Product Showcase
Garmin’s Venu 2 Plus puts calls, texts, access to phone’s voice assistant right on your wrist
Garmin’s latest offering lets users take calls, access their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, control compatible smart home devices and more.
Garmin Philippines announced the arrival of Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch in the country. Garmin’s latest offering lets users take calls, access their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, control compatible smart home devices and more. These voice-controlled functionalities join the robust suite of health, wellness and fitness features of Garmin’s Venu 2 Series. With a bright AMOLED display and battery life of up to nine days, the Venu 2 Plus is a direct line to wellbeing for active Filipinos.
“To support Filipinos’ drive to have a more active lifestyle where multi-tasking is crucial, Garmin presents a smartwatch that can give users the ability to answer calls or send texts without digging through their pocket or bag,” said Garmin Asia Director Scoppen Lin. “Garmin lets its user focus on their workout with the Venu 2 Plus’ on-device voice capabilities, on top of the signature features that the popular Venu 2 series is known for.”
Here’s what’s new for the Venu 2 Plus:
· Phone calls from the wrist: Users can make and take phone calls with the press of a button.
· Voice assistant control: Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant or Bixby, users can utilize their smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, ask questions, control compatible smart home devices and more.
All-day health monitoring
The Venu 2 Plus dials into wellbeing with the broadest range of 24/7 health monitoring features available, including: heart rate (with user-configurable alerts for high or low readings2), advanced sleep with sleep score and insights by Firstbeat AnalyticsTM, breathwork activities, fitness age, respiration, Pulse Ox, all-day stress, hydration, and women’s health (menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking). Body BatteryTM energy monitoring shows users how “charged” their body is, as well as the draining effects of stress and exercise. Health SnapshotTM logs a two-minute window of key health stats and generates a report users can share with a health care provider; a great tool for capturing physiological data anytime you’re feeling off your baseline.
Customized fitness
The Venu 2 Plus pulls in all of the latest fitness features recently introduced on the Venu 2 series including over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps with favorites that include walking, running, HIIT, cycling, pool swimming, Pilates, yoga, indoor climbing, hiking, advanced strength training with muscle map graphics and more.
Preloaded workouts can also be found on the watch and preset workouts are available for download from Garmin ConnectTM app on user’s smartphone. Customizable workouts may be created by choosing from over 1,400 exercises. The Venu 2 Plus has more than 75 preset animated workouts that demonstrate proper form and technique in Garmin Connect and on the wrist. Whether training for a 5K or longer, the device is compatible with Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans.
Safety and tracking
The Venu 2 Plus also includes Garmin’s safety and tracking features such as automatic incident detection (during outdoor walks, runs or rides)3 and manually triggered assistance alerts, both of which send a message with the user’s location to their emergency contacts. LiveTrack lets friends and family track the user’s outdoor activity3. Users can also assign a designated emergency contact that the Venu 2 Plus can call, such as local emergency services.
Smart features on the wrist
The Venu 2 Plus keeps the essentials on the wrist with built-in music (download up to 650 songs including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer4), and smart notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates, breaking news stories and more3. Users may personalize the Venu 2 Plus with apps, watch faces and more available to download from the Connect IQTM store. Unlike many other smartwatches, the Venu 2 Plus can be used with either Android or Apple smartphones.
Designed for all-day wear
· The Venu 2 Plus has a 43mm watch case, stainless steel bezel and hardware, and a comfortable, 20mm industry-standard quick release silicone band. Mix and match bands and bezels.
· It boasts a durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen AMOLED display with optional, always-on mode.
· The Venu 2 Plus is powered by an impressive battery life that lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS + Music mode.
· It is capable of rapid battery recharge with 10 minutes of charging which adds up to one day of smartwatch mode battery life or one hour of GPS + music battery life. Users may extend the time further with battery saver mode.
Don’t miss out on Garmin’s special promotion! First 75 customers can get a free Garmin Tote Bag for every purchase of Garmin Venu 2 Plus watch for only PHP 25,695. The device is available in Black, Ivory and Powder Gray at Garmin Brand Stores, kinetic.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee and Garmin PH Viber Community.
The Venu 2 Plus was recognized at the recently concluded CES 2022 global tech-event as an Innovation Awards honoree.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the wellness industry. Committed to developing wearables and health measurement tools that help people of all activity levels lead healthier lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
Product Showcase
Sip the magic of Christmas with Seattle’s Best S’mores Ghirardelli Collection
Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
There’s something about S’mores that brings people together—melting chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and moments that feel like home. This holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ghirardelli are turning that warmth into a cup with the S’mores Collection Made with Ghirardelli. Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
Starting November 2025, chocolate lovers can indulge in this limited-edition collection in Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.





What Makes the S’mores Collection Special?
- A Taste of Comfort – Inspired by the familiar joy of S’mores, each drink blends marshmallow sweetness, velvety chocolate, and bold coffee warmth for that fireside feeling—no campfire needed.
- Premium Collaboration – Made with Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate and Seattle’s Best bold espresso, delivering a smooth, indulgent coffee experience that feels festive and luxurious.
- Crafted for Every Craving – From hot to iced to blended, there’s a S’mores drink for every holiday mood, perfect for sharing cozy moments or treating yourself to something special.
Find Your Perfect Holiday Match
Whether you’re sipping by the tree, catching up with friends, or gifting yourself a well-deserved break, there’s a S’mores Collection drink for every kind of Christmas craving.
- Hot S’mores Ghirardelli – Cozy up with this comforting blend of Ghirardelli chocolate powder, rich espresso, and creamy marshmallow meringue, topped with a dark chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. It’s Christmas warmth in a cup.
- Iced S’mores Ghirardelli – A refreshing yet indulgent twist that combines bold espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half & half over ice, finished with marshmallow meringue and a graham cracker crunch.
- S’mores Javakula – A frozen holiday treat that blends Ghirardelli chocolate, marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate sauce, and graham cracker bits, perfect for cooling down while staying in the holiday spirit.
Make Your Holidays Sweeter
The Seattle’s Best Coffee x Ghirardelli S’mores Collection is available for a limited ti
me in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort of the holidays—warm, bold, and oh-so-delightful with every sip of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s S’mores Collection.
Product Showcase
Manulife brings personalized gut health insights to PH
Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations.
Manulife is introducing a new health initiative in the Philippines that offers personalized gut microbiome screening through its collaboration with AMILI, Southeast Asia’s first microbiome insights company.
In the Philippines, this partnership is especially timely. According to the 2025 Asia Care Survey, 82% of Filipinos cite rising healthcare costs as their top concern, and many feel uncertain about their ability to maintain physical and financial well-being in the future. The screening provided by AMILI helps address these anxieties by offering science-backed, preventive care that supports better health outcomes and reduces long-term medical risks.
“At Manulife Philippines, we are focused on delivering innovative solutions that support the evolving health needs of Filipinos,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “This collaboration with AMILI allows us to offer a unique health experience that goes beyond traditional insurance, empowering our customers to take a proactive approach to their health.”
Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations. The service includes tailored nutrition recommendations and teleconsultation to help interpret results. This empowers customers to better understand their health and take preventive steps to improve immunity, brain function, heart health and overall longevity. The service also provides a meaningful way to address rising health concerns in the Philippines by showing how Manulife delivers on its promise to support longer, healthier lives—through early detection, personalized care, and preventive action that can help reduce long-term healthcare costs for individuals and the system
“Our goal is to be a true partner in our customers’ health journey—not just by helping them prepare financially, but also by giving them access to tools, services, and support for prevention, care, and overall well-being,” said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Product Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By integrating personalized health insights into our offerings, we are helping Filipinos make informed decisions and improve their quality of life.”
AMILI’s screening leverages the region’s largest multi-ethnic gut microbiome database, delivering insights that support digestive health, immunity, mental well-being, and chronic disease prevention.
“We’re proud to support Manulife’s customers in the Philippines with actionable, science-backed health insights,” said Dr. Jeremy Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, AMILI. “This partnership is a step forward in making predictive, preventive care more accessible across Southeast Asia.”
This initiative in the Philippines is an expansion of the First-in-Asia Gut Microbiome Screening collaboration between Manulife and AMILI, launched in 2024 in Singapore. It is part of Manulife’s broader strategy to support health and longevity through value-added offerings across Asia, helping customers take control of their health in meaningful ways.
Details on the collaboration between Manulife Philippines and AMILI can be accessed at https://www.manulife.com.ph/services/manulife-move.html.
Product Showcase
AIA Philippines CEO named Executive Champion of the Year in Asia
The award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in championing insurance advisers, equipping them to thrive in an evolving distribution landscape while shaping the insurance industry through innovation, growth, and purpose.
Melita Teo, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and the local arm of multinational insurer AIA Group, has been honored as Executive Champion of the Year at the 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards held in Singapore. The award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in championing insurance advisers, equipping them to thrive in an evolving distribution landscape while shaping the insurance industry through innovation, growth, and purpose.
“This recognition is not mine alone, as it reflects the dedication, resilience, and passion of One AIA,” Teo said. “Across our entire business, every team member plays a vital role in earning the trust of Filipino families, and that is something I value deeply. Every success we achieve at AIA comes from their heart, dedication, and the lasting relationships they build in the communities they serve, all in living by our Purpose to empower more people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Since stepping into leadership in 2024, Teo has boldly transformed AIA Philippines’ distribution strategy, driving sustained growth, elevating BPI AIA to the forefront of bancassurance, and strengthening the brand’s resonance with Filipino customers.
Teo has also spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, including upgraded sales and recruitment platforms, AI-assisted training programs, and affordable digital insurance products like BPI AIA PamilyaProtect and InstaProtect. These tools and solutions have given AIA Life Planners and Bank Sales Executives the tools to streamline workflow and enhance productivity.
Beyond business performance, Teo has championed programs with social impact. The AIA Healthiest Schools initiative, launched in 2024, has already reached more than 7,200 students and educators across five regions, while the company reinforced its ESG commitments through AIA Net Zero. Under her watch, AIA Philippines was also certified as a Great Place to Work® and Best Place to Work, and recently honored at the 2025 HR Asia Awards for Best Companies to Work for in Asia; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Sustainable Workplace; and Tech Empowerment.
Her leadership has also helped the company earn external recognition at the 2025 Insurance Asia Awards for its cutting-edge digital innovations, customer-first solutions, and strong employee engagement—highlighting AIA’s continued commitment to empowering employees and agents while deepening its service to Filipino families and communities.
Looking ahead, Teo remains committed to empowering AIA Philippines with innovative tools, comprehensive training, and purpose-driven programs, as they continue to deliver long-term value to Filipinos. “We will keep investing in technology, training and development, and wellness initiatives so our Life Planners can thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of more Filipinos and to those who matter to them most,” she added.
Now in its 10th year, the Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards continues to spotlight leaders who go above and beyond in serving their communities. With this recognition, Teo and AIA Philippines reaffirm their commitment to strengthening its agency force and helping more Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
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