM Supermalls, these events also complement the unique mix of experiences at SM Seaside City Cebu, which offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure activities that visitors can enjoy before or after a game or show. Together, these experiences add to the range of things visitors can see, do, and enjoy while in Cebu. 

The wider Seaside complex is also expanding its sports and wellness offerings with the AIA Stadium, which serves as a venue for football and community sports activities. Together, these experiences help create a destination where entertainment, sports, retail, dining, leisure, and hospitality come together.

As Cebu continues to attract major entertainment and sporting events, the benefits can extend beyond event venues and into the wider tourism ecosystem. Visitors create activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, and other local businesses, while also generating employment opportunities for Cebuanos and supporting jobs across the tourism and service sectors. At the same time, local audiences gain access to experiences that previously required travel to other cities.

For SM Supermalls, being part of Cebu’s continuing growth means creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and experience more of the city. At your most-loved SM Seaside City Cebu, visitors can enjoy a diverse mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, and community experiences, while also exploring the attractions and destinations around the South Road Properties area. By contributing to a vibrant environment where locals and visitors can spend time, discover new experiences, and connect with the community, your most loved mall SM plays its part in Cebu’s evolving tourism, lifestyle, business, and entertainment landscape.

Disney On Ice Presents 'Let’s Dance!' Live at SM Seaside Cebu Arena

[CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES – OCTOBER 1] —Embrace the warmth of the holidays as Goofy and Donald invite you to a magical holiday celebration when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! comes to the SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu City from November 28 to December 6.

Groove into the holiday season with Mickey and pals.

This marks the first time Disney On Ice will perform outside Metro Manila, expanding the beloved holiday tradition to communities across the country. Through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs, the show has since become a magical spectacle for the holidays.

This year, Disney On Ice is embracing that holiday tradition with a very special surprise!

Goofy and Donald bring a Philippine-exclusive sing-along this holiday season.

Each family will experience a one-of-a-kind Disney On Ice experience with an unforgettable Holiday Sing-Along featuring Goofy and Donald. Best of all, this experience is included with all show tickets. Create lasting memories during this festive adventure!

Ride the waves together with Prince Eric and Ariel.

Fans of the show can also expect a lot in this all-new production with Mickey and friends spinning the DJ booth, transforming Disney hits into vibrant, magical moments. The show will also feature our favorite Disney characters as they dream along with Asha and Valentino, laugh out loud with Timon and Pumbaa, and feel the ocean vibes with Ariel and her crew.

Watch as the majestic story of Frozen 2 featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf come to life.

Audiences will also enjoy singing in harmony with Elsa and Anna, swaying to the rhythm of the waves with Moana, and watching the fun take off when Stitch grabs the spotlight for the very first time! 

While tickets to the spectacular show are running out fast, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! is opening a new time slot at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena following the demand for this year’s show on December 4, 3PM.

WHERE: SM SEASIDE CEBU ARENA

SHOW SCHEDULE:

Date	Day	Showtimes	Total Shows
November 28	Saturday	3:00 PM | 7:00 PM	2
November 29	Sunday	11:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM	3
November 30	Monday	3:00 PM	1
December 1–2	Tuesday – Wednesday	No Shows Scheduled	—
December 3	Thursday	7:00 PM	1
December 4	Friday	3:00 PM (Newly Added) | 7:00 PM	2
December 5	Saturday	11:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM	3
December 6	Sunday	3:00 PM | 7:00 PM	2

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.ph

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience.  

 

Tickets are now available to the general public. Get your tickets now via www.ticketmaster.ph. 

To purchase tickets online, simply log in to www.ticketmaster.ph and create an account. If you are already a registered member, proceed to the Disney On Ice event page and select Cebu or Manila to view available seats and choose from the full range of ticket prices. 

 

Reimagine what’s possible as the greatest Disney stories come to life on ice! 

 

Metrobank proudly joins Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance! as its official bank partner, reinforcing its commitment to bringing cardholders closer to world-class entertainment and unforgettable family experiences. 

 

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.  Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce   

SM Seaside Cebu Arena

Your preferred venue for world-class shows and sporting events is now in Cebu. SM Seaside Cebu Arena brings to the Visayas and Mindanao the same best-in-class facilities, seamless service, and game-changing experiences that elevate live entertainment.

For more information, visit www.sm-arena.com or follow @SMCebuArena on social media.

SM-ARENA.COM | #DisneyOnIce #SMCebuArena #ChangingTheGameElevatingEntertainment 

AIA Philippines, The Medical City, ABS-CBN Foundation, and DepEd Bring Breast Cancer Screening to Bulacan Teachers

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In celebration of National Teacher’s Month, AIA Philippines (formerly Philam Life) and The Medical City (TMC), alongside the ABS-CBN Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of San Jose del Monte, launched this year’s Hope Mobi Clinic program to deliver free breast cancer screening to 100 public school teachers in Bulacan.

The outreach brought critical health services directly to women educators in San Jose del Monte. The initiative was further formalized through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the organizations, reinforcing a shared, long-term commitment to expanding access to community-based breast healthcare.

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Addressing Barriers to Preventive Care

Through the Hope Mobi Clinic’s mobile medical setup, participating teachers received comprehensive breast cancer screenings without the typical logistical hurdles, such as high costs, lengthy travel times, or limited access to local facilities.

The program comes at a critical time for women’s health in the country. Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among Filipino women:

• 28,000+ New Cases: Estimated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for the Philippines, representing 32% of all female cancer diagnoses.
• 11,160 Annual Deaths: Highlighted in global health reports due to late-stage detection.
• Asymptomatic Early Stages: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection is vital because breast cancer often shows no obvious physical symptoms early on.

“Teachers dedicate themselves to caring for others, inspiring potential, shaping character, and helping build the future through every life they touch. This Teacher’s Month, we want to help educators take care of their own health by making preventive breast cancer screening more accessible and encouraging them to take action early with confidence and courage.”

— Melita Teo, President and CEO, AIA Philippines

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Cross-Sector Collaboration for Community Wellness

The Hope Mobi Clinic initiative reflects AIA Philippines’ broader Rethink Healthy movement, which champions preventive health alongside mental, financial, and environmental well-being.

In addition to breast cancer screenings, participating educators received:

• Free blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and blood typing provided by The Medical City.
• Grocery supply packages distributed by the local government unit (LGU).
• Guidance on self-examination routines and clear follow-up pathways for further medical care.

“Early detection can change a patient’s health journey. Through Hope Mobi Clinic, we bring screening closer to communities so more women can take an important step toward protecting their health.”

— Dr. Carlo Angelo Cajucom, Director of Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute, The Medical City

Levi Grace Ambon-Rota, Head of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata program, added: “Working alongside AIA Philippines and our partners allows us to further invest in community well-being, ensuring that more women educators receive the health support they need to continue making a difference in the lives of others.”

DepEd Senior Education Program Specialist Merlita Ynciong expressed gratitude on behalf of the division, emphasizing that health education empowers teachers to continue inspiring students and contributing to national growth.

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Operating since 2023, the Hope Mobi Clinic partnership between AIA Philippines and The Medical City continues to demonstrate how public-private sector cooperation can bridge health equity gaps for Filipino women.