MANILA, PH – June 2026 – Rising living costs are reshaping how Filipinos manage their money, often at  the expense of long-term financial security. 

This was the pressing reality underscored in Sun Life’s latest Financial Resilience Index 2026. The study  reveals that while Filipino households continue to meet their day-to-day needs, confidence in their  financial future is weakening. The proportion of highly resilient households dropped significantly from  33% to 19%, reflecting a shift toward more vulnerable financial positions. 

With 95% of Filipinos saying inflation has made it harder to cover monthly expenses, the findings highlight  how cost pressures are influencing both financial behavior and mindset. Essential expenses such as  utilities (99%), transportation fuel and groceries (98%), cooking fuel (97%), and healthcare (95%) are  driving this strain. 

Short-term decisions, long-term impact 

The study shows that many Filipinos are making short-term adjustments to cope with rising costs – decisions that may impact future financial stability. About 22% report drawing down their savings, 30%  are reducing or skipping essential spending, and 9% have paused retirement contributions. 

As a result, overall financial preparedness remains limited. Only 7% of Filipinos feel very financially secure,  and just 24% say they can sustain themselves for more than six months without income. 

Managing daily expenses has now become the top financial priority for more than half of respondents  over the next 12 months, surpassing saving and long-term planning. 

Building resilience starts with knowledge and planning

Sun Life’s latest study highlights financial literacy and long-term planning as key drivers of resilience.  Filipinos with higher financial literacy are significantly more prepared for rising costs and more confident  about their financial future. 

Those who plan ahead are also more than three times as likely to feel confident in achieving their long term goals, yet only 22% of Filipinos currently have financial plans that extend beyond five years. 

Digital tools are also playing an increasingly important role in financial decision-making. The Index shows  that 52% of Filipinos now use generative AI for financial guidance, with 65% expecting their usage to grow  in the next year. 

While technology offers convenience and accessibility, respondents continue to value human advice – particularly for more complex, long-term financial decisions. 

Empowering Filipinos to Live Bright Now 

“These findings reinforce why empowering Filipinos to take control of their financial journey matters now  more than ever,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “As Sun Life marks Financial Independence Month this June, we reiterate our commitment to helping Filipinos become more  financially resilient.” 

For Financial Independence Month, Sun Life is rolling out a series of initiatives throughout June, designed  to help Filipinos build better habits and take action towards a more financially secure and healthier future: 

• FinLit Fridays featuring Donny Pangilinan: Bite-sized financial education content aimed at  making money conversations more relatable and easier to understand. 

• Sun Day Collective: Community events that bring together wellness and financial empowerment in accessible, engaging ways. The launch event will happen on June 28, 2026, from 6:00AM – 10:00AM at Ayala Car-Free Sundays in Makati. 

• Stories to Live Bright Now: A new video series highlighting real Client journeys, including  business owners and overseas Filipino workers, and how they are building resilience • Financial Literacy Content from Influencers: Practical and relatable money content from Jax  Reyes, Jan Ocampo (The Present PH), and Nicole Alba, aimed at helping Filipinos take control of  their finances through everyday insights and actionable tips 

• Employee Diaries: A content series featuring real employees sharing the practical ways they  manage their finances 

• Shine Pinoy Moments: A spotlight on the stories of Overseas Filipino workers, celebrating their  resilience and commitment to securing their families’ financial futures 

Through these initiatives, Sun Life aims to make financial conversations more accessible, relatable, and  actionable. Catch these content series on Sun Life Philippines’ Facebook page here:  www.facebook.com/SunLifePH 

“Financial independence is not achieved overnight,” Moreno added. “It is built through consistent,  informed decisions. Sun Life is here to help them strengthen their financial knowledge and provide the  right guidance, so Filipinos can live brighter today while building for tomorrow.” 

View the Philippines findings of the Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index here 2026:  www.sunlife.co/FinancialResilienceIndex2026 

To learn more about how Sun Life can help you live bright now, visit www.sunlife.co/LiveBrightNow. Stay  updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Families and friends make the most of summer at Skyranch Pampanga, where thrilling rides and shared

laughter turn everyday moments into a celebration of fun and connection.

Whether you’re in the mood for an active day out, a cool indoor escape, or a fun-filled family adventure, SM brings together sports, leisure, and entertainment that make every visit worth looking forward to—because everyday’s a celebration at SM Supermalls.

With cool breezes, scenic views, and rides for all ages, Skyranch Tagaytay turns a summer day out into a

memorable celebration of family bonding and everyday joy—where every visit feels like a celebration.

Cool down while staying active at SM Skating, where every glide offers a refreshing break from the heat. Whether it’s your first time on the ice or a favorite go-to activity, it’s a space where confidence grows, skills develop, and winning begins.

For more action-packed fun, head to SM Game Park. From billiards and table tennis to archery, bowling, and pickleball, every game is a chance to challenge yourself, share a few laughs, and enjoy friendly competition.

Take the fun outdoors at Skyranch Tagaytay, Skyranch Pampanga, Skyranch Baguio, and SM By The Bay Amusement Park—where happy memories are made. With thrilling rides, scenic views, and vibrant spaces, these destinations set the scene for laughter, bonding, and unforgettable summer days.

With a variety of attractions across its properties, SM Supermalls makes it easy to turn any day into a maxed-out experience. From active play to shared adventures, there’s always something new to try and something exciting to come back for.

This summer, gather your loved ones and explore more at your most-loved SM Supermalls. Stay active, have fun, and make every visit count.

Jollibee has upgraded its Burger Steak rice meal and has also introduced a new variant, Burger Steak Supreme, as Filipino families continue to look for meals that are delicious, satisfying and affordable.

The Philippines’ no. 1 fast food chain said the improved Burger Steak now comes with more sauce to enhance flavor and overall experience, while keeping its starting price at ₱70 for a solo order.

“We’re seeing that customers are paying closer attention to taste, how filling a meal is, and price, so we’re giving them a pangmalakasang (power-packed) rice meal,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We focused on improving the experience of a familiar product while also introducing a new option for those who want a bigger meal.”

The improvement is supported with materials featuring Joshua Garcia, highlighting the need of Filipinos for meals that can fill their cravings.

Jollibee said the move is part of its effort to respond to changing consumer needs, particularly the demand for meals that combine taste, serving size, and affordability.

The saucier-sarap Burger Steak is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery. Meanwhile, customers can enjoy the Burger Steak Supreme in select stores only. 

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com , and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

This Mother’s Day, planning ahead for the family’s future can be one of the most meaningful expressions of love and care, offering reassurance, protection, and peace of mind for the moments that matter most.

MANILA, Philippines – Mother’s Day often reminds us to celebrate the women who have given so much of themselves—their time, strength, patience, and unconditional love. For many Filipino mothers, love is shown not only through grand gestures, but in the everyday ways they care for their families, put others first, and prepare for the people who matter most.

This year, St. Peter invites Filipinos to honor that same kind of love with a gift that goes beyond the occasion: peace of mind.

As families look for more meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, planning ahead can be one of the most thoughtful expressions of care. It is a way to help protect loved ones from future worries, provide reassurance in difficult moments, and ensure that families are supported when they need it most.

Through the St. Peter eStore, Filipinos can conveniently explore and purchase St. Peter Life Plans online—making it easier to take a meaningful step toward preparedness from the comfort of home. The platform allows families to choose a plan that fits their needs, giving them a simple and accessible way to act on their care for one another.

St. Peter Life Plans are pre-need memorial plans that help families prepare for future needs with ease and dignity. By arranging services in advance, families are able to lessen the emotional and financial burden on their loved ones, ensuring that care, support, and guidance are already in place when the time comes.

For mothers who have always carried the responsibility of looking after the family, a St. Peter Life Plan can also serve as a reminder that they, too, deserve comfort, security, and peace of mind.

More than a practical decision, planning ahead is an act of love. It reflects the same selfless care that mothers give every day—quiet, steady, and lasting.

This Mother’s Day, flowers may brighten her day, and kind words may warm her heart. But giving Mom peace of mind is a gesture that can continue to comfort her and the whole family for years to come.

To learn more, visit the St. Peter eStore at https://online.stpeter.com.ph/. ###

About St. Peter

St. Peter is a trusted deathcare expert in the Philippines, committed to serving Filipinos with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Through its comprehensive memorial services, quality products, and innovative solutions, St. Peter upholds its mission of love that endures beyond life—providing peace of mind and dignity to every Filipino it serves.

For more information, visit https://www.stpeter.com.ph/ or shop conveniently online through https://online.stpeter.com.ph/.

This Mother’s Day, planning ahead for the family’s future can be one of the most meaningful expressions of love and care, offering reassurance, protection, and peace of mind for the moments that matter most.

Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman and CEO, GGC Group Asia (formerly DDB Group Philippines)

Advertising agency powerhouse DDB Group Philippines has announced its rebranding as “GGC Group Asia,” marking its evolution into an independent creative force. 

The move follows the decision of Omnicom Group, the holding company of marketing communications network DDB Worldwide, to retire the DDB brand globally by the end of the first half of 2026, following its acquisition of Interpublic Group in November last year.

Established in 1992 through a groundbreaking partnership between New York-based DDB Worldwide and pioneering Filipino-owned agency Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA), DDB Group Philippines had served as the local office of the DDB network in the country for more than three decades until the brand’s dissolution this year.

As GGC Group Asia, the company will continue to collaborate with Omnicom Group as needed, ensuring clients’ continued access to global marketing communications tools and resources.

Legacy and a Bold New Beginning

According to GGC Group Asia Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua, whose initials inspired the company’s new name, the organization welcomed Omnicom’s global direction to retire the 75-year-old DDB brand while honoring the legacy built through decades of partnership.

“GGC Group Asia moves forward with deep gratitude for our long-standing partnership with Omnicom and DDB Worldwide — a relationship that elevated our standards, sharpened our thinking, and gave Filipino talent a global stage,” he said. "We are entering a defining chapter not by leaving something behind, but by fully coming into our own. We are embracing our future with full independence, full responsibility, and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity."

On a personal note, Chua said this new chapter also allows him to continue building a legacy in an industry to which he has dedicated much of his life.

“This rebrand is more than a change in name — it is a proud affirmation of the legacy, leadership, and vision that have guided our businesses through the years. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see my own initials become synonymous with the businesses that my family, our business partners, and I have passionately built, nurtured, and grown together over the years,” Chua said.

Further Rebranding and Integration of businesses

As part of this development, three of the group's integrated marketing communications (IMC) companies that also carry the DDB brand name, or that of its digital arm Tribal Worldwide, have also rebranded: DDB Philippines is now Velocity+, DDB MNL is now Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines is now The Tribe.

The group's other advertising-related companies shall continue to operate under their current names as follows: Optimax Communications (IMC), Agile Intelligence (data analytics), Ripple8 (PR), Touch XDA (media planning and buying), and Bent and Buzz (content and events management).

Alongside this transition, being integrated into GGC Group Asia are DDB Group's sister companies from the FCT Group, comprising business solutions firms, namely, FOSA, Caishen, Track Mnl, Xpress Move, Strawberry Jam, and PhilMovers. 

With this integration, the GGC Group Asia will comprise 14 companies across 18 office locations nationwide, with a combined workforce of over 7,500 employees.

This strengthens the group's ability to deliver a full spectrum of solutions—from advertising, public relations, and media planning and buying to logistics and other marketing and sales support services. It also reflects the group’s growing capability to serve markets beyond the Philippines and throughout Asia.

No Changes to Leadership and Operations

The group clarifies that the rebrand will not affect leadership, talent, client relationships, or ongoing operations. All contracts and service agreements will remain fully in place. 

“While our name evolves, our commitment to creativity, effectiveness, and strong client partnerships remains unwavering. Our clients and partners can expect seamless continuity of service and the same standard of creative and strategic excellence that has defined the organization from the very start," Chua said. 

GGC Group Asia shall also continue to be guided by a commitment to building businesses that create not only profit, but also lasting impact — ensuring that business growth is aligned with the greater good of clients, talent, and the communities it serves.

Carrying Forward a Tradition of Excellence

Prior to the rebrand, DDB Group Philippines had established a strong track record, with the group and its agencies earning local and international recognition for creativity, effectiveness, and advocacy-driven campaigns developed in partnership with clients and non-profit organizations. 

Among the group’s most notable achievements are the Philippines' first Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions and first Gold at the Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness (AME) Awards, both won in 2013; the Philippines’ only Gold award at Spikes Asia 2025; the “Best in Management of Business-Network Agency of the Year” award at the 4As Philippines AOY Awards in 2022; and multiple “Agency of the Year” recognitions at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards (2013, 2014, and 2019), and the PRSP Anvil Awards (2024).

DDB Group Philippines also received numerous accolades and certifications recognizing it as a "great place to work" or one of the “best companies to work for” from both local and international award-giving bodies, including the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards–Asia Pacific and Global, HR Asia, the International Stevies, Great Place To Work®, and the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work Awards.

This tradition of excellence and award-winning work will continue into its next chapter as GGC Group Asia.