Pru Life UK distills the value of long-term wealth

In photo: [L-R] Atty. Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer; Rex Mendoza, Chairman of Rampver Financials; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; and Kris Ong, founder of Drambox Ph and a Scotch Malt Whisky Society & Single Cask liaison for the Philippines.

Pru Life UK's Pru Life UK Private Reserve Series: Value brought together affluent clients. Distilled is a private forum that focuses on developing wealth in volatile markets through resilience, discipline, and protection.

The evening's main message—that lasting value is created over time with patience, balance, and professional guidance—was reflected in the event's combination of market analysis and a carefully chosen whisky tasting experience.

Opening the event, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Chakrabarty said the discussion was about “building sustainable long-term wealth” and the role of “clarity and discipline” in shaping financial decisions over time.

“At Pru Life UK, we help individuals and families in protecting what matters most and planning with confidence for the years ahead. We have financial solutions that balance protection, income stability, and long-term growth.” ~Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer

Rex Mendoza, a prominent figure in finance and investment, gave a keynote address at the forum. He covered how investors can navigate global uncertainty, spot opportunities, and prioritize protection in their wealth strategy.

According to Mendoza, wealth planning now encompasses more than just expansion. It involves creating portfolios that are resilient to fluctuations, safeguard families, and promote long-term objectives.

Additionally, clients participated in an interactive conversation about risk management, legacy planning, portfolio positioning, and strategic financial decision-making in changing market conditions.

Pru Life UK also showcased a suite of premium financial solutions for high-net-worth customers, including PRUWealth 10, an endowment plan with guaranteed payouts and protection; PRUMillion Protect, a high-protection investment-linked plan; and the PRULink Strategic Income Fund, a globally diversified multi-asset fund.

Kris Ong led a whisky tasting session at the end of the evening, drawing a comparison between wealth creation and whisky maturation. Clients were reminded of the importance of perseverance, skill, and long-term thinking.

Pru Life UK reaffirmed its position as a long-term partner for clients looking to preserve, grow, and pass on wealth thanks to its 30 years of experience in the Philippines and Prudential's 178-year global heritage.

The company's ongoing endeavor to provide premium, insight-driven customer experiences includes the Pru Life UK Private Reserve Series.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 35,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

Beard Papa brings its world-famous Japanese cream puffs to SM City Grand Central

With the official opening of Beard Papa's newest location, the mall's 16th location and the most recent addition to its expanding dining lineup, dessert enthusiasts in the North Metro have a new reason to visit SM City Grand Central.

Beard Papa, which is well-known worldwide for its freshly baked cream puffs, brings its famous Japanese pastries closer to Caloocan and surrounding cities, providing a delightful destination for families, students, and foodies seeking a fine dessert experience.

Beard Papa's history started in 1999 in Osaka, Japan, when baker Yuji Hirota opened his modest local bakery to patrons. His devoted customers dubbed him "Beard Papa" because of his friendly demeanor and characteristic white beard. He invented the cream puff that would eventually become the brand's worldwide emblem, motivated by the delight of sharing freshly baked goods.

Each Beard Papa cream puff has a double-layered shell with a crisp pie crust on the outside and a delicate choux pastry inside. Only after an order is placed is each pastry filled, guaranteeing a crisp, light shell with a smooth vanilla bean custard mixed with whipped cream. One of the brand's distinguishing features is its dedication to freshness.

From its modest beginnings in Osaka, Beard Papa has grown to over 500 locations in 15 countries and territories, bringing its Japanese custom of freshly made pastries to millions of consumers worldwide.

The freshly made cream puffs that have made Beard Papa a global favorite are now available to customers at SM City Grand Central. Every cream puff is designed to deliver the brand's distinctive balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling, whether it is consumed as an afternoon snack, an after-shopping treat, or a dessert to share with family and friends.

With the addition of Beard Papa, SM City Grand Central's dining options are further enhanced, providing North Metro customers with another internationally renowned culinary destination to explore. Visitors can anticipate even more thrilling culinary experiences in one handy location as the mall keeps growing its assortment of regional and global brands.

Discover why its freshly baked cream puffs continue to make people happy and give them a taste of Japanese oishii, or deliciousness, when you visit Beard Papa at SM City Grand Central.

Easy, Affordable Baon Ideas Await at SM Hypermarket Baliwag

Make every recess sweeter with Nissin favorites at SM Hypermarket Baliwag! Grab Wafer Choco and Eggnog Cookies for a delicious baon treat.

Making delicious and nourishing baon doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. SM Hypermarket Baliwag has everything a family needs to make tasty meals on a budget, whether they are for professionals heading to the office or students heading to school.

Baon made better! Pack your lunch with Purefoods favorites available at SM Hypermarket Baliwag. These are quick, delicious, and ready to fuel every school and work.

Customers can find everything they need in one location, including wholesome snacks, ready-to-cook meals, nutritious sandwiches, and refreshing drinks, while taking advantage of everyday low prices and exciting promotions.

Baon win, every time! Purefoods favorites bring crispy goodness to every lunch break. Grab yours today at SM Hypermarket Baliwag!

Cheesy baon? Yes, please! Elevate every sandwich and burger with Emborg Cheese Slices available at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.

Only at SM Hypermarket Baliwag, where quality, convenience, and savings come together—All For You—can you make every school and workday more enjoyable with useful baon ideas that are inexpensive, satisfying, and simple to prepare.

What If You Bring More? AirAsia Philippines Lets You Check In as Many Bags as You Need

AirAsia Philippines is reminding customers that they are free to check in as many bags as they require, as long as the total weight stays within their purchased or complimentary baggage allowance, as more travelers return home with extra pasalubong, souvenirs, and shopping finds.

Visitors can purchase checked baggage allowances between 20 and 60 kg, giving them flexibility for both quick vacations and long journeys. Even if a larger baggage allowance has been purchased, each checked bag cannot weigh more than 32 kg for security reasons.

However, if you have purchased more than 30 kg of baggage allowance, please note that each bag you will be checking-in must follow the following requirements.

Several essential mobility items may be checked in free of charge, including:

• Baby strollers, buggies, and prams
• Wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Crutches and walking frames

RE-BOOKED TO AVOID OTHER FEES

Guests who purchase checked baggage before departure can save up to Php 919 compared to airport rates. Checked baggage can be purchased conveniently via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AirAsia website, or Ask Bo.

BUYING ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE AFTER BOOKING

Guests who wish to add or upgrade their checked baggage allowance after completing their booking may conveniently do so through the Manage My Booking feature or by chatting with Ask Bo up to two hours before their scheduled departure. Checked baggage may also be added at the airport check-in counter, subject to applicable airport baggage rates.

To purchase or upgrade checked baggage through Ask Bo:

• Chat with Ask Bo on the AirAsia MOVE app or website.
• Type "Purchase Add-ons (Seats, Baggage, Meals)".
• Select "Baggage" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.

CABIN BAGGAGE

For cabin baggage, guests are entitled to two carry-on items—one cabin bag and one personal item like a laptop bag or a hand bag—with a combined weight of up to 7kg. Those who need additional cabin space may opt for Xtra Carry-On, which increases the cabin baggage allowance to 14kg when pre-booked.

As travelers continue to embrace spontaneous shopping, longer vacations, and meaningful trips home, AirAsia Philippines' flexible baggage policy ensures guests can bring home more of what matters—without worrying about the number of bags they check in.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

NOTE: The Communications and Public Affairs Group kindly requests for all media partners to follow the correct typography for the brand – for airline (AirAsia) spelled as one word with both As capitalized; and for non-airline (AirAsia MOVE) with MOVE capitalized.. 

For more information, feel free to contact:

AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Team: paa_commsandpublicaffairs1@airasia.com

Ajinomoto Philippines supports 1st NDAP Food & Nutripreneurship Summit

In photo from left: Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service; APC RND Bea Menorca-De Jesus; APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, Mika Makino, APC Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, Chef Glenn Dino; Shaylendra Andres, RND - NDAP National Vice President; Maria Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN – NDAP Immediate Past President

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently took part in the inaugural Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit of the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP), which took place on July 3–4, 2026. This historic event brought together industry leaders, innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and nutritionists from all over the nation. 

The summit, which had as its theme “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” provided a forum for sharing knowledge, talking about new issues and trends, and fortifying relationships with other advocates committed to influencing the direction of food service and nutrition in the Philippines.

Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC's registered nutritionist-dietitian, and Glen Dino, Corporate Chef Manager of the Food Service Division, led a lunch symposium highlighting the importance of increasing vegetable consumption as one of the most effective ways to improve human and environmental health. 

Chef Dino demonstrated simple vegetable recipes, such as Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise, through a brief and entertaining cooking demonstration. Both had a savory or umami flavor that highlighted the "linamnam" aspect of the vegetable dishes, making them more appetizing.

“The reality we’re seeing from DOST-FNRI data is that there is a gap between nutrition and sustainability in the country now. While millions of Filipinos are not meeting their daily energy needs, household plate waste continues to rise, and vegetables are among the most wasted. Vegetables should be at the center of this conversation because increasing consumption supports nutritional goals such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability as plant-based foods have lower environmental footprint.” ~Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC’s Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) in advancing nutrition, health, and sustainability initiatives. Shown are NDAP Adviser Zenaida Velasco (center), flanked by Mika Makino, APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations (left), and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, RND, APC Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (right)

I Love Veggie-Licious®, APC's premier nutrition campaign, also revolves around this theme. Since 2023, APC has been promoting vegetable consumption among Filipinos by touring various communities and schools across the country to lead cooking demonstrations and hands-on nutrition education. In line with APC's corporate motto, "Eat Well, Live Well," the initiative seeks to equip families, especially mothers, with the information and abilities to incorporate vegetables into their regular meals and cultivate a healthier eating habit.

“NDAP recognizes the value of multisectoral participation in promoting safe, sustainable, and evidence-based public health nutrition education for Filipinos. This event provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices among nutrition professionals, businesses, food service organizations, and other stakeholders in support of shared public health and nutrition goals.” ~Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service

I Love Veggie-Licious® is one of the major ways APC continues to contribute to the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 outcomes — help extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and to reduce its environmental impact by 50%. 

Likewise, APC continues to support organizations like NDAP, that share the company’s commitment to promoting nutrition, health and sustainability. 

The Iconic Blue Magic Opens at SM Center Sangandaan

For many Filipinos, Blue Magic has long been associated with significant life events. From teddy bears and novelty gifts to keepsakes for birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, the homegrown brand has spent nearly four decades helping customers commemorate special occasions.

Caloocan shoppers now have easier access to their favorite gift items thanks to the opening of Blue Magic's newest store on the ground floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is conveniently located near Watsons.

Since its founding in 1985, Blue Magic has developed into one of the most well-known gift shops in the nation, providing home décor, plush toys, novelty items, and gift options for all occasions. Its ability to combine reasonably priced items with sentimental value accounts for its enduring appeal, making it a well-known destination for generations of Filipino consumers.

A large assortment of gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, and regular celebrations are available in the new store. The store provides gift ideas for every budget and occasion, whether customers are searching for a meaningful gift or a straightforward token of appreciation.

Through the Blue-tiful Rewards program, customers can also take advantage of extra benefits. Customers can be eligible for VIP status and receive 10% off certain regular-priced items for a year if they have purchase receipts totaling ₱5,000 before December 31, 2026.

Blue Magic also runs a pop-up store on the mall's 5th Floor of SM City Grand Central, offering customers who live closer to the mall an additional easy way to find thoughtful gifts.

Blue Magic continues to make its iconic gift options more accessible to customers throughout northern Metro Manila with the opening of its newest location at your favorite SM Center Sangandaan and its presence at SM City Grand Central.

What Elite Athletes Do on Their Rest Days — And Why You Should Copy Them

Most people would picture a match, a training session, a weight room, and perhaps a dramatic-looking recovery shake if you asked them to imagine the day of an elite athlete.

But after years of working with sports performance nutrition, Dr. Luigi Gratton, VP of Health and Wellness at Herbalife, has discovered that “The habits that make elite athletes elite are not the flashy ones. They are the small, repeatable things the best players in the world do on the days no one is watching.”  On the days when no one is around, the world's top players engage in these little, consistent behaviors. 

It's Tuesday. on a day when you're off. during the offseason's second week. The majority of the work is done during the Repeat pillar of performance, which occurs when you are not competing.

The good news is that everyone can support a healthy, active life by adopting the same habits that support a professional career. To eat and live like a pro, you don't need to train like one.

These are the routines that top athletes consistently follow, and Dr. Gratton explains how to apply them to everyday life.

Habit 1: Protein at every meal

Protein is not considered a post-workout afterthought by the top athletes that Dr. Gratton works with. Rather, they distribute it throughout the day at intervals of roughly 20 to 40 grams every three to four hours, with a goal of about 30 grams during the training window. This could include a breakfast of eggs and Greek yogurt, a lunch of chicken or fish, a snack of a shake or bar, and a dinner that is anchored in protein.

Why is it important? Since protein is used for more than just muscle growth. Maintaining it as we age, boosting immunity, generating hormones and enzymes, and feeling satisfied enough to make healthy food choices throughout the day are all important. You get all those advantages in a way that seems effortless if you spread it out.

Habit 2: Carbs that match the workload

Although they do not eat carbohydrates at random, elite athletes do not fear them. Intake and activity are matched. They aim to consume 50 to 75 grams of carbohydrates in an hour following a strenuous workout, usually from commonplace items like a granola bar, chocolate milk, a bowl of cereal with milk, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or flavored yogurt. They reduce the intake on lighter days.

The lesson is the same for most people: your activity level determines how many carbohydrates you need. Your plate should show that a training day is not the same as a rest day.

Habit 3: Hydration on a schedule

Another habit that top athletes seldom neglect is staying hydrated.

As a starting point, Dr. Gratton suggests consuming at least half of your body weight (measured in pounds) in ounces of fluid each day. A 160-pound individual aims for 80 ounces. Add an additional 20 to 30 ounces for each hour of intense, sweaty exercise. Waiting until you are thirsty, which is by definition waiting until you are already behind, is less dependable than this straightforward math.

Plain water is insufficient if you are working out vigorously or in the heat. To actually retain fluid in the body, you need sodium and, ideally, some potassium.

Habit 4: Sleep is not optional

Out of all the habits shared by elite athletes, this is the one that is most frequently disregarded and poorly imitated. 

Nine to seven hours. Every evening. It is a non-negotiable component of the program, not a suggestion.

Growth hormone is released, muscle tissue is repaired, the nervous system is reset, and learning is consolidated by the brain during sleep. Sleep deprivation causes athletes to perform worse, become ill more frequently, and recuperate more slowly. Everyone else is in the same situation.

Habit 5: Dark-colored fruits and vegetables, every day

Not once a week. Every day. 

Berries, leafy greens, cherries, beets, red grapes, purple cabbage and dark-colored peppers. These foods deliver antioxidants that regulate inflammation, support immune function and provide the vitamins and minerals that restore energy. 

They are not a supplement or a hack. They are the floor.

Habit 6: Active recovery on rest days

“A rest day does not mean the couch. Elite nutrition is not about what you do on match day. It is about what you never skip on a Tuesday.” ~Dr. Luigi Gratton, VP of Health and Wellness at Herbalife

The elite athletes he works with use their rest days for walking, gentle cycling, yoga, stretching, foam rolling and other low-intensity movement. Active recovery improves blood circulation, which clears metabolic waste from the muscles while giving the body room to repair.

The most important thing rest days do is prevent overtraining, chronic fatigue and injury. They are not a pause in the program. They are part of it.

The real secret

Here is what no one tells you about elite performance nutrition: it is not a secret. It is not complicated. It is not expensive. 

It is protein at every meal, carbs that match your workload, daily hydration, eight hours of sleep, dark-colored produce and active recovery. Done consistently. Done on the days nobody is watching.

About Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.