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
Fullerton Health celebrates two years of advancing preventive healthcare in PH
As more Filipino professionals navigate increasingly demanding careers and lifestyles, preventive healthcare is becoming less of an afterthought and more of a necessity.
From routine executive health screenings to proactive wellness programs, a growing number of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and working professionals are prioritizing early detection and long-term health management as part of their everyday lives. The shift reflects a broader understanding that staying productive, achieving personal goals, and maintaining overall well-being require more than treating illnesses when they arise—they require preventing them in the first place.
This evolving mindset is something Fullerton Health Philippines has witnessed firsthand.
Now celebrating their second anniversary, the organization continues to champion preventive healthcare as an essential part of modern living, helping more Filipinos take proactive steps toward better health through executive health screening, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness solutions.
“Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take control of their health before illnesses develop or progress. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on helping more people live fuller, healthier lives through preventive care,” said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Fullerton Health Philippines.
The growing emphasis on prevention has fueled Fullerton Health Philippines’ growth over the past two years. Since opening its doors, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in executive health by combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, efficient patient experiences, and comprehensive health screening programs designed to offer efficient, fast, and seamless preventive healthcare experience.
A significant highlight in Fullerton Health Philippines’ journey this year was the recognition received at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, where they were honored as Specialty Clinic of the Year (Executive Health) – Philippines. The award recognizes the organization’s excellence in executive health screening, mainly in offering advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, evidence-based healthcare practices, and patient-centered care designed to support early detection and better health outcomes.
Fullerton Health Philippines has also expanded access through strategic partnerships with major HMO providers, healthcare organizations, and digital health platforms, making executive health screening more convenient for more Filipinos.
The company has also broadened its preventive health offerings through initiatives such as packages bundled with wellness perks that is also attractive for medical tourism, reflecting its belief that long-term well-being is supported by both preventive healthcare and holistic wellness experiences, as well as offering discounts in partnership with major payment networks to provide a more affordable option for Filipinos.
With this, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to receive consistent five-star reviews from clients. The strong satisfaction ratings reinforce the company’s position as a trusted partner in
preventive healthcare.
For Founder and Chairman of COL Financial Group, Inc., Edward K. Lee, preventive healthcare is an essential investment in maintaining both personal well-being and the ability to lead with confidence.
“Running a business means making decisions that prepare you for the future, and I believe the same mindset should apply to your health. Undergoing regular executive health screenings means I’m taking proactive steps to stay healthy for myself, my family, and the people who depend on me,” said Lee.
Similarly, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc., Ruth Yu-Owen, who balances leadership responsibilities in the renewable energy sector while championing initiatives that create opportunities for Filipino women, sees preventive healthcare as an important part of sustaining both her personal well-being and professional pursuits.
“Being able to undergo a thorough health check-up provides me with the opportunity to improve my diet and make necessary lifestyle changes. Most importantly, it gives me peace of mind,” she shared.
These personal experiences reflect a broader shift toward proactive healthcare, where prevention becomes a cornerstone of long-term wellness rather than a response to illness.
Guided by its advocacy to help individuals to Live Fuller, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to champion a future where preventive healthcare is not just an option, but an integral part of everyday life.
Product Showcase
New IKEA PS Collection brings playful functionality into your home
With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.
Experts agree that emotional design is the difference between a house that simply functions and a home that makes you smile, creates connections, and moments to remember. It’s the lamp that infuses soft lighting in the bedroom when you read the kids a bedtime story, the utility cart that holds their crayons and drawings, the chair where you relax after a long day.
IKEA agrees with this philosophy and brings it to life with its new PS Collection. With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.
Considered as the “experimental playground” for the past 26 years, the collection has had nine editions released since then, each one exploring the future of Scandinavian design and producing some of IKEA’s most loved and enduring pieces.
In 2026’s modern spaces, the PS collection — the tenth edition — centers on useful, functional designs that give you what you need with an unexpected element of playfulness. Think an inflatable chair in bright green with chrome framing; a table clock that looks like a periscope to fire up the imagination; a chair that seems like a plywood puzzle that you solved; and so many more pieces — more than 30 pieces, will be available at the IKEA store in Mall of Asia and online.
Without losing their main function, the pieces were designed to have that happy duty to make people feel good too. “Less is more, simple but not a bore” is evident in the striking aesthetics, playful innovation and, equally important, the commitment to bring these pieces to the many in new ways.
IKEA’s famous and super affordable rice-paper pendant lamp, for instance, is now a half-moon lamp that’s almost three feet in size, casting soft glow to any room; the usual layered utility cart for decor and serving snacks now comes in a fun shade of blue with circular trays; storage solutions are made more stylish via the pink glass cabinet and multipurpose rattan ottoman. Each PS Collection piece brings a sense of spontaneity to any room.
With IKEA’s new PS Collection, spaces become playgrounds for kids, furniture pieces turn into memorable moments in the family’s history, and everyone becomes part of what the future of emotional, joyful design looks like.
Visit IKEA Pasay at Mall of Asia or log on to ikea.com.ph to shop online.
Product Showcase
Manulife China Bank Life expands access to cancer care solutions
As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.
Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, is expanding access to cancer care solutions through ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care, a program designed to help customers take a more proactive approach to their health and support longer, healthier lives.
As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.
Under Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Inc. a leading precision oncology company—Manulife became the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test to customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. The program expands access to innovative, proven health solutions at a time when cancer remains one of the country’s top causes of death and a significant barrier to longevity for Filipino families. This partnership aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
This program is powered by Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, a leading integrated healthcare network in the Philippines. At the heart of the network is Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH)—the Philippines’ first dedicated and comprehensive cancer hospital. This collaboration between the parties brings together Manulife’s ambition to become the most trusted partner for health, wealth, and longevity, HCCH’s expertise across the full spectrum of cancer care from early cancer detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and survivorship, and Guardant Health’s commitment to helping individuals live longer and healthier lives through blood-based cancer testing.
“Far too many Filipino families are confronted with life‑altering decisions only after cancer is detected too late, when options are limited and financial pressures intensify,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By bringing Shield MCD to eligible customers of Manulife Philippines and MCBL, we’re helping move that decision point earlier by encouraging timely medical conversations and better-informed choices. This can help reduce treatment complexity and cost over time, while we strengthen health and longevity outcomes for more Filipinos.”
With just a blood draw, the Shield MCD test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in Asia and the Philippines. The test received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Manulife by bringing the Shield MCD test to their customers in the Philippines,” said Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA. “Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for Filipinos, and Shield MCD offers a powerful new way to tackle this—detecting multiple cancers through a single blood draw. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to putting innovative health solutions within reach, and we look forward to the difference we can make together in the Philippines.”
“Wider access to early, convenient screening can help more Filipino families take a proactive approach to their health and support their journey toward longer, healthier lives,” said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, MCBL. “Through our extensive bancassurance network, we are helping bring innovations like Shield MCD closer to more communities, supporting a more proactive and continuous approach to cancer care.”
“We believe one of the greatest opportunities in cancer care is identifying risk and disease earlier, before symptoms appear and treatment becomes more complex,” said Dr. Ramy Roxas, Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. “We strongly encourage Filipinos to be proactive about their health and participate in appropriate cancer screening, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes and expand treatment options. At Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, our goal is to support patients across the entire cancer journey—from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.”
Eligible customers of MCBL, and soon, of Manulife Philippines, will be contacted by their financial advisor or financial sales associate to learn more about the Shield MCD test.
-
Travel4 weeks agoEnjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales
-
NewsMakers4 weeks ago‘Drunk riding’ behind almost half of fatal electric scooter crashes
-
NewsMakers4 weeks agoWhy taking a sick day depends on more than being sick
-
NewsMakers4 weeks agoMove to quit: Exercise boosts smoking quit rates
-
Travel4 weeks agoTreacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales
-
Product Showcase4 weeks agoFor every parent who wants to be present: AXA reinforces importance of early health preparedness
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoSuperbod Movement goes beyond the stage
-
NewsMakers2 weeks agoPoor-quality sleep involves different parts of the brain, depending on age
