Nurturing Dreams, Serving Purpose: How Two Filipino Entrepreneurs Grew Their Businesses with Sun Life by Their Side

Chef Czarina Sevilla of Avocadoria and Wendy Villanueva of Wilmar’s Taho

Behind every beloved Filipino food brand is a story of courage, creativity, and resilience. For Chef Czarina Sevilla, owner of Avocadoria, and Wendy Villanueva, owner of Wilmar’s Taho, building a brand meant transforming vibrant local flavors into thriving enterprises.

These women prove that success in entrepreneurship is built on passion, purpose, and planning for the future. Despite their different origins, both entrepreneurs share a common partner in their journey towards business growth: Sun Life.

3 Bright Ways to Maximize Your VUL

Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation

For many Filipinos, Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance has become a popular choice for navigating financial milestones. By combining life insurance protection with an investment component, it provides a versatile platform to ensure your family’s security while potentially growing your wealth.

However, simply having a VUL policy is not the same as making it work for you. To help Clients get the most out of their plans, here are tips from Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation, on how to turn a VUL policy into a powerhouse for your financial future.

Security Bank Capital leads PHP2.015 billion financing for Alba Renewables’ solar project in Isabela

Standing (L-R): Carl Joshua M. Yeung, Investment Associate, Alba Renewables; Tinette Quiring, Deal Execution Team Head, Security Bank Capital; Margaux Lee, Coverage and Origination Team Head, Security Bank Capital; Carmela Tanjutco,  Vice President, Security Bank Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG); Josh Samson, Manager, Security Bank TAMG; Victor Marcelo, Assistant Vice President, Security Bank Corporate Banking; and Ken Gudito, Deal Officer, Security Bank Capital. Sitting (L-R): Armando Arturo H. Rodriguez, Managing Director, Soleos Energy Partners Pte. Ltd.; Christopher Walter E. Lim, PH Country Director, Alba Renewables; Virgilio O. Chua, President & CEO, Security Bank Capital; Aris Cruz, Senior Vice President, Security Bank Corporate Banking; and Serafin Del Rosario, First Vice President, Security Bank Corporate Banking at the signing of the financing facility deal.

Charting New Horizons: Sun Life to Turn Dreams into Destinations this 2026

As the new year unfolds, dreams of adventure and exploration are coming true for three lucky Sun Life Philippines Clients who each bagged the grand prize travel voucher worth PHP 100,000 from Sun Life’s Client promos. These winners – Mayyi Daquila, Isadelle De Guzman, and Marvin Abrigo – prove that making bright choices can lead to unforgettable experiences.

A Conversation Away from your Dream Destination

Manilynne “Mayyi” Daquila, grand prize winner of Sun Life’s Client Connect promo, with her husband, Henry

PNB Holdings Launches EcoStation in Partnership with Rezbin

The EcoStation program reinforces PHC’s commitment to responsible waste management and measurable sustainability practices.

PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) has expanded its sustainability initiatives through a strategic partnership with Rezbin, a multi-awarded, tech-enabled waste management company. The collaboration introduces EcoStation, PHC’s new waste recycling program designed to make responsible waste disposal simple, measurable, and accessible across its major properties. 

Security Bankers raise funds for 41 scholars through year-end, employee-led initiatives

Security Bank employees participating the holiday marketplace at Security Bank Head Office in Makati City

Security Bankers rallied together at the close of 2025 to raise funds for 41 scholars under the Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko (RMKK) scholarship program, through a series of employee-led initiatives held during the Bank’s year-end celebrations.

Implemented in collaboration with the Bank’s Learning and Engagement Division, the initiatives generated donations for Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), supporting the educational needs of the Bank’s agency personnel—including security guards, janitors, messengers, and drivers—as well as their children.

Savings That Slap: Julia Barretto & Maris Racal on What It Feels Like to Save with Maya

Saving money usually feels quiet and delayed. You set aside funds and trust that it’ll matter someday. But when nothing feels different right away, it’s easy to forget or stop altogether.

That’s exactly what Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, is calling out in its latest video starring Julia Barretto and Maris Racal. It’s a wake-up call for Filipinos: your savings can reward you daily — if you put it where it earns.

Philippine Cocktail Week Presented by Maya Black Brings the World’s Biggest Bar Collaboration to the Philippines

Philippine Cocktail Week (PHCW), presented by Maya Black, has unveiled its full international lineup, confirming the largest and most globally awarded gathering of cocktail bars ever hosted in the Philippines. 

From February 5 to 8, 2026, the city will welcome an unprecedented collaboration between 28 of the world’s most celebrated cocktail bars and 28 of Manila’s finest local bars, unfolding across four nights and four neighborhoods.

Unlike traditional cocktail festivals that center on a single venue or temporary showcase, Philippine Cocktail Week is conceived as a citywide experience, unfolding deliberately through BGC; Legazpi Village and Makati Cinema Square; Poblacion and Jupiter; and Quezon City and San Juan. 

“This is the first time Manila has welcomed this depth and caliber of international bar talent in a single week, working alongside local bars as collaborators,” said a representative from Philippine Cocktail Week. “Philippine Cocktail Week reflects a new chapter in Filipino hospitality—one where the city opens its doors with confidence, generosity, and a strong sense of identity.”

Sun Life donates CAD 150,000 for Cebu earthquake, Typhoons Tino and Uwan relief efforts

Reaffirming its commitment to extending aid in times of crisis, Sun Life has donated CAD 150,000 (PHP 6.3M) to communities devastated by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Central Visayas, and the destructive impact of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

CAD 50,000 (PHP 2.1M) will be allocated to restoring safe, inclusive, and continuous learning for 500 schoolchildren affected by earthquake in Cebu. With Save the Children Philippines as the implementing partner, the funding will provide modular temporary learning spaces that are child-friendly and accessible to learners with disabilities, alongside clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, emergency power stations, and internet connection. Complementary interventions, such as learning continuity kits with essential educational and psychosocial support materials, and emergency communication lines, will also be given.

Security Bank caps 2025 expansion with 377 branches nationwide

Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s 375th branch in Cebu-Mahi (From left): Frances Quiamco, AVP and Business Manager of Cebu-Mahi Branch; Atty. Danilo Almendras, City Administrator of Lapu-Lapu City; Peter Chua, President of MEPZ Mixed Gases Corporation; JD Yap, EVP and Business Banking Segment Head; Nelson Villar, President of Concrete Restoration Inc.; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Venus Manigsaca, Owner of Apple One Group (Landlord); Ray Manigsaca, Chairman of Apple One Group (Landlord); Winnie Chua, President of MEPZ Purchasing Management Association; Wee Sing Sy, FVP and Region Head; Lorena Tambis, AVP and Area Channel Manager  

Sun Life Announces Leadership Succession In The Philippines

JJ Moreno will succeed Benedict Sison as CEO and Country Head and continue to grow

Sun Life’s business as the Number 1 life insurer in Philippines

JJ Moreno will succeed Benedict Sison as CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines

Sun Life today announced that Benedict Sison will retire as Chief Executive Officer and Country Head, Philippines, following a distinguished fifteen-year career with the company.  Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno, currently President, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., will succeed Benedict as the next CEO and Country Head, Philippines, effective 1 April 2026. 

Double Victory: Sun Life Grepa Earns Top Honors At International Finance Awards 2025 And Insurance Asia Awards 2025

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance companies, has achieved a double milestone after receiving recognition from two prestigious international award-giving bodies for its MyBiz program – an innovative suite of insurance and protection solutions designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  

Sun Life Grepa was named Best MSME Insurance Initiative of the Year at the International Finance Awards 2025. The annual program recognizes industry excellence by honoring organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and contribution to their respective sectors. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation of their achievements and impact on their industries. 

Security Bank Foundation delivers strong education gains in 2025

In 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) strengthened its commitment to education as a powerful equalizer, delivering measurable, nationwide impact amid persistent classroom shortages, disaster-damaged school facilities, and nearly 11 million out-of-school Filipino children.

Through a holistic approach—building and repairing classrooms, supporting scholars, empowering educators, and partnering with communities—the Foundation helped improve access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments across the country.

Security Bank accelerates tech transformation with modern architecture, AI adoption, and award-winning platforms

Security Bank Corporation is advancing its technology transformation with strategic investments in modern architecture, artificial intelligence, real-time data platforms, cybersecurity, and automation. These initiatives strengthen the Bank’s operational resilience and scalability delivering faster, safer, and more seamless customer experiences, reinforcing its BetterBanking commitment.

Over the first nine months of 2025, the Bank has streamlined core systems and processes, resulting in improved speed, reliability, compliance efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. These advancements have been recognized by regional awards bodies, affirming Security Bank’s position among the Philippines’ most innovative and future-ready financial institutions.

Make the New Year Feel Easier: The Tap Life Is Here

The new year is in full swing, with fresh plans, back-to-work routines, errands, and life settling back into rhythm after the holidays. As days pick up pace again, small inconveniences become more noticeable, like waiting in checkout lines, fumbling for wallets, or typing out full card details online.

Many EastWest cardholders are discovering a easier, simpler workaround: paying with just a tap of their phone through Google Pay™.

Google Pay is now available in the Philippines for compatible Android and Wear OS devices, and EastWest is one of the first local banks to support it. Cardholders can add their EastWest Visa or Mastercard credit card to Google Wallet and start paying instantly — in stores, in apps, and online — without ever reaching for their physical card.

Security Bank Foundation and JVRFI deliver new classrooms to Tarlac National High School

Turnover ceremony of the 2-storey classroom building at Tarlac National High School, led by Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation Executive Director Kana Manglapus

More than 10,000 students at Tarlac National High School (TNHS) will benefit from safer, more conducive learning spaces following the turnover of a newly constructed two‑storey, 10-classroom building by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), with one classroom sponsored by the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRFI).

Security Bank strengthens nationwide presence with 372 branches

Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s 368th branch in Davao City (From left): Salvador Castro III, VP and Area Head; Russel Cai, Plant Manager/Quality Management Representative of Davao Mighty Steel Corp; Ricardo Luis Mateo Lagdameo, President and CEO of ANFLO Construction and Corp.; Decy Sarmiento, FVP and Region 7 Head; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Ricardo Floirendo, Vice Chairman of ANFLO Group of Companies; Jezel Aballe, Business Manager of Davao-Damosa Branch; Benjamin Umapas, General Manager of Benbert Co.; Karl Gregor Catadman and Maria Christie Catadman, Owners of KCKS Builders Inc.; Jason Ang,  SVP and Visayas and Mindanao Distribution Head

Building communities, transforming lives: Security Bank’s 2025 CSR and sustainability milestones

In line with its mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities sustainably, Security Bank worked tirelessly in 2025 to strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, and deliver programs that create lasting progress across the Philippines.

From providing cacao seedlings to 40 farmers in Aklan and mentoring 980 families to aiding 661 disaster-hit families, Security Bank strengthened livelihoods nationwide. Education remained a priority with a total of 901 classrooms donated to 153 schools and free eye care for 1,170 students. Cultural programs engaged more than 300 artists, while environmental efforts planted 940 mangrove seedlings toward a 10,000-seedling goal.

Sun Life Lights Up Boracay with Brighter Holidays

Paraws, Parols, and a Grand New Year Countdown

Sun Life Philippines has officially ushered in the festive season with its Brighter Holidays campaign, turning Boracay Island into a radiant holiday destination. The celebration began with a tree lighting ceremony that illuminated Laketown with a dazzling Christmas tree.

As part of the activation, Sun Life-branded paraws cruise along the Boracay coastline, while on land, Sun Life’s parols that symbolize hope and togetherness can be found all over the island. These activities showcase Sun Life’s dedication to sparking hope and fresh beginnings, empowering every Filipino to embrace the season as they pursue brighter financial and health goals for the future.

EastWest Rural Bank Marks 12th Anniversary with Outreach Program for Schools in Remote and Typhoon-Hit Areas

EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) marked its 12th anniversary with an outreach initiative that reached schools located in far-flung communities and areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. The program ran from November 5 to 20, 2025, covering selected public schools across Regions 5, 6, 7, and 11.

A total of 590 learners and 49 teachers received Jollibee meals, drawing and coloring materials, rice packs, and EWRB giveaways as part of the Bank’s anniversary activities.

According to Sheila Marasigan-Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, the activity shows the Bank’s intention to stay present in the communities it serves: