The InLife contingent to the The Bull Runner InLife Dream Marathon 2026.

The road to becoming a first- or second-time marathoner is bumpy, full of potholes, and one that will test your mettle. After all, it is built on months, even years of discipline, the quiet steadying of self-doubt, and the literal sweat of all its participants. 

For the 2,568 finishers of the The Bull Runner (TBR) InLife Dream Marathon 2026 who crossed the finish line on February 15, 2026, the 42.195 km journey was more than a race; it was a testament to what happens when you put your heart and mind into achieving not just for yourself, but also for your community. 

Now on its third year as title sponsor, InLife has become an active partner in helping Filipinos pursue goals that once felt impossible, much like finishing a marathon. InLife’s continued partnership with TBR reflects its growing commitment to supporting Filipinos as they pursue healthier, fuller, and more empowered lives. This initiative strongly reflects InLife’s “Bahala Not” mindset, encouraging the youth to face life’s challenges with less fear and uncertainty through preparation, discipline and the support of a strong community. 

Meanwhile, as InLife and TBR prepare to officially launch the TBR InLife Dream Marathon 2027 this June 6, the stories from the 2026 journey serve as powerful reminders of what ordinary people can achieve when supported by a strong community and guided by purpose. 

A Community of Dreamers

During the TBR InLife Dream Marathon 2026, InLife’s presence was felt not just on the banners, but in the sea of hopeful faces along the route. The InLife contingent with 125 runners, was made up of employees, the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026, financial advisors, partners, and members of the InLife Convo community. 

Every finisher was rewarded with more than just a medal and a "Swag Bag"; they finished with a stronger heart and mind, and renewed confidence in themselves.

The Rhythm of Struggle and Victory

The marathon transformed the windy streets of Alabang into a rain-soaked battlefield. For many InLifers, the race was a rollercoaster of physical agony and spiritual reaffirmation.

For Lui Paulino and Mich Dima, the race literally became a "walk in the park." When injury and illness threatened to end their dreams at about the 10 km mark, they found each other. "The weight we separately carried became lighter," Lui shared, as they walked 30 km together to finish within the 8-hour cutoff. They were eventually joined in the final stretch by fellow InLifers TJ Sevilla, Herschel Mahaguay, and Nisaam London, who had already finished but ran back to ensure their colleagues weren't alone. 

Rommel Aquitania and InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew member Josel Castro echoed Lui and Mich’s sentiments as both felt the most fatigued around the 30 km mark, and it was by divine providence that they could finish the Marathon. “My rain-soaked running outfit added to my agony, kilometer after kilometer. The last 5 km almost broke my spirit. God carried me through every painful step to the finish line,” shared Rommel. 

“At the 19th km, I had to stop and change shoes. At the 29th km, my stomach began to hurt and at the 32nd, the rain poured so hard, I could barely see the road, every step was uncertain. I adjusted, trusted my training, and prayed through the discomfort. Crossing the finish line was about choosing grit over excuses, faith over fear, and progress over comfort,” said Josel.

Overcoming the Physical Wall

Herschel, completing her second marathon, faced an unexpected hurdle with 8 km to go: her monthly period. "I refused to let it define my race," she said, pushing through to finish faster than her first marathon. Similarly, Nisaam Ibbar London transitioned from an unhealthy lifestyle to a "strong finish," silencing the "voice of quitting" at the 32 km mark until he heard the announcer finally declaring, "You are a marathoner!"

For Eduard Pineda, the victory was a romantic one. He completed the 42K alongside his wife, Vanessa, celebrating their 26th anniversary on the road. Despite a sharp knee pain for Eduard at 35 km, they both pushed through the rain to claim a shared victory.

The 1% Club

Completion of a marathon is a rare feat; less than 1% of the world's population has ever finished the 42.2 km distance. As the TBR InLife Dream Marathon 2026 finishers experienced, it really takes a village to raise a marathoner. 

“Support makes all the difference. It carries you through the hardest miles,” shared InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 Member Luigi Galvez as he thanked his family and friends, InLife and the TBR Community for seeing him through. Fellow Dream Crew member Bea Villegas also expressed her gratitude to the community, as she said, “Marathons are no joke and having a coach and a crew who support you means a lot. Having to share the same goals and struggles made the hard times bearable and enjoyable.”

As excitement builds for the TBR InLife Dream Marathon 2027, aspiring Dream Marathoners can look forward to another season of training, community-building, and personal transformation. Applications officially open this June 2026. For more information visit TBR’s official website https://www.tbrdream.com/, Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thebullrunner; and Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/tbrdream/.

“A marathon, much like life, is a test of endurance where the unexpected happens. Seeing our InLife contingent and the thousands of other Dream Marathoners in the face of grueling conditions was deeply moving. It reminds us of why we do what we do. InLife provides a safety net to allow Filipinos to dream big and push through life’s toughest conditions and distances. We have to make sure that Filipinos finish strong no matter what obstacles they face,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez.

The finish line may mark the end of a marathon, but for many Dream Marathoners, it is also the beginning of a renewed purpose, and bigger dreams ahead.

This Independence Day, celebrate the freedom to travel with a well-deserved island escape at Discovery Samal. For a limited time, travelers can take advantage of the resort's Independence Day Travel Sale and enjoy exclusive savings on stays in one of the Philippines' most breathtaking beachfront destinations. 

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Samal Island, guests can look forward to tranquil mornings by the sea, leisurely days spent by the beach or pool, and memorable culinary experiences that showcase the rich flavors of Mindanao and beyond. 

Your Independence Day Getaway Starts Here

For a limited time, guests can enjoy up to 30% savings on Discovery Samal's Best Available Rates through the Independence Day Travel Sale, with room rates starting at Php 14,000 net per night. Available for stays from June 4 to December 17, 2026, the offer gives travelers the flexibility to plan an island escape well beyond the holiday itself.

Each stay includes daily breakfast for two at Morning Catch, where guests can begin their mornings with a leisurely meal overlooking the resort's scenic surroundings. The journey to the island is made seamless through round-trip land transfers from Davao International Airport to the Davao Welcome Center, paired with round-trip boat transfers to and from the resort.

The experience extends beyond the room. Guests can enjoy 10% savings at Discovery Samal's food and beverage outlets, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Samal Escape Spa with 10% off, or add a sense of adventure to their stay through discounted watersports activities. Complimentary access to the swimming pool, beach facilities, and WiFi ensures every moment is spent enjoying the best of island living.

My Discovery Elite Members receive an exclusive additional Php 1,000 discount on top of the promotional room rates, with early access to the sale from June 4 to 17, 2026. The public booking period runs from June 11 to 17, 2026.

More Than a Holiday

Independence Day often inspires thoughts of national pride and shared history. It can also serve as a reminder to create space for meaningful experiences, whether that's spending time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, or simply taking a well-earned break.

At Discovery Samal, the celebration takes shape through moments both big and small, a sunrise over the water, an afternoon spent by the shore, a leisurely meal with family, or the quiet luxury of having nowhere else to be. Long after the holiday has passed, those are often the memories that remain.

For inquiries and reservations, visit www.discoverysamal.com, email reservations@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.

Pasay City, Philippines – For Dr. Samuel Vincent Yrastorza, Medical Director of Metro Pasay Hospital and Medical Center, Inc., reliable digital infrastructure plays a critical role in enabling efficient hospital operations – from managing patient inquiries, to ensuring smooth coordination across departments and partners. 

Recognizing the need for a technology partner that could support both immediate operational demands and future growth, the growing healthcare facility in the heart of Pasay partnered with PLDT Enterprise to strengthen its digital infrastructure. 

“PLDT Enterprise understood our requirements and delivered reliable, future-ready solutions. Their proactive support and professionalism have been instrumental in helping us strengthen our operations and serve our patients effectively,” Dr. Yrastorza says. 

Enabling Technology-Driven Healthcare for SMEs 

As a trusted technology partner for SMEs and larger institutions across industries, the corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) works closely with organizations like Metro Pasay Hospital to build resilient digital foundations that enable seamless operations, while supporting long-term expansion. Through its solutions, the hospital strengthens network reliability and communication systems to enable faster access to patient information, improved inter-department coordination, and more efficient call handling.   

According to Shiela Garcia, PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager for Metro Pasay Hospital, the collaboration focused on ensuring the hospital’s systems could scale alongside growing patient demand, while maintaining consistent service delivery. “Healthcare providers operate in environments where responsiveness and coordination are critical,” says Garcia. “Even small communication delays can affect workflows, so having stable connectivity was a key priority in designing the solution for the hospital.” 

The integration of iGate and SIP Trunk solutions by PLDT Enterprise provides stable connectivity and structured call management, allowing the hospital to accommodate increasing inquiries while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Metro Pasay Hospital & Medical Center is committed to delivering expert medical services backed by innovation and compassionate care. With modern facilities and a dedicated medical team, the hospital offers a wide range of services, from routine consultations to emergency care.  

A Trusted Technology Partner for Healthcare SMEs 

“Reliable connectivity and communication are essential in delivering quality healthcare,” says Dennis Magbatoc, AVP and Head of SME Acquisition & Account Management at PLDT Enterprise. “By supporting Metro Pasay Hospital with dependable, scalable digital solutions, we are enabling healthcare SMEs to operate with confidence and focus on what matters most—patient care.” 

This partnership reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to empowering growing organizations across priority industries, including healthcare, through reliable connectivity, secure communications, and scalable ICT solutions. By enabling institutions to build strong digital foundations, PLDT Enterprise continues to support operational excellence, resilience, and future readiness in an increasingly digital landscape. 

To learn more about how PLDT Enterprise supports SMEs, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-metro-pasay-hospital-smbiz-pr.. 

Serious health conditions continued to pose significant challenges for many Filipinos in 2025, with Pru Life UK paying out Php 937.25 million in critical illness benefits to help customers manage the financial impact of major medical events.

The amount formed part of the Php 2.86 billion in total claims and benefits paid by Pru Life UK last year across 13,599 approved claims, underscoring the growing need for financial protection as Filipino families navigate rising healthcare costs and the impact of life-altering illnesses.

Cancer accounted for the largest share of critical illness claims, representing 58% of total critical illness payouts or Php 329.93 million. Stroke followed at Php 96.67 million, while heart attack claims reached Php 56.42 million. Renal failure and brain tumours were also among the leading causes of critical illness claims.

"The claims we pay provide a real-time picture of the risks that Filipino families face every day," said Kristine De Monteverde, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Pru Life UK. "Behind every claim is a customer dealing with unexpected health, financial, or personal challenges. Our role is to ensure they receive the utmost support they need when it matters most."

Beyond critical illness claims, Pru Life UK paid Php 1.78 billion in death benefits to beneficiaries of 1,884 policyholders, helping families maintain financial stability after the loss of a loved one. The company also released Php 142.31 million in living benefits covering hospitalisation, accidents, disability, medical reimbursement, and other healthcare-related needs.

The claims data highlights the growing financial impact of serious illnesses in the Philippines, where treatment costs for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other major health conditions can place significant pressure on household finances. Industry experts continue to  emphasise  the importance of financial preparedness and access to protection solutions that can help families weather medical emergencies and income disruptions.

For Pru Life UK, the figures represent more than statistics—they reflect commitments fulfilled during some of the most difficult moments in customers' lives.

"Our promise goes beyond providing insurance coverage," De Monteverde added. "It is about giving families peace of mind and helping them focus on recovery, rebuilding, and moving forward with confidence."

Pru Life UK serves Filipinos through a nationwide network of over 35,000 licensed agents and more than 200 branches and general agency offices. The company continues to strengthen its customer experience and protection offerings as it works toward its purpose of being the most trusted partner and protector for generations of Filipinos.

For more information on our claims report, visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/claims/

Some purchases are worth saying yes to: a long-awaited trip, a new laptop, a home upgrade, or even a month packed with celebrations. The good news? Paying for them doesn't always have to happen all at once.

Maya, the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, is making it easier than ever to manage bigger purchases with the launch of Mini Payments. Available to Maya Black Credit Card and Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders, the feature allows eligible posted purchases to be converted into monthly mini payments directly within the Maya app.

Unlike traditional installment offers that are often tied to specific merchants or promo periods, Mini Payments puts the decision in your hands. Eligible purchases can be converted after they've already been made—no waiting for a sale, no hunting for partner merchants, and no need to plan purchases around promotional periods.

Cardholders can split eligible posted purchases into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, all with a fixed 1% monthly interest rate regardless of term. Approval can happen within 24 hours, and everything, from payment schedules to remaining balances, can be viewed and tracked directly in the Maya app.

To get started, your total converted amount simply needs to meet the minimum per plan: ₱3,000 for 3 months, ₱6,000 for 6 months, ₱9,000 for 9 months, and ₱12,000 for 12 months. There’s no minimum per individual transaction. Eligible purchases can be combined, as long as the total amount meets the minimum required for your chosen plan, giving you more control over how you choose to convert your purchases. Create your own sample simulations on possible Mini Payment plans by using the Mini Payments calculator.

And for a limited time, Mini Payments created until September 30, 2026 come with zero processing fees, making it even easier to try the feature for yourself.

Getting started is simple:

• Open the Maya app and go to your Credit Card transactions

• Select any eligible posted transaction you'd like to convert

• Choose your preferred 3, 6, 9, or 12-month payment plan

• Review the payment breakdown and tap "Continue" to confirm

The app clearly displays your monthly payments, total interest, and payment schedule before confirmation, giving you full visibility before making a decision.

By spreading out eligible purchases into manageable monthly payments, Mini Payments helps cardholders better align spending with their budgets and cash flow, giving them more flexibility when it matters most.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

From Threads to Reddit, budget-conscious Filipinos are turning to pandamart for up to 50% off essentials and upcoming piso sale

From Threads posts highlighting sulit grocery finds to Reddit communities trading practical financial tips, more Filipinos are sharing digital “hacks” to help stretch household budgets. Among the deals gaining traction online are pandamart’s grocery promos, which users have been sharing as cost-effective ways to save on everyday essentials.

“Nag-trend na bigla tong pandamart dito sa Threads ngayong week & honestly in this economy? Sulit to!” one Threads user wrote online, while another posted, “This isn’t just a trend, this promo is a lifesaver in this economy!” after sharing a discounted pandamart grocery haul.

As rising everyday expenses continue to shape how households plan their weekly spending, many consumers are looking not just for discounts, but for smarter and more convenient ways to manage daily errands. For some, that means finding ways to skip unnecessary trips outside while still keeping the pantry stocked and the household running smoothly.

As part of the initiative, pandamart is offering up to 50% off on first-time orders for new users nationwide. The promo applies across all categories, including fresh produce, meats, frozen goods, snacks, drinks, and household essentials.

Available 24/7 through the foodpanda app, pandamart allows customers to order groceries any time of day for immediate delivery, whether they need dinner ingredients, weekly pantry restocks, or last-minute items.

“We’ve noticed more users sharing the promo online as a helpful way to save on everyday grocery needs, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we hoped to create,” said Joseph Wijesekara, Director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We want pandamart to become a practical everyday solution for households looking for smarter and more convenient ways to manage their grocery needs.”

Aside from the newcomer discount, existing pandamart customers can also enjoy ongoing deals and added savings across the platform. Customers can get 5% off for purchases worth P599, 8% off for purchases worth P999, and 10% off for purchases worth P1,499. Meanwhile, pandapro subscribers can unlock bigger discounts, with 8% off for purchases worth P599, 10% off for purchases worth P999, and 15% off for purchases worth P1,499.

foodpanda shared that the savings initiative will continue beyond its current rollout after originally being introduced as a limited-time offer. Beyond the up to 50% off deals for first-time users, pandapro subscribers can also enjoy Buy One Get One offers and added savings across the platform, while select grocery items will continue to feature discounts of up to 20% off.

Sustaining the momentum, pandamart is set to launch its highly anticipated Dad’s ₱1 Sale just in time for Father’s Day. 

From June 19 to 21 (or until supplies last), customers nationwide can score essentials for as low as ₱1, with no voucher code needed. 

The Father’s Day Piso Sale aims to give families a seamless way to treat Dad without turning the celebration into another errand for him. Instead of asking him to drive, brave supermarket crowds, or carry heavy bags, families can handle the party prep with a few taps—allowing Dads to simply kick back and enjoy their day.

As online buzz around pandamart’s grocery deals continues to grow, the platform is also expanding its nationwide footprint, with more locations opening across the country and existing stores gradually transitioning to 24/7 operations—making the internet’s favorite grocery “hack” even more accessible for everyday essentials, late-night cravings, and last-minute celebrations.

Join the grocery hack everyone’s been talking about online. Download the foodpanda app now, grab your 50% newcomer discount, and start shopping smarter.