Manulife Philippines Launches Longevity Movement with a New Focus: Quality of Life Over Quantity
Ever pause to think about what a long life really means? Is it just about hitting a certain age, or is it about making those years truly count? For many Filipinos, the answer is shifting, and it’s a game-changer for how we approach health, finance, and purpose.
This was the core message at Manulife Philippines’ inaugural “Time to MOVE – Manulife Longevity Symposium” held at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event wasn’t just another corporate talk—it was a dynamic gathering of over 500 healthcare experts, industry thought leaders, financial advisors, and customers, all focused on one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better.
Bridging the Gap: What Filipinos Really Want
This symposium is a milestone in Manulife’s deepening commitment to the longevity movement across Asia. It served as a vital platform, sharing insights and fostering collaboration toward more purposeful living. Central to the discussion were two key pieces of research that really shed light on the modern Filipino mindset:
- The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 revealed a crucial shift: Filipinos are increasingly focused on the quality of life they want to experience as they age, prioritizing well-being and independence over simply extending their lifespan.
- The new “#FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys – Examining Longevity Perspectives, Sentiments, and Aspirations of Millennials and Gen Zs” study echoed this, finding that younger generations prioritize purpose and financial independence as the true measures of a successful long life.
“As Filipinos redefine what it means to live longer and better, we at Manulife are committed to helping them achieve this vision with trusted guidance and financial tools to help them make informed decisions about their future,” said Rahul Hora, President and CEO of Manulife Philippines. The symposium, he explained, is all about equipping Filipinos with the expert insights and comprehensive strategies needed to gain confidence and enjoy a healthier, more rewarding life.
Health, Wealth, and Purpose: A Cross-Sector View
The symposium was a masterclass in cross-sector collaboration, featuring keynote sessions and expert panels that explored how individuals and communities can collectively extend health span, strengthen financial readiness, and enhance quality of life.
- Preventive Health Innovation: Experts like Dr. Jeremy Lim (AMILI), Dr. Natha Kumar (Guardant Health), and Dr. Beverly Ho (Ayala Health) showcased cutting-edge solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and management of health challenges.
- The Future of Retirement: Busting common myths about securing our later years, Aira Gaspar (President and CEO, Manulife Investments Philippines) and Elvin Tharm (Head of Retirement, Manulife Asia) delivered a fast-paced presentation focused on actionable financial strategies.
- Living Better for Longer: Manulife Global Head of Sustainability, Ariel Kangasniemi, joined Manulife Philippines brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff to explore the intersection of sustainability, equity, and health. They highlighted Manulife’s nature-based investments—from forest restoration to carbon sequestration—as key drivers of climate resilience and community longevity. As Kangasniemi shared, “Our choices now impact our future… even the smallest steps such as choosing to eat healthy, getting enough sleep, learning from expert advice, when done consistently, help us to achieve our desired future.”
From Insight to Action: Introducing ManulifeMOVE
A major highlight of the symposium was the launch of ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program designed to translate research insights into real, actionable change. It brings together the right products, platforms, and partners to improve a customer’s well-being at every stage.
ManulifeMOVE focuses on four pillars:
- Health Empowerment: Providing relevant insights and knowledge to help customers integrate preventive care into their everyday lives.
- Partnership-driven Health Proposition: Connecting with industry partners to offer customers discounted and exclusive offers on preventive services, quick diagnosis, and comprehensive support.
- Digital Health Experience: Consolidating all health solutions and journeys into the MOVE section of the Manulife app.
- Health Solutions: Offering Manulife’s comprehensive suite of health plans that provide critical illness and life coverage from early diagnosis to recovery, supplementing Filipinos’ state-provided health insurance.
To drive this message home, participants engaged in interactive breakout sessions themed Live, Flex, Breathe, and Think, offering practical guidance on nutrition, fitness, stress management, and cognitive health.
This focus on taking action resonated personally with Manulife brand ambassador Anne Curtis: “While many Filipinos are aware of the importance of good health, there remains a gap between awareness and action. As a mom, I’ve realized how important it is to stay strong and healthy for myself and my family. Manulife’s Time to MOVE is such a meaningful reminder that caring for our bodies and minds is an investment in a longer, better future.”
Securing the Future You Envision
The “Time to MOVE” symposium is a pivotal moment, shifting the conversation from merely enduring old age to embracing a longer, better, and more confident life. By bringing together diverse voices and actionable insights, Manulife is reinforcing its commitment to supporting Filipinos at every life stage.
As Hora concluded, “There’s a clear opportunity to bridge the gap between aspiration and action through practical, preventive solutions that empower our kababayans to maintain their well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling future. At Manulife, we’re committed to turning these insights into action by offering solutions that support Filipinos in planning confidently, living meaningfully, and securing the future they envision.”
Ready to start planning for your better future today? You can learn more about the proactive steps Manulife is taking and how to get moving with ManulifeMOVE by visiting manulife.com.ph.
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