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Thursday, June 18, 2026

mWell Advocates Greater Mental Health Awareness


Mental health stigma in the Philippines remains a significant barrier to care. Rooted in cultural expectations of resilience, mental health struggles are too often misread as weakness, pushing individuals to suffer quietly rather than seek the help they deserve. Deep-seated values like hiya and pakikisama compound the silence, as many fear bringing embarrassment to themselves or their families by admitting they are not okay. In the workplace, the stakes feel even higher: about 75% of Filipinos believe that disclosing mental health concerns compromises their professional opportunities, the highest rate among ASEAN countries, according to the International Labor Organization. And for many, the cost of professional mental health support remains the final barrier.

mWell addresses all of these barriers head-on, with technology that is accessible, affordable, and built for real Filipinos.

"Mind health is just as important as physical health, and yet for so many Filipinos, asking for help still feels out of reach — whether because of stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to turn. True well-being cannot exist without both. At mWell, we are committed to making sure that every Filipino has a place to turn to, for their body and for their mind, because a healthier Filipino is a stronger Filipino. We want every person to know that support is there for them, whenever they are ready, and that taking care of their mind is one of the most courageous things they can do for themselves," said Chaye Cabal-Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC.


MEETING FILIPINOS AT EVERY STAGE OF THEIR MIND HEALTH JOURNEY

mWell's mind health services are designed to meet Filipinos at every stage of their mental health journey, starting from the moment they decide to check in with themselves.


Available for free on the mWell app, the Mind Health Score and self-guided modules give users a private, judgment-free starting point. The Mind Health Score, built on the scientifically validated WHO-5 Well-Being Index, helps users understand where they stand emotionally and mentally, while the self-guided modules use evidence-based techniques to help manage stress, build resilience, and improve overall emotional balance, all at their own pace.


When a user is ready to talk to someone, mWell makes professional support within reach. The mWell Mind Healthsavers Plan offers a 30-minute video session with a certified Mind Health Coach that users can avail anytime within 30 days upon purchase. For those who require a higher level of care, mWell also offers scheduled and on-demand consultations with coaches, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Both are available for as low as P499, making it easier than ever for Filipinos to take that next step without the weight of financial worry.


EXPANDING OUR NETWORK OF CARE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Central to delivering on this promise is mWell's partnership with MindNation, a global mental health and well-being organization trusted by top employers, schools, and government institutions across the world.


Through this collaboration, mWell is expanding its network of certified mental health specialists, ensuring that more Filipinos have access to qualified, culturally sensitive care whenever they need it. The partnership reflects a shared conviction that mental health support should not be a privilege, but a right that every Filipino can exercise.


"At MindNation, we have always believed that mental health support should be something every person can reach, not a privilege reserved for the few. Partnering with mWell brings us closer to that vision, expanding the number of qualified, compassionate specialists available to Filipinos when and where they need them most. Together, we are not just adding names to a roster. We are building a stronger, more accessible safety net for the nation's well-being," said Eizaleen Fusingan-Lappay, PhDc, LPT, RPm, RPsy, Chief WellBeing Officer, MindNation.



A GLOBAL STANDARD OF CARE FOR EVERY FILIPINO

mWell's commitment to accessible digital healthcare has earned recognition on the world stage. mWell recently won the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award for Best Mobile Innovation Supporting Emergency or Humanitarian Situations at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, marking a back-to-back GLOMO victory following its 2023 win for Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life, and making it the first Philippine healthtech app to win in this category. With this recognition, mWell joins leading global brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and more among this year's GLOMO winners.


The global accolade is a testament to what mWell has always believed: that technology, when built with purpose, can transform lives. Its mind health services are the latest expression of that belief, bringing world-class mental health support within reach of every Filipino, wherever they are. As one of the top health and wellness apps in the Philippines, mWell continues to make holistic healthcare more accessible through innovations that empower Filipinos to take charge of their health anytime, anywhere.



As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare. Download the mWell app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.


Follow mWell on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

 

ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare. As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.


ABOUT MindNation

MindNation is a global mental health and well-being organization on a mission to Make Feeling Better Possible, for Everyone, Every Day. Trusted by top employers, schools, and government institutions, MindNation integrates mental health into everyday life and work through science-backed care, culturally relevant programs, and scalable technology. By normalizing mental health conversations and providing real solutions, MindNation empowers individuals and organizations to thrive.


Learn more at www.mindnation.com or follow @mindnation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.


Saturday, June 13, 2026

TCL Launches the A400 Series, Blending Art and Home Entertainment

 For those seeking a television that seamlessly complements an artful aesthetic, TCL Electronics has delivered the ultimate solution. As the No. 1 Panel TV brand in the Philippines and a global leader in both televisions and air conditioners, TCL finally introduces the TCL A400 Series. Designed for modern Filipino homes, this premium lifestyle TV masterfully blends elegant, gallery-like aesthetics with deeply immersive entertainment.

True to its design-centric philosophy, the TCL A400 Series perfectly complements an artful home. Modern televisions are no longer just about entertainment; they are vital to a household's overall lifestyle and aesthetic. With the A400 Series, TCL completely redefines the role of a television in the modern living space. 

“Once again, TCL elevates home entertainment and viewing pleasure with the introduction of the A400 Series. Every detail is meticulously engineered to enhance your home display while delivering an indulgent sensory experience. We know how excited you are for this, so we’re thrilled to finally share it with you!” says Maxi Chen, TCL Senior Product Manager of Brownline. 

 

Beyond Screen, Beyond Imagination

 

If the idea of owning a design-forward art TV inspires you, the A400 Series, namely A400M and the A400 Pro, are both built to exceed your highest expectations. Prepare to immerse yourself in an entirely new standard of home entertainment. Both models share the same key selling points, including the Ultra Slim Design, QD-Mini LED technology, Art Gallery Mode, and ONKYO 2.0 Hi-Fi Sound System.

 

For a true art-gallery feel, the A400 Pro is equipped with an anti-reflection Matte HVA Panel that eliminates distracting glare. In contrast, the A400M features a traditional, high-contrast HVA Panel.


The A400 Pro is equipped with an anti-reflection Matte HVA Panel that eliminates distracting glare and comes with a wooden frame.

 

Both TVs double as a digital canvas when not in use. It effortlessly converts any room into a personal gallery, pre-loaded with hundreds of iconic artworks spanning centuries of art history.

 

The TCL A400 Series has more than 100,000 pre-generated Al artworks from classical style to impressionism. Just tap on the style and theme, and you get to personalize your screen to your style in seconds.

 

When it comes to color performance, TCL QLED technology utilizes advanced Quantum Dot materials integrated across multiple layers. By incorporating a high light-transmittance film, the system improves optical efficiency and delivers a 10% energy saving for the entire machine. Paired with precision backlighting, this innovation renders more than a billion hues of exceptionally vivid colors. The enhanced brightness illuminates subtle details, offering an immersive, lifelike viewing experience that effortlessly unveils hidden nuances in every frame.

 

Ready for a truly smart TV? The TCL A400 Series is packed with next-generation AI, built right from the ground up. Powered by TCL's own quantum supercomputing platform and the advanced Mariana database, this TV actually learns and evolves over time. Thanks to built-in intelligent agents, it automatically optimizes your entertainment across four game-changing pillars: AI picture, AI sound, smart interaction, and AI-driven content creation. It’s not just a screen—it’s a smarter way to watch.

The A400M features a traditional, high-contrast HVA Panel and comes with black frame.

 

At the heart of the A400 Series is the TSR AiPQ Processor, a highly intelligent chip engineered with powerful AI capabilities. By integrating TCL’s proprietary image-tuning algorithms with advanced intelligent perception, the processor delivers precise, pixel-level optimization for all visuals. Working in tandem with the TCL AI model, it ensures that every frame bursts with vibrant dynamism, layered depth, and natural clarity for true-to-life realism.

 

For a superior audio experience, the TCL A400 Series features a built-in ONKYO Hi-Fi System. As a global leader in high-end audio with over 80 years of home theater expertise, ONKYO has defined world home theater standards seven times. This premium audio integration ensures the A400 Series delivers an unmatched, deeply immersive acoustic performance for any home setup.

 

Elevate your living space with the sophisticated elegance of the all-new TCL A400 Series. The latest premium lifestyle television is now available at all authorized TCL dealers nationwide.

 

The A400M TV with black frame is exclusively available at Abenson with the A400 Pro with a wooden frame is exclusively available at SM Appliances. For more details on the TCL A400 Series, log on to www.tcl.com.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 Singapore Airlines (SIA) marked its 60th anniversary in the Philippines, and organized a surprise celebration to extend its gratitude to customers who have supported its journey over the past six decades. The celebrations were held on 2 June 2026, at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and at Mactan-CebuInternational Airport.

SIA representatives and valued partners, including NNIC and NAIA Terminal 3 leadership, commemorated the occasionwith a cake cutting ceremony, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to building robust air travel and connectivity to the Philippines and beyond.


From left:: Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 Manager, Mr. Lauro Francisco; Singapore Airlines General Manager Philippines; Ms. Liwei Tai; New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) General Manager, Mr. Angelito Alvarez; and NNIC Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, Mr. Cesar Chiong, lead the cake-cutting ceremony marking Singapore Airlines' 60th anniversary in the Philippines.

SIA customers departing from Manila were welcomed with anniversary-themed installations and commemorative postcards at check-in counters. At the SilverKris Lounge, guests savoured specially prepared treats featuring local flavours, while customers at the gatehold room enjoyed interactive games, photo opportunities, complimentary refreshments, and anniversary giveaways. Customers also received commemorative batik-designed cookies before boarding, with refreshments and similar treats distributed to travellers departing Cebu.

Mr. Angelito Alvarez, General Manager of New NAIA Infra Corp., said: "On behalf of New NAIA Infra Corp., I extend our warmest congratulations to Singapore Airlines on this remarkable milestone. Thank you for six decades of partnership and for helping connect generations of Filipinos to Singapore and to destinations around the world. As we continue to modernise and transform NAIA, we look forward to supporting Singapore Airlines in its next chapter of growth and success."

 

Ms. Liwei Tai, General Manager Philippines, Singapore Airlines, said: "Since 1966, it has been our privilege to welcome generations of customers from the Philippines on board our flights, connecting them to Singapore and destinations across our global network with the warmth, care and world-class experience that Singapore Airlines is known for. We are grateful for the continued trust of our customers, and for this opportunity to serve the Philippinethese past 60 years. As we look ahead, Singapore Airlines remain committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience for our customers, strengthening our partnerships, and enhancing connectivity between the Philippines and Singapore, and beyond.


Specially prepared cookies were distributed to customers boarding flight SQ917 on 2 June 2026 as a token of appreciation.

 

 

Unlock Anniversary Fare Deals with Mastercard®

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations in the Philippines, Singapore Airlines has launched a limited-time fare promotion for travellers departing from the Philippines.

Customers may enjoy discounts of up to 32off on selected destinations when booking through the Singapore Airlines website or SingaporeAir mobile app and paying with eligible Mastercard® debit or credit cards using promo code SQPH60.

The promotion is available until 30 June 2026 for travel between 5 June 2026 and 31 March 2027. Participating destinations include Singapore, selected destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States of America, as well as Madrid, SIA’s newest destination in Europe.

More information, including the full list of destinations and applicable terms and conditions, is available at tinyurl.com/SQPH60years.

Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is conducted per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-258315 Series of 2026

For flight schedules and travel updates, visit singaporeair.com.

SIA flies five times daily from Manila to Singapore and daily from Cebu to Singapore. Travellers departing from Clark, Iloilo, and Davao can travel on Scoot, which flies daily from Clark, four times weekly from Iloilo and 11 times weekly from Davao to Singapore. Scoot flights are also available from Manila and Cebu to Singapore. All services conveniently connect on onward flights out of Singapore to the rest of the world.

 

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Responsible Digital Citizenship: Building a Safer, Stronger Philippines

 Why the next generation of Filipino freedom starts with digital responsibility

The digital world is no longer just an alternate reality for Filipinos. It is an extension of everyday life. From family group chats and online classrooms to digital wallets and small businesses, the internet shapes how we connect, learn, work, and participate in society.

But as our reliance on digital spaces grows, so do the risks. Misinformation, phishing scams, identity theft, and online fraud continue to threaten users—especially the most vulnerable to deception.

This Independence Day, as the nation honors the courage and sacrifices that shaped our nation, it is time to reflect on what freedom means in today’s connected world. In the digital age, true freedom is not just about access to platforms and opportunities. It is about having the confidence and security to go online without fear of being deceived, exploited, or harmed.

Today, protecting our fellow Filipinos is no longer limited to traditional symbols or historical remembrance. It happens on our screens—in how we verify information, safeguard our data, treat others online, and help build safer digital communities.


The Rise of Digital Bayanihan

At the heart of Filipino culture is bayanihan—the communal spirit of unity, cooperation, and helping one another in times of need. In today’s connected era, this timeless value is taking on a crucial new form: Digital Bayanihan.

Digital bayanihan is the collective commitment to building a safer, kinder, and more accountable internet. It shifts the idea of online safety from a personal responsibility to a shared community effort. In today’s digital landscape, one person’s online behavior ripples outward. A single unverified post can spread panic, while a single phishing link can lead to financial ruin for an unsuspecting netizen.

Building a resilient, digitally secure Philippines starts with simple, conscious daily habits:

● Verify before sharing: Always check the credibility of sources before hitting “share” or “retweet.”
● Protect personal data: Keep accounts secure with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and never share OTPs.
● Look out for vulnerable users: Guide elderly family members and first-time internet users to spot suspicious links, fake promotions, and impersonation scams.
● Report, don’t just scroll past: Flagging fake accounts, misleading posts, and harmful content helps clean up the digital ecosystem for everyone.

A truly free digital space is not one where people can say anything without consequence, but one where every Filipino can participate safely, responsibly, and meaningfully.

The Youth as Champions of a Safer Internet

While every online citizen has a role to play, young Filipinos are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. As digital natives, students and Gen Z internet users have the tech-savviness, adaptability, and social influence to shape healthier online cultures.

They are not merely passive users of technology; they are the ultimate advocates of digital bayanihan.

Recognizing this immense potential, Online AlerTour—an educational initiative by PLDT Home’s Online Alerto, in partnership with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)—delivers vital online safety education directly to university campuses. The tour equips students with practical knowledge to identify cyber threats, combat disinformation, and champion responsible digital behavior.

The initiative has already energized student communities across major campuses, including Far Eastern University, Universidad de Manila, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Through these campus caravans, students are empowered to become vigilant digital citizens and active protectors of their communities, demonstrating that the youth remain the fair hope of our digital motherland.

 

Freedom in the Digital Age

As the Philippines celebrates Independence Day, the definition of freedom continues to evolve. A truly free nation is one in which citizens can connect, learn, work, and express themselves online without fear of exploitation or abuse.

This is the long-term vision that drives Online Alerto, PLDT Home’s online safety advocacy platform. Launched in 2022, it has grown into a thriving Facebook community of more than 77,000 members dedicated to promoting digital awareness, responsibility, and safety.

Through ongoing education, strategic partnerships, and grassroots community-building, PLDT Home remains committed to fostering a secure digital environment for Filipinos nationwide.

True patriotism is not only about remembering the freedoms won in the past. It is about actively protecting the freedoms Filipinos enjoy today—including the right to live, learn, and thrive safely in the digital world.

This Independence Day, let us commit to practicing digital bayanihan because a safer, more responsible digital Philippines is a stronger, freer, and more united nation.

To learn more about online safety and responsible digital citizenship, join the Online Alerto Facebook Community and be part of the movement toward a safer internet.

PLDT Home Fiber Always On Ensures Connectivity During Power and Internet Disruptions

 Today's connected households rely on the internet to keep life moving -- whether it's a virtual meeting, an online class, a movie marathon, or a competitive gaming session. As digital activities become deeply woven into everyday routines, reliability has become more important than internet speeds. 


Addressing this need, PLDT Home has introduced Fiber Always On, a breakthrough broadband innovation designed to keep households connected even during unexpected fiber outages.

 

PLDT Home is the first and only internet service provider in the Philippines to offer a hybrid modem that seamlessly combines fiber and LTE connectivity in a single device. The innovative solution automatically switches to its built-in LTE backup whenever fiber service becomes unavailable, helping minimize disruptions without requiring customers to manually activate a mobile hotspot, maintain a secondary connection, or subscribe to a separate backup service.

 

Unlike conventional broadband setups that disconnect during service interruptions, PLDT Home Fiber Always On is designed to deliver a more resilient internet experience by leveraging the combined strengths of PLDT’s fiber and wireless networks.

Viboy E. Añonuevo, Vice President and Head of Home Fixed Broadband

 

“Today, the internet has become a vital part of everyday family life—whether it’s for work, online learning, entertainment, or staying close to loved ones. We understand how disruptive it can be when that connection is suddenly interrupted. That’s why with PLDT Home Fiber Always On, we’re giving families added peace of mind – keeping them reliably connected even during unexpected outages. At PLDT Home, we remain focused on delivering a smarter, more resilient internet experience, powered by the combined strength of our fiber and wireless networks,” said Viboy E. Añonuevo, Vice President and Head of Home Fixed Broadband.

 

Maintaining reliable internet connectivity involves a vast network of fiber infrastructure that spans several kilometers.  While highly resilient, the fiber network can occasionally be affected by accidental external damage caused by construction activities, roadworks, pests, and even vehicular incidents. When such events occur, repairs can take time depending on the nature and location of the damage. These realities highlight the importance of having an innovative solution that helps households stay online.

 

Designed to address one of the most common frustrations among internet users, PLDT Home Fiber Always On enables customers to continue working, attending online classes, streaming content, gaming, and managing connected devices with minimal interruption. The modem also automatically generates a service repair ticket within 15 minutes of downtime, helping accelerate issue resolution while keeping households online.

 

Once fiber service is restored, the modem automatically switches back to the fiber connection without requiring any customer intervention.

 

As more households embrace digital lifestyles, uninterrupted connectivity is becoming a necessity. This is especially true for homes where multiple users simultaneously work, study, stream, game, and stay connected throughout the day.

 

PLDT Home makes switching easy with a seamless transition to Fiber Always On. Customers who switch to PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1399 and up will enjoy free Always On service fees for six months, free installation worth P3,600, free speed boost of up to 2x faster and unlimited entertainment from Cignal.

 

To learn more about PLDT Home Fiber Always On, visit www.pldthome.com/switch. ###

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