In Latest Collaboration with Manulife, Erwan Heussaff Puts Spotlight on Longevity

 For Manulife Philippines brand ambassador and content creator Erwan Heussaff, living better and attaining longevity boils down to one thing: intentionality. In a video he produced in partnership with Manulife Philippines, Erwan looked back at his experience speaking during “Time to Move: the Manulife Longevity Symposium” in October where he and other industry experts tackled how Filipinos are approaching health and aging in the lens of longevity.  

 
 

 

“Today's world moves so fast. And so do the choices we make about our health, our habits, and our future. Longevity isn't just about living longer. It's about living with intention,” ErwanHeussaff said in the video posted on his Instagram account.

 

The symposium served as a platform for discussions on how physical, mental, and financial health impact longevity. Heussaffshared the stage with Manulife Global Chief Sustainability Officer, Ariel Kangasniemi, in discussing living healthier and making sustainable choices, particularly in the food we eat. 

 

“When we think of food, we think of something that we eat, and something that keeps us going. I always say just do things with intent. When you do something, know why you're doing it, and that you shouldn't let guilt eat you up. So, if you want to eat fast food, I can't stop you. For the other things that you're eating, maybe just make a conscious decision of what you're eating, it really has to start with you,” Heussaff said.  

 

 

His work as a content creator traveling around different parts of the Philippines and his passion for food, he said, have made him realize more that even small steps count in taking care of our health and our communities. 

 

 

“Through what we decide to do every day, we can create change for ourselves and also for our direct community. But it really has to start with you—with the decisions that you make every day. Even the small ones, they all count and lead you to a bigger goal,” he said. 

 

“We are thrilled to continue shining a spotlight on these very important conversations with Erwan,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines “Through his content and our other platforms, such as the Longevity Symposium and ManulifeMOVE, we aim to inspire and empower Filipinos with practical insights and actionable steps, helping them make intentional choices that lead to healthier, more sustainable, and ultimately better lives.” 

 

This latest collaboration between Heussaff and Manulife follows his previous features that centered around healthy eating and the impact of protecting the environment to communities such as Manulife’s partnership with Haribon Foundation, which continues to benefit residents, farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs in Quezon Province. 

 

This initiative builds on Manulife’s commitment to longevity and is exemplified by the recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute, which is a global platform that seeks to drive action to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030 – in Asia and around the world.

 

When Manila Needed A Break, KitKat Ice Cream Delivered

Manila has been buzzing nonstop, and with the holiday chaos rolling in fast, most of us can barely squeeze in a breather. That’s why, when the KitKat Ice Cream Break Booth popped up at Robinsons Place Manila last October 24 to 26, it felt like the universe dropped a tiny pocket of joy right when the city needed it most. It wasn’t just a booth: it was a vibe shift and a sweet reminder that taking a break can be fun, intentional, and absolutely delicious. 

Inside, the KitKat Ice Cream Break Booth celebrated all the different ways people hit pause. Some stepped in looking for calm – choosing soft lighting, mellow tracks, and a rare moment of stillness in the middle of a busy mall. Others brought big energy and went straight for the party lights and upbeat playlist to celebrate a win or just shake the stress off. And then there was the KitKat Break Wall, where guests scribbled joys, dreams, and tiny life wins on red and white notes.

The experience was simple but truly relaxing: visitors wore noise-cancelling headphones, picked a song that matched their mood, and enjoyed their own private three-minute break. Alone or with someone they love, it was the kind of pause you don’t realize you needed until you're actually in it. And of course, it came with something sweet.

Guests enjoyed either the KitKat Ice Cream Stick, a creamy wafer-flavored treat dipped in chocolate and crushed wafers, or the KitKat Ice Cream Cone topped with the signature KitKat finger. Some bought their treats on-site, others discovered them for the first time during the daily sampling. By the end of the weekend, first-timers were walking away as full-on fans, especially after hearing the hype from creators.

TikTok creators like Kia Duntugan, Aimee Yap, Adi Molina, Foodee.EatsPH, Jayden Lim Bravo, and Trish Denise dropped by to experience their own break. Kia couldn’t help but share, "[I am a] busy girl but I always make time for a good break especially with the New KitKat Ice Cream… If you haven’t tried this, guys you’re missing out.” For Adi, the concept hit perfectly because “ang concept ko talaga ng break is being carefree.” Trish also gushed about the space, saying “the KitKat Break Booth is a perfect safe space for everyone that needs a break.” Their content helped spread the energy far beyond the mall—straight into thousands of feeds.

And here’s something even sweeter: the KitKat Ice Cream Stick is priced at ₱66 for singles, and this holiday season, you can save ₱12 when you grab the multipack at ₱384. You can find them at Robinsons, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Waltermart, selected Puregold accounts, and other leading supermarkets nationwide, so taking a break is never far away.

Looking back, the Break Booth arrived at exactly the right moment. Right before the year-end deadlines, the reunions, the traffic, the errands… basically the season when everyone forgets to breathe. But even if you missed the event, that doesn’t mean you have to miss the break.

Because the truth is: your KitKat Ice Cream break can happen anywhere, anytime!

And with the holidays in full swing and a new year just around the corner, KitKat Ice Cream isn’t stopping. More joyful breaks are on the way, and your next KitKat moment might be closer than you think.

After all…we could all use a break. Especially now.

Bar Boys: After School is Ready to Prove That Life is the Best Teacher

Nine years ago, a cinematic phenomenon known as Bar Boys struck a chord with an entire generation. It was a gritty, honest look at the grueling reality of law school and the unbreakable bond of a barkada. Now, the original cast returns, joined by a fresh generation of stars, to face
the ultimate final exam: life itself.

901 Studios proudly announces the official inclusion of Bar Boys: After School in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival lineup. Far from just a sequel, this film is poised to become the most emotionally resonant and uplifting entry of the Christmas season, carrying a powerful message that the most important lessons are learned long after graduation.

This is more than a movie; it’s a reunion for the fandom. With 17 million views on YouTube and a series of sold-out musical stage runs, the original Bar Boys has cemented its status as a quintessential Millennial and Gen Z cult favorite. This strong, dedicated community makes Bar
Boys: After School the genuine crowd-pleaser in this year’s festival, ready to dominate the box office and capture the hearts of a new audience.

The Syllabus

Bar Boys: After School picks up a decade after the original film’s ending. The law school barkada—Torran, Chris, Erik, and Josh—are now established professionals, but their ten-year
reunion quickly turns bittersweet.

Their beloved mentor, a figure of uncompromising integrity and guidance, falls gravely ill, isolated and abandoned by her own family. The four friends, along with a vibrant new generation of law students, step up to fill the void left by her estranged family. In this act of profound service and loyalty, they find that life, not a syllabus, is the ultimate professor. They confront a new set
of ethical dilemmas, realizing that the ambition that drove them through law school now competes with integrity, self-improvement, and the continuous search for meaning in their careers and lives.

The central message rings clear: Life is still the best teacher. Mistakes are not failures; they are
simply the tests that make us better people.

Attendance Check

The sequel brings back the iconic ensemble that defined a generation’s struggle for success,
while infusing the energy of today’s most relevant young stars. This blend ensures the film speaks across generations, bridging the gap between original fans and new audiences.

The main cast features the iconic ensemble returning to their beloved roles: Rocco Nacino as
Atty. Torran Garcia, Enzo Pineda as Atty. Chris Carlson, Carlo Aquino as Atty. Erik Vicencio, and
Kean Cipriano as Josh Zuñiga. They are joined by the highly respected Odette Khan, who returns in her critically acclaimed role as Justice Hernandez (a role that earned her three Best Supporting Actress awards for the original film).

Fans of the first Bar Boys will also welcome some new faces, namely Will Ashley as Arvin, Sassa Gurl as Trisha, Emilio Daez as Ziggy, Glaiza de Castro as Jazz, Klarisse de Guzman as Mae, and Therese Malvar as CJ.

The Creative Council

At the helm of the sequel is a creative council that rivals any legal dream team. Original Bar
Boys director Kip Oebanda returns, renowned for his unique ability to craft films that are bothentertaining and socially relevant. His cinematic vision remains intrinsically linked to the theme of the "Journey of a Filipino," ensuring his films reflect the universal struggles and triumphs of the audience.

Joining him is co-writer Zig Dulay, a master storyteller who has won numerous awards for his work, including the Gawad Urian Award for Best Short Film for Black Rainbow. His films often
explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, and his unique storytelling style has garnered critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Dulay’s film Firefly and Green Bones bagged the “Best Picture” award in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 and 2024.

Completing this powerhouse trifecta is co-writer Carlo Catu. A filmmaker celebrated for his profound sensitivity and humanism, Catu is the youngest director to win the Best Film trophy at Cinemalaya for Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon. His addition to the team ensures that the film’s emotional beats resonate with a raw, authentic poignancy.

Together, this collaboration ensures Bar Boys: After School is not just a sequel, but a masterclass in storytelling that inspires viewers to embrace the truth that "we are all students of life". 

From Friendship to Founders

The film is produced by 901 Studios, a dynamic new production company whose origin story is as inspiring as the film itself. 901 Studios was born out of a shared passion for filmmaking among three friends: Jon Galvez, Leo Liban, and Carlos Ortiz, who all came from diverse professional backgrounds.

"The evolution of our creative bond into this studio mirrors the
journey of the Bar Boys themselves: chasing dreams and preparing to face the ultimate test of the real game in the Philippine and international film industry, " Galvez shared.

The Ultimate Test: Why This Film Will Surprise the MMFF 

While family dramas and large-scale fantasy flicks traditionally dominate the MMFF, Bar Boys:
After School possesses a unique cultural power that sets it apart. The film has a massive, loyal, and highly engaged audience across the Millennial and Gen Z demographics, and excitement is
already building up among loyal fans who can't wait to see the next chapter of the barkada's
story.

The narrative’s focus on the post-graduation struggle, career compromise, and the emotional toll of adult life is profoundly relatable to young professionals and students alike. It promises meaningful conversation and reflection, not just entertainment.

This film is not just an MMFF entry; it is a Christmas treat for its loyal fans who are ready to support the next chapter of their favorite big-screen barkada. This is the perfect movie for friends who will be reuniting this Christmas season and are looking forward to a fun and worthwhile experience.  

Bar Boys: After School is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival, screening nationwide beginning December 25.

BEST NEW FIRSTS IN METRO MANILA: Flavors You’ll Come Back For

  

Great meals don’t just fill you up—they keep you coming back for more.

This season, SM Supermalls invites you to discover a bold new era full of evolving finds with a delicious lineup of food destinations made to spark cravings and create lasting favorites. From Japan’s rich culinary traditions to the artistry of coffee and chocolate, each first is thoughtfully made to raise the bar for flavor and bring fresh dining experiences to every table.

And as we continue to serve these dishes out hot, one thing remains constant: at SM Supermalls, we’re always growing and evolving with you to truly show that we’ve got it all for you.

A Journey Through Japan 

Nothing compares to the depth and comfort of authentic Japanese flavors. These handpicked spots serve everything from rich, hearty ramen to delicate, traditional sweets—each one made to bring a true taste of Japan to the Metro.

Ramen Nagi – Craving comfort in a bowl? Ramen Nagi at the Ground Level, South Wing of SM Mall of Asia serves up rich, soul-warming ramen that’s as bold as it is satisfying. From creamy tonkotsu broth to perfectly chewy noodles and your choice of toppings, every bowl is made to hit just the right spot. Whether you’re a spice chaser or a flavor purist, this is your go-to for ramen that delivers on every slurp.

Warabimochi – Soft, silky, and oh-so-satisfying—Warabimochi is now here at the Lower Ground Level of SM Aura to give dessert a whole new texture. This Japanese favorite melts in your mouth with every bite, whether dusted in nutty kinako or topped with a luscious syrup. Light enough for an afternoon treat yet special enough to end a meal, it’s the kind of sweetness you’ll want to linger over.

Brunch O’Clock – Who says brunch is only for weekends? With the first Brunch Bureau in SM now open at the 2nd Level of S Maison, we’ve made it easier to turn any time of day into an excuse for pancakes at 3 PM. From perfectly brewed coffee to savory plates that hit just the right spot, it’s your moment to slow down and enjoy a little extra me-time. No rush, no rules—just brunch done your way.

How far will your cravings take you? From rich, savory staples to next-level sweets, Metro Manila’s newest dining spots are here to tempt, surprise, and satisfy. These aren’t just meals—they’re flavor moments you’ll want to come back to. All thoughtfully picked to turn your everyday cravings into something worth obsessing over here in this #NewEraOfSMSupermalls.

SM Prime: Living in Tomorrow’s Water-Resilient Future

 

At SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), water stewardship has come a long way since its early initiatives. As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, the programmatic Water for Tomorrow campaign looks beyond water recycling and efficient water management. 

For SM Supermalls, this urgent call to action to protect and preserve a valuable resource makes any large-scale investment in water security a sound opportunity to do good for both people and planet.

Amplified impact

With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls high-impact yet practical water management systems and circularity practices build long-term capacity for future water disruptions and reflect the malls’ greater ecosystem.

Having introduced sewage treatment plants nearly three decades ago, well before any compliance requirements, SM Supermalls also made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. In 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened in Baguio to convert rainwater into another potable resource, alleviating pressure on the local water grid.  

At a cultural level, SM Supermalls becomes a living sustainability classroom where mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are made aware of its water, waste, and energy programs. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups also sustain water conversations through the mall’s broad reach and are crucial to the sustainability agenda. 

Embedding the message of water sustainability, SM Cares champions UN SDG6 – using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being 

As a vital community hub, the malls promote the wider SM Green Movement campaign, empowering people to practice responsible water use.

Building what matters, today

Water’s essential role supports human activity and economic growth.  As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime’s unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead.

SM Supermalls not only assists larger partner-tenants with compliance and the bottom line. It similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders that depend on mall operations to adopt innovative solutions. 

“The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership,” says Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls.