Pru Life UK inspires a new generation of legacy builders among Filipino families

Designed as an evening of insightful discussion and curated wine tasting, Legacy Uncorked brought together an intimate circle of the country’s most respected business leaders, wealth advisors, and high-net-worth families in a sophisticated setting at the Grand Hyatt.

In photo: (Left-right) Rozanne Magararu, Pru Life UK Chief Customer & Marketing Officer; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; Michael Ferrer, ATRAM Group Chief Executive Officer; Rex Mendoza, Rampver Financials Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Princess Charm Balingit, Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer; and Julien Fey, Pru Life UK Chief Strategy Officer 

With family-owned businesses and property values rising in the Philippines, a growing number of Filipino families face a silent financial risk: wealth transfer delays and estate settlement issues that can lead to frozen assets, legal disputes, and forced liquidation.

According to Rex Mendoza, Chairman and CEO of Rampver Financials, during Pru Life UK’s exclusive Legacy Uncorked event held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, many families build wealth but fail to protect it for the next generation. Estate planning is not just a financial task—it is a responsibility to one’s heirs and a commitment to continuity.

To address this widening gap, Pru Life UK organised Legacy Uncorked as a platform for intergenerational wealth preservation and responsible succession planning. Headlined by Mendoza, one of the country’s leading voices in financial stewardship and legacy building, the event gathered high-net-worth families, business owners, and wealth advisors to discuss estate preparedness strategies.

Mendoza delivered a compelling message on why Filipino families must prepare not just for wealth accumulation but also for wealth transfer and continuity. He mentioned that legacy is not just what one leaves behind; it’s how one prepares others to carry it forward.

Citing recent global and economic disruptions, he emphasised that unpredictability has become a permanent part of financial strategy. He added that uncertainty is now a constant—with health crises, market disruptions, and policy changes. Families who do not build emergency liquidity and succession strategies expose their heirs to unnecessary financial risk.

He also stressed that the failure of legacy is often rooted not in financial loss but in lack of generational preparation. He noted that heirs do not fail because they lack inheritance; they fail because they lack guidance. Wealth must be transferred with wisdom, purpose, and financial literacy. Mendoza also highlighted the importance of disciplined investment strategies for generational wealth, explaining that asset diversification, risk management, and sustainability must guide long-term decisions.

Legacy Planning

Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty reinforced the importance of legacy planning in the Philippine context, where estate settlement remains a major barrier to preserving family wealth.

He said that many families are forced to sell land, businesses, or long-held assets simply to settle estate obligations. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is for every family that wants continuity, stability, and dignity in how their assets are passed on.

At the event, Pru Life UK introduced PRUWealth 10, its flagship single-pay life insurance solution designed to support estate planning. The product enables clients to generate estate liquidity, protect assets from forced sale, and ensure seamless inheritance transfer.

PRUWealth 10 provides immediate liquidity at the moment families need it most. It prevents the loss of family legacy due to emergency property sales or loan dependency. We continue to see growing interest among discerning families and business leaders who recognise the value of structured protection.

Chakrabarty added that structured wealth transition is now a growing financial priority in the country. He said that these discussions about legacy are no longer taboo. Today’s leaders want to protect both their life’s work and their family relationships. Pru Life UK is here to support that mission with structured, future-ready financial strategies.

Legacy Uncorked also featured a curated wine appreciation journey by Chie Gatchalian, co-founder of The Sip Studio, symbolising how legacies are intentionally built and preserved with care—echoing the event’s core message: legacy must be protected, not left to chance.

The event formed part of Pru Life UK’s ongoing commitment to financial education and estate planning advocacy in the Philippines, equipping families with guidance, solutions, and professional advisory to safeguard multigenerational wealth. 

SM Mall of Asia Arena Delivers a Bold New Era of Diverse Live Entertainment

The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena delivered a powerhouse month of live entertainment this November, bringing some of the most iconic names in global music to Filipino fans. From timeless 90s and 2000s hits to high-energy pop spectacles and uplifting worship gatherings, the venue ushered in a wave of nostalgia, excitement, and spiritual connection, cementing its position as the country’s home for unforgettable live experiences.

This impressive lineup of events once again highlights the Arena’s strength and reliability as SM’s premier partner for large-scale entertainment. Its unmatched resilience, strategic operations, and consistency across back-to-back shows at both the SM MOA Arena and the SMDC Festival Grounds affirm its standing as the benchmark for world-class concerts, festivals, and conventions in the Philippines.

Hillsong London brings a worship night to the SMDC Festival Grounds.

Timeless Hits Take Center Stage

Legendary Danish band Michael Learns to Rock—Jascha Richter (vocals, keyboards), Mikkel Lentz (guitar), and Kåre Wanscher (drums)—returned to the SM Mall of Asia Arena with a heart-tugging set that brought generations of fans together.

Mikkel Lentz greets the crowd since their last return.

Fans lit up the Arena with thousands of lights in the venue as they sang along with Michael Learns to Rock.

A standout moment of the night was their performance of “Take Me to Your Heart,” as the entire arena sang in unison. The crowd was also treated to beloved classics, including “25 Minutes,” “Paint My Love,” and “That’s Why.”

https://www.facebook.com/moaarena/videos/873108745242304

Fans raise their phones as they sing along to Michael Learns to Rock’s “Take Me to Your Heart”.

A Generation of Music That Expresses

American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo lit up the stage with a stellar showcase blending R&B, pop, and dance. Backed by explosive stage production, Derulo matched the arena’s electrifying energy with his signature charisma and dynamic performances.

Jason Derulo brings the heat at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

His setlist included major hits such as “Swalla,” “Talk Dirty,” “Who Hurt You,” and “Savage Love,” bringing the crowd to its feet and redefining the night as a celebration of pure expression and performance power.

https://www.facebook.com/moaarena/videos/1395347005292109

Jason Derulo brings an explosive opening to the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Nostalgia in a Bottle

https://www.tiktok.com/@moa.arena/video/7575210673144171797?lang=en

Vanessa Carlton performs “A Thousand Miles” at the Playback Music Festival.

The Playback Pop It Up! Music Festival transported fans back to the golden era of the 2000s with the return of iconic artists David Archuleta, Vanessa Carlton, and Blue. For many, the festival marked long-awaited reunions with acts they had not seen live in years.

Blue returns to the SM MOA Arena during the Playback Music Festival.

David Archuleta sets the stage for the Playback Music Festival.

Deeply nostalgic and emotionally charged, the event unlocked core memories for fans as they sang along to “Crush” by David Archuleta, “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton, and “If You Come Back” by Blue. The three acts turned the venue into a time capsule filled with joy and sentiment.

Praise and Worship in an Outdoor Venue

At the SMDC Festival Grounds, thousands gathered for a powerful night of worship with Hillsong London on November 23. Despite unpredictable weather, attendees braved the elements as the worship group delivered moving performances of “What a Beautiful Name,” “Hosanna,” “Oceans,” and “Relentless.”

Hillsong London makes a touchdown at the SMDC Festival Ground.

With hands raised and voices united, the crowd transformed the open-air venue into a sanctuary of gratitude and praise.

https://www.tiktok.com/@moa.arena/video/7575966376242760980?lang=en

The crowd sings along to Hosanna with hearts lifted.

Fireworks accompany the vibrant atmosphere of worship.

In the Service of Excellence

Venue personnel continue to showcase excellence and hospitality to all patrons, ensuring safety and security.

The SM Mall of Asia Arena continues to exemplify its unwavering commitment to delivering world-class live entertainment, hosting everything from high-caliber indoor concerts to emotionally resonant outdoor gatherings. Each event is backed by meticulous preparation, seamless operations, and an unshakeable dedication to guest well-being.

The SM Mall of Asia venue personnel continue to deliver service excellence in every event for its patrons.

Prioritizing safety, comfort, and exceptional service, the arena strives to provide not just spectacular performances but also a worry-free, memorable experience for every guest.

 

Lazada ushers in an All-Out Pasko with 12.12 branded deals and exclusive experiences

Lazada, the premier eCommerce platform in the Philippines, keeps the festive momentum going by kicking off the 12.12 Global Brands Fest happening from December 8 to 14 where shoppers can enjoy up to 80% off and 100% free shipping on top brands. The festivities continue with the 12.12 All-Out Pasko Sale, running from December 11, 8 p.m. to 14, offering discounts of up to 90% off and up to ₱2,000 in Lazada vouchers. Throughout this period, look forward to exclusive LazMall brands, smarter ways to shop through personalized shopping features with AI Lazzie, and authentic products at unmatched holiday value, made even more sulit through engaging LazLive content.

This year’s 12.12 celebration brings together thousands of exciting global and local brands across categories like electronics, fashion, beauty, home, and essentials—including TORRAS tech accessories, Umay Sports, Naturehike Outdoor, and Philips Lighting. Shoppers can also find exclusive K-Beauty and makeup assortments from the GMarket Korea store, alongside rising favorites like Mimani, vriuknt, and Bodorme. These well-known brands, along with top-performing local sellers, continue to grow their businesses through Lazada’s trusted platform and industry-leading support.

“At Lazada, our commitment has always been to bring authentic, high-quality products closer to Filipino shoppers while empowering the brands and sellers who trust us to scale their business,” said Lazada Philippines’ chief executive officer Carlos Barrera. “12.12 is one of our biggest celebrations of the year. Beyond the deals, it’s a chance for us to help brands grow, offer better value to our customers, and make holiday shopping more seamless, convenient and enjoyable for every Filipino family.”

12.12 All-Out Shopping Treat Raffle: More Reasons to Celebrate

Adding to the excitement, Lazada is launching the 12.12 All-Out Shopping Treat Raffle, running from December 1 to 14, 2025.  During the promo period, shoppers earn one raffle entry for every single order of PHP 500 or more (except Digital Goods and Milk Code products).  One lucky winner will claim the grand prize: a 1-year shopping spree through LazRewards, credited at PHP100,000 monthly from January to December 2026. Twelve additional winners will each receive PHP 12,000 in Lazada Gift Cards to fuel their holiday shopping.

“The holiday season is when Filipino shoppers are most excited to discover great deals and authentic products from the brands they love,” said Lazada Philippines’ head of seller operations, Alvin Ching. “That’s why we work closely with our brand and seller partners to ensure that every 12.12 brings a wider assortment, better value, and an overall smoother shopping experience. We want our customers to feel confident that they’re getting the real deal every time they shop with us.”

Lazada 12.12 Levels Up Holiday Shopping with LazLive’s All Out Sweep Challenge

To make the celebration even livelier, Lazada is introducing a special LazLive event featuring the Four Houses, each led by a top creator who will take on the challenge of winning LazMall vouchers for lucky viewers. With exclusive deals, live demos, and surprise voucher drops, the Four Houses aim to bring entertainment and inspiration to Filipinos as they discover the best holiday deals.

The Four Houses will be led by a diverse lineup of creators, each bringing their own expertise and style to the 12.12 celebration. Rain Matienzo heads the House of Style, bringing her fashion-forward looks and lifestyle content to inspire holiday outfits. Jae Miranda leads the House of Tech, known for making gadget reviews and tech recommendations more accessible to everyday shoppers. Joce, at the helm of the House of Beauty, shares her trusted product reviews, makeup tutorials, and skincare tips. Rounding out the roster is Tommy Tiangco, guiding the House of Crafts with his creative DIY projects and home craft inspirations—perfect for those looking to add a personal touch to the season.

Shoppers can catch the livestreams on December 11, 10 PM, play with their favorite House, unlock additional deals, and join games happening throughout the event.

Shop the best branded deals and enjoy exclusive experiences at Lazada’s 12.12 All-Out Pasko Sale! 

Merry GCash Season Na! Here’s Your Guide to Making The Holidays Merrier With GCash

Manila, Philippines — With just a few weeks left until Christmas, the holiday rush is in full swing. From finding the most meaningful gifts to planning reunions and mapping out your itinerary for your much-awaited holiday trip, it’s the time of the year when moments feel fuller, brighter, and filled with anticipation. And when things sometimes feel like they’re happening all at once, having a little help goes a long way. 

For a merrier, smoother holiday season, GCash is here to help! The country’s top e-wallet is bringing back the merry feeling through its Merry GCash celebration. This year, it’s bigger, better, and packed with even more deals and rewards, so all your holiday activities are merrier. Here’s everything GCash has to help you make the most of the season! 

1. A new Christmas jingle from SB19 to lift your holiday mood

GCash and the Kings of P-Pop, SB19, have launched a new holiday jingle, “Make It Merry,” reminding everyone that, with a little GCash magic, you can make your favorite Christmas moments feel even more special. In the new music video featuring this collab, the SB19 boys are seen shopping gifts for their loved ones and paying seamlessly with GCash – a reminder that you don’t need to rush through the season; you can simply breeze through it, basta i-GCash mo!

2. A chance to turn your holiday spending into big prizes when you Shake It, Win It 

The more you use GCash this holiday season, the more you get rewarded with amazing prizes when you play Shake It, Win It! For all your Christmas to-dos, like buying ingredients for noche buena, shopping for gifts, or picking out party outfits, just pay with GCash to earn entries.

This year, one lucky winner will bring home a brand-new BYD car, four winners will receive ₱1 million in GCash credits each, and 20,000 users will win up to ₱5,000 in GCash credits. But that’s not all! Up to 300,000 users will receive random GCash credits every day just by logging on the app. 

3. The best deals of the season to help stretch your budget when you shop

And because holiday spending can pile up fast, GCash also helps you stretch your budget with exclusive deals online. When you shop on Lazada and TikTok Shop and choose GCash at checkout, you can unlock special deals and get that extra advantage when the spending gets a bit heavy this season! 

If you find yourselves shopping at Robinson’s Department Store or SM Store, don’t worry! Use GCash to Scan to Pay, and you can also unlock more discounts!

4. Special promos at your favorite Christmas bazaars to make holiday shopping a breeze

GCash has also partnered with the biggest Christmas bazaars in the city this year. The best part? There will be bazaar-exclusive special hour promos that give you extra surprises and rewards when you pay with GCash. You can also earn more Shake It, Win It entries along the way! 

Here’s where you can GCash this season:

• Designers Holiday Bazaar, Glorietta, Makati: November 29 to December 7

• Trendsetter’s Bazaar, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong: December 4 to 7 and December 18 to 21

• World Bazaar Festival, World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay: December 13 to 22

The holidays are always better when things feel lighter and joy lives in the small moments - not lost in the rush. The Merry GCash season is back to make sure to turn every payment, every purchase, and every shake into a step toward a truly merry celebration. Stay connected by following @gcashofficial online to make sure you don’t miss out on any more exciting Merry GCash announcements. 

ASUS Opens its Biggest Flagship Store at SM North EDSA

ASUS Philippines (ASUS) is excited to announce another milestone with the grand reopening of its biggest flagship store yet! Starting December 5, ASUS fans and tech enthusiasts in Quezon City can easily access and experience the full range of ASUS innovations – from ASUS AI laptops and ROG gaming machines to ASUS desktop solutions – at the newly reopened store located on the 4th Floor of The Annex at SM North EDSA.

 

“The reopening of this ASUS Flagship Store at North EDSA allows us to show our innovation on an entirely premium level.” Mr. Harrison Cheng, Business Development Manager of ASUS Philippines, shares. “The new design offers an open layout for our customers to explore and experience our incredible products as freely as possible, delivering the kind of experience our users truly deserve.”

A 3-Day Celebration at SM North EDSA with ASUS

In celebration of the grand opening, purchases of participating products made at the flagship branch will come complete with the following offers:

• Epic discounts worth up to P15,000
• FREE ASUS Marshmallow MD100 Mouse worth PHP 1,795
• FREE ASUS Exclusive Desk Mat
• FREE ASUS Exclusive Tumbler

This very special promo will be available from December 5 to 7, while supplies last.

New ASUS ROG Grand Tech Fair 2025 Location: Unlocked

The ASUS Flagship Store is officially part of ASUS ROG Grand Tech 2025 store list! ASUS fans and tech enthusiasts who buy participating products from the SM North Edsa-Annex branch are eligible for the following until January 15, 2026:

• A 1-year extended ASUS Premium Care Warranty worth up to PHP 7,995
• One (1) Nationwide Raffle Entry on January 29, 2026, draw for:
  • A Yamaha Mio Fazzio worth PHP 93,900
  • An Airwheel Smart Electric Luggage worth PHP 40,000; or
  • An Insta360 X5 Action Camera worth PHP 32,990

Estancia de Lorenzo Launches “Light a Virtual Parol” Project as This Year’s CSR Initiative

Every  December,  Estancia de  Lorenzo marks not only its  Founding  Anniversary but also its commitment to giving back to the community during the holiday season.

Continuing this meaningful tradition,  Estancia de  Lorenzo proudly introduces the  “Light a  Virtual  Parol”  Project,   a special initiative that highlights the true spirit of  Christmas—hope,  generosity, and shared light.

This project invites guests to participate in a collective act of kindness.  To  join  this  initiative,  here  are the mechanics:

1.  Make a Donation:

●      Scan the QR code and fill out the necessary details.

●      Each parol symbolizes one family or one beneficiary supported through our program.

2.  Choose Your Parol

●      After  donating,  you  may  choose  your  Virtual  Parol  Category  (Standard  /  Premium /   Corporate)

 Standard- Php 500

 Premium- Php 1,000

 Corporate- Php 1,500

●      Your Parol will be displayed in their Virtual Parol Wall of Hope.

3.  Submit Your Details

●      Send  your  Name  /  Department  /  Organization  (optional:  message of hope)  to be acknowledged at the Village Lighting event.

●      Attached the proof of donation to the registration link.

4.  Watch Your Parol Shine

●      All  Virtual  Parols will be showcased during their  Christmas  Village  Lighting  Event on  December 6.

●      They will also be featured on  Estancia de  Lorenzo’s new  Facebook page as part of their holiday CSR campaign.

5.  Support the Cause

●      All proceeds will go directly to  Estancia de  Lorenzo’s chosen beneficiaries.  Participants will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.

All proceeds raised through this initiative will be donated directly to  Estancia de  Lorenzo’s chosen beneficiaries, supporting local communities and programs that uplift lives.

To donate,  kindly visit  Estancia de  Lorenzo’s official social media accounts and visit their website to know more about their  “Light a Parol” project.

For your security,  do not transact with any  Facebook pages that are not verified and official.  Please conduct all transactions through their official website only.

 Facebook:  Estancia de Lorenzo-Rizal

 Instagram:  @estanciadelorenzo.official

 TikTok:  Estancia de Lorenzo Rizal

 Website:  estanciadelorenzo.ph 

Power Mac Center Unwraps Big Holiday Deals with “Wrapped in Wonders

They say the magic of Christmas isn’t gone when you’re an adult, it’s just your time to create it now.

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) celebrates this lasting magic with “Wrapped in Wonders,” a Christmas campaign featuring festive in-store and online offers for customers during the holiday season.

“Christmas is a time for connection, and technology makes way for people to share experiences, conversations, and traditions from anywhere. With this campaign, Power Mac Center is focused on delivering the tools that make those moments meaningful and accessible to everyone,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez. “We also want to end the year on a high note in gratitude for every milestone, every blessing, every expression of support we received in 2025.”

Season’s Savings, Festive Finds

There’s no time like now to finally get your dream devices and accessories for work and play ‘cause major savings are in store just for loyal PMC customers.

●       Save up to P33,000 on select Apple products! Get the iPhone 15 128GB, now at a non-installment discounted price of P39,990 from SRP P42,990; or the iPhone 16 128GB, now discounted at P45,490 from SRP P52,990. Terms and conditions apply, and available only while stocks last.

●       Get up to 20% off on participating power banks when purchased with an iPhone Air.

●       Slash up to 90% off on participating Apple and non-Apple accessories.

●       Enjoy these offers with Gift Now, Pay Later deals from partner banks such as UnionBank, BPI, HSBC, RCBC, Security Bank, Metrobank, and EastWest.

Above promos are valid until December 31, 2025 at all Power Mac Center stores nationwide.

Merry Trade, Happy Upgrade

From a merry trade to a happy upgrade, score up to P56,500 in savings when you trade in your iPhone 16 for the latest generation of iPhone. For those with an iPhone 15 or earlier model, you can also get up to P2,000 additional value when you UpTrade your device.

And if you pay the remaining balance via Home Credit, you will receive an additional special voucher amounting to P500.

This promo is available at Power Mac Center offline stores until November 30, 2025 only.

Gifts That Click

Shopping online also has its perks! Get up to 90% off on select premium accessories when you purchase an Apple device. Plus, enjoy free shipping nationwide with no minimum spend at PMC’s official Web Store <powermaccenter.com>. Promo runs from November 21 to December 31, 2025.

Capsules of Wonder

Cue in the nostalgia of arcade games in Christmases past as the gashapon craze continues, bringing interactive fun to every shopping spree. For every minimum single-receipt spend, customers can play PMC’s exclusive claw machine at select Power Mac Center stores. Stay tuned for full details.

All holiday season purchases in-store and via the Web Store earn customers rewards points that they can exchange for premium devices, accessories, and select services and training courses (1 point = P1).

Before you purchase, make sure to download the 1 Infinite app in the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK> and create an account or log in using your registered email address. Don’t forget to present your membership at the checkout counter or input details when transacting online. More details about the loyalty program are available here <https://powermaccenter.com/pages/1-infinite>.

The PMC “Wrapped in Wonders” brand sponsors include Hover, Shokz, Belkin, Native Union, Mophie, STM, Chipolo, Cygnett, and Whoosh! Stay tuned for more news and promotions by following Power Mac Center’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube.