Manulife Philippines Advances Health and Longevity with Inaugural “Time to MOVE” Symposium

Manulife Philippines recently held its first-ever “Time to MOVE – Manulife Longevity Symposium” at the Grand Hyatt Manila, gathering more than 500 participants including healthcare specialists, industry leaders, financial advisors, clients, and partners to tackle a critical issue: ensuring that people live not only longer lives, but healthier and more fulfilling ones.

The event highlights Manulife’s strengthened commitment to promoting the longevity movement in the Philippines, complementing similar efforts across Asia. It provided a venue for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and action toward improved well-being and meaningful living. At the same time, Manulife officially introduced Manulife MOVE, a comprehensive wellness program designed to promote healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity and proactive habits.

A key feature of the symposium was the presentation of findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which examined Filipinos’ views and concerns on aging and longevity. Results showed a changing perspective: more Filipinos are now prioritizing the quality of life they aim to enjoy as they grow older, rather than focusing solely on extending their years.

Manulife Philippines also launched the “#FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys – Examining Longevity Perspectives, Sentiments, and Aspirations of Millennials and Gen Zs,” study, the findings of which highlight how younger generations of Filipinos are prioritizing purpose and financial independence rather than living a longer 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 Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “This Longevity Symposium underscores our dedication to equipping Filipinos with relevant expert insights, comprehensive solutions and financial strategies that empower them to gain confidence and enjoy a healthier, more rewarding life as they grow older.”

 

Bridging health, finance, and purpose: Cross-sector collaboration in action

The symposium brought together industry leaders, healthcare experts, and thought partners through keynote sessions, interactive showcases, and panel discussions that emphasized collaboration in extending health span, ensuring financial preparedness, and improving quality of life across different stages of living.

One of the key highlights was the focus on Preventive Health Innovation. Experts such as Dr. Jeremy Lim of AMILI, Dr. Natha Kumar of Guardant Health, and Dr. Beverly Ho of Ayala Health shared new approaches in prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of critical health concerns, showcasing advancements that could transform healthcare practices.

The Future of Retirement was another major theme, with Aira Gaspar, President and CEO of Manulife Investments Philippines, and Elvin Tharm, Head of Retirement at Manulife Asia, addressing common misconceptions about retirement readiness. Their presentation aimed to shift perspectives and encourage proactive financial planning to help individuals better prepare for their future.

The topic on Living Better for Longer highlighted the intersection of sustainability, equity, and health. Ariel Kangasniemi, Manulife’s Global Head of Sustainability and Climate Performance Management, joined brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff in discussing nature-based investments such as forest restoration and carbon sequestration. They emphasized how these initiatives not only drive climate resilience but also promote community longevity and support healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

“Our choices now impact our future. It does not take extreme efforts, sometimes, 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,” shared Kangasniemi during the panel discussion.

 

Generational insights meet actionable solutions: From research to real change

A key highlight of the symposium was the launch of ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program bringing together the right proposition, products, platforms, and partners to improve customer’s well-being at every stage.

• Health Empowerment – With relevant insights, ManulifeMOVE aims to empower customers with the knowledge to understand the importance of preventive care and integrate these into my everyday life for improved overall wellness.
• Partnership-driven Health Proposition – Linking up with industry partners, ManulifeMOVE will give customers access to discounted and exclusive offers on preventive services, quick diagnosis, effective treatments, and comprehensive support for recovery and ongoing health management.
• Digital Health Experience – The MOVE section in the Manulife app will be a consolidated entry point for health solutions and journeys.
• Health Solutions – Manulife’s comprehensive suite of health plans offers critical illness and life coverage from early diagnosis to recovery, supplementing Filipinos’ state-provided health insurance.

The launch was marked with interactive breakout sessions designed to translate insights into action. Participants engaged in four themed experiences—Live, Flex, Breathe, and Think— each offering practical guidance on nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and brain health. These sessions highlighted sustainable eating practices, physical exercises that help people stay strong as they age, stress management, and cognitive health tips, providing attendees with actionable advice that they could immediately incorporate into their daily routines.

For Manulife brand ambassador Anne Curtis, the message resonates personally: “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.”

 

Shaping better tomorrows: Strategic partnerships for national longevity

The symposium also served as a springboard for broader conversations about the role of private-public partnerships in shaping a healthier future for Filipinos. Discussions emphasized how strategic investments and institutional support can significantly contribute to helping individuals and communities prepare for the realities of longer lifespans.

“Filipinos are beginning to view their future through a new lens, with our survey revealing a rising emphasis on living well—prioritizing independence, financial stability, and overall quality of life,” Hora added. “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.”

Manulife’s “Time to MOVE” symposium marks a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to champion healthier and more confident living in an aging Philippines. By bringing together diverse voices and actionable insights, Manulife Philippines reinforces its commitment to supporting Filipinos at every stage of life and encouraging them to live longer and better, with health, purpose, and financial security at the core.

To know more about ManulifeMOVE, visit manulife.com.ph.