Product Showcase
Ciaz in focus
A closer look at Suzuki Ciaz.

To be blunt, the first time I “encountered” Suzuki Ciaz was through an ad – there, the model unit was tan-colored (apparently they refer to this shade as “Prime Dignity Brown”) that, at any other time, may look okay, but didn’t do it for me because the shade reminded me of (sorry to say this) poop. So it was with abated breath that I waited for the unit to drive test to arrive (at my tita’s place in BF Resort Village in Las Piñas). A white unit (they call the shade “Pearl Snow White”) arrived, and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t look “wedding-y”; it was actually a pretty car (it isn’t drop-dead gorgeous, yes; but it’s not ugly at all).
And so I was exposed to Suzuki Philippines’ entry in the sub-compact sedan segment, the Ciaz.
Ciaz – said to be an acronym for “Comfort-Intelligence-Attitude-Zeal”, and which actually replaces Suzuki’s SX4 sedan – is, to my surprise, a nice looking car, with no out-of-place parts.
On the outside, the car is elegant – e.g. there are no lines out of place/un-sexy edges (making it look even sleek/sporty), unnecessarily large grills (as if calling for attention), unsightly headlights (as if they’re too big for the model; this one has projector-type headlamps), et cetera. Particularly when considered front-facing (complete with the signature Suzuki “S” logo in front), Ciaz looks like an executive sedan.
Inside, the Ciaz continues to be not bad. Some features worth highlighting:
- Start with the all-black interior. Some may find this boring, but you know, black=class, at least most of the time. An issue for me here, though, is how easy it is to leave marks on… just about everything. I placed Baliwag chicken (inside a plastic bag inside a supot/paper bag) beside me, and upon removal, the mark left didn’t come off easily (no stains; but removing the mark was tedious).
- The gear stick is “supported” by the dashboard – i.e. you can see what gear you’re on right on the dashboard, as opposed to other cars that: A) relies on you “knowing” your car enough to trust your shifting; or B) somewhat forces you to look at the light that appears beside the gear. The somewhat tricky part here is when you’re turning (and may have to change gears), and the dashboard is covered by the steering wheel.
- The enhanced leg, head and shoulder room for all occupants (and I mean all). Ciaz claims to be the longest car in its class, measuring 4,490 mm (length), 1,730 mm (width) x 1,475 mm (height), with the car getting an extended wheelbase of 2,650 mm. Particularly when you check the back seats, the space is impressive – it ought to seat three, but four (admittedly slimmer) friends didn’t find the back tight at all. There are minute details worth mentioning – e.g. rear headrests don’t adjust – though these become trivial/appear like we’re nitpicking, considering that the back also has an armrest (as needed).
- A keyless push start system – i.e. “Look, ma, no keys!”.
- An Android OS-based multimedia system with mirror-link capability and GPS navigation (As a friend said, “It’s like having a tablet there.”). It’s not iPad-fast (or since it’s Android, Samsung-like); but considering that other at-par cars aren’t even touchscreen equipped, can’t complain on this one.
- The trunk space isn’t bad – e.g. I carried three sacks of gravel (over 15 kilos per bag) alright; and another time, a bicycle (with the wheels removed) fitted inside nicely (plus some bags). Forget trunk space flexibility, nonetheless, since the rear seats don’t fold in any way.
- Equipped with dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD (on all variants).
- It even has a heater – sorta (initially) out of place in a tropical country, though coming in handy when heading to places like Tagaytay or Baguio City.
Ciaz is powered by Suzuki’s K14B 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and come with VVT (variable valve timing; with the VVT emblazoned at the side of the car) to generate up to 92 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Obviously depending on the variant, the engine can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
But for me, more than the nimble performance, Ciaz also fares well because it offers a quiet(er) and smooth(er) ride. If you’re heading to Las Piñas coming from Pasay/Baclaran via Coastal, and turn right at BF Resort Drive at Casimiro/Alabang-Zapote, you’d encounter oh-so-many humps (not to mention potholes). Braving these (humps and potholes) didn’t bother me (and my passengers) at all. Turns aren’t problematic either (stable and quite sharp).
It’s this quietness that I also remember even in longer drives (e.g. Tagaytay) – though as my cousin (who also tried the unit) said, “this calm is tricky” as it “could cocoon you into a false sense of being secured”. More than once, I got a sense that Ciaz is a lightweight car (curb weight is 1,010-1,040 kilograms) because I could “feel” big (e.g. trucks) or speeding (e.g. jeepneys driven by barumbado drivers) vehicles “pushing” me, so that I had to cut speed (then at 80kph). And you know that oft-repeated stories about smaller cars, that when you reach a certain speed, your control over it lessens faster, too? I had some moments like those in Ciaz, too…
Fuel use isn’t fixed. In ideal (and I’d say often city driving) conditions, just as when I received the unit, the dashboard boasted that consumption is at 8.8L/100 km. Driving around the city (e.g. from Las Piñas to Quezon City), this went to 8.1L/100 km. And on the way to Tagaytay, this went up to 9.1L/100 km. I’d say more than acceptable…
To sum up, this isn’t gonna be on everyone’s must-have car (particularly with cars fast mimicking tech goods, with newer units released before you can say “HELLO!”). There’s bound to be a model (or two, or three – depending on needs and budgets) that one would want to get hold of. But having said this, Ciaz is not at all a bad car particularly in its category. Sleek (even sexy), not-a-bad performer, no voracious gas guzzling, et cetera, it’s not surprising for Ciaz to be noticed. And so, yes, I do see you Ciaz…
The Suzuki Ciaz is available in five colors (Pearl Snow White, Metallic Star Silver, Metallic Mineral Grey, Pearl Super Black, and Prime Dignity Brown), and sell for P738,000 (GL M/T), P773,000 (GL A/T), and P888,000 (GLX A/T).
Product Showcase
Lhoopa disrupts real estate norms with 2.5x growth in affordable home sales
Lhoopa’s end-to-end model combines AI-powered land assessment and real-time supply-demand matching tools together with a growing network of decentralized partner contractors, brokers, and agents working on-ground.

For millions of Filipino families, the aspiration to own a home feels out of reach. Proptech company Lhoopa is fundamentally reshaping this reality, reporting 2.5x more homes sold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects the company’s growing momentum, helping almost 7,000 low- to middle-income Filipinos across 64 cities secure their own homes through its proprietary AI-enabled technology. 75% of these homeowners had no other option before discovering Lhoopa.
Making Homeownership Accessible at Scale
Lhoopa was founded in 2018 with a clear and vital mission: to streamline through technology the entire property journey, from acquisition to move-in, so homeownership becomes accessible to underserved communities at scale. “This mission guides our work every day, as we address the core challenges faced by aspiring homeowners,” said CEO and Co-Founder Marco Caillot.
Lhoopa’s end-to-end model combines AI-powered land assessment and real-time supply-demand matching tools together with a growing network of decentralized partner contractors, brokers, and agents working on-ground. Through Lhoopa’s mobile applications, partners can access a suite of features to easily track and manage property listings, oversee construction progress, and monitor legal documentation and payments, just to name a few. Upon purchase, buyers are also assisted with their loan applications, closing the loop on an innovative system that drives efficiency while enabling scale where it’s needed most: affordable housing.
“Our technology and network bring together available properties, accessible financing options, and user-friendly tools that simplify each step of the homeownership process,” Caillot added. “People need a straightforward and practical way to buy a home that doesn’t leave them guessing or overwhelmed. Lhoopa is here to support them through this journey from start to finish.”
Building an Inclusive Housing Ecosystem
The average Lhoopa homebuyer has a monthly income of PHP 20,000 (about USD 350), a segment not fully served by traditional real estate systems. Lhoopa’s impact is best seen in people like Mario and Yhang, both visually impaired massage therapists who recently bought their first home in Laguna, and Jennifer, a church caretaker who now lives with her family in their Cabanatuan home. “Malaking bagay yun samin na magkaroon ng sariling bahay [It’s a big deal for us to own a home],” Jennifer shared. “Talagang masasabi mong maiinvest mo sa pamilya mo, mabibigay mo sa anak mo [This is an investment for your family, something you can pass on to your children].” These are just some of the stories that reflect Lhoopa’s firm commitment to homeownership for the underserved.
“We’re committed to building a more inclusive housing ecosystem, where more families can say, ‘This home is ours’,” Caillot highlighted. “Our focus now is to scale: continue enhancing our platform and expanding our network of local partners to further bridge the housing backlog, while helping more and more families access safe, quality, and affordable homeownership.”
Product Showcase
Embedded insurance set to transform PH sports and entertainment scene
In Brazil, global insurtech firm discovermarket has partnered with Sympla, the country’s leading event platform, to offer public liability insurance. With this partnership, event organizers on Sympla can secure coverage by simply answering two quick questions on an online portal.

In the high-energy world of sports and entertainment, success often hinges on flawless execution. But behind every sold-out concert or adrenaline-filled match is a web of risk—accidents, cancellations, or unexpected disruptions can jeopardize the entire experience.
Globally, platforms are increasingly integrating insurance directly into ticketing and registration processes, creating a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees. In Brazil, global insurtech firm discovermarket has partnered with Sympla, the country’s leading event platform, to offer public liability insurance. With this partnership, event organizers on Sympla can secure coverage by simply answering two quick questions on an online portal.
This streamlined, digital-first approach offers a smart model for the Philippine events industry, which is making a strong post-pandemic comeback. The market is expected to grow rapidly, reaching USD 1.4 trillion by 2028 with an average annual growth rate of 8% from 2023. Locally, demand is rising for concerts, sports leagues, cultural festivals, and trade shows, drawing renewed interest and participation.
But with this comeback comes a growing need to protect both organizers and attendees from unexpected risks and financial fallout. Just last year, the sold-out Grand “BINIverse” concert by girl group Bini at Araneta Coliseum had to be postponed due to Typhoon Pepito. This example highlights how even highly anticipated events remain vulnerable to sudden disruptions beyond anyone’s control.
Why Embedded Insurance Matters
“For many event organizers in the Philippines, whether it’s a sports league or major arena shows, traditional insurance often feels out of reach. It’s seen as too complicated, too costly, or simply not built for their reality,” said Marco Kamerling, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at discovermarket. “Embedded insurance changes that. It’s integrated, and tailored to real-world event needs — from liability and cancellations, to covering mishaps or property damage. For attendees, it can mean refund protection or accident coverage. Ultimately, it helps build trust across the entire event ecosystem.”
discovermarket makes this possible and powering the entire process with its end-to-end digital platform, allowing organizers to secure coverage in just a few clicks.
Building Economic Resilience Through Safety Nets
The events industry is a key economic driver that fuels tourism, generates employment, and uplifts micro and small businesses. From stagehands and sound engineers to food vendors and freelancers, thousands of livelihoods depend on the success of live events. By embedding insurance directly into event infrastructure, we’re not just mitigating risk but we’re ensuring the sustainability of an entire ecosystem.
A Growing Opportunity for Local Platforms
With the right partnerships, this model can take root in the Philippines. Ticketing platforms, online marketplaces, and even mobile wallets could explore embedded insurance options that cater specifically to Filipino event-goers and organizers. The technology already exists and what’s needed is collaboration across sectors to bring this safety net into the local mainstream.
discovermarket, through their one-stop solution shows how insurtech can play a central role in driving this shift. discovermarket’s platform enables tailored embedded insurance products to be distributed digitally, reaching event organizers who were previously underserved.
As the country continues to embrace digital-first solutions, embedding insurance into the platforms that power our events could be the next big step in professionalizing the industry. With over 83.8% smartphone penetration in the beginning of 2025 and a high adoption of mobile wallets, the Philippine market is primed for embedded services. Integrating protection into these digital touchpoints fits naturally into the way Filipinos plan and experience events today.
Beyond just risk mitigation, it’s a step towards a more resilient, professionalized events industry where every organizer and attendee can focus on what truly matters: the experience.
Product Showcase
Malayan Insurance joins forces with Surely and PhilInsure to launch TravelSmart Marketplace
With Malayan’s extensive expertise and reliability, TravelSmart delivers a robust range of affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans—especially suited for travelers applying for Schengen and other international visas.

Surely.Digital has joined forces with PhilInsure—a Gallagher company and one of the Philippines’ most established insurance brokers—to launch the TravelSmart Marketplace, a digital-first platform built to empower Filipino travelers with easy access to trusted, visa-compliant travel insurance.
This offering is backed by the underwriting strength of Malayan Insurance, one of the country’s most respected non-life insurers. With Malayan’s extensive expertise and reliability, TravelSmart delivers a robust range of affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans—especially suited for travelers applying for Schengen and other international visas.
TravelSmart was created with the mission to enable smarter and safer travel through a seamless, technology-driven experience. By combining Surely’s cutting-edge insurtech capabilities with PhilInsure’s deep distribution network, the platform empowers individuals, OFWs and families to protect their health and finances throughout their global journeys.
Mukesh Dhawan Co-Founder and President of Surely, shares:
“By partnering with Malayan Insurance, we’ve built a marketplace that delivers real value to today’s global travelers. Malayan’s trusted legacy and underwriting strength ensure that Filipino travelers can access comprehensive and visa-compliant protection with confidence. Through digital-first solutions like TravelSmart, we’re making insurance more accessible, reliable, and relevant for every journey.”
Paolo Y. Abaya, President and CEO of Malayan Insurance, shares:
“This strategic alliance between Malayan Insurance, Surely, and PhilInsure marks a significant step in providing innovative and convenient solutions for Filipino travelers. Through the TravelSmart Marketplace, we are committed to delivering accessible and reliable travel protection.”
With TravelSmart, Surely continues to build inclusive insurance experiences that support the aspirations of Filipino travelers—wherever their journeys take them.
We invite all enthusiastic Filipinos to explore TravelSmart and access comprehensive travel insurance options via this link.
Wherever your journey takes you — for work, leisure, or family — @MalayanInsuranceCoInc Travel Insurance provides the protection you can trust. With affordable plans and real-time issuance of cover note, now powered by Surely — makes protection just a few taps away.
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