Product Showcase
Garmin Forerunner 255 series helps you find more reasons to run
Garmin Philippines launched the new Forerunner 255 series, which builds upon the popular Forerunner 245 series, now providing full triathlon support, new training metrics, enhanced smartwatch features (when paired with a smartphone) and more, while introducing the Forerunner 255S and Forerunner 255S Music in a more compact 41mm sized case.

Garmin Philippines launched the new Forerunner 255 series, which builds upon the popular Forerunner 245 series, now providing full triathlon support, new training metrics, enhanced smartwatch features (when paired with a smartphone) and more, while introducing the Forerunner 255S and Forerunner 255S Music in a more compact 41mm sized case.
“Garmin always innovates with the athlete in mind,” says Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia. “With the Forerunner 255 series, we have always wanted to ensure that our customers are provided with the best tools that will help them improve their performance and achieve their goals.”
“What makes this series special is that the Forerunner 255 was designed by runners for runners, providing our customers– our athletes with everything they need right on their wrist,” says Sheena Sim, Regional Marketing Manager for Garmin Philippines. “So instead of you figuring out how to analyze the data on your own, you’ll have your smartwatch, providing the insights for you.”
Here’s what’s new:
- Full triathlon support: Switch up a workout routine with triathlon and multisport activity profiles. During races and brick workouts, easily toggle between sports with a single button press.
- Morning report: Receive the day’s weather and daily workout suggestion, as well as information about last night’s sleep and HRV status.1 The report can even be customized so athletes can view only the details they want to see.
- Race widget: View race prep information – including a race day-specific performance prediction, race day weather and a countdown clock – all in one widget. Once a race is scheduled, daily suggested workouts will adapt based on an athlete’s race plans.
- HRV status: Track heart rate variability while sleeping to get a better handle on recovery and an overall wellness picture.
- Daily workout suggestions: Provides an entire week of day-to-day training guidance on what workout is most effective for overall wellness and will adapt based on race plans that are set up using the new race widget.
- Garmin Coach: Train for a 5K, 10K or half-marathon with free training plans that adapt based on a runner’s goals and performance.
- Multi-band GPS: Garmin’s reliable GPS accuracy just got better. By enabling multi-band, multi-satellite-system tracking on the watch, athletes can receive more accuracy in their run data, even in the most challenging environments.
- Native running power: When using a Running Dynamics Pod (sold separately), receive real-time metrics of how much power is being exerted on a run, built into the watch – no app required.
Offering personalized training and recovery insights, the Forerunner 255 series includes performance monitoring tools to help athletes push the limits. Athletes can also switch up workouts with dozens of built-in sports apps, including triathlon, cycling, pool and open-water swimming, track run, and more. The series also features a Wrist-based Pulse Ox3 and the Body Battery™ which shows current energy levels to help athletes find the best times for activity and rest. It also aids women by featuring menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking, helping them adjust their training to plan for upcoming races.
Whether working out alone or with friends, built-in safety and tracking features include incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack to let loved ones follow along on a run or ride. Following a workout, the Forerunner 255 series will automatically upload activities to Garmin Connect, a no-cost, subscription-free platform where athletes can view all of their health and fitness data, connect and compete with friends, sign up for challenges and more.
Packed with connected features, the Forerunner 255 series lets users get the most out of their smartwatch with smart social and SMS notifications, as well as built-in music that can store up to 500 songs from Spotify®.
The Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 255S is now available at Garmin Brand Stores, kinetic.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee and the Garmin PH Viber Community, and retails for P21,975 while the Forerunner 255 Music is also available for P25,115. With any purchase of the Forerunner 255 series from any official Garmin store, customers can avail of a 20% discount voucher for ASICS. Terms and conditions apply while stocks last.
For more information on the Forerunner 255 series, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at ph.garmin.com/news/pressroom and on our blog at garmin.com/en-PH/blog. For other promos, follow us at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.
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.
-
Destinations3 weeks ago
8 Incredible places to visit in and around Chengdu, China’s city of pandas, hotpot and heritage
-
Product Showcase3 weeks ago
Fisher Mall caps off summer with family-focused fun and creative celebrations
-
Product Showcase3 weeks ago
Tired of messy floors and costly cleanups? Here’s a smarter way to clean your home
-
Product Showcase3 weeks ago
Filipinos run 130,000km in FundLife’s ‘Move for Equity’ campaign for gender equality and girls’ safety
-
Product Showcase5 days ago
Herbalife Run Club marks Global Running Day with 45-day challenge
-
Product Showcase5 days ago
Mega Prime Foods celebrates ’50 years of freshness and nourishment’
-
Product Showcase3 weeks ago
Singlife Philippines launches ‘Protect from Funeral Costs’
-
Product Showcase5 days ago
Youth study prompts top brands to collab on new marketing campaign