Product Showcase
Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy provides modern solutions to women’s common health concerns
Let’s take a look at some of the health concerns women continue to face and how these can be addressed through these modern solutions.

The Filipina is undeniably exceptional. Young or old, a professional, a student, a beauty queen, a blue-collar employee, a homemaker, she exudes beauty, intelligence and strength wherever she sets foot in the world. But no matter her courage and strength, she remains vulnerable.
Many Filipinas ignore health issues to focus on family or work. To help women look after their well-being and address any health concern, medical experts have developed modern solutions. One of these is compounded medicines, or medicines produced through the pharmaceutical process of compounding or customizing medicines based on a patient’s needs. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), the pioneer specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, is helping Filipinas look after themselves more easily and effectively through its wide range of compounding medicines and services.
Let’s take a look at some of the health concerns women continue to face and how these can be addressed through these modern solutions.
Thyroid Issues
Thyroid disorders continue to affect many Filipinas today. These often-neglected disorders, which include goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules, affect more women than men, with incidence among women three times higher than for men.
Thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency are considered public health threats because when left untreated they can lead to more serious problems such as thyroid cancer, goiter, reproductive failure and even mental deficiency. Thyroid cancer, for one, is the most common cancer among women 15 to 24 years old, based on Department of Health (DoH) data.
Goiter, another common disorder in the Philippines, is linked to overproduction of thyroid hormones, called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can lead to a stroke, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation if left untreated or undertreated.
Women with thyroid issues can also experience menstrual irregularities. Because the thyroid controls many parts of the body, too much or too little thyroid hormones can make a woman’s period too light, too heavy or irregular, which can then affect a woman’s ovulation and make conceiving difficult.
AIP’s thyroid medications can address thyroid issues by stabilizing blood pressure, improving endocrine function and reducing hyperthyroid symptoms.
Using thyroid medications to treat menstrual irregularities and problems in conceiving birth can also help improve emotional disorders and fertility.
Hormonal Imbalance and Menopause
Many Filipinas silently suffer from hormonal imbalance or do not realize they have it. Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS affects about 4.5 million Filipinas and is a major cause of infertility among women. Besides irregular cycle and weight gain, Filipinas with PCOS experience bloating, hyperpigmentation and baldness.
Meanwhile, the imbalance of hormones related to menopause creates harsh physical changes and can affect a woman’s mental health. During this stage, women experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness, fatigue, memory loss and weight gain.
Women often turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat these symptoms. One form of HRT, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) or the process of replicating hormones using natural resources, supplements the body with the hormones it lacks. AIP’s BHRT replicates hormones such as liothyronine, levothyroxine, progesterone, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone.
Undergoing BHRT can increase the core temperature and basal metabolic rate, reduce gall bladder activity, normalize blood clot and vascular tone, strengthen the immune system, and improve mood, vision, energy, clarity of thinking and overall well-being. It also assists in thyroid function, slowing natural changes that occur in the body with age and building up bone and muscle strength.
Weight Management
Obesity remains a major health issue among Filipinas as it can lead to other more serious concerns. The adult obesity increase rate in the country has been experiencing “very rapid growth,” according to the March 2021 report of the World Obesity Federation, with the growth rate among women between 1995 and 2015 at 3.7 percent.Obese women are at a high risk of developing diabetes, coronary artery disease, low back pain and knee osteoarthritis.
Compounded medicines are also used to treat obesity. AIP’s portfolio of weight management solutions includes Phentermine, Phentermine and Topiramate, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC), Methionine, Inositol,Choline, L-Carnitine and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).
These solutions can cater to different concerns such as obesity related to diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. AIP’s weight management services help patients lose weight easily by burning and breaking down fats within the liver to lower cholesterol, assisting the metabolism of fats and supporting the liver in excreting chemical waste products. Some medicines promote the health of cell structures and reduce blood cholesterol or boost overall metabolic rate, assist in burning stored body fat and regulate sleep, appetite and energy.
Skin Problems
Acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and dark spots are just some of the common skin problems that Filipinas face. Having sensitive skin is a major concern for many as it can also mean having to be very picky with skin care products to use. Compounded dermatological preparations can cater to a patient’s hiyang and consider which ingredients might trigger allergies or negative reactions from a patient. These medicines can also be tailored to achieve the patient’s desired results.
AIP’s compounded dermatological preparations include tretinoin, vitamin C serum, glutathione and hair loss dermatology related products such as minoxidil, minoxidil with finasteride. There are solutions to replace older skin with new skin and treat acne, whiteheads and blackheads, wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin. Other treatments produce a smooth and glowing complexion, promote collagen production, tighten the skin, provide hydration and antioxidants, treat hair loss and neutralize free radicals.
AIP hopes to make a difference in Filipinas’ lives through its range of compounded medicines and services. Among its 13,000 patients, 63 percent are female. AIP houses female doctors who specialize in gynecology, endocrinology and dermatology. It also has integrative and functional doctors.
“Everyone should have access to better healthcare,” said AIP Managing Director Sophia Lista. “We want to make it easier for our fellow Filipinas. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy empowers women through better and accessible health. Through this advocacy, we hope to become a significant part in their journeys.”
AIP works closely with doctors and its customers and considers factors such as patient age and allergy history in order to customize medicines to a patient’s needs. The pharmacy believes in the pharmacy triad or finding accountability with doctors, patients and pharmacists to provide superior pharmaceutical care, strengthening patient confidence and compliance.
To learn more about Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, visit apotheca.com.ph and follow AIP’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn channels.
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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