Product Showcase
Defining ‘tough’ with Suzuki’s Grand Vitara
Zest Magazine takes a closer look at Suzuki’s Grand Vitara 2.4L A/T.
And to think I already thought Suzuki’s Jimny was (somewhat) rugged (in a nice kind of way). But then came along the Grand Vitara, a somewhat mean-looking/performing vehicle, and, well… I’ll have to do some reconsidering.
On the outside, the car actually looks… Spartan (if not – to be very blunt – common).
Yes, I’d say that just as expected from Suzuki, this one is also not boxy, and its curves give it a sporty appearance. This is “helped” by the car’s 188mm ground clearance (thank you 17-inch alloy wheels!) that give one that (driver’s) feeling of being an overlord (i.e. that “I’m taller than you all!” feeling). But there’s nothing… memorable on the outside of the Grand Vitara for me, even if it has an extra pair of fog lamps, third break light, silver accents to the car’s side and up top for the roof rails, signal repeaters installed on the side mirrors, and (at the rear) a coy pair of tail lights on the opposite sides of the 5th door (where the cover for the spare tire and door handle have the same shade as the body).
Some say it’s “minimalist”; and that it’s not “calling attention to itself” (unlike, say, Jeep’s Wrangler, or even Suzuki’s Swift). I’d still say… “usual”.
It is in the inside where, for me, the Grand Vitara starts to become somewhat more… ostentatious.
The seats are fabric upholstered; but unlike, say, Ertiga, this one (from the get go) seems to say it’s okay being messed with, with its dark-colored everything (dark seats, and black leather with pale trimmings on the doors). Akin to Ciaz, the stereo controls are embedded on the tilting/telescoping steering wheel. The (I have to say somewhat big, particularly when you first see it) dashboard is segmented into three “parts” to show the tachometer, speedometer and fuel/temperature gauges. There are also stats for real-time fuel mileage, average fuel consumption, and distance showing an estimate of how many kms the car can still cover before you run out of juice. There’s a touchscreen Android-run player (again, similar to Ciaz), connectivity ports stuffed inside the glove compartment (these don’t work, though, if that radio’s turned off), and dual 12V sockets.
The legroom was great for both front and back; but the headroom’s not that great at the back (surprising considering the car IS big inside).
The fifth door at the back reveals the luggage space. This isn’t big; but it suffices…
BTW, from the driver’s seat, I have one “issue”. The overall feel of the car is “sturdy”, with everything seemingly constructed firmly/thickly. This is – generally speaking – A-OK for me; but while driving, this “thickness” was also troublesome for me as it had that tendency to cover up my line of vision, particularly as far as approaching vehicles at my left are concerned…
Performance-wise, the Grand Vitara more than sufficed for me, thanks I should say to its 2.4-liter engine (the 16-valve DOHC engine also comes with variable valve timing or VVT).
For instance, I drove the car to:
- Cape Santiago in Batangas, where – while heading there – one wrong turn means needing to brave rocky roads. Though the car felt “big”, it fit even tight spots (e.g. that “bridge” from the main road going to Cape Santiago’s lighthouse). It was also able to tackle unpaved roads there…
- Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna, a somewhat new tourist attraction that doesn’t have the best roads (yet). Similar to the Cape Santiago experience, the Grand Vitara survived the trip.
- Lucena City from Tagaytay via Talisay-Tanauan Road. If you’re familiar with this route, you’d know that driving here means braving very STEEP and very NARROW roads. Grand Vitara didn’t choke (not even once) climbing or going downhill…
- Luisiana, Laguna (to buy the famed bibingka), where the car was able to survive numerous turns, twists and bumps.
There are two issues I encountered re Grand Vitara that are worth mentioning.
On the one hand, it’s a bit of greedy with fuel consumption (in my experience, just 325kms from full tank to nil), averaging around 8km/L fuel consumption (for combined city and out-of-town driving).
On the other hand, while the Grand Vitara had no issues accelerating (even when climbing steep slopes), it did have issues with turning corners. If you’re familiar with the way many roads are expanded in smaller towns/provinces, you’d know that some of these expansions are done STUPIDLY – i.e. the roads are widened, but the electric poles, giant trees, et cetera are retained right in the middle of the expanded parts. When in these roads, therefore, overtaking may mean hitting a pole in the middle of the road. And with the Grand Vitara’s issue re cornering, this (for me) proved challenging…
All in all, for those looking for a “sturdy” car sans any of the dramas (e.g. “sexy”, “butch”, and so on), then the Grand Vitara is definitely worth considering. This one can make one confident while being on the road…
The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes in: Superior White, Silky Silver Metallic, Quasar Grey Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl and Bison Brown Pearl Metallic. It is available in two variants: Grand Vitara 2.4L – A/T, which sells for P1,160,000; and Special Edition 2.4L – A/T, which sells for P1,210,000.
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
-
Product Showcase4 weeks agoOmega Healthcare recognized































