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Listerine partners with Operation Smile Philippines, Watsons to #GiftASmile to children with cleft issues

Listerine together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons launched the #GiftASmile campaign last September 4 to inspire Filipinos to make a difference and gift a smile to a child with cleft lip and palate.

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Having cleft conditions may impact both the physical and mental well-being of children with cleft and even their families. Especially among lower-income households, operations to treat cleft conditions are perceived to be expensive thus preventing them from seeking treatment. Recent studies have indicated that globally, 1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and palate; and many do not know that cleft conditions are more than just treatable.

That is why coming from National Cleft Awareness & Prevention Month, Listerine together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons launched the #GiftASmile campaign last September 4 to inspire Filipinos to make a difference and gift a smile to a child with cleft lip and palate.

Hosted by none other than Mikee Reyes, Listerine brand ambassador, the event aims to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate, and more importantly, to educate cleft patients and their families on the importance of good oral hygiene. Together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons, the goal of the campaign is to increase support needed for the program through volunteers, referrals, and donations.

As a longtime partner of Operation Smile Philippines, Listerine stresses the importance of oral health for children with cleft lip and palate, who are more susceptible to tooth decay due to increased exposure to germs and bacteria, making them more prone to oral diseases and infections. Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Listerine Philippines, emphasized “Listerine believes that healthy smiles are meant for all. As a mouthwash brand, Listerine advocates proper oral hygiene, especially for kids with cleft, so we can protect them from oral problems as early as possible to prevent further issues. Join us in educating the families of kids with cleft and teach them how to protect their mouths with proper oral health.”

“In the Philippines, there is an estimated 200,000 backlog of children with cleft lip and palate and many live in remote or rural communities. That’s why we urge the public to refer any patient to Operation Smile Philippines because I believe that each of us can make a difference by helping to transform a life of a child, one smile at the time!’ said Operation Smile Philippines’ executive director Emiliano Romano.

Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR, and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines, also a longstanding partner of Listerine, highlighted, “As part of our mission to Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great, we continue to team up with Operation Smile Philippines to bring perfect smiles to children afflicted with cleft lip and palate through the #GiftASmile campaign. We are proud to have Listerine as a loyal partner since 2013 in transforming the lives of these children.”

To shed light on her story as a mother of a child with cleft, Anne Clutz shared heartfelt insights from her journey, “Providing free comprehensive cleft surgeries to kids with cleft, is so valuable, especially for less fortunate families. I just want to thank Operation Smile Philippines and Listerine for making life-changing surgeries accessible and promoting the importance of good oral hygiene.”

Giving more kids the chance to live with healthier smiles is the main goal of #GiftASmile. Listerine’s commitment to promoting oral health, combined with Operation Smile Philippines’ free comprehensive cleft care—including dental services, nutrition screening, and speech therapy—and Watsons’ advocacy in bringing healthy smiles, is what these children need for their confidence to thrive. To support Operation Smile Philippines’ efforts in providing speech therapy, Listerine will donate ₱10 to Operations Smile Philippines for every bottle sold* for speech therapy *for the first 50,000 bottles sold of any Listerine variant and size from Sept 22, 2024, until Dec 31, 2024. Per DOH-FDA CCHUHSRR Permit No. 0669 s. 2024.

To learn more about the #GiftASmile campaign, simply access the link https://linktr.ee/OpSmilePhil or call (+632) 8351-1925. You may follow Listerine on Facebook @ListerinePhilippines for more information and check out the merchandising materials posted in select Watsons Drugstores nationwide.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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