(From left, counter clockwise): Dr. Charlotte Reyes – Chief Group Operations Officer, InLife Benefits; Noemi Azura – CEO and President, InLife Benefits; Dra. Bernadette Lico Vice President – PhilHealth Regional Office, NCR and Rizal; Raymond Acoba – Head of the Public Affairs Unit, PhilHealth Regional Office, NCR and Rizal; Atty. April Aceron – PhilHealth Legal Office; Dra. Isabel Umali – Deputy Medical Director, InLife Benefits; and Dr. Charlotte Reyes – Chief Group Operations Officer, InLife Benefits. 

InLife Benefits and PhilHealth recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bring the PhilHealth YAKAP Program closer to employees in the private sector, marking the first partnership of its kind between PhilHealth and a private healthcare benefits provider. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of preventive healthcare services, encourage early disease screening, and help more Filipinos maximize the health benefits available to them.

The partnership brings together PhilHealth’s preventive healthcare initiative and InLife Benefits’ network of corporate clients, creating a bridge that connects employees with accessible screening and wellness services before illnesses become severe. This collaboration addresses a persistent challenge for PhilHealth regarding member awareness. Although a significant portion of the workforce holds membership, familiarity with the preventive services under the YAKAP Program remains low.

“There are a lot of diseases that could be prevented if only they were screened earlier. Now we see our national health insurance moving towards preventive health,” said Isabel Umali, MD, Deputy Medical Director, InLife Benefits. “That’s the gap that we want to close by giving people the chance to take charge of their health before catastrophic diseases happen.”

To bridge this gap effectively, PhilHealth strategically chose to collaborate with an organization capable of scaling the program’s reach. “The gap is usually there’s a problem with membership awareness in the YAKAP program. Through this initiative, we can reach out to those private companies, since we discovered that InLife has a vast connection and great IT infrastructure,” said Bernadette C. Lico, MD, Vice President, Philhealth Regional Office, NCR and Rizal. 

The YAKAP Program is supported by a wide network of healthcare providers, with more than 4,000 YAKAP clinics nationwide, including over 750 accredited facilities in Metro Manila, making preventive services readily available once members are connected to the program. Beyond expanding access, both organizations see the partnership as a model for greater collaboration between government and private healthcare institutions.

Future plans involve extending the initiative beyond employees to encompass their dependents, with the long-term vision of maximizing the number of Filipinos benefiting from preventive healthcare. As the partnership moves forward, InLife Benefits and PhilHealth NCR aim to engage more employers and expand participation across industries, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can strengthen employee wellness and improve utilization of PhilHealth services.

Three years after opening, Discovery Samal marks a new milestone shaped by Filipino hospitality, meaningful celebrations, and the stories of those who have made it their home away from home

Discovery Samal is proudly stepping onto the national stage as a nominee for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027 which marks an exciting milestone for the resort and a proud moment for the destination it calls home.

The nomination celebrates the experiences and connections Discovery Samal has created over the past three years. From family getaways and romantic escapes to corporate retreats and trips with friends, the resort has welcomed guests from different backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories on the island.

The nomination not only recognizes the resort experience, but also showcases Samal Island as a world-class destination, where breathtaking surroundings, memorable experiences, and a distinctly Filipino warmth come together. It is a celebration of how far it has come and an invitation for more travelers to discover what makes this part of the Philippines truly special.

A Resort Built Around Gathering

The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding travel and hospitality experiences as chosen by the readers of DestinAsian. Discovery Samal’s nomination under Best Resort in the Philippines gives guests, partners, Davaoeños, and supporters of the destination an opportunity to rally behind a resort that has made Samal its home.

Discovery Samal brings people together through warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtful service. From family holidays and weddings to celebrations and corporate events, the resort caters to a wide range of occasions. Its 1,000-capacity ballroom also makes it a key venue for MICE gatherings, strengthening Samal and the wider Davao region as a destination for both business and leisure.

The resort has also grown into a place for milestones and shared experiences. Couples can celebrate at the Chapel on the Hill or along the beachfront, while families can enjoy three expansive pools, the Sandbox kids’ play area, an arcade, and Samal Escape Spa. Just beyond the property, Samal Island’s clear waters invite guests to snorkel and discover the rich marine life that gives the destination its distinctive character.

Together, these moments tell the story behind its DestinAsian nomination not through a single attraction, but through the celebrations, connections, and memories created on its shores.

Cast Your Vote for Discovery Samal

Help bring this recognition home to Samal. As Discovery Samal competes for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027, every vote is a chance to celebrate not only the resort, but also the warmth, beauty, and hospitality that make Samal and the Davao region truly special.

To vote:

1. Visit the official DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards voting page at destinasian.com/survey/vote
2. Go to the Best Resort in the Philippines category.
3. Select Discovery Samal as your choice.
4. Complete the required information and submit your vote.

Voting is open until October 20, 2026. Share the voting link with family, friends, and fellow travelers, and help bring greater recognition to Samal and the Davao region. Every vote celebrates the people, experiences, and warm hospitality that have shaped Discovery Samal over the years.

Manila, Philippines - Worldbex Services International (WSI) officially opens the second edition of the World PET Expo, a premier event celebrating the growing pet industry in the Philippines. Running from September 24 to 27, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the expo brings together pet owners, businesses, and industry professionals for a weekend dedicated to pets and their well-being.

Pet ownership continues to grow across the Philippines. According to the International Trade Administration, a Kantar Philippines survey found that 94% of Filipino households are pet owners, giving the Philippines the highest level of pet ownership in Southeast Asia. While dogs remain the most common household pets, cats have also become increasingly popular.

For many Filipinos, pets are considered part of the family, with owners placing greater emphasis on their pets’ health, happiness, and overall well-being. This growing commitment has also driven demand for a wider range of pet products and services, from premium toys and accessories to diapers, strollers, and carriers designed for pets on the go.

The World Pet Expo responds to this growing interest by providing a dedicated platform where pet owners can discover products, services, and information to help them care for their pets. The event also highlights the businesses and innovations contributing to the continued growth of the pet industry.

The Opening Ceremony was held on September 24, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and was hosted by radio DJ and events host Tina Ryan. Her enthusiasm and energy was felt throughout the ceremony and helped bring the mood of everyone watching on high lievels. The ceremony was attended by industry leaders, distinguished guests, and VIPs who gathered to celebrate the official opening of the expo.

Highlighting World Pet Expo’s growing role as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and industry development, WSI Managing Director Ms. Jill Athnie Ang shared, “World Pet Expo is becoming the premier platform where the pet industry comes together …  Together, we are building an industry, strengthening a community, and creating a better future for our pets.” 

Other distinguished guests also delivered messages during the ceremony, including Mr. Ernie Lopez, the Advocacy Ambassador for the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.; Ms. Pamela Pascual, the Chairman and CEO of the World Trade Center Metro Manila; Hon. Dr. Christian P. Daquigan, DVM, Officer-in-Charge and Director for the Bureau of Animal Industry for the Department of Agriculture (represented by Dr. Glenn Reyes); Hon. Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano , Mayor for the City of Pasay  (represented by Former Councilor Joey Calixto Isidro , Special Assistant to the Mayor ); Hon. Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head for the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) in the Department of Trade and Industry (represented by Mr. Emerson Labang, Officer-in-Charge for the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion); and Hon. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture (represented by Asec. Michael De Joya Garcia).

With four days of activities, exhibits, and opportunities for pet owners and industry stakeholders, the World Pet Expo 2026 aims to bring the pet community together while showcasing the products, services, and innovations shaping the future of pet care in the Philippines.

Spend your “fur-fect” week with your fur friends in this exciting event, here at the World Pet Expo 2026, happening here at the World Trade Center Metro Manila! This event is open until September 27, 2026, so come and get your tickets now at https://worldpetexpo.ph/. Follow the official pages on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and news:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WorldPetExpo

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/worldpetexpo/

The World PET Expo 2026 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. 

Space, comfort, turbocharged performance, and Level 2 safety from ₱1.198 million. 

Combining everyday practical versatility, exceptional range, and long-haul comfort, the GAC GN6 delivers a seamless driving experience for growing families. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown. 

MANILA, Philippines | 27 August 2026 — Filipino families today have a wider range of mobility options than ever before. While some prioritize space and everyday versatility, others place greater importance on comfort, technology, performance, or accessible pricing. Ultimately, the right vehicle is one that responds to a family’s particular needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

Recognizing these different priorities, GAC Philippines recently introduced its expanded MPV Family, comprising the All-New GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive. Together, the three models provide distinct mobility solutions for families at different life stages and price points. 

As the most accessible model in the lineup, the All-New GN6 is thoughtfully

designed for family life. From easier cabin access and comfortable three-row seating to flexible cargo space, connected technology, and advanced driver assistance features, the GN6 brings together the qualities families use and appreciate every day. 

Built on GAC’s more than 10 years of MPV engineering experience and over 880,000 MPVs delivered worldwide, the GN6 brings together the space, comfort, versatility, technology, and safety that Filipino families value. This well-rounded combination earns it a place among GAC’s “MPV MVPs.” 

Here are five ways the All-new GN6 provides more care and value for every family: 

1. Space designed around the whole family 

A family MPV must accommodate more than passengers. It needs to adapt to school runs, daily commutes, family gatherings, grocery trips, weekend activities, and long journeys out of town. 

Measuring 4,792 mm long and built on a 2,810 mm wheelbase, the GN6 provides comfortable seating for seven across three rows. Its cabin is arranged to give each passenger a more considered space, whether seated in front, in the second-row captain’s seats, or in the third row. 

The independent second-row captain’s seats feature individual armrests, giving passengers a more comfortable and personal seating area. Easy cabin access also helps children, elderly family members, and passengers with limited mobility enter and exit the vehicle with less effort. 

When more carrying capacity is needed, the third-row seats fold completely into the luggage floor to create a flat and practical cargo area. This expands cargo capacity from 324 liters to as much as 1,100 liters, allowing the GN6 to accommodate luggage, sports equipment, shopping, and other large items without requiring families to choose between passenger comfort and usable storage. 

Dual-zone automatic climate control helps keep the cabin comfortable, while a PM1 air filter supports cleaner air circulation for everyone on board. A power sunroof adds to the open and welcoming feel of the interior. 

Together, these features demonstrate how the GN6’s space is not simply measured in dimensions. It is designed around the different people, routines, and responsibilities that make up family life. 

2. Family-focused Features

The GN6 gives Filipino families access to a combination of three-row space, comfort, technology, performance, and safety features in one vehicle. 

At the center of the cabin is a large 14.6-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The two displays give the interior a clean, contemporary appearance while placing essential vehicle information and connectivity functions within easy view and reach of the driver. 

Families also benefit from features that make everyday travel more comfortable and convenient, including the second-row captain’s seats, flexible fold-flat third row, dual-zone climate control, PM1 air filtration, and power sunroof. 

Rather than focusing on equipment for its own sake, the GN6 brings these features together to support real family needs: keeping passengers comfortable, helping the driver stay informed, and allowing the cabin to adapt as plans change. 

With 270 Nm of torque, the GAC GN6 delivers smooth, responsive performance for daily commutes and family road trips alike. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown. 

3. Turbocharged Performance for City and Highway Driving 

Powering the GN6 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 176.7 HP and 270 Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission, or 7WDCT. 

This combination gives the GN6 the responsiveness needed for daily city driving, carrying a full complement of passengers, merging into faster traffic, and travelling on provincial roads. Its 270 Nm of torque provides useful pulling power when the vehicle is loaded with family members and cargo, while the transmission supports smooth and confident progress across different driving conditions. 

The GN6 has a WLTC combined fuel-consumption rating of 7.22 liters per 100 kilometers, balancing its turbocharged performance with the everyday efficiency expected of a family vehicle. 

4. Level 2 Advanced Assistance Safety for Greater Family Confidence For a family vehicle, care also means supporting the driver and helping protect everyone inside. 

The All-New GN6 GX is equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. Its suite of driver-support technologies includes: 

● Adaptive Cruise Control 

● Traffic Jam Assist 

● Integrated Cruise Assist 

● Automatic Emergency Braking 

● Forward Collision Warning 

● Lane Keeping Assist 

● Lane Departure Warning 

These features assist the driver in monitoring traffic conditions, maintaining the vehicle’s position, and responding to potential hazards. They are complemented by a high-definition 360-degree panoramic camera, which provides greater visibility when parking, navigating narrow streets, or maneuvering in confined spaces. 

The result is added confidence not only on highways and long journeys, but also during the everyday driving situations Filipino families encounter most often. 

5. Straightforward and Convenient Everyday Ownership 

The GN6 is designed to fit easily into established family routines. Its gasoline powertrain allows quick and accessible refueling, whether the vehicle is used primarily within the city or for longer trips across the country. 

Ownership is supported by GAC Philippines’ nationwide network of 30 dealerships, dedicated local parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. The GN6 also comes with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, whichever comes first. 

GAC’s local parts warehouse helps maintain a stable supply of genuine components

and supports faster service turnaround times. GAC dealerships also operate according to GAC Global Sales & Service Way standards, providing customers with consistent technical and aftersales support throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. 

Equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite and a 360° HD camera system, the GAC GN6 provides total driving confidence and active safety for the whole family. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown. 

The Bottom Line: An MPV that Puts Family Needs First 

The All-New GN6 expands the choices available to Filipino families by offering a spacious, adaptable, and well-equipped seven-seater at an accessible price. 

Its value is found not in any one feature, but in how its features work together: captain’s seats that make passengers more comfortable, fold-flat seating that creates room for changing family needs, a turbocharged engine that provides confident performance, and Level 2 ADAS that supports the driver on every journey. 

Within GAC Philippines’ broader MPV Family, the GN6 provides a compelling choice for households looking for everyday versatility, useful technology, thoughtful comfort, and advanced safety features from ₱1.1981 million. 

It is an accessible MPV designed to deliver more care for every family member.

Pricing 

Reservations for the GN6 MPV are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The following Introductory pricing is available for reservations made until September 30, 2026. 

InteriorBlack 

(with Black ceiling) 

1 Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No.FTE B-264539 Series of 2026 

The GN6 is available in Pearl White and Classic Black colors and with all-black interiors. 

GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind. 

GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit. 

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.